The Everest Three Passes Trek is one of Nepal’s most complete and challenging high-altitude treks. This serious adventure takes you across three of the highest Himalayan passes in a single journey: Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, each towering over 5,000 m.
The trek also includes the spectacular Gokyo Valley, renowned for its stunning glacial lakes and panoramic mountain scenery. Along the way, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of iconic peaks, including the majestic Mount Everest, making every step unforgettable.
Cultural experiences are an important part of the trek. You will visit famous Buddhist monasteries such as Tengboche and Dingboche, and pass through traditional Sherpa villages including Namche Bazaar, Lukla, and Phakding, offering a glimpse into Sherpa life and heritage.
For panoramic vistas, the trek features world-famous viewpoints like Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri, and the Everest viewpoint, perfect for photography and soul-stirring mountain experiences. Like most treks in Nepal, this journey is a teahouse-style trek, with comfortable local lodges available at every stop. The best time to undertake the Three Passes Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is clear and stable. Trekking during the monsoon or winter is not recommended due to harsh conditions and challenging trails.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a Glacier Nepal Treks representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle. After a short rest, you will meet your trekking guide at our office. You can ask any questions you may have about the trek, and the guide will provide detailed answers and information. Overnight stay at the hotel.
It’s about a 35-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the most thrilling mountain airstrips in the world. During the flight, you can enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan range. After landing and having breakfast in Lukla, we organize our gear and begin the trek. The trail gradually descends toward Thadokoshi, passing through beautiful pine forests and small Sherpa settlements. Along the way, you’ll enjoy impressive views of Kusum Kanguru rising dramatically above the valley. We then continue walking alongside the rushing waters of the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and passing mani stones and prayer wheels before reaching the peaceful village of Phakding. Overnight stay at Phakding.
After breakfast, we begin our trek, gradually making our way toward Banker while enjoying beautiful views of Thamserku rising majestically above the valley. Today, we officially enter Sagarmatha National Park, the protected region that is home to the Everest Himalayas. Crossing several thrilling suspension bridges along the Dudh Koshi River, we continue our steady climb through pine forests and charming Sherpa villages. As we ascend higher, we are rewarded with our first glimpse of Mount Everest. If luck is on our side, we might even spot a rare red panda along the trail. By late afternoon, we reach Namche Bazaar, the vibrant gateway to Everest, where we stay overnight.
Namche Bazaar is the gateway to Everest and the largest village in the Khumbu region, serving as the main trading and cultural hub for trekkers and locals alike. To help with acclimatization, we hike up to Everest View Hotel, one of the world’s highest-placed hotels, where we are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and many other surrounding peaks. After descending back to Namche, you can explore the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters, visit the Sherpa Museum to learn about local culture and mountaineering history, or stroll through the lively market. Cozy cafés along the streets often screen documentaries about Everest and Sherpa life. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
Today’s trek takes us to Tengboche. The trail begins with a gentle and mostly flat walk for the first couple of hours, offering pleasant views through rhododendron forests. We then descend to Phunki Tenga, a small settlement by the river. After a short rest, we start a steady and steep uphill climb that leads us to Tengboche. This is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, the largest and most important monastery in the Everest region. From here, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Taboche, and Nuptse. At around 3:00 PM, the monastery opens for visitors, giving us the opportunity to observe the peaceful prayer ceremony and explore the spiritual atmosphere. Overnight stay at Tengboche
We begin the day with a gentle descent through alpine forest to Diboche, making our way down to the river. After crossing a suspension bridge, the trail gradually climbs toward Pangboche village, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the region. From Pangboche, we continue uphill and stop for lunch at Somare. After a pleasant break, the trail leads us steadily toward Dingboche. This beautiful village is one of the highest permanent settlements in the area, surrounded by stone walls and vast potato fields that protect crops from the cold mountain winds. Overnight stay at Dingboche.
Today is set aside for acclimatization with an adventurous hike to Nangkartshang Peak (around 5,000 m). The climb takes several hours to reach the summit and return to Dingboche, but the effort is well worth it. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, along with Island Peak, Ama Dablam, surrounding valleys, and vast glaciers stretching across the Himalayas. After soaking in the incredible scenery and capturing some memorable photos, we descend back to Dingboche for a well-deserved rest. Overnight at Dingboche.
After breakfast, we set out on a gradual 3 hour trek uphill to reach Chhukung. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Makalu, and Baruntse, among other majestic mountains. After lunch, we hike to Chhukung Ri (5,550?m / 18,208?ft), where the evening offers a breathtaking sunset over Mount Lhotse. Overnight stay at Chhukung.
