Everest Three High Passes Trek-18 days

The Everest Three High Passes Trek is a thrilling adventure that combines the best of the Khumbu region — challenging high-altitude passes, iconic viewpoints, and authentic Sherpa culture. This journey takes you across Cho La (5,420m), Renjo La (5,360m), and Kongma La (5,535m), offering panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.

The trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, followed by trails that wind through picturesque Sherpa villages, dense pine forests, and rugged mountain paths. You will explore vibrant settlements like Namche Bazaar, visit Everest Base Camp, and witness the shimmering Gokyo Lakes.

Crossing the high passes will test your endurance, but each step is rewarded with breathtaking views of glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and vast Himalayan valleys. Along the way, you will experience the serene beauty of the Himalayas, the quiet strength of nature, and a personal journey of resilience.

This trek is ideal for adventurers seeking a complete Everest experience — combining physical challenge, natural wonders, and cultural richness. It is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that leaves you with unforgettable memories and a deep sense of achievement.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport our staff will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After some rest and refreshments you will receive a briefing about your upcoming Everest Three Passes trek. You will be introduced to your trekking permits for Everest and shown any essential gear you may need. In the evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine as you prepare for your epic mountain adventure the next day.

After dawn, you'll embark on an early flight to Lukla (2,860m). This scenic and thrilling flight crosses towering peaks before landing at the famous narrow airstrip known for its challenging descent. At Lukla, you'll meet your guides and porters, enjoy breakfast surrounded by majestic mountains, and begin your trek. Crossing the Dudhkoshi River, the trail passes through lush forests and charming Sherpa villages. You'll trek about four hours, crossing suspension bridges and beautiful landscapes before reaching Phakding (2,610m), where you'll stay overnight. The stunning trail and mountain views will build your excitement for the journey ahead to Everest Base Camp.

Starting your trek from Phakding (2610m) you will face a long but rewarding day hiking to Namche Bazaar (3440m). The trek takes about seven hours with several breaks along the way. The trail is scenic and passes through lush rhododendron forests at this altitude. You will cross high-altitude suspension bridges including the famous Hillary Bridge. After passing Monjo the trail enters Sagarmatha National Park where you will enjoy breathtaking valley and mountain views. After a permit check you will climb steeply to reach Namche Bazaar. Upon arrival you will be amazed by this vibrant town full of markets cafes lodges and shops bustling with tourists and locals. This is your rest day where you can soak in hot water and enjoy high-speed internet. If you have energy you can explore nearby monasteries and stupas. On clear days you may catch your first stunning views of Everest and other iconic peaks.

Sleeping this close to the mountains in Namche Bazaar (3440m) offers amazing benefits like breakfast with stunning views of giant peaks. Today is a rest day with very little walking to help your body acclimatize to the thinner air at this altitude. You can take short hikes around Namche for acclimatization or visit Hotel Everest View for breathtaking glimpses of Mount Everest. There is also time to explore shops, bakeries, and cafés in the town. Be sure to catch the golden sunset over the peaks, a truly inspiring sight that reminds you that you are in the heart of the Everest region and your adventure is just beginning.

As you start your ascent to Tengboche village (3860m), anticipation grows with each step. The air thins and trails wind, but keep your eyes on the sky to see majestic peaks like Ama Dablam Everest and Thamserku. Approaching Tengboche you will feel the energy of the place as icy peaks tower above you. The forests of pine and rhododendron stretch around you creating a beautiful scene. At dusk when you reach Tengboche you will experience the ancient monastery hear monks chanting and see colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. This remote village surrounded by mighty mountains offers a truly unforgettable moment.

The trail to Dingboche (4410m) is a mix of challenging trekking and breathtaking scenery. While not extremely steep, the increasingly thin air makes each step feel heavier. Your willpower will carry you forward, but regular stopovers are necessary to catch your breath. Along the way, you will pass through rhododendron and alpine forests under the watchful shadow of towering white peaks. This trek may feel like the hardest walk of your life or perhaps the most rewarding. Upon reaching the peaceful village of Dingboche, you will find yourself surrounded by Himalayan giants like Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and Thamserku. The true scale and silence of the Himalayas will slowly sink in as night falls and your body begins to rest. In that stillness, you will feel the isolation of the mountains and reflect on the strength of the people who call this land their home.

