Everest Three Passes Trek

Distance: 7.5 km
Time: 3 Hours
Max Altitude: 2,640 m (8,560 ft)

Today, you will embark on a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to its short runway and challenging terrain. But don’t worry, you are in safe hands with experienced pilots who have flown this route countless times.

As you soar above the majestic Himalayan peaks, you will be mesmerized by their sheer size and beauty. The flight takes about 30 minutes, and before you know it, you will land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, which marks the beginning of your trek.

From here, you will start walking towards Phakding village, which is situated at an altitude of 2,640 meters (8,661 feet). The trail descends gradually through lush green forests and crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. You will pass through small settlements and encounter friendly locals who are always ready to greet trekkers with warm smiles.

The distance covered on this day is approximately 7.5 kilometers, and it takes around 3 hours to reach Phakding. Along the way, you will witness stunning views of snow-capped mountains such as Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku.

Upon reaching Phakding, you can relax and unwind at one of the cozy teahouses that line the main street. You can enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee while soaking up the serene atmosphere of this quaint village.

Altitude-wise, Lukla is situated at an elevation of 2,860 meters (9,383 ft), while Phakding is located at 2,640 meters (8,661 feet). This means that you will experience a slight decrease in altitude on this day, which is essential for acclimatization purposes.

Distance: 10.5 km
Time: 6 Hours
Max Altitude: 3,440 m (11,290 ft)

Today, you will be trekking from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Get ready for a day filled with stunning views and challenging terrain.

After a hearty breakfast, you will start your trek toward Namche Bazaar. The trail begins with a gentle climb along the Dudh Koshi River, passing through beautiful forests of rhododendron and pine trees. Keep an eye out for the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind as you make your way up the trail.

As you continue on, the trail gradually becomes steeper and more challenging. You will cross several suspension bridges over the river, each one offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Take a moment to pause and soak in the beauty around you.

After a few hours of trekking, you will reach Jorsalle, where you will stop for lunch. Refuel with some delicious local cuisine before continuing on toward Namche Bazaar.

The final stretch of today’s trek is perhaps the most challenging yet rewarding part of the day. You will climb up a steep hill towards Namche Bazaar, with each step bringing you closer to your destination. As you ascend higher and higher, the views become even more spectacular.

Finally, after several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Namche Bazaar – a bustling town nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. Take some time to explore this vibrant town and immerse yourself in Sherpa culture. Visit local shops selling traditional handicrafts or relax at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

As night falls over Namche Bazaar, settle into your cozy lodge for some well-deserved rest before another exciting day on your Three Passes Trek.

Today is an important day as it is your acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. This is a necessary step to ensure that your body adjusts to the high altitude and that you can continue the trek safely.

Namche Bazaar is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, surrounded by stunning mountain views. You will spend the day exploring this beautiful town and its surroundings. One of the best ways to acclimatize is by taking a short hike, and there are plenty of options available in Namche Bazaar.

One popular hike is the Khunde and Khumjung loop. This trail takes you through traditional Sherpa villages, where you can witness their unique culture and lifestyle. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local monastery and see a yeti skull!

Another option for your acclimatization day is to stroll through Namche’s Saturday morning market. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with the friendly locals.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also visit the oldest house in town. This 400-year-old building has been preserved as a museum and provides insight into how Sherpas lived centuries ago.

During your acclimatization day, it’s important to stay hydrated and take it easy. Your body needs time to adjust to the high altitude, so don’t push yourself too hard. Take breaks when needed and enjoy the stunning views around you.

Namche Bazaar is also known for its delicious food, so make sure to indulge in some local cuisine during your stay. From momos (dumplings) to Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), there are plenty of options available for every palate.

Distance: 9 km
Time: 5 Hours
Max Altitude: 3,800 m (12,470 ft.)

Today, we will be embarking on a beautiful journey from Namche Bazaar to Thame. Get ready for a day full of adventure and breathtaking views.

After a hearty breakfast, we will start our trek toward Thame. The trail starts with a gradual descent towards the Dudh Koshi River. As we cross the river, we will start ascending towards Thamo village. This village is known for its traditional Sherpa houses and beautiful monasteries.

