The 3-Pass Trek: Gokyo – Everest Base Camp – Island Peak
Difficulty :
Hiking days: 21 days
Season: Autumn and Spring
Highlights of the trek
This itinerary is ideal for hikers looking for a physical challenge and an off-the-beaten-path experience, while also being drawn to nature.
The Gokyo – Cho La – Everest Base Camp trek explores the Khumbu region, in the heart of the Himalayas. Starting from Lukla (2,800 m), the route passes through Namche Bazaar and the Gokyo Lakes (approximately 4,800 m), crosses the Cho La Pass (5,370 m), and then leads to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5,550 m), offering spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
This challenging 21-day trek, which requires no mountaineering experience, combines wilderness, Sherpa culture, and a rewarding physical challenge. The best seasons are spring and autumn. Throughout the trek, accommodation is provided in lodges with meals included, while hotel accommodation is arranged in Kathmandu.
The 3-Pass Trek: Gokyo – Everest Base Camp – Island Peak
Details of the circuit
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to rest after your long flight. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu: city tour and trek preparation
After breakfast, we offer a guided tour of two sites of your choice from among Kathmandu’s historical and spiritual attractions, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can choose between the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist sanctuary (Bouddhanath), which is also home to one of the largest stupas in the world.
In the afternoon, a trek preparation meeting will allow you to meet your trek leader and other team members. Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will inform you of the details of your trek and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about our upcoming adventure. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651 m / 8,700ft): 8km, 3 – 4 hours trek
During the 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800 m / 9,186ft), enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks.
At Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins, we meet our other crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, we start trekking the same day.
After one hour of gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (5,760 m, 18,900 ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we gradually descend until we reach Phakding where we spend the night.
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438 m / 11,280 ft): 11km, 5 – 6 hours
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, we follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar. We then cross the Dudh Koshi River and passing Chumoa go on to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park.
After crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings us Namche Bazar, the focal agglomeration of the Sherpa heartland.
At one hour’s hiking distance before reaching Namche Bazaar, we can enjoy the first sight of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse, if the weather permits. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day – Namche Bazaar: (3,440m / 11,284 ft)
There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar, and you spend a day here acclimatizing. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Our guides can take you to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar.
An early morning hike to the nearby Sagarmatha National Park offers trekkers a sunrise view on Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde. If you are interested in a day hike, you can trek to Khumjung village (3,780 m / 12,401 ft) – a beautiful Sherpa settlement. In exploring Namche Bazaar, you observe traditional Sherpa life, the Khumjung Hillary School, and enjoy flora and fauna found at such altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 6: From Namche Bazaar to Thame (3,820 m 12,533 ft): 9 km, 5–6 hours’ trek
Leaving Namche Bazaar, the trail winds its way through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests, dotted with small, authentic villages. Among them is Thame, peacefully overlooked by its monastery, which we will have the opportunity to visit.
Throughout the walk, the natural world reveals itself: musk deer, colourful pheasants and Himalayan tahr inhabit these unspoilt landscapes. After crossing the deep, rushing Bhote Koshi torrent, the path climbs gently up to the charming village of Thame, nestled in the heart of the valley. You will spend the night in Thame.
Day 7: from Thame to Lungden (4,350 m / 14,272 ft): 8 km, 4–5 hours’ trek
The route climbs steadily along the left bank of the Bhote Koshi, through vast mountain pastures dotted with small seasonal villages, which come to life in spring and summer. According to legend, Taranga is said to be the village of the Yeti… Even if you don’t spot the Abominable Snowman, you can enjoy some excellent local potatoes there.
Lunch in Marulung, before continuing the ascent. Beyond this village, the vegetation becomes sparser and dwellings fewer and farther between. Passing through Arye, the valley’s last inhabited hamlet, the route heads towards Nangpa La (5,716 m / 18,753 ft), still too far away to reach in a single day. This legendary pass is traditionally crossed by yak caravans led by Tibetan traders coming to trade in the Khumbu.
The spectacle is magnificent: a sumptuous panorama of Cho Oyu and numerous peaks rising to between 6,000 and 7,000 m. Stop-off at the village of Lungden, in the heart of this high-altitude world, where you will spend the night.
Day 8: from Lungden to Gokyo (4,800 m / 15,748) via Renjo La (5,365 m / 17,602 ft) : 12 km, 6–8 hours’ trek
Now well acclimatised, you set off in good spirits for this long and magnificent day’s walk. From the pass, the view takes in an exceptional panorama: the succession of the world’s highest peaks stretches eastwards — Everest, Makalu, Pumori and many others — whilst Gokyo Lake glistens below.
