The Three Passes Trek - 20 days

Upon your arrival at the International Airport of Kathmandu, the trekking guide from Third Rock Adventures will receive and transfer you to the hotel.

The rest of the time, you can explore the nearby places and prepare for the next day's trip. In the evening, you'll attend a small team meeting where your guide will provide all the necessary details about the trek. Also, make sure to check all the gears and properly pack your backpack before going to sleep.    

Overnight stay in Kathmandu. 

The trek journey begins with a short and scenic flight to Lukla and a short hike to Phakding. Once you land at Lukla, you can meet other crew members and make final preparation. After that, the adventure begins with a short descend towards the Dudh Koshi River. From here, you'll join the main trail of Namche Bazaar; just above that, you'll come across Chaurikharka village. Today's walk is relatively short and easy. Passing through Ghat village at (2,550m/8,366ft), you reach Phakding. 

Overnight stay in Phakding. 

Continue your trek adventure towards Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa capital. Crossing the majestic Dudh Koshi River over several suspension bridges and crossing pine forests, you'll get to Monjo Village. From here, you'll enter Sagarmatha National Park. After completing short formalities of checking trekking permits, the trail drops steeply to the long suspension bridge. In clear weather, you'll catch the first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. 

You'll gradually descend towards the suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi river. After a short walk, you reach Jorsalle village. Further, crossing the long Hillary Bridge and gradually climbing uphill, you'll reach Namche Bazaar. It is the main trading town with many shops, restaurants, bakery-cafes, banks, ATMs, and Government offices. 

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar. 

Since the Three Passes Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayan region, the journey demands several acclimatization bases en route. Thus, you'll spend a day acclimatizing by going hike to nearby famous vantage points to enjoy the fascinating views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and other surrounding peaks. 

The famous places for side trips are Everest View Hotel, Syangboche Airport, Khumjung, and Kunde Village. You can enjoy the stunning sunrise or sunset view over the Khumbu peaks from the Everest View Hotel. In Khumjung village, you can visit the oldest monastery and see the displayed Yeti Skull. Similarly, in Kunde, you can visit the old Kunde hospital. Besides, you can also explore Namche Bazaar visit Sherpa Culture Museum. Here you can learn about the history of mountaineering and Sherpa culture. 

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar. 

Leaving the main trail of Everest Base Camp, you'll head towards Thame village, following the Gokyo Lake trail. Today's walk is relatively peaceful as you'll encounter very few numbers of trekkers. Also, this trail was the main trading route with Tibet. En route, you'll notice water streams, cascading waterfalls, traditional Sherpa villages, and beautiful mountain views. 

Today's walk is pretty easy, mostly on flat land. Passing through the forested area and walking along the bank of the Bhote Koshi River, you reach Thamu village. Next, you'll follow the river, cross the river over a small suspension bridge, and arrive at Thame village. It is home to many famous Sherpa mountaineers, including Tenzing Norgay. You can explore the village and visit the Thame Gompa, which offers a fantastic view of the valley. 

 Overnight stay in Thame village. 

You'll begin your walk on a relatively easy trail lead towards Taranga. En route, you will walk on barren land and see beautiful stone houses. After few hours of walk, you reach Marulung village, located on the east bank of the Bhote Koshi River. Later you continue your walk across a narrow valley surrounded by boulders. Lastly, after a steep ascends along with the stunning scenery of Kongde Peak, you reach Lungden. 

Overnight stay in Lungden. 

The trial continues to Gokyo valley. This day will be one of the most challenging and adventurous parts of your trek as you'll be crossing Renjo La Pass, the first of three high passes of the Everest region. During the first half of the walk, the trail is a little steep continues towards sandy terrain. Continuous strenuous uphill climb on the stone staircase you reach to the summit of Renjo La Pass.   

Even though the trail is challenging, but it is quite rewarding as it takes you through the most stunning landscape you'll ever see. On the top of the pass, you see the fluttering colorful prayer flags. Relish the jaw-dropping vistas of the entire Rolwaling range along with Mt. Everest and Makalu. Also, you'll get an outstanding view of the entire Gokyo Valley. 

