Everest Three Pass Trekking

Free day in Kathmandu in preparation for the trek, or one can join in our tour around Kathmandu at places of interest as Kathmandu city and the valley steeped with World Heritage Sites.

A 30-minute flight and a 3-hour trek.

Breakfast and take a short drive to Kathmandu Airport to board the domestic flight to Lukla. A morning flight of 40 minutes takes us to Lukla, with grand views of Himalayan peaks. We will be greeted with an excellent mountain in the panorama from the first step to the Lukla airport with cool air, letting you feel the atmosphere. We spend about an hour with tea/coffee and handover our luggage to the porters. Then, we take a short introductory walk while the porters prepare their load. After spending an hour, we start the trek with great excitement.

Star trek through the village of Lukla, gets checked with Khumbu Pasang Lhamu and TIMS permits at the end of the village and exits from the village with immediate walking down through a forest facing northwest with welcoming views of Mount Kongde (Dudh Kunda Mountains) in front. After about twenty minutes walk, the trail traverses to Chhoplung, seeing the village and School of Chauri Kharka (currently misspelt with Chaula Kharka). (Chauri is female Yak, and Kharka means Shed in Nepali), the biggest and ancestral village of Lukla village until Lukla Airport was pastureland.

After a short traverse, we join the trail from Jiri to Everest Base Camp at Chhoplung, a hamlet of Sherpas. From Chhoplung, there is a level trail with short descending and climbing and traverses several villages, including Ghat. The views in front are Phakdingma, the Dudh Koshi River Valley and Kwangde Mountain. Most houses on the trail and villages are lodges and restaurants for travellers. Finally, we cross several beautiful villages, such as Ghat and arrive at Kharikhola village on the bank of the Dudh Koshi River.

A 5-hour Trek.

The trek follows the Dudh Koshi River valley through a narrow valley gorged by the Dudh Koshi River and guarded by Kusumkangru Mountain and Kwangde Mountain bases. The river valley becomes narrower but pleasant, with occasional mountain views and teahouse until we approach Monjo, the entrance point of Sagarmatha National Park and our lunch place, a lovely place on the bank of Dudh Koshi River. The mountain slopes are beautifully dense, home to elusive Himalayan fauna and flora.

The afternoon walk takes uphill to Namche Bazaar through a lovely forest, crossing the Dudh Koshi twice through a sky-soaring suspension bridge. The walking up to Namche takes 2 hours with rest.

Namche Bazar lies at an altitude of 3500 metres, and it is one of the main junctions, branching trails to Thame, Khumjung and Tengboche. The path via Thame leads to Tibet via Nangpa La Pass, Rolwaling via Tashi Lapcha Pass, and Gokyo via Renjo La. With the demand of the time, the Sherpa town has developed itself as a colourful and divergent market, selling everything, including trekking and mountaineering equipment. In addition, there are hotels, restaurants, pubs, cybercafé, pool houses, Banks, health posts, a monastery, and a Sherpa house museum. Most trekkers rest at Namche while hiking up and take a lunch or refreshment here while returning. Those taking a rest at Namche can hike to Thamo village on the way to Thame or stroll at Everest View Hotel, a five-star hotel above Namche with fantastic views of Everest and its surroundings.

A 5-hour Trek.

A scenic trail leads to the northeast of Namche. The Dudh Koshi valley, Thamserku, Kusumkangru, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Tawoche, Khumbila and Kwangde are some of the highlights of the day. From Namche, the trail climbs for 15 minutes to a Junction to Khumjung and Tengboche and forks to the right on a level and view-filled trail until Senasa, the main junction below Khumjung village from where the path to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, Namche and Khumjung get branched. The area from Namche to Tengboche and Phortse is home to the Himalayan tahr, standing on the sheer cliff tops and hill slopes with luxurious manes and rainbowy impean pheasants, the national bird of Nepal, and skittery Musk Deer. We take the trail to the Everest base camp and head toward the Phungi Tenga with a pleasant descent, where we take our lunch below the Phortse and Tengboche villages.

