Everest Three High Passes Trek

Once you book your package at least three months in advance, we take care of all hotel arrangements and your flight ticket to Lukla for the easiness. Your trek then begins when you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu after those three months. You’ll complete immigration and collect your luggage before meeting a trekking staff member. They’ll be waiting in the arrival area with clear identification and garland. 

After that, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city by private vehicle, which takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. Most hotels are in central areas close to shops and local streets. After check-in, you can rest and recover from travel fatigue and enjoy a welcome dinner at night. This downtime matters because the trek ahead crosses high passes above 5,000 m (16,404 ft). A stable first day set the pace for the entire trek.

This day is mainly for preparation and, if time allows, a short outing; otherwise, we will go straight to Lukla. You’ll meet your guide for a full gear check to confirm your equipment is suitable for cold-weather and high-altitude terrain. Items like insulated jackets and sleeping bags are reviewed carefully. Permit processing for Sagarmatha National Park and the local rural municipality is completed on this day. These permits are mandatory for entering the Everest region. 

After preparations, you’ll explore the main sites of the Kathmandu Valley, such as Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. First, you’ll visit Swayambhunath, one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal. The painted Buddha eyes watch in all directions. This site shows how Buddhism and Hinduism coexist in Nepal.

You then visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple. Located along the Bagmati River, it remains an active cremation site. The day ends at Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Asia, with a base over 100 m (328 ft) wide. You can walk clockwise with monks and locals. 

The third day starts early with a flight to Lukla. During busy trekking seasons, flights operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap to manage air traffic. You’ll leave Kathmandu before dawn and reach the airport by road. The flight lands at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, which has a short runway and a beautiful mountain setting.

After you land, if it’s still early, you’ll have lunch, meet the full trekking team, and sort out the loads. The Kora team will coordinate your return flight and rooms with the hotel team to make your journey back easy. Meanwhile, you can take your time and get ready for the walk. The walk begins straight from Lukla to the Everest Three Passes and follows the Dudh Koshi River trail. The river flows from glaciers high in the Khumbu region.

After walking 5-10 minutes, you’ll reach a checkpoint. Here, your Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Permit (NPR 3,000) and Sagarmatha National Park Permit (NPR 3,000) are checked and verified. After approximately 3-4 hours of easy walking, you’ll arrive in the riverside village of Phakding.

After breakfast, you’ll follow the Dudh Koshi River for most of the day. You’ll cross several suspension bridges that connect small settlements on both sides of the valley. These bridges support local trade and daily travel in the Khumbu region. At Monjo, you enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in 1979. Parks officials will check your permit here.

The Everest Three Passes Trek trail grows steeper after the river crossing near the Hillary Suspension Bridge. As you climb through pine and fir forests, the air becomes thinner. On a clear day, you’ll see Mount Everest appear above the ridge formed by Lhotse and Nuptse. The path then leads you to Namche Bazaar, the main hub of the Khumbu region.

Today is your first acclimatization day on 20 days Everest 3 high Passes Trek itinerary. This day focuses on altitude adjustment. After taking breakfast, you’ll hike to higher ground during the day and return to Namche to sleep. This method adapts your body to lower oxygen levels. First, you will hike to Hotel Everest View. Hotel Everest View stands at around 3,880 m ( 12,730 ft) and is one of the highest hotels in the world. Here, you can enjoy tea or coffee while taking in the gorgeous views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

The walk continues toward Khumjung and Khunde that are traditional Sherpa villages. Khumjung Monastery is known for preserving a relic linked to local Yeti stories. The Hillary School in Khumjung shows long-term education efforts in the Khumbu region. These villages reflect Sherpa life through farming, trade, and Buddhist practices.

You’ll also have time to explore Namche Bazaar itself. The Sagarmatha National Park Museum explains local culture, wildlife, and conservation work. The Himalayan Rescue Association clinic shares information on altitude illness and safety. 

On Day 6, while walking from Namche Bazaar to Thame Teng, you’ll follow the Bhote Kosi Valley along an old trade route used to exchange salt with Tibet. The trail passes rhododendron forests and is quieter than the main Everest Trek route. As you reach Thame, you’ll see Buddhist rock paintings (mandalas) on the cliffs and long mani walls.

Thame is one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the region. Many well-known climbers were born here, including Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Apa Sherpa (who has climbed Everest 21 times). Since it was affected by floods and landslides last year, we’ll move towards Thame Teng. It is just 15-20 minutes away. After reaching your teahouse and having lunch, you can relax and get a good rest, as tomorrow is another acclimatization day.

Day 7 is set aside for altitude adjustment. Thame provides a stable base for gaining height during the day. You’ll hike toward the base of Sunder Peak, also referred to as Sumdur Peak, 5,361 m (17,588 ft). This hike increases red blood cell production and improves oxygen use. You’ll return to Thame for the night, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness and gives you clear views of Kongde Ri.