As we continue our trek, we will pass through lush green forests of rhododendron and pine trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as musk deer and Himalayan thar that roam freely in this area.

After a few hours of trekking, we will reach Thame village. This village is situated at an altitude of 3800m and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Take some time to explore this beautiful village, visit the local monastery, or interact with the friendly locals.

Fun Fact: Thame is also known for being the hometown of Tenzing Norgay, one of the first climbers to summit Mount Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary. You can visit his memorial stupa which is located near the monastery.

In addition to its cultural significance, Thame also offers stunning views of Cho Oyu (8201m), the sixth-highest mountain in the world.

As we end our day’s trek at Thame, you can relax and enjoy a warm cup of tea while taking in the serene surroundings. Tonight’s accommodation will be at one of the cozy teahouses in this charming village.

Distance: 8.8 km
Time: 6 Hours
Max Altitude: 4,350 m (14,270 ft.)

Today, you will be trekking from Thame to Lungden. Get ready for a day filled with breathtaking views and challenging terrain.

After a hearty breakfast, you will start your trek towards Lungden. The trail begins with a gradual ascent through the beautiful Thame village. As you walk through the village, take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and immerse yourself in the local culture.

As you leave Thame behind, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging. You will pass through several small villages and cross over suspension bridges that span across roaring rivers. Keep an eye out for yaks carrying heavy loads as they make their way along the trail.

As you continue on your journey, you will reach Marlung, a small village nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains. Take a break here and enjoy some tea while admiring the stunning scenery.

After Marlung, the trail becomes even more challenging as it climbs steeply towards Lungden. The altitude can make this part of the trek particularly difficult, so be sure to take plenty of breaks and stay hydrated.

As you approach Lungden, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Cho Oyu and Taboche Peak. The village itself is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Once you arrive in Lungden, settle into your lodge and take some time to rest and recharge before exploring this charming village. Take a stroll around town and interact with locals who are always happy to share their stories about life in this remote corner of Nepal.

As night falls, enjoy a warm meal while reflecting on your incredible journey so far. Tomorrow is another day filled with adventure as you continue on your Three Passes Trek.

Distance: 12 km
Time: 8 Hours
Renjo La Altitude: 5,360 m (17,585 ft.)
Gokyo Altitude: 4,760 m (15,620 ft.)

Today, you will be embarking on a challenging yet rewarding journey from Lungden to Gokyo via Renjo La. Get ready to witness some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas and experience the thrill of crossing one of the highest passes in Nepal.

After a hearty breakfast, you will start your ascent toward Renjo La. The trail is steep and rocky, but with every step, you will feel closer to the majestic peaks that surround you. As you climb higher, the air gets thinner, and you may start to feel the effects of altitude sickness. But don’t worry; your experienced guide will be there to assist you and ensure your safety.

As you reach the top of Renjo La at an altitude of 5,360 meters (17,585 feet), take a moment to catch your breath and admire the stunning panoramic views. From here, you can see Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Nuptse up close. It’s a surreal feeling to be standing amidst these giants of nature.

After taking some time to soak in the beauty around you, it’s time for a steep descent toward Gokyo. The trail is narrow and winding with loose rocks underfoot. But as challenging as it may seem, it’s also incredibly exhilarating.

As you make your way down towards Gokyo Valley through moraines and glaciers, keep an eye out for wildlife such as Himalayan Tahr or Snow Leopard if lucky enough! You might also spot some colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind along with Mani walls carved with Buddhist mantras.

Finally reaching Gokyo Valley after several hours of trekking feels like a true accomplishment. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains on all sides and has a serene lake at its center – Gokyo Lake which is also one of Nepal’s highest freshwater lakes.

You’ll spend the night in one of Gokyo’s cozy lodges where hot tea and delicious meals await you. Take this opportunity to rest up for tomorrow’s adventure as we continue our journey through Everest Three Passes Trek!

Distance: 4 km
Time: 4 Hours
Max Altitude: 5,360 m (17,585 ft.)

Today, we will be taking a break from our regular trekking routine and acclimatizing ourselves to the high altitude by hiking up to Gokyo Ri.

