About THREE PASSES TREK (19 DAYS)

While challenging, the Three Passes Trek offers a comprehensive trip of the Everest region. It is a 19-day journey that pretty much encompasses every region of the Khumbu Valley. Whether it be the crowded Namche or the quaint Lungden, the majestic Everest Base Camp or the tranquil Gokyo, the holy Tengboche or the rugged Chukkung, the close view of Everest from Kalapatthar or the panoramic view from Renjo La, this trek covers it all. By the end of the journey, you are bound to feel a profound sense of accomplishment that will leave a lasting imprint on your spirit.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day resting or visiting places like Thamel, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Early next morning, you will fly to Lukla Airport (the gateway to Mt. Everest) in a small aircraft. It is a short flight (30 minutes). Once you land at Lukla, your trek begins. You will hike through green and lush landscapes, covered with forests of pine and rhododendron. The path is gentle, allowing you to adjust to the pace of trekking in the mountains, and giving you a first glimpse into the lives and culture of the Sherpa people as well as the stunning views of the Himalayas, beginning with a grand view of the sacred Khumbila (God of Khumbu).

Your first destination is Phakding, a quiet settlement by the Dudh Koshi River. The trail up to Phakding is relatively easy. You will pass through quiet jungles and villages along the Dukh Koshi river. From Phakding, the journey continues to Namche Bazaar, the central village of the Everest region. It is a short journey but the path is steep. The trail to Namche ascends steadily, crossing multiple high suspension bridges. While in Namche, you will take a short hike to the famous Everest View Hotel, from where you get a great view of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, and several other mountains. You will also visit small villages around Namche, particularly Khumjung, a charming, little village popular among the locals for its school. After Namche, you make your way to Tengboche, where you will get to visit the legendary Tengboche Monastery. Continuing on, the path leads you toward Dingboche, situated at over 4400 meters. The environment begins to shift quite dramatically as you move from dense forests to a more barren landscapes and rocky hills. On the seventh day of your trek, you will trek to Chukkung, where you will spend an extra day acclimatizing and preparing for the upcoming passes.

The first pass, Kongma La (5535 meters), presents a real test of endurance. As you traverse rocky paths and glacial terrain, the view back over the valley, framed by towering peaks like Nuptse and Lhotse, is unforgettable. From the top, you’ll be treated to a striking view of the Khumbu Glacier. You will then trek to Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar, and eventually make your way to the notoriously steep Cho La Pass (5420 meters), where the crisp, thin air makes each step feel both challenging and rewarding. You will pass through a village called Dragnag and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, to eventually reach Gokyo, a place filled with tranquil lakes. Gokyo is a great place to rest and reflect on your journey. Therefore, the next day is set aside for resting. During this day, you can take a short trip around the Gokyo lakes and the surrounding glaciers, or just enjoy watching the lakes from your hotel window. Your final pass, Renjo La (5360 meters) is often less crowded, offering a sense of isolation as you stand amidst a landscape of rocky outcrops and deep valleys. From the top of Renjo La, you will be treated to a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu as well as Gokyo Valley. After crossing the Renjo La Pass, you will head toward Lungden and then to Namche again, after which you will trace your steps back to Kathmandu following the same route.