Everest Three Passes Trek - 17 Days

Today begins with the gentle sounds of birdsong and the steady murmur of the Dudhkoshi River, a natural wake-up call that sets a peaceful tone for the day. After a hearty breakfast, we set off along a trail that winds through fragrant pine forests, hugging the riverbank and crossing numerous suspension bridges along the way.

The most iconic of these is the Hillary Suspension Bridge, named in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary, who—alongside Sherpa Tenzing Norgay—made history as the first climber to summit Mount Everest. As we continue, the trail opens up to reveal sweeping views of Mt. Thamserku (6,618 m), before guiding us through the charming villages of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo, just shy of the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park.

Our final village before the ascent is Jorsale for the lunch break, after which we push deeper into the forest, crossing several more bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. From here, a steep 2 to 3 hours hike up rewards us with our first breathtaking glimpse of Mt. Everest in our Everest Three Pass Trek with Wilderness Excursion, poised dramatically above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. At Chautara (the stone-built resting place), we pause once more to capture the unfolding panorama with our cameras.

We then continue for roughly another hour and a half, finally arriving at Namche Bazaar—the vibrant gateway to various Everest trekking Routes and the region’s bustling trading heart. Tonight, we rest in this iconic mountain hub, surrounded by the spirit of the Himalayas.

This day is separated as an extra day to acclimatize at Namche Bazaar at an altitude of 3440 meter above sea level. Why is it important to rest and take an acclimatization day here?

It is very important for the trekkers to schedule an ‘acclimatization day’ to acclimatize our bodies and to avoid Altitude Mountain Sickness, generally known as AMS. Higher in the mountains above 3000, the air is thin, but our body as capability to adapt to its environment if we allow the time without rush so taking proper acclimatization is crucial for a successful trek of happy ending.

And taking a rest (acclimatize) never means we have to stop walking, but it is always advised to hike to a higher elevation and sleep at lower so we can go hike and explore Everest view hotel for panoramic and spectacular view of mountains, walk to twin Sherpa village (Khumjung and Khunde) and vist Sherpa museum or stroll around at Namche Bazar. There are several restaurants, lodges, bars, boutiques, souvenir shops, groceries, and even a bakery in Namche Bazaar.

Leaving the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar behind, the trail continues up until reaching Kyanjuma (also spelled Kyangjuma), and it takes about a 1.5-hour pleasant walk to Sanasa on a pleasant trail through the mountain slope, offering fresh air and views of Everest, Lhotse, Amadanalm, and several other peaks. Sanasa is the crossroad that leads to Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. Then the journey of the three-pass trek via the Everest Base Camp trail drops down to the Dudh Kosi River and crosses by suspension bridge at Phungi Thengna. We can see a series of picturesque water-driven prayer wheels. Then your guide from Wilderness Excursion will probably arrange a lunch break here if you are hungry.

Today, you have chances of spotting wildlife, such as musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and colorful pheasants from Kyangjuma to Phungi Tenga section. Then the steep ascent trail for about 2 hours brings us to Tengboche - sitting on a prominent forested ridge at 3,867 meters (12,687 feet) in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal. Upon arrival, check in, and after a nice cup of tea, we can go explore the region’s most active Buddhist monastery and surrounding beauty.

The monks open the Gompa at 3 pm for visitors, and we can also visit the sacred land exhibition center. In the afternoon, our guide will arrange a visit to the monastery to witness a religious ceremony by the monks. Again, the views of the mountains are fabulous all the time when weather permits. We get to see some of the most spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and a close-up view of Thamserku (6608m). We spend the night at a lodge here in Tengboche.

Wake up and enjoy the brilliant sunrise on Mount Everest, and the monastery complex is even more fabulous, giving you a perfect photo opportunity of the surrounding scenery and monuments. After breakfast, with mountains in the background, we hike toward Dingboche, leaving Tengboche. The trail first goes gradually downhill to Deboche, we the cross suspension bridge over Bhote Koshi, and then take the higher trail that provides us with better views as we head to Lower Pangboche village.

