Everest Three High Passes Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you. You'll be transported to your hotel in a private tourist car. After checking in, you can either rest or visit our office to go over the itinerary for the Three High Passes Everest Trek.

Your adventure begins with a 30 to 40-minute flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Lukla, offering breathtaking views of the Langtang and Annapurna Himalayan ranges. From Lukla, you'll descend to the Thado Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges along the way. After about an hour of gentle descent, you'll reach the village of Chheplung, where you can admire Mt. Khumbila (5,761 m), a sacred peak that remains unclimbed. Continuing your trek, you'll descend from Chheplung to Phakding, where you'll have the chance to visit the Pemacholing and Rimishung Monasteries. The day's journey will be manageable and enjoyable as you begin acclimatizing.

After breakfast in Phakding, you'll continue on the Everest Three High Passes Route. The trek features a mix of uphill and downhill sections, numerous river crossings, and a spectacular view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608 m) from the Bengkar hamlet. You'll pass through Monjo Village, dense forests, and rugged trails to reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. After registering your permits, you'll trek through the woods, where you'll catch your first glimpse of Mt. Everest. Continuing through Jorsale hamlet, you'll cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge and make your way to Namche Bazaar. From here, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and more.

Today is dedicated to acclimatizing and preparing your body for the higher altitudes ahead in the heart of the Khumbu region. In Namche Bazaar, you can visit the Sagarmatha National Park visitor center, traditional Sherpa communities, Hillary School, Khumjung Monastery, Syangboche Airport, and the Everest View Hotel. Staying active is crucial even on rest days, so consider visiting the Sherpa museum, exploring the local community, hiking to Thamo, or venturing to Khunde. Namche Bazaar also offers amenities like banks, ATMs, and cyber cafés. This is your first acclimatization day as outlined in the Everest Three High Passes Trek Itinerary.

After breakfast in Namche, you'll embark on your trek to Tengboche. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. The trail is mostly smooth with occasional zigzags and offers glimpses of wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and colorful pheasants. You'll trek through a pine forest and cross the Dudh Koshi River on a bridge adorned with prayer flags. After some trekking, you'll reach Phungi Thanga, a small village with several teahouses and an army post nestled in an alpine forest. Upon arriving in Tengboche, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Tengboche Monastery and witness a religious ceremony conducted by the monks.

On today's segment of the Everest Three High Passes Trek, you'll be treated to a breathtaking sunrise over the mountains, with views of the Kangtega range, Thamserku, Amadablam, Taboche, Kwangde, Tengboche, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The day begins with a hike along the Imja Khola, descending to the riverbank through rhododendron and birch forests. You'll visit a Buddhist nunnery in Deboche and pass several chortens on your way to Pangboche, where stunning Himalayan vistas await. Continuing from the high-altitude Pangboche to the arid alpine environment of Shomare, you'll notice the diminishing vegetation. From Orsho, you'll catch a glimpse of Mt. Pumori's coronal ridge before arriving at the cold and windy settlement of Dingboche, where you'll spend the night.

Your journey on the Everest Three High Passes Trek continues through the Imja Khola Valley, passing glacial moraines surrounded by towering peaks. The trek takes you down the valley for the next 3 to 4 hours, offering views of Lhotse and Ama Dablam on both sides, until you reach Yak Bibre, the herdsman's home. At the terminal moraine, you'll see the rocky and icy summit of Imja Tse. A half-hour hike from Bibre brings you to Chhukung, where you'll be greeted by stunning views of glaciers and snow-capped mountains. Upon arriving in Chhukung, you can either relax or hike to Chhukung Ri for even more spectacular mountain vistas, helping you prepare for the journey to Kongma La Pass the next morning.

Today's journey takes you into the isolated alpine hinterlands, so be sure to carry plenty of water as there are no teahouses along the way. You have two options: climb the slope northwest of Chhukung towards the Nuptse glacier, or descend to the Bibre valley and trek the high path above Niyang Khola. Both routes offer spectacular views of Island Peak Valley and Amphu Lapcha's stony peak. You'll traverse a vast basin scattered with ice lakes along the eastern side of the Niyang Khola valley.

After about 5 hours of trekking, you'll reach the Kongma La Pass, the highest of Everest's three high passes. Prayer flags mark the pass at the peak, visible only when you reach the top. The descent begins from here, and it will be the most challenging part of today's expedition. You'll ascend the far side moraine, then head north along the Khumbu glacier route, ultimately arriving at Lobuche, your final destination for today's trek.

Today's segment of the 3 high passes trek takes you across the Khumbu Glacier's moraine toward Gorakshep. En route, you'll pass the pyramid landmark, offering breathtaking vistas of Everest's north ridge, encompassing Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, and Mt. Nuptse. Ascending to Thangma Riju, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks. From the Changri Glacier summit, Kalapatthar and its grassy meadow beneath Mt. Pumori come into view. Upon nearing Gorakshep, the majestic snow-capped peaks, including the world's highest, Mount Everest, greet you. Continuing, you'll pass by Gorak Shep Lake, adorned with memorials honoring Indian army mountaineers, before reaching Everest Base Camp. Here, you'll navigate the challenging terrain of the Khumbu Icefall trail, and although Everest may not be visible, the close-up views of Nuptse and Khumbutse towering over the colorful tents of mountaineers are equally awe-inspiring, marking the pinnacle of your journey. You'll spend the night in Gorak Shep.

The trek from Gorekhshep (5140m) to Kalapatthar (5555m), followed by the descent to Dzongla (4830m), offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure. This route showcases the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, with breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and more. Trekking through rugged terrain and high altitudes, you'll experience the thrill of conquering Kalapatthar's summit and witness stunning panoramic vistas. Descending to Dzongla, you'll immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of the Khumbu region, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness.

Prepare for an early start to witness the breathtaking vista of Cholatse as you embark on the toughest leg of the Everest 3 High Passes trek. Departing from Dzongla, you'll traverse through spur woodland before descending to a basin, facing the challenging ascent to Cho La Pass. Along the way, catch glimpses of Chola Lake and the majestic Mt. Ama Dablam. The steep climb, strewn with rocks and sinuous Bergschrund pathways, leads to the summit adorned with fluttering prayer flags, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Descending to Thagnak, the path becomes relatively easier unless icy conditions make it treacherous. You'll spend the night in Thagnak.

Departing early from Thagnak, continue your journey along the Three High Passes Trek Route, traversing Nepal's longest glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier. As you make your way to the other side of the glacier, you'll catch sight of the second Gokyo Lake, part of the stunning series of six lakes. Gokyo village awaits on the banks of the third lake, near the second.

Today offers a perfect opportunity for acclimatization with a hike to Gokyo Ri, renowned for its breathtaking views of the Everest region and the six mesmerizing lakes. Just 3 kilometers north of Gokyo lies the fourth lake, flanked by towering cliffs and peaks. Continuing onwards, you'll reach the fifth and largest azure blue lake, where you can ascend the slopes for panoramic vistas of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. Beyond the fifth lake lies Cho Oyu base camp, offering yet another stunning panorama. Depending on your curiosity, time, and energy, you may even venture to explore the sixth lake. This marks the second acclimatization day as per the Everest Three High Passes Trek Itinerary.

Begin your day early with a hike to Renjo La Pass, diverging from the main Gokyo valley route to follow the Renjo La trail through Dudh Pokhari. After approximately three hours, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Taboche. This challenging climb culminates at the pass's pinnacle, offering breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Mt. Cho-Oyu and other towering peaks. Descend the stairs to Angladumba Tsho, then continue trekking to discover Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake. Passing through a small valley filled with massive stones, you'll make your way to Lumde. After about an hour's trek, you'll reach Marlung village, where you'll spend the night.

Today's leg of your 3 high passes trek takes you from Marlung to Thame, following the ancient route used by Tibetan traders for centuries. Descend through the Bhote Koshi valley to Taranga and reach Langmuche Khola. At Thame, enjoy stunning mountain views from the lodges near the famous Buddhist shrine (Gompa), with sights of Thamserku, Katenga, Kusum Kanguru, and more. Cross the bridge to Samde, known for its spectacular mountain vistas. Continue on a steep path to Thamo, where you can visit the Khari Goma monastery, also a nunnery. Pass by the world's highest power plant, built with Australian assistance, and through the small village of Phurte, home to the Laudo Monastery. Finally, arrive in Namche Bazaar, passing several gompas, prayer flags, Chorten, and Mani stones along the way.

This final day of the Everest Three High Passes trek starts in Namche and ends in Lukla. The descent can be challenging, as you'll be navigating steep slopes with weary legs. Take your time crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi and continue into the alpine forest. The trail flattens out after passing the suspension bridges spanning the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries. Enjoy the scenic mix of broad plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and distant snow-capped peaks. As you pass through various villages on your way to Lukla, you'll encounter several mani walls and monasteries, reflecting the strong Buddhist beliefs of the region.

Today, you will take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Typically, flights from Lukla to Kathmandu operate in the morning due to severe weather conditions (wind or low visibility) that often occur in the afternoon. However, be prepared for potential delays or cancellations caused by adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances, and consider having an extra contingency day to accommodate these possibilities. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, after completing your long and adventurous journey, you can spend the rest of the day touring, relaxing, or celebrating. You'll stay overnight at a hotel in Thamel and enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner to successfully conclude your Everest Three High Passes trek.

Today marks your departure from Kathmandu. Our assistant will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at the international terminal three hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. If you wish, you can extend your trip by selecting another package.

Our team of guides, porters, and accompanying staff are locals with extensive knowledge of every location we travel through, ensuring you have an enriching and memorable experience.