Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Three Passes Trek are the combination of three popular treks in the Everest Region. You get to visit Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes while crossing the three high passes of the Everest region.
This trek takes on a cultural journey through the wilderness of Khumbu. You will be visiting several popular destinations of Solu Khumbu. Such as Namche, Lukla, Tengboche, and many more.
This trek also lets you experience the wonderful hospitality of the Himalayan people. And know more about their unique and rich culture and tradition. So, get ready to have an endless thrill and adventure on this trip to visit the popular destination of the Everest region.
Highlights
- Cross the high passes
- Reach Kala Patthar
- Visit the Everest Base Camp
- Explore Gokyo valley
- Experience the Himalayan lifestyle and cultures
When is the best time for trekking?
Autumn and Spring seasons are the best time to visit the Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Three Passes Trek. During these seasons the weather and temperature are at their best. These are the peak seasons of the year. The skies are clear giving an unobstructed view of nature. The days are sunny and bright while the nights are warm.
How Difficult are the routes?
This is a moderate level trek, so the difficulty of the Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Three Passes Trek depends upon each individual. You will be making several ups and downs, twists and turns which can be tiring for beginners. Also, reaching elevations above 5000 m can cause altitude sickness for some trekkers.
However, with proper planning and preparation, you can complete this trek without many hurdles.
Cost Ideas
Trekking in the Everest region is quite expensive. Whole package cost: $1100-$1500. As you climb higher in altitude the price of goods and services also increases. Cost per day can reach about 29$ to 30$. Rooms can cost you about 5$ to 10$ each day, while the foods can cost about 2$ to 3$.
Detailed Itinerary of Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Three Passes Trek
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal and the first place you will be visiting on this trip. After landing at the only international airport in Nepal, the respective representative will be waiting for you at the terminal.
Then pick you off from the airport, they drop you off at your hotel where you are welcomed with a garland of flowers. After helping you check-in to your rooms they leave for the day.
The remaining day is unplanned, so you can visit the local stores or office for further inquiries. If you are tired you can rest for the day. After having your dinner it is better to sleep early as you have an adventurous journey the next day/.
Day 2: Flight to Lukla then Trek to Phakding
Flight Duration: 30 to 35 minutes
Maximum Altitude (Lukla): 2860 m
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Highest Point (Phakding): 2610 m
Today is the day when your Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Three passes Trek begins. First of all, waking up early and you will re-check your things for the journey. Then wait for your guide to pick you up from the hotel.
After picking you they drop you off at the airport where you catch your flight to Lukla. Boarding the plane, your journey to the Everest region starts with beautiful scenarios.
You get to view magnificent peaks, lush green valleys, and beautiful landscapes along the way. Viewing them, you arrive at Lukla, well known for the narrow runway with cliffs on each side. The landing will be one heck of a thrill.
Then having your warm breakfast here, you now begin your trekking journey in the wilderness of the Khumbu region. It is a half-day walk from Lukla to Phakding. You will be mostly trekking downhill this particular day as Phakding lies about 1000 m below Lukla.
Heading out of the town, you walk downhill to Cheplung, where you can see a large no. of lodges. Then crossing a suspension bridge, walk through the forested valley along the Dudh Koshi River.
Pass several villages, a series of prayer wheels, stupas, and mani stones along the way. Then continuing your walk makes a slight descent and again crosses a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river.
This day you will cross several bridges. Then walking along the Dudh Koshi River, you arrive at Phakding. This small yet beautiful village lies in the Dudh Koshi river valley. And is one of the main stop points for various treks in this region.
Stay in one of the lodges for the night.
Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Trek Duration: 5 to 5.5 hoursHighest Point: 3440 m
After waking up, you freshen-up and have your breakfast. Then you pack your things and begin this day’s journey to Namche Bazaar. The walks are pleasant with short up and downhill climbs and crossing several suspension bridges.
Heading out of the village, you walk along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. Then making an uphill climb through forested trails of pine, you reach Benkar. This village gives a marvelous view of Mt. Thamserku.
Continuing walking in the trail you cross several bridges and reach Monjo. This place is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. After checking your permits, you head back to your trails.
Making a gradual descent in the trails leads you to Jorsale, the last village before Namche. Walking along the river bed, you cross over the Hillary Suspension Bridge and make an uphill climb to Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Acclimatization at Namche
Today is your first acclimatization in this Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Three Passes trek. Acclimatization is held to let your body adjust to the environment in higher altitudes.
Namche Bazaar is home to a large no. of Sherpas. The landscapes look marvelous in the backdrop of this town. This town is the last place offering restaurants, bakeries, and cafes with wifi on this trek.
This day is your rest day, so you can explore the beautiful town and visit nearby attractions. You can visit the Tourist Visitor Center or hike to Khumjung for a wonderful time.