Another hike option takes you deeper into the Bhote Kosi Valley toward Lungden. This section follows an old trade route used for movement between Nepal and Tibet. The valley feels remote and sees fewer trekkers. You’ll notice grazing land and stone shelters used by herders.

You can also visit Thame Monastery. It is one of the three oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region. It plays a role in seasonal festivals and community life. The monastery also provides a commanding view of Thamserku 6,623 m (21,729 ft), Kantega 6,782 m (22,251 ft), Kusum Kanguru 6,367 m (20,883 ft), Kongde range 6,187 m (20,299 ft), and Nangpa La Valley 5,716 m (18,753 ft).

As you move from Thame following the Everest High Passes Trek route, the trek moves deeper into the upper Bhote Kosi Valley. You’ll follow the river north toward the Tibetan border. Vegetation thins as altitude increases and the landscape turns more open. Yak pastures and seasonal shelters appear on the trail. These areas support herding communities during warmer months. After a few hours, you’ll reach Lungden.

Lungden is a high-altitude settlement used mainly by trekkers preparing for Renjo La Pass. Only a few teahouses operate here, and facilities are basic. Rest matters on this day because the next stage crosses one of the major high passes. This stop prepares your body and keeps the Everest Three Pass Trek on a safe path forward.

You’ll depart Lungden before dawn (around 4:30 AM or 5:00 AM) to reach the Renjo La Pass before the mid-day winds pick up. The climb is steep and goes right beside the frozen Renjo Lake. While not technical in a climbing sense, the path can be icy or snow-covered in 2026 during spring and late autumn.

The moment you reach the flag-decorated peak of Renjo La 5,360 m (17,585 ft), you are gifted with what many consider the best view in the Everest region. The panorama includes Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Ri, and Ngozumpa glacier. It is the best view you can get from among the 3 Everest passes.

After crossing it, you’ll descend towards Gokyo Valley for 2.5 to 3 hours. The initial path down from the pass is very steep and rocky. Be cautious to protect your knees and avoid slipping. As the trail levels out, you’ll walk on the shores of the third Gokyo Lake to reach the village of Gokyo.

You’ll wake up well before dawn (around 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM) to begin the ascent in the dark. The trek up Gokyo Ri is an uphill climb lasting approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. From the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575 ft), you get the most comprehensive panoramic view in the Khumbu region. The views of the entire four 8,000 m ( 26,247 ft) peaks, Gokyo lakes, and glaciers.

After spending time admiring the sunrise and views, you descend back to Gokyo village for breakfast at your teahouse. After breakfast, you can explore the Gokyo Lakes, have lunch, and pack your bags. Then you will leave Gokyo and head to the village of Thangnak (also called Dragnag or Tangnag). The route involves crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.

You’ll begin with a very early departure from Thangnak. The initial trail follows a rocky ravine that can be slippery if frosted. Upon reaching the top of the rock section, you step onto the Cho La Glacier. For 2026, trekkers are strongly advised to bring microspikes or crampons, as the glacier can be very slippery, depending on the season. Fixed ropes are also in place to make crossing easier.

The final push to the top of Cho La Pass (5,420 m (17,782 ft) is decorated with prayer flags. The views from the summit include Cholatse, Ama Dablam, and the peaks of the Everest massif. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Dzongla by crossing an icy trail for about 20–30 minutes, on ice that rarely melts. The land opens into flat alpine ground as you approach the settlement.

During the descent, you can really admire one of the most beautiful faces of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Taboche. This crossing completes the second major high pass of the Everest Three Pass Trek and builds momentum toward the final challenge ahead.

Day 12 follows a high contour trail around the base of Arakam Tse and Cholatse. You’ll have a view of the north face of Ama Dablam, which looks different from this angle than it does from the lower villages like Tengboche. After a few hours of walking, the trail merges with the main Everest Base Camp route coming up from Pheriche and Dugla.

The path then continues the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier until it reaches Lobuche. Lobuche is a busy trekking hub; it is one of the highest overnight stops on the trek. It can be cold due to its proximity to the glacier, so early arrival helps you to secure a spot near the teahouse heater and rest.

The path from Lobuche to Gorakshep follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier for 3–4 hours. You’ll follow the left side of the glacier the whole way, with views of Lingtren, Nuptse, Thamserku, and Mount Everest in front of you. Gorakshep is the final settlement before Base Camp and was the original base camp for the 1953 expedition. You will check into your teahouse, have a quick lunch, and leave your heavy bags behind.

