Everest Three Passes Trek

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu (1,400 meters) to Lukla (2,860 mt/9,383 ft) and trek to Phakding (2,652 mt/8,595 ft)

The three Pass trek kicks off  from Kathmandu flight to Lukla. The flight takes place early in the morning, we must  reach the airport in time (5 am) where you will be accompanied by our Trek Guide or official assistance. Lukla flight could be menanching as it is one of the daunting airports elevated at higher altitude. The flight duration will be 45 minutes.

After the flight lands, you will feel the difference in the weather. Upon clear weather snow-capped himalayas are visible. And we will be separating our daypack essentials and duffle bag items. Check post at Lukla known as Pasang Municipality will check our TIMS and permit then we will march on.

Today’s walk will be short and our stay for tonight will be  at a lower elevation than Lukla itself. A few hours walk from the airport crossing a few suspension bridges, streams and villages. The walk is interesting through the paved path, mane rocked embellished with mantras and prayer flags frequently passing trekkers and livestocks. And for tonight we will spend overnight at Phakding which is a small settlement by the bank of the river.

Day 02:  Phakding (2,652 mt/8,595 ft) to Namche Bazar (3,440 mt/11,286 ft)

The whistling sound of the river early in the morning and fresh air certainly makes us robust. Small settlements known as Banker, Manjo will be crossed, Manjo is the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park.

Today we will be accompanied by a few suspension bridges along the way. Path includes ascend, descend and narrow sections. The majestic terrain through the alpine forest, mane scripted rocks along the way, players flay flattering and spreading prayers in every direction, beholds our sight.

The final ascent will come after crossing the highest bridge which is approximately 80 meters which lies ahead of Namche. The ascent will take nearly 2 hours.

The walk will consist of 6 hours and tonight we will settle down in Namche which looks even more beautiful during night time.

Day 03: Acclimatization day in Namche (Exploring Khumjung Valley 3,970 mt/13,024ft)

Third day is  separated for adjustment to mitigate the risk of AMS(Acute Mountain Sickness). After the morning breakfast we will hike upto Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Statue which also assures the majestic view of Himalayas  (Mt Lhotse 8,516 meters, Mt Nuptse 7,861 meters, Mt Thamserku 6,608 meters, Mt Ama Dablam 6,812 meters).

Then we will climb  upto Syanboche Airport later to Everest View hotel and witness the  jaw dropping picturesque landscape. After that we will hike down to Khumjung Valley which will approximately take 45 minutes. We will have our lunch in Khumjung beside the school made by Edmund Hillary for the children of the village. And the reason it is called Khumjung Valley is because all the roofs of the houses are green.

The whole walk will be in a circle and follow the rule of acclimatization, walk high sleep low. The whole duration of the walk will be 5-6 hours.

Day 04: Namche (3,440 mt) to Debuche (3,800 mt/12,467 ft)

As Namache is elevated 3,440 meters above the sea level, the sensation of the breeze and the variation in the vegetation feels natural. Today’s trek will involve steep downhill, uphill, rhododendron forest and also one of the ancient Monasteries known as Tengboche (Dawa Choling Gompa, 3,867 meters).

The first phase of the walk will be through the sloppy hill where the path is properly managed and you will frequently cross mane, chhorten protecting travelers and spreading prayers, good message in all direction.. The terrain will be painless for an hour and from Sanasa the path will be downhill upto Phungi Thenga (Probably lunch place).

Sanasa is the junction from where the path for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Ri is separated. Later crossing the suspension bridge of Phungi Thenga we will come across the steep hill of Tengboche. It will take us 2 hours to cross the uphill. Our tiredness will be addressed by the mystically beautiful view of soaring hills, mountains and the prayers in Gompa. The prayers usually take place after 3:30 pm which we can attend if we reach there on time.

Now, the ahead path will be downhill upto Debuche which will only take a few minutes to Debuche. 

Day 05: Debuche (3,800 mt) to Dingboche (4,410 mt/14,468 ft)

We will leave Debuche around 7 am after breakfast, for an hour our hike will be gradual uphill through the jungle.  And we will walk by crossing two suspension bridges. We suggest trekkers fill their backpack with all the essentials that are required throughout the day (Chocolate bar, water, raincoat/umbrella, electrolyte, jacket).

