EVEREST BC & 3 PASSES TREK

Your first full day begins with a welcome briefing led by your Mountain Tribe guides. You’ll finalise gear, connect with fellow trekkers, and explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, we come together for a group dinner along with our Nepalese support crew - setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

The day begins with a guided walking tour through two of Kathmandu’s cultural treasures. You’ll hike to the sacred Swayambhunath stupa (aka Monkey Temple) - perched above the city with sweeping views and explore the history-rich Durbar Square. The afternoon is yours to relax or grab any final trek essentials. 

We begin with a stunning 45-minute private helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The views of the Himalayas as you fly in by choppa are amazing! After breakfast, we gear up and commence the trek. It will be a fairly gentle first day, following the milk-white Dudh Kosi River for 3-4 hours to Phakding (2610m).

A big day through forested valleys and over suspension bridges. We follow the Dudh Kosi upstream and begin a steep ascent into Namche Bazaar (3440m) - the legendary Sherpa village where we’ll get our first glimpse of Everest. You’ll feel the elevation shift, but the sense of arrival is unforgettable.

To support acclimatisation, we stay another night in Namche. Today includes a hike to higher ground, with incredible views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and neighbouring peaks. You'll visit the national park museum and Sherpa culture centre, then spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the village.

We leave the busier trails behind and head west through forests and Sherpa villages. The route to Thame (3750m) is peaceful, dotted with stupas, prayer flags, and monasteries. Thame, home to mountaineering legends like Apa Sherpa, sits nestled at the end of the Bhote Koshi Valley beneath towering Himalayan peaks.

Today we hike through alpine valleys along an ancient trading route that once connected Nepal and Tibet. The trail climbs steadily, revealing snowy peaks and the sacred Nangpa La Pass in the distance. We arrive at Marulung (4249m) - a windswept village perched high in the valley, offering quietude and dramatic mountain views.

A short walk today, allowing time for rest and acclimatisation. We reach Lungdhen (4368m) by late morning, with the option to relax or take a short hike towards Cho Relmo Lake or the Tibetan trade route. The extra rest helps prepare us for tomorrow’s high-altitude crossing of Renjo La Pass.

A big day! We ascend Renjo La (5360m), our first of three high passes. The views from the top - Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and turquoise lakes below - are among the trek’s finest. A steep descent leads us into the spectacular Gokyo Valley, where we stay in Gokyo (4790m) by the shores of its third glacial lake.

We climb Gokyo Ri (5380m) for epic 360° views of Everest and surrounding giants. It’s one of the best panoramas in the Himalayas. After the morning hike, the day is yours to rest, explore the lakes, or enjoy the comforts of Gokyo village before continuing our high-altitude journey tomorrow.

We make a short but technical crossing of the Ngozumpa Glacier, weaving through moraine ridges and icy terrain. The views are stark and surreal. We reach Dragnag (4700m) by early afternoon, resting here before the demanding Chola Pass crossing. A calm day to prepare both mind and body.

Chola Pass (5420m) is steep, icy, and unforgettable. We start early to climb above 5000m again - gaining views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse from the top. After the summit, we descend through glacial terrain and boulder fields to reach the quiet hamlet of Dzongla (4830m), surrounded by sharp peaks and silence.

A steady descent brings us back onto the classic Everest trail. We climb to the climbers’ memorials at Chupki Lhara, then follow the Khumbu Glacier north. The trail flattens as we enter Lobuche (4900m), where the energy shifts—Everest Base Camp is now within reach, and anticipation begins to build.

We hike to Gorakshep (5140m), rest briefly, then push onward to Everest Base Camp (5364m). The terrain is raw and glacial. Standing beneath the world’s highest peak is a surreal and powerful moment. After celebration and photos, we retrace our steps to Gorakshep for a well-earned dinner and early sleep.

A pre-dawn start takes us up Kala Patar (5550m) for the most iconic close-up view of Everest. Watching the sunrise behind Everest often brings up tears – a very special moment. We return to Gorakshep for a well deserved hot drink and brekky, before the 3-4 hour trek back down to Lobuche.

The final high pass! Kongma La (5535m) is a remote and challenging 10km trek. We ascend rocky slopes and snowy ridgelines before dropping into the Imja Valley. On clear days, views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Island Peak are exceptional. After a long, rewarding day, we arrive in the peaceful village of Chukhung (4730m).

We descend through valleys and villages, passing the fertile fields of Dingboche and the ancient monastery of Pangboche. The air thickens, your energy returns, and the views are spectacular. Our day ends at Tengboche Monastery (3860m), perched on a ridge with sweeping views of Everest, Ama Dablam and beyond.

We descend into the forested hills, walking through rhododendrons and past waterfalls. The Dudh Kosi rushes below as Everest disappears behind us. We arrive back in Namche with a mix of pride and nostalgia. Tonight, we celebrate—the toughest days are behind us and the journey nearly complete.

The last day of trekking is a pretty big one, covering the most distance out of any single day on the trek. Crossing known terrain we descend below Namche, crossing epic bridges to reach Phakding for lunch. The path then steepens somewhat, as we make the final climb into Lukla (2840m), to celebrate like its 1999!

We say goodbye to the tough local porters who have been carrying our gear, and also make our final goodbyes to the Himalayas. We board our helicopter for the flight back to civilisation, 5-star comfort, city food, and lots of R&R. Emotions will be running high today as we reminisce the last few weeks.

No alarms. Just rest, recovery, and celebration. Book a massage, dip in the pool, or visit your favourite café. That evening, we reunite for a heartfelt farewell dinner with our Nepalese guides—reflecting on the mountains we’ve explored together.

A final free day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. Pick up souvenirs, visit a hidden temple, or just enjoy one last rooftop coffee with a view. Optional day tours available for those who want to explore more of the valley.

Your adventure may be ending, but the mountains and the tribe you shared them with stay with you. A private transfer takes you to the airport at your preferred time. You came seeking adventure. You leave with perspective, purpose, a story that’s yours - and your tribe for life.