Everest Three Passes trek

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal

You should book your international flights to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal on Day 1 of your itinerary.

This means you will need to depart your home country the day before your itinerary begins to allow time for travel and time zone differences.

Once you land in the amazing city of Kathmandu you have time to unwind after your journey - rest, relax, and settle into the sights and sounds of Kathmandu.

We recommend choosing a flight that arrives at Tribhuvan International Airport in the morning or early afternoon local time. This gives you time to settle into the hotel, recover from jet lag and explore Kathmandu at your own pace.

Today is all about exploring and preparing.

You'll enjoy a guided tour of the cultural heart of the Kathmandu Valley, visiting some of its iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’ll also stop for lunch at one of our favourite city viewpoints, a great way to soak in the scenery while helping your body adjust to the altitude.

In the afternoon, we’ll hit the road for a scenic 5 - 6 hour drive to Mulkot.

In the evening, we’ll treat you to a group welcome meal at one of our favourite local restaurants in either Kathmandu or Ramechhap, dependiing where you are flying from tomorrow morning. 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.

This sets us up for an early start tomorrow (between 3:30–4:30 am) to reach Ramechhap Airport for your short flight to Lukla the gateway to the Everest region.

*Something to note*

Due to ongoing development and important maintenance at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, your flight to Lukla may be rerouted to Ramechhap Airport. This is because the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) ruled that flights to and from Lukla during the 2019 post-monsoon season would operate through Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu. This action has been prolonged longer than expected and the CAAN is looking at permanently moving all flights that go to Lukla from Ramechhap. While some flights will certainly still go from Kathmandu, they are not always guaranteed, even when booked in advance and can be subject to unplanned and prolonged delays.

If flying to Lukla from Ramechhap Airport, the journey to Ramechhap will start on day two of your itinerary. After a part-day tour of Kathmandu, you will drive for approx. four to five hours to the town of Mulkot where EverTrek will provide accommodation and your evening meal. As with all Nepalese roads, the journey will be a bumpy one, but it’s necessary to ensure your dream of Base Camp becomes a reality! It will be an early start on day three, as you wake up at 3:30/4:30 am and take a short 30-minute drive to the airport. The flight to Lukla is shorter from Ramechhap than from Kathmandu which means we can monitor the weather windows with greater accuracy. EverTrek will get you on one of the first flights to Lukla where you can have a hearty breakfast and celebrate the start of your trek!

On the return journey, you will fly from Lukla to Ramechhap and then take the long bumpy adventurous drive back to Kathmandu. The traffic going into Kathmandu can be severe, so this may take approximately six to seven hours (with breaks for food and a stretch).

Although this has been an enforced change for everyone from CAAN, our ultimate aim is to get you on the trek safely and to make it to Everest Case Camp so we have made plans to make sure there will be as minimal disruption as possible. We will provide all the additional staff and accommodation for the diversion, absolutely no cost will be passed onto you, our awesome EverTrekkers, but we do ask for your patience with the potential change with the itinerary.

You can find more information in our Knowledge Centre article, here.

(Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square (a historical structure offering architectural wonders), the Pashupatinath temple (a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- lord possessing the power of destruction), Swyambhunath and Boudhanath (a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha- Light of Asia.)

*note* See day 2 notes on Ramechhap or read more information here.

Today is the first day of the trek and our destination is Phakding. We will be starting with an early morning flight, after a 30-35 min flight you will land at the Lukla Airport (Tenzing Hillary Airport). We will meet our porters and other members of the our team here. We will also prepare your luggage for the porters. Once everything is set, the 3 passes trek begins towards the destination of the day leaving Lukla behind. After three hours of mainly downhill and flat trail, we finally reach Phakding. You can freshen up and relax and enjoy the beautiful village which sits on the Dudh Kosi river. We will go for a short walk in the village of Phakding or even a hike to nearby Gompas for acclimatization purposes. The night will be spent at a lodge in Phakding.

(Highlights of the day: Wonderful aerial view of the terrain from the plane, colorful Lukla village, ‘Mani’ prayer rocks, Phakding village and ‘Gompas’ monasteries, downhill and flat trail)

Today is the second day of the trek and our destination is Namche Bazaar.

