Everest Three High Passes Trek

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Manthali, a small town in the Ramechhap district. The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours, winding through the lush hills, terraced farmlands, and rural villages of Nepal. Manthali serves as the gateway for flights to Lukla, offering an alternative to the busy Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After reaching Manthali, you will check into a local lodge and rest for the night, preparing for your early morning flight to Lukla.

An early morning flight from Manthali to Lukla marks the start of the trekking journey. The 15 minute flight provides breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas before landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the most thrilling airstrips in the world. Upon arrival in Lukla, you’ll meet the trekking crew, finalize gear, and begin the trek to Phakding. The trail descends gradually through rhododendron and pine forests, passing through villages like Chheplung and Ghat before reaching Phakding, a charming settlement along the Dudh Koshi River.

Today’s trek follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. You will pass through Monjo, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, where permits are checked before continuing toward Namche Bazaar. The final stretch involves a steep uphill climb, but the reward is spectacular your first glimpse of Everest in the distance. Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa town, serves as the main trading hub of the Khumbu region and offers a range of accommodations, bakeries, and trekking gear shops.

To help with acclimatization, you will spend a day in Namche with a short yet rewarding hike to the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest-altitude hotels in the world. From here, you can admire panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The hike continues to Khumjung and Khunde, traditional Sherpa villages where you can visit the Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery, which houses a supposed Yeti scalp. You will then return to Namche for an evening of rest and exploration.

The trail follows a scenic path with stunning views of Everest and Ama Dablam before descending to Phunki Tenga, a small riverside village. After crossing the river, the ascent to Tengboche begins, a challenging but rewarding climb. Tengboche is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the region, where trekkers can witness a peaceful evening prayer session amidst a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Descending through lush forests, you will cross the Imja Khola before climbing steadily toward Pangboche, the last permanent Sherpa village en route to Everest Base Camp. Continuing along the barren, windswept landscapes, you reach Dingboche, known as the "summer valley" due to its open fields and yak pastures. The higher altitude is noticeable here, so you will take it slow and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.

A second acclimatization day includes a rewarding hike to Nangkartshang Peak, offering panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The steep climb provides excellent acclimatization while giving you a sense of the high-altitude trekking experience. You will return to Dingboche in the afternoon for a well-earned rest.

A short but important trek to Chhukung prepares you for the challenge ahead. The trail offers spectacular views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and the glaciers surrounding the valley. Upon arrival, you can rest or explore the nearby ridges for even better mountain panoramas.

The first high pass of the trek, Kongma La, is a challenging ascent through rugged terrain and glacier moraines. The climb is demanding but rewarding, with mesmerizing views from the top. After crossing the pass, you descend to Lobuche, exhausted but exhilarated.

Today’s journey takes you further into the high-altitude wilderness of the Everest region as you trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. The trail initially follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with stunning views of towering peaks like Pumori, Nuptse, and Everest itself. The rugged terrain and increasing altitude make the trek more challenging, but the breathtaking scenery keeps your spirits high.

Upon reaching Gorakshep, you will take a short break before preparing for the highlight of the day—an evening hike to Kala Patthar (5,560 m). This viewpoint offers one of the best panoramic views of Mount Everest, glowing golden in the light of the setting sun. Other Himalayan giants such as Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori add to the stunning spectacle. After soaking in the magical views and capturing unforgettable photos, you will descend back to Gorakshep for an overnight stay, resting before the next day’s trek to Everest Base Camp.

This is the most exciting day for many trekkers as you finally reach Everest Base Camp (EBC), the iconic site where climbers prepare for their ascent of the world’s highest peak. After an early morning breakfast in Gorakshep, you will trek along the glacier moraine, navigating rocky terrain to reach the base camp. Upon arrival, you can take in the breathtaking views of the Khumbu Icefall, the first challenge faced by mountaineers attempting to summit Everest. You’ll have time to explore, take photos, and appreciate the immense energy of this legendary place.

After spending some time at EBC, you will trek back to Gorakshep for lunch before continuing your descent toward Dzongla (4,830 m). The trail gradually descends, taking you away from the Everest Base Camp route and toward the next phase of your adventure the Cho La Pass crossing. Dzongla is a peaceful and less crowded area, with magnificent views of Cholatse and Lobuche peaks. You will settle into a teahouse here, resting in preparation for the challenging day ahead.

Today is one of the most demanding yet rewarding days of the trek as you cross the Cho La Pass (5,420 m). You will start early, ascending the steep and rocky trail that leads to the top of the pass. The final section of the climb involves navigating an icy section, often requiring micro-spikes or crampons for safety. Reaching the summit of Cho La is a moment of triumph, as you are surrounded by spectacular Himalayan peaks, including Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Baruntse.

The descent from the pass is steep and requires caution, leading into a rugged glacier field before transitioning into grassy pastures. The landscape changes dramatically as you make your way toward Dragnag, a small settlement before Gokyo. After a short break, you will continue along the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, before finally arriving in Gokyo (4,790 m), a stunning valley beside turquoise glacial lakes. After a long and strenuous day, you can relax at a comfortable teahouse, enjoying the breathtaking views of Gokyo Lake and Cho Oyu (8,188 m), the sixth-highest mountain in the world.

After several days of challenging trekking, today is a well-deserved rest and exploration day in Gokyo. For those who still have energy, an early morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) is highly recommended. This viewpoint offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the stunning Gokyo Lakes. Watching the sunrise from here is an unforgettable experience.

For a more relaxed exploration, you can visit the fifth and sixth Gokyo Lakes, which are situated further up the valley and provide pristine, untouched scenery. Alternatively, you can take a short walk around the third lake and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this remote mountain paradise. The day is also an opportunity to recover, enjoy good food, and prepare for the next high pass crossing Renjo La.

Another exhilarating and demanding day awaits as you cross the Renjo La Pass (5,360 m), the final high pass of the trek. The trail ascends gradually above Gokyo, with stunning views of the lakes below. The final section is a steep climb to the top of Renjo La, where a magnificent panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Rolwaling Himalayas unfolds before you.

The descent from Renjo La is steep but incredibly scenic, passing through remote landscapes untouched by the usual trekking crowds. The trail winds down into the Bhote Koshi Valley, eventually reaching Lungden (4,380 m), a small settlement that offers basic yet comfortable teahouses. The dramatic contrast between the snowy high-altitude passes and the greener landscapes below makes today’s trek truly unforgettable.

Leaving the high-altitude wilderness behind, you will gradually descend toward Namche Bazaar, retracing ancient Tibetan trade routes. The path follows the Bhote Koshi River, passing through traditional Sherpa villages like Thame, home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region.

Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you return to the bustling heart of the Everest region. Here, you can celebrate your successful trek with a warm meal, a hot shower, and perhaps even some souvenirs from the local markets.

The final day of trekking retraces your steps through the familiar trails of the Sagarmatha National Park, passing by Monjo, Phakding, and several scenic suspension bridges. As you descend, you’ll feel the increasing oxygen levels, making the walk easier compared to the high-altitude sections.

Upon reaching Lukla, you can celebrate with your trekking team, enjoy a relaxing evening, and reflect on the incredible journey you have just completed.

Early in the morning, you will take a short yet thrilling flight from Lukla to Manthali, where the vast Himalayan landscapes slowly transition into rolling hills and river valleys. After landing in Manthali, you will embark on a 6 to 7-hour drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying the lush scenery of rural Nepal along the way.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can finally relax, enjoy a celebratory meal, and reflect on your epic Everest Three High Passes Trek with Cime Himalaya Trek & Expedition.