Everest 3 Passes Trek — Forge Your Grit Above 5000m

NEW RULES ALERT: In October 2022, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal shared some important news: No flights will operate from Kathmandu to Lukla during the busy trekking seasons, which run from April 1 to May 30 and October 1 to November 30.

What does this even mean?

It means your flight to Lukla from Kathmandu will be cancelled during these peak times. But don’t worry! Instead, you’ll drive about four hours from Kathmandu to Ramechap, Manthali. This is where you’ll board your flight to Lukla.

Surprisingly, flights are usually scheduled for the morning, so it’s important to rise early. Aim to get up before 1:00 AM, hop on the bus by 2:00 AM, and head to Manthali to catch your flight on time. But the catch is, sometimes, weather conditions can cause delays.

So be ready to accept a bit of uncertainty. It might be frustrating, but that’s just part of the adventure in the Himalayas. Once you arrive in Lukla, you’ll find helpful porters ready to assist you with your gear. Then, your trek to Phakding begins.

As you hike down the trails, you’ll encounter friendly locals reciting mantras, see Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Himalayas up north. Before you know it, you’ll reach Phakding, your stop for the night. Here, you can rest those tired legs and gear up for the exciting adventures ahead.

As the sun rises over the peaks, it’s time to get up and hit the trails, Folks. Today’s adventure includes crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge and tackling a steep ascent that will really test your lungs for around 2 hrs. So, be ready for it.

Get set for a 5-6 hour hike through lush forests, charming Nepali villages, fertile fields, Yak pastures, and some killer ascents. Before you know it, you’ll arrive at the entry point to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From this spot, you’ll catch a stunning view of Thamserku, towering at 6,623 meters as if it’s reaching for the sky.

And guess what? This is where you’ll stop for lunch. After a tasty meal, you’ll continue past the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu region, making your way toward Namche. This is where your trekking journey really begins. Sounds awesome, right?

Namche Bazar is the perfect place to find those items you wish you had packed but forgot at home. Get ready to explore Namche and its surrounding areas the next day- your acclimatisation day.

After yesterday’s challenging 6-hour hike, today you'll find yourself at an altitude of 3,560 meters. It's time to let your body adapt to this higher elevation. Today is all about acclimatization—a fancy term for helping our bodies get used to the higher altitude.

But don’t worry, we won’t just sit around doing nothing. We’ll embark on a short and easy roundtrip hike around Namche for 5 to 6 hours. This fulfilling trek will help us adjust like champions.

Here are your options for an exciting sidetrip from Namche:

1. Sir Edmund Hillary School: Take a scenic hike to the famous Sir Edmund Hillary School in Khumjung village. Sir Hillary founded this school. It's a tribute to the Sherpa people for their support to help him on his journey to Mount Everest. This beautiful walk offers breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Trust us, the scenery is nothing short of epic—you won’t want to miss it.

2. Hotel Everest View: Your journey to this hotel, located at 3,879 meters, will be unforgettable. Picture yourself sipping coffee with fellow trailFreaks while soaking in jaw-dropping views of the towering 8,000ers. No matter which side trips you pick, one thing is sure— your body will start learning the ways of higher elevation.

Got your breakfast in? Great! It's time to hit the trail for next 6-7 hrs, trailFreaks. Today's journey takes you along the stunning Bhote Koshi River, through a forest that feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.

Let's not talk about beautiful pines and colourful rhododendrons. They decorate the landscape the way the artist lightens up the bride on her special occasion.

HEADS UP: Watch your step as we make our way down to Thame Gompa—let's keep those knees safe. And what’s waiting for you at the end? You’ll reach Thame, a village known for its legendary mountaineers like Apa Sherpa and Tenzing Norgay.

Get ready for soul-soothing mountain views and a chance to dive into the rich culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa people. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

Today’s hike takes you from Thame—home of legendary mountaineers—to Lungden. Imagine this: crisp morning air, sparkling dewdrops, and mountain views that will leave you in awe. Feeling energized? Let’s hit the trail.

This easy-paced trek that covers 8.1 km is all about soaking up the stunning Himalayan beauty. Keep your eyes open for the Marulung checkpoint, standing tall at 4,200 meters—just think, that’s like climbing four Empire State Buildings. And when you reach Lungden, you’ll find a cozy spot to rest for the night.

But wait, the adventure doesn’t end there. You can explore the ancient trade route to Tibet in the Nakpa Valley or hike to the breathtaking Cho Relmo Lake. Trust us, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Get up, guys. Sip your coffee and get ready to take on Renjo La—the first big pass on this trek. It’s time to hike towards the beautiful Gokyo region, filled with mesmerizing lakes.

Like it or not: we’ll be climbing above 4,500 meters, so take your time and let your body adjust to the altitude. Enjoy the incredible scenery and savour each moment. Once you conquer Renjo La, take a moment to catch your breath and soak in the mountain views:

- Everest standing tall in the distance

- Lhotse reaching high into the sky

- Makalu looking majestic

- Cho Oyu, a giant in its own

Feel the stress melt away and let that sense of accomplishment fill you up. This is what it’s all about. Now, take a deep breath, buckle up, and proceed on the journey—Gokyo Lakes are waiting for your arrival.