The afternoon requires uphill till Tengboche through a forest full of rhododendron, pine and birch. While resting, the views toward Namche with Kwangde, Everest view hotel, Mongla, Kangthega, Kusumkangru, Dudh Koshi Valley, and Khumbila are beautifully open. With the first step on the Tengboche meadow, the views to the north are unobstructed, with an imposing Mount Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse topped by the tip of Mount Everest. Tengboche is a beautiful place in terms of its views. Get checked into the rooms and refreshments, and visit the Tengboche Monastery.

Tengboche Monastery is one of the most known monasteries in Nepal, probably because of its unrivalled backdrop of Mt. Ama Dablam. This monastery was the leading Buddhist centre in the Khumbu region under the guidance of Tengboche Rinpoche, who passed away on the 10th of October 2020. Another active monastery in the Khumbu region is the Thame Monastery. But among the most ancient are Pangboche Monastery, Thame Monastery and Rimijung Monastery, founded by Lama Sangwa Dorjee and his two tantric brothers.

A 5-hour Trek.

The morning starts with grand views in front. The first part of the trek leads downhill through the lovely rhododendron and pine forest to Diboche, with several lodges and a monastery of nuns; those interested may visit the monastery. Continuing a level walk through a pleasant and primitive-looking forest brings us below the Pangboche village. Next, we cross the bridge and go uphill to Pangboche with a majestic view of Ama Dablam; the base camp of Ama Dablam is barely within two hours of easy walking distance. As we approach the village, the view toward the Chhukung, Lhotse, and Nuptse walls is amazing until we reach Dingboche, the last major settlement.

 We arrive at Dingboche with time for a stroll around. A short climb above the village offers beautiful scenery of the complete Dingboche village with imposing Ama Dablam and your surroundings.

Dingboche is a perfect place for an acclimatising rest day. The village offers scenic views of the Imjatse Valley, Ama Dablam and Tawoche. We recommend hiking up to Nakarjung hilltop for an excellent view of mountains and Dingboche and, of course, for acclimatization.

A 3-hour Trek + Chhukung Ri.

Today, a short day walk leads to reaching the last end of Imjatse Valley at Chhukung, originally a summer Yak pasture land with several lodges with modern accommodation facilities. Chhukung offers grand views of Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Amphu peaks and Ama Dablam and Makalu. On arrival, if possible, before lunch, give some energy to summit the Chhukung Ri 5540 metres, and enjoy seeing the red granite of Makalu, the south wall of Baruntse, Ama Dablam; and in hand reaching distance the sheer wall of Lhotse and Nuptse! Many of our guests say Chhukung Ri has the most beautiful views. Have lunch at Chhukung and return to Dingboche, one of the beautiful days. The next day we cross the first high pass, the Kongma La.

A 7-hour Trek.

Take an early breakfast, leave Chukung, take a scenic high route above Imjatse Valley, and enter a mountain gully close beneath Nuptse to reach Kongma La. The beautiful trail climbs gradually through a vast pasture sloping gently to the northeast. We take the packed lunch break at the Kongma La base, with a tiny lake and a perfect drinking site for the Yaks. The Pokalde peak is just a short distance to the south but will not attract us to climb.

The summit of Kongma La is marked with colourful Buddhist prayer flags and stone cairns. After lunch, there is a short but steep climb above the lake to reach the Kongma La; the guide and Sherpas help the members, and the porters take the lower trail from Chhukung to Lobuche. After a strenuous climb to the top, the trail descends through a narrow valley. Then cross the Khumbu glacier following our lead Sherpa guide walking over the moraine with sounds of ice cracking and falling the chunks of ice and screes in the glacial ponds. Finally, we see ourselves nowhere on the massive Khumbu glacier, the glacier of the third pole, the icy path to reach Lobuche with the last climb to overcome the glacier and a short descent seeing the mainstream trekkers and our porters already at Lobuche. The evening could be a history-telling day!

A 7-hour Trek.

