Everest Three Passes Trek - 18 Days

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport where our team greets you with traditional khata scarves. Transfer to hotel in Thamel. Evening comprehensive briefing covering the challenging Three Passes route, safety protocols, equipment checks, and altitude management strategies. This is crucial preparation for the demanding journey ahead.

Thrilling early morning flight to Lukla (2,840m), landing at one of the world's most dramatic airports. Meet your full trekking crew including experienced high-altitude guides and porters. Begin trekking with a gentle descent through Chaurikharka village, following the Dudh Koshi River valley to Phakding.

Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo checkpoint. Cross multiple suspension bridges including the famous Hillary Bridge high above the roaring Dudh Koshi. Steep climb through pine forests offers first glimpses of Everest and Lhotse. Arrive at Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital and gateway to high Khumbu.

Critical acclimatization day. Optional hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for stunning mountain panoramas or visit Khumjung village to see Hillary School and monastery with alleged yeti scalp. Explore Namche's Saturday market, bakeries, gear shops, and Sherpa Culture Museum. Your guide will check everyone's health and readiness.

Trek along scenic ridges with spectacular views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse. Descend to Dudh Koshi River then climb steeply through rhododendron forests to Tengboche. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu, where monks perform evening prayers. Dramatic sunset views over Everest and Ama Dablam.

Descend through forest to Debuche, cross the Imja River, and pass through Pangboche village with its ancient monastery. Gradual ascent to Dingboche, a beautiful summer settlement surrounded by stone walls protecting barley fields. Stunning close-up views of Lhotse's massive south wall and Island Peak.

Essential second acclimatization day before tackling the high passes. Hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) for incredible 360-degree panoramas of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the entire Imja Valley. This challenging but rewarding hike prepares your body for higher altitudes. Return to Dingboche for rest and hydration.

Short but important trek to Chhukung village, positioned beneath the towering peaks of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Island Peak. This shorter day allows further acclimatization before attempting Kongma La Pass. Optional afternoon hike to Chhukung Ri (5,546m) for those feeling strong - spectacular views of Island Peak and the Lhotse-Nuptse wall.

Early alpine start for the challenging Kongma La Pass crossing - the highest of the three passes. Steep, rocky ascent with some glacier walking and loose scree. Prayer flags mark the windswept summit with breathtaking views of Makalu and the Khumbu region. Long descent on rocky terrain past frozen lakes to Lobuche. This demanding day tests your endurance and acclimatization.

Trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier with stunning ice formations and mountain views. Reach Gorak Shep, the last settlement before EBC. Drop your bags and continue to Everest Base Camp through rocky moraine and glacier terrain. Stand at the foot of the world's highest mountain, surrounded by prayer flags and the Khumbu Icefall. Return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Pre-dawn wake-up (4 AM) for the steep climb to Kala Patthar summit. Witness magical sunrise over Mount Everest with unobstructed close-up views - one of the best Everest viewpoints in the world. See Everest, Nuptse, Changtse, and the entire Khumbu region bathed in golden light. Descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then trek to Dzongla village for the night.

Second major pass crossing! Early start for Cho La Pass, the most technical of the three passes. Initial steep climb on rocky terrain, then careful glacier crossing (crampons may be needed in snow season). Prayer flags mark the dramatic pass with stunning views. Long descent on loose scree and moraine to Thagnak village on the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier. This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding day.

Relatively easy day trekking alongside the massive Ngozumpa Glacier - the longest glacier in the Himalayas. Pass the first and second Gokyo Lakes before reaching the stunning third lake (Dudh Pokhari) where Gokyo village sits. The turquoise waters against white peaks create an unforgettable scene. Rest and prepare for tomorrow's early climb.

Epic day! Pre-dawn ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for sunrise views over four 8,000m peaks: Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu - an unparalleled panorama. Descend to Gokyo for breakfast, then tackle the third pass - Renjo La. Steep climb followed by stunning views from the prayer flag-draped pass. Long descent to Marlung village. This is the most challenging day of the trek.

Descend through the beautiful Bhote Koshi valley passing through Thame village, famous for producing many Everest-summiting Sherpas. Gradual descent brings you back to Namche Bazaar where oxygen levels feel abundant after days at extreme altitude. Celebrate your incredible achievement with hot showers and perhaps pizza at a local bakery!

Final trekking day descending through familiar trails and villages. Cross multiple suspension bridges, pass through Monjo, and follow the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla. The oxygen-rich air at lower elevation feels wonderful. Celebration dinner with your trekking crew sharing stories of your epic Three Passes adventure.

Catch morning flight back to Kathmandu with final aerial views of the Himalayas. Transfer to hotel. Free afternoon for souvenir shopping in Thamel, massage, or relaxation. Optional farewell dinner with your guide to celebrate completing one of the world's most challenging treks.

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Take home incredible memories and photos from your Everest Three Passes adventure - an achievement few trekkers accomplish!