Everest Three Passes Trek - 23 Days

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Depending on how you plan to arrive at Kathmandu, we will arrange for you to rendezvous at your hotel in Thamel. In most cases, you will arrive at Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport where you will meet your guide who will accompany you to your hotel.

In the evening, you will join for a program briefing with your group members. In case you arrive late at night, you will meet your group members the next day at breakfast during which you will also be briefed about your program. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: None
Transportation: Private Transfer
Max. Elevation: 1,400 m

Day 02: Guided full day tour of Kathmandu valley heritage sites
Today, you will embark on a walking tour of two UNESCO heritage sites; the Swayambhunath Stupa and the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

The Swayambhunath Stupa lies atop a hill north-west of Thamel. It is the oldest religious site in Nepal and an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The main temple complex overlooks the Kathmandu valley and in the olden days offered clear views of the Kathmandu Durbar Square and the old city of Kathmandu.

Bidding farewell to the sights and sounds at Swayambhunath, you will head towards the Kathmandu Durbar Square (palace courtyard). The courtyard is a complex of structures of the royal palaces, quadrangles, towers, temples, and monuments of the Malla kings of Kathmandu. Plus, you will also get to visit the palace museum which is now open to visitors. The 2015 Nepal earthquake landed significant damages to the palace but renovations are in full swing. Click this link to know more about Kathmandu Durbar Square.

After Kathmandu Durbar Square, you will head back to your hotel in Thamel via the Asan Market, the traditional bustling market area and a hub of Newari culture where for centuries merchants from India and Tibet, alongside farmers and others, have fared their goods. The market offers everything; from foodstuff and traditional spices to electronics. But keep in mind the narrow streets lined with a mix of old traditional houses with ornately carved doors and window frames, important temples, and modern concrete houses, and a bustling crowd of shoppers.

At Thamel, you will attend a last-minute brief on your Everest Base Camp Trek and prepare all required essentials, and in the evening join a group dinner to celebrate your arrival in Nepal.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Transportation: None
Max. Elevation: 1,400 m

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,880 m) & trek to Phakding (2,640 m)
You will start early for the long day ahead with a quick tea and drive to Kathmandu domestic airport for a scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway to Khumbu. In clear weather, you will have ample views of the Himalayas as you fly over rivers, forests, mountain passes and tiny settlements.

At Lukla, you will be welcomed by majestic views of Mt. Karyolung (6465 m), Mt. Khatang (6776 m), Mt. Nupla (5869 m), and the rest of your trek crew. After sorting out your bags, you will begin the day's hike on a gentle undulating trail high above the Dudh Koshi river.

On the trail, you will get to interact with the local Sherpa people who are mostly Buddhists. The major attractions of the day include the suspension bridge crossing over the landslide at Ghat, a huge boulder painted with Tibetan scriptures, and a mane wall just before arriving at Phakding - your destination for the day. Also, the gorgeous Mt. Thamserku (6623m) will reveal itself and welcome you to the Himalayas just before you arrive at Phakding.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Phakding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Transportation: Private Transfer
Kathmandu - Lukla flight duration: 25 minutes
Total Hiking Distance: 7.9 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 3 hrs
Total Ascend: 245 m
Total Descend: 430 m
Max. Elevation: 2,880 m

Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche (3,440 m)
Another superb day of hiking, you will start the day with a hearty mountain breakfast. The undulating trail can be challenging but equally rewarding. A few minutes our of Phakding, you might see wild honey bee hives high up on mountain cliffs. The trail gets exciting when you reach the landslide crossing at TokTok, and is followed by a small waterfall at Benkar. A river crossing above a suspension bridge after Benkar brings you to the quaint little hamlet of Monjo where you will need to show your National Park permits at a checkpoint. You will then continue to Jorsalle, where you can enjoy local cuisine with views of the famous twin suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river.

After lunch, you will cross the suspension bridge and begin a slow grueling climb up a steep trail to Namche. As you climb, during clear weather, you might get a first peek at Everest (8,848 m), Nuptse (7,879 m) and Lhotse (8,383 m) at Top Danda. Once you arrive at the bustling town of Namche, you have the rest of the day at leisure to either explore the town and indulge in luxury - proper coffee and delicious bakery, shop for gears at one of the many stores in town or just call it a day with a book in your lodge.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Namche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 14.5 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hrs
Total Ascend: 1,135 m
Total Descend: 340 m
Max. Elevation: 3,440 m

Day 05: Acclimatization day - explore Namche and Khumjung (3,800 m) 
You will begin your acclimatization routine of gradually climbing high today. In the morning, you can explore the beautiful town of Namche, visit the local museum, and explore the nooks and crannies in search of yourself.

