Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

• Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,300m / 4,260ft
• Transfer Time: Approx. 30–45 minutes

Day 02: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

• Altitude: Lukla – approx. 2,840m / 9,318ft; Phakding – approx. 2,610m / 8,563ft
• Flight/Trek Time: Flight approx. 30–35 minutes; trek approx. 3–4 hours

Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

After breakfast, you will follow the Dudh Koshi River valley on one of the most scenic stretches of the entire trek. The trail crosses several iconic suspension bridges and passes through villages such as Monjo and Jorsale — each one a window into traditional Sherpa mountain life.

You will enter Sagarmatha National Park near Monjo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the permit check, the trail climbs steeply toward Namche Bazaar. On a clear day, you may catch your very first distant glimpse of Mount Everest — a moment that stops trekkers in their tracks every single time.

Namche Bazaar is the beating heart of the Khumbu region. It has lodges, shops, bakeries, cafés, and mountain views that will take your breath away. Welcome to the Everest region.

• Altitude: Namche Bazaar – approx. 3,440m / 11,286ft
• Trek Time: Approx. 5–6 hours

Day 04: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Today is an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Rest does not mean staying in your lodge all day. Instead, you will take a short hike to help your body adjust and prepare for what lies ahead.

You may hike to Everest View Hotel, Syangboche, Khumjung, or Khunde. These places offer stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other peaks. This is your first real taste of the Himalayan giants — and it will leave you hungry for more.

After the hike, you will return to Namche. You can rest, explore the market, and prepare for the next trekking day.

• Altitude: Namche Bazaar – approx. 3,440m / 11,286ft
• Activity Time: Approx. 3–4 hours light hike

Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

After breakfast, the trail leaves Namche and follows a spectacular hillside route. This section rewards you with sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku — a mountain panorama that few places on Earth can match.

The trail descends toward Phunki Tenga, then climbs through fragrant pine and rhododendron forests to Tengboche. Perched high above the valley with Ama Dablam rising dramatically behind it, Tengboche Monastery is one of the most photographed and most spiritual spots in all of Nepal. Standing here, with the mountains all around you and the sound of monks chanting inside the monastery walls, is an experience that stays with you long after the trek is over.

• Altitude: Tengboche – approx. 3,860m / 12,664ft
• Trek Time: Approx. 5–6 hours

Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

Today, the landscape begins to change in a way that signals you are entering serious high-altitude territory. The trail descends from Tengboche through forest and crosses the Imja Khola, passing through the villages of Deboche and Pangboche.

As you climb higher, the trees thin out and the air grows cooler. The views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and the surrounding peaks become more dramatic with every step. Dingboche is a stunning high-altitude village that feels remote, wild, and completely unlike anywhere you have ever been. It is also a critical acclimatization stop — your body is preparing itself for what lies ahead.

• Altitude: Dingboche – approx. 4,410m / 14,469ft
• Trek Time: Approx. 5–6 hours

Day 07: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

Another acclimatization day — and another chance to push a little higher while letting your body catch up. At over 4,000 meters, this day is not optional. It is one of the most important days of the entire trek.

You will hike to Nangkartshang Hill or a nearby viewpoint. The effort is rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Island Peak, and the vast Imja Valley spreading out below you. This is the kind of scenery that makes you stop walking just to stare.

After the hike, return to Dingboche, rest well, drink plenty of water, and get ready. Everest Base Camp is now just two days away.

• Altitude: Dingboche – approx. 4,410m / 14,469ft
• Activity Time: Approx. 3–5 hours light hike

Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung

After breakfast, the trail leaves Dingboche and follows the Imja Khola upstream into the Imja Valley — a narrowing glacial corridor that feels increasingly remote and high with every step. The path crosses stone-walled fields, passes through the yak herding settlement of Bibre, and enters glacier moraine terrain as the valley walls close in around you.