Today we visit the Everest Basecamp, the base of the third pole, and at least once a lifetime destination for most lucky people to come here. The trail leads through the rim of the Khumbu glacier, with fantastic views around. As we approach Gorakshep, Mount Pumori appear as beautiful and majestic as Mount Ama Dablam from Tengboche. At Gorakshep, we check into a Lodge, leave our bags and porters here, take a refreshing drink, and continue to the east with great views of the Khumbu glacier and Everest basecamp in front. The trail is primarily flat but requires walking on a glacial moraine. However, the sight of Mount Pumori and the Khumbu Icefall is attractive. We stop at the base camp, enjoy our packed lunch, talk about the triumph and tragedies, take essential photos for lifetime memory and walk back to Gorakshep. We arrive at Gorakshep well-tired but with a feeling of accomplishment. The views all around are astonishing all day and night.

A 5-hour Trek.

Another great day ahead! Today we hike to the top of Kalapathar, one of the most famed viewpoints in the World, to catch the best views of Mount Everest. The trip starts early at dawn to see Everest’s changing colours, black to yellow, gold and silver, with the first sunrise rays landing on top of Everest! The trip takes about 45 minutes, enjoying the glowing east, the sign that the sun is throwing its beam at any moment. Take great pictures and descend to Gorakshep to enjoy a hearty hot breakfast.

 We have reached the maximum points of the third pole and captured as much as we could see and understand. After breakfast, we retrace the trail back to Gorakshep and Lobuche and fork west to Dzongla. As we traverse the Lobuje Peak base camp, the sceneries toward Lobuche and Dzongla are indescribable. Finally, a short and gradual climb reaches Dzongla, set on a beautiful meadow below the imposing Cholatse and Tawoche to the southeast, Lobuje to the north, and ever-imposing Ama Dablam to the southeast.

An 8-hour trek.

Early morning starts with a vigorous steep climb to reach the Cho La pass between giant Tawoche, Cholatse, Nirekha and Lobuche peaks. The views toward the Dzongla and Lobuche Peak are beautiful and photographic, and we do as we take short rests. On reaching the Cho La saddle, there is a short section to walk on ice, snow and rock. The top of the Cho La is marked with prayer flags, and the view toward Gokyo and a vast mountain meadow get open in front. From Cho La descent to the bottom of the mountain slope, the trail was upgraded with side railings and steps, making the section easier and safer, once difficult to traverse due to its loose scree and ice and some rock falling area. From the valley bottom, walk on a lovely mountain meadow, a lovely summer grazing field for Yaks, and descend to Taknak (Black Cliff) for an overnight stop on the shore of Ngozumba glacier. Taknak was once the permanent summer Yak Shed has several lodges for trekkers, in the current time, and it is the base camp for all trekkers that make Cho La Pass.

A 3-hour trek.

A short walk from the lodge, we reach the rim of the Ngozumba glacier. Then descend into the glacier and follow the steps of your Sherpa guide, as you did while crossing the Khumbu glacier; it is vast and open to the south and northwest with views of Mount Cho Oyu. Finally, we cross the Ngozumba glacier listening to the sounds of ice cracking and falling the chunks of ice and screes in the thousands of glacial ponds and reach the second lake of Gokyo. The Ngozumba glacier is slowly claiming the Gokyo and its surroundings, the shores sliding into the glacier actively. In the next 70 to 100 years, Gokyo and its lakes will probably merge into the glacier. After crossing the glacier, it is a short and flat walk to Gokyo on the shore of the 3rd lake of Gokyo, the biggest among the five lakes. From The lodge, the view of Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Peak, Renjo La, Machhermo Peak, Cholatse and Cho Oyu is beautiful. If we walk five minutes from our lodge, we reach the rim of the Ngozumba glacier and can enjoy its incredible phenomena.

This morning, take a long day excursion to the fifth lake above the shore of the Ngozumba glacier and enjoy incredible sceneries that take 5 hours to go and come. Or take the sunrise hike excursion to Gokyo Peak to capture the 360-degree panorama, including Cho Oyu, Everest and Makalu, amongst hundreds of minors. The rest of the day is to rest, read or do what you want; the guide and Sherpas are always around you if you wish to take a side trip.

