Everest Three Passes Trek - 18 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted by a representative from Mountain Treks Nepal. They will be holding a signboard with your name outside the arrival terminal. After a warm welcome, they will assist with your transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Early morning, you will fly to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. The flight itself is an exhilarating adventure, providing stunning views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Lukla, you’ll meet the rest of your trekking crew and begin trekking towards Phakding. The trail descends towards the Dudh Koshi River, passing through lush pine forests and small Sherpa settlements. You’ll cross several suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, offering beautiful views of Kusum Kanguru. Overnight in Phakding.

Today’s trek leads you along the Dudh Koshi River while crossing it multiple times via suspension bridges. After entering Sagarmatha National Park, the trail ascends steeply with breathtaking views of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), and Nuptse (7861m) – weather permitting. Finally, you will reach Namche Bazaar, the main trading center of the Everest region and a historic trading hub on the ancient trade route between Tibet and Nepal. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Today is set aside for acclimatization. Namche Bazaar is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops, and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day acclimatizing to the high altitude before heading further up the valley. You can spend the day visiting the local museum, which is home to many exhibits depicting the area’s native flora and fauna, as well as the history of the Mount Everest region. You will also want to see a stunningly beautiful view of the Khumbu and Thamserku mountains.

Leaving Namche Bazaar, the trail climbs steeply through forests of rhododendron, juniper, and fir to reach Tengboche. Along the way, you’ll have breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Tengboche is famous for its monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. If you arrive in the afternoon, you can visit the monastery and enjoy the mesmerizing sunset views over Everest and Ama Dablam. Overnight in Tengboche.

The trail descends through rhododendron forests to Debuche, crossing the Imja Khola. From here, the trail climbs past mani walls and chortens to Pangboche village, the highest permanent settlement in the valley. You’ll continue ascending past summer yak pastures to Dingboche, a summer grazing village. The views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak from Dingboche are spectacular. Overnight in Dingboche.

Today is another acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the altitude. You have the option to take a hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5083m) for stunning views of Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and the entire Chhukung Valley. Alternatively, you can explore Dingboche village and interact with the local Sherpa people, learning about their culture and way of life in the high Himalayas. Overnight in Dingboche.

Leaving Dingboche, the trail follows the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam towering overhead. After crossing a wooden bridge, you’ll arrive in Chhukung, a small summer settlement at the foot of Lhotse’s south face. This area is popular with climbers preparing for climbs up Island Peak. Overnight in Chhukung.

Today is a challenging day as you cross the Kongma La pass, the highest pass on the trek. The ascent is steep and challenging, but the views from the top are breathtaking with views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and other surrounding peaks. After the pass, descend to Lobuche, a small village with stunning views of Nuptse. Overnight in Lobuche.

Today is a long and fulfilling day as you trek to Gorakshep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. Drop your bags at the lodge and continue your trek to Everest Base Camp. The trek to the base camp is not too challenging. You’ll traverse the Khumbu Glacier and pass through the legendary Everest Base Camp, where mountaineers gather during the climbing season. After soaking in the breathtaking views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks, you’ll trek back to Gorakshep for the night. Overnight in Gorakshep.

Early morning, you’ll hike to Kalapatthar, the highest point of the trek, for a panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the surrounding peaks. This vantage point offers stunning sunrise views over the Himalayas, making it a highlight of the trek. Afterward, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast and continue descending to Dzongla, a small village nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. Overnight in Dzongla.

Today’s trek takes you through one of the most challenging sections of the Everest Three Passes Trek, Cho La Pass. The ascent to the pass is steep and can be icy, depending on the season. However, the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks from the top are well worth the effort. After crossing the pass, descend to Thangnak, a small settlement located at the foot of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Overnight in Thangnak.

Today is a shorter trekking day, allowing you to rest and recover from the previous challenging days. The trail follows the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, to reach Gokyo. Afternoon exploration around Gokyo includes a visit to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Overnight in Gokyo.

Today, you’ll cross the final pass of the trek, Renjo La Pass. The ascent to the pass is steep, but the views from the top are breathtaking, with panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After descending from the pass, you’ll trek to Marlung, a small village off the main trail, offering a quieter atmosphere. Overnight in Marlung.

Today’s trek takes you back to Namche Bazaar via Thame village, a traditional Sherpa village. The trail offers views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, you can celebrate the completion of your trek with a hot shower and a hearty meal. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Today is your last day of trekking. The trail descends steeply through forests of rhododendron and pine to reach Lukla. You’ll cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and pass through several Sherpa villages. In Lukla, you can relax and reflect on your amazing journey through the Himalayas. Overnight in Lukla.

Early morning, you’ll catch your flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing, shopping for souvenirs, or exploring more of Kathmandu’s cultural heritage. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your trekking team. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today is your departure day. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Mountain Treks Nepal will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We hope you had an unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas and look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal in the future!