Everest Three Passes Trek

Your Everest 3 Pass Trek adventure begins with one of the most scenic and adrenaline-pumping flights in the world. This flight takes you above the rolling hills and vibrant settlements, offering sweeping views of the Himalayan spine.

After landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport, you will have time to stretch your legs and enjoy a light breakfast before beginning the trekking part. The trail starts with a stone-paved descent that quickly soaks in the Khumbu’s spiritual and natural ambiance.

First, you will cross Chheplung Village and the path further ahead hugs the eastern bank of Dudh Koshi River. This section also offers the most stunning views of Kusum Kanguru. The villages along the way, like Thado Koshi and Ghat, feature long mani walls, Buddhist rock inscriptions and occasional monastery or stupa. 

Beyond Ghat, the trail descends briefly and follows the bank of Dudh Koshi, entering the shaded section of lush pine and rhododendron woodland. After a short hike from here, you will finally arrive at today’s overnight destination, Phakding Village. 

About Phakding: Phakding is a lively little village nestled beside the Dudh Koshi River. While it is lower than Lukla, stopping here at this beautiful village is crucial for altitude adaptation. You can take the afternoon easy or hike to a small monastery above the village for more effective acclimatization. 

Flight Re-Routing

If you are doing this trek during the peak seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), it is important to know that flights to Lukla are often rerouted from Manthali Airport, Ramechhap. 

This flight re-routing is not a last-minute change; it is a standard practice that is implemented by Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority to manage the air traffic congestion at the TIA. Due to limited early morning airspace availability for Lukla flights, this shift helps to avoid delays and reduce air traffic over Kathmandu.

As the drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is about 4  to 5 hours long, trekkers need to wake up as early as 2:00 to 3:00 AM to reach the Manthali Airport for a morning flight. For a hassle-free experience, you can travel to Ramechhap the night before the flight. The flight from Manthali Airport to Lukla takes around 20 minutes. 

Helicopter Flight Option

For those who want to skip the early morning drive to Manthali or avoid potential delays with regular fixed-wing flights, taking a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla is much more convenient. The helicopter transfer offers a direct route from the domestic terminal of TIA in Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla.

This helicopter mode cuts off the need for a long road transfer and offers a faster alternative. It offers better comfort than a regular flight. And, admiring the scenic views of the Himalayas, valleys and rivers is a great way to begin your Himalayan diary.

The helicopter flight on Kathmandu to the Lukla route costs around US$ 500 per person. However, if you want to opt out of the regular plane transfer for this scenic flight, we will refund your ticket cost (approximately US$ 200). So, you will just need to add US$ 300 to take this thrilling helicopter flight to the mountains.

**Note: The standard cost of a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is US$ 500 per person during the high trekking periods only. During the low seasons, the cost will depend on the number of passengers taking the flight. If you want, you can also order a private charter, which will cost about US$ 2,500 to US$ 3,000 one-way**

Leaving Phakding after an early breakfast, you will rejoin the Dudh Koshi’s cascading course as it rolls below steel suspension bridges and cliffs. This section of the trail is lush and vibrant with pine, juniper and a burst of rhododendrons, depending on the season.

Just ahead, you will cross the Tok Tok Village perched on the hillside. The first stunning views of Thamserku from here add magic to the atmosphere. Then, the trail undulates across several suspension bridges and takes you to Benkar Village. 

As you continue walking northward, you arrive at a quiet stretch of Chhamuwa, which has some stone lodges. The route continues across thick forests and gradually winds toward Monjo Village. Here, you will enter Sagarmatha National Park and your permit will be checked before you continue further.

Descending briefly from Monjo, you will arrive at Jorsalle Village. This is the final settlement before you reach Namche. It is also a common lunch stop on Day 02 of the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary.

The ascending part from Jorsalle to Namche is steady and demanding, commonly referred to as Namche Ukalo. After 30 minutes of an uphill journey, you will reach the famed Hillary Suspension Bridge. From this point onward, the trail zigzags upward through dense fir and rhododendron forest.

About two-thirds of the ascending part, a rare clearing offers the first distance views of Mount Everest above the Lhotse face. In the final stretch, the colorful rooftops begin to peek through the trees. You circle a final ride and then enter the vibrant Sherpa Capital, Namche Bazaar.

About Namche: Namche Bazaar is the trade hub and the beating heart of Khumbu. It is built in a natural amphitheater and clings to the hillside. This vibrant Sherpa capital is filled with lodges, trekking shops, bakeries, restaurants and monasteries.