A 7-hour trek.

Take an early breakfast and start heading west of Gokyo, traversing from the base of Gokyo Peak and staying above the shore of simmering Gokyo Lake. The views toward Renjo La are continuously in the front, and if you look back toward Gokyo, the sceneries are beautiful and different. After crossing the lake, the trail gradually climbs up to the top of Renjo La, the last pass of the adventure.

From Renjo La, the views take us to Everest’s finest, including the Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Pasang Lhamu Chuli and other uncountable peaks, in all directions. The Gokyo Lake, Gokyo and Ngozumba Glacier are viewed in their most beautiful setting. After enjoying grand moments, including group photos, the trail leads downhill on a rocky path for an hour to reach a small icy pond, then on excellent trails to Lungden for an overnight stop. While descending from the pass, the landscape toward Thame, Nangpa La, or the wholly, is scenic with beautiful Yak pasturing meadows. Lungden, located on the route to Thame and Nangpa La, leading to Tibet, has newly built small lodges to serve the trekkers to and from Gokyo; the name of the first lodge is Renjo La Supporting Lodge, suitably given.

A 5-hour trek.

Feeling in high spirits after completing all three high passes, we meet Bhote Koshi River and pass Marlung, a small farm village and reach Thame village, crossing mani-walls and stupas. The trail that branches north from Marlung goes to Tibet through World famous Nangpa La, the only pass from which the Sherpas migrated in the current domain, from their ancestral land in Kham regions in Tibet. Thame is a big village with Thame Teng (Upper Thame) and Thame Wag (lower Thame), with one of the ancient monasteries built high above the town into a cliffside. Thame is a big open valley fed by two river systems from north and west, from Tashi Lapcha Valley. From Thame, a trail to the northwest leads to Rolwaling Valley via Tashi Lapcha, another ancient trail to Kongde to the southwest and the main trail to Namche.

A 5-hour trek.

From Thame, walk downhill to the river from the Ngangpa La, cross on a bridge, and notice the deep rocky gorge the river has cut since immemorial. After crossing the river, the trail traverses above the Bhote Koshi River with beautiful views of the lower valley, Kwangde Mountain, and seeing the Kusumkangru range across the Namche. Each step brings us near the greenery and forested areas. On the way, we come through Thamo village, another permanent village of Sherpa people, and continue the traverse following an easy trail through rhododendron and pine forests to reach Namche Bazaar for the lunch stop. After lunch, we retrace the trail down to Monjo, a pleasant two-hour walk.

A 6-hour Trek.

The last day of the trek! The trail retraces through all those tiny hamlets of Sherpa people along the Dudh Kosi river valley until Chhoplung but with different views and perspectives. From Chhoplung, we take the trail to Lukla, which requires a short uphill through a thin forest above the Chaurikharka village. Arrive at Lukla and get checked into a lodge. Trekking is over with a great sense of accomplishment. The evening is an occasion to celebrate to see off to your porters who accompanied you until here. The porters will travel separately to Kathmandu with one long day walk to Kharikhola and another full day drive to Kathmandu or start another trek to Everest basecamp!

A 30-minute flight.

Most flights get operated early in the morning, so we must wake up early. Take an early breakfast while the guide and porters transport your bags to the airport, take a short walk to Tenzing-Hillary airport, get checked in and fly to Kathmandu. A short scenic flight takes you to Kathmandu. Upon landing, the representative of Happy Feet Mountaineers will welcome you back and transfer you to your hotels. Get distributed to the rooms, and the rest of the day is free.

A reserve day to make sure of a trouble-free itinerary. If all goes well, use the extra day to visit some of the medieval towns of Kathmandu, such as Bhaktapur, Patan, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambunath Stupa, some of not to miss sites in the Kathmandu valley when you are already here.

Breakfast and the rest of the day are leisure on your own. The Representative of Happy Feet Nepal will arrive at your hotel with transport three hours before your departure flight time. Get escorted from the hotel to the International Departure Terminal, see off formalities, and go through the immigration and departure.