Three high Passes Treks

Namaste and Greetings from Big Sky Treks Nepal!

Your Everest Three High Passes Trek begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where a warm welcome awaits from our representative. You'll be escorted in a private tourist vehicle to your hotel in the heart of the city, giving you time to rest and shake off jet lag. Later, join us for a friendly pre-trip briefing, where you'll meet your trekking guide and fellow group members, learn about the route, culture, meals, and accommodations ahead, and get all your questions answered. Afterward, feel free to explore the lively streets of Thamel.

Start your day with breakfast followed by an optional tour of Kathmandu’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Durbar Square, Swyambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. This cultural experience showcases Nepal’s rich heritage. If you prefer, simply relax or explore Thamel to purchase any remaining trekking essentials. Preparing your gear today is vital.

Because we might travel to Ramechhap early for the flight to Lukla, please sleep early. We provide a duffel bag for your trekking items, shared between two people. Your extra luggage stays safely stored at the hotel. Please pack carefully to ensure everything is ready for your mountain adventure.

Your day begins with a thrilling flight from either Kathmandu or Ramechhap, depending on the season. Board a small aircraft and sit on the left side for the best views as it soars along the eastern Himalayas, offering spectacular glimpses of Mount Everest before landing at Lukla’s dramatic Tenzing-Hillary Airport. After a short break to grab last-minute snacks or gear, you’ll step into the adventure.

Following in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers, trek through Choplung village with its Buddhist prayer monuments, then continue along the Dudh Koshi River with gentle ups and downs until reaching Phakding. Settle into a cozy lodge and spend the evening exploring this charming riverside village.

Your journey from Phakding toward Namche Bazaar takes you through vibrant villages and lush forests alongside the Dudhkoshi River. After passing through the Sagarmatha National Park entrance for permit verification, you will stop for lunch at Jorsalle. The trek involves crossing multiple high suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary bridge, before undertaking a steep final ascent.

Along the way, witness breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Mount Everest. Arriving at the bustling hub of Namche Bazaar, you are welcomed by Sherpa hospitality, cozy lodges, and lively cafes, perfect for relaxing and acclimatizing in this stunning amphitheater-shaped mountain town.

Today in Namche Bazaar, make your acclimatization day count with the mountain rule of climbing high and sleeping low. After breakfast, hike up to Hotel Everest View for stunning panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. Along the way, stop at the National Park Museum to learn about Khumbu's culture, history, and mountaineering heritage.

You may also visit Sagarmatha Next or the Sherpa Cultural Museum before descending back to Namche. Spend the afternoon exploring town, browsing shops, cafes, and bakeries, or simply resting. This gradual altitude gain helps your body adjust safely before continuing higher into the Khumbu region.

Leaving Namche Bazaar, the trek toward the Everest Base Camp wilderness begins with excitement. Hiking through lush forests and passing sacred stupas, you are rewarded with captivating mountain views. After lunch at Phungi Tenga and crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, the trail climbs toward famous Tengboche.

Stunning panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam make Tengboche incredibly alluring. The historic monastery here serves as a major center for Sherpa culture and Buddhism. In the afternoon, traditional Buddhist chanting ceremonies provide deep peace. Afterward, you can enjoy a comfortable rest in beautiful Tengboche .

From Tengboche, the trail descends through forests to the Imja River before reaching Pangboche. This historic village, the highest permanent settlement in the region, offers a glimpse into authentic Sherpa culture and ancient monastic life. Dominating the skyline, the iconic Ama Dablam, known as the Queen of the Himalayas, provides a breathtaking backdrop throughout your scenic journey toward higher altitudes.

Continuing upward, you arrive at Dingboche, a vital acclimatization stop within the Imja Valley. Cozy lodges and cafes provide the perfect sanctuary to rest. Surrounded by Himalayan giants, this peaceful village offers stunning mountain views, ensuring you are prepared for the adventure ahead.

Today is a vital acclimatization day in Dingboche, 4,410m, following the golden mountain rule of climbing high and sleeping low. After breakfast, hike to Nangkartshang Peak at 5,083m, ascending above barren, treeless terrain into dramatic ridgelines and sweeping panoramas. The summit rewards with breathtaking 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cholatse, and Taboche.

Return to Dingboche for a restful afternoon exploring cozy teahouses and coffee shops. The crisp mountain air, peaceful Sherpa hospitality, and dramatic amphitheater of snow-capped peaks make this charming Khumbu village the perfect place to recharge before heading higher on the Everest Base Camp Trek.

The hike from Dingbouche to Chhukung passes through a scenic area of the Everest region. The trail leads through a valley of stone walls, past yak pastures to the Imja Valley, with spectacular views of Ama Dablum, Lhotse, Nuptse and Island Peak.

The trail becomes progressively more interesting, as the snow line comes into view with dramatic mountainous landscape of ice falls and streams and offers great opportunities to see the Himalaya range. Chhukung is a remote village located under the towering peaks, from where hikers may continue towards the Island Peak Base Camp and Kongma La Pass.

