Everest Three Passes Three Valleys Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of our experienced representatives will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the top Kathmandu sightseeing attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, we’ll hold a detailed briefing at the hotel to prepare you for your upcoming trekking journey in Nepal—whether it’s the iconic Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit, or another unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

We start our Everest Base Camp trek with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Manthali (Ramechhap), a town located approximately 130 km east of the capital. From here, we take a short but breathtaking mountain flight to Lukla (2,850m), one of the world’s most thrilling airports and the gateway to Everest trekking adventures. Today’s trek follows a gentle descent along the banks of the Dudh Kosi River—aptly named “River of Milk” in Nepali—offering stunning Himalayan scenery. Our first overnight stay on the trail is in the charming village of Phakding. In the afternoon, we’ll explore a centuries-old monastery, over 500 years old, adding a touch of spiritual heritage to your trekking experience.

Today marks our entry into the world-renowned Sagarmatha National Park, the highest national park on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we trek along the iconic Everest Base Camp trail, we pass through picturesque Sherpa villages like Toktok, Monjo, and Jorsalle, all rich in culture and Himalayan beauty. One of the highlights of the day is crossing the Larchhe Dovan suspension bridge, the highest bridge on the trek, suspended above the roaring Dudh Kosi River.

As we ascend further, a magical moment awaits—your first view of Mount Everest from Tope Danda, a scenic viewpoint that leaves every trekker in awe. We then reach Namche Bazaar (also known as Nauche), the vibrant heart of the Khumbu region, often dubbed the Chamonix of the Himalayas. With its bustling markets, cozy cafes, restaurants, gear shops, and the famous weekend market, Namche serves as the perfect place to rest and acclimatize before continuing deeper into the Himalayas.

Today’s trek is a relatively easy and scenic hike as we ascend toward the Syangboche airstrip, one of the highest-altitude airstrips in the world. A highlight of the day is a relaxing tea break at the world-famous Everest View Hotel (3,880m), which offers one of the best panoramic views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan giants.

From here, we descend gently to Khumjung, one of the largest and most picturesque Sherpa villages in the Everest region. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, Khumjung is a cultural gem where you can explore local life, visit the historic Hillary School founded by Sir Edmund Hillary, and take a short walk to Khunde Village, home to the region’s oldest medical clinic. This day offers a perfect blend of light trekking, cultural immersion, and breathtaking Himalayan views.

Today’s journey takes us off the main Everest Base Camp trail as we head toward the serene Bhote Koshi Valley, one of the most significant and scenic valleys in the Khumbu region. This ancient route was once part of the traditional salt trade route between Nepal and Tibet, passing through the historic Nampa La Pass. As we trek through untouched landscapes and traditional Sherpa villages, you’ll witness the authentic daily life, culture, and traditions of the Sherpa people, far from the usual tourist trails.

Our destination is Thame, a peaceful village rich in both cultural heritage and mountaineering legacy. Thame is home to legendary climbers like Appa Sherpa, a world-record holder for the most ascents of Mount Everest. Due to fewer tourists on this route, the chances of spotting Himalayan wildlife such as Himalayan Thar and Musk Deer are quite high.

A visit to the Thame Monastery (Gompa), one of the oldest and most spiritually significant monasteries in the Everest region, offers a deep connection to the Buddhist heritage of the Himalayas. Thame is a hidden gem, perfect for trekkers seeking both cultural insight and peaceful natural beauty.

As we continue our journey, the trail gradually ascends into higher elevations, offering a true high-altitude trekking experience in the Everest region. We pass through scenic yak grazing pastures and a number of abandoned Sherpa villages, silent reminders of ancient settlement patterns shaped by the harsh mountain environment. This stretch of the trek offers raw natural beauty, solitude, and a deep connection with the remote wilderness of the Himalayas.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization, a crucial part of any successful high-altitude trek in the Everest region. We take a challenging but rewarding hike up to an elevation of approximately 5,000 meters, allowing our bodies to adapt to the thinning air and preparing us for upcoming high passes like Renjo La. The hike offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, glacial valleys, and remote landscapes. After spending time at altitude, we return to Lungden, a peaceful Sherpa settlement nestled in the highlands, for rest and recovery before tomorrow’s crossing.

Today is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the Three Passes Trek as we cross our first high pass—Renjo La (5,360m). It’s a long and demanding ascent, but the panoramic view from the top makes every step worthwhile. From the summit of Renjo La, you'll witness a jaw-dropping Himalayan vista featuring four of the world’s highest peaks: Mount Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), and Makalu (8,481m), along with countless other snow-capped giants.

After soaking in the views, we descend into the stunning Gokyo Valley, home to the pristine Gokyo Lakes—a sacred and scenic destination in the Everest region. We spend the night at a cozy teahouse by the shores of Gokyo Lake, surrounded by serene blue waters and towering mountains—a perfect reward after a day of high-altitude adventure.

An early morning ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,360m) is a highly recommended option for those seeking one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the Everest region. Although it’s a steep and demanding climb, the effort is rewarded with spectacular sunrise views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and countless Himalayan peaks, as well as a stunning aerial perspective of the Gokyo Lakes and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier.

