Everest Three Passes trek

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal

Day 1 of your Everest Three Passes Trek itinerary is all about getting to Kathmandu. You’ll need to depart your home country the day before your itinerary begins to allow time for travel and time zone differences. Book international flights to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport for your adventure to start.

Once you land, you have time to unwind after. Rest, relax, and settle into the sights and sounds of Kathmandu.

We’ll kick things off with a group welcome meal at one of our favourite local restaurants in Kathmandu. Depending on arrival times, this may take place on Day 1 or Day 2 of your trip. Either way, it’s a great chance to meet your fellow trekkers, enjoy traditional Nepali food, and soak up some local culture with live music and dance.

Today you will explore the cultural and historical sites of the Kathmandu Valley. There may be a potential transfer to Ramechhap*.

You will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Pashupatinath temple, and Swyambhunath and Boudhanath. You’ll also enjoy lunch at one of our favourite viewpoints in the city.

Kathmandu lies at 1300m above sea level so it’s important to get out and about today and let your body acclimatise.

Now is the time to grab any last-minute items in the trekking hub of Thamel and get an early night ready for the trek tomorrow.

Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft

*Please note: Due to ongoing development and important maintenance at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, your flight to Lukla may be rerouted to Ramechhap Airport. Please see our FAQs for more details and support.

Our trek officially begins!

We’ll start the day early with a 30-35 min flight to Lukla Airport, where we’ll meet our porters and the rest of the team.

Once the porters have your luggage, the Three Passes trek officially begins. After three hours of mainly downhill and flat trail, we’ll reach Phakding where we’ll lodge for the night.

You can freshen up and enjoy the beautiful village which sits on the Dudh Kosi river. We will go for a short walk in Phakding village or hike to nearby Gompas to acclimatise.

Altitude: 2,652m/8,700ft

*Please note: As mentioned in Day 2, your flight to Lukla may be rerouted to Ramechhap Airport. Find out more about Lukla to Ramechhap transfers.

We’ll get going with a hike to Namche Bazaar and get our first glimpse of Mount Everest.

We’ll leave Phakding and move towards Monju — the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. We’ll cross suspension bridges, pass small settlements, and enjoy a hot drink in Monju while the experts handle all National Park necessities.

Then it’s time to cross another few suspension bridges, uphill towards Namche Bazaar. It’s a challenging 2-hour hike, but the initial views of Mount Everest and other peaks make it worthwhile.

We’ll stay overnight in a comfortable lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Altitude: 3440m/11,283ft

Today is all about adapting to the change in altitude and thinning air.

Staying active is the best way to acclimatise. So we’ll visit nearby Sherpa villages, like Khumjung and Khunde. You’ll have the chance to explore the monasteries and learn about life in the Himalayas. We’ll stay overnight in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

On day six, our destination is Devoche. Along the way, you'll be treated to spectacular panoramas of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, and the unmistakable, soaring peak of Ama Dablam

Continuing along the traditional Everest Base Camp route, we take an anti-clockwise trail that gradually leads you down to the valley floor, where you'll stop for lunch beside the Dudhkoshi River at an altitude of 3,250m. This is a perfect place to pause and take in the incredible surroundings, with a particularly close-up view of Thamserku dominating the landscape.

After lunch, you’ll tackle the steady zig-zagging climb up to Tengboche. Though the ascent takes around 2-3 hours, the effort is well worth it as you reach the iconic Tengboche Monastery, one of the most spiritual and scenic highlights of the region. From here you continue a short distance to the smaller village of Devoche where you will spend the night.

Altitude: 3,820m/12,533ft

Your day begins with a steady descent through beautiful, lush woodland, leading to a dramatic suspension bridge over the river.

After crossing, the trail gradually winds its way up the valley with a steady 2–3 hour climb, bringing you to the picturesque village of Pangboche (3,985m), rich in Sherpa culture and tradition. Take time to explore the ancient Chortens and intricately carved Mani walls that line the village.

The views of Ama Dablam along this section are truly unforgettable, offering some of the most striking close-up perspectives of this iconic peak. After lunch, you’ll continue your ascent, following the trail into the stunning Imja Valley. The final stretch is the steepest climb of the day, but your efforts are rewarded as you arrive at Dingboche, where you'll settle into your lodge for the night, surrounded by towering Himalayan giants.