We will be walking above the treeline  (Alpine zone) today. After crossing Milinggo and Panboche the parched hills will cover our sight. We will be reaching Somare after three hours of trek then further the trail remains plain for an hour.

The final uphill before reaching Dingboche will take roughly an hour. Tonight we will spend overnight in Dingboche.

Day 06: Dingboche (4,410 mt) to Chhukung (4743 mt)

Dingboche assures the best view of Mount Ama Dablam (6,812 meters). We will be ascending approximately 300 meters following the shore path to Chhukung. The distance is only five kilometers which will propoquintly take us 5  hours. 

After our lunch at Chhukung, we will rest for the remaining time.

Day 07: Acclimatization day - Hike to Chhukung Ri (5,404 mt)

Here we are on the second acclimatization day of our trip. We will leave early in the morning to witness the heart stopping view of the snow-capped himalayas.

It might be tough as we will climb above  5 thousand meters. Our pace will be steady, while we will slowly enjoy  the mesmerizing landscape and our trek. It will take almost 6 hours in total to conquer the crest and back to the hotel. 

By following the simple rule of acclimatization we will reduce the risk of AMS(Acute Mountain Sickness) and it will fortify our stamina.

Day 08: Kongmala Pass (5,535 mt) - Lobuche (4,930 mt)

Yes, today is the first pass of our trek. We will be crossing Kongmala Pass and reaching out to the next glacier, Khumbu. Walking through the pass might not be a technical thing but it is definitely challenging for our body and mind.

Up in the mountains it may seem close but remember it is further than it seems. We will be crossing a small glacier river then walk uphill, in between the path gets undemanding. It might take us more than 10 hours and for this reason we will be leaving early in the morning. Take a break, keep yourself hydrated, eat chocolate bars for instant energy and we will cross the Pass.

Oh Lord! The landscape is mind blowing, beneath will be the small lake and snow-capped mountains surrounding you. This is the first ascent, we still have two other passes remaining ahead. And after it is done you will feel vitalized to go further.

Then we will have to hike downhill to Lobuche which will take another 5 hours. Please be cautious as the glacier is only filled with enormous rock. 

Day 09: Trek to Gorakshep (5,170 mt) EBC (5,360 mt) & Gorakshep

Yeah! Today we will be reaching the bottom of Mount Everest. After breakfast at Lobuche we will head towards Gorakshep. After almost three hours we will be reaching at Gorakshep. The terrain will have glaciers on the ride side whereas on the left barren hill.

The path will be rocky today so one must watch their steps. Frequently passing porters and travelers will make it more crowded. Later after having Lunch in Gorakshep we will stroll towards Everest Base Camp which will take roughly two hours. Be ready to bedazzled by the creation of the omnipotent. The feeling of accomplishment that we have sought for and the memory and experience that will last forever will be achieved today.

The feeling is not describable in words, take back as memories as you can because it is the only one thing that will last forever. Those snowy-white mountains will definitely make you forget all the tiredness you have endured through the trek. Then we will head back to Gorakshep and spend the night.

Indeed it is time to talk about all the hardship that we encountered on our journey and we must hit the bed early because we got a big day tomorrow.

Day 10: Kalapathar (5,545 mt) and trek to Dzongla (4,830 mt/15,846)

Early morning call at 3 am in the morning will wake you up because it will take almost two hours to reach Kalapathar and we do not want to miss the sight of the first ray touching the world highest pinnacle, Mount Everest.

Certainly, this will be the precise time which forsure remains forever ingrained in everyone's for lifetime. The crest is windy so keep your buff, cap, gloves and utilise it to the fullest. Imagine Mount Everest standing tall right in front of you whereas you are being a spy, observing everything and there surrounded by enormous Himalayas, thinking how on earth could this kind of place exist and you being the spy to witness everything.

It is time to fill up the space on your electronic device with pictures and videos. Later we will hike downhill towards Gorakshep then to Lobuche and Dzongla. Today's hike will be roughly 8 hours.

Day 11: Chola Pass (5,420 mt/17,782 ft) and trek to Dragnag (4,700 mt/15,419 ft)

Yup, today we will cross Chola Pass which is elevated at 5,420 mt, the same as the altitude of Kala Pathar. The walk could be strenuous but the achievement you will get after accomplishing it will be priceless.

