Everest Three Pass Trek – 21D 20N

Elevation: 1,350 m
Walking Distance: Minimal
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal and the beginning of your Everest Three Pass adventure. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative of Himalayan Sherpa Exodus Team Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. will receive you and arrange your transfer to the hotel.

Kathmandu lies within a broad Himalayan valley surrounded by green hills and has long served as Nepal's cultural, commercial, and travel centre. After checking in, you can rest following your international journey or take a gentle walk around the nearby streets.

Later, our trekking team will provide a detailed trip briefing. Equipment, trail conditions, altitude considerations, safety procedures, domestic flight arrangements, and the overall trekking schedule will be discussed. This is also an opportunity to make final preparations before entering the Khumbu.

Day Highlights:
Arrival in Nepal, airport assistance, introduction to the trekking team, pre-trek briefing, and final preparation.

Kathmandu: 1,350 m
Lukla: 2,860 m
Phakding: 2,610 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 7–8 km
Walking Time: 3–4 hours

An early journey takes us from Kathmandu toward Ramechhap, passing through the middle hills, river valleys, agricultural terraces, and rural settlements of central Nepal. From Ramechhap, we board a short mountain flight to Lukla, the principal air gateway to the Everest region.

Landing at Lukla brings an immediate change in atmosphere. The subtropical hills of the lower valleys begin giving way to the cooler mountain environment of the Khumbu. After meeting the local trekking crew and organizing our baggage, we begin walking.

The trail gradually descends through settlements such as Chheplung and follows the valley of the Dudh Koshi River. Prayer stones, mani walls, suspension bridges, cultivated fields, and scattered Sherpa homes introduce us to the cultural landscape of the region.

Our first trekking day finishes at Phakding, a peaceful settlement beside the Dudh Koshi. The relatively short walk allows the body to begin adapting gradually to the increase in elevation.

Day Highlights:
Scenic road journey, mountain flight to Lukla, first views of the Khumbu landscape, Dudh Koshi Valley, Sherpa settlements, mani stones, and riverside accommodation.

Phakding: 2,610 m
Namche Bazaar: 3,440 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 10.7 km
Walking Time: 6–7 hours

Today we move deeper into the Khumbu and gradually enter a more dramatic mountain environment. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi through pine and rhododendron forest, crossing several suspension bridges and passing traditional villages.

The route continues through settlements such as Monjo before entering the protected landscape of the Sagarmatha National Park region. After descending to Jorsalle, we cross the river and continue toward one of the day's most memorable sections, where high suspension bridges span the steep river gorge.

Beyond the final bridge, a sustained uphill climb begins through forest. Depending on visibility, the approach may offer an early glimpse toward Mount Everest.

Eventually we reach Namche Bazaar, an extraordinary amphitheatre-shaped settlement built into the mountain slopes. Namche is the principal commercial and social centre of the upper Khumbu, with lodges, bakeries, equipment shops, cafés, local markets, and homes belonging largely to the Sherpa community.

Day Highlights:
Dudh Koshi crossings, Sagarmatha National Park landscape, suspension bridges, forest ascent, possible first Everest view, and arrival at Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar: 3,440 m
Highest Point: Everest View Hotel area, approximately 3,880 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 8–10 km
Walking Time: 4–5 hours

This is an important acclimatization day rather than a complete rest day. Following the principle of gaining altitude during the day and sleeping lower, we hike above Namche toward Syangboche and the Everest View Hotel area.

As elevation increases, magnificent views begin opening toward Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other surrounding peaks, subject to weather conditions.

We then continue toward Khumjung, one of the Khumbu's most distinctive Sherpa settlements. The village lies in a broad mountain basin below sacred Khumbila and retains a more traditional residential character than busy Namche. Stone houses, agricultural plots, Buddhist monuments, and community institutions provide insight into everyday life in the upper Khumbu.

After exploring the area, we descend back toward Namche Bazaar. The combination of moderate altitude gain and a return to the same sleeping elevation supports better adaptation before continuing higher.

Day Highlights:
Everest panorama, acclimatization hike, Syangboche, Khumjung Village, Sherpa cultural landscape, mountain agriculture, and Himalayan viewpoints.