We begin the day early in the morning, trekking mostly across the Nuptse Glacier. Along the way, we take a short break at Kongma La Pass (5,335?m / 18,159?ft), where you can admire spectacular views of Mount Pumori, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Labuche, Makalu, and other surrounding peaks. From the pass, the trail descends steeply, making this section the most challenging part of the day. After the descent, we reach Lobuche for an overnight stay.
Today is one of the most important and exciting days of the Everest Base Camp Trek. We begin our journey toward Gorak Shep, following the rugged trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier. Walking at an altitude above 5,000 meters can be physically demanding, so we move slowly and steadily while enjoying the dramatic Himalayan landscape. From Gorak Shep, we continue to Everest Base Camp, the ultimate destination of the trek. From the base camp, you can see the upper slopes of Mount Everest, the spectacular Khumbu Icefall, and many surrounding peaks and glaciers. Standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After spending some time exploring and taking photos at base camp, we retrace our steps back to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.
Today we rise very early to begin our hike to Kala Patthar. The trek to the summit takes a couple of hours, rewarding us with a spectacular sunrise and panoramic views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tabuche, and the Khumbu Glacier. After enjoying the views, we descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast. Following the meal, we retrace part of our trail toward Lobuche before taking a right turn to reach Dzongla. Overnight stay at Dzongla.
We begin the trek early in the morning, ascending steadily for several hours toward a rocky ridge. After a challenging climb, we reach Chola Pass (5,420?m / 17,782?ft) and take a short break at the summit to enjoy the breathtaking high-altitude views. The trail then descends to Thangna, where we stop for a hearty lunch. Refreshed, we continue our trek to Gokyo, a serene valley famous for its stunning turquoise lake. Revered by Hindus as Dudh Kunda, the lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers a perfect setting for photography and relaxation. Overnight stay at Gokyo.
Gokyo Ri is one of the most popular viewpoints in the Everest region, requiring a 3–4 hour hike to reach the summit. From the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu (8,201?m / 26,906?ft), and several other majestic peaks surrounding the valley. After descending, enjoy a relaxing lunch before exploring the serene and crystal-clear Gokyo Lake, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine landscapes. Overnight stay at Gokyo.
We begin early in the morning, trekking along the scenic edge of Gokyo Lake. After a couple of hours, we reach the summit of Renjo La Pass, where panoramic views unfold, including Mount Everest, surrounding peaks, the stunning Gokyo Lake, and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. From the pass, we descend toward Marlung, passing the tranquil Angladumba Tsho Lake along the way. The serene alpine landscapes and glacial scenery make this a truly memorable trek. Overnight stay at Marlung.
After breakfast, we begin our descent to Thame, following an ancient trail once used by Sherpas for trade with Tibet. Walking along this historic path, we enjoy the scenic landscapes and glimpse traditional Sherpa villages. The trail eventually leads us back to Namche Bazaar, the largest and liveliest town in the Everest region, bustling with shops, teahouses, and cultural charm. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.
Today marks the final day of our trekking adventure. The trail descends steeply through forests and small settlements until we reach the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing several suspension bridges, we officially exit Sagarmatha National Park, leaving the high Himalayan wilderness behind. Continuing downhill, we pass through Thado Koshi, one of the lowest points of the Everest Base Camp trek. From here, we begin the final ascent toward Lukla, retracing familiar trails and reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve completed. Upon arrival in Lukla, we celebrate the successful end of our trek and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight at Lukla.
After breakfast, we take an early flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying one last glimpse of the Himalayas from the air. Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. After a refreshing shower and some rest, you can explore Thamel, a lively area filled with shops, cafés, and souvenir stores—perfect for some last-minute shopping. In the evening, we gather for a special farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you’ll enjoy authentic cuisine along with cultural dance performances to celebrate the successful completion of your adventure. Overnight at the hotel.
Today marks your final day in Nepal. A representative from Glacier Nepal Treks will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport by private vehicle for your onward journey. As you head home, we hope you carry unforgettable memories of the Himalayas, the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people, and the incredible adventure you’ve just completed. Safe travels and see you again — home sweet home!
Did the EBC trek with Rabin and he was great! Kept a difficult hike entertaining and had us stay in nice accommodations with good food, which was much needed for the trek! Would recommend Rabin and Glacier Nepal Treks to anyone!