Close by, the south face of Cho Oyu is a sight to behold. The descent then continues across the Gokyo Glacier, which you cross before reaching the peaceful shores of Lake Gokyo, offering a spectacular and unforgettable setting. You spend the night in Gokyo.
Day 9: acclimatisation day, Gokyo Valley: climb up Gokyo Ri; trek to Thangnak (5,357 m / 17575 ft); 5–6 hours’ walk
We suggest you climb to the summit of Gokyo Ri, above the village of Gokyo. Arriving at the summit early in the morning offers a fantastic view of the entire Khumbu region.
This climb is challenging as the ascent is steep; it takes 3–4 hours. The view down towards the village of Gokyo, overlooked by Cholatse and framed by the gigantic Ngazumpa Glacier, is unforgettable. You can also take in the panorama of the surrounding peaks, such as Kusum Kanguru, Tamererku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse and Pumori.
As you climb towards the summit, this panorama gradually comes into view, ultimately offering a vista of four of Nepal’s seven highest mountains: the peaks of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu.
After the descent, we suggest visiting other lakes in the region, such as Thonak Tsho, and, if there is enough time and your fitness level allows, Ngozumba Tsho, from where the view of Nepal’s longest glacier, the Ngazumba, is breathtaking.
You return to Gokyo and begin the crossing of the glacier, following it down the other side before reaching Thangnak after a short walk. There will be time to rest in preparation for the long days of high-altitude trekking that lie ahead. You spend the night in Thangnak.
Day 10: from Tangnak via the Chola Pass (5,367 m / 17,608 ft) to Dzongla (4,860 m / 15,945 ft): 7 km, 7 to 6 hours’ trek
This will be the most gruelling day of the trek. The path from Tangnak follows a rocky ravine. It runs alongside a frozen lake as it approaches Chola Pass, which is not technically too difficult to cross, but the climb is steep. The summit of the pass itself is adorned with numerous prayer flags. The pyramidal summit of Ama Dablam towers over a range of peaks to the south. Cholatse rises to the west and Lobuche to the east, with Baruntse standing out to the right.
On the descent from Chola, the path crosses a glacier slope that will require your full attention, as the terrain is very slippery and the rocks are often covered in ice. Passing through a few crevasses in the mountainside, the path finally reaches the village of Dzongla, which is situated on a small plateau offering a sublime panorama of the peaks of Cholatse, Ama Dablam and Lobuche. Right at the bottom of the valley, much further down, you can make out the village of Pheriche. You will spend the night in Dzongla.
Day 11: Dzongla to Lobuche (4,940 m / 16,207 ft), 6 km, 2–3 hours’ trek
In contrast to the previous day’s challenging stage, today’s distance will be much shorter and the elevation gain less significant. This will give you a chance to recover and relax whilst admiring the beauty of the natural surroundings.
The path descends from Dzongla and becomes a grassy track at the foot of Lobuche Peak. It winds its way through a wide valley before reaching Lobuche. There will be time to rest, which is welcome in view of the more challenging day ahead. You will spend the night in Lobuche.
Day 12: From Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m / 16,962 ft), visit to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft): 13 km, 6–7 hours’ trek
You’ll follow the direct path to Everest Base Camp, which crosses the vast Gorak Shep lake region. As it’s easy to lose your way, you’ll need to follow the guide closely. The walk is tiring due to the lack of oxygen and the altitude.
You’ll cross rocky outcrops, moraines and streams before passing through Gorak Shep and reaching Everest Base Camp, which consists of the multicoloured tents of expedition climbers that stand out against the grey backdrop of the scree slopes. The peaks of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori can be seen from base camp. It will then be time to head back to Gorak Shep.
Optional: for those who still have the physical stamina, there is time left to climb to the summit of Kala Pathar, which overlooks Gorak Shep and offers a unique view at sunset. The last rays of the sun illuminate the snow-capped peaks, creating a surreal view of the surrounding mountains.
Alternatively, you can end the day in Gorak Shep and plan to climb Kala Pathar early the following morning. You’ll spend the night in Gorak Shep.
Day 13: Ascent of Kala Patar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft); then from Gorak Shep to Lobuche (4,900 m / 16,076 ft): 10 km, 7–8 hours’ trek
For those who did not climb Kala Patar the previous day: The trek sets off very early in the morning, before sunrise. Temperatures are low (-10 to -14 degrees) and an icy wind is usually blowing.
During the ascent, peaks such as Ligtren, Khumbutse and Chantse emerge on the eastern side, and the summit of Everest comes into view as daylight breaks. But it is only once you reach the very top of the summit that you can admire the 360-degree panorama and the full view of Everest. This will be your chance to take some unforgettable photos, before heading back down to Gorak Shep. In the afternoon, you’ll continue your descent further down.