Altitude: 4,410m/14,470ft

After a hearty breakfast, today is all about active acclimatisation as you set off on a hike up the neighbouring Nangkarstshang Peak, which towers above Dingboche.

This steady climb offers incredible views and is a vital part of helping your body adjust to the increasing altitude. If the weather is clear and the group is feeling strong, today also presents the exciting opportunity to crack the 5,000m mark for the first time on the trek, a huge psychological milestone and fantastic preparation for the higher altitudes to come.

As you ascend, you'll be treated to breathtaking, panoramic views of some of the Himalaya's most iconic peaks, including the striking Ama Dablam, towering Lhotse, and the vast Imja Khola Valley spreading out below.

After soaking in the views and ticking off that all-important altitude gain, you’ll descend back to Dingboche for a well-earned rest at your lodge, ready for the next stage of your high-altitude adventure.

Altitude: 4,410m/14,470ft

Today is the seventh day of the trek and our destination is Chhukung, where you can get a glimpse of Imja Tse (Island Peak).

This is the first time that you will divert from the main Everest Base Camp trail, heading Eastbound along the Island Peak trail. You follow the trail along the river passing the Jerzy Kukuczka Memorial, a tribute to climbers who sadly lost their lives in the region. The final push along the trail takes you to your lodge for the night, in the small village of Chhukung.

Today is the eighth day of the trek and the first of the three high altitude passes of the route, the Kongma La Pass at 5,535m.

Leaving Chhukung, we cross the Nuptse glacier before a steep upward trail which takes us to the top of the pass. The area lacks water resources and tea houses, therefore, we suggest you carry enough water to drink for the entire day. After enjoying the views, we take the path down the other side, before crossing the Lobouche glacier to your lodge for the night, back on the main Everest Base Camp trail.

(Highlights of the day: Aloofness of the area at Kongma La, magnificent views of Island peak and rough ridge of Amphu Lapcha, glaciers like Nuptse, Lhotse Nup, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.)

Today is the day we trek to the most famous base camp in the world, Everest!

Today takes us deep into the heart of the Khumbu. An early start is essential, so bundle up, the crisp mountain air bites at first light, and temperatures can be well below freezing.

The trail leads you across rugged glacial moraine, gradually gaining altitude as you push towards Gorak Shep, the highest settlement on the route. Here, you'll pause for a well-earned rest, refill your water bottles, and fuel up with lunch before the final stretch.

From Gorak Shep, the towering Himalayan giants surround you, the sharp peak of Mt. Pumori, along with Mahalangur, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and more come into view. The final approach to Base Camp takes you across rocky glacial terrain, with every step revealing more of this spectacular landscape.

Finally, you’ll stand at Everest Base Camp itself, perched at 5,364m (17,598ft) a monumental achievement and an unforgettable highlight of your adventure. Surrounded by soaring peaks and ancient glaciers, it’s a moment of pride, celebration, and awe you’ll carry with you for life.

After soaking it all in, snapping those iconic Base Camp photos, and celebrating with your team, you’ll retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep for the night (5,164m / 16,942ft), tired but exhilarated, knowing you’ve conquered one of the world’s great trekking milestones.

For those feeling strong, the day begins with an optional but unforgettable sunrise hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m).

It’s an early start, around 4:00am, but the effort is rewarded with one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Himalayas. After a challenging two-hour uphill climb, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panorama as the first light of day illuminates Mt. Everest, along with the surrounding giants of the Khumbu. For many, this is the defining moment of the entire trek, a scene that will stay with you forever.

After soaking in the views, you’ll descend back to Gorak Shep and regroup with those who opted for a slower start to the morning. From there, we descend back down to Lobouche, before taking the trail around Chola Lake to your lodge in Dzongla.

Today is the eleventh day of the trek and our destination is Thagnag.

