Everest Three High Passes Trek

Arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our team will meet you outside the exit gate and drive you to your hotel in a private car. You can spend the rest of the day resting in your room, walking around the colorful streets of Thamel, or buying any last-minute trekking snacks.

Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to the mountain airport in Lukla. The flight is short but offers amazing views of green hills and snowy peaks. After landing, meet your porters and start walking down a gentle trail. You will follow the clean waters of the Dudh Koshi River through small villages to reach Phakding.

Walk next to the river and cross several high suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags. Enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo village. After crossing the final high bridge, you will climb a long, steep hill through the pine forests to reach the big, vibrant Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar.

Rest today to help your body get used to the thin air. You will take an enjoyable day hike up past the high airstrip at Syangboche to the traditional twin villages of Khunde and Khumjung. Stop at the Everest View Hotel to see the big peaks and visit the local Sherpa Museum to see historic photographs.

Walk on an easy, flat path along the mountainside with great views of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam, then walk all the way down to the river for lunch. In the afternoon, climb a steep hill through beautiful rhododendron trees to reach the famous Tengboche Monastery, where you can watch the monks pray.

Walk down through the trees, cross a small bridge over the rushing river, and pass the old stone walls of Pangboche village. As you hike higher up the trail, the trees completely disappear. You will enter the high, windy alpine valley of Dingboche, which is surrounded by fields protected by stone walls.

Take a short but beautiful walk today to save your energy. Turn right out of Dingboche village and hike up the wide Imja Valley. The trail climbs gently along the riverbed. You will walk directly below towering mountain walls to reach the small, peaceful settlement of Chhukung.

Take another rest day before you cross the first tough pass. To train your lungs, you will climb up the steep, rocky hill of Chhukung Ri. The top of this peak offers incredible, close-up views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Island Peak, making the hard climb completely worth it.

Start before dawn for your first and highest pass. Climb a steep, rocky trail over loose stones to the top of Kongma La Pass, which is marked with prayer flags. After enjoying the high view, walk down the steep other side and cross the rough, gravelly Khumbu Glacier to arrive at Lobuche village.

Walk over rocky trails next to the moraine of the glacier to Gorakshep for a quick lunch. Leave your heavy bags at the lodge and walk over shifting ice and big stones to Everest Base Camp. Stand next to the amazing Khumbu Icefall, celebrate with your group, and return to Gorakshep before dark.

Climb up the steep switchbacks of Kala Patthar before dawn to watch the beautiful sunrise over the black peak of Mount Everest. Walk back down to the lodge for breakfast, pack your bags, and hike down the main trail past Lobuche before veering off to the quiet, isolated village of Dzongla.

Start before the sun comes up for your second high pass. Climb a steep boulder field and walk across a slippery, flat glacier to the top of Cho La Pass. The views from the summit are spectacular. Descend very carefully over loose gravel and steep rocks down to the tiny valley settlement of Tagnag.

Enjoy a short and easy walk across the gravelly ground of the giant Ngozumpa Glacier. You will walk up and down over the sandy hills of the glacier moraine. Once you cross it, you will enter the stunning Gokyo Valley and stay at a lodge right next to the third bright blue glacial lake.

Climb up Gokyo Ri in the early morning to see a massive view of four of the world's fourteen highest mountains, including Everest and Cho Oyu. In the afternoon, you can rest by the lake, wash your clothes, or walk further up the valley to see the quiet fourth and fifth lakes.

Start early to conquer the third and final high pass. Climb a well-made stone staircase trail to the top of Renjo La Pass. Look back one last time at the blue lakes and Mount Everest, then walk down a long, quiet valley to the peaceful village of Lungden.

Walk down through the peaceful Thame Valley, which is located away from the busy main tourist paths. You will pass through old farm fields, visit the historic Thame Monastery built into the cliffs, and walk down through green hills to return to the comfort of Namche Bazaar.

Walk down the big, steep hill from Namche Bazaar to the suspension bridge over the river. Cross the bridges one last time and walk back through the villages of Monjo and Phakding. Finish the day with a final uphill walk to reach Lukla town, where you can celebrate with your team.

Take an early morning flight out of Lukla back to the airport. When you land, a private vehicle will be waiting to drive you back through the busy roads to your hotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy a long, hot shower and spend the afternoon relaxing at a nice cafe.

This extra day is kept free in case bad mountain weather or thick fog delays your flight out of Lukla. If you arrived safely yesterday, you can use this day to explore historical temples around the city, buy souvenirs for your family, or get a relaxing massage.

Eat breakfast at your hotel and pack your bags. Our team will pick you up from the lobby and drive you to the international airport for your flight back home, marking the end of your 3-Passes adventure.