We’ll have breakfast in Phakding before gearing up for the trek to Namche Bazaar, the biggest sherpa village in Nepal. Our trail takes us first over the Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge, and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo, about two hours away. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park for a brief permit check and then descend to Dudh Kosi River (spotting Mani stones along the way!) en route to Jorsale. Lunch will be served here, and then it’s uphill to Namche. Our path along the riverbank is flanked by two crossings, one of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. It’s a tough climb up the hill to our resting place, but you’ll be rewarded in Namche Bazaar with your first glimpse of Everest in its majesty. (B,L,D)

At this point, we take a well-deserved break! Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the lofty altitude. There’s an optional 2-hour hike to Everest View Point, an uphill walk that will help speed acclimatization. Otherwise, spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. Check out the Sherpa museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering. On Saturdays, the Hatt Bazaar is open for trading and an intimate look at the locals’ marketplace. It is part of the larger Namche Bazaar, a shopping hub filled with all manner of trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment. (B, L, D)

Here is where the Three Passes Trek diverges from the typical route to Everest Base Camp by diverging to the northwest towards Thame rather than taking the northeast route to Tengboche. We have excellent views of Kongde Ri (6187 m) to the southwest, and behind us to the southeast are views of Kusum Kanguru (6,373 m). We generally follow the course of the Bhote Koshi canyon and cross the river in the afternoon before starting the final climb to the small village of Thame. (B, L, D)

Thame is an old village lying on the traditional salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet. Today we leave Thame and head toward the small village at Marlung. The trail continues to follow the canyon of the Bhote Koshi, and we have frequent views of Kongde Ri (6187 m). (B, L, D)

This is a relatively easy day with only 2 to 3 hours of trekking between the small village of Marlung and Lungden. Lungden is not really more than a few lodges, but it makes for a convenient stop and puts one in a good position to tackle Renjo La (5369 m) the following day. The word “La” translates as pass. (B, L, D)

Renjo La is the pass connecting the Thame and Gokyo Valleys. It’s a tough day hiking, but the views of Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), and Everest (8,850 m) are well worth it. (B, L, D)

Today is a rest day in Gokyo and a chance to further acclimatize. It's also an opportunity to take a day hike and climb Gokyo Ri, which offers one of the best views of Mount Everest in the entire region. The small village of Gokyo lies on the shores of Dudh Pokhari (the third lake), and views of the lake with a backdrop of Mount Pharilapche (6017 m / 19741 ft) rising above it have almost become iconic. Gokyo is famous for its six lakes, and the day affords the chance to visit these as well. (B, L, D)

The trek today takes us from Gokyo to Thaknak (or Ngozumpa Glacier). The glacier is the longest in Nepal, stretching 36 km from the base of Cho Oyu to the first Gokyo Lake. Today’s trek affords excellent views of Cho Oyu and Gokyo Ri. The views of the rock-covered glacier and alpine landscape are fantastic. (B, L, D)

This is one of the more difficult days as the trek crosses over Cho La Pass. It’s a steep climb requiring a short traverse over the glacier on the eastern side. One of the high points of the day is arriving at the small village of Dzongla and the fantastic views of Ama Dablam (6812 m). (B, L, D)

The trek descends from Dzongla and heads tows to Lobuche to once again connect withnormal routeormal to Everest Base Camp. We have great views today of Lobuche Peak, Ama DabKangtega,gtega and Thamse(B, L, D),L,D)

This is it! Our big day kicks off with an initial, relatively easy trek from Lobuche to Gorekshep. The subsequent, straight trail to Everest Base Camp is harder, involving rocky dunes and moraa formedormed accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris. On the way to our destination, we’ll approach the famed Khumbu Glacier and icefall, located on the slopes of Everest. At the Base Camp, our goal, you’ll have the chance (during the spring climbing season) to meet climbers attempting to scale the mountain’s summit. Break out your cameras for unbelievable views of breathtaking beauty. As the afternoon sun starts to wane, we’ll head back to Gorekshep for some much-needed rest and relaxation after a grueling and day. (B, L, D),L,D)

We’ll wake before dawn today to trek towards Kalapathar (which means “black rock”) for a fiery, glorious sunrise over Mt. Everest. The day’s first light will illuminate your spectacular view of Nuptse Changtse,ngtseLhotse. otse.This may be, of the whole journey, your most opportune moment to snap amazing pictures of Everest and its neighboring peaks. Afterwards, it’s back to Gorekshep for breakfast and down in the direction of Lobuche, our nightstop. (B, L, D),L,D)

From Lobuche we cross near the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and begin the climb up to Kongma La. Fantastic views the valleyalley of Cholatse, Pokalde, Nuptse, LhoMakalu,akalu and Ama Dablam. We cross the pass and descend into the valley of the NiKhola,Khola where we stop at Chukkung. (B, L, D)

Chhukung is the jump-off point for climbing expeditions to Island Peak. Today we start the trek back to Lukla as we head first to Pangboche and then to Tengboche. (B, L, D)

The walk from Pheriche back to Tengboche is mainly downhill, although it does, counterintuitively, require an hour scaling a hill. We’ll be in Namche/Monjo by late afternoon and off to bed before our last day on the mountain. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we trek toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then pass through several local villages. Our arrival in Lukla brings an evening in a proper hotel and, traditionally, a party with your trekking crew: you made it! Thanks to great teamwork and perseverance, you’ve accomplished a physical feat of which others only dream. This is your last night on the mountain, which can be bittersweet. (B, L, D)

In the morning, you’ll hop a brief flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, where your journey both began and ends. You’ll transfer to your hotel upon landing for some much-needed solo rest and reflection after your trek conquering the Himalayas. We’ll reunite in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants in town, where we’ll be eager to hear your feedback on the trip.