The trail takes us to the second pass of the trek, Cho La Pass (5,420m). Initially, we walk a steep ascending trail following the icy and rocky trail (sometimes we recommend using crampons) to the top of the pass, where you are greeted with flapping prayer flags and a wonderful view of Gokyo Valley. After spending some time here, you descend a steep rocky trail down to the bottom of the pass, before crossing a small steam at Cho La Phedi, and onto you lodge for the night in Dragnag.

(Highlights of the day: Walk across Ngozumba glacier, magnificent view of Ama Dablam & Cholatse and the Gokyo Valley from Cho La pass, flapping prayer flags on top of Chola pass, icy, slippery and rocky trail and a grand view of Cholatse North Face from Dzongla.)

Today is the twelfth day of the trek and our destination is Gokyo.

After a slight ascent out of Dragnag, you will follow the east bank of the Ngozumba glacier. We cross the glacier before the sun gets stronger as during the sunny days the ice melts, making the trail more slippery and difficult to walk. After crossing the glacier, you will head for the village of Gokyo, and your lodge on the edge of the lake.

For those feeling up to it, we have an optional ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for sunset.

(Highlights of the day: Slippery trail across Ngozumba glacier, view of small lakes formed by the glacier and hike to small hills in Dragnag.)

Today is the thirteenth day of the trek and our destination is Lungden

Today, the trail takes us over the final pass of the trek – Renjo La (5,360m). Today’s walk is quite difficult as the path is quite slippery with mixed terrain. The trail leads out from Gokyo Tsho Lake, ascending to the top of the pass. From the top of Renjo La the views are spectacular so we spend a little time taking in the views. After catching your breath, and getting some photos, it is a steep descent down to the base of the pass. From there, it is about one and a half hours walk into Lungden and your lodge for the night.

(Highlights of the day: Dramatic view of the Everest Himalayan range, Makalu, Teng Ragi Tau, Rolwaling Range, Gyachung Kang, and Gokyo Lakes from Renjo La Pass, magnificent view of Ngozumba glacier accompanied by small glacial lakes, vertical uphill and downhill walk on a slippery trail.)

Today, we’ll reach Namche Bazaar, completing our circuit in the Khumbu region of Nepal.

A steep descent from Tengboche through the rhododendron forest will lead us to the bottom of the hill, where we cross a suspension bridge to reach Phunke Tenga.

From here, a steep climb through pine and juniper forest will take us to Khumjung. We’ll explore the village of Khumjung and then continue to walk down to Namche Bazaar.

You’ll be free to continue exploring, or rest at our local lodge.

It’s the last day of our Everest Three Passes trek!

We’ll embrace the last glimpses of Mount Everest, before hiking for 6-7 hours until we reach Lukla. The downhill trail takes us over the Dudh Koshi River and into Monjo (entry and exit point of the Sagarmatha National Park).

There will be some national park exit formalities before we cross more bridges and river banks as we head down to Phakding. From Phakding, the trail descends until Thado Koshi Gaon, and a gradual ascent from here will finally take us to Lukla.

At the lodge in Lukla, it’s time to let our hair down and celebrate the incredible achievement of completing the Everest Three Passes trek.

Today is your last day in the Khumbu region of Nepal. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to enjoy some final time in Kathmandu.

Our porters will carry your luggage to the airport where we have our final farewell. Once the plane lands at the airport, we will directly board the plane and fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning, enjoying the scenic view once again from the sky.

A comfortable private vehicle will be waiting at Kathmandu Airport to escort you safely to the hotel.

In the evening, you can unwind in comfort! We’ll meet up for a farewell meal and to share your final memories of an incredible achievement!

*Please note: As with your first flight to Lukla, this journey may also be via Ramechhap Airport rather than Kathmandu. Once your short flight lands at Ramechhap, the journey then to Kathmandu will be the long and bumpy drive back to Hotel Aloft, stopping for breaks along the way. Depending on traffic, the drive will likely be between 5-7 hours.

Learn more about flying to and from Lukla via Ramechhap.

The time has come to head home, taking your memories of your epic Three Passes trek with you.

If you’re getting an early-morning flight, we’ll escort you safely to the airport. For those staying in Kathmandu for the day, why not explore the local shopping areas to pick up a souvenir?

The adventure doesn’t have to end there… Learn about our incredible trek extension at the Chitwan National Park.