Everest 3 High Passes Trek Itinerary

Everest 3 High Passes Trek is the most adventurous and challenging trekking program in the Everest region. This trek includes a hike to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

You will explore beautiful Chhukung Valley and Gokyo Valley, and enjoy several side excursions to places like Hotel Everest View, Khumjung Village, Nangkartshang Peak, Chhukung Ri, and Gokyo Ri.

Likewise, on the Everest 3 high passes trek 22 days, you will also explore untouched Sherpa villages such as Thame and Marlung. The Everest Three Passes Trek distance is around 170 kilometers.

You can see a few different itineraries for this trek on the internet. Every itinerary has its own appeal. Choose the one that best suits your timing, fitness, budget, and other requirements.

In this blog, we have shared one of the best 3 passes trek Nepal itinerary in detail. This itinerary has a fantastic acclimatization schedule, which increases the success and overall satisfaction rate.

Everest 3 High Passes Trek Itinerary in short:

Below, we have mentioned our proposed 22 days Everest three high passes trek itinerary. Note that you can customize the itinerary to fit your requirements.

Day 01: Kathmandu arrival and transfer you to the hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu and trek preparation
Day 03: Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport (2,846 m/9,337 ft) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft)
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft)
Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar: hike to Khumjung Monastery and Sir Edmund Hillary School (3,790 m/12,434 ft)
Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche village (3,860 m/12,660 ft)
Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,470 ft)
Day 08: Acclimatization day: hike to Nagarjung Hill or Nangkartshang Peak (5,100 m/16,732 ft)
Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730 m/15,518 ft) and hike to Chhukung Ri (5,546 m/18,196 ft)
Day 10: Trek from Chhukung to Lobuche village (4,940 m/16,210 ft) via Kongma La pass (5,540 m/18,176 ft)
Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft) via Gorak Shep (5,164 m/16,942 ft) and back to Gorak Shep for a night’s stay
Day 12: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft) early in the morning and trek down to Lobuche village (4,940 m/16,210 ft)
Day 13: Trek from Lobuche village to Dzonlga (4,830 m/15,846 ft)
Day 14: Trek from Dzongla to Cho La pass (5,420 m/17,782 ft) and descend to Thagnak (4,700 m/15,420 ft)
Day 15: Trek from Thagnak to Gokyo Village (4,750 m/15,584 ft)
Day 16: Acclimatization day in Gokyo Village- hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft)
Day 17: Trek from Gokyo Village to Renjo La pass (5,360 m/17,585 ft) and descend to Marlung (4,120 m/17,536 ft)
Day 18: Trek from Marlung to Thame (3,800 m/12,467 ft
Day 19: Trek from Thame to Monjo (2,835 m/9,301 ft)
Day 20: Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2,846 m/9,337 ft)
Day 21: Morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport & hotel drop (1,400 m/4,600 ft)
Day 22: Final departure

Everest 3 High Passes Trek Itinerary explained in detail:

Below, we have shared our Everest 3 High Passes trek 22 days itinerary. This itinerary provides ample acclimatization opportunities and is designed to increase the success rate. Following the program below, you will enjoy a perfect balance of the bustle of the mainstream EBC route and untouched, tranquil, offbeat trails.

Day 01: Kathmandu arrival and transfer you to the hotel

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Null

Our team members will welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu upon arrival and escort you to the hotel. We use private four-wheelers during airport pick-ups and drop-offs, so you will have a comfortable ride.

You will be staying in Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu. Check-in at your hotel and freshen up. Later, spend the evening exploring the lively streets of Thamel and have a delicious dinner.

Day 02: Sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu and trek preparation

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast only

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast. After that, you will go on a guided tour of monuments like Monkey Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square.

There are many other tourist sites in Kathmandu, but we do not have enough time to visit all of them. After the tour, the guide will drop you at the hotel. Get rest, and later in the day, you will meet with your trek guide and some other team members of Family Adventure Treks & Expedition.

We will have a trek briefing, and after that, you can buy trekking clothes and gear. It is important that you buy all the essentials for the three-pass trek and pack your duffle bag today because we will leave for the Lukla flight quite early the next day.

Day 03: Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport and trek to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft)

• Trek distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles
• Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
• Duration: 35 minutes flight & 3 hours trek
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

On this day, you will fly to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest Region. Between March to May and September to November, the Lukla flights are operated from the Ramechhap Airport instead of Kathmandu Airport because of high air traffic.

