Everest Three Pases Trek

A guide meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Plan to arrive before noon to allow time for rest and preparation. In the afternoon, attend a trek briefing covering flight schedules, safety information, equipment checks, and altitude guidelines. The session assures each group member understands what to expect on the trail. After the briefing, join a welcome group dinner at a local Kathmandu restaurant.

Use any remaining time to buy last-minute gear from the nearby trekking shops. Thamel, Kathmandu's main tourist area, has everything from down jackets to trekking poles. Rest well, as the journey begins early the next morning.

The day starts with an early drive from Kathmandu to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. The drive takes around four to five hours depending on traffic. Flights now operate from Ramechhap to ease congestion at Kathmandu airport. Board the short mountain flight and enjoy spectacular Himalayan views from the left side of the aircraft.

Landing at Lukla's sloped Tenzing-Hillary Airport is one of the most thrilling moments of the trek. After meeting the porters and organizing loads, begin the trek south along the Dudh Kosi River. The trail passes through Chaurikharka and the village of Chheplung, home to a monastery and mani walls with views of the sacred Kumbila peak. Continue through forests and villages including Nachipang and Ghat, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi and its tributaries. The trail descends gently before arriving at Phakding, a riverside village with good lodges and easy access to the trail.

The trail follows the Dudh Kosi River north past farm fields and small settlements. You pass through Toktok, Benkar, and Chumoa before reaching Monjo. At Monjo, stop at the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint to register permits. The trail descends to Jorsale, the last village, before the long climb to Namche.

Beyond Jorsale, the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge appears, covered in prayer flags above the roaring river. Cross the bridge and begin the steep climb through pine forests. On a clear day, the first glimpse of Mt. Everest appears above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. The climb takes one to two hours before the trail levels off at the entrance to Namche Bazar. The colorful horseshoe-shaped town sits in a natural amphitheater and serves as the commercial and cultural capital of the Khumbu region.

Acclimatization is essential before moving higher into the Khumbu. Today focuses on a hike rather than rest, as gentle activity helps the body adapt to altitude. After breakfast, walk uphill past the Namche gompa for views over the town, shaped like a natural bowl. The trail continues toward Syangboche airstrip and onward to Hotel Everest View at 3,880m.

From the viewpoint near the hotel, the mountains shine clearly in the morning. Visible peaks include Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, and Kwangde. This is a great photography opportunity in ideal morning conditions. Descend back to Namche by afternoon and spend the evening relaxing, exploring the market, or visiting the Sherpa Culture Museum.

The trail heads northwest from Namche, following the ancient Nangpa La trade route toward Tibet. Mani stones, prayer flags, and chortens line the path. The Bhote Kosi River runs deep through the canyon below as the trail passes through pine and juniper forests brightened by seasonal wildflowers. Phurte, a small village with a forest nursery and chorten, marks an early stop.

From Phurte, continue to Thamo, a village midway between Namche and Thame. Thamo is distinguished by a white chorten and the Khari Gompa monastery. The trail climbs past Samde, offering views of the snowy Rolwaling Himal and Tengkangboche peaks. A steep descent leads across a bridge over the Bhote Kosi gorge. A final climb brings you up to Thame, an ancient Sherpa village at 3,800m with a historic monastery that hosts the famous Mani Rimdu festival each spring.

Leave Thame and trek past the farmlands of Thyangmoche, following the west bank of the Bhote Kosi River. The trail enters increasingly remote terrain as the valley narrows. In about two and a half hours, reach Taranga, a seasonal stone village used by yak herders and traders. The path continues along the rushing river, crossing a small tributary before reaching Marulung at 4,210m.

Marulung is a simple settlement with basic teahouses and campsites. At this point, giving the area a quiet and undisturbed feel. The valley offers open panorama and a sense of true Himalayan wilderness. Settle in early and rest well, as the next day marks the first and most celebrated crossing of the Everest 3 passes trek.

Today is the first and most dramatic crossing of the Everest 3 passes trek. Start early from Marulung with a steep climb toward Renjo La Pass. The trail winds through open alpine slopes, small lakes, and rocky terrain. The ascent is demanding but the scenery grows more spectacular with every step. Renjo La Pass (5,360m / 17,585 ft) sits at an elevation similar to Everest Base Camp itself.