We will start our day early in the morning, as we have a long and challenging hike ahead of us. The trail is comfortable, following a gradual ascent with few ups and downs, all surrounded by the magnificence and charm of the great Himalayas. As we climb higher, the views become more breathtaking and awe-inspiring. We will pass through several small settlements along the way, where we can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle.

After a few hours of hiking, we will reach Gokyo Ri, which stands at an elevation of 5,357 meters above sea level. From here, you can witness some of the most stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), Cho Oyu (8,188m) among others. The view is simply surreal and will leave you spellbound.

Gokyo Ri is also famous for its turquoise blue glacial lakes that are spread across its base. These lakes are considered sacred by the locals and are believed to have healing properties. You can take a dip in these icy cold waters if you dare or just sit by their banks and soak in their beauty.

As we descend back to Gokyo Valley after spending some time at the Gokyo Ri summit, you will feel rejuvenated both physically and mentally. This acclimatization hike has prepared us for further challenges ahead on our Three Passes Trek.

It is important to note that altitude sickness is a real concern at such high elevations. Therefore it’s crucial that we take proper precautions like drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or smoking.

Distance: 4 km
Time: 3 hours
Max Altitude: 4,680 m (15,350 ft.)

We start our day by leaving the beautiful village of Gokyo, situated at an altitude of 4790m. As we make our way toward Dragnag, we will cross the Ngozumba Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in Nepal. The glacier is covered in dirt and rocks, making it a challenging terrain to navigate through. However, the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and frozen lakes make it all worth it.

As we trek further along the glacier, we will come across various frozen lakes that are scattered throughout the area. These lakes are a sight to behold, with their crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and blue skies above. It’s hard not to stop and take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty around us.

After crossing the glacier, we will reach Dragnag village located at an altitude of 4,680 m. This small village is nestled between towering mountains and offers a unique glimpse into traditional Sherpa life. We can take some time to explore this quaint village before settling down for some much-needed rest.

Distance: 8 km
Time: 7 Hours
Cho La Altitude: 5,370 m (17,620 ft.)
Dzongla Altitude: 4,820 m (15,810 ft.)

This is the 10th day of the Three Passes Trek. We will start our day early in the morning, with a hearty breakfast to fuel us for the long and strenuous climb ahead. As we set out, we will be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail initially follows a gentle slope before gradually becoming steeper as we approach Cho La Pass.

The ascent up Cho La Pass is not for the faint-hearted, but it is well worth the effort. At an altitude of 5,370 m (17,620 ft.), it is one of the highest points on the Three Passes Trek. The climb can be challenging due to its steepness and rocky terrain, but with determination and perseverance, you can conquer it.

Once we reach the top of Cho La Pass, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers that stretch as far as the eye can see. Take a moment to catch your breath and soak in the beauty around you before beginning our descent toward Dzongla.

The descent down from Cho La Pass is equally challenging but offers a different kind of thrill. We will navigate through steep switchbacks and boulder-strewn paths while enjoying stunning views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse peaks.

As we approach Dzongla, you’ll notice that it’s situated in a valley surrounded by towering mountains that provide an awe-inspiring backdrop. We’ll spend some time exploring this quaint village before settling into our accommodations for some much-needed rest after a long day on the trail.

Distance: 6.5 km
Time: 3 Hours
Max Altitude: 4,900 m (16,080 ft.)

Our day begins with a descent from Dzongla, which sits at the base of the formidable Cho La Pass. We will make our way through a gently undulating trail that contours around the hillsides, offering us stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As we walk, we will notice how the landscape changes gradually, with rocky terrain giving way to lush vegetation and then back again.

After about five hours of trekking, we will reach Lobuche. This small village is located at an altitude of 4,900 meters and is nestled in a valley between two towering peaks. From here, we can see the Khumbu Glacier stretching out before us like a vast white carpet.

One interesting fact about Lobuche is that it is home to one of the highest memorials in the world. The memorial is dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives on Everest and other nearby peaks. It serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in mountaineering and honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

As we settle into our accommodations for the night, we can reflect on all that we have accomplished so far on this incredible journey. We have already crossed two high mountain passes – Renjo La and Cho La – and have experienced some truly awe-inspiring landscapes along the way.