This day is meant to capture the awe of the Himalayas from the heart of the Khumbu region. You will spend the day acclimatizing in Dingboche (4410m) with short hikes around the area but no long trek ahead. This rest is important to help your body adjust to the thinner air and prepare for the higher altitude of the coming days. You will start the day with a light breakfast and mentally get ready for the push to Lobuche. The surrounding hills are lined with prayer flags and scattered stone houses. As you move gently along the easy slopes, more peaks will reveal themselves in the distance. Today is for rest, light walking, and reflection, as you recharge and prepare to get one step closer to Everest Base Camp.

Today’s journey from Dingboche (4410m) to Chhukung (4730m) takes less than four hours. The trail passes through open fields and stone walls alongside the Imja Khola valley. As you move forward and the fatigue sets in, the dramatic views of crevices and glacial moraines may feel overwhelming, but the sight of towering peaks will keep your spirit alive. Ama Dablam stands tall on the horizon, reigniting your excitement. Icy rivers flowing alongside the trail add moments of wonder. Upon reaching the peaceful village of Chhukung, you can drop your bags, enjoy lunch, and rest. If you still have energy, consider climbing Chhukung Peak for incredible views of Ama Dablam and other hidden Himalayan giants. The day ends with rest in a cozy teahouse in this high-altitude settlement.

Today you will cross Kongma La Pass (5535m), the first and highest of the three major passes. With eagerness and anticipation you leave Chhukung (4730m) and follow a rugged trail through glacial landscapes. Prayer flags flutter along the path offering encouragement as the climb becomes steeper. Though each step feels heavy the panoramic mountain views fuel your determination. Reaching the top of Kongma La is a moment of triumph. After enjoying the views you begin a challenging descent towards Lobuche (4940m). Take your time as the path can be steep and rocky. By the time you reach Lobuche and rest for the night you will feel a deep sense of pride for completing one of the toughest sections of the Everest Three Passes trek.

Today marks a milestone in your journey as you reach Everest Base Camp (5364m). After breakfast in Lobuche (4940m), you begin your trek along rugged trails following the edge of the Khumbu Glacier. After a few hours of steady hiking, you arrive at Gorakshep (5164m), the last settlement before Base Camp. After a brief rest, you continue your final push toward Everest Base Camp. This section is filled with excitement and anticipation as you approach the base of the tallest mountain on Earth. Standing at Base Camp, surrounded by towering peaks and colorful prayer flags, you can celebrate your achievement and capture unforgettable photos and memories. You will find yourself among trekkers from all over the world, all here with a shared dream. After soaking in the moment, you descend back to Gorakshep. As the sun sets behind the peaks, you return with a heart full of pride and awe, ready for what lies ahead.

Before sunrise you begin a steep climb to Kala Patthar (5644m), one of the best vantage points in the Everest region. Trekkers start early to witness the first golden rays touching the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. As you gain altitude, the views become surreal with massive glaciers and towering peaks all around you. After a challenging ascent, you reach the summit of Kala Patthar where breathtaking views of the Himalayas unfold in every direction. It is a magical moment filled with beauty and peace. After soaking in the views, you descend to Gorakshep (5164m) for breakfast. The journey then continues through rocky valleys and glacial terrain. With brief stops along the way, you reach the peaceful village of Dzongla (4830m) by late afternoon. Surrounded by towering peaks and crisp mountain air, you settle in for the night under the starlit sky, reflecting on the incredible day.

Today you will cross Cho La Pass (5420m), the second of the three major high-altitude passes. Starting early from Dzongla (4830m), you move along a rugged and rocky trail surrounded by mountains on nearly all sides. The path is challenging, but your determination to reach the top of Cho La keeps you going. Along the way, the sight of white peaks and stunning alpine scenery lifts your spirits. As you ascend the rocky slope, the trail leads you to the pass marked with fluttering prayer flags. At the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and ancient glaciers. After a short break, you begin your descent toward the Gokyo Valley. With each step, the anticipation of seeing the famous Gokyo Lakes grows. Eventually, you arrive at the shores of the pristine turquoise lake in Gokyo (4790m), a destination admired by trekkers and filmmakers alike. Surrounded by inspiring landscapes and high peaks, you rest for the night in a peaceful lakeside teahouse.

