Everest Three Pass Trek

Arrive Kathmandu (1,350 m)

▲ 1,350 m

Welcome transfer and evening briefing.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Fly Kathmandu → Lukla (2,860 m); trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

▲ 2,610 m

A thrilling 40-minute mountain flight lands at Lukla's famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Trail begins through pine forests and along the Dudh Koshi river. 3–4 hrs.

Overnight: Phakding

Trek Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

▲ 3,440 m

A classic Khumbu day: suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi, a steady climb through Sagarmatha National Park, and your first glimpse of Everest before descending into the lively trading hub of Namche. 5–6 hrs.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

▲ 3,440 m

Hike to Everest View Hotel for a panorama of the high peaks.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Trek Namche → Tengboche (3,870 m)

▲ 3,870 m

The trail contours above the Dudh Koshi gorge with views of Ama Dablam before descending to the Tengboche Monastery — the spiritual heart of the Khumbu. 5–6 hrs.

Overnight: Tengboche

Trek Tengboche → Dingboche (4,360 m)

▲ 4,360 m

Through rhododendron and juniper forest to Pangboche, then up into the wide open valley of Dingboche at the foot of Ama Dablam and Island Peak. 5–6 hrs.

Overnight: Dingboche

Acclimatization in Dingboche (4,360 m)

▲ 4,360 m

Short ridge hike for views of Makalu and Ama Dablam.

Overnight: Dingboche

Trek Dingboche → Chhukung (4,730 m)

▲ 4,730 m

A short climb into the Imja Khola valley beneath the towering wall of Lhotse and Island Peak. 3–4 hrs.

Overnight: Chhukung

Cross Kongma La (5,535 m); trek to Lobuche (4,940 m)

▲ 5,535 m

The first of three passes. A demanding high-altitude crossing of Kongma La with sweeping views, then descent to Lobuche on the Khumbu moraine. 7–8 hrs.

Overnight: Lobuche

Trek Lobuche → EBC (5,364 m) → Gorak Shep (5,170 m)

▲ 5,364 m

Across the Khumbu Glacier to EBC, then back to Gorak Shep for the night.

Overnight: Gorak Shep

Hike Kala Patthar (5,545 m); trek to Dzongla (4,830 m)

▲ 5,545 m

Pre-dawn Kala Patthar sunrise over Everest, then westward to the quiet camp of Dzongla below Cho La.

Overnight: Dzongla

Cross Cho La (5,420 m); reach Gokyo (4,800 m)

▲ 5,420 m

The second pass — a glacier crossing with fixed ropes on the steeper sections, then a grand descent to the turquoise lakes at Gokyo. 7–8 hrs.

Overnight: Gokyo

Gokyo Ri (5,357 m); rest at Gokyo (4,800 m)

▲ 5,357 m

Ascend Gokyo Ri for a 360-degree panorama of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier — one of the finest viewpoints in Nepal.

Overnight: Gokyo

Cross Renjo La (5,360 m); trek to Lungden (4,350 m)

▲ 5,360 m

The third and final pass. The view from Renjo La — Gokyo Lakes below and Everest floating above the ridge — is unforgettable. Descend to Lungden. 7–8 hrs.

Overnight: Lungden

Trek Lungden → Thame (3,800 m)

▲ 3,800 m

Down the Bhote Koshi valley to the historic Sherpa village of Thame, birthplace of Tenzing Norgay. 4–5 hrs.

Overnight: Thame

Trek Thame → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

▲ 3,440 m

A pleasant half-day back to Namche for a celebratory dinner.

Overnight: Namche Bazaar

Trek Namche → Lukla (2,860 m)

▲ 2,860 m

The long descent back through the Dudh Koshi valley. 7–8 hrs.

Overnight: Lukla

Fly Lukla → Kathmandu; leisure

▲ 1,350 m

An early-morning mountain flight returns you to Kathmandu, with a free afternoon to rest, shop in Thamel, or reflect on the journey.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Departure