After breakfast and rest, we begin our midday trek by crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal and one of the most dramatic sections of the Everest Gokyo trek. The route involves navigating rocky terrain and glacial moraines before arriving at Thagnak (also known as Dragnak), a small settlement nestled at the foot of the Cho La Pass. We overnight here, preparing for another big adventure the following day.

Today we tackle our second and more demanding high pass, the iconic Cho La Pass (5,420m)—a key highlight of the Three Passes Trek. Compared to Renjo La, Cho La is a bit tougher due to its steeper and icier ascent. After a few hours of trekking, we reach the base of the pass, where the climb appears challenging. However, thanks to the recent installation of iron cables on the south face, the steepest section has become safer and more manageable.

Upon reaching the summit, you're rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayas, with dramatic peaks stretching both to the west and east. The descent begins with a crossing over the Cho La Glacier, a truly thrilling experience surrounded by ice formations and pristine alpine scenery.

As we descend further, the trail opens into a stunning valley dominated by the towering presence of Cholatse Peak (6,440m) on the right. The dramatic landscapes and sense of remoteness make this one of the most unforgettable sections of the Everest region trek.

Today is one of the most exciting and longest days of our Everest Base Camp trek, as we hike to Gorak Shep (5,164m), the last settlement with lodges before reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp. Having already acclimatized, the high-altitude trek will be both challenging and enjoyable.

After dropping our heavy gear at Gorak Shep, we embark on the final trek to the legendary Everest Base Camp, situated on the ever-changing Khumbu Glacier. During the spring trekking season, Everest Base Camp becomes the most visited glacier in the world, bustling with climbers and trekkers preparing for summit attempts. In contrast, during the fall and winter, the area is much quieter, allowing for a more serene experience.

Because the Khumbu Glacier is constantly moving, the exact location of Everest Base Camp shifts over time, with camps established in different spots. After soaking in the breathtaking views and the atmosphere of the world’s highest mountain base camp, we hike back to Gorak Shep for a well-earned rest.

Early this morning, we’ll make a memorable climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m), one of the best vantage points for breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. While many trekkers opt for the sunrise here, the sunset at Kala Patthar is equally stunning, casting golden light over the towering Himalayan peaks. This is a perfect moment to soak in the majestic beauty of the Everest region.

After enjoying the incredible views and capturing unforgettable photos, we descend to Lobuche, a cozy mountain village where we’ll spend the night and rest for the next stage of our trek.

Our trek’s last and most challenging pass is Kongma La (5,535m), where we’ll spend the final 5,000+ vertical meters of our journey. Setting off early, we first cross the vast Khumbu Glacier before beginning the steep ascent to the summit of Kongma La. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely astonishing.

To the right, the imposing south face of Lhotse towers majestically into the clouds, while to the east, a stunning panorama unfolds with numerous 6,000m and 7,000m peaks—including Makalu (8,481m), the world’s fifth-highest mountain. After soaking in these incredible sights, we descend to Dingboche, enjoying breathtaking views of the iconic Ama Dablam’s Mingbo Face along the way.

Today’s trek is mostly downhill as we descend through picturesque Sherpa settlements such as Somare and Pangboche, where you’ll meet many fellow trekkers on this popular Everest region trek. Along the way, we’ll visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, a spiritual hub nestled amidst stunning mountain scenery and known as one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu.

Though it’s a long day on the trail, the rewarding atmosphere of Namche Bazaar awaits us in the evening. This vibrant Sherpa town is perfect for relaxing, shopping for trekking gear, and enjoying delicious local cuisine after a fulfilling day in the Himalayas.

Today, we retrace our steps on the only part of the trail we repeat as we descend from Namche Bazaar, bidding farewell to the majestic Mount Everest, the warm Sherpa people, and the unforgettable memories of this incredible trek. The journey back is filled with reflection and appreciation for the breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences of the Everest region.

Our adventure concludes in Lukla, where we celebrate a memorable last dinner with our dedicated guides and support staff. This final gathering is a perfect way to honor the achievements and friendships forged on one of the world’s most iconic trekking routes.

Today, we fly back from Lukla to Manthali, followed by a scenic drive to Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. After settling in, you’ll have free time in the evening to explore Thamel, Kathmandu’s vibrant tourist hub. This lively neighborhood is the perfect place to shop for authentic Nepal trekking souvenirs, including traditional handicrafts, pashmina shawls, jewelry, and local artwork—ideal gifts for your friends and family.

Due to unpredictable weather conditions common in the Himalayas, flights between Lukla and Kathmandu can occasionally be delayed or canceled. To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, we recommend keeping an extra day available in your itinerary as a contingency plan. This buffer day allows for flexibility in case of unforeseen flight cancellations or delays, giving you additional time to relax or explore the local area without rushing.

You will be comfortably dropped off at the Kathmandu airport in a private car or jeep well ahead of your flight departure time, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transfer for your onward journey.