Namche Bazaar: 3,440 m
Tengboche: 3,870 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 9.8 km
Walking Time: 6–7 hours

Leaving Namche, we follow a spectacular contour trail with broad views across the Imja Khola Valley. On clear days, the skyline may include Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and several lesser-known summits.

The route passes through small settlements and gradually descends toward the river. After crossing the watercourse, a long forest climb begins toward Tengboche. Rhododendron, pine, fir, and juniper characterize parts of this section, although vegetation gradually becomes thinner as altitude increases.

We arrive at Tengboche, situated on an elevated ridge with an exceptional mountain setting. The settlement is best known for Tengboche Monastery, an important Buddhist spiritual centre for the Sherpa communities of the Khumbu.

The combination of mountain scenery, forest, and Buddhist heritage makes Tengboche one of the most atmospheric overnight locations on the trek.

Day Highlights:
Panoramic Himalayan trail, forested river valley, sustained ascent, Tengboche Monastery, Buddhist culture, and close views toward Ama Dablam.

Tengboche: 3,870 m
Dingboche: 4,320 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 11.5 km
Walking Time: 6–7 hours

After breakfast, we descend through forest toward Deboche and continue across the river. The trail then climbs gradually through Pangboche, one of the long-established Sherpa settlements of the upper Khumbu.

As we proceed higher, the environment becomes progressively more alpine. Dense forest gives way to low shrubs, open grassland, stone-walled fields, and broad glacial valleys. The dramatic pyramid of Ama Dablam remains a strong visual presence through much of the day.

We eventually leave the main route toward Pheriche and follow the trail into the Imja Valley, arriving at Dingboche. The village is surrounded by stone-walled agricultural plots traditionally used to protect crops from cold winds and grazing animals.

At more than 4,300 metres, Dingboche marks our transition into serious high-altitude terrain. The pace is deliberately controlled to support acclimatization.

Day Highlights:
Deboche forest, Pangboche Village, changing alpine vegetation, Imja Valley, stone-walled fields, and increasingly dramatic high-mountain scenery.

Dingboche: 4,320 m
Highest Point: Approximately 5,080 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 9.8 km
Walking Time: 4–5 hours

A second dedicated acclimatization day prepares us for the demanding terrain ahead. From Dingboche, we climb the ridge toward Nangkartshang Hill, gaining substantial elevation over a relatively short horizontal distance.

The ascent is steady and increasingly exposed as we rise above the village. From higher points, the landscape opens toward the Imja Valley and surrounding peaks. Depending on weather, trekkers may enjoy remarkable perspectives of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Island Peak, Taboche, Cholatse, and surrounding Himalayan ranges.

The objective is not speed. A slow, controlled ascent gives our bodies valuable exposure to elevations above 5,000 metres before we return to Dingboche for another night at 4,320 metres.

The afternoon is reserved for hydration, rest, meals, equipment organization, and preparation for the next stage of the journey.

Day Highlights:
Major acclimatization gain, panoramic ridge walking, views over Dingboche and the Imja Valley, and preparation for the first high pass.

Dingboche: 4,320 m
Chhukung: 4,730 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 4.5 km
Walking Time: 2–3 hours

Today is intentionally shorter to preserve energy before crossing Kongma La. We follow the upper Imja Valley eastward from Dingboche toward the small high-altitude settlement of Chhukung.

The terrain becomes increasingly barren and glacial, with wide valley floors, moraine formations, rocky slopes, and immense mountain walls surrounding the route. Peaks including Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Island Peak dominate different parts of the skyline.

Chhukung functions primarily as a trekking and mountaineering settlement rather than a traditional agricultural village. Its location makes it an important staging point for Island Peak expeditions, Chhukung Ri excursions, and the Kongma La crossing.

The afternoon is used for rest and final preparation. Our guide will assess weather, trail conditions, snow levels, and the physical condition of the group before the demanding pass crossing.

Day Highlights:
Upper Imja Valley, short acclimatization trek, high-alpine scenery, mountaineering atmosphere, and preparation for Kongma La.

Chhukung: 4,730 m
Kongma La Pass: Approximately 5,550 m
Lobuche: 4,940 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 14 km
Walking Time: Around 10–11 hours

Today represents one of the most physically demanding stages of the journey. We begin early from Chhukung and gradually climb through remote, rugged terrain toward Kongma La, the first of the Everest Three Passes.