The views on this section are extraordinary. Lhotse’s immense south face dominates straight ahead, Island Peak — also known as Imja Tse — rises above the valley to the right, and Ama Dablam stands sentinel across the valley, its impossible profile reflected in the icy streams that cross the trail. The Amphu Labsa mountains fill the head of the valley beyond the village.

Chhukung sits at 4,730m — a small, quiet settlement of Sherpa tea houses surrounded on all sides by towering peaks and glaciers. It is the main base for Island Peak climbers and the staging point for the Kongma La crossing tomorrow. This is a deliberately short day — the altitude is serious now and arriving early gives your body extra time to rest before the first high pass. Nepal Trek Adventures

In the evening your guide will check weather conditions and confirm the plan for tomorrow’s crossing.

• Altitude: Chhukung – approx. 4,730m / 15,518ft
• Trek Time: approx. 3–4 hours

Day 09: Cross Kongma La Pass and Trek to Lobuche

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep and Visit Everest Base Camp

Day: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep

Start early. After yesterday’s crossing, the trail continues northwest from Lobuche along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier — a stark, otherworldly landscape of rock, ice, and frozen lakes that grows more dramatic with every step. The path is well-worn but uneven, and the altitude is now above 5,000m — walk slowly, breathe steadily, and let the mountain come to you.

Gorak Shep at 5,164m is the last settlement on the route — a handful of tea houses perched on an ancient glacial lake bed at the foot of Kala Patthar. Stop here for rest, hot food, and a final check of your layers before the push to Base Camp.

From Gorak Shep, the trail to Everest Base Camp follows the edge of the Khumbu Glacier for around two hours — a raw, magnificent walk across boulder fields and glacial moraine with the Khumbu Icefall visible ahead and the great ridgeline of Nuptse towering to the right. The ground shifts constantly underfoot and the trail requires careful attention. But then the prayer flags appear, and the cairns, and the feeling of standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain settles over you in a way that is genuinely hard to describe.

Everest Base Camp at 5,364m is not a summit — but it is one of the great destinations on earth. Take your photos, take your time, and feel the weight of where you are. Then retrace the moraine trail back to Gorak Shep for the night.

• Altitude: Gorak Shep – approx. 5,164m / 16,942ft
• Altitude: Everest Base Camp – approx. 5,364m / 17,598ft
• Trek Time: approx. 7–8 hours total

Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar and Trek to Dzongla

The alarm goes off before dawn — for the third time on this trek, and for the best reason yet.

The climb from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar takes around an hour and a half in the dark, headtorch on, the cold cutting through every layer as you gain the ridge. At 5,545m, Kala Patthar is the highest point of the entire trek — a rocky prominence above Gorak Shep that offers the finest close-up view of Everest’s summit available to any trekker on earth. As the sky lightens behind the ridge, Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and Lingtren catch the first colour of dawn — gold, then white, then blazing against a deep blue sky. On a clear morning it is one of the great sights of the Himalayas.

Take your time at the top. Then descend back to Gorak Shep for a well-earned breakfast before the day’s walking begins in earnest.

From Gorak Shep, the trail retraces the moraine path back to Lobuche before branching west toward Dzongla — a quieter, less-travelled section of trail that leaves the main EBC route behind and heads toward the Cho La valley. The landscape is wide and exposed, the path skirting below the flanks of Cholatse as Dzongla comes into view — a small, isolated clutch of tea houses sitting in a high bowl above the glacier.

Rest well tonight. Cho La is tomorrow.

• Altitude: Kala Patthar – approx. 5,545m / 18,192ft
• Altitude: Dzongla – approx. 4,830m / 15,846ft
• Trek Time: approx. 7–8 hours total

Day 12: Cross Cho La Pass and Trek to Thagnak

Start before dawn — the frozen snow makes the glacier crossing safer, and you want to be off the upper sections before the afternoon sun loosens the rocks above.