Kongma La Pass: The First High Pass on Everest Three Passes Trek

The challenging ascent of the Everest Three Passes Trek begins early from Chhukung as trekkers depart before sunrise to tackle the formidable Kongma La (5,535m). This first high pass crossing features a steep, steady climb through rugged alpine terrain that gradually becomes more barren and rocky. As you gain elevation, the trail passes frozen lakes and fluttering prayer flags, demanding a slow, consistent pace for proper acclimatization in the thinning air. This demanding section tests endurance but rewards determination with a true sense of wilderness adventure.

At the summit of Kongma La, breathtaking panoramic views unfold, showcasing majestic peaks including Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the iconic pyramid of Ama Dablam. These 360-degree vistas of towering 8,000m mountains highlight why the Everest Three High Passes Trek stands out as the ultimate Himalayan circuit, far surpassing standard routes.

The steep descent from Kongma La leads down loose rock and moraine toward the iconic Khumbu Glacier. Trekkers carefully navigate the exposed, rocky terrain before crossing the glacier’s crumpled moraine field a dramatic landscape of ice, rock, and glacial debris. This thrilling traverse ends with a final short climb into Lobuche, nestled beneath towering peaks and the Khumbu Glacier. This unforgettable day marks a highlight of the Everest Three Passes Trek, blending physical challenge with extraordinary mountain scenery

The long-awaited another highlight of the Three pass trek begins early from Lobuche after a hearty breakfast. Trekkers ascend gradually past the Pyramid research center, crossing rocky moraine above the Khumbu Glacier while enjoying stunning views of Pumori, Nuptse, and surrounding peaks. The trail leads to Gorak Shep for rest and lunch before the final push across glaciated paths to the ultimate destination.

Everest Base Camp stands as the iconic heart of Himalayan mountaineering. Nestled at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, it offers dramatic icy landscapes dominated by the massive Khumbu Icefall and glacier. Here, trekkers experience the thrill of standing amid towering peaks including Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. During spring expeditions, the camp buzzes with international climbers, colorful tents, and vibrant energy. In quieter seasons, it provides peaceful solitude perfect for reflection and photography beside the famous Everest Base Camp rock.

Reaching this legendary spot delivers an indescribable sense of accomplishment and lifelong memories. After soaking in the grandeur, trekkers return to Gorak Shep for well-deserved rest, celebrating a personal triumph in one of the planet’s most epic high-altitude adventures.

The day begins with an early morning hike to Kala Patthar, the premier viewpoint of the Everest region. At 5,545 meters, this rocky summit rewards trekkers with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and the Khumbu Glacier. Watching the sunrise paint the world’s highest peaks in golden hues creates an unforgettable, magical experience and the closest views of Everest possible on the trek.

After descending to Gorak Shep for breakfast, the route continues through Lobuche and past Thukla memorials toward Dzongla. The trail features steep rocky sections, narrow paths, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes, offering spectacular mountain vistas along the way. This challenging but rewarding segment marks the transition toward the Cho La Pass.

Sleep early tonight to prepare for tomorrow’s big day crossing the demanding Cho La Pass. Rest well and conserve energy for this thrilling high-altitude adventure on your Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek.

Cho La Pass: The Second High Pass on Everest Three Passes Trek

Early in the morning after breakfast, trekkers embark on the challenging crossing of Cho La Pass, one of the most beautiful and demanding passes on the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Lakes route. This high-altitude adventure requires crampons, trekking poles, and careful preparation as the trail transitions from rocky ridges to a steep, slippery ice trail. The dramatic landscape features towering snow-capped peaks, glacial views, and rugged Himalayan terrain.

Cho La Pass sits amid pristine wilderness with no nearby settlements. At the summit, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, offering breathtaking panoramas of surrounding mountains and glaciers. The icy section demands focus and proper gear for safe navigation, creating an exhilarating experience for seasoned trekkers seeking adventure beyond the classic EBC route.

After summiting, the trail descends carefully over snow, loose rocks, and boulders toward Thangnak village. Rest well in this remote settlement, reflecting on your achievement. Proper preparation and early rest ensure safety and enjoyment on this iconic high pass crossing.

Departing early from Thangnak on the Everest Three Passes Trek, trekkers cross the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas stretching over 36 kilometers. This rugged traverse over ice and moraine leads into the pristine Gokyo Valley, rewarding adventurers with stunning views as they approach the famous series of turquoise glacial lakes nestled amid towering peaks.

The Gokyo Lakes, the world’s highest freshwater lake system between 4,700m and 5,000m, dazzle with vibrant blue waters, especially Dudh Pokhari. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, glaciers, and panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and other Himalayan giants, Gokyo village offers cozy teahouses for relaxation. This magical section of the Everest Three High Passes Trek delivers serene beauty and unforgettable high-altitude scenery in Nepal.