Unlike the busier main Everest trail, this section passes through a largely uninhabited high-mountain environment. There are few facilities between Chhukung and Lobuche, making self-sufficiency, appropriate clothing, food, water, and steady pacing particularly important.

The approach crosses rocky slopes, glacial terrain, and exposed high-altitude landscapes before reaching the pass. From Kongma La, weather permitting, an extraordinary panorama unfolds across the surrounding Himalayan ranges and glacial valleys.

After crossing the pass, the descent requires concentration, particularly where snow, ice, or loose rock may be present. We then negotiate the moraine landscape associated with the Khumbu Glacier before reaching Lobuche.

This is a long and demanding day, but also one of the defining experiences of the entire trek.

Day Highlights:
First high pass, isolated Himalayan terrain, Kongma La, glacier and moraine crossing, extreme alpine scenery, and arrival in Lobuche.

Lobuche: 4,940 m
Gorak Shep: 5,170 m
Everest Base Camp: 5,364 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 11.6 km
Walking Time: 7–8 hours

We continue northward through the upper Khumbu, following a rugged trail between glacial moraine and towering Himalayan peaks.

Our first destination is Gorak Shep, a small seasonal settlement located on an ancient lakebed below Kala Patthar. After a short break and leaving unnecessary belongings at the lodge, we continue toward Everest Base Camp.

The route follows undulating glacial moraine beside the Khumbu Glacier. The landscape is raw and constantly changing, shaped by ice movement, rockfall, freezing conditions, and high-altitude weather.

Reaching Everest Base Camp at approximately 5,364 metres is a memorable milestone. During the main climbing seasons, the area may be transformed into a temporary expedition settlement. Outside the climbing periods, its remote glacial character becomes particularly evident.

After spending time at Base Camp, we retrace our route to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day Highlights:
Khumbu Glacier, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, expedition landscape, glacial moraine, and the heart of the Everest massif.

Gorak Shep: 5,170 m
Kala Patthar: Approximately 5,545 m
Dzongla: 4,830 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 8.7 km
Walking Time: 7–8 hours

Before sunrise, we begin climbing Kala Patthar, one of the most celebrated viewpoints in the Everest region. Although the climb is not technically difficult, the altitude makes every step demanding.

As daylight reaches the high peaks, the summit area provides a remarkable perspective toward Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and the surrounding glacial landscape. Everest itself is more clearly appreciated from Kala Patthar than from Base Camp because of the surrounding terrain.

After descending to Gorak Shep for breakfast, we continue back toward Lobuche before turning away from the main Everest trail toward Dzongla.

The route becomes quieter as we approach the Cho La region. Dzongla is a small high-altitude settlement surrounded by steep mountains, rocky slopes, and glacial terrain. We rest here in preparation for another demanding pass crossing.

Day Highlights:
Sunrise from Kala Patthar, classic Everest viewpoint, descent from Gorak Shep, quieter western trail, and approach to Cho La.

Dzongla: 4,830 m
Cho La Pass: Approximately 5,330 m
Dragnag: 4,700 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 11.4 km
Walking Time: 8–9 hours

An early departure is essential as we begin the second major pass of the journey, Cho La.

The approach involves rugged terrain, rocky slopes, and potentially icy sections. Conditions can vary considerably with season and recent snowfall, so the pace and route are determined carefully by the guide.

As we climb higher, the landscape becomes increasingly austere, with glaciers, cliffs, snow slopes, and distant mountain ridges dominating the surroundings. Reaching Cho La provides a strong sense of crossing from one major Himalayan valley system into another.

The descent on the western side can be steep and requires careful footing. We eventually move into gentler terrain and continue toward Dragnag, sometimes written as Thagnak, a small settlement located close to the Ngozumpa Glacier.

After such a strenuous day, a warm lodge, food, hydration, and proper rest become especially welcome.

Day Highlights:
Cho La crossing, high-altitude ice and rock terrain, remote glacial landscape, challenging descent, and entry toward the Gokyo Valley.