After breakfast, with the mountains standing tall behind us, we set out from Tengboche and begin our trek toward Dingboche. The trail eases downhill at first, leading us through serene forests to Deboche, where we cross a suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi River. From there, we ascend onto a higher path that rewards us with increasingly expansive views as we make our way toward Lower Pangboche village. Along the route, we pass through several monuments like chortens and mani walls, stone-carved prayers etched into the landscape—and wander through several small, traditional settlements. Our guide from Wilderness Excursion will arrange a nice lunch break, and enjoy a close-up view of the majestic Mount Ama Dablam towering just in front of us.

In the afternoon, our journey of Everest Three Pass Trek resumes again toward north-west Dingboche, though we also have the option to take an eastward trail that runs beneath the soaring north face of Ama Dablam. The walking remains relatively gentle as we enter the widening Imja Valley, where the terrain gradually opens up the closer we get to the Lobuche River.

After descending to the riverbank, we face the steepest climb of the day—a steady push upward that finally brings us into Dingboche at the elevation of 4410 m. This high-altitude settlement is distinctive for its stone-walled fields, carefully built to protect barley, buckwheat, and potato crops from grazing animals and fierce winds. As night falls, we settle in for a well-earned rest in this unique Himalayan village.

This is second acclimatization day today, it is very essential to allow another acclimatization day for a our smooth three pass trek without altitude related problem. This will allow us to acclimatize before climbing high pass all above 5000 m passes. Our Everest Three Pass trek guide will arrange a short day hike to the Nangkartshang Peak at the height of 5100 meters which is 700 meter climbing from Dingboche which offers some amazing views of Mt. Makalu and helps us to acclimatize by hike higher and sleep lower method.

Medical experts recommend being active rather than sit idle when spending time during this process of acclimatization and this is more crucial to undertake Everest 3 Passes (also called Ultimate Everest Circuit Trek). Overnight in Dingboche in teahouse.

From Dingboche to Chhukung Village, it is a short trek, so today we can trek leisurely. Chhukung is the last village of the Imja Valley before the Island Peak (also known as Imja Tse ), with its magnificent view of snowcapped mountains, with Mt. Makalu in the east. After arriving at Chhukung, we can rest or hike to Chhukung Ri for more amazing views of the mountains. It will also allow us time to prepare for our early morning departure to Kongma-la Pass.

Today, we cross Kongmala Pass (5535m), one of the three high passes. Our day at Chhukung begins very early at around 5 AM, trekking along a grassy meadow and an icy path, and then a rocky trail section beneath Kongma-La Pass and its Kongma Peak– also known as Mehra Peak.

We then reach Kongma-La Pass at 5,535 m, nestled between Mt Nuptse Wall, Mihara, and Pokalde peaks. We share our joy of being successful at the Kongma La Pass Top. Our guide manages some hot drinks and packed meals for this day.

After a strenuous climb towards the Khumbu Glacier and moraine (rocky ground), we take a fairly steep trail up to the base of the Khumbu Glacier, arriving in Lobuche for an overnight stop in the comfort of a warm lodge.

After breakfast at Lobuche, we set off to Gorakshep, which is an exhilarating journey that brings us closer to Everest Base Camp. We take it as a day excursion in the afternoon; it is a journey that will test your endurance and reward you when you find yourself at the Base Camp of the world’s tallest peak. The trek covers a distance of approximately 14.5 kilometers, taking 7 hours including the EBC excursion.

As you climb through the rugged terrain, you'll be captivated by panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and the magnificent Khumbu Icefall. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment amidst the towering giants of the Himalayas. After enjoying the stunning scenery, retrace to Gorak Shep for a well-deserved rest, reflecting on the day's awe-inspiring exploration. In the evening, after dinner, our guide will brief you for early morning Kalapatthar hiking, which is one of the highlights of our Everest 3 Passes Trek. 

