Everest Three High Passes Trek

Your Everest Three High Passes Trek (clockwise) begins as you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital and cultural heartbeat, which greets you with a wave of mountain air and excitement. Our team welcomes you and transfers you to the hotel in Thamel. 

On the first day, relax over your welcome drink, meet your trekking guide, and settle into the vibe of Kathmandu’s adventure culture. The journey to the Three High Passes in Everest is about to begin.

On day 2, we go for a thrilling 30-35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the high-altitude airports in the world, which can give you a cold chill during your landing. The plane glides over rugged Himalayan peaks. After landing, you kick off an easy 3-4 hour hike to Phakding. The trail hugs the sparkling Dudh Koshi River. You cross wobbly bridges draped with prayer flags. Phakding greets you with welcoming teahouses and peaceful river views. The village resides in a lush, green valley. The gentle rush of the Dudh Koshi soothes your soul and refreshes your hike. Rhododendrons bloom brightly in spring while green, lush pine forests stand tall throughout the year. You settle into a warm teahouse, digging into fulfilling dal bhat to ease the exhaustion of the hike. Note: We can arrange a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, or from Ramechhap to Lukla, depending on flight availability and weather conditions.

Today’s trail leads deeper into the Himalayas, as you trek for 6 hours from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the cultural capital of the Khumbu region. You’ll cross several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge, and enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you gain elevation, the trail offers distant views of Mt. Everest and Lhotse, and the forested trail transitions into dramatic mountain terrain.

Namche, a thriving Sherpa town carved into a horseshoe-shaped mountain bowl, is a jewel of the trekking routes in the Everest Region. Bright rooftops, bakeries with scents of delicacies, and outdoor gear shops buzz with energy, surrounded by snowy giants like Thamserku. It's a crucial stop for altitude acclimatization and a great place to soak up the authentic Sherpa culture. Enjoy fresh-baked apple pie or devour the traditional dal bhat as you relax into this high-altitude haven.

Today is all about acclimatising to high altitude while exploring the hills above Namche. A short yet rewarding 3-4 hour hike leads to the iconic Everest View Hotel, where Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku shine against deep blue skies. Alternatively, wander through Khumjung village, home to the Hillary School and a small monastery that claims to house a yeti scalp. These hikes boost your fitness while helping your body adjust to thin air at high altitude. 

Leaving Namche, you veer off the busy Everest Base Camp trail and enter a quieter, more tranquil part of the Khumbu region. The 5-6 hour trek to Thame village follows the Bhote Koshi River, winding through pine forests, yak pastures, and ancient mani walls. The trail feels meditative, with fewer trekkers and deeper cultural immersion. You’ll pass centuries-old stupas and dramatic rock faces as you gain elevation gradually.

Thame, one of the most traditional Sherpa villages in Nepal, is tucked in a broad, peaceful valley beneath soaring peaks. The village is home to an ancient monastery where lamas chant sin the morning light. Stone homes and fluttering prayer flags add colour to the remote, rugged landscape. Tonight’s teahouse offers hearty local meals and quiet comfort, letting you connect with the slower rhythm of Himalayan life.

As the trail continues, you enter a more remote stretch of high-altitude trekking in Nepal. Today’s 5-6 hour journey from Thame to Lungden climbs steadily through alpine meadows, rocky moraines, and grazing yak fields. You’re now walking part of the ancient Nangpa La trade route, once used by Tibetan traders crossing into Nepal. Prayer wheels and lone chortens mark the way as Himalayan giants loom in the distance.

Lungden is a stark and beautiful settlement in a high valley surrounded by wind-swept cliffs and snowy ridges. There are no roads, only footpaths and quiet isolation. Teahouses here are simple but welcoming, offering thick blankets, hot soup, and priceless mountain views. As you sip tea and acclimatise further, the feeling of being deep in the Himalayas becomes thrillingly real; you’re well on your way to Renjo La Pass, the first high pass of this trek.

Today is a major highlight of the trek, a true high-altitude adventure. You set off early from Lungden, climbing gradually through alpine tundra and rocky terrain toward the majestic Renjo La Pass (5,360m). The final ascent is steep and rewarding, with fluttering prayer flags marking the top. From the pass, you're treated to panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and the sparkling Gokyo Lakes far below; it’s one of the best viewpoints in the Khumbu.

The descent winds down through scree slopes and turquoise glacial lakes, finally leading you to the serene village of Gokyo beside Dudh Pokhari. This lakeside settlement feels otherworldly, quiet, sacred, and breathtaking. Reflections of snowy peaks shimmer in the water, and yaks graze beside stone teahouses. The air is thin but peaceful, and the teahouse trekking experience here is unmatched. Tonight, you rest with views you’ll remember forever.