Dragnag: 4,700 m
Gokyo: 4,790 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 5 km
Walking Time: 3–4 hours

Although shorter than the previous day, today's route offers one of the trek's most fascinating geographical experiences. We leave Dragnag and cross the complex moraine landscape of the Ngozumpa Glacier.

The glacier surface is a mixture of rock-covered ice, moraine ridges, depressions, and constantly changing features. The route may shift over time as the glacier evolves, so following the guide carefully is important.

After completing the crossing, we climb toward the beautiful Gokyo Valley. The scenery changes dramatically as turquoise glacial lakes appear beneath surrounding mountains.

We reach Gokyo, a small settlement beside one of the main lakes. The combination of blue-green water, open Himalayan landscape, and snow-covered peaks gives Gokyo a distinctly different character from the Everest Base Camp side of the trek.

The remainder of the afternoon is kept relatively easy after the previous high-pass crossing.

Day Highlights:
Ngozumpa Glacier crossing, glacial geography, turquoise Gokyo Lakes, arrival at Gokyo Village, and contrasting scenery of the western Khumbu.

Gokyo: 4,790 m
Gokyo Ri: Approximately 5,357 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 10–12 km, depending on excursion
Walking Time: 6–7 hours

Before sunrise, we begin the steep climb above Gokyo toward Gokyo Ri. The summit is one of the outstanding panoramic viewpoints of the Everest region.

From the top, clear conditions can reveal an immense sweep of Himalayan terrain, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, the Ngozumpa Glacier, and the chain of Gokyo Lakes.

After descending to Gokyo for breakfast and rest, we may continue deeper into the upper valley toward the Fifth Gokyo Lake, depending on weather, trail conditions, available time, and group fitness.

The upper Gokyo Valley feels exceptionally remote. Glacial lakes, moraines, and immense mountain walls create a landscape almost entirely shaped by altitude, ice, and geological processes.

We return to Gokyo for a second night, giving us time to recover before crossing Renjo La.

Day Highlights:
Sunrise from Gokyo Ri, four-thousand and eight-thousand-metre mountain panorama, Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier views, and exploration of the upper valley.

Gokyo: 4,790 m
Renjo La Pass: Approximately 5,345 m
Lungdhen: 4,480 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 11.4 km
Walking Time: 8–9 hours

Today we cross the third and final major pass of the Everest Three Pass circuit.

Leaving Gokyo early, we climb steadily toward Renjo La. Looking back from the upper slopes, the Gokyo Lakes and surrounding Himalayan peaks create some of the finest scenery of the entire journey.

Upon reaching the pass, there is time to appreciate the transition between the Gokyo Valley and the remote Bhote Koshi side of the Khumbu. Prayer flags often mark the high point, where the landscape opens toward distant mountains and valleys.

The descent toward Lungdhen is long and requires careful footing. Gradually, the terrain becomes less severe as we lose elevation.

Eventually we arrive at Lungdhen, a small settlement in the upper Bhote Koshi Valley. Completion of Renjo La represents a significant achievement, marking the successful crossing of all three major passes.

Day Highlights:
Renjo La, final Three Pass crossing, panoramic views over Gokyo, remote western Khumbu, descent into the Bhote Koshi Valley, and completion of the Three Pass challenge.

Lungdhen: 4,480 m
Thame: 3,820 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 8.9 km
Walking Time: Around 5 hours

The character of the journey changes noticeably as we descend from the high-pass environment toward more permanent Sherpa settlements.

The trail follows the upper Bhote Koshi Valley, an area historically connected with routes leading toward Tibet. Vegetation gradually becomes more noticeable as elevation decreases, and the presence of stone houses, grazing areas, and cultivated land signals our return to inhabited terrain.

Our destination is Thame, a culturally important Sherpa village located away from the busiest Everest trekking corridor. The settlement has a strong association with traditional mountain life, Buddhism, trade routes, and the mountaineering heritage of the Khumbu.

The nearby monastery and surrounding landscape provide a quiet atmosphere quite different from Namche Bazaar.

After several demanding days above 5,000 metres, the lower sleeping altitude at Thame is particularly welcome.

Day Highlights:
Bhote Koshi Valley, historical Himalayan travel corridor, Sherpa settlement, Buddhist heritage, gradual return to vegetation, and peaceful mountain surroundings.