You will be provided with crampons if there is hard snow. The path will be mounting upto chola Pass which will take nearly four hours then it descends down up to Dzragnag. Let’s not write anything about the spectacular view you will be witnessing by yourself  from the crest :).

Be-dazzled by the arcade location and view that assures stunning himalayas view in the West. The pass gets windy and it is embellished with piled stones and prayer flags. From Chola Pass it will take almost 4 hours to reach Dragnag.

Day 12: Trek to Gokyo Gokyo lake (4,998 mt/16,400 ft)

Later we will descend down from Dragnag and we will probably have packed lunch. We will be crossing an enormous glacier. After the snow in the glacier all that will be left will be huge rocks so please be cautious as you might slip your steps. Keep yourself hydrated and energised.

Tonight be ready to witness the beautiful night sky from Gokyo Lake. The tranquility of the place will calm and soothe every thought that comes in your mind. Tonight we will settle down beside one of the beautiful Lake of Nepal.

Day 13: Rest Day - Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 mt/17,575 ft)

We will leave quietly early in the morning because we do not want to miss the sunrise in the mountains. It will take almost three hours to conquer the Gokyo Ri ascent.

The panoramic sight  of gigantic mountains covered with snow, glaciers so vast as much as eyes can see and exquisitely beautiful blue Gokyo lake stagnant there, it is enough to make our heart stop for a moment. Yeah, indeed it is time to fill up the vacant space on your phone and camera with photos and videos and time to take these memories back.

After spending the desired time we will head back to the lodge and stay inside the warm dining hall.

Day 14: Cross Renjo La (5,390 mt) and trek to Lunden (4,500 mt)

On the days in which  we head towards crossing the pass we will leave as early as possible. The path follows the shore of magnificent Gokyo lake and it surge up to Renjo La Pass. 

This view today will also be the best view of trek, as we walk higher the blue lake gets tiny. Perhaps, you might say that you want to spend overnight here but we still have like 5 hours downhill to Lumden.

Descending is like easy going but please be attentive heading down.

Day 15: Trek down to Namche (3,440 mt/11,286 ft)

Assuredly, today’s trek is much simpler and it will be astonishing to cross several villages (Dingjung, Tarnnag, Hilajung, Samde, Thamu)  along the way. 

The walk will be astonishing as we will be heading towards Namche. However the walk remains easy even though the distance is roughly 13 kilometers. And tonight you can have a warm shower in the city without vehicles. Take a rest and get freshen up and our trek is almost to the very end.

Day 16:  Namche (3,440 mt/11,286 ft) to Lukla (2,860 mt/9,383 ft

Certainly, the path is long and for this reason we will have to start off early in the morning. The things, places that our sight missed while going to Base Camp will be at your sight. There might be a moment when you might feel like, is it the path that we took while ascending.

The duration of the walk could be somewhere between 7-9 hours. Tonight we will stay at Lukla and leave accordingly with the plan.

Day 17:  Rest Day

This is a halting day where you relax by doing things that you like, whether walking around, see frequent flights, reading, playing, talking or playing games. It is separated for you and you only.

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu

In a day lukla airport takes more than 6 flights which starts from early in the morning. 

Just in case:

As the Lukla flight mostly depends upon the weather, we would like to inform trekkers if flight got postponed due to weather which is not in our boundary, the firm will only cover the basic expenses for a day only not further than that. 

Qualification/Training

Best physical condition is required to do trekking in Nepal in high altitude. Lots of up down includes while doing trekking. We suggest running, walking, hiking in the hill, climbing stairs rather than elevator to prepare for the trek. Include swimming, rowing, biking in your daily base training.

Basic further Experience to do Trekking

• One should be able to hike for 6-7 hours a day.
• One should be able to carry 8 kg themselves on backpack for preparation.
• We suggest you to run about 4/5 miles in home for the preparation with some load on your back for 2 to 3 months to make yours climbing much more easier. Or use treadmill for everyday running and walking.
• If you have uphill location/mountain then once a week you should go to hike with load packed bag pack. If you do not have mountain and high hills then use stairs to go up/down than elevator.
• Do regular swimming, biking, rowing for additional training