This trek is rated as “Challenging” trek. Everest three high pass trek is suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5 – 6 hours a day with a light rucksack.

Spring (March – May) and autumn (October – November) are two high season for this trek. The monsoon season starting from June – early September have unpredictable weather, but some trekkers still choose this season to suit their vacation schedule. Winter (December – February) gets extremely cold and high passes become impassable.

Like other treks in Everest region, trekkers need a TIMS (USD 10) permit and a Sagarmatha National Park permit (USD 34). Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition will arrange all the required permits for you. If you are trekking Everest high pass independently, you need to purchase TIMS permit in Kathmandu and Sagarmatha National Permit in Monjo (a village check post).

The popular starting point of Everest three pass trip is Lukla – 40 minutes adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. If you have time, you can join classical EBC route from Jiri. This trail was used by Sir Edmund Hilary during his first Everest expedition (7 extra days required). Or you can fly to Phaplu to start the trek that adds 4 extra days of trekking.

Apart from mountain scenery, this trek allows you to rejoice the unconventional culture and tradition of Sherpa people that have fostered throughout the centuries, despite of the adversity. From soaring peaks to age-old religious sites and amazing Sherpa people, this trek is a package full of surprises.

Everest Three Pass Trek is an ultimate and complete trekking adventure in Khumbu region of Nepal. This trek accommodates the desire of ambitious trekkers who seek to cross high altitude passes with a hike to Everest Base Camp and without having any technical skills. Three pass trek in Everest involves crossing of three high passes – Renjo La (5,388m), Cho La (5,380m) and Kongma La (5535m), hiking to Everest Base Camp and climbing Kala Patthar (5,545m), Goko Ri (5,483m) and Chhukung (5,550m).

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1300m/4264ft)

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), a representative from Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition will receive you and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, trip discussion with the management and trek leaders. In the evening, enjoy welcome dinner hosted by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural shows.

Included Meals: Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu: Cultural tours to Buddhist and Hindu Shrines and preparation for the trek

Today, your trek leader will introduce you to the city tour expert who guides you to the most revered Hindu and Buddhist religious sites that are listed in the world heritage sites.

Here are the list of cultural and religious sites that you will be visiting during the city tour:

Pashupatinath (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

Pashupatinath is one of the most significant Hindu temple in the world. It is located along the back of sacred Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu city, close to Kathmandu airport. While the entrance to the main Pashupatinath temple is strictly forbidden to non-Hindus, there’s quite a bit to explore and discover around the rest of the area. Ritual activity are conducted on daily basis and one can observe the Hindu cremations on the bank of the river. You can discover mystic Sadhus to nearby temples and stupas. A vantage point located opposite to the temple, across the river offers the clear look of the main Pashupatinath temple.

Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

Located 7 km north of mid Kathmandu city, Boudhanath is one of the largest and oldest stupa in the world- dating back to 5th century. It is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet and Tibetan merchant rested here and offer prayers for centuries. When Tibetan refugee entered Nepal in 1950, many of then decided to live around Boudhanath. They established many Gompas and celebrate Tibetan tradition and since then “Little Tibet” of Nepal was born.

The stupa is surrounded by beautiful stupas that houses many Gompas and traditional shops selling singing bowls, thankas, prayer wheels and more. You can also find few cafes and guesthouses in the immediate area.

Boudhanath was partially affected by earthquake in 2015 but the repartition was carried out throughout 2016.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

Swayambhunath, revered Buddhist stupa, is located within walking distance (3km) west of Thamel in Kathmandu on a hillock. Swayambhunath is commonly known as “Monkey Temple” due to the large number of rhesus primates living there. Travelers need to climb 365 stone steps to reach the main Stupa complex (can be tiring and slippery if raining). This stupa is believed to date back to 5th century. The large dome shaped stupa, two big Buddha eye and surrounding small shrines and temples are the major attraction of the temple. This hilltop temple offers the 360 degree view of Kathmandu city. This significant heritage site holds immense cultural, religious, architectural and historical values for Nepalese people.