After spending a pleasant time at the top, you head down towards the Gokyo Valley. Walking on a rugged mountain trail, you reach the bank of Gokyo Lake, where the valley sits. Gokyo valley is one of the high-altitude settlements in the world. 

Overnight stay in Gokyo Valley. 

Today you'll make an early morning hike up to Gokyo Ri, from where you'll get the close-up views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and other surrounding snow-clad peaks. Acclimatization is essential during the high-altitude trek. So, this climb provides you both stunning mountain vistas and acts as acclimatization for the long day ahead to cross the Cho La Pass. After spending an amazing time at Gokyo Ri, you'll descend to Gokyo valley. 

Likewise, you can also opt for hiking up to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes and the surrounding villages. Few hours of the hike will take you to the fourth lake, also known as Thonak Tsho, at 4,840m/15,880ft, and the fifth lake, known as Ngozumpa Tsho, at 4,956m/16,260ft. From here, you get a close sight of Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. In addition, you can also enjoy the panoramic view of some highest peaks of the Khumbu region. 

Overnight stay in Gokyo Valley.

After spending a beautiful acclimatization day in Gokyo valley, today you hike to Thagnag (also called Dragnag). You have to start the trek early in the morning as you have to follow the trail that crosses the Ngozumpa glacier. The ice begins to melt during the daytime, making the trail slippery, so you need to cross the glacier as early as you can. After crossing the glacier, continue your walk until you reach a small settlement of Thagnag. 

Overnight stay in Thagnag. 

A long and challenging day waits for you today! You'll cross the second pass of Everest Three Passes Trek. Start the trek early from. From Thagnag, take an uphill climb towards Cho La Pass. Be a little cautious while traveling this section, as the trail to the summit of the pass remains slippery most of the time.

Once you reach the pass, you will forget all your challenging climb. You'll soak into the magnificent scenery of Cho La Glacier with majestic Ama Dablam and Cholatse snow-capped peaks. After having a remarkable moment at the top, you head downhill. The trail is quite slippery due to the icy path and glaciers. On the way, you'll see many prayer flags. After descending through the vertical section of the glacier, eventually, you reach Dzongla. 

Overnight stay in Dzongla.

After a pleasant night at Dzongla, you'll begin your trek with an easy downhill walk to Lobuche. Along the way, you'll enjoy the panoramic sight of Mt. Cholatse and Taboche straight above. Continue your walk towards Lobuche Kharka. Eventually, following the trails of Imja Khola Valley, you reach Lobuche. It is the famous stopover among the trekkers who try to reach Everest Base Camp. Once you get to the beautiful settlement of Lobuche, you'll see the captivating view of Khumbu Glacier, the highest glacier in the region. 

Overnight stay in Lobuche. 

Today, you'll make your way to Everest Base Camp. The trail to the base of the world's highest peak has always been a fascinating adventure for every hardcore trekker. Leaving behind Lobuche, you'll walk through rough terrain and encounter a few ups and downs through the glacial path. 

Furthermore, the trail continues to Gorak Shep, where you'll catch enticing sight of Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, and other massif peaks. Once you reach Gorak Shep, you'll take a rest for a while and head towards your dream destination Everest Base Camp. After crossing several tiny streams and glacial moraine, finally, you make your way to base camp. 

From the base camp, you'll witness a close-up view of Khumbu Icefall along with Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, and Khubutse. You'll spend some quality time here by taking pictures and enjoying the view. Later you descend back to Gorak Shep through the same trail. 

Overnight stay in Gorak Shep.

Another fabulous day of your trek as you'll hike to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trekking expedition. Begin your trek early before sunrise through the steep rocky terrain. As you make your way to the viewpoint, you'll notice several color flags hung along the trail. Undoubtedly, you'll hold your breath for several points during your ascend to Kala Patthar for getting utterly beautiful scenery. It is also one of the famous vantage points for the close-up panoramic view of Mt. Everest.

From Kala Patthar, you'll witness a glorious sunrise view on Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks. Get immersed in the extremely impressive surrounding of several mountains standing in front of you. The summit itself is beautifully decorated with colorful flags and cranes, provide one of the exquisite scenery in any trekking expedition. After having a pleasant and memorable time at the top, you'll trek back to Lobuche.