Then you will walk to Everest Base Camp (EBC). The trail to EBC is a round-trip of roughly 7 km (4.35 mi). It is physically demanding because you are walking on shifting rocks and ice over the Khumbu Glacier. You’ll be standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak, located above the ice.

While you cannot see the summit of Everest from the base camp itself (it is hidden by the West Shoulder and Nuptse), you get a massive view of the beautiful Khumbu Icefall. After taking photos and soaking in the achievement, you’ll retrace your steps back to Gorakshep.

You’ll wake up early (around 4:00 AM–5:00 AM) in Gorakshep to begin the ascent in the dark and cold to catch the sunrise at Kala Patthar. A headlamp and very warm layers are essential. The effort leads to one of the world’s best sunrise views of Mount Everest, the Khumbu Icefall, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam. Kala Patthar is located just at the bottom of Nuptse, so Nuptse also looks as beautiful as Everest.

After spending 10-15 minutes on the summit for photos, you’ll descend back to your teahouse in Gorakshep for breakfast. After breakfast in Gorakshep, you will pack your bags and begin the trek back towards Lobuche for lunch.

The trek begins by heading east from Lobuche to cross the Khumbu Glacier. This is a “living” glacier, meaning the trail of rocks and ice shifts constantly. Once across the glacier, you’ll begin the climb toward the pass. The path ascends the Niyang Khola valley and frozen alpine lakes. After 4–5 hours of trekking uphill, you’ll reach the top of Kongma La Pass 5,535 m (18,159 ft). You can see Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Island Peak from the top as well.

From the top, you’ll descend into the Imja Valley to reach Chhukung. You’ll catch a glimpse of Kongma La Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the area. The walk can be challenging because the shaded part holds ice even in late autumn. Do use microspikes during this descent. There are zero facilities between Lobuche and Chhukung. You must carry all your water (at least 3 liters) and a packed lunch.

The trail follows the Imja Khola river valley, retracing some of your steps from previous days. The path provides a beautiful view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other Himalayan peaks. From there, you’ll head to Dingboche and then to Somare for lunch.

After having lunch, the trail continues to drop towards the Dudh Koshi river to reach Pangboche village. It is home to the oldest monastery in the region. You’ll pass through lower Pangboche, cross a suspension bridge, and continue through rhododendron forest until you reach Tengboche. 

Tengboche is famous for its large Buddhist monastery, also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region. You can visit the monastery in the evening to witness the monks’ daily prayer ceremony, which starts from 3:00 PM. From the village, you can also see Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Khumbu Yui La, Nuptse, and the jagged peak of Ama Dablam.

The day begins with a drop of about 600 m through rhododendron forests down to the river at Phungi Thenga 3,250 m (10,663 ft). You’ll cross the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola here. From the river, you face an hour-long uphill climb to reach Kyangjuma. While uphill, it feels much easier than the first time you tackled it, thanks to your high-altitude fitness.

Soon, Namche Bazaar appears in its natural bowl shape. This is the traditional night to celebrate your success. Many trekkers head to the World’s Highest Irish Pub for a drink or a proper burger. If you want to buy Tibetan jewelry or Sherpa crafts, Namche has a wider selection than Lukla.

The walk from Namche to Lukla feels emotional. You descend through familiar forests and cross final suspension bridges. At Lukla, we host a small thank-you lunch for porters and staff. This moment matters. Porters carry 20–30 kg at altitude and walk the same long days as you. A shared meal shows respect and closure. Tips are optional and personal. They are given in cash at the end of lunch. 

After lunch, the focus shifts to logistics. You and your guide discuss flight plans for the next morning. The weather in Lukla changes fast. Flights operate early due to mountain winds. Backup plans are explained clearly. This conversation brings relief because the hard trekking days are behind you. Reaching Lukla marks the true end of the Everest Three Pass Trek.

The day begins early with a short flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. After landing in Kathmandu, our team arranges the transfer from the airport to your hotel. This return to the city marks the transition from mountains to everyday life.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner. This is a memorable moment to reflect on the journey. You share stories, laugh about hard days, and celebrate the passes crossed together. Guides will give final words and thanks. Certificates are sometimes handed out as a small memory of the Everest Three High Passes trek. The Everest Three Pass Trek ends not with exhaustion but with connection.

The final morning is personal. Our team gathers at the hotel for a traditional farewell. You are offered a khada, the white ceremonial scarf that represents respect, safe travel, and good wishes. These small gestures carry deep meaning in Nepali culture. They indicate the end of the trek and the bonds formed during the journey.

After the farewell, you are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle arranged by the company. Staff members assist with timing and luggage for a smooth departure. Goodbyes are said with handshakes and smiles rather than long speeches. You leave Nepal carrying memories of high passes, shared effort, and mountain moments that stay long after the flight takes off.