Everest Three Passes Trek

On the day, the trail is more exciting and challenging. Following breakfast at Phakding, you walk to the north of the Dudh Kosi River, through pine and rhododendron woods. The trail climbs and descends, passing through a number of suspension bridges, with the most notable one being the Hillary Bridge high above the river.

On your way, you wind up at Monjo (2,835 m / 9,301 ft), where permits are checked at the entry gate to Sagarmatha National Park. It is a more dramatic view here, with the valley getting narrower and the mountains becoming taller.

After some elevation, you can have your first glimpse of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft) on a clear day. You keep climbing up and up, which leads you, finally, to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft). This bustling Sherpa town is the centre of trade in the Khumbu region.

After a hot meal, you relax in your lodge and have a good sleep.

This day is spent in acclimatisation. You make a short and light hike to allow your body to adapt to the elevation. In the morning, there is a walk uphill to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m / 12,730 ft), which offers one of the best views in the area. Here, you can have panoramic views of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft), Ama Dablam (6,814 m / 22,349 ft), Lhotse and other high mountains.

On your way, you can stop at the Sherpa Culture Museum, where you can learn about the local customs and the history of mountaineering. There are also other hikes like the nearby village of Khumjung and Khunde, which have monasteries, schools and traditional stone houses. It takes you a couple of hours of sightseeing and walking, which is followed by lunch at Namche Bazaar.

Afternoon is free to rest. You may visit local stores, have a pastry in the bakery or just rest in your lodge. Another night at 3,440 m /11,286 ft gives you a good chance to acclimatise before proceeding to greater heights in the Everest Three Passes Trek.

You proceed to Tengboche after breakfast in Namche. The route begins with the easy stroll on the hillside, which provides the beautiful sight of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Reaching Kyangjuma, the trail goes down through the forest to Phungi Thanga (3,250 m / 10,663 ft) by the river.

In the middle of the afternoon, you reach Tengboche (3860 m /12664 ft), a small village with a monastery. Tengboche Monastery is located on a ridge where there are amazing sceneries of Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft) and the surrounding mountains.

Once you check into your lodge, you can go to the monastery and have a chance to see the evening prayer ritual.

You wake up in Tengboche and enjoy beautiful mornings, and then proceed on your Everest Three Passes Trek to even greater altitude. The path leads down into the woods into Debuche and crosses the Imja Khola River on a suspension bridge. Then it starts to rise gradually, before reaching Pangboche (3,985 m / 13,074 ft), which is among the oldest Sherpa villages in the area, home to an ancient monastery.

Beyond Pangboche, trees are lost and substituted by shrubs of the alpine, mountainous landscapes and expansive valleys. You arrive in the afternoon in the village of Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft), which is a beautiful village with stone houses and amazing mountain views.

Once you are settled in your lodge, you can go around to explore the village or just rest in your cosy room.

The day of acclimatisation will assist your body to get used to the higher elevation of the Everest Three Passes Trek. Nagarjun Hill, also known as Nangkartshang peak, is a steep ascending hill after which you start your breakfast. The trail ascends above Dingboche, and you are put to the test.

In several hours of constant climbing, you reach the peak at about 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. The views are spectacular at this point. It is close up of Ama Dablam (6,814 m / 22,349 ft), the gigantic south side of Lhotse, Makalu in the background, and Island Peak (Imja Tse).

Once you have had a glimpse of the views, you gradually walk back to Dingboche, where you have lunch. Afternoon is the time to rest, drink, and do some light walking in the village.

The Everest Three Pass Trek is shorter and less difficult today, and your body has time to relax before the first high pass. You start the hike after breakfast in Dingboche and head eastwards in the Imja Valley.

The landscape is more dramatic as you walk. The Island Peak (6,189 m / 20,305 ft) is a steep rise in front, and the south side of Lhotse is very huge and dominates the skyline. You go through the Imja Khola stream over broad open fields where the yaks graze in the summer season.

When you walk for about 4 hours, you arrive at Chhukung (4,730 m / 15,518 ft), a small village where there are a few lodges and gear stores. If you feel strong, you can have an optional hike to Chhukung Ri (5,550 m / 18,209 ft) to acclimatise. Otherwise, rest and look out tomorrow with its hard pass crossing.