As you move forward, you’ll also pass by Dudh Pokhari, another stunning glacial lake. Keep your eyes open for the village nestled by its calm waters—you’ll love it.

HEADS UP: The path can get slippery with ice after Gokyo village. Be cautious on the descent, especially on the rocky sections. Steady steps are key.

Wake up, everyone! The sun is out and a steaming breakfast is waiting for you. Enjoy your meal and get ready to hit the trails. Today’s your acclimatization day—just like in Namche. Get set to hike up and then relax low.

Today’s mission is to hike up Gokyo Ri, take a stroll around the viewpoint, and spend the night in Gokyo Valley. Think of this side trip as your training for the adventures ahead. This round-trip will take about 5 hours.

But trust us, the views will amaze you. It’s a real feast for your senses! You’ll see the gorgeous Gokyo lakes, including the sky-blue Thonak Tsho Lake and the massive Ngozumpa Tsho Lake, both reflecting those stunning snow-capped peaks.

And yes, don’t be surprised when you get up close to those mighty 8,000ers, including Everest and even Cho Oyu Base Camp. The panorama is something you won’t want to miss- perfect postcard moments.

Also, be sure to check out the Scoundrel's viewpoint. The name might sound a bit wild, but the views are pure magic. Gokyo Ri is your ticket to mountain wonder and a perfect way to gear up for your next challenge.

After yesterday’s acclimatization adventure to Gokyo Ri, you’re probably feeling ready to tackle those high altitudes, right? Awesome! Today, we’re hitting the trail to Thangnak. This moderate trek will take about 5 hours, and trust us, the views along the way will leave you speechless.

As you hike, you’ll pass the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier, navigating a bumpy trail that winds through a stunning glacier-carved valley. The scenery is so breathtaking that you might just forget all your worries. You’ll feel the energy of the mountains filling you up, pushing you forward with every step.

And the good news is, even before you know it, you’ll arrive in Thangnak, your cozy home for the night. This peaceful village is the perfect spot to rest your legs and recharge for the next big day. It's a great base camp for those planning to cross the challenging Cho La Pass. So, lace up those hiking boots and get ready for another demanding day on your trip.

Ready for a real challenge? The Sun’s up, guys. Get up and go. Sip that ginger tea. And dive into a hearty breakfast—because you'll be hiking 8 straight hrs, burning around 4,000 to 5,000 calories along the way.

Today, you're set to conquer the second of three passes. It’s going to be a tough trek with rocky paths and steep climbs, but guess what? You’ve got what it takes to get there like a champ.

HEADS UP: Take your time on the descent. Those rocky trails can be tricky, so watch your step to avoid any knee-ouch moments.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Dzongla—your cozy home for the night. After tackling Cho La, you’ll feel proud of yourself and ready to take on whatever comes next. Feeling accomplished? You should be. After all, you conquered the Cho la the way Maximus conquered the arena in Athens.

At night in the teahouses, you can cheer with your buddies for your grand accomplishment—nailing the 2nd of the 3 passes. Now, one is left which you'll have on your 14th day.

Feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep? Awesome! That's the spirit. Remember, having a blast is what this adventure is all about. Guess what? Everest Base Camp is standing erect in gratitude for your arrival.

But first, we got to hit the trail to Lobuche - your gateway to the legendary climb. Today's trek (5-6 hours) is a chill journey along moraine and by the stunning Chola Lake.

HEADS UP: You might see some memorial monuments along the way - a reminder to respect the mountain and its power. Keep your eyes open for the Imja River as you trek. This powerful river flows down from the Imja glacier and contributes to the water resources in the region.

Finally, you’ll reach Lobuche—your home for the night. Get ready to fuel up and rest your tired body for the much-awaited moment..So, are you ready to soak in the vibe the divine Himalaya exudes?

The moment has arrived. Moment to step into the base of Mt. Everest. Wake up early and fuel up with a massive breakfast—you'll need the energy for this strenuous trek. Your first stop is Gorak Shep (3-4 hours). You'll hike along the Khumbu glacier moraine which is a rocky leftovers from a giant glacier).

HEADS UP: Everest Base Camp is where climbers set up for their summit push. Be extra careful not to spread any germs that could make them sick.

But the good news is, you’re about to make it to the camp .When you reach the base camp and roll your eyes across those mighty peaks, you’ll truly feel grateful to experience such a divine creation of mother nature. Just wow.

And yes, don’t be stunned when you feel the surge of inspiring forces coursing through your veins. Such is the power of nature. Feeling accomplished? You should be. Those mountains have seen it all —avalanches, blizzards, the whole shebang. And that’s what they encourage us to be. They teach us patience, resilience and strength. Capture some of your brag-worthy pics and that of the mighty Everest. We wonder if you won’t forget to tag us—your crew.