Overnight stay in Lobuche.

Crossing the Kongma La Pass is another challenging and long day of the Three Passes Trek. Yes, the trail is challenging both physically and mentally, but the adventure to the top will surely be worth it once you witness the astonishing view. Following the rocky and uneven terrain, you head towards Khumbu Glacier moraine. 

After the steep ascent to the moraine, you'll cross the Khumbu glacier. From here, the sight of Kala Patthar looks insignificant. You need to be extra cautious as the trail stretched through ice terrains, and there might be several crevasses too. Further, continue your trek towards the summit of Kongma La Pass. Fluttering prayer flags and promised stunning panorama would motivate you!

Ultimately, after crossing the main Kongma La Lake with a short hike up, you reach Kongma La Pass. From the top, you can enjoy a majestic view of Mt. Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, along with the entire Kumbu region. After having the delightful moment, you descend through the zig-zag path to Chukkung. 

Overnight stay in Chukkung.

Chukkung is another beautiful village for a good acclimatization side trip for Everest Base Camp trekkers. It is also famous as the gate for Island Peak Climbing. Today you'll make an exciting climb to the Chukkung Ri, a rocky peak to the north of Chukkung village. 

From the summit, you will get breathtaking views of multiple glaciers and mountain peaks. You'll be up close and personal to the face of Mt. Nuptse and Lhotse in front of you and Mt. Dablam behind you. Enjoying the view, you will retrace back on the same route along the Imja River. The walk from Chukkung to Dingboche is short and easy as it involves a downhill trail. Dingboche is a beautiful settlement surrounded by majestic peaks. 

Overnight stay in Dingboche.

Post breakfast, you begin the hike from Dingboche to Namche Bazaar. Today you head toward the ending section of your Everest High Passes Trek. The walk is relatively easy as you'll come across some flatter sections during the trek. You may also spot exotic wildlife such as snow leopards, mountain goats, pheasants, Himalayan Thar, etc. The major highlight of today's hike to Namche Bazaar is along the way; you'll come across the oldest monastery in the region at Pangboche and Tengboche Monastery, one of the largest monastery in the region. After few hours of the pleasant walk under the forested area, you reach Namche. 

Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar. 

Finally, this is your last trekking day of the high passes trek. You'll retrace the path to Lukla via Monjo, Phakding, and Ghat villages. The trek involves an easy and comfortable walk with few short uphill climbs. You'll also come across several Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and chortens. Enjoying the final glimpse of Mt. Everest, Kusum Kanguru, Nuptse, Thamserku, etc., you'll get back to Lukla. Once you reach Lukla, you can take a rest or stroll around the village. Later, you can celebrate your successful completion of the Everest Three High Passes Trek. 

Overnight stay in Lukla. 

Depart from Lukla, with the fabulous flight to Kathmandu. Enjoying some final views of breathtaking Himalayan views and the surrounding landscape you land at Kathmandu. Drive back to the hotel, and you'll have the rest of the day for yourself. Thus, you can either take some rest or stroll around nearby places like Thamel. 

Overnight stay in Kathmandu. 

Himalayan weather is quite unpredictable! So, today is the extra day in case of flight cancellation due to bad weather in Lukla. Also, if you could fly on your scheduled date and time, then upon your request, we can organize a day tour to Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.

In addition, after a long weary trek in the Himalayas, you may join some Yoga sessions or have spa treatments to rejuvenate the body and remove toxins. Later you can wander around the busy streets of Thamel. You can also buy some souvenirs/gifts for friends and family back home. In the evening, you may enjoy traditional Nepalese cuisine in one of the fine restaurants in Thamel. 

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Finally, today is your last day in the land of Everest. According to your flight schedule, representatives from Third Rock Adventures will drop you at the International Airport. With unlimited beautiful memories, fly back to your home. 

Likewise, suppose you want to extend your trip for a cultural tour, day hike, city tour, or heli tour, please do remember us. We also offer different customized trekking and tour packages in Nepal and neighboring countries such as India, Bhutan, and Tibet.