Everest Three High Passes Trek-19 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m) and Transfer to Hotel

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a representative from Adventure Aspirant will greet you and escort you to your hotel. This is a leisurely arrival day with no scheduled activities, allowing you time to unwind or explore nearby attractions at your own pace. In the early evening, a pre-trek briefing will be conducted where you will be introduced to your trekking guide and receive essential information for the journey ahead. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

After enjoying breakfast, begin a guided exploration of some of Kathmandu’s most iconic cultural and spiritual landmarks. Today’s tour covers several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the revered Pashupatinath Temple, the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa (commonly known as the Monkey Temple), and the massive Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.

Following the sightseeing tour, you’ll meet with your trekking guide and representative from Adventure Aspirant for a detailed pre-trek briefing and gear check to ensure everything is in place for your upcoming adventure.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m) & trek to Phakding (2,652m) (3-4 hrs)

Begin your day with an early morning transfer to the domestic terminal for a breathtaking 35-minute scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshing cup of tea at a local lodge in Lukla before beginning your trek.

From here, we set out on the renowned “Everest Trail”, descending gently through a picturesque alpine valley. The trail follows the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, named for its milky appearance caused by glacial sediments.

After approximately three hours of hiking, we arrive at the charming village of Phakding, where we conclude our first day on the trail.
Overnight stay at a lodge, organized by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 5 to 6 Hours

Today’s trek involves a gradual ascent through scenic alpine valleys, passing through lush forests and traditional villages. We cross the Dudh Koshi River several times via suspension bridges as we make our way toward Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa hub and gateway to the high Himalayas in the Khumbu region.

As evening approaches, you can stroll through the lively market area or take a short acclimatization hike to a viewpoint above Namche, offering stunning vistas. On clear days, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, Kongde Ri, and Tawache along the trail.

Overnight stay at a lodge, arranged by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 5: Rest and Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization is a crucial part of adjusting to high altitude, and today serves as your first planned rest and adaptation day in Namche Bazaar—an essential component of any Everest region trek.

To aid the acclimatization process, you’ll likely hike up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m), a renowned vantage point offering stunning panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. Along the way, you'll visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum, where you can learn more about the region’s culture, geography, and mountaineering history.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the village, relaxing at local cafés, or simply enjoying the mountain atmosphere.
Overnight at a lodge, organized by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Deboche (3,820m) – 4 to 5 Hours

Today’s journey begins along a gentle trail that contours the hillside, offering breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse as they slowly emerge into full view. The path then descends steeply through a dense forest toward a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River.

After crossing the river, we ascend a winding trail through a vibrant rhododendron forest, where you might catch glimpses of musk deer or even spot colorful Himalayan monals, Nepal’s national bird. As the climb steepens, the trail leads to the serene and scenic village of Tengboche (Tyangboche), where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Taboche, and Nuptse.

Tengboche is home to the largest and most revered monastery in the Khumbu region. You'll have the opportunity to explore this spiritual site and also visit the local museum before continuing the short descent to Debuche, a quiet settlement nestled in the forest.

Overnight at a lodge, organized by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 7: Trek from Deboche to Dingboche (4,410m) – Approx. 4 Hours

Today’s trail takes us through beautiful, shaded forest paths lined with birch, conifer, and rhododendron trees, creating a peaceful and scenic start to the day. The route gradually ascends along a ridge on the true right side of the valley, offering continuous and striking views of the distinctive spire of Ama Dablam, which dominates the skyline for much of the journey.

Upon reaching Dingboche, a picturesque high-altitude village surrounded by fields of barley and stone walls, you’ll have time to rest before taking a short acclimatization hike to Nagarjuna Hill in the late afternoon. This optional ascent provides stunning panoramic vistas and helps your body adjust to the increasing elevation.

Overnight stay at a lodge, arranged by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m) – 3 to 4 Hours

Today’s trek takes us from Dingboche to the small settlement of Chhukung, situated deeper in the Imja Valley. The hike is a gentle ascent that takes around three to four hours, offering a rewarding blend of alpine scenery and peaceful trails.

Along the way, you’ll pass numerous seasonal stone huts, traditionally used by locals for grazing and sheltering livestock during the summer months. The views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Island Peak, become increasingly dramatic as you approach Chhukung.

Once there, take time to relax and soak in the serene mountain atmosphere while preparing yourself mentally and physically for the challenging Kongma La Pass ahead.

Overnight stay at a lodge, arranged by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 9: Ascent of Chhukung Ri (5,546m) and Return to Chhukung – 3 to 4 Hours

Today’s optional acclimatization hike takes you to Chhukung Ri, a rugged rocky summit rising above the village of Chhukung—much like Kala Patthar near Everest Base Camp. Though relatively modest in height by Himalayan standards, the ascent demands 3–4 hours of steady, high-altitude effort, making it an excellent warm-up for higher passes ahead.

The climb does not require any technical climbing skills, only a good level of endurance. From the summit, you'll be rewarded with unparalleled views of Imja Tse (Island Peak), the elegant Ama Dablam, the massive Makalu, and unique perspectives of Nuptse—vistas rarely seen from other viewpoints.