After a tiring day, you return to Namche at the end of the day.
Day 5: Trek from Namche to Tengboche
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Highest Point: 3870 m
This day’s trek begins after you have your warm breakfast. You will be trekking to Tengboche from Namche. The trails between these two villages are full of marvelous views.
You start the trek by making a few gradual ups and downs in the trails viewing the great Himalaya. Along the way, you can spot several wild animals such as musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, Pheasant, etc.
Then gradually descending to Kayangjuma, you move ahead and reach Sansa. Following the path through the forest of pines and rhododendron, you walk on a bridge covered with prayer flags.
Crossing over the Dudh Koshi River, you reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with few teahouses. After having your lunch, the journey continues as you make a steep climb through Pine forests.
After a few hour’s walk, you finally arrive at Tengboche. This place gives a close-up view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest. It also has the largest Buddhist Monastery in the Khumbu region.
Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Highest Point: 4410 m
Waking up early, you will be visiting the Tengboche Monastery to witness the morning prayers. Then having your breakfast, you head towards Dingboche from there.
You begin the trek by making a gradual climb to Pangboche village viewing the scenarios. Then pass through several Chortens, Mani walls, and small settlements.
Walking for hours you stop for lunch at a place that gives a close-up view of Ama Dablam. Then taking the eastward trail you enter the Imja Valley. The walk-in trail is fairly moderate.
Walking further the valley unfolds the Lobuche river as you descend the trials. Then make your last steep climb of the day you reach Dingboche. Upon your arrival, you are welcomed by the beauty of this village.
Day 7: Acclimatization at Dingboche
Your second acclimatization is held here in Dingboche. The trails are rough in the high elevation from here onwards.
Waking up early, you will visit the Dingboche Monastery, the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region. Then after having your breakfast, you will climb the north ridge behind the village to see some marvelous views.
You get to see peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, Taboche, Cholatse, Cho Yu, and many more. You also see the Khumbu Khola valley and Imja Khola valley from up there.
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung
Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Highest Point: 4730 m
After having your breakfast, you head towards Chhukung from Dingboche. Leaving the stone-walled fields and alpine landscape, you walk through the Imja valley trails.
After walking for about 1 and a half hours, you reach Bibre. From here, the trials are straightforward, leading you through moraine walls. And giving the stunning view of Island Peak.
Continuing your trek in these trials, you arrive at Chhukung. This place is the starting point for trekkers and climbers visiting Island Peak. You can hike till Chukung Ri to view the magnificent peaks like Lhotse, Ama Dablam, etc.
Day 9: Trek from Chhukung to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Highest Point (Lobuche): 4940 m
Highest Point (Kongma La): 5535 m
Today, you will be reaching one of the high passes of the Everest region. This day is filled with exciting adventures and thrills. The trails are quite long and harsh this day.
Waking up early, you have your breakfast and head towards Lobuche via Kongma La Pass. You begin by crossing a small stream and making a climb in the trails.
This is a landslide area so walk slowly and carefully. The trails gradually get steeper until you reach a grassy hill. Then walking straight for a while you again make a steep climb to a ridge and large lake later.
Again making a sharp climb from the lake, you reach Kongma La Pass. This place gives a striking view of Lobuche. Then make a hard descend till the bottom of the pass. And after a final climb through the Khumbu Glacier, you arrive at Lobuche.
Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep then Hike to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Hike Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Highest Point (Gorakshep): 5164 m
Highest Point (Everest Base Camp): 5380 m
Finally, the most awaited day has arrived. Today, you will be visiting the famous Everest Base camp. Having your breakfast, you head towards Gorakshep first. Walking through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glaciers, you pass a pyramid signpost.
Then making steep climbs viewing various peaks, you reach Gorakshep. After having your lunch here, you head toward the major highlight of this trip, EBC. After several ups and downs, twists and turns, you arrive at the destination.
Reaching the base of Mount Everest fills you with an overwhelming feeling. Viewing the wonderful scenarios and spending some time here, you now head back to Gorak Shep retracing your steps.
Day 11: Hike To Kala Patthar then trek to Dzongla
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Hike Duration: 2 hours
Highest Point (Kala Patthar): 5545 m
Highest Point (Dzongla): 4850 m
Today you will be waking up early to hike till Kala Patthar. This viewpoint gives a close-up view of Mount Everest and a beautiful view of sunrise. You also get to see various other peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, and many more. Spending some time here, you head back to Gorak Shep.
After having breakfast, you pack your backs and head towards Dzongla from there. Retrace your steps till Lobuche and have your lunch there. Then following the trails along the Lobuche Khola you reach Dzongla.
You stay in one of the lodges and prepare to cross the snowfields that lead to another high pass.
