Everest Three Passes Trek – 20 Days

Fly to Lukla (35 mins approx.), gateway to Everest. From Lukla, we will descend from the airport, a gradual trail down through the pine forest and small villages, then along the Dudh Koshi River valley to the village of Phakding (2,610m). Overnight in the teahouse.

Trek Distance: ~8 km

Trek Time: 3–4 hrs

Terrain: Trails through forests along a moderate descent

Today you will be following the Dudh Koshi River as you cross several suspension bridges including the iconic Hillary Bridge. The trail gradually ascends to the popular Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, the main trade route for the Khumbu region.

Trek Distance: ~10 km

Trek Time: 5–6 hours

Terrain: Steep uphill with some flat sections

Highlights: Thamserku and Kongde views

Take this day to acclimatise. Optional hikes to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for your first look at Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, or a walk to the Sherpa Culture Museum. Rest and get ready for higher altitudes.

You will take a trek through the rhododendron forest, crossing over several streams. You will visit the famous Tengboche Monastery with views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. The village is a spiritual centre for the region.

Trek Distance: ~10 km

Trek Time: 5 hours

Terrain: Moderate uphill

The trail continues uphill through alpine forests to Dingboche, a farming community. There are now fewer trees, and you are entering the high-altitude Himalayan environment.

Trek Distance: ~11 km

Trek Time: 5–6 hours

Terrain: Steady uphill.

Acclimatize by climbing to Nagarjun Hill (~5,050m), where the views are spectacular with Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam dominating the horizon and western sky. This acclimatization day is important for altitude sickness as well as being good for your physical preparation going into the high passes yet to come.

The trek today is short, taking us through moraines and beautiful valleys until we arrive in Chhukung, which is a traditional Sherpa village located near Imja Tse (Island Peak). It is a relaxing stop prior to preparing to cross Kongma La Pass.

Trek Distance: ~6 km

Trek Time: 3–4 hours

Terrain: A little uphill with rocky paths and moraines. 

The focus today is crossing Kongma La Pass, which is the highest of the trek and can be difficult based on the incline, rocky, and sometimes icy conditions. The views once over the pass are spectacular, and the descent takes us down to Lobuche. 

Trek Distance: ~13 km

Trek Time: 7–9 hours

Terrain: Steep incline to the rocky, icy pass and then descend.

Altitude gain: +805m ascent, -625m descent.

Shortly after leaving Lobuche, we trek to Gorakshep, which is the last settlement on the Khumbu trek. After a lunch break, we head to the long-awaited Everest Base Camp. After taking in the views of the famed Khumbu Icefall, we make our way back to Gorakshep to spend our first night at a “restaurant-lodge” in the Khumbu.

Trek Distance: ~14 km

Trek Time: 7 hours

Terrain: Rocky, glacier moraine trails

Leave Gorakshep early morning in pursuit of the highest ~stone hill in the world, Kala Patthar. Here, there are fantastic panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, especially in the early morning. Return to Gorakshep for breakfast, and then trek to Dzongla via valleys and ridges!

Trek Distance: ~16 km

Trek Time: 8 – 9 hours

Terrain: Steep ascent, rugged descent

We have an appointment with the second high pass on our route, Cho La. Expect a mix of glaciers, rocks, and snowfields. You’ll descend from Cho la into the Gokyo Valley to a small settlement called Thagnak.

Trek Distance: ~13 km

Trek Time: 7 – 8 hours

Terrain: Rocky, snowfields, steep ascent and descent

We trek to the beautiful village of Gokyo, directly on the turquoise-spring fed lakes, where we’ll see views of Cho Oyu, Everest, and the other giants as we approach the lakeshore.

Trek Distance: ~8 km

Trek Time: 3 – 4 hours

Terrain: Moderate hill up

Climb Gokyo Ri early for a rewarding view of the Himalayan peaks and explore the holy Gokyo Lakes. Return to Gokyo village.

Trek Distance: ~8 km

Trek Time: 5–6 hours

Terrain: Steep ascent to summit, moderate descent

Cross the third and final pass, Renjo La, with magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Then descend to the lush green valleys surrounding Marlung.

Trek Distance: ~13 km

Trek Time: 7– 8 hours

Terrain: Rocky ascent, steep descent

Descend through rugged forests and farmland to the ancient village of Thame, rich in Sherpa culture and several monasteries.

Trek Distance: ~11 km

Trek Time: 5–6 hours

Terrain: Downhill trail

Trek back to Namche Bazaar, leaving some classic old Sherpa villages, forests, and the route that we took during our ascent.

Trek Distance: ~12 km

Trek Time: 5–6 hours

Terrain: Some uphill, some river crossings

Descending through more forest and villages back to Lukla.

Trek Distance: ~19 km

Trek Time: 6–7 hours

Terrain: Mostly downhill, long day

This is an extra day to cater for any weather delays, simply rest or adventure, and explore Lukla.

Fly back to Kathmandu again in the morning. All transfer

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight.