Everest Three Passes Trek - 20 Days

Hoping that you enjoyed relishing the blend of nature, culture, and adventure in the Everest region. It’s a day to say goodbye as you board a thrilling flight from Lukla to Kathmandu with striking aerial views of peaks, rivers, and valleys from the sky. Our official will be at the terminal gate of the airport to greet you, marking the end of your adventurous trekking adventure officially in that region.

It’s a day to discover the best attractions in the capital city of Nepal, which are naturally and historically significant and offer to witness ancient architecture, sculptures, and information about the history of Nepal, adding to the traditions of the locals. Some are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Durbar Squares, and other places like The Garden of Dreams, Chandragiri Hill, Kathmandu Fun Park, etc. You can also stroll around the trading markets of the vibrant city, such as Asan Market, Dursquare Area, Thamel, and Boudhanath Area, where you can buy souvenirs for your lovely family.

It is your final day in the Himalayan country after your unforgettable trek in the Everest region, and you head to the homeland, leaving behind the high peaks, magnificent monasteries, and precious warmth of Sherpas. The journey has become a surreal adventure and memories for a lifetime. Our representative will drop you off at the airport and warmly bid you farewell.

Departing from Tribhuvan International Airport, a busy hub for international and domestic flights, this 30-minute flight takes trekkers to Lukla, where wonderful scenery of lush hills, valleys below, and the Everest region awaits. Upon arrival, locals warmly greet you, since it is an essential point for the trek to the Everest region.

Along the way, you walk through ChauriKharka, monasteries, and lush green forests with spectacular vistas of Mt. Kusum and Mt. Nupla to the picturesque village of Phakding.

Reaching Namche Bazar through several villages, including Benkar, Monjo, and Jarsalle, takes 5-6 hours. After a leisurely head down the Dudkoshi River via dense pine trees and across various suspension bridges, you enter Sagarmatha National Park. With glimpses of Mt. Everest across the Nuptse and Lhotse ranges, you drive through Jarsalle hamlet to reach Namche, primarily inhabited by Sherpa people.

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar is a major part of trekking in the Everest region to assist travelers to higher elevations and avoid altitude sickness. Namche Bazar is a perfect hub to pause and rest and explore the unique Himalayan cultures and traditions of Sherpas.

Some common hikes take you to Everest View Point, Khunde, Khumju villages, and the mountaineering museum. These offer stunning panoramas of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. After the hike, trekkers return to Namche by mid-afternoon, as it’s crucial to rest, hydrate, and eat nutritious food to help the body recover.

Departing from Namche Bazar, you continue your journey towards Thame, following the Bhote Koshi River and passing through pine and rhododendron forests. Along the way, you will see the mud-plastered stupa at Phurte. Continuing onward, you eventually arrive at Thamo and Thamo Gompa, and from here the path steeply descends to the Khumbu Hydroelectric Plant before reaching Thame, situated at the end of the Khumbu Valley.

Thame is home to many famous mountaineers, including Apa Sherpa, who holds the world record for climbing Everest 21 times. Tenzing Noray Sherpa spent his childhood happily there, one of the first climbers to conquer Mt. Everest, alongside Edmund Hillary.

After having breakfast early in the morning, you will walk through quaint villages while acclaiming the awe-inspiring views of the adjoining landscapes, lush green forests, and majestic mountains. The yaks, snow-covered peaks, lichens, yaks, and boulders are all enchantingly lit up by the dawn light, offering the scene a vibrant and surreal feel.

You resume your journey through Marulung (4200 m) before reaching Lungden, even though Tauranga is the last village in the valley. In your spare time, you can explore Cho Relmo Lake for even more stunning panoramas or trek to Nakpa Valle, an ancient trade route to Tibet.

You will walk through Renjo La Pass, the route’s first pass, making it one of the most fascinating days. Leaving Lungden behind, continue it to the Gokyo Lakes area, where you can see numerous human activities, such as yak herding, depending on the season. Once you reach Renjo La Pass, you will be amused by the panoramic vistas of high peaks, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Mt. Makalu. In addition, you can explore Dudh Pokhar, the third Gokyo lake, and the Gokyo Valley, located next to it. After three, the path descends and lets you enter the Gokyo Valley; however, you must be careful as the trail might be icy.

