Three Pass Trek

The itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1

   Arrival in Kathmandu

   Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest and refresh. In the evening, you will meet your trekking guide who will provide you with a detailed briefing on the Three Passes Trek, including safety guidelines, necessary preparations, and an overview of the upcoming days. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions and get your trekking permits sorted. Overnight in Kathmandu.

2. 2
   Day 2

   Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

   The day begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain town located at 2,840 meters, which serves as the starting point of the trek. The 30-minute scenic flight offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, and upon arrival in Lukla, you will meet your trekking crew. The trek begins with a descent to the Dudh Koshi River, followed by a gentle ascent to the village of Phakding (2,610 meters), where you will spend the night. The trail is relatively easy, and you’ll pass through charming Sherpa villages and scenic landscapes.

3. 3
   Day 3

   Trek to Namche Bazaar

   Today, you will trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters), a vibrant Sherpa town often referred to as the gateway to the Everest region. The trail takes you through beautiful forests of rhododendron and pine trees, crossing several suspension bridges along the way, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. As you approach Namche Bazaar, you will be rewarded with your first views of Mount Everest. Namche Bazaar is a bustling town with local markets, cafes, and lodges, where you will spend the night.

4. 4
   Day 4

   Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

   To help your body adjust to the high altitude, you will take a rest day in Namche Bazaar. It is essential to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness as you will be trekking at higher elevations in the coming days. During this day, you can explore the town, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about the region’s rich history and culture, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. A short hike to the nearby viewpoint is recommended for acclimatization.

5. 5
   Day 5

   Trek to Tengboche

   After acclimatizing, you will continue your trek to Tengboche (3,867 meters). The trail ascends steadily, offering stunning views of the Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse mountains. You will pass through lush forests and cross the Dudh Koshi River again, gradually making your way towards the famous Tengboche Monastery. This monastery, perched at the edge of a ridge, is one of the most important spiritual sites in the Everest region and offers magnificent views of Everest and surrounding peaks. You will overnight in Tengboche.

6. 6
   Day 6

   Trek to Dingboche

   The trek continues to Dingboche (4,410 meters), a beautiful village surrounded by fields and stone walls that protect crops from the harsh winds of the high Himalayas. The day’s trek is moderate, and you will pass through picturesque forests and meadows, with views of Ama Dablam, one of the most iconic peaks in the Khumbu region. Dingboche is a popular stopping point for trekkers heading towards Everest Base Camp and other high-altitude destinations.

7. 7
   Day 7

   Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

   As part of your acclimatization process, you will take another rest day in Dingboche. This is an excellent opportunity to rest and prepare for the upcoming challenges. You can also take a short hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100 meters), which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Makalu, Lhotse, and Island Peak. This hike will help with your acclimatization, and you will return to Dingboche for an overnight stay.

8. 8
   Day 8

   Trek to Lobuche

   From Dingboche, you will trek towards Lobuche (4,940 meters), a small settlement located near the Khumbu Glacier. The trail gradually ascends, and you will pass through rocky terrain with stunning views of Everest, Pumori, and other Himalayan peaks. The walk is more challenging as you gain altitude, but the spectacular mountain vistas make the effort worthwhile. Lobuche will be your base for the night.

9. 9
   Day 9

   Trek to Gorak Shep, Visit Everest Base Camp, and Return to Gorak Shep

   Today is one of the most exciting days of the trek as you head towards Gorak Shep (5,164 meters), the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. After arriving in Gorak Shep, you will take a detour to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), the legendary base of Mount Everest. The trail to Base Camp offers amazing views of the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks. After spending some time at Everest Base Camp, you will return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

10. 10
    Day 10

    Hike to Kala Patthar and Trek to Dzongla via Cho La Pass

    An early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters) will offer the most iconic views of Mount Everest, with the sun rising over the mountain range. After soaking in the breathtaking views, you will descend to Gorak Shep and continue your trek towards Dzongla (4,830 meters) via the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 meters). The pass is often covered in snow and ice, so it requires careful navigation, but the views from the top are truly magnificent.

11. 11
    Day 11

    Trek to Thangnak via Dragnag

    The trek today takes you from Dzongla to Thangnak (4,750 meters) via Dragnag. This part of the trek offers stunning views of Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest mountain in the world, and the surrounding peaks. The trail winds through rocky terrain and glaciers, and you will spend the night in Thangnak, a small settlement with spectacular mountain views.

12. 12
    Day 12

    Trek to Gokyo and Explore Gokyo Lakes

    Today, you will trek to Gokyo (4,790 meters), a village situated beside the serene Gokyo Lakes. This is one of the most beautiful spots on the trek, with crystal-clear turquoise waters set against a backdrop of towering peaks, including Cho Oyu. After arriving in Gokyo, you will have the opportunity to explore the Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal.

13. 13
    Day 13

    Hike to Gokyo Ri and Trek to Lungden via Renjo La Pass

    An early morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) will reward you with some of the most spectacular views in the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Afterward, you will begin your trek towards Lungden (4,380 meters) via the scenic Renjo La Pass (5,340 meters). This pass is less traveled, offering a sense of remoteness and tranquility. Upon descending from the pass, you will spend the night in Lungden.

14. 14
    Day 14

    Trek to Thame and Namche Bazaar

    From Lungden, you will trek to the village of Thame (3,820 meters), known for its monastery and tranquil atmosphere. After exploring Thame, you will descend to Namche Bazaar, retracing your steps along the familiar trails of the Everest region.

15. 15
    Day 15

    Trek to Lukla

    The final leg of the trek takes you from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla, where you will celebrate the completion of the Three Passes Trek. The trek is relatively easy, and you will have time to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just undertaken.

16. 16
    Day 16

    Fly to Kathmandu

    After a memorable adventure, you will take a morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, you can relax, explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, or simply rest after the long trek. This is your final day to unwind before returning home, and you can take part in a celebratory dinner with your trekking crew to mark the end of your incredible journey.

Pictures