The trail climbs from Dzongla through rocky switchbacks and boulder-strewn chutes, gaining altitude steadily as the pass comes into view ahead. Then the glacier arrives — the Cho La Glacier, a permanent ice field that must be crossed before the final rocky scramble to the pass. The ice is usually crunchy and firm in the early morning — microspikes make this section significantly less taxing, and a fixed metal rope assists on the steepest section just below the summit. Follow your guide’s exact line without deviation — the glacier surface changes every season and crevasses are possible off the marked route. Going the Whole Hogg

Cho La Pass at 5,420m is marked by prayer flags and a rock cairn — a wide, flat saddle with views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Arakam Tse, and the Gokyo peaks opening to the west. For many trekkers, the Cho La crossing is the hardest and most memorable segment of the Three Passes — combining exposed high-altitude terrain, dramatic glacier features, sweeping alpine panoramas, and a genuine sense of remoteness. Discovery World Trekking

The initial descent is very steep and rocky, dropping around 250 metres with a fixed metal rope to assist on the worst of it. Below the steep section the trail eases through a boulder field and across the valley floor to Thagnak — a small, isolated settlement that serves as the staging point for the approach to Gokyo. Going the Whole Hogg

• Altitude: Cho La Pass – approx. 5,420m / 17,782ft
• Altitude: Thagnak – approx. 4,700m / 15,420ft
• Trek Time: approx. 7–9 hours

Day 13: Trek from Thagnak to Gokyo

After breakfast, the trail heads northwest from Thagnak toward Gokyo — a shorter day that feels like a reward after the brutality of Cho La. The route crosses rocky terrain alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier — the longest glacier in Nepal — its vast grey moraine stretching away to the north as you pick your way carefully along the uneven path beside it.

The walking requires attention — the glacial terrain is rough and the ground shifts underfoot in places — but the pace is gentle and the valley ahead grows more beautiful with every step. Then the first lake appears, and the second, and finally Gokyo itself comes into view beside the third and most celebrated of the sacred lakes, Dudh Pokhari — its waters an extraordinary deep turquoise against the surrounding rock and ice.

Gokyo village sits at the edge of the lake at 4,790m — a cluster of stone tea houses in one of the most beautiful and remote settings in the Khumbu. Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth highest mountain, is reflected in the still water of the lake on calm mornings. Rest, eat well, and take in the remarkable stillness of this place. Gokyo Ri is tomorrow.

• Altitude: Gokyo – approx. 4,790m / 15,715ft
• Trek Time: approx. 3–4 hours

Day 14: Hike to Gokyo Ri and Explore Gokyo Lakes

Wake before dawn one more time.

The climb from Gokyo village to Gokyo Ri takes around two hours — a steep, relentless ascent up the ridge above the lake that demands slow, deliberate pacing at this altitude. There are no shortcuts and no easy sections. But the summit at 5,357m delivers one of the most extraordinary panoramas in the entire Himalayan range.

From the top, four of the world’s six highest mountains are visible simultaneously — Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,201m) — lined up across the horizon in a single sweeping view that stops even seasoned trekkers in their tracks. The Ngozumpa Glacier — Nepal’s longest — spreads out far below, and the chain of sacred Gokyo Lakes glitter in the early morning light beneath you. It is, by any measure, one of the great viewpoints on earth.

Return to Gokyo for a well-earned breakfast, then spend the rest of the day at your own pace. Walk the lake shore, explore the upper lakes if energy allows, or simply sit beside Dudh Pokhari and watch Cho Oyu’s reflection shift in the water. Tomorrow the third and final pass awaits — use today to rest properly.

• Altitude: Gokyo Ri – 5,357m / 17,575ft
• Altitude: Gokyo – approx. 4,790m / 15,715ft
• Trek Time: approx. 4–5 hours for Gokyo Ri hike

Day 15: Cross Renjo La Pass and Trek to Lungden

Start early — the pattern holds for the third time, and for good reason.

