17 Days Everest Three Passes Trek

Early morning transfer to the airport to fly to Lukla (2880m). The flight, which takes 27 minutes, is one of the most magnificent mountain flights in the world. It shows the snow-line of the Himalayan Range in the north as well as the rugged landing at the Lukla airport, one of the most spectacular flights in the world. On arrival, the guide will arrange porters at a nearby lodge. During this break, the guests are invited to visit this lively hilltop town with rows of houses, hotels, and shops on both sides of the traditional cobbled street.

The trek follows the trail leading to the northwest direction through the narrow street, which immediately descends from the end of the village on a trail through the open hillside. The trail is well defined and there are many shops and lodges catering to the trekkers. This day’s trek is an easy one and ultimately descends to the river at Phakding (2,652m).

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Leave the main village and continue the trail on the left bank of the DudhKosi River. It is a lovely walk for the first part of the day as one goes through agricultural area and small wayside communities. Just before noon, there is a strong ascent of around 20 minutes to get at Monjo for noon. After lunch, climb up to the check post to check the permits and entry into the Sagarmatha National Park. Descend for 10 minutes and then cross a suspension bridge to get in Jorsale (2,800m). Pass through various little villages and magnificent pine forest. This is a bustling trail with plenty of human appeal. 

Our first good views are of the west ridge of Kusum Kanguru (6,339m). Follow the DudhKosi River, crossing a rickety suspension bridge, which is in a dilapidated condition, and then slowly climb up a very steep trail to Namche Bazaar. Near half waypoint, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,879m) and Lhotse (8,383m) – the big three. The climb is for nearly 3 hours as one gain in altitude making breathing difficult due to rarified air. Arrive at a gate with a sign saying, “Welcome to Namche Bazaar” but it is very misleading as it takes another 20 minutes to arrive at the main town.

This affluent town is the largest in Khumbu. Mt.Thamserku (6,648 m) and KwangdeRi (6,624 m) overshadow along the east and west of the village. The sacred mountain Khumbila (5,707 m) overshadows along the west.

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

In the morning after breakfast go for a walk and later return for lunch. After lunch the guests are free to rest or go around the bustling Namche Bazaar.

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Traverse westward with view of Kwangde (6,343 m) and the waterfall cascading off its flanks. Follow Bhote Kosi as the side hills high on its bank through the red and yellow rhododendron forest, (in full blossom in May). Cross the river and look down the valley for views of Thamserku (6,648 m) and Kusum Kanguru (6,370 m). Climb up to Thame village through the forest. It is a secluded village and the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, the first Sherpa to climb Mount Everest.

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Today we start our serious high altitude trekking. We walk for about 4 hours through a stunning landscape on an old trade route to Tibet to the village of Lungden. This village has only one lodge and is aptly called the Renjo La Support Lodge.

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

The big day gets up real early and it is a long day, as we have to walk about 6 hours to reach the pass, going slow because of the high altitude. From here, after a brief stopover to enjoy the striking view of the Everest Range and photographs, we start on a remarkably difficult downhill journey for about 3 hours to reach the village of Gokyo and walk along the stunning and beautiful Dudh Kunda.

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

After breakfast, trek to Gokyo Fifth Lake which offers the excellent view of Everest and Cho Oyu. Later return back to the hotel for rest.

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

It’s an easy trail but we will be walking through glaciers. After 4 hrs of gradual walk we will reach Thangna and rest.

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

After breakfast, we start the trek. It’s a tough day, where we will cross another pass i.e. Cho La Pass and reach Dzongla for lunch. Later, walk gradually to reach Lobuche.

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Today, we begin our walk early in the morning with packed breakfast and lunch. We will cross the 3rd and final pass of the walk, which is the highest pass compared to the other two passes. Via Khumbu Glacier, a trail leads to the Kongma La Pass. Now, a short downhill walking and subsequently gradually reach the magnificent valley Dingboche. 

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

After breakfast, continue walking downhill. At the rear is the view of Everest, Lhotse, Pumori, Island Peak and Ama Dablam getting further away. After having lunch, continue walking further downhill until you reach Deboche. 30 mins steep climb, we will reach Tengboche, a beautiful place with Monastery.

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

After breakfast, the descent to the Imja Khola and the small village of Phunki(3,250 m) with its water powered Prayer Wheels takes about one and half hours. The original bridge built by Sir Edmund Hillary was washed away when a flood caused by the landside from the Ama Dablam caused flooding in this region. Cross the river on the smaller bridge and start climbing up to Khumjung. Behind is the nice west face of the Thamserku 6,608 m and Kang Taiga 6,685 m.

Overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

From Namche, walk to the end of the village and then immediately start down to the river. If going up was tough then equally hard it is to get down the hill. Head along the banks of the river and then further down to Monjo or Phakding for lunch.

It is interesting to watch others staring enthusiastically on the trek. From Phakding, it is a surprising hard uphill climb to Lukla, which should take about 3 hours. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla.

Dinner and overnight at teahouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Early morning, fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, meet, assist and transfer to the hotel.

Rest of the day is free for shopping and personal activities.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Breakfast)

Today the first half of the day you take rest. Later after lunch go for sightseeing, visiting the Boudhanath Stupa– an ancient colossal stupa and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world, Pashupatinath Temple- the Temple of Lord Shiva situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River and Patan Durbar Square one of the ancient city of Nepal.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Breakfast and farewell Dinner)

Free for final minute packing and shopping until transfer to the airport for final departure (Breakfast).