From the top of the pass, the third Gokyo Lake glitters below in deep turquoise. Everest, Makalu, and a line of other giants stretch across the horizon. Cholatse and Taboche stand prominently to the right. The descent to Gokyo is steady and follows the north bank of the third lake. The total journey from Marulung to Gokyo takes eight to ten hours, so an early start is essential. Arrive at Gokyo and rest in the lakeside village surrounded by high peaks.

After several consecutive days of strenuous trekking, today allows for rest and altitude adjustment at Gokyo. An optional hike to Gokyo Ri provides one of the finest viewpoints in the entire Himalayas. The climb rises about 600 meters and takes around 3 hours. Starting after breakfast offers good light; an early morning start rewards you with a spectacular sunrise.

The trail zigzags steeply with no flat sections. At the halfway point, the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest, stretches out below. From the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575 ft), the panorama is extraordinary. Visible peaks include Everest, Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang (7,952m), Kangchung, Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Taboche, and Cholatse. Looking down, the first, second, and third Gokyo Lakes sparkle in sequence. Four of the world's six tallest peaks are visible from this single viewpoint.

Leave Gokyo and follow the trail south past the second and third Gokyo Lakes. The turquoise water contrasts with the surrounding rock and ice. Gokyo Ri fades behind as the peak of Cholatse rises prominently to the east. The trail heads toward the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's largest, at roughly 36 kilometers in length.

Crossing the glacier requires care, as the terrain is uneven with ridges, meltwater pools, and rocky debris. Views of Cho Oyu to the north and Phari Lapche and Kyajo Ri to the east accompany the crossing. Beyond the glacier, descend gradually until reaching the small settlement of Dragnag. The village sits surrounded by giant peaks and offers a peaceful stop before the Chola Pass crossing.

The second of the 3 high passes, Chola Pass (5,420m / 17,782 ft), dominates today's agenda. Leave Dragnag early and follow a stream and grassy ridges before reaching rocky moraine sections. The ascent steepens as the trail climbs onto a snowy glacier. You are required to navigate carefully to avoid hidden crevasses in sections of the crossing.

The summit of Chola Pass offers dramatic views of Lobuche East and Baruntse, with Ama Dablam and Cholatse visible to the southeast. The frozen waters of Chola Lake add to the dramatic alpine setting. Descend steeply from the pass into a glacial valley before climbing a final spur that leads down to Dzongla. The village sits beneath the imposing face of Cholatse and provides basic accommodation for the night.

The trail from Dzongla begins with a climb onto a terrace before crossing a bridge and descending into a wide basin. The route rises again onto a grassy ridge as the Lobuche peaks come into view ahead. Cholatse towers behind such as Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku appear in the southeast. The trail follows a riverbed toward the junction with the main Chola Pass trail.

From the junction, continue east along the moraine path to reach the landmark settlement of Lobuche. Take a short break before pushing on toward Gorakshep. The trail crosses a shallow stream with the Lobuche Glacier on the left and passes the Pyramid signpost, an Italian research station. The final section climbs to Thangma Riju, a flat viewpoint with 360-degree views of Pumori, Nuptse, and the Mahalangur Himal. Arrive at Gorakshep (5,164m / 16,942 ft), a cluster of lodges perched on a frozen lakebed — one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in the world.

This is the most rewarding day of the entire Everest 3 passes trek. Start before sunrise and hike steeply to Kalapatthar (5,545m / 18,192 ft). The trail crosses a dried lakebed and zigzags up the ridge along the flanks of Pumori. The rocky summit requires some scrambling over boulders but delivers unmatched panoramic views. Everest stands directly above, flanked by Pumori, Nuptse, and Changtse. Everest Base Camp is clearly visible on the Khumbu Glacier far below.

Descend to Gorakshep for breakfast and rest briefly. Then follow the trail south toward Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17,598 ft). The route passes remnants of the old Gorakshep lake and approaches the base of the Khumbu Icefall. The Icefall is a constantly moving cascade of ice and seracs — a dramatic sight from the camp area. Spend around 30 minutes at EBC before returning to Gorakshep. Afterward, keep on the descent to Lobuche for the night.

