Everest 3 Passes Trek

Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Transfer to your hotel, rest, and explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub.

A full day exploring the cultural heart of the Kathmandu Valley, visiting historic temples, stupas, and old city squares that reflect Nepal’s spiritual and architectural heritage. This day also allows your body to adjust before flying into the mountains and gives time for any last-minute preparations.

An early morning flight takes you from Kathmandu to Lukla at 2,860 m / 9,383 ft, offering dramatic views of the Himalayas. From Lukla, the trek begins with a gentle walk along the Dudh Koshi River, passing prayer wheels, mani walls, and small Sherpa settlements before reaching Phakding.

The trail follows the river upstream, crossing several suspension bridges before entering Sagarmatha National Park. A steady uphill climb from the valley floor leads to Namche Bazaar, where you are rewarded with your first clear views of Everest and surrounding peaks.

This important acclimatisation day includes short hikes to nearby viewpoints and villages, allowing your body to adapt to altitude while enjoying panoramic mountain views. The afternoon is free to explore Namche, visit local museums, or rest.

Leaving the busy Everest Base Camp route, the trail heads into the quieter Thame Valley. The walk offers wide alpine scenery, fewer trekkers, and a strong sense of Sherpa culture, with Thame monastery sitting peacefully above the village.

The trail gradually ascends through open valleys and yak pastures, with the landscape becoming more rugged and remote. The thinner air and higher elevation make this a steady but manageable day.

A steady climb leads to Renjo La Pass, the first of the three high passes. From the top, expansive views stretch across Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes before a long descent into the Gokyo Valley.

This acclimatisation day is spent exploring deeper into the Gokyo Valley. The hike leads past the main lakes to the quieter and more dramatic Fourth Lake, offering wide views of surrounding peaks and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. The pace is relaxed, allowing the body to adjust to altitude. If time, weather, and energy levels allow, there is an optional extension to the Fifth Lake for even more expansive views before returning to Gokyo for the night.

An early morning ascent of Gokyo Ri rewards you with one of the finest sunrise panoramas in the Everest region, overlooking Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the sweeping Ngozumpa Glacier. After descending back to Gokyo for breakfast, the trail continues along the glacier edge toward Thangnak, a small settlement beneath the imposing wall of Cho La Pass.

This is a challenging but rewarding day that involves crossing the Cho La Pass. The ascent is steady, followed by a glacier section where conditions can be icy, depending on the season. From the top, the views are stark and dramatic before a steep descent brings you into the Dzongla valley, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.

The trail follows glacial moraines toward Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. In the afternoon, you hike up Kala Patthar for sunset, when the light casts warm tones across Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori, creating one of the most iconic moments of the trek.

A morning walk leads to Everest Base Camp, standing at the edge of the Khumbu Icefall beneath the world’s highest peak. After time at base camp, the route retraces along the moraine and descends to Lobuche, allowing the body to recover after reaching extreme altitude.

The highest and most remote of the three passes, Kongma La is a long and demanding crossing with minimal infrastructure. The ascent is steep and rugged, but the descent into the Imja Valley is dramatic, opening into a wide glacial basin surrounded by towering Himalayan walls.

The trail descends steadily through alpine terrain and forested sections, gradually rejoining greener landscapes. Arrival in Tengboche brings you to the spiritual heart of the Khumbu, home to the region’s most important monastery, set against a striking mountain backdrop.

Descending through rhododendron forests and crossing suspension bridges, the trail returns to Namche Bazaar. The comforts of bakeries, cafés, and hot showers feel especially welcome after days at high altitude.

The final trekking day follows the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla, passing familiar villages and bridges. The evening is a chance to reflect and celebrate the completion of the Three Passes Trek.

An early morning flight returns you to Kathmandu, where the journey comes full circle and the rest of the day is free to relax or explore.

Depart from Kathmandu with memories of your epic Everest Base Camp Three Passes trek.