The third day on Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary plan is for acclimatization, but you won’t stay put in Namche. Today, you will partake in an acclimatization hike, which will make your journey further ahead more comfortable. 

After a warm breakfast, you will move along steadily with the upper sections of the town and cross Namche Gompa. The trail continues to climb along the ridge above Syangboche Airstrip, which offers sweeping views of the valley. As you climb higher, you will finally arrive at Everest View Hotel (3,880m/ 12,729ft).

From here, if skies are clear, you will see the stunning panorama that captures the radiance of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kangtega and Ama Dablam in its frame. Many pause here for lunch or tea and to absorb the magical scenery.

A short descent from the hotel takes you to Khumjung Village, the largest Sherpa village in the region. There is also a monastery in the village that claims to house the scalp of Yeti, the abominable snowman. Another neighbouring village, Khunde, is at a short distance and is home to the Edmund Hillary Hospital.

By late afternoon, you will complete the loop by descending gradually back to Namche via a lower trail. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You can relax in a cozy restaurant or bakery, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, browse the local gear shops, or just sit back and witness the slow-paced mountain life.

The trail from Namche Bazaar contours the hillside above the Dudh Koshi as you head toward your next destination. Terrain is well-carved and relatively leveled during the first stretch and reveals towering panoramas of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.

You will then pass Kyangjuma Village, which is a scenic hamlet nestled into the slope. Moving further ahead, the path winds past prayer flags and a few teahouses before gently dipping toward Sansa Village. 

This is the junction point where trails fork toward Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp. You will stick to the mainstream EBC route and continue trekking downhill into the pine and rhododendron forest.

As the descent intensifies, the path spirals down toward the basin of the Imja Khola River. Eventually, you will reach the riverside hamlet of Phunki Tenga. This is your lunch stop at a serene clearing beside the river. 

After lunch, you will follow the winding trail through dense forest. As you climb higher, each break between the trees reveals more of the high Himalayan skyline. Before long, the prayer flags, prayer wheels, gompas and red-robed monks signal your arrival at the spiritual epicenter of Khumbu.

About Tengboche: Tengboche is a sacred spiritual site that is at the hilltop with an amphitheater of peaks. The famed Tengboche Monastery is the core of this beautiful high-altitude settlement. With Everest, Ama Dablam and Kangtega towering in the backdrop, this is also one of the most photogenic spots in the Everest Three Passes Trek route.

After enjoying your breakfast at Tengboche, you will descend gently through the ancient forest filled with birch, rhododendron and fir forests. Just a short distance ahead, you will pass the Deboche Village, which is a peaceful hamlet and has a Tibetan nunnery. 

As you continue walking further, the trek narrows down alongside Imja Khola and passes across a metal bridge. Then, the trail continues toward the Pangboche Village, one of the oldest and permanent settlements in Khumbu. 

Many trekkers make a stop at Upper Pangboche which is slightly off the main route but offers a more authentic experience. You can also explore the Pangboche Monastery, which is said to house the sacred relics and the Himalayan history of centuries. 

Leaving Pangboche, the trail ascends gradually across thin shrubs and juniper forests and you will pass through small settlements of Shomare and Orsho. The views of Ama Dablam, Taboche and Cholatse are truly dramatic from here.

Moving further ahead on the trail, you will reach a fork. One path from here veers toward Pheriche on the east and another on the southeast dives into Imja Valley. You will take the trail toward Dingboche, crossing a wooden bridge over Imja Khola.

About Dingboche: Dingboche is a wide and windy village that is framed by stone walls. This is another popular acclimatization destination en route to EBC, where climbers and trekkers rest before ascending to the thin air of Upper Khumbu. Dingboche feels different from other destinations before; it's spacious, open and truly raw.

Strong winds funnel down the mountain early in Dingboche, so starting your trek early is ideal. You will leave the clustered stone houses and traverse across pasture walls heading east toward the bank of Imja Khola.

The path is broader and well-defined; it climbs gently at first, stretching across gravel flats and grassy mounds. You will also pass a few scattered year-round shelters and small seasonal stone huts along the way.

Then, you reach the Bibre, which is a seasonal yak grazing area that offers incredible views of Island Peak. The final section before Chukhung involves a slightly steeper slope where elevation shift can be felt. 

The terrain underfoot subtly changes to glacial scree and moraine dust and the wind picks up pace as you gain exposure. There are only a few teahouses at Chukung that mostly cater to trekkers preparing for the Island Peak Climbing or crossing Kongma La Pass.