Tomorrow, we will continue our trek towards Everest Base Camp, passing through Gorak Shep and Kala Patthar before finally reaching our destination. But for now, let us rest and rejuvenate ourselves for what lies ahead.

Distance: 12 km
Time: 8 hours
Everest Base Camp Altitude: 5,380 m (17,600 ft)
Gorakshep Altitude: 5,150 m (16,900 ft)

This is an exciting day as you will finally reach the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain! One of the most anticipated days on Three Passes Trek!

You will start your day early in the morning with a hearty breakfast before setting off on your trek. The trail from Lobuche to Gorakshep is a moderate hike that covers a distance of approximately 5 km and takes around 3-4 hours. As you walk, you will be surrounded by stunning views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers.

Upon reaching Gorakshep, you can take some time to rest and refuel before continuing your trek to Everest Base Camp. The trail from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp is relatively short, covering a distance of approximately 3 km and taking around 1-2 hours. However, it can be challenging due to the high altitude and rocky terrain.

As you approach Everest Base Camp, you will feel a sense of accomplishment wash over you. You have finally reached the base camp of Mount Everest! Take some time to soak in the breathtaking views of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding mountains. You may even get lucky enough to see some climbers making their way up toward the summit.

After spending some time at Everest Base Camp, it’s time to make your way back to Gorakshep. The return journey takes around 1-2 hours and is relatively easy compared to the hike up.

One interesting fact about this trek is that it was not until 1953 that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay successfully climbed Mount Everest for the first time. Since then, thousands of people have attempted this feat, with many using this same trail as part of their journey.

Distance: 9 km
Time: 7 hours
Max Altitude: 5,600 m (18,372 ft)

This is the day you will reach the maximum elevation of Three Passes Trek!

You will start your day early in the morning, before sunrise, as you make your way toward Kala Patthar. This is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest and its neighboring peaks. The trail is steep and rocky, but as you climb higher, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and awe at the stunning scenery around you.

As you reach Kala Patthar, take a moment to catch your breath and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. The view from here is truly spectacular – on a clear day, you can see all the way to Tibet! Make sure to snap some photos to capture this unforgettable moment.

After spending some time at Kala Patthar, it’s time to head back down towards Lobuche. The descent can be tricky, so make sure to watch your step and take breaks if needed. 

As you arrive back in Lobuche, take some time to relax and reflect on your incredible journey so far. You have now completed one of the most challenging sections of the Three Passes Trek – congratulations!

Fun fact: Did you know that Kala Patthar means “black rock” in Nepali? This name comes from the dark-colored rocks that cover the summit of this iconic viewpoint.

Distance: 10 km
Time: 7 hours
Kongma La Altitude: 5,510 m (18,080 ft)
Chukhung Altitude: 4,720 m (15,485 ft)

We will start our day early in the morning, as we have a long and strenuous hike ahead of us. The trail begins with a steep ascent towards Kongma La Pass, which stands at an impressive altitude of 5510 m. As we climb higher, we will be surrounded by towering peaks and stunning glaciers, making this trek one of the most scenic routes in the Everest region.

Once we reach the top of Kongma La Pass, we will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Himalayas. From here, we can see Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other majestic peaks that make up the Khumbu region. Take a moment to catch your breath and soak in the beauty of this incredible landscape.

After enjoying the view from Kongma La Pass, we will begin our descent towards Chukhung. The trail is steep and rocky at first but gradually becomes easier as we make our way down. 

As we approach Chukhung village, you’ll notice how different it is from other villages in the Everest region. The village is located in a valley surrounded by towering mountains on all sides giving it a unique charm that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Once we arrive at Chukhung village, you can take some time to explore its narrow alleys and traditional houses made of stone and wood. You can also visit one of its many tea houses where you can enjoy some hot tea or coffee while taking in stunning views of Ama Dablam.

Distance: 14 km
Time: 8 hours
Tengboche Altitude: 3,830 m (12,565 ft)

From this day onwards, we will loosing altitude and making our way back from Three Passes Trek!

