Everest Three High Passes Trek – 20 Days

Early mountain flight to Lukla (2,860 m), then 3–4 hours down the Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding.

• 2,860 m
• Teahouse in Phakding
• B, L, D

Cross the high suspension bridges and climb steeply to Namche, the Sherpa capital. First view of Everest on a clear day. 6–7 hours.

• 3,440 m
• Teahouse in Namche
• B, L, D

Hike up to the Everest View Hotel and Khumjung village, then return to sleep low. 4–5 hours.

• 3,880 m
• Teahouse in Namche
• B, L, D

Leave the main trail and follow the quiet Bhote Koshi valley through forest to Thame and its cliffside monastery. 4–5 hours.

• 3,800 m
• Teahouse in Thame
• B, L, D

A gentle climb past yak pastures to the small settlement of Lungden. Short day to help acclimatise. 4–5 hours.

• 4,380 m
• Teahouse in Lungden
• B, L, D

Very early start for the first pass (5,360 m), with Everest and the Gokyo lakes in view from the top. Steep descent to Gokyo. 7–8 hours.

• 5,360 m
• Teahouse in Gokyo
• B, L, D

Rest, or walk up the moraine to the Fifth Lake for views of Cho Oyu and Everest. 5–6 hours if you go.

• 4,790 m
• Teahouse in Gokyo
• B, L, D

Optional dawn climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for four 8,000 m peaks, then cross the Ngozumpa glacier to Thaknak. 3 hours plus the climb.

• 5,357 m
• Teahouse in Thaknak
• B, L, D

Climb to the second pass (5,420 m), often over snow near the top, then descend into the Khumbu valley below Cholatse. 7–8 hours.

• 5,420 m
• Teahouse in Dzongla
• B, L, D

An easy half day along the valley to Lobuche, with time to rest before Base Camp. 2–3 hours.

• 4,940 m
• Teahouse in Lobuche
• B, L, D

Walk along the Khumbu glacier to Gorak Shep, then on to Everest Base Camp and back. 6–7 hours.

• 5,364 m
• Teahouse in Gorak Shep
• B, L, D

Pre-dawn climb of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for the closest view of Everest, then descend to Lobuche. 5–6 hours.

• 5,545 m
• Teahouse in Lobuche
• B, L, D

Cross the Khumbu glacier and climb to the third pass (5,535 m), the highest of the three, then a long steep descent to Chukhung. 7–8 hours.

• 5,535 m
• Teahouse in Chukhung
• B, L, D

Descend past Dingboche and Pangboche, under Ama Dablam, to Tengboche Monastery. 5–6 hours.

• 3,860 m
• Teahouse in Tengboche
• B, L, D

Down to the river and a last climb to Namche along the balcony trail. 4–5 hours.

• 3,440 m
• Teahouse in Namche
• B, L, D

Retrace the Dudh Koshi valley to Lukla and celebrate with the crew. 6–7 hours.

• 2,860 m
• Teahouse in Lukla
• B, L, D

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Afternoon free.

• 1,400 m
• Hotel in Thamel
• B

Kept free in case the Lukla flight is delayed. If not needed, visit Boudhanath or Patan.

• 1,400 m
• Hotel in Thamel
• B

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

• 1,400 m
• B