Three Passes Trek in Everest Region – 20 Days

Welcome to Nepal, the land of Himalayas! As you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will be there to greet and escort you to your designated hotel. If you have some free time, take a lazy stroll around the streets near your hotel. You can see the contemporary life of the bustling city along with small temples in every corner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Have a lovely breakfast in your hotel, and our tour guide will arrive to pick you up for a wonderful sightseeing trip in Kathmandu. Today we will have a visit to some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu. We shall visit the Pashupatinath, one of the biggest Hindu temples in the world. Explore hundreds of shrines and small temples in the Pashupatinath which is located at the bank of holy river Bagmati. We explore Bouddhanath which is one of the largest stupas in the world. We head towards a small hill in the west to visit the Swyambhunath (Monkey Temple). We return back to Kathmandu Durbar Square where we explore numerous of the centuries’ old temples, art, and architecture. Finally, head back to your hotel, and visit Extollo Adventures’ office for a trip briefing and group meeting. Here, you will meet your trip leader, get assisted with equipment checking and finalizing your packing list. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Early in the morning, take a 30-minute scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, during which, you get to see beautiful views of the terraced landscape, lush valleys and some of the world’s highest mountains. Lukla is the gateway of Everest where you will meet local staff who will be accompanying you on your trek. Today, we shall have to gentle hike through Chauri Kharka village and walking along the banks of Dudh Koshi river. Trek past stone walls and make a steep descent to Chheplung before arriving at a small Sherpa village of Phakding. If you are not tired from your half day trek, you may roam around the village, enjoying the pleasant environment and acquainting with the locals. Overnight in Phakding.

Today, we continue our delightful trekking adventure towards Namche Bazaar, a buzzing Sherpa town. We cross the majestic Dudh Koshi River through a steel cabled suspension bridge and beautiful pine forest leading us to Monjo. One may get to see yaks and other other local wildlife wandering on the same route. We arrive at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, where we get our trekking permits checked and move further as we begin a steep ascent to Namche. If the weather is clear, you might even catch the first glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. After a strenuous uphill walk, finally arrive at Namche, a historical and main trading hub of Khumbu region. Here, you can have some souvenir shopping or get any extra trekking gear if needed. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Today is the first of our three acclimatization days on the Everest High passes’ trek. It is essential for adapting with diminishing oxygen level in the air as we climb higher altitudes. Namche is the Sherpa capital and economic hub of Everest region with government offices, Internet Cafes, restaurants, shops, ATMs and a famous ‘Saturday Market’. You may visit the Tourist Visitor Center to find souvenirs related to the first Everest climbers, the Sherpa culture and a variety of flora and fauna of the Everest region. Also, you may climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, which provides glorious views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and the beautiful Ama Dablam. From here, you return back to Namche via Khumjung valley. On the way, you visit a sacred monastery that supposedly houses a yeti scalp and the Hillary School. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

After enough time spent acclimatizing at Namche, we are set to continue our exciting adventure with a refreshed energy. Admiring the unobstructed views of the snowcapped Himalayan peaks, our trail follows a beautiful valley above Dudh Koshi river. We walk through small Sherpa villages passing by several tea shops on our way and meeting the friendly smiling locals. It is an easy walk to Phunki, crossing Dudh Koshi river through suspension bridges and quaint hamlets. Then, we walk uphill towards today’s destination, Tengboche village which houses the very famous Tengboche monastery. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park, it is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. The lovely village offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalaya, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse,Lhotse, Ama Dablam and other beautiful peaks. Overnight in Tengboche.

Today we begin our trek downhill steeply through thick forests of birch, conifer and rhododendron on an easy trail. Keep an eye out for musk deer and blue sheep grazing as we trek further and cross the Imja Khola, pass by Deboche and arrive at Pangboche village. It is a beautiful village located directly opposite Mt. Ama Dablam providing you stunning views of the peak. Also you can see a Tibetan monastery with sacred Buddhist mani walls. Visit one of the oldest monastery of the Khumbu region, known as Pangboche monastery which houses unique relics of skull and hand of a supposed Yeti! Walk further through the trail is fairly moderate trails as you enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as you approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. You descend into the river and begin the climb up to Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche.

We spend the second acclimatization day of our Everest high passes trek in Dingboche today utilized by short hikes to higher altitudes to adapt ourselves to the heights. You may hike up the Imja Khola to Nagarzhang Peak, a small summer settlement from where stunning views of fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha pass, Island Peak, Lhotse and Ama Dablam can be seen. These views are one of the highlights of the entire trek. You may also head up to Nangar Dzong, an old Buddhist hermitage or a short hike to the hill behind Dingboche is draped with bright prayer flags and providing you with the view of a couple of more than six meters heigh mountain. Overnight in Dingboche.

Commence your journey from Dingboche through stone-walled fields and entering the Imja Khola valley. With lovely views of the mountains, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, walk in the glacial moraines and arrive at Bibre village. A gentle walk further and we shall reach a small settlement of Chhukung in the afternoon. You may have an optional hike to Chhukung Ri, which is situated above the village. Climbing this small peak helps our body adjust to higher altitudes. One can have marvelous views of Amphu Labsa and Ama Dablam mountains from the valley. Overnight in Chhukung.