About Chukhung: This high-altitude settlement is a collection of lodges and small stone huts. It sits in the shadow of towering ridgelines of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Island Peak. Chukhung was once only a seasonal yak pasture used by herders. But, as the trekking routes expanded and Island Peak became a popular destination, it was developed into a high-altitude outpost for adventurers.

You will begin your trek across one of the major Himalayan passes before sunrise. The air is razor-thin and biting cold. But it is essential to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon high winds. 

From Chukhung, the trail heads northwest across a dry, scree-covered basin filled with scattered boulders and glacial debris. There is no defined village or settlements along the way, only an old world shaped by shifting ice and geological time.

You will ascend steadily across the rocky slopes and after crossing 5,000 meters, the path steepens dramatically. Overcoming the switchbacks up the lateral moraines of Nuptse Glacier, you will continue further.

After about 3 to 4 hours of steady ascent, you finally reach the summit of Kongma La Pass, the highest pass of all three in this Three Passes Trek and Everest Base Camp. From the vantage point, you get breathtaking views of the Himalayan panorama in every direction: Makalu to the east, Lhotse and Nuptse to the north and the entire Khumbu Glacier up ahead.

Like the ascent on the pass, descending is also not easier. You will stick with the trail that drops sharply across loose rock and ice toward the Khumbu Glacier. Be careful with your footing as you traverse the boulder and melting snowfields.

Eventually, you will descend to the Khumbu Glacier itself. The terrain is taken over by grey ice, debris and shallow meltwater channels. You will walk on the glacier’s edge and, in the final section, climb a short rise onto a rocky stretch to reach Lobuche. 

About Lobuche: Lobuche is a beautiful high-altitude settlement in Upper Khubu Valley. It sits beneath the looming presence of Lobuche East and Lobuche West. Lobuche lies on the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier and serves as a key staging post for trekkers and climbers heading toward Everest Base Camp or aiming to summit other surrounding peaks.

This is one of the grand and remarkable days of your Everest Three Passes Trekking. You set out early from Lobuche and gradually ascend following the left edge of Khumbu Glacier. The trail is raw and gritty, you will traverse across glacial moraine, scattered rocks and loose scree.

After two and a half hours of winding ascent, you will then reach Gorakshep. This is the final human outpost before Everest Base Camp and the lodges here are basic. You will drop bags here, hydrate and eat something warm before the final push.

From Gorakshep, the path toward EBC is winding and undulates across loose rocks, ridgelines and glacial debris. The oxygen level at this altitude is about 50% of what it is at sea level and every step takes effort. At last, you arrive, a spray of prayer flags and cairns marks your unofficial entrance to EBC.

During the peak climbing season, this rocky amphitheater becomes a bustling village of climbers as the colorful tents cover the terrain. Although the summit of Everest is not visible from the base camp, you stand among the glaciers and towering giants.

After soaking in the magical moment that feels too good to be true, taking photographs and breathing in the freezing thin air, you will slowly return to Gorakshep. Retracing your steps across the moraine, you will check in at your cozy lodge for an overnight stay.

About Gorakshep: This is the final human settlement in the Everest Base Camp Trek route. Nestled on the edge of the Khumbu Glacier, this tiny outpost sits beneath the pyramid-shaped Pumori and offers striking views of Nuptse and Changtse. Historically, Gorakshep was the original base camp used during the early Everest expedition in the 1950s.

You wake up early and begin your ascent early before dawn. The trail to Kala Patthar from Gorakshep is short but steep. You will ascend on the vertical slope winding through rocky scree and alpine terrain. 

This hike can last about 2 hours, but it is definitely rewarding. As the first touches the summit ridge of Everest and bathes other surrounding peaks like Pumori, Lingtren, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam with its golden rays, it creates a surreal atmosphere with a hint of heavenly realm.

The rising sun transforms the pristine-snow-clad landscape into a shifting canvas of gold, rose and deep shadows. After lingering around for a bit to absorb the breathtaking sunrise views and capture photographs, you descend carefully back to Gorakshep.

After enjoying a later breakfast and sorting out your gear, it is time to head toward the next destination. Leaving behind the EBC zone, you will follow the trail eastward along the east Rongbuk Glacier. Traversing into the less frequented valleys, the path drops steadily through moraine fields.

Following the glacial flat on the final segment, you arrive at Dzongla Village, the overnight destination on this day’s trek. As this is one of the less-traversed sections in the Everest region, the village offers a peaceful refuge after the crowded base camp.