The Ramechhap Airport is situated around 4 to 5 hours away from Kathmandu. So, you will leave your hotel around 2:00 AM to reach Ramechhap Airport on time to catch the early morning Lukla flight on time. It will be around a 30 minute flight to Lukla.

During the flight, you can see the majestic Himalayas. Upon landing in Lukla, collect your duffel bags and meet the porters. While porters will carry the duffel bag, you will only carry a day pack.

Today, you will trek to Phakding village to spend the night. Walk through the narrow alleys of Lukla and gradually descend alongside the Dudh Koshi River. The trail goes through small villages like Cheplung and Ghat. Likewise, you will cross many suspension bridges along the way.

*Note:

i) If you are concerned about a commercial Lukla flight, you can opt for a helicopter flight from Kathmandu Airport to Lukla Airport. It will be around 45 minutes of comfortable flight. You can upgrade to a helicopter flight to Lukla at just USD 650 per person. This price is subject to change.

ii) In summer/monsoon (June, July, August) and winter (December, January, February), Lukla flights are operated from Kathmandu Airport.

Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

• Trek distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles
• Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

On day three of the trek, you will hike to the very famous Namche Bazaar. It is the largest Sherpa village in the Everest region and an economic hub. The trail from Phakding to Namche Bazaar gradually ascends through rhododendrons and magnolia forested hills.

You will follow the Dudh Koshi River throughout the way and cross it several times via suspension bridges, including the long Tenzing Hillary Suspension Bridge. At Monjo, we register our trek permits and officially enter the Sagarmatha National Park.

The final 1-2 hours of ascending to Namche Bazaar is steep, so it is important that we maintain our balance and pace. Namche Bazaar will welcome you with many amenities, a bustling market, and a delightful atmosphere.

Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar: hike to Khumjung Monastery and Sir Edmund Hillary School

• Altitude: 3,790 m/12,434 ft
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today, you will spend one more day in Namche Bazaar. It is an acclimatization day, which is important to avoid altitude sickness further on the way. In the early morning, you will hike to the Hotel Everest View.

It is a luxury lodge famous for the view of Mt. Everest from all of its windows. The hiking route is rocky and offers stunning views of Mt. Thamserku and Kongde Ri. Likewise, from Hotel Everest View, you can see beautiful views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, and Mt. Ama Dablam.

You can continue the hike to Kumjung village or return to Namche Bazaar. Stop by the Everest Photo Gallery and Sherpa Culture Museum on the way. Spend the remaining day exploring Namche Bazaar and resting.

Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche village

• Trek distance: 9.2 km/5.7 miles
• Altitude: 3,860 m/12,660 ft
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Leaving Namche Bazaar, you will hike to Tengboche village. In this village, you will explore the biggest monastery in the Everest region, known as the Tengboche monastery. The trail from Namche Bazaar gradually descends to Phortse Thanga.

From here, you will follow an uphill trail to Tengboche village. You will see lovely views of Khumbi La and Taboche peaks on the way. Likewise, from Tengboche village, you will see striking views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest.

Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

• Trek distance: 12 km/7.45 miles
• Altitude: 4,410 m/14,470 ft
• Duration: 6 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

From Tengboche, you will follow lush forests, terraced fields, and a windy route to Dingboche village. Breathtaking views of Mt. Ama Dablam will make the hike excellent. Leaving Tengboche village, you will descend through rhododendron forests and reach Deboche village.

The trail continues through the forests and drops to the Imja Khola Valley floor. From here, you will follow the uphill route to Pangboche village. Quickly visit one of the ancient monasteries of the Everest region in this village.

Further, you will pass by small settlements and terraced fields to reach Dingboche village. Dingboche is known as the Summer Valley, where the locals grow crops and some vegetables.

Day 08: Acclimatization day: hike to Nagarjung Hill or Nangkartshang Peak

• Altitude: 5,100 m/16,732 ft
• Duration: 5 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

You will spend the second rest day in Dingboche village. Like Namche Bazaar, you will also go on an early morning hike in Dingboche. Your hiking destination will be Nagarjung Hill or Nangkartshang Peak. Both hiking options are great and adventurous.

