Three High Passes Trek by Road
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Thamdanda (2,326m) by Jeep
The Three High Passes Trek by Road with Marvel Treks begins early in the morning after breakfast. Enjoy a long but scenic 13-14 hour private jeep drive (approx. 300 km) from Kathmandu to Thamdanda. The journey follows the Pushpalal Highway alongside the Sun Koshi River, passing through Ghurmi before continuing via Salleri.
This adventurous overland route offers ever-changing landscapes - rivers, terraced farmland, lush hills, and traditional villages - providing a deeper glimpse into rural Nepal that flights simply cannot offer. Upon arrival in Thamdanda, settle into a teahouse and celebrate the start of your Himalayan journey.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 13-14 hours
Day 2: Trek from Thamdanda (2,326m) to Phakding (2,640m)
Today's trek covers approximately 22 km and takes 7-8 hours. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and leads first to the Sherpa village of Paiya. Continuing through Chheplung and Surke, the route passes rhododendron forests, suspension bridges, and occasional steep sections.
After reaching Lukla, where the main Everest trail begins, continue through Nurning and Ghat before arriving at Phakding for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 3: Trek from Phakding (2,640m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Following the Dudh Koshi River, today's trail crosses several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge. After passing Toktok and reaching Monjo, enter Sagarmatha National Park.
A challenging uphill climb leads to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant trading hub of the Khumbu region. Enjoy your first distant views of Everest and surrounding peaks.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
A rest and acclimatization day to help your body adapt to altitude. Explore Namche Bazaar, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center, and hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
Optional excursions include Khumjung Village and its historic monastery.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Tengboche (3,860m)
The trail offers stunning mountain views before descending to Phunki Tenga and climbing steeply through forests to Tengboche. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, set against a dramatic Himalayan backdrop.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 6: Trek from Tengboche (3,860m) to Dingboche (4,410m)
Trek through Pangboche village, passing mani walls and chortens. The landscape gradually opens into alpine terrain, with impressive views of Ama Dablam and Taboche.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 7: Trek from Dingboche (4,410m) to Chhukung (4,730m)
A short and scenic hike following the Imja Khola Valley leads to Chhukung. Enjoy close-up views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and Chhukung Ri.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 3-4 hours
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Chhukung (4,730m)
Optional hike to Chhukung Ri (5,550m) for spectacular views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Island Peak. This acclimatization is essential before crossing the high passes.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Trek from Chhukung (4,730m) to Lobuche (4,910m) via Kongma La Pass (5,540m)
The longest and most demanding day of the trek. Cross the dramatic Kongma La Pass, the highest of the three passes, with outstanding views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse. Descend carefully across the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 8-9 hours
Day 10: Trek from Lobuche (4,910m) to Gorak Shep (5,140m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Trek across the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, then continue to Everest Base Camp. Explore the iconic site before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 3-4 hours
Day 11: Trek from Gorak Shep (5,140m) to Kalapatthar (5,555m) and Dzongla (4,830m)
Early morning hike to Kalapatthar for sunrise views over Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. Descend and continue to Dzongla, located below Cho La Pass.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 12: Trek from Dzongla (4,830m) to Thagnak (4,750m) via Cho La Pass (5,367m)
Cross the challenging Cho La Pass, involving glacier travel and steep ascents. Descend to Thagnak for overnight rest.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 13: Trek from Thagnak (4,700m) to Gokyo (4,750m)
Walk alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach the beautiful Gokyo Valley, home to turquoise glacial lakes.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 2-3 hours
Day 14: Acclimatization in Gokyo and Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
Climb Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Trek from Gokyo (4,750m) to Marulung (4,210m) via Renjo La Pass (5,360m)
Cross the scenic Renjo La Pass, enjoying sweeping views of the Gokyo Lakes and Everest before descending to Marulung.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 16: Trek from Marulung (4,210m) to Thame (3,750m) and Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Descend through rhododendron forests and traditional Sherpa villages. Visit Thame Monastery before returning to Namche Bazaar.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 17: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Chaurikharka (2,694m)
A long descent following the Dudh Koshi River through familiar villages and forested trails.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 18: Trek from Chaurikharka (2,694m) to Thamdanda (2,326m)
The final trekking day, retracing trails through Surke and Paiya before reaching Thamdanda.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 19: Drive from Thamdanda (2,326m) to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Return to Kathmandu by private jeep via Salleri, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way.
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 13-14 hours