Gokyo Ri Sunrise Hike and Himalayan Panorama

An extraordinary day can be experienced with an amazing Gokyo sunrise hike followed by an awe-inspiring Himalayan panorama. The challenging trek to Gokyo Ri in the early morning hours offers a spectacular view of the towering giants of the Himalayas while soaking in the sunrise. The panoramic sight of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Island Peak is truly unforgettable and provides an incredible photo opportunity. Additionally, one can witness the magnificent view of the Ngozumpa Glacier, turquoise-colored Gokyo Lakes, and the valley from the summit. After exploring the lake-side trails and the moraine of the glaciers in the afternoon, we can return to Gokyo village for some relaxation.

We can spot these major mountains from Gokyo ri

• Mount Everest – 8,848 m
• Lhotse – 8,516 m
• Makalu – 8,485 m
• Cho Oyu – 8,188 m
• Gyachung Kang – 7,952 m
• Nuptse – 7,861 m
• Pumori – 7,161 m
• Ama Dablam – 6,812 m
• Kangtega – 6,782 m
• Thamserku – 6,608 m
• Cholatse – 6,440 m
• Taboche – 6,495 m
• Lobuche East – 6,119 m
• Lobuche West – 6,145 m
• Phari Lapcha – 6,017 m
• Khumbila – 5,761 m

Renjo La Pass: The Final Highlight of Everest Three Passes Trek

The third and final high pass on the Everest Three Passes Trek, Renjo La (5,360m), begins with an early morning ascent from Gokyo. The trail climbs steadily above the turquoise lakes before becoming steeper with rocky and occasional icy sections. Trekkers maintain a slow, steady pace using trekking poles for safety. At the summit, one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region unfolds, offering spectacular panoramas of the Gokyo Lakes, vast Ngozumpa Glacier, and towering 8,000m peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.

The descent from Renjo La leads through steep switchbacks into the peaceful Thame Valley, eventually reaching the quiet village of Lungden. Easier than Kongma La and Cho La, this final pass crossing provides a rewarding close to the high-altitude adventure. It beautifully combines dramatic mountain scenery with authentic Sherpa culture on the classic Everest Three High Passes Trek.

After conquering the final Renjo La Pass (5,360m) on the Everest Three Passes Trek, the scenic descent from Lungden to Thame follows ancient stone pathways through remote Himalayan valleys. This peaceful stretch reveals an authentic side of the Khumbu region, with colorful prayer flags fluttering above traditional Sherpa villages far from crowded trails. Trekkers enjoy stunning mountain views while immersing in the rich local culture that defines the Everest High Passes experience.

Thame, one of the oldest settlements in the Khumbu, is home to a historic monastery over 500 years old and legendary climbers including Kami Rita Sherpa. This quiet village west of Namche Bazaar offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and Himalayan beauty, providing a memorable conclusion to the epic Everest Three High Passes Trek.

Leave the quiet village of Thame and walk a beautiful path through old Sherpa villages, pine woods, and riverside trails toward Phakding. Skip busy Namche Bazaar and choose a calmer part of the Everest route. See real mountain life, wide mountain views, and enjoy a peaceful hike before arriving in Phakding—a warm village full of Sherpa culture and natural beauty.

The pleasant final day of your Everest region trek takes you from Phakding to Lukla along a scenic trail through lush forests, suspension bridges, and charming Sherpa settlements. This relatively easy downhill walk offers beautiful views of the Dudh Koshi River and surrounding hills, providing a perfect opportunity to reflect on the unforgettable Himalayan adventure while soaking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Upon reaching Lukla, celebrate your remarkable achievement with fellow trekkers, porters, and guides. Offer generous tips to thank the dedicated mountain heroes who supported you throughout the journey. Enjoy cozy teahouses and warm Sherpa hospitality before preparing for your return flight. Depending on weather conditions, fly directly to Kathmandu or via Manthali Airport in Ramechhap followed by a scenic drive to the capital, carrying lifetime memories of the Everest region trek.

After a memorable final breakfast in Lukla, trekkers head to the airport for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap (Manthali). The short aerial journey offers breathtaking aerial views of the majestic Himalayan peaks. Upon landing in Ramechhap, a comfortable private drive brings you back to the vibrant capital city.

In Kathmandu, relax and rejuvenate at your hotel. The afternoon is free for personal activities, spa treatments, or reflecting on your incredible Everest Base Camp adventure.

Big Sky Treks includes an extra buffer day in Kathmandu to accommodate possible flight delays to or from Lukla caused by unpredictable Himalayan weather. If your Everest Base Camp itinerary runs smoothly, enjoy this free day exploring Thamel’s vibrant cafes, bars, and shops or revisiting favorite landmarks.

This spare day offers perfect flexibility for souvenir shopping, relaxing with fellow trekkers, or joining optional tours to historic Bhaktapur and Patan. End your unforgettable adventure with a special farewell dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine, celebrating your successful trek with guides and team

After your memorable 16-day Everest Base Camp trek, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Use any remaining time for last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel before your international flight. Our representatives will provide a smooth airport transfer three hours before departure, ensuring a comfortable conclusion to your Himalayan adventure.

We bid you a heartfelt farewell, hoping the breathtaking mountain views and warm Sherpa hospitality leave lasting memories. Safe travels home, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal for your next unforgettable journey.