Upon reaching the top, you will see a gorgeous sunrise and an outstanding mountain panorama of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, etc. After the hike, return to Dingboche village and spend the remaining day resting and recovering.

Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730 m/15,518 ft) and hike to Chhukung Ri

• Trek distance: 5.3 km/3.1 miles
• Altitude: 5,546 m/18,196 ft
• Duration: 4 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

On this day, you will leave the mainstream EBC trail and follow a less crowded route to Chhukung Valley. The hike to Chhuung village is short, so you will also go on a side excursion to Chhukung Ri. Hiking to Chhukung Ri will be very beneficial to acclimatize.

You will walk on steep and rocky trails to reach Chhukung Ri, a viewpoint. Upon reaching, you will witness stunning mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, Pumori, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and many more. Later, you will return to Chhukung village to spend the night.

Day 10: Trek from Chhukung to Lobuche village (4,940 m/16,210 ft) via Kongma La pass

• Trek distance: 11 km/6.8 miles
• Altitude: 5,540 m/18,176 ft
• Duration: 8-9 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today, you will cross the first pass of the three passes trek, Kongma La. You will start the day before sunrise and gradually ascend, following the footsteps of your guide to reach the top of Kongma La Pass.

There is no teahouse on the way, so we will carry a packed lunch on this day. There are two routes from Chhukung to Kongma La Pass. One goes northwest over the Nuptse Glacier moraines, and the second goes back to Bibre and follows the trail above the Niyang Khola.

The hike will be challenging due to the high altitude, but the astonishing mountain panorama from the top of the pass will make you forget all the pain. From the pass, you will descend and hike north of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche village.

Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep (5,164 m/16,942 ft) and back to Gorak Shep for a night’s stay

• Trek distance: 15 km/9.32 miles
• Altitude: 5,364 m/17,598 ft
• Duration: 8 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

You are again back on the mainstream EBC trail. From Lobuche village, the trail continues to Gorak Shep and, from here, ascends to Everest Base Camp. You will see striking mountain vistas on the way. It will be a steep, rocky ascend to Gorak Shep.

You will leave your heavy luggage here and hike to Everest Base Camp. At EBC, you will enjoy a close view of the Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, and many surrounding mountains.

After that, return to Gorak Shep to spend the night. Trekkers are not allowed to spend the night at the Everest Base Camp. There is no teahouse. Only mountaineers and their support team spend nights at the base camp.

Day 12: Hike to Kala Patthar early in the morning and trek down to Lobuche village (4,940 m/16,210 ft)

• Trek distance: 7.3 km/4.5 miles
• Altitude: 5,545 m/18,192 ft
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

This day begins with a fantastic hike to the popular Kala Patthar viewpoint. The trail is steep and rugged, so you have to be cautious while ascending. As the sun rises, you can see heartwarming golden rays hitting the snow-capped mountains. The scenery will be heavenly.

From Kala Patthar, you will enjoy a surreal sunrise and unparalleled views of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, etc. After enjoying the views, you will return to Gorak Shep and retrace the same trail to Lobuche village.

Day 13: Trek from Lobuche village to Dzonlga (4,830 m/15,846 ft)

• Trek distance: 6.6 km/4 miles
• Altitude: 5,545 m/18,192 ft
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After leaving Lobuche village, you will hike to Dzongla. The trail is not busy, so you will enjoy tranquility throughout the way. You will come across two routes in a few hours of walking from Lobuche village.

Following the right side of the trail, you will hike to Dzongla. On the way, you can see Chola Tsho Lake and tombstones. Just before reaching Dzongla, you will cross a bridge over Chola Khola.

Day 14: Trek from Dzongla to Cho La pass and descend to Thagnak (4,700 m/15,420 ft)

• Trek distance: 9.3 km/5.8 miles
• Altitude: 5,420 m/17,782 ft
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

While hiking from Dzongla to Thagnak, you will cross the second pass, Cho La, which is considered the most challenging. Like last time, you will start hiking before sunrise.

Our aim is to cross the pass before midday to avoid strong winds or the possibility of an unfavorable weather shift.

The trail steeply ascends. You will walk on loose rocks. The mountain view from the top of Cho La Pass will leave you in awe. After relishing the view, start descending to Thagnak.