We wake up early in the morning as today is a challenging trekking journey. There are two ways to get top of the Kongma La, either the route over a hill to the northwest of Chhukung over Nuptse glacier moraines. Or, we can walk back to Bibre and take a trail above Niyang Khola. Walk through grass-covered trails with grazing yaks on sight in the beginning. We walk along rocky fields as we ascend higher and then continuous snowfields with steep pitches to climb. After a long trek, we reach the top of Kongma La to where we see beautiful Buddhist prayer flags and cairns. The final descent from the pass is the most difficult part of today’s journey. We climb the moraine on the far side and we move north through Khumbu glacier to reach Lobuche. It is a strenuous trek crossing Kongma La pass, thus if you want to avoid this and take a direct route to Lobuche, it is also possible. Overnight in Lobuche.

Today is another major highlight day as we head to the Everest Base Camp. In the early morning after breakfast, we begin our trek from Lobuche. We trek past the Italian research center and the rocky paths and over the lateral moraines of the Khumbu Glacier to arrive at Gorak Shep.

It is a rewarding trekking day with great views of the world’s highest mountain, Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Khumbutse, and Nuptse. The euphoric feeling of being at the base camp is inexplicable and being on the lap of the world’s highest peak is something extraordinary. An option for the evening could be a visit to Kala Patthar. The sunset view from Kala Patthar is comparatively better than the sunrise view, so it is recommended that you visit Kala Patthar today during sunset. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Today is another beautiful trekking day as we trek to Kala Patthar before retracing back to lower altitudes. We wake up early in the morning for the sunrise view from Kalapathar. We need to be prepared for chilly winds and trekking in the dark. We get to see beautiful peaks of Changtse, Lingtren, Nuptse, and Everest towering above us. We shall have the close-up views of the mighty Everest in a straight trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, literally means the black stone. Reach for the highest point of this black hill and capture as many memories as possible. After spending some quality time in the small brown hill, you will climb down to Gorak Shep for lunch. Then, we trek down towards Lobuche where we spend the night. Overnight in Lobuche.

Today we descend on a trail alongside Khumbu glacier. There are two ways and we choose the right side through which we can have beautiful views of the Awi peak. As we move further we see a stupa and tombstones in the distance. Then, we ascend up after walking further. We can see Chola Tsho lake on our way. We pass by another smaller lake and then cross Chola Khola on a bridge to finally arrive at Dzongla. Overnight in Dzongla.

Today we shall cross the second high pass on our journey, Chola La. We start today’s journey with climbing the steep incline. As we ascend, we can see Cho La lake begins to appear and glorious Ama Dablam mountain over a range of mountains on the south and Cholatse on the west. The final part of ascending can be a bit difficult as the trail curves around a crevasse. Nonetheless, reaching the top of Cho La pass, it is a wonderful view of majestic peaks in the entire region and we can see Buddhist prayer flags too. After a memorable time here, we descend towards the edge of Ngozumpa glacier, which is the longest in Nepal. Walking alongside, we see Gokyo lakes and finally reach the Gokyo village where we spend the night. Overnight in Gokyo.

Spend a third acclimatizing day in this lovely Gokyo valley. It is recommended to have a morning hike to Gokyo Ri peak above the Gokyo village. The views of the entire Khumbu region from the top of the peak are astonishing. You can also view the four of the seven highest peaks of the world, namely, Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse. Hike a little further to reach the fourth lake called Thonak Tso and spend a peaceful time around the lake. Depending upon our physical conditions, we may also walk further to Ngozumpa Tsho, the fifth lake from where we can have magnificent views of the longest glacier of the Himalayas. We then head back to the tea house and spend the rest of the night.

Today marks the day we shall cross the final of our three high passes, Renjo La. We wake up early in the morning and commence our journey. We walk alongside Dudh Pokhari lake and trek further for about two hours to descend towards the pass. On our way, we see astonishing views of Himalayan peaks and Rolwaling ranges. From the top of Renjo La, we see the third Gokyo lake and Gokyo village with the addition of remarkable views of Mount Everest too. We descend the pass through a stone staircase and reach the south bank of Angladumba Tsho lake. We carefully trek through the trails with the presence of ice and along the way, we see Relama Tsho and Renjo lake. Our trail then continues down a narrow valley blocked with giant boulders to Lumde. Walking a little further, we reach the east bank of Bhote Koshi river where lies the village of Marlung. Overnight in Marlung.

Our adventurous journey is about to end as we head towards Namche Bazaar. Trek from Marlung is a downhill to Thame which follows a traditional route used for centuries by Tibetan merchants. We cross Bhote Koshi river and trek down towards Taranga. We cross two bridges to reach Thame where we see a famous Gompa situated on a hill to the west. We then pass a few more villages and arrive at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche.

Today is our final day of trekking of Three Passes Trek in Everest region. Retrace your steps to Lukla, an ideal place to relax and celebrate your trip to the base camp. Walking through the banks of Dudh Koshi River and crossing several suspension bridges, passing various Sherpa settlements and few monasteries, you arrive at Lukla. As the local staff will, further on, not be accompanying you to Kathmandu, today is the last day you celebrate your victorious accomplishment together. Overnight in Lukla.

Today, after an adventurous stay in the Khumbu region, you take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Your trip leader will drop you off at your hotel and you will have the rest of the day at your leisure. You may stroll around in the streets of Thamel, a popular Tourist hub in Kathmandu for some worthy souvenir shopping. You may also visit surrounding popular tourist attractions nearby. Either way, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate your achievement of successfully reaching the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Your beautiful journey to in the beautiful Khumbu region, crossing high passes and the incredible base camp of the world’s tallest mountain, Everest, comes to an end today. A representative from Extollo Adventures will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Our representative will assist you with your departure. On your way home you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. We hope that the adventure in this mystic land created a strong and positive impression about our country, enough to bring you back again. Have a happy and a safe journey ahead!