Day 12: Trek from Dzongla to Thaknag via Cho La Pass
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Highest Point: 4600 m
On the twelfth day, you will be crossing another high pass of this region. Your trek to Thaknag via Cho La Pass begins very early this day. You start by making steep ascends through narrow trails.
Passing huge rock slabs and boulders, you walk on the left side of the main glacier. Then following the path through the snowfield, you reach Cho La pass. This place gives a marvelous view of Ama Dablam and Baruntse.
While spending some time here, do not wander in these snowfields as there are crevasses here. Clicking pictures, you now head down trekking through the narrow trail to Nyamagwa valley.
After having your lunch here, you cross rocky boulders and make a short ascend to a small saddle. Then descending downhill you reach Thangnak. The trails are easy between these routes.
Day 13: Trek from Thaknag to Gokyo
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Highest Point (Cho La Pass): 5420 m
Highest Point (Gokyo): 4750 m
This day’s trek is quite a short and adventurous one. You will be trekking towards Gokyo from Thaknag. Having your breakfast, you first head toward Ngozumpa Glacier walking past the boulder and passing the glacial lakes.
The trails from Thaknag to Gokyo give some astounding views of Cho Oyu and mountains bordering Tibet. Viewing beautiful scenarios, you reach the second lake of Gokyo.
Then follow the trail for another 45 minutes, until you arrive at Gokyo. You have lunch here and relax for the day. If you don’t feel like relaxing then you can explore the area and see marvelous views.
Day 14: Acclimatization in Gokyo
Today is your final acclimatization in this Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Three passes trek. You will wake up early and hike up to Gokyo Ri to view the beautiful sunrise. This hike is about a 2 to 3 hours trek.
As you reach the top, you will be surrounded by the panoramic view of several peaks. Such as Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, and many more.
You will also be visiting other Gokyo Lakes that give spectacular views of peaks and valleys. After spending some quality time here, you return to Gokyo and stay here for the night.
Day 15: Trek from Gokyo to Lungde via Renjo La Pass
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Highest Point (Renjo La Pass): 5340 m
Highest Point (Lungde): 4350 m
Today you will be crossing the final high pass of the Everest region. Following the north skirts from Gokyo lake, you climb through scree slope and reach highland pasture.
As you look back, the marvelous view of Gokyo and peaks will overwhelm you. Continuing the climb, you walk past the scree and boulder arriving at Renjo La Pass.
Reaching the point, you can see it marked by prayer flags. You can see Nangpa Valley and view of Everest and Makalu from this viewpoint. Having your lunch here, you descend the trails walking through loose rocks and scree.
Walking for some time, you reach the glacial lake as the valley opens up. From here, you continue to head down through open pasture leading you to Lungde. This small settlement depends upon farming and keeping cattle for livelihood.
Day 16: Trek from Lungde to Thame
Trek Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Highest Point: 3800 m
Today you head towards Thame from Lungde. The trails are easier compared to the previous day. After having your breakfast, you descend the trails all the way to Bhote Koshi.
Then from there, you head down to Nangpa Valley passing several small settlements. As you continue your walk, you arrive at Marlung, where you have your lunch.
Following the downward trails, you pass the village of Taranga and arrive at Thame. This beautiful village is the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first mountaineer to summit Mt Everest.
Thame has an ancient monastery which is a hundred years old. Also, the Mani Rimdo festival is celebrated here annually. You stay in one of the lodges for the night.
Day 17: Trek from Thame to Namche Bazaar
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Highest Point: 3440 m
Today’s trek is quite short and easy compared to the other days. This day you will be heading towards Namche Bazaar from Thame. Waking up early, you visit the ancient monastery to witness the morning prayer.
Then returning, you have your breakfast and begin the trek by descending the trails. Continue your walk downhill, you walk through the forest of rhododendron and pines.
Then walking along the bank of the rivers and after several ups and downs, you reach Namche Bazaar. Moreover, you can visit the market in this town and reward yourself with coffee and sweets.
Day 18: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Highest Point: 2860 m
This is your final day in the Everest Region. You head towards Lukla from Namche Bazaar today. Crossing several bridges and taking up and downhill trails, you reach Lukla.
You can explore the beautiful town and make more memories on your last day in this region.
Day 19: Fly Back to Kathmandu
Flight Duration: 30 to 35 mins
Highest Point: 1400 m
Today you wake up fast to catch an early flight to Kathmandu. Boarding the flights, you head back viewing various wonderful scenarios of peaks and landscapes.
After your arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel. Upon your return, you can visit the local shops or roam around the markets. During the evening time, we will have dinner to celebrate the success of our Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, and Three Passes Trek.
Day 20: Departure
Our journey has come to its end. Today you will be flying back to your home country. Our representative will drop you at the airport according to your flight schedule.
