A Step-by-Step Itinerary for the Everest Three Passes Trek
24th May 2025
If you're dreaming of a high-altitude adventure in the heart of the Himalayas, the Everest Three Passes Trek should be on your bucket list. This ultimate trek takes you beyond the classic Everest Base Camp route, leading you through three challenging yet breathtaking passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), and Renjo La (5,360m). The result? A complete loop around the Khumbu region that rewards you with dramatic mountain views, glacier crossings, Sherpa culture, and a real sense of accomplishment.
Here’s a step-by-step itinerary to help you plan this epic journey.
Day 1: Fly to Lukla (2,860m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
The adventure begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The short 30-minute flight alone is an unforgettable experience as you descend onto one of the world’s most thrilling runways. After landing, a gentle 3-4 hour hike takes you to the village of Phakding, nestled beside the Dudh Koshi River. It’s a great warm-up for the days ahead.
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
This day includes your first major elevation gain. Crossing several suspension bridges and passing pine forests and small villages, you’ll reach Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region. With cozy lodges, bakeries, and gear shops, it's the perfect place to recharge and acclimate.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Rather than pushing ahead, it’s essential to spend a day acclimatizing. Consider a short hike to Everest View Hotel or Khunde and Khumjung villages. You’ll get your first clear glimpses of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse, and also visit local monasteries and museums.
Day 4: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)
The trail meanders along ridges with panoramic mountain views before descending into the forested Dudh Koshi valley. A final uphill push brings you to Tengboche, home to the region’s most important monastery, Tengboche Monastery. Time your visit to catch the evening prayers for a spiritual experience.
Day 5: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)
Crossing the Imja River and hiking through fields of rhododendron and juniper, you’ll gradually gain altitude as you head toward Dingboche, a peaceful village flanked by spectacular views of Ama Dablam. This is another important stop for acclimatization.
Day 6: Acclimatization Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m)
This optional yet highly recommended hike boosts your adaptation to the altitude. Nagarjun Hill provides a steep but rewarding climb with panoramic views of Makalu, Island Peak, and more.
Day 7: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m) & Trek to Lobuche (4,940m)
This is your first major pass—and it’s a tough one. Set out early for a strenuous climb over Kongma La Pass, with its rocky paths and jaw-dropping vistas. Descend carefully toward Lobuche, where the terrain becomes increasingly glacier-filled and barren.
Day 8: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,170m) & Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Today is a highlight! Trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, the last outpost before everest base camp trek. After a short rest, continue to EBC, where climbers prepare for their Everest ascents. Soak in the moment—you’ve earned it.
Day 9: Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) & Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)
Get an early start to hike up Kala Patthar for the best sunrise view of Everest. Then retrace your steps to Lobuche and veer off toward Dzongla, a quiet village offering a nice break before the next high pass.
Day 10: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) & Trek to Gokyo (4,790m)
Your second pass, Cho La, is icy and challenging but incredibly rewarding. After the pass, descend carefully across glaciers and moraines into the beautiful Gokyo Valley, known for its series of turquoise lakes.
Day 11: Hike Gokyo Ri (5,360m) & Rest
Another sunrise, another iconic viewpoint. Gokyo Ri rivals Kala Patthar in terms of views—expect Everest, Cho Oyu, and several other peaks to dominate the skyline. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the lakes or exploring nearby glaciers.
Day 12: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m) & Trek to Lumde (4,360m)
The final and arguably most scenic of the three passes, Renjo La offers stunning views back toward Gokyo Lakes and Everest. The descent leads you into a less-traveled part of the Khumbu, where Lumde offers peaceful lodging and fewer crowds.
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar
You’ll reconnect with the main Everest trail and descend back to Namche Bazaar. With improved oxygen levels and familiar surroundings, you can celebrate your journey with a hot shower and some bakery treats.
Day 14: Trek to Lukla
Your final trekking day retraces your steps back to Lukla. Reflect on your achievement while enjoying the last night in the mountains.
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
Weather permitting, you'll fly back to Kathmandu and return to civilization with memories (and photos!) to last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
The Everest Three Passes Trek isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s a spiritual and cultural journey through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on Earth. Proper acclimatization, solid fitness, and an adventurous mindset are all key to completing it safely and successfully.
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