We leave Phakding and move towards Monju crossing a number of suspension bridges and small settlements. Monju is recognized as the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. On reaching Sagarmatha National Park, the team leaders will take care of the necessary national park formalities at the park entrance while you enjoy a hot drink and check out the local shops. We then descend and walk across another few suspension bridges. On crossing these bridges the trail then leads uphill towards Namche Bazaar that offers the first view of Mt. Everest along with other peaks. This is a tough 2 hour hike. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

(Highlights of the day: small settlements like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa and Monju, Sagarmatha National Park, small tea houses and shops, suspension bridges, steep trail, Namche Bazaar and the very first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Kusum Khangru.)

Today, the third day of the trek, we get involved in activities that help us adapt to the change in altitude and thinning air.

Remaining active is the best way to acclimatise. Therefore, instead of resting, we visit nearby popular Sherpa village like Khumjung, and Khunde which further aids in acclimatisation. We explore the monasteries and the lifestyle of the people at Namche. Namche bazaar offers a huge variety of options to spend the day. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

(Highlights of the day: Thame-an old Sherpa village, settlements like Khumjung/Khunde/Khongde, National Park Head office, Museum, monasteries, cafes, bakeries, shops, restaurants, post office, hospital, government health post, 24 hour electricity and water supply and high speed internet access)

Today is the fourth day of the trek and 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.

(Highlights of the day: Sherpa villages: Thamo and Thame and the lifestyle of people living in these villages, Thame Gompa, and other small monasteries and Chortens en route, a pleasant company of the Bhote Koshi River as well as a small hydro power plant at Thame.)

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.

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.

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.

(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 is the fourteenth day of the trek and our destination is back to Namche Bazaar.

Today follows the Bhote Koshi River south through the valley. We pass through several settlements such as; Dingjung, Hilajung and Thame. As you descend after Marulung, there are several suspension bridges crossing over the river. The final major settlements to pass through are Thame and Thamo, before you reach your lodge for the night in Namche Bazaar, which completes the circuit in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The evening can either be spent exploring Namche Bazaar, purchasing souvenirs for friends and family back home, sipping on a Guinness at the world's highest Irish bar, or simply resting at the lodge.

(Highlights of the day: Sherpa villages: Thamo and Thame and the lifestyle of people living in these villages, Thame Gompa, and other small monasteries and Chortens en route, a pleasant company of the Bhote Koshi River as well as a small hydro power plant at Thame, before getting back to modern facilities in Namche)

Today is the last day of the trek and our destination is Lukla.

Starting Namche, a 6-7 hour trek will finally take us to Lukla. The trail continues downhill towards the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, where the Bhote Koshi River meets the Dudh Koshi River at Larja Dobhan. A slight descent from here will then take us to Monjo (entry and exit point of the Sagarmatha National Park). After the national park exit formalities, we walk down to cross a suspension bridge across Kyashar Khola, and following the east bank of the Bhote Koshi River we further walk towards another bridge over the Bhote Koshi River. Now, following the west bank of the Bhote Koshi River, we walk down to Phakding. From Phakding, the trail descends till Thado Koshi Gaon, and a gradual ascent from here will finally take us to Lukla. The night will be spent at a lodge in Lukla where we let our hair down and have a celebration on a job well done.

(Highlights of the day: Last view of Mt. Everest from Namche Bazaar, Kongde RI from Phakding and Kusum Khangkaru from Thado Koshigaon, beautiful rhododendron and Magnolia forest, trail accompanied by various prayer rocks –Mani wall and monasteries including 500 years old monastery – Pemacholing Monastery, small Sherpa settlements like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa and Monju, and finally the colorful village of Lukla.)

Today is your last day in the Khumbu region of Nepal.

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 awaiting our arrival in Kathmandu Airport, which will safely escort you to the hotel. In the evening, we meet for some time to discuss your trek and get feedback, with a farewell dinner to finish off your trip all together as a group.

*Important to 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. This drive, dependent on traffic, will likely be between 5-7 hours.

You can read more information about flying to and from Lukla via Ramechhap, here.

(Highlights of the day: Wonderful aerial view of the terrain from the plane, hotel in Kathmandu)

Today is the last day of your trip in Nepal with EverTrek.

If your flight is scheduled early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. But, if the flight is scheduled later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around shopping areas in Kathmandu.

Flights to and from Lukla operate weather permitting, and delays can happen. For this reason, we strongly recommend adding an extra night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip. The approximate cost is $90 USD, paid directly to the hotel. This provides flexibility if flights are affected, and if it is not needed, you gain an extra day and night to explore the city at your own pace.

Want to extend your adventure?

Once your trek is finished, why not relax and explore a rarely visited part of Nepal on our 3 Night tour of Chitwan national park.

Read more about this incredible extension - View the full itinerary here!