After lunch, you will hike to Khumjung and Khunde, where you can visit the Khumjung Hillary School and the Khunde monastery. Also, we suggest climbing down to the Everest view point for a panoramic sunset over the Himalayas.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Khumjung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 3 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs
Total Ascend: 345 m
Total Descend: 96 m
Max. Elevation: 3,875 m

Day 06: Trek from Khumjung to Deboche (3,716 m)
You will start the day with a short - 20 minute descent to Sansa, followed by a further descent to Phunke Tenga, a small hamlet beside the Dudh Koshi river. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends to Tengboche through a pine, juniper, rhododendron and Himalayan birch forest. At the top of the climb is the Tengboche village and home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. After exploring the monastery, you will descend gently through a pine, juniper, rhododendron and Himalayan Birch forest to Deboche.

Please note: the forest is protected as part of the Sagarmatha national park and is an important habitat of Alpine musk deer, the inquisitive Pika, Eurasian lynx, red foxes and other animals. We advise you to not disturb the forest as much as possible and keep an eye out for rare wildlife sightings.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Deboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 7.2 km Approximate
Hiking Time: 4-5 hrs
Total Ascend: 726 m
Total Descend: 796 m Max.
Elevation: 3,834 m

Day 07: Trek from Deboche to Dingboche (4,352 m)
Today marks another milestone on your Everest Base Camp journey to reach 4,000m.

After breakfast, you will arrive at a river crossing over the Imja Khola that leads to Pangboche village. And just across the river, you will be greeted by the most stunning view of Ama Dablam; the marvelous mountain with its dazzling twin peaks and in full view is truly a sight to behold.

Every Sherpa village has a stone gate engraved with sacred prayers and scriptures, which the locals believe wards off evil spirits. At the Pangboche village stone gate, you will come across two paths; one leading to upper Pangboche where lies the Pangboche monastery, the most famous and oldest monastery of the Khumbu region, and the other trail that leads to the Pangboche village. The Pangboche monastery is also said to house a yeti skull, and is open for viewers.

From the Pangboche village, you will take the well-trodden higher trail to Somare and continue on your journey to Everest Base Camp. The lower trail across the village takes you across the settlement of lower Pangboche, and to the Imja river. The trail across the river leads to Ama Dablam base camp.

After a short walk, you will arrive at the 4,000m mark at Somare - beyond which vegetation is sparse. After lunch at Somare, you will continue on an even trail until you arrive at the climb up to the rim of the Dingboche valley. The Dingboche valley is shaped like a basin and has a few lodges. Hereon, electricity is a luxury as there are no transmission lines. The only source of electricity is batteries charged by solar panels – hence why you will need to pay to charge your phone and other electronics. Regardless of the hardships, on clear days, you are accompanied by superb scenery throughout the trail.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Dingboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 10.7 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs
Total Ascend: 1,041 m
Total Descend: 427 m
Max. Elevation: 4,352 m

Day 08: Rest day at Dingboche | Excursion to Nangkartshang Peak (5,052 m)
Because you've crossed the 4,000 m mark, you will further the acclimatization routine by climbing high to Nangkartshang Peak and sleeping low at Dingboche.

Nangkartshang Peak lies directly north of the Dingboche valley. Except for some minor scrambling on some dirt and loose stones plus the altitude, it is for the most part an easy ascent to Nangkartshang. You will arrive at a panoramic view of Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Taboche, along with three highest mountains in the world; Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,749m), Cho Oyu (8,201m) in the horizon at the Nangkartshang Peak summit. Plus, Imja Glacier on the valley floor is a wonderful sight.

Accommodation: Local Lodge at Dingboche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dinner (Fruits and Canned Desert Optional)
Total Hiking Distance: 6 km
Approximate Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs
Total Ascend: 700 m
Total Descend: 700 m
Max. Elevation: 5,052 m

Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730 m), rest and excursion to Chhukung Ri (5,540 m)
 

Day 10: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730 m), rest and excursion to Chukhung Ri (5,540 m)
 

Day 11: Rest day in Lobuche
 

Day 12: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,180m), rest and excursion to Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
 

Day 13: Morning excursion to Kalapattar (5,640 m), and trek to Dzongla
 

Day 14: Trek from Dzongla to to Thagnag Kharka (5,025 m) via Cho-La pass (5330 m)
 

Day 15: Trek from Thagnag Kharka to Gokyo (4,790 m)
 

Day 16: Morning excursion to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
 

Day 17: Trek from Gokyo to Lungden via the Renjo La (5345 m)
 

Day 18: Trek from Lungden to Namche
 

Day 19: Rest day at Namche
 

Day 20: Backtrack from Namche to Lukla
 

Day 21: Early morning flight to Kathmandu
 

Day 22: Full day at leisure in Kathmandu
 

Day 23: End of program - Departure