Ascending the Gokyo Ri View Point, which offers gorgeous views of the Everest region, including Thonak Tshol Lake and Ngozuma Tsho Lake, is one of the most challenging and adventurous days.

The 5,000-meter Ngozumpa Tsho Glacier, situated 3 km north of Gokyo, and Scoundrel’s Viewpoint are a 5-minute walk away. The fantastic views of higher peaks can be obtained from this location, and Cho Oyu Base Camp may be seen to the north of Fifth Gokyo Lake. Trekkers get back to Gokyo Valley for the night after having enjoyment there.

You will resume your journey this day, traversing the Ngozumpa Glacier; however, the trail is rocky, navigating frequent ups and downs. As you head down to the valley, following the eastern glacial moraine, the surrounding panoramic views will inspire you to keep going. After a gentle walk, you reach the Thangnak Lodge area, a peaceful spot and ideal for preparing to cross the Cho La Pass.

There are more strenuous treks to cover this day as you will traverse Cho La Pass, which connects Dzongla and Thangnak through narrow rocky trails and glacial moraines, leaving Thangnak behind. However, standing on the pass offers stunning views of high peaks and the surrounding area, and from here, you will walk down to Dzongla for the night.

After a wonderful night in Dzongla, you’ll begin your journey the following day, continuing the trek toward today’s destination, Lobuche, where you’ll reconnect with the classical Everest Base Camp Trek route. Your day begins following the moraine and climbing down alongside peaceful Chola Lake. As you proceed, you’ll traverse memorial statues dedicated to the brave mountaineers who lost their lives in this region. Following the winding trails of the Imja Khola Valley, you eventually arrive at Lobuche with a gratifying experience.

You will finally stand on the base of the highest point in the world (8848 m) and have a sense of achievement, following in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers. Your trip embarks on traversing the Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine to reach Gorakshep.

Leaving your possessions at Gorak Shep, you climb uphill to Everest Base Camp (EBC) in the north. It’s not easy to reach EBC, but panoramic views that fewer people on earth ever get to see will stir your feelings and heal pains. After the photography session, you stroll down to Gorak Shep for the night.

After a delicious breakfast, you climb up to Kala Patthar (5550 m), early in the morning, the renowned vantage point of the Everest region, to witness the sunrise over Everest, the highest point of the trek. You stroll down to Gorakshep after some while with panoramic vistas of high peaks, giant hills, and glaciers below.

It’s a day to cross the final out of the three passes on your trail that begins from Lobuche, which is the most challenging. It’s easy with the route interspersed with frozen lakes to Kongma La Pass (5545 m). From here, you witness spectacular views of Himalayan ranges such as Makalu, Aba Dablam, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and Baruntse.

Descending from Kongma La Peak leads you to Chhukung Village, nestled on the eastern side of the Nigyang Khola Valley. It is recently well-known as a trekking destination, even though there is no permanent population but is used as a yak pasture by Sherpas.

You trek through the settlement of Dingboche, renowned for its alpine pastures and stone-walled potato fields, after heading down to the Imja Khola Valley. You will also pass through Kharkas (highlands) at Tsura, Orsho, and Shomare.

Further ahead, you reach Pangboche village after walking for a while, then eventually reach Tengboche with some ascents and descents. Along the way,  hilarious panoramas of notable mountains such as Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam will come to appear. The oldest monastery in the Khumbu region is also covered in the itinerary.

Early morning, the trail to Namche Bazar takes you through lush forests where highland wildlife such as musk deer, mountain goats, and snow leopards are seen. You will climb on the steep slopes along the Chortens and prayer flags with glimpses of Mt. Everest and the backside of Lhotse. Then you enjoy the night at Namche Bazar by communicating with the locals to get more information about their unique cultures and traditions.