The trail takes you to Lobuche, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 14: From Lobuche – Kongma La Pass (5,535 m / 18,158 ft) – Chukhung (4,700 m / 15,420 ft): 11 km, 6–7 hours’ trek
To reach the slopes of Kongma La, we cross the Khumbu Glacier and its spectacular rocky landscape. The steady climb gradually leads to the pass, at the foot of Nuptse, offering a breath-taking view of the ice river and the Everest Valley.
The descent then continues towards Chukhung, in the heart of a magnificent cirque dominated by the legendary south face of Lhotse. It is in Chukhung that we meet up with our Nepalese high-altitude guide, who will accompany us on the ascent to the summit. You will spend the night in Chukhung.
Day 15: From Chukhung to Island Peak Base Camp (5,120 m / 16,798 ft): 5 km, 4–5 hours’ trek
A trek with no technical difficulties to Island Peak Base Camp or, depending on conditions and the group’s fitness, possibly to a camp situated slightly higher up.
By the end of this 15th day of walking, you will be fully acclimatised and ready to tackle the ascent of Island Peak with confidence the following day. You will spend the night in a tent at Island Peak Base Camp.
Day 16: Ascent of Island Peak (6,189 m / 20.335 ft) – Chukhung (4,700 m / 15,420 ft): 8–12 hours of climbing and trekking
We set off from the high-altitude camp at around 2 am. The ascent is gradual up to 5,800 m / 19,029 ft) initially along an easy path, then along a rocky track. We then reach a glacier with few crevasses, where crampons are required.
A climb of approximately 500 ft metres takes us to an altitude of 6,000 m / 19,685 ft. The route continues with a climb, using a fixed rope, up a slope of 60 to 70 degrees (depending on snow conditions), for approximately 430 ft, leading to the summit ridge. From there, the view opens out onto Lhotse.
The route then follows this exposed but passable ridge, with a few rocky outcrops to negotiate before reaching the summit, which offers a spectacular view of the entire cirque.
Descend via the same route to base camp, then return to Chukhung where you will spend the night.
Day 17: Chukhung – Pangboche – Tengboche (3,800 m / 12,467): 15 km, 5 to 7 hours’ trek
After breakfast, we leave Chukhung to begin a long and magnificent day’s walk towards Tengboche. The trail descends gradually through the Imja Khola valley, surrounded by exceptional Himalayan scenery.
We continue our walk to Pangboche, one of the oldest villages in the Everest region. We stop there for lunch before visiting the famous Pangboche Monastery, set in a stunning location facing Ama Dablam. From the village and the monastery, the view of Ama Dablam is particularly impressive.
After this cultural and spiritual break, we set off again along the trail towards Tengboche. The path winds through beautiful mountain scenery and offers further magnificent panoramic views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding peaks.
We arrive in Tengboche in the late afternoon. Depending on what time we arrive, we may also have the chance to explore the famous Tengboche Monastery and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this village. You will spend the night in Tengboche.
Dey 18: from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,400 m / 11,155 ft): 6–7 hours’ trek
The path descends rapidly through a forest of rhododendrons and pines. It crosses the Dudhkoshi River and climbs up the other side to reach Lausasa. Along the way, you may spot colourful pheasants and mountain goats. From the village of Sansa, you can once again see the peaks of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse. The path winds its way down to Namche Bazaar, where you will spend the night.
Day 19: From Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,780 m / 9,120 ft): 6–8 hours’ trek
The path descends rapidly, and with tired feet and legs, you must be particularly vigilant and walk carefully. After crossing the Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries, the path becomes easier. Once you arrive in Lukla, you can have a bit of a rest and reflect on what you’ve experienced over the past few days. You’ll spend the night in Lukla.
Day 20: Return flight to Kathmandu
You’ll take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu after your long mountain trek. There’ll be time to recover or do some last-minute shopping. If you wish, you can also go on some additional sightseeing trips. Your guide will advise you on both shopping and sightseeing. A farewell dinner will be organised to celebrate the success of your trek. You’ll spend the night in Kathmandu.
Day 21: Departure day
Your adventure in Nepal ends today! After breakfast and on your last day in Kathmandu, a representative from Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will be at your disposal to accompany you to the international airport, where you should arrive three hours before your scheduled return flight. Bon voyage! We hope to see you again someday.
Useful information:
Difficulty: Difficult
Hiking days: 21 jours
Season: Autumn and Spring
Ready to book your trek?
Please do not hesitate to contact me to book this trek or obtain further information!