We start our day early in the morning, as we have a long trek ahead of us. The trail begins with a gradual ascent towards the Imja Valley, where we will be greeted by stunning views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. As we continue our trek, we will cross the Imja River and make our way toward Pangboche.

Pangboche is a small Sherpa village that is home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region. We will take some time to explore this beautiful village and learn about its rich cultural heritage before continuing our trek toward Tengboche.

The trail from Pangboche to Tengboche is steep but rewarding. As we climb higher, we will be surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests. The highlight of this trek is undoubtedly the Tengboche Monastery, which is situated at an altitude of 3,867 meters.

The Tengboche Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in Nepal and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate artwork. We will take some time to explore this beautiful monastery and learn about its history before settling down for the night.

As we rest in Tengboche for the night, we can reflect on the amazing journey that has brought us here. From crossing high mountain passes to exploring remote Sherpa villages, this trek has been nothing short of incredible.

Tomorrow, we will continue our journey toward Namche Bazaar as we make our way back to Lukla. But for now, let’s enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Tengboche and soak up all that this beautiful place has to offer.

Distance: 9.5 km
Time: 6 hours

We start our day by leaving the small temple town of Tengboche, which is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. As we make our way down through the mountains, we are greeted with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The trail is a bit steep at first but soon levels out as we walk along a pretty smooth and flat contour path for a long way.

As we continue on our journey, we eventually descend to the valley floor before reaching Namche Bazaar. This bustling market town is situated at an altitude of 3,440 meters and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and colorful houses. Here, you can find everything from local handicrafts to delicious food.

One interesting fact about Namche Bazaar is that it was once a trading hub for Tibetan traders who would come here to sell their goods. Today, it serves as a popular stopover point for trekkers on their way to Everest Base Camp or other destinations in the region.

Distance: 18 km
Time: 9 hours

As you step out of your cozy lodge in Namche Bazaar, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air and prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure.

The trail winds its way through lush forests, past glistening waterfalls and over suspension bridges that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for yaks carrying heavy loads as they make their way up and down the trail.

As we approach Lukla, the scenery changes dramatically as we leave behind the greenery and enter a rocky terrain. The final stretch of our trek is a steep descent that requires careful footing but offers stunning views of the valley below.

Upon reaching Lukla, you can celebrate your accomplishment with a well-deserved meal and drink at one of the local teahouses. Reflect on all that you have experienced during this incredible journey through the heart of the Himalayas.

Congratulations on completing the Three Passes Trek in Nepal’s Everest Region! Today, you will be flying back to Kathmandu from Lukla, where your journey began. As you board the flight, take a moment to reflect on the incredible adventure you just experienced.

The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is a short but scenic one, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. You’ll have one last chance to marvel at the snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain that you conquered during your trek.

Once you land in Kathmandu, take some time to rest and recover from your journey. You may want to indulge in a massage or spa treatment to soothe your tired muscles. Alternatively, explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu and immerse yourself in its rich culture and history.

The Three Passes Trek is not for the faint of heart. It requires physical endurance, mental toughness, and a sense of adventure. But for those who are up for the challenge, it offers an unforgettable experience that will stay with them for a lifetime.

As you look back on your journey, remember the stunning landscapes, warm hospitality of locals along the way and camaraderie with fellow trekkers. The memories of this trek will stay with you forever as a testament to your strength and resilience.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the ultimate trek in the Everest region – the Three Passes Trek. Today marks your departure from Kathmandu, bidding farewell to your fellow trekmates and everyone who made this journey memorable.

As you leave behind the bustling city of Kathmandu, take a moment to reflect on the incredible adventure you just had. The Three Passes Trek is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. You’ve conquered three high passes – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La – each offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

The trek took you through some of the most beautiful villages in Nepal, including Namche Bazaar and Gokyo Lakes. You’ve witnessed firsthand the local culture and traditions of Sherpa people and their warm hospitality.

As you board your flight back home, remember that this journey was not just about reaching Everest Base Camp or crossing three high passes. It was about pushing yourself beyond your limits, embracing challenges, and discovering your inner strength.

The Three Passes Trek is a dream come true for any adventure enthusiast. It’s a test of endurance, patience, and determination. But it’s also an opportunity to witness nature’s beauty at its best.