The trail climbs steeply west from Gokyo, gaining the ridge above the lakes with a sustained ascent over rocky and grassy terrain. As you climb, the Gokyo Lakes appear below in sequence — their extraordinary turquoise colour deepening as the morning light strengthens — with Cho Oyu, Everest, and the full sweep of the high Khumbu range filling the horizon behind them. From the summit at 5,360m, the views stretch across several of the world’s highest peaks — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — in one of the most celebrated panoramas in the Everest region. The Everest Holiday

Renjo La is the lowest of the three passes and the only one that does not require a glacier crossing — which after Kongma La and Cho La will feel like a significant relief. The terrain is steep and rocky near the summit but presents no technical challenge under normal seasonal conditions. No fixed ropes, no glacier navigation — just a long, demanding climb that rewards with arguably the finest view of the entire circuit. Halfway Anywhere

The descent west toward Lungden is steep initially before easing into a remote, peaceful valley that feels entirely removed from the busier Everest Base Camp trail. The descent through Lungden and Thame takes you through real Sherpa country — less commercialized and rich in ancient traditions. Lungden is a quiet, isolated overnight stop — the third pass is behind you and the end of the circuit is within reach. Best Heritage Tour

• Altitude: Renjo La Pass – approx. 5,360m / 17,585ft
• Altitude: Lungden – approx. 4,380m / 14,370ft
• Trek Time: approx. 7–8 hours

Day 16: Trek from Lungden to Namche Bazaar via Thame

After breakfast, the trail descends from Lungden through the remote Bhote Koshi valley toward Thame — one of the most culturally significant Sherpa villages in the entire Khumbu region. Thame sits quietly above the valley floor, its ancient monastery perched on the cliff face above the village, prayer flags strung across the hillside. This is the home village of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, and the community has produced more high-altitude climbers than almost anywhere else on earth. Take a moment here before continuing.

From Thame, the trail descends steadily through mani walls, juniper forest, and river valleys — the air growing noticeably warmer and thicker with every hundred metres of descent. The Bhote Koshi river rushes alongside, the path crossing and recrossing as the valley widens toward the main Khumbu trail. After days on remote high passes with few other trekkers, the reappearance of the main route feels like returning to civilisation.

Namche Bazaar at 3,440m arrives like an old friend. The horseshoe-shaped Sherpa capital is as welcoming on the way out as it was on the way in — bakeries, hot showers, strong coffee, and the satisfaction of knowing that three of Nepal’s highest trekking passes are now behind you. Rest well tonight.

• Altitude: Namche Bazaar – approx. 3,440m / 11,286ft
• Trek Time: approx. 6–7 hours

Day 17: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Today is the final walking day of the Everest Base Camp Trek — and it deserves to be savored. You will descend from Namche through the Dudh Koshi River valley, crossing suspension bridges and passing through familiar villages on the way back to Lukla.

The trail that felt so new and exciting on Day 2 now feels like an old friend. After reaching Lukla, gather with your guide and porter team to celebrate one of the greatest things you have ever done. You trekked to Everest Base Camp. Not everyone can say that.

• Altitude: Lukla – approx. 2,840m / 9,318ft
• Trek Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

Early in the morning, you will fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu — or to Manthali if flights are operating from there, followed by a scenic drive back to the city. Either way, you are heading home from one of the world’s greatest adventures.

After arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours — rest, explore Kathmandu, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or simply sit and reflect on everything you have just experienced. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. You have earned every bite.

• Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,300m / 4,260ft
• Flight/Drive Time: Flight approx. 30–35 minutes; Manthali drive may take approx. 4–5 hours

Day 19: Final Departure

Your 19 Days Everest Three Pass Trek ends today— but the memories will last a lifetime. Our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.

If you are not ready to leave Nepal just yet, we do not blame you. Popular extensions include the Gokyo Lake Trek, Everest View Trek, Chitwan jungle safari, Pokhara tour, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Bhutan tour, or Tibet tour. Nepal has a way of pulling you back — most people who come once find themselves planning their return before they even get home.

• Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,300m / 4,260ft
• Transfer Time: Approx. 30–45 minutes