About Dzongla: Dzongla is a small and quiet Himalayan settlement tucked away on a peaceful mountainside along the route that connects Lobuche to Gokyo. It lies at the base of the north face of Cholatse. Dzongla has a cluster of basic teahouses that are surrounded by glacial moraines and scattered boulders. It doesn’t have a permanent community and teahouses are run by locals from the lower villages during trekking months.

This day’s trek also starts early before dawn to maximize the chances of safe passage across the pass. Leaving Dzongla, you will trek along the rugged trail that ascends steeply through rocky terrain and scattered moraine debris.

The ascent to Cho La Pass is demanding and the trail can be slippery and uneven. At the higher elevation, it is often covered in snow or ice patches, especially during pre- or post-monsoon seasons. The wind often whistles fiercely through the prayer flags and stone cairns at the summit.

As for the rewarding part, you stand above 5,400 meters, marveling at the stunning panorama stretching from east to west. Gokyo Valley, with shimmering lakes, lies in the east and on the west, you can witness Cholatse, Taboche and the trail you conquered through Khumbu. 

The descent to Thangnag from the top of the pass is rocky and steep but less strenuous. The path winds down moraine slopes, passing scattered cairns and small glacier-fed streams. After descending from the pass, you will enter a broad valley with scattered lodges and continue toward Thangnag.

About Thangnag: It is a peaceful village that sits on the eastern edge of Ngozumpa Glacier. Thangnag is off the mainstream route and gives a calm and isolated feel. This village serves as a critical staging point for trekkers crossing Cho La Pass or approaching the Gokyo Lakes from the eastern side. The village itself is small with a handful of teahouses that are huddled along the rock-strewn slopes and boulder fields.

After an exhausting conquest of Cho La Pass, this day’s trek feels like a gentle reward. Today, you will walk into one of the most surreal regions of Khumbu. Leaving Thagnag around mid-morning, you will traverse Ngozumpa Glacier.

This is the longest glacier in the Himalayas that spreads across 36 km (22 miles). The crossing across the glacier isn’t straightforward; you will drop briefly onto the glacier floor and traverse across the dusty ridgelines and scattered boulders.

After leaving the glacier, you rejoin a solid trail on the western moraines. And, the magical sights start to unfold, the Gokyo Lakes, with a series of six pristine glacial lakes. The third lake, Dudh Pokhari, is the one that you will settle beside on this day.

You will arrive at Gokyo Village by midday. Unlike the commercialized villages, Gokyo feels slower and meditative. The lodges here serve both trekkers and mountaineers headed for Cho Oyu or Renjo La Pass.

The lakes reflect the towering mountains and create a postcard-perfect vista. You can spend the afternoon resting or admiring the lakeshore. If your energy returns, you can begin your light climb to Gokyo Ri, a ridge offering sweeping views of the entire valley and surrounding peaks.

About Gokyo Lake: Gokyo Lake is perched beside the shimmering waters of Dudh Pokhari. It is a serene and scenic resting point for the trekkers on the Everest Three Passes Trek or the Gokyo Valley Trekking route. Gokyo Village consists of a few stone and wooden teahouses nestled between the lake’s edge and the lateral moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier. It has a tight-knit community and local Sherpas here are mostly involved in yak herding and the trekking industry.

On this morning of your Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary, you will wake up early to prepare for the last and picturesque Renjo La Pass. Leaving Gokyo Village, you will follow the trail on the northwestern edge of the lake. 

As you gain altitude, the shimmering turquoise lake starts to shrink behind you. Unlike the Kongma La or Cho La pass, the ascent to Renjo La pass is more structured and has well-defined stone steps that lead the way for the much part of the climb.

Still, it is necessary to be wary of the altitude gain. You will follow the steep climb across the rugged rock spires and snow-patched scree to head toward the summit. From the top of the pass, you can gaze upon Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Taboche and Nuptse.

After spending some time admiring the mountain vistas and lakes below shining like glass, you begin your descent. The path downward is steep and zigzags down the dry slope of rock and sand. It is narrow and exposed in some sections, which offers clear views of Bhote Koshi Valley down below.

Down the way, you will pass Renjo Pokhar and then walk across the scattered yak pastures that are used by locals from Thame and the Lungden region during summer. As you descend further, the landscape turns gentler and the green starts to reappear as thin pine groves and rivulets replace the rock.