Notably, Mount Everest is not visible from Chhukung Ri, which is why this viewpoint remains peaceful and less crowded than Kala Patthar or Gokyo Ri.

After soaking in the mountain scenery, descend back to Chhukung to rest and recharge for the upcoming Kongma La Pass crossing.

Overnight at a lodge, organized by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 10: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m) and Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) – 6 to 7 Hours

After an early morning breakfast, the trek begins with a challenging ascent toward Kongma La Pass, one of the highest and most rewarding passes in the Everest region. The climb is steep and demanding, but the panoramic views from the summit make every step worthwhile.

From the top of Kongma La (5,535m), you’ll be greeted with a spectacular vista: to the left lies the impressive Khumbu Glacier, sprawling beneath the shadows of Everest, while to the right, you'll see a breathtaking lineup of Himalayan giants—Island Peak, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Taboche, and more. Below, the traditional Sherpa settlements are scattered among rugged landscapes.

The descent from the pass leads down to Lobuche, a quiet high-altitude village nestled near the glacier, where you’ll rest for the night.

Overnight at a lodge, arranged by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m), Visit Everest Base Camp (5,360m), and Return to Gorak Shep – 6 to 7 Hours

From Lobuche, the trek follows the Khumbu Glacier as you make your way to Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. After a brief exploration of Gorak Shep, you will continue on foot to the iconic Everest Base Camp, where you can admire the breathtaking Khumbu Icefall and observe the climbing route leading up to the South Col.

After soaking in these spectacular sights, you will return to Gorak Shep for the night by retracing your steps along the same trail.

Overnight stay at a lodge, facilitated by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 12: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) & Trek to Dzongla (4,830m) – Approx. 7 Hours

Begin your day with an early morning ascent to the summit of Kala Patthar, a renowned vantage point that offers an unforgettable sunrise panorama over Mount Everest and its towering neighbors. This two-hour uphill hike rewards you with sweeping views of Everest, Pumori, Lingtren, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse, and several lesser peaks. From this vantage, you can also gaze down upon Everest Base Camp, the Khumbu Icefall, and the sprawling Khumbu Glacier.

Take time to capture panoramic photographs and soak in the majestic scenery before descending back to Gorak Shep for breakfast.

After your meal, you'll retrace your steps to Lobuche, walking alongside the glacier once again. From Lobuche, a short descent of around 20 minutes brings you to a trail junction. Here, you’ll branch off the main EBC route and take the right-hand trail toward Dzongla.

Along the way, you'll be treated to captivating views of Ama Dablam, the wide valley of Pheriche, the majestic Taboche Peak, and the turquoise glacial lake Cholatse Tsho. A final gradual ascent leads you to the peaceful village of Dzongla, where you’ll rest and rejuvenate after a rewarding day.

Overnight at a lodge, arranged by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 13: Trek to Gokyo (4,750m) via Cho La Pass (5,480m) – 7 to 8 Hours

Today begins with an early start after a warm breakfast, donning cold-weather gear to prepare for one of the most challenging and exhilarating segments of the trek. The day starts with a gentle trail, gradually turning into a steep ascent over rocky terrain as you make your way toward the summit of Cho La Pass (5,420m), adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze.

The route includes a crossing over glacial sections, offering awe-inspiring vistas from the top. From the pass, you can marvel at the striking views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, as well as Pharilapche and Kyajo Ri—a true Himalayan panorama.

After soaking in the scenery, you’ll begin a careful descent along a rocky slope, eventually reaching the valley floor. From here, the trail involves a brief uphill section, followed by a gentle descent of 1.5 to 2 hours leading to Dragnag (also known as Thaknak).

Continuing onward, you’ll traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest glacier. A short final descent then brings you to the serene Gokyo Valley, home to pristine turquoise lakes nestled beneath towering peaks.

Overnight at a cozy tea house, thoughtfully arranged by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 14: Rest Day in Gokyo or Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) – 3 to 4 Hours

Today is a well-deserved rest day in the stunning Gokyo Valley. For those who prefer to take it easy, you can relax by the tranquil turquoise lake, soak in the peaceful mountain ambiance, or take a gentle walk along the lakeshore.

If you're feeling energetic and up for a challenge, you can embark on an optional early morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m). This 2–3 hour ascent rewards you with one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the entire Everest region. From the summit, witness a majestic sunrise over a collection of the world's tallest peaks—Mount Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), Cho Oyu (8,201m)—as well as an incredible array of surrounding summits. The vistas also include the shimmering Gokyo Lakes and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.

After spending some unforgettable moments at the top, you’ll descend back to Gokyo, where the rest of the day is yours to unwind, reflect, or simply enjoy the peaceful alpine setting.

Overnight at a lakeside teahouse, arranged by Adventure Aspirant.

Day 15: Gokyo to Marlung(4,380m.) via Renjo La Pass(5,360m.) 7 to 8 Hours

Day 16: Marlung to Namche Bazzar(3,440m.) 5 to 6 Hours

Day 17: Namche Bazzar to Lukla(2,800m.) 6 to 7 Hours

Day 18: Lukla to Kathmandu(1,300m.)

Day 19: Transfer to International Airport for final departure