But the catch? Base Camp time is limited. You’ll just be able to spend 30 to 45 mins, but the time is worth it. After an immersive experience for around 45 minutes, it’s time to descend to Gorakshep where you’ll rest for the night.

We know you must have had a sound sleep after nailing the base camp. After all, it’s what you’re after on this journey, right? That grand feeling of achievement. Now, it’s time to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas, painting the peaks with golden rays and giving them a truly divine appearance.

Today, you’ll hit the route to Kalapatther, where the view is just epic. So, get up early in the morning, sip that hot and steaming ginger tea, and buckle up for the next big moment. In just 2 to 3 hours, you’ll find yourself at a whopping 5555 m, witnessing the most spectacular sight of the Himalayas.

Trust us, it'll blow your mind! This sunrise view is pure magic. After soaking in the glory of this divine creation, you’ll head back to Gorak Shep for a well-deserved breakfast. Then, your trek to Lobuche begins, where you’ll rest your tired body.

Feeling like the vibe of Everest Base Camp is fading away? Hold on! There’s more adventure ahead. Kongma La is waiting to test your endurance. So, get ready to conquer it. Of course, it’s the hardest of all, but the good news? It’s doable—especially if you've been training.

Wondering what makes hiking through these passes strenuous? It’s the elevation and distance. These are the two factors that make hiking demanding. When you trek at high altitudes, the oxygen level is pretty thin—around half of what it is at sea level.

Now, imagine how much effort your body has to put in just to keep going. And on top of that, you’ll have to walk around 8.5 hours, covering nearly 10.6 km (6.5 miles). These are the factors that make these passes quite challenging.

So, what’s next? Take it easy. Do it slow, hydrate yourself, and capture some killer Insta-worthy photos. Don’t forget to soak in what nature has to offer: Ama Dablam Makalu Lhotse & Lhotse Shar Baruntse Once you conquer the pass, descend into the eastern Nigyang Khola Valley—A Sherpa colony.

HEADS UP: Sherpas use this area as pastureland for their yaks. Finally, you'll reach Chhukung—your home for the night. Congratulations on nailing the 3rd one—the toughest of all, in true trailQuest fashion. It’s celebration time. Cheers!

Rise and shine, everyone! Time to get out of bed, fuel up with a hearty breakfast, and hit the trail to Tengboche. Your first stop is the beautiful Imja River Valley.

As you descend, take in the stunning scenery—potato fields and alpine meadows in Dingboche. Before you know it, you’ll be passing through Pangboche village and then reaching Tengboche, your home for the night.

HEADS UP: Soak in those epic mountain views while you can—soon, they’ll be just a distant memory. Make the most of this final phase of your journey, because who knows when you'll be back.

Did you know? Tengboche is home to the ancient Tengboche Gompa Monastery, a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Don’t miss it. Stroll around, take a deep breath, and reflect on the spiritual side of your adventure.

Finally, after a day of exploring, it’s time for dinner. A steaming hot meal is waiting for you at the teahouse, ready to recharge you for tomorrow’s trek.

Guys, it’s time to leave the spiritual vibe of Tengboche behind and head down to Namche. But first, recharge with a savory breakfast—you’ll need the energy to get those legs moving on the trails.

As you journey, keep an eye out for some incredible wildlife like musk deer, mountain goats, pheasants, or if luck’s really on your side, the legendary snow leopard. The path is mostly downhill until you cross a bridge, followed by a rewarding steep climb towards the end.

Along the way, take in the Chortens and colorful prayer flags—they add a special touch to the breathtaking scenery. Finally, you'll arrive at the bustling Namche Bazaar. Time to kick back, share your stories, and maybe grab a few souvenirs to remember the adventure.

Almost there, trailFreaks! Time to zoom down the trail back to Lukla! Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then get ready to descend! Careful though, this path can be steep - take it slow and enjoy the view!

Once you cross the famous Hillary Bridge, you'll be cruising through the Dudh Koshi River Valley. Pass through charming villages on your way, and before you know it, you'll be back in Lukla! High fives for conquering the Everest region!

Adventure complete! That feeling of reaching Lukla is pretty epic, right? Now, it's time to fly back to Kathmandu!

But wait... there's more! This isn't just any ordinary flight. You'll be soaring through the stunning Himalayas - one last chance for epic mountain views! ️ Get your cameras ready! This is a memory you won't forget.

Epic adventure completes, trailFreaks! Everest conquered, memories made, and now it's time to hit the skies and head home! Kathmandu awaits your final departure. Time to stock up on last-minute souvenirs (maybe a yak wool scarf for the folks back home?).

Board your plane, get comfy, and prepare for one final adventure: soaring over the majestic Himalayas! One last chance to capture epic mountain views from above. This is your final farewell to the incredible Everest region. Snap some pics to hold onto the memories forever! Safe travels home, adventurers! See you on the next epic journey!