Eventually, you arrive at the isolated village of Lungden. This village, surrounded by hills and a snowy peak, feels a world away from the Everest Base Camp. It has a raw and authentic part of Khumbu that many trekkers never witness.

About Lungden: This remote and windswept village, located in Upper Bhote Koshi Valley, serves as a key rest point for trekkers descending from Renjo La Pass or preparing to cross it into Gokyo Valley. Lungden is tucked away from busier trails and receives fewer crowds, so it is deeply connected with raw Himalayan wilderness and culture.

You will begin your trekking journey by following the beautifully isolated trail that gently drops along the Bhote Koshi River. As you move along with the descending trail, the landscape starts to soften as shrubs, juniper and scattered birch take over the alpine terrain. 

Then, you reach the Nangpa La region, which is a sacred corridor between Nepal and Tibet. The influence of Tibetan culture is visible here in the architecture, language and spirituality of the land. After that, you will cross the seasonal hamlet of Marlung. 

As you continue descending further, prayer flags start appearing more frequently, eventually leading you gently toward Thame Village. This is one of the most culturally significant and oldest Sherpa villages in Khumbu. 

It is situated in a wide valley beneath the snow-draped peaks. There is a monastery in the village, Thame Monastery, which was built around the 16th century. The monastery is the center of meditation and ritual. If time permits, you can visit it for more insights into Sherpa Buddhist traditions.

About Thame: This is the oldest and most culturally significant Sherpa village that is located northwest of Namche Bazaar. It is the spiritual heart of the Khumbu Beyul; it is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated near this sacred place. Built in the 16th century, this monastery also hosts Mani Rimdu Festivals, attracting monks and devotees from all over Khumbu.

After waking up to the quiet rhythm of village life, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then, it is time to continue further down with your descending journey. The trail to Namche is mostly downhill and passes through some of the most picturesque countryside of Khumbu.

You will move along the path of the Bhote Koshi River Valley, which has a well-trodden path through pine and rhododendron forests. You will cross a series of charming villages and a cluster of prayer wheels before arriving in Samde. 

Looking back from here, you will have sweeping views back toward the route you just took across Renjo La pass. Moving on, the trail starts to feel more familiar, the path clearer and more trekkers as you approach the main route of EBC Trek. 

Soon after, you arrive at Thamo Village, known for its peaceful surroundings and Buddhist nunnery. From here, the path hugs the hillside and gently twirls along the forested trail before winding down toward Namche Bazaar. 

This will be a triumphant return to a bustling civilization with coffee shops, bakeries, gear shops, hot showers and Wi-Fi. You have time to revisit your favorite spots or just relax at your lodge, reflecting on your journey so far.

You will start your day early in Namche for a final dull day on foot. After breakfast, the trail plunges steeply downhill, winding through pine forests and stone staircases as you retrace Dudh Koshi River downstream.

This stretch, while familiar, feels different; you are not just passing through, you are coming home from the mountains. After crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge, you will gracefully exit from Monjo Village and traverse through Benkar and Phakding. 

During the final leg of trekking, it's not a flat walk but a steady climb back through charming Ghat, Chheplung and Chaurikharka villages. Eventually, Lukla appears, not just a village now but a place of closure. This is where your trek began and where it gently ends.

About Lukla: This is the gateway to the Everest region and home to the famous Tenzing Hillary Airport. Lukla sits on a sloping mountainside of Dudh Koshi Valley and is surrounded by pine forests and steep ridgelines. Although small, Lukla is always bustling with energy. Porters, trekkers, guides and locals move through its narrow-paved stone alleys preparing for or returning from the adventure in the Everest region.

It’s the conclusive day of your Everest 3 Passes trek. From this world’s most thrilling airstrip, a small fixed-wing flight will carry you from the Himalayan heights back to the buzzing capital valley. 

As you take off, a final glance out of the window reveals the ridgelines, river and snow-capped summits fading gently into the cloud. As you are back in Kathmandu, the contrast feels immediate; horns, people and life buzzing at the group level.

We will transfer you comfortably in a private vehicle back to your hotel. Take some time for resting, a hot shower and to enjoy the comfort of a soft bed. You can use the rest of the day to relax in Thamel, visit nearby attractions, or just simply sit back sipping maala tea and embracing the city's colorful vibrance. 

About Kathmandu: Kathmandu is Nepal’s vibrant capital and the cultural heart of the country. It is a mix of ancient temples, bustling markets and historical sites. This capital valley alone houses 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the entire country. While the city buzzes with energy, it is also where most trekkers find comfort after the demanding journey to high mountains.