Khumbu · Expedition

Everest Three Passes

The full Khumbu high-pass journey, with three major crossings, glacier valleys, and big Everest-region variety.

Route planning map

Explore the route before you commit to it.

Switch between topographic context, overall route shape, and stage-by-stage stops so you can see how the trek unfolds in real terms, not just as a line between famous names.

Route map

Everest Three Passes

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Drawing the topographic base, route line, and stage markers for this itinerary.

NEPAL

20 km

Route read

Lukla to Renjo La

7 mapped stages, about 57 km on the visible line, showing where the trek leaves road access and moves into higher mountain terrain.

Route progress

Stage 1 of 70%

0 km

Completed

~57 km

Total route

Elevation profile

↑ 2,270 m

Elevation gain

↓ 3,120 m

Max elevation

Current leg

Lukla to Namche Bazaar

13 km

Est. distance

Transit

Stage type

Duration

20 days

Max altitude

5,535m

Best seasons

Apr-May · Oct-Nov

Starting rate

$3,200+

Permits and access

Permits

Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu fee

Access

Kathmandu-Lukla flight, Optional heli contingency exit

Stay style

Kathmandu hotel + expedition-grade teahouse pacing

Customize your trip

helicopter

Weather or fatigue contingency heli exits can rescue the schedule without cheapening the route.

flight

Lukla buffers matter more here because the itinerary is already long.

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Local partner insight

Extra route detail from our local trekking partner.

The notes below show what is commonly included, how the days are staged, and where pricing can change.

Partner-published rates are reference points. Final pricing depends on dates, group size, route choices, hotels, and transport.

Itinerary preview

Day 3

2-3 hrs walk6 kms walk340m ascent/340m descent

Rest day and acclimatization hike to KHUMJUNG (3780m) - KHUNDE Village (3840m)

The trail to the Khumjung and Khunde, the first village of Khumbu Region, is steep hillside above Namchebazar from beside the GOMPA but, becomes gradual, after the SYANGBOCHE (3740m) airstrip. What to see: The sacred mountain KHUMBILA, THAMSERKU (6618m), Everest View from Everest view hotel built by Japanese, Khumjung school built by Ed. Hillary, Mt. Kwancoe (6187m), Khunde Hospital built by Ed. Hillary and Gompas.

Day 2

5-6 hrs walk11 kms walk830 acent

Phakding (2610m) - Namchebazar (3440m)

Mt. Everest emerge for the first time, Upto JORSALLEY Village, a lot of ups and downs but not tough, through the villages with stunning views of mountains and peaks. After JORSALLEY, a steep stepped path leads to NAMCHEBAZAR, crossing two suspensions bridge over Dudhkoshi and Bhotekoshi. The 600m ascent is a tough, exhausting. Finally, after ascending 230m, we can first see Mt. Everest still about 2km walk to NAMCHEBAZAR. in Namche Bazar there are several guest houses, government offices, army camp, schools, monasteries, museum, trekking shops, money changers, an ATM counter and weekly market that make it feel it is a gate way to the Everest and a last place for shopping.

Day 1

45 min flight..1640m ascent/230m descent

Kathmandu (1200m)

Offers you stunning views of Himalayan Panorama. After landing in Lukla Airport, usually we have a tea break, introduction with assistants (porters) and, prepare for the march ahead to PHAKDING; today’s destination. LUKLA (2840m) – PHAKDING (2610m), After leaving Lukla we are soon walking down a gently descending trail crossing the Sherpa village of Chheplung, the meeting point of two trails from Jiri. There are views of Khumbila Peak (5761m) which is the sacred Mt. to the Sherpas, and further, Mt. Kusum Kangaru (6367m). If we reach Phakding and still have energy left, we can do an excursion to PEMA CHOLING GOMPA, 30m high on the west bank.

Day 4

6 hrs walk10 kms walk420m ascent

NAMCHE (3440m)

The trail is broad and follows the Dudh Koshi river valley on the west bank of deep gorge. The magnificent peaks of AMADABLAM (6828m), THAMSERKU (6618m) and TABOCHE (6542m) mesmerize us. We can also spot herds of Blue sheep, Thar or Himalayan Goats and Musk deer and Danphe (the national bird of Nepal). TENGBOCHE is famous for monastery and Mountains view.