Thame: 3,820 m
Namche Bazaar: 3,440 m
Jorsalle: Approximately 2,740 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 14–15 km if continuing to Jorsalle
Walking Time: 6–7 hours

We leave Thame and follow the valley eastward toward Namche. Compared with the previous high-altitude sections, the trail feels considerably easier as oxygen levels increase and vegetation becomes denser.

The path passes scattered Sherpa settlements, mani walls, prayer flags, forest, and cultivated areas before returning to Namche Bazaar.

After a break in Namche, we begin the familiar descent through forest toward the Dudh Koshi Valley. The descent can still be demanding on the knees, so a controlled pace remains important.

We cross the high suspension bridges once again and continue toward Jorsalle, where the atmosphere is warmer and more heavily forested than the high valleys we have recently left behind.

This day vividly illustrates the environmental transition from the alpine Khumbu to its greener lower river valleys.

Day Highlights:
Return to Namche, Sherpa villages, forested trail, Dudh Koshi Valley, suspension bridges, and significant loss of altitude.

Jorsalle Area: Approximately 2,740 m
Lukla: 2,860 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 13–15 km
Walking Time: 6–7 hours

Our final trekking day follows the Dudh Koshi Valley through familiar settlements and forested hillsides.

We pass through the lower Khumbu villages, where farming, lodge tourism, pack-animal transport, and local community life coexist along the mountain trail. After many days in the barren high Himalaya, the green landscape and flowing rivers feel strikingly different.

The route includes a mixture of gradual descents and short climbs before the final ascent toward Lukla.

Reaching Lukla marks the completion of our walking journey through the Everest Three Pass circuit. In the evening, there is usually time to relax with the trekking crew and reflect on a route that has crossed three major passes, two major glacial systems, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, and numerous Sherpa settlements.

Day Highlights:
Final day on the Everest trail, Dudh Koshi Valley, lower Khumbu settlements, forest scenery, and completion of the trek in Lukla.

Lukla: 2,860 m
Kathmandu: 1,350 m
Trekking: None

Weather permitting, we take an early flight from Lukla back to Ramechhap. The short mountain flight provides a final aerial perspective of the hills and Himalayan landscape.

From Ramechhap, we continue overland to Kathmandu, travelling through river valleys, agricultural landscapes, roadside settlements, and Nepal's middle hills.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. After nearly three weeks in the mountains, the remainder of the day is free for rest, a hot shower, comfortable meals, or simply enjoying the contrast between the remote Khumbu and the energy of the capital.

Day Highlights:
Mountain flight, road journey through rural Nepal, return to Kathmandu, hotel comfort, and well-earned rest.

Elevation: 1,350 m
Walking Distance: Flexible
Activity: Leisure, optional sightseeing, shopping, and farewell dinner

Today is reserved as a flexible leisure day in Kathmandu. You may choose to rest at the hotel, explore local neighbourhoods, shop for souvenirs, enjoy cafés and restaurants, or arrange optional cultural sightseeing.

Kathmandu presents a fascinating contrast to the high Himalaya. Historic temples, Buddhist stupas, palace squares, narrow streets, traditional architecture, handicraft markets, and contemporary city life coexist throughout the valley.

In the evening, Himalayan Sherpa Exodus Team Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. will host a farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of your Everest Three Pass Trek.

It is an opportunity to share memories with the team and reflect on an extraordinary journey through some of Nepal's most impressive mountain landscapes.

Day Highlights:
Free time, optional Kathmandu exploration, souvenir shopping, cultural experience, and farewell dinner with the trekking team.

Elevation: 1,350 m
Activity: Airport transfer and international departure

Your Everest Three Pass journey concludes today.

According to your international flight schedule, our representative will assist with your transfer from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport.

As you leave Nepal, you take with you far more than the memory of reaching Everest Base Camp. The journey has crossed Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, explored the valleys of Chhukung and Gokyo, crossed glacial landscapes, stood above 5,000 metres on several occasions, and passed through communities where Sherpa culture remains inseparable from the mountains.

We sincerely thank you for choosing Himalayan Sherpa Exodus Team Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. and hope the experience becomes one of your most meaningful Himalayan memories.

Day Highlights:
Hotel-to-airport assistance, international departure, and completion of the Everest Three Pass Trek.