After exploration, we gather to Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition to get better acquainted with our travel plans and fellow trekkers.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03: Flight: Kathmandu – Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) and trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) – 3 – 4 hours

Early morning transfer to the Domestic Airport and catch short Trans-Himalayan flight to Lukla: gateway to Everest region. You will be introduced to your rest of trekking crew. Start your trek with an easy hike through Chaurikharka village and drop off towards Dudhkoshi Ghat (2530m/8300ft). Follow the bank of Dudhkoshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where you stay overnight to acclimatize. Enjoy your leisure time in Phakding, a famous stopping point.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Phakding

Day 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280ft) – 11km/5-6 hours trek

Follow the beautiful forest of pine and take the north trail that leads up to the valley of Benkar. Then, cross Dudh Koshi River and walk across the village of Chumao and Monjo, the entrance to the Everest National Park. Next, cross the suspension bridge and walk across Jorsale village. Further, follow the tail the goes alongside of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers. A steep ascend takes us to the heartland of Khumbu region – Namche Bazaar. En route – enjoy the excellent view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Phakding

Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft)

At Namche Bazaar, we take a well-deserved break! There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar and we spend a day here acclimatizing the body at lofty altitude. Namche Bazaar is the major hub of Khumbu region and houses government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants and colorful markets. Our guides helps you explore the real charm of this fascinating town.

Hike to Sangarmatha Nation Park to enjoy the fabulous view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If you wise, you can take part in a day hike to Khumjung village – a beautiful Sherpa village.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Namche Bazaar

Day 06: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft) – 10km/5-6 hours trek

After breakfast, we follow the trail that climbs and then contours around the hillside, offering fabulous views. Look out for spotted deer, Himalayan Thars and birds – including the colorful Danphe Pheasant (Nepal’s national bird). At Sanasa, the trail splits to Gokyo and Everest Base Camp. Take a right trail and drop down to cross the Dudh Khosi (past water driven prayer wheels) near Phunki Thenga (3,250m/10,663ft), the lowest point north of Namche Bazaar. Next, follow the Imja Khola Valley trail and climb through the dwarf conifers and rhododendron forest for two hours to reach the hilltop village of Tengboche.

Here discover the region’s largest Gompa that is set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Everest and other peaks. At full moon in October/November, you can enjoy the colorful Mani Rimdu festival with masked dancing in Tibetan Opera.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Tengboche

Day 07: Tengboche – Dingboche (4,360m/14,300ft) – 9km/5-6 hours trek

Today’s trail drops to Dubuche – a small scattered village that houses many nunnery, chortens and long mani wall. Next, cross Imja Khola and climb to village of Pangboche with best view of lofty Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,495ft). Further, the trail follows the river, cross the confluence of Lobuche Khola and finally ascends to Dingboche – the last year-round Sherpa settlement. You can discover the different angle of Ama Dablam rising above the terraced fields of barley, buckwheat and potatoes. The fields are shield with stone wall to protect the crops from icy winds and animals.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Dingobhce

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Dingboche

Dingboche is famous stopover for trekkers and climbers heading for Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam or Imja Tse expedition. We spend a day at Dingboche for acclimatization. We take a day hike to either Nagarjun Hill or Chukkung valley for excellent views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache and Ama Dablam.

Day 09: Dingboche – Chhukung (4,750m/15,580ft) and climb Chhukung Ri (5,546m) – 14km/6-7 hours

After breakfast, the trail heads through stone-shield fields and walk across Imja Khola valley before entering in glacier moraines amidst towering peaks. The trekking trail moves towards Bibre, a popular yak herdsman place. Here, you get to enjoy the fabulous view of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labsa mountains. Walking on a trail intersected by icy streams for half an hour, we reach Chhukung.

After lunch, we head for Chhukung Ri expedition. The expedition involves some easy scrambling over the peak. The summit of Chhukung Ri features the awe-inspiring view of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labcha Peaks. We descend back to Chhukung for comfortable night.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Chhukung

Day 10: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m/18,159ft) and trek to Lobuche (4,940m/16,210ft) – 10km/6-7 hours

Today we start very early in the morning as we are heading to cross the highest pass of entire trip – Kongma La Pass. There are two routes to Kongma La Pass. We can either join a travel over a which located to the northeast of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines or hike back to Bibre and take trail above the Niyang Khola. Kongma La Pass is festooned with cairns and Buddhist prayer flags. The descending part from the pass is most strenuous part of the journey. Taking the north trail through Khumbu Glacier, we reach Lobuche.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Lobuche

Day 11: Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,961ft), hike to Everest Base Camp (5,264m/18,594ft) and back to Gorak Shep – 13 km/ 6-7 hours