Today completes the final crossing of the ebc via 3 high passes circuit. Kongma La Pass (5,535m / 18,159 ft) is the highest of the 3 passes and requires a strong early start. Leave Lobuche and cross the Khumbu Glacier, following the moraine path. The trail then climbs through grassy hillsides before zigzagging steeply up scree slopes toward the summit.

The summit of Kongma La takes about 3 hours of climbing from the glacier. Prayer flags mark the top, which offers a sweeping panorama of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and peaks across the Tibetan border. A usually frozen lake sits just below the pass. Descend through yak pastures into the scenic Imja Valley. Pass a final steep section before reaching the Imja Khola and continue to Chukkung. This compact village serves as a base for Island Peak (6,189m) expeditions.

The trail descends from Chukkung through the Tsuro Wog fields and merges with the main trail from Pheriche. The path continues past scrubland and yak pastures before re-entering forests near Somare and Pangboche. Pangboche is one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Khumbu, with an impressive monastery and close-range views of Ama Dablam's dramatic southwest face.

From Pangboche, the trail passes through Deboche before climbing gently to Tengboche. The Tengboche Monastery sits on a ridge at 3,867m and is the largest and most famous monastery in the Khumbu region. The surrounding mountain panorama includes Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Visit the monastery and attend prayers if the schedule permits. Overnight in Tengboche.

Descend steeply from Tengboche through rhododendron and birch forests to Phunki Tenga at the river level. Cross the Dudh Kosi on a bridge decorated with prayer flags and climb through pine and juniper forests toward Tashinga and Kangjuma. Local crafts and goods are often displayed along this stretch of the trail.

The trail then contours high above the river with excellent views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam ahead. A final descent brings you back to Namche Bazar, where the lodges, cafes, and bakeries offer a welcome change after days at altitude. Spend the evening exploring the town, restocking supplies, or enjoying a hot meal in the comfort of one of the many well-equipped lodges.

The final day of trekking follows the familiar Dudh Kosi River trail downhill from Namche. The path descends through pine forests with clear views of the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Several switchbacks lead to the prayer-flagged suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi rivers. From here, the trail continues past Jorsale and reaches Monjo, the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park.

Continue downhill through Chumoa and Benkar with views of Thamserku before arriving at Phakding for a rest stop. From Phakding, the trail climbs past Ghat, featuring prayer wheels, mani walls, and a white chorten. Cross the Thado Kosi bridge below the towering face of Kusum Kanguru and pass through Chheplung. A short climb through farmlands and past mani walls and gompas brings the trail into Chaurikharka. The final ascent leads back into Lukla, marking the end of the Everest 3 passes trek on the ground.

Flights from Lukla depart early in the morning, as weather conditions typically deteriorate by midday. Your guide escorts you to Lukla airport for check-in. The scenic mountain flight to Ramechhap takes about 25 minutes. On arrival, a vehicle waits to transfer the group back to Kathmandu, taking four to five hours depending on road conditions.

Check into the hotel on arrival in Kathmandu. The rest of the afternoon is free for shopping, relaxation, or sightseeing. Optional guided tours to heritage sites such as Swayambhunath Stupa or Boudhanath Stupa can be arranged through your guide.

This day is built into the itinerary as a contingency buffer for weather-related flight delays or cancellations at Lukla or Ramechhap. Mountain flights are highly weather-dependent, and delays are common, particularly during unsettled conditions. If all travel proceeded on schedule, this becomes a free day to explore Kathmandu at leisure.

Popular heritage sites within the Kathmandu Valley include Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. In the evening, join a farewell dinner with the guide and trekking staff. Use this occasion to share feedback and celebrate the successful completion of the trek. Confirm airport transfer details before retiring.

The trek and tour program concludes today. After hotel checkout, be ready in the lobby at the scheduled time given by your guide. A vehicle transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Plan to arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights. The guide or a staff member accompanies you to the airport to assist with the handover.

Note: Most Kathmandu hotels have a noon checkout policy. Coordinate luggage storage with the hotel if your flight departs late in the day.