Today, before dawn, your guide will lead you hiking up to Kalapatthar, which sits at an altitude of 5545m; meaning black stone. It is a 400m ascent from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar viewpoint. Climbing about 1.5 hours brings us to the summit, offering the view is 360˙degreet view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbutse, Pumori, Lingtren, Amadablam, Thamserku, Lobuche Peak, and other peaks all around.

There is also an unobstructed view of sunrise and sunset if you can hike in the evening. If you take an evening excursion for a perfect sunset opportunity, do not commit the mistake of going without a guide. Many people go missing while returning to the tea house at dusk due to finding the trail difficult.

After the worthwhile Kalapatthar excursion, we then walk down to the hotel for breakfast and pack up, and continue our 3-pass trek to Dzongla, passing through Lobuche. It takes about 4 hours to get to Dzongla from Gorakshep. Stay overnight in a lodge.

Another adventurous day starts by rising early. We then trek toward Thangnak (also called Dragnag) and get a wonderful view of Mt Cholatse Peak (6440m). The trail goes in a westward direction from Dzonglha, a pleasnt gradual meadow trail leading high slowly to Chola Pass (5420m).

You may find it a demanding day of our trek as we head to Cho-La Pass, which is the 2nd pass of 3 passes in our Ultimate Everest Circuit Trek. On reaching the highest point of the valley, we begin our trek through the pass, taking in some amazing views of Chola Lake and Mt. Amadablam. The climbing can be quite challenging due to being rugged and with rocks glazed over with ice. Upon reaching the top of the pass, we then head downhill to Thangnak – a more soothing, easy walk

After breakfast, the trail continues gently up and down by crossing the Nzojumba glacier until reaching Gokyo, which takes about 2 and a half hours. Now you have a great view of Cho-Oyu and other peaks. You can see the second lake during the trail before reaching Gokyo. Gokyo Lake is the third lake, which is also known as Dudh Pokhari, meaning milk pond. You have a lunch break and take a rest. After lunch, walk to the fourth or fifth lake with your guide to explore. Stay overnight in the lodge. 

Hike up to Gokyo Peak or Gokyo Ri/5357m. About 2 hours climb up; for sun rise view and incredible mountain. The view is far better thanr Kala Pathar in your trekking. You have an excellent view of four of eight, eight-thousanders including Mt Everest/8848m, Mt. Lhotse/8510m, Mt. Makalu/8463, Cho Oyu/8153m, Pumori, Amadablam and other peaks. You have also unobstructed view of Sunrise from the top. Come back to hotel and stay there overnight. 

Before dawn, leaving Gokyo, we set out toward our last high pass, following the trail that winds beyond the end of Gokyo Lake. Along the way, we’re treated to breathtaking views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Taboche — a stunning prelude to the ascent of Renjo La Pass (5417 m).

This stretch is among the most challenging of the entire trek, but reaching the summit rewards us with sweeping 360-degree panoramas of Cho-Oyu and the surrounding giants. After a short rest and taking photos, we descend past the frozen lakes below the pass, then continue on a long downhill trek to the small settlement of Lungdeng, nestled near Nangpa-La Pass. The route finally leads us to Marlung village, where we spend the night perched just above the Bhote Koshi River.

Leaving Marlung behind, we trek toward Namche, and the trail follows a gradually ascending trail until we reach the village of Thame with its own mini hydropower producer. On the trail, we pass several Sherpa villages and pine and rhododendron forests just before reaching Namche Bazaar. Our trek continues as we head back to Monjo near the Sagarmatha National Park, where we stay the night.

After breakfast set off to trek to Lukla via Jorsalle, Manjo, Phakding, Ght and Chhplung. Hang around in Lukla Bazzar. There are bars, cyber café, banks, restaurants, curio shops and groceries. Stay overnight in lodge. 

This morning, we bid farewell to the Himalayas and fly back to Kathmandu, concluding our challenging but yet life-changing Everest Three Pass Trek. Upon arrival, the afternoon is ours to unwind or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel for some last-minute souvenirs.

Tonight, we raise a glass to celebrate the completion of this unforgettable journey—an experience that has left us with memories to treasure for a lifetime. Our adventure with Wilderness Excursion concludes here.