It is among the most challenging and the most rewarding days of the Everest Three Passes Trek. You begin exceptionally early at Chhukung (4,730 m / 15,518 ft), and gradually make your way to Kongma La Pass. The trail is sharp and rough, and the thin air renders each stride difficult.

After many hours of gradual ascent, you get to the top of Kongma La Pass (5,535 m / 18,159 ft). You have reached the point where the prayer flags are fluttering in the wind. At the pass, there are unbelievable sights of Makalu (8,485 m / 27,838 ft), Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse, and the large Khumbu Glacier is at the base.

A brief rest is followed by a long and cautious descent. The path is sharp and rocky, and you proceed very slowly. The route then leads eventually to the main Everest route and ends up in Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,109 ft).

To arrive at the lodge late afternoon is like a great triumph, and you have conquered the greatest challenge of the Everest Three Passes Trek.

It is one of the most exciting days of the Everest three pass trek as you visit the Everest base camp today. Breakfast in Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,109 ft) is followed by the rocky path along the Khumbu Glacier. The stroll is slow but strenuous as regards the elevation and ruggedness of the ground.

It is a matter of about 3 hours to get to Gorak Shep (5,140 m / 16,864 ft), the final settlement on the trail. You drop your bags after a quick lunch at Goreakshep and go on to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft). The trail passes through ice debris, rocky ridges and frozen creeks.

It is amazing to arrive at the Everest Base Camp. You are surrounded by prayer flags, rock cairns and the Khumbu icefall, which provides a dramatic scene at the base of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m 29,031.7 ft). Even though the summit is not seen, it is a memorable experience to stand here.

Having photographed and had a wonderful time, you go back to Gorak Shep, where you spend your night feeling very proud that you have managed to get to this historic location in the Everest Three Passes Trek.

You hike early in the morning before sunrise to Kala Patthar. The trek up the mountain, starting at Gorak Shep (5,140 m / 16,864 ft), is difficult and uphill in the chilly morning. And after about 2 hours, you arrive at Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft).

Mount Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft) shines with the golden light of the sun, as do Nuptse, Lhotse and Pumori. It is among the most spectacular views of the whole trek. You take photographs and head back to Gorak Shep, where you have breakfast.

You later find yourself going down the same path and beyond Lobuche, and then you deviate off the main trail to Dzongla. This less hectic part is slightly serene following the hectic Everest Base Camp trail.

You pass through the open and have a sight of the high north face of Cholatse. At afternoon, you reach Dzongla (4,830 m / 15,846 ft). You do get to bed early, and you are getting ready to do another high pass tomorrow on the Three Passes Trek in Everest.

The next day is another strenuous one in the Everest Three Passes Trek when you cross Cho La Pass. You come down early out of Dzongla (4,830 m / 15,846 ft) by rocky roads and through narrow valleys. The path is steeper, leading to Cho La Glacier.

The last is over icy terrain, and good grip is very important here. A few more hours later, you have reached Cho La Pass (5,420 m / 17,782 ft) with its prayer flags and stone cairns. At the summit, you get views of Cholatse, Lobuche East and the Gokyo in the distance.

It is a steep and rough way down, particularly when it is snowing. You cling to the slopes at a slow pace and gradually enter a broad valley, where the road gets less torturous.

In the afternoon, you arrive at Thangnak (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), a small settlement close to the Ngozumpa Glacier. You take a rest at the lodge fulfilled to have made the second big pass in the Everest Three Passes Trek.

You leave Thangnak (4700 m/15420 ft), cross the huge Ngozumpa Glacier, the Himalayas’ longest glacier and move forward. The path cuts through glacial debris, and there are continuous rises and falls.

You walk across the glacier very carefully and then up the moraine, which is the far side. You can see the beautiful blue Gokyo lakes. The difference between the blue water and the mountains around is impressive. Before long, you reach Gokyo (4,790 m / 15,715 ft), which is located next to the third Gokyo Lake.