After the strenuous hike on the earlier day, you take a day to rest and acclimatise in Gokyo. We recommend an early morning hike to Gokyo Ri for the Sunrise view, as it is worth it. A steep 2-3 hour climb rewards you with a stunning panoramic Himalayan sunrise, lighting up Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the world’s longest glacier, Ngozumpa. If you prefer an easier day, you can stroll along the lakes or hike to the second or fourth Gokyo lakes for a more relaxed adventure.

The spiritual calm of Gokyo Valley offers something rare in the Himalayas: solitude without compromise. Snowy peaks rise in every direction, mirrored in the still waters of Dudh Pokhari. You can spend the afternoon sipping tea in a sunlit teahouse, journaling, or chatting with fellow trekkers. Gokyo’s natural beauty and spiritual energy are unforgettable; it’s a place that lingers in the heart long after you’ve left.

You leave Gokyo with a sense of awe, continuing your trek by crossing the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest and most dramatic ice field. The 3-4 hour trek to Thagnak follows a rugged trail across glacial ridges, moraine hills, and rock-strewn paths. Though the hike is short, the terrain demands careful footing and steady focus. Jagged peaks surround you, making this stretch feel wild and otherworldly.

Thagnak is a remote glacial outpost, located in a stark alpine basin beneath towering ice walls and rock faces. The teahouses here are simple yet welcoming, with warm fires, hearty meals, and thick blankets to ward off the cold. It's a quiet place, perfect for resting before tomorrow’s climb to Cho La Pass. As night falls, you feel the remoteness settle in, raw, silent, and spectacular.

The day begins early, as you are to tackle one of the trek’s most challenging yet thrilling sections, the Cho La Pass (5,420m). The trail climbs steeply from Thagnak across rocky ridges, icy fields, and creaking glacial plates. This section may demand your balance and concentration as it requires crossing through icy ridges. The pass unveils jaw-dropping views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and the Khumbu Glacier basin, raw and majestic. Descending from Cho La Pass, the path narrows and weaves through alpine cliffs and glacier-fed streams before arriving in the peaceful settlement of Dzongla. Surrounded by towering peaks and steep, rocky slopes, this tiny village feels deeply tucked away from the world. The teahouse trek here is humble yet comforting, with warm meals, soft beds, and welcoming smiles. You rest early tonight, tired but triumphant.

Today's trail rejoins the classic Everest Base Camp trail, heading eastward on a 4-5 hour trek from Dzongla to Lobuche. The trail offers a gentler climb today, with sweeping views of the Khumbu Valley, memorial stupas to lost climbers, and snow-capped peaks rising above moraine ridges. As you approach Lobuche, the terrain becomes starker and more lunar, with boulders scattered across high-altitude tundra.

Lobuche village lies beneath the looming shadows of Nuptse and Pumori, quiet, cold, and beautiful in its remoteness. Though the air is thin and temperatures drop, the teahouses are cozy and lively with trekkers swapping stories. Warm dal bhat, crackling fires, and extra blankets help you recover. As you settle in, the reality sinks in: Everest Base Camp is now within reach.

This is the day you’ve been waiting for. After a hearty breakfast, you begin the 3-hour trek to Gorakshep, weaving through glacial rubble and windswept terrain. After dropping your backpack at the teahouse, you continue for another 2 hours to Everest Base Camp (EBC). The route follows the rim of the Khumbu Glacier, where ice cliffs glisten and stones crunch beneath your boots.

Finally, you stand at Everest Base Camp, surrounded by prayer flags, jagged peaks, and the mighty Khumbu Icefall. Though Everest’s summit hides beyond, the atmosphere is electric with history, ambition, and awe. After photos and a quiet moment to soak it all in, you return to Gorakshep. Tonight, you settle into a teahouse located at a high altitude around the mountains of Nepal, feeling joyful and uplifted.

Before dawn, you head out with headlamps and excitement toward Kala Patthar, the most famous Everest viewpoint. The steep 2-hour ascent rewards your early start with a jaw-dropping sunrise over Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. The golden light spills across the summit of the world, making the effort in the cold worthwhile. You descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast, then continue down the familiar trail to Lobuche.

Returning to Lobuche village feels comforting after the high drama of the morning. Here, nestled in a rock-strewn valley, you’ll rest and reflect on the incredible experience. The energy of Kala Patthar still hums in your bones. Over hot tea and a hearty meal, you share stories with fellow trekkers and prepare for tomorrow’s final and wildest pass, Kongma La.

Today marks your third and final high pass crossing, the remote and rugged Kongma La Pass (5,535m). The climb is steep, remote, and truly adventurous, cutting across glaciers, icy boulders, and high alpine ridges. Prayer flags mark the top, where silence reigns and panoramic views stretch across Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Island Peak. It’s the least travelled of the three passes, offering a rare wilderness experience in the heart of the Khumbu.

You descend through scree slopes and alpine meadows toward the quiet Chhukung Valley, where the tiny Chhukung village offers peaceful shelter. Simple teahouses dot the trail, framed by rolling hills and massive peaks. Tonight, you rest in a calm and less-frequented hamlet, surrounded by raw natural beauty. The trail may be tough, but the reward is a connection to the true soul of the mountains.

From Chhukung, the trail gently descends into greener terrain, marking your return from the high alpine world. The 5-6 hour trek leads through stone-walled yak pastures and down into fragrant rhododendron forests, with views of Ama Dablam escorting you the entire way. You pass through Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa villages, before continuing to Tengboche, home to the region’s most sacred monastery.

Arriving in Tengboche Monastery, you’re greeted by chanting monks and panoramic views of Everest and Lhotse. This spiritual stop is a highlight of any trek in the Everest region, blending inner peace with outer majesty. The monastery glows golden at sunset, and you may even witness an evening puja ceremony. Teahouses nearby offer warm hospitality, and you sleep soundly under the watchful gaze of Himalayan giants.

After a peaceful breakfast in Tengboche, you begin your descent along one of the most beautiful fragments of the Everest trekking route. The 5-6 hour hike winds through blooming rhododendron forests, across lively streams, and alongside mani walls etched with prayers. You pass small Sherpa villages in Nepal, exchanging friendly “Namaste” greetings as Everest and Ama Dablam slowly fade behind you.

Returning to Namche Bazaar feels like coming home. The vibrant market buzzes with life, trekkers swapping stories, yaks jingling by, and cafes serving cinnamon rolls and fresh coffee with strong Wi-Fi, warm showers, and that signature Sherpa hospitality. This is a well-earned reward. Spend the evening browsing shops or simply gazing out over the amphitheatre of peaks you've just crossed.

On your final day of trekking, you descend through pine forests and cross swaying bridges over the Dudh Koshi River one last time. The 6-7 hour walk retraces your first steps, but now, every bend carries a memory. You pass cheerful children, colourful stupas, and terraced farms that slope gently into the valley. The trail feels familiar, yet sweeter with the weight of completion.

Lukla, the gateway to Everest, welcomes you back with celebratory energy. Trekkers gather in local teahouses, toasting with Everest beer and hot ginger tea. You share a final dinner with your guide and porters, filled with laughter and reflection. The Everest teahouse experience ends here, but the stories you carry will last forever. The next day, you fly once more, this time, with a heart full of wonder.

You wake early for your scenic Lukla to Kathmandu flight, a 30-minute journey back across the Himalayan spines and green valleys. As you lift off, Everest fades into the horizon, but its imprint stays with you. You arrive in Kathmandu, greeted by the familiar sounds and colours of city life, then transfer to your hotel for rest, celebration, or a final wander through Thamel.

Whether you’re sipping masala tea at a rooftop café or exploring temples in Patan or Bhaktapur, the shift from wild mountains to bustling streets feels surreal. The adventure may be ending, but its echo lingers. You’ve crossed glaciers, conquered high passes, and walked among legends. And now, with the trek behind you, you return changed, stronger, lighter, and forever moved by the Himalayas.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, a buffer day to unwind, explore, or absorb the journey. Sleep in, sip coffee in a rooftop café, or dive into Kathmandu sightseeing with a guided tour of ancient heritage sites. Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, known for its brick-paved streets, intricate temples, and timeless Newari culture. Or stroll Patan’s golden courtyards, where prayer wheels spin slowly in quiet corners.

If you’re still chasing mountain magic, you can opt for an early-morning mountain flight over Everest, a one-hour aerial panorama of the world’s tallest peaks. Back in Thamel, shop for prayer flags, singing bowls, or yak wool scarves to take home. Tonight, celebrate your journey over a traditional Nepali dinner, reflecting on your unforgettable Everest Three High Passes Trek adventure and the wild beauty you’ve walked through.

Your incredible journey through the Everest Three High Passes officially comes to a close. Depending on your flight time, our team will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport with heartfelt goodbyes and best wishes for safe travels. It’s never easy to leave the magic of the mountains, but the memories and the lessons will stay with you for life.

As you look back on glaciers, passes, and starry Himalayan nights, you realise the trek was more than a physical challenge; it was a transformation. From the thrill of Renjo La to the peace of Tengboche, you’ve experienced something truly rare. Your Nepal trekking farewell is bittersweet, but the adventure lives on in your spirit. You came for the views, but you leave with so much more.