Day 15: Trek from Thagnak to Gokyo Village

• Trek distance: 3.7 km/2.3 miles
• Altitude: 4,750 m/15,584 ft
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

From Thagnak to Gokyo village, you will pass by a Pangka lake and navigate the Ngozumpa glacier moraine. Ngozumpa Glacier is the biggest glacier in Nepal.

You can see superb views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Mt. Makalu, and Cholatse Peak on the way. Not many trekkers hike to Gokyo Village, so the trail will be peaceful.

Soon, you will pass by the first and second Gokyo Lakes and reach the third Gokyo Lake, where Gokyo Village is located. There are six main Gokyo Lakes.

Day 16: Acclimatization day in Gokyo Village- hike to Gokyo Ri

• Altitude: 5,357 m/17,575 ft
• Duration: 5 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

It is your other rest day. Wake up early in the morning and hike to Gokyo Ri. It will be an incredible excursion. The sunrise and mountain views from Gokyo Ri are phenomenal.

From here, you can continue the hike to the third and fourth lakes and also visit the isolated Mt. Cho Oyu Base Camp.

Day 17: Trek from Gokyo Village to Renjo La pass and descend to Marlung (4,120 m/17,536 ft)

• Trek distance: 13 km/8 miles
• Altitude: 5,360 m/17,585 ft
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today, you will cross the last pass, Renjo La. Leave Gokyo Village early in the morning and hike above the third Gokyo Lake. Climb stone steps and walk through a nearby valley.

On the way, you will pass by Renjo Lake and walk alongside the Dudh Pokhari. Gradually ascend to the top of Renjo La, which will welcome you with a grand mountain panorama and an excellent view of Gokyo Village and Ngozumpa Glacier.

From the pass, the trail descends to Marlung to spend the night. It is a lovely Sherpa village situated on the bank of the Bhote Koshi River.

Day 18: Trek from Marlung to Thame

• Trek distance: 9.5 km/6 miles
• Altitude: 3,800 m/12,467 ft
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Leaving Marlung, you will descend to Thame. The trail follows an old route that Tibetan traders have followed for centuries. You will enjoy a tranquil walk through small villages and lush hills.

Follow a downhill trail to Tauranga, where you will see Langmuche Khola. Upon reaching Thame, settle in the lodge and later visit an ancient monastery. You can see stunning views of mountains like Kangtega, Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, etc.

Day 19: Trek from Thame to Monjo

• Trek distance: 15 km/9.3 miles
• Altitude: 2,835 m/9,301 ft
• Duration: 6 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Thame to Monjo is a long descent. Start walking early in the morning. Enjoy a peaceful trail and pass by a small village called Phurte. From here, you will hike to Namche Bazaar.

The trail then steeply descends through lush forests of rhododendrons to Monjo village. You will cross many suspension bridges on the way.

Day 20: Trek from Monjo to Lukla

• Trek distance: 9.5 km/6 miles
• Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

From Monjo, continue trekking to Phakding village through rhododendron forests. The trail then ascends through verdant hills, crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River to Lukla.

Day 21: Morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport & hotel drop

• Altitude: 1,400 m/4,600 ft
• Duration: 35 minutes flight
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast only

Today, you will fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning. You will land at the Ramechhap Airport in spring and autumn and drive to Kathmandu. Your guide will drop you off at the hotel in Thamel.

The rest of the evening is free. Rest and buy souvenirs. If you feel extremely exhausted, we recommend getting a massage and spa treatment for post-trek recovery.

In the late evening, we will catch up and hand you the trek completion certificate. You can leave your feedback. Spend the rest of the evening as you wish.

Day 22: Final departure

• Meals: Breakfast only

It is your final day in Kathmandu. On this day, you will fly back to your home or next destination. Our representatives will drop you off at the international airport. Make sure to get ready to leave your hotel on time, and double-check your room before leaving it.

*Note:You can join another trek or tour with us in Nepal. Likewise, we also organize trips to India, Bhutan, and Tibet if you are interested in exploring these countries.

Conclusion:

For challenging, high-altitude treks like Everest 3 high passes, a perfect itinerary is essential. We understand that one itinerary may not fit all trekkers, so we also custom design the itinerary.

Whether you are an experienced or beginner trekker who wants to take on this life-changing challenge, the Family Adventure Treks & Expedition team will curate the best three-pass trek itinerary for you – 2025 bookings are open. Contact us for more information.