Today is an acclimatization day in Gokyo (4790m), and you begin early with the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5357m), a viewpoint known for its stunning panoramic views. From the top, you will witness a breathtaking sunrise over some of the highest peaks in the world, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. After capturing these unforgettable moments, you descend for breakfast and spend the rest of the day exploring the scenic Gokyo Valley. The turquoise lake stretches peacefully across the village, and nearby you will see the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. As you continue to acclimate to the high altitude, you soak in every moment surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Himalayas. With these majestic views etched in memory, you rest for the night in the peaceful village of Gokyo.

Today you will cross Renjo La Pass (5345m), the third and final high pass of the trek. You will start early and hike alongside a white lake with views of the Rolwaling mountain range. The trail then climbs steeply, offering scenic vistas of several peaks including Mount Everest. Reaching the top of Renjo La brings a deep sense of accomplishment for having crossed all three high passes of the Everest region. After resting and enjoying the views, you will descend along steep paths toward Marlung (2700m). The route passes by several small lakes and beautiful mountain peaks. Marlung is a quiet village nestled on the banks of the Bhotekoshi River surrounded by towering peaks. Spending the night here in peaceful solitude, you will reflect on your rare achievement and the joy of completing this challenging journey.

As you leave Marlung (2700m) early with a newly discovered inspiration, you begin to descend toward the familiar comforts of Namche Bazaar (3440m). Trekking through rugged mountain paths, the thought of a hot shower, a variety of food, and a warm bed will keep your spirit high.

The trail leads through lush green valleys and passes through Thame (3820m), a traditional village that once served as a trading post on the ancient route to Tibet. Along the way, you’ll cross high suspension bridges that stretch over roaring rivers and take in the sights of mountain life and culture one last time.

As you move deeper into the forested trails filled with rhododendron and pine, the feeling of nearing civilization grows stronger. Finally, by late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Namche Bazaar — a lively village nestled in the mountains. The sense of relief and joy is overwhelming as you soak your tired feet and reflect on the epic journey you’ve just completed.

Today is the day you bid farewell to Namche Bazaar (3440m). Lacing up your boots with a mix of joy and humility, you’ll take your final steps toward the end of this unforgettable journey. The scenic descent toward Lukla (2840m) is made even more beautiful by the ever-present roar of the Dudh Koshi River.

The trail descends steeply through forested slopes and deep valleys before reaching Phakding (2610m), where you'll enjoy one last lunch in the shadow of the Himalayas.

Continuing from Phakding, a few more hours of leisurely trekking will bring you to Lukla. This bustling mountain town with its small shops, cozy cafes, and narrow airstrip feels alive with energy and stories.

As you soak in your final moments in the Khumbu, you’ll feel a quiet pride — and a hopeful heart — eagerly looking forward to your return flight to Kathmandu.

Your flight from Lukla (2840m) to Kathmandu (1400m) is a scenic farewell — a final chance to glimpse the towering peaks you conquered and the dramatic landscapes you trekked through. As you soar above the Himalayas, a stream of memories will flood your mind, each one etched with adventure, challenge, and beauty.

Landing in the capital, the contrast is striking. The organized chaos of Kathmandu’s traffic greets you as you head back to your hotel — a reminder that you’ve returned to civilization.

In the afternoon, you may want to soothe your sore muscles with a relaxing massage, or explore the bustling markets of Thamel in search of souvenirs — perhaps even one of those iconic “No hashish, no rickshaw” t-shirts everyone seems to bring back from Nepal.

In the evening, you'll gather for a warm farewell dinner with your trekking team, exchanging stories and laughter. As you raise your glass one last time, the achievement of crossing the three legendary high passes of the Everest region will sit proudly in your heart — a journey of a lifetime, now a part of your story.

After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey to Nepal comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.