You arrive at lunch and get into your lodge. Afternoons are at liberty to rest on the lake, or to walk about the village, or to a little way towards the lakes. The valley is an attractive and serene place dominated by Cho Oyu (8,188 m / 26,864 ft).

It is an acclimatisation day and a discovery day on the Everest Three Passes Trek. In the morning, you start the hike up Gokyo Ri, which is located at 4,790 m (15,715 ft). The path is rugged and strenuous, and the rewards are worth it.

After 3 hours, you arrive at the top of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft). Here you have one of the best panoramic views of the trek. The horizon is filled with Mount Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft), Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and numerous other mountains. In the following, the Gokyo Lakes are basking in the rocky terrain.

Then you take your time coming down to Gokyo to have lunch after enjoying the scenery. The remaining part of the day is rest and recovery. Another night here makes your body ready for the last high pass to come.

Today, you will cross the last high pass of the Everest Three Passes Trek, which is Renjo La Pass. Renjo La is the simplest of the other passes, and one of the prettiest. You start a gradual but continuous climb on a clear path after breakfast in Gokyo (4,790 m / 15,715 ft). It is not a steep climb, and you can take your time.

The higher you are, the more scenic the views. Mount Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft) and Lhotse and Makalu, and the beautiful blue Gokyo Lakes, all below you. The pass is also marked by prayer flags, which give an ideal spot to rest and rejoice at having gone through all three passes of the Everest Three Passes Trek.

The drop off of the Renjo La is not very steep. The road goes down to a less busy valley, with rocky hills and scenery. Towards the end of the afternoon, you reach Marlung (4,210 m / 13,812 ft), where you take a good rest after an unforgettable day.

The Everest Three Passes Trek today will largely be a trek on the downslope. The trail runs by the Bhote Koshi valley after breakfast in Marlung (4,210 m / 13,812 ft). The trail is broad and easy and takes you through stone houses, prayer wheels, and little farms.

A couple of hours later, you come to Thame (3,820 m / 12,533 ft), a quiet village of Sherpas, whose ancient monastery is a tourist attraction, and the birthplace of the great Everest climbers. You also go to Thame Monastery, where you can see the monks’ chanting prayers in a serene and religious atmosphere.

You keep on going downhill after lunch to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m 11,286 ft). The path is rewarding as you see how far you have travelled. By afternoon, you are in Namche again. The night is easy and cheerful.

You may go shopping for souvenirs, have a treat at the bakery or just enjoy the accomplishment of the most challenging part of the Everest Three Passes Trek.

This is the last day of trekking of the Everest Three Passes Trek. Having breakfast in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft), you will be starting the long way down to Lukla. The path is at first steep, and you go slowly on and on. In a short time, you are on great suspension bridges over the river, the Dudh Koshi, with your usual accompaniment of water rushing down below.

You go through villages like Monjo (2,835 m / 9,301 ft), Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 ft), and Ghat, where you travelled at the start of the trek. The landscape shifts once more, and the rocky high-altitude landscape is substituted by green trees, waterfalls, and a warmer climate.

The route has a final climb above Lukla following lunch along the way. This final climb is exhausting, but it is worth it. Towards the end of the afternoon, you arrive at Lukla (2,840 m / 9,317 ft).

During the evening, you celebrate with your guide and the trekking crew. It can be laughter, music, and Sherpa dancing, and you are thinking that you successfully passed the Everest Three Passes Trek.

The Three Passes Trek of Everest officially finishes today. You fly back after having breakfast in Lukla (2,840 m / 9,317 ft) to the small mountain airport. You have one last glimpse of the valleys, rivers, and mountains that you have explored in the last few weeks with the short flight to Ramechhap.

Once you have landed at Manthali, Ramechhap, you start the scenic drive towards Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft). The road cuts across hilly landscapes, riverbanks, villages and progressively transgresses into the bustling city.

In the afternoon, you reach Kathmandu and come back to your hotel. Hot shower, a bed, and city comforts are extremely rewarding after a couple of days spent in the mountains.

You can have a party in Thamel during the evening with a final dinner. The trek has ended, but the experience of high passes, Everest sights and Sherpa culture of the Everest Three Passes Trek will never leave you.