After breakfast, we follow the trail to Everest Base Camp via the beautiful village of Gorak Shep Lake. We continue straight ahead and cross the Indian army mountaineers memorials. The route from here can be puzzling, so it is important to follow the path of your guide carefully. The trek is strenuous and trekkers might encounter some breathing problem due thin air in high altitude. So it important to walk slow and stay hydrate. We cross several rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. At base camp, we can see may tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in spring). We can admire the close view of Nuptse, Khumbutse and Pumori. We retrace our step back to Gorakshep and rest overnight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Gorakshep

Day 12: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft), then to Lobuche (4,940m/16,208ft) – 7km/8-9 hours

After breakfast, we depart early in the morning for Kalapatthar, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperature (-10 degree C to -14 degree C). There is always the potential for snowy winds. Peaks like Lingtren, Khumbutse and Changtse comes into the view and ever Everest starts appearing. From Kalapatthar, we get the 360 degree panorama of Mt. Everest and other peaks. We descend back to Lobuche for comfortable night.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Lobuche

Day 13: Lobuche – Dzongla (4,830m/15,850ft) – 6 km/3-4 hours

From Lobuche, we climb down alongside the astonishing Khumbu Glacier. Now the trail forks and we opt the trail on our right. On the way, we get the beautiful view of looming Awi Peak. Next, we walk for a while before making ascend over the ridge. During the ascent, we get the view of Chola Tsho Lake nearby. We continue moving, pass small lake and cross Chola Khola before reaching Dzongla.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Dzongla

Day 14: Trek to Gokyo (4,800m/15,580ft) via Cho La Pass (5,368m/17,611ft) – 6km/7-8 hours

As we start gaining elevation, the beautiful Cho La Lake start appearing and Ama Dablam hides on a cloud to the south and Cholatse soars to the west. Today we make a steep climb and boulder strewn trail makes it more difficult to climb. The summit of Cho La Pass is festooned with cairns and prayer flags. Mountain views is exceptional.

Next we join a long yet easy trail that leads us down to Thangnak. Walking through the edge of Ngozumpa Glacier (longest glacier in Nepal), we come across second and third Gokyo Lake to reach Gokyo village.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Gokyo

Day 15: Rest day in Gokyo – Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft) and tour 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes – 3 – 4 hours

Another acclimatization day is scheduled to protect against AMS. Gokyo valley offers to major viewpoints:

The first is Gokyo Ri (5,357m) which is located to the northern side of the lake, opposite of the village. The Gokyo Ri hike starts very early in the morning and involves two hours of scramble to its summit. The summit features the best view of broad, rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glaicer – Nepal largest Glacier. Furthermore, it commands the surreal view of incredible Himalayan chain that includes Cho-Ouy, Ghyachung Kang, north face of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kangru and more (all over 6300m).

The second highlight is the fourth, fifth and the sixth lake that is located to the north of the village. These lakes along with the melt of glaciers are the major source of Dudh Koshi River, which we followed from Lukla.

Day 16: Gokyo – Marlung (4,210m/13,810ft) via Renjo La Pass (5,360m/17,585ft) – 11km/7-8 hours

Today we start early to complete the long days trek ahead. We need head quickly towards Marlung as there is no overnight option at Renjo – La Pass. After walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River for a while, we turn to Renjo La trail and walk for 3 hours to reach the summit. On the way, we get reward with the excellent view of Himalayan and Rolwaling ranges.

We descend down a narrow valley clogged with giant rocks to reach Lumde. Here we find a support lodge but it often remain closed. Walking almost for an hour, we reach Marlung which is located on the east back of the Bhote Koshi River.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Marlung

Day 17: Marlung – Namche Bazaar – 15 km/5 – 6 hours

We follow the traditional route used by Tibetan traders to reach Namche Bazaar. Crossing the Bhote Koshi River and dropping off to Taranga, we cross two bridge to enter into the village of Thame. Next we descend gradually via few small village and cluster of rhododendron to reach Namche Bazaar.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Namche Bazaar

Day 18: Namche Bazaar – Lukla – 19km/6-7 hours

Today is the last day of our trek. The trail drops downwards steeply so we need to walk carefully as our tired legs continuously battel the rocky terrain. Upon arrival at Lukla, we stretch those legs and rest overnight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Lukla

Day 19: Flight: Lukla – Kathmandu

Today we catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, we drive back to the hotel and take a rest day off. In the evening, we will reunite again for farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurant in town, where we will be eager to hear the feedback of your trip.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 20: Final Departure

It’s your last day in Nepal! Take some breakfast and if your wish, you can catch last-minute shopping Kathmandu. Our airport representative will transfer you to airport with plenty time before your flight home.

Farewell!!!