The Everest Three Passes Trek starts in Lukla and climbs through 12 Sherpa villages to Dingboche (4,410 m), where the counterclockwise circuit turns east towards Chhukung and Kongma La (5,535 m). From there the loop continues over Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m), then returns to Namche via Thame.
Each village below is profiled in question-and-answer format, covering location, walking time, highlights, facilities and practical tips. Walking times are approximate and vary with fitness, weather and trail traffic.
Table of contents Show
Route at a Glance
| S.N. | Village | Altitude | Walk from Previous Stop | Role on the Trek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lukla | 2,860 m | Flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap | Start and end point |
| 2 | Phakding | 2,610 m | 3–4 hrs from Lukla | First overnight |
| 3 | Monjo | 2,835 m | 2–3 hrs from Phakding | National park entry |
| 4 | Jorsalle | 2,740 m | 30–45 min from Monjo | Lunch before Namche climb |
| 5 | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | 2.5–3.5 hrs from Jorsalle | Acclimatization hub |
| 6 | Khumjung | 3,790 m | 1.5–2 hrs from Namche | Acclimatization hike / alternative route |
| 7 | Kunde | 3,840 m | 15–20 min from Khumjung | Acclimatization hike |
| 8 | Tengboche | 3,860 m | 5–6 hrs from Namche | Monastery overnight |
| 9 | Deboche | 3,820 m | 15–20 min from Tengboche | Quieter overnight option |
| 10 | Pangboche | 3,985 m | 1–1.5 hrs from Deboche | Historic village, lunch or overnight |
| 11 | Shomare | 4,010 m | About 1 hr from Pangboche | Tea break / lunch stop |
| 12 | Dingboche | 4,410 m | 1.5–2 hrs from Shomare | Acclimatization day, Three Passes junction |
1. Lukla
Altitude: 2,860 m
Lukla and Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Photo
Lukla is the airport town where almost every Everest region trek begins and ends, including the Three Passes circuit.
Q: Where is Lukla located?
Lukla sits on a hillside shelf above the Dudh Koshi valley in Solukhumbu District, north-eastern Nepal. It is the main entry point to the Khumbu (Everest) region.
Q: How do I reach Lukla?
Most trekkers take a 30–35 minute flight from Kathmandu. In peak seasons many flights operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap instead, about 4–5 hours' drive from Kathmandu, followed by a 20-minute flight. A slower overland option is to drive to Salleri or Thamdanda and walk in.
Q: What makes Lukla airport special?
Tenzing-Hillary Airport was built in 1964 under the direction of Sir Edmund Hillary. Its short runway slopes steeply uphill and ends at a mountain wall. Flights run only in clear morning weather, so delays are common.
Q: What facilities are available in Lukla?
Lukla has many tea houses and lodges, bakeries, cafes, trekking gear shops, pharmacies and porter services. Wi-Fi and mobile coverage are available, and there are ATMs, though they are not always reliable. Carry enough Nepali cash from Kathmandu.
Q: Which permits are checked here?
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit is issued and checked in Lukla. The Sagarmatha National Park permit is checked at Monjo. Fees change, so confirm current rates before you travel.
Q: What is there to see in Lukla?
The Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate honours Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Everest in 1993. Many trekkers also enjoy watching planes land and take off from the airport edge.
Q: Will I feel the altitude in Lukla?
Some trekkers feel mild headaches after flying up from Kathmandu (about 1,400 m). The first day's walk descends to Phakding, which helps the body adjust.
Q: Why stay in Lukla at the end of the trek?
Return flights leave in the morning, so trekkers spend their last night in Lukla. Plan one or two buffer days in your itinerary for weather-related flight delays.
Travel tip: Keep your bag within the airline weight limit (usually around 15 kg including hand luggage) and pack rain gear in your daypack for the first day.
2. Phakding
Altitude: 2,610 m
Lodges in Phakding.
Phakding is a riverside village on the Dudh Koshi and the usual first overnight stop of the trek.
Q: Where is Phakding and how far is it from Lukla?
Phakding lies on both banks of the Dudh Koshi River, about 8 km north of Lukla. The walk takes 3–4 hours on a mostly gentle, downhill trail.
Q: Why stop at Phakding on the first night?
Phakding is about 250 m lower than Lukla. Sleeping lower after the flight gives the body an easy start and supports acclimatization.
Q: What will I see on the way from Lukla?
The trail passes the villages of Chheplung, Thadokoshi and Ghat. Expect mani walls carved with prayers, prayer wheels, chortens and your first suspension bridges. On clear days Kusum Kanguru (6,367 m) appears above the valley.
Q: What are the main highlights of Phakding?
The sound of the river, a relaxed village atmosphere and riverside lodges with gardens. A short uphill walk leads to the small Rimishung Monastery above the village.
Q: What kind of accommodation is available?
Phakding has a large number of tea houses. Many offer hot showers, Wi-Fi and some rooms with attached bathrooms. Bakeries and small bars are open in the main seasons.
Q: Can I buy supplies here?
Small shops sell snacks, water, toiletries and basic gear. For anything important, buy it in Kathmandu, Lukla or Namche.
Travel tip: Always pass mani walls, chortens and prayer wheels on your left, walking clockwise, as local Buddhist custom asks.
3. Monjo
Altitude: 2,835 m
Monjo village. Photo:
Monjo is a quiet Sherpa village at the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, where trekkers' permits are checked.
Q: Where is Monjo and how long does it take from Phakding?
Monjo sits above the Dudh Koshi, 2–3 hours north of Phakding. The trail crosses the river several times on suspension bridges and passes through Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa.
Q: Why is Monjo important for trekkers?
The Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate and permit checkpoint is here. The park was established in 1976 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Keep your passport and permits handy.
Q: What are the highlights on the way to Monjo?
Waterfalls near Benkar, pine forests and close views of Thamserku (6,608 m). The trail also passes farms growing potatoes, cabbages and greens for the lodges.
Q: Is Monjo a good place to stay overnight?
Yes. Monjo is quieter than Phakding, and sleeping here shortens the hard climb to Namche the next morning. It is also a good choice on the return journey.
Q: What facilities does Monjo have?
A handful of tea houses with hot meals, hot showers and paid battery charging. Wi-Fi is usually available through local networks or prepaid cards.
Q: What is the national park like?
Sagarmatha National Park protects the upper Dudh Koshi and Imja valleys. Look for Himalayan tahr, musk deer and the colourful Danphe (Himalayan monal), Nepal's national bird.
Travel tip: Have your permits ready before reaching the gate to avoid queues in the busy October and April seasons.
4. Jorsalle
Altitude: 2,740 m
Jorsalle village.
Jorsalle (also spelled Jorsale) is a small riverside village and the last place to eat before the steep climb to Namche Bazaar.
Q: Where is Jorsalle?
Jorsalle lies on the banks of the Dudh Koshi just beyond the Monjo park gate. The trail drops down a stone staircase to reach it in 30–45 minutes.
Q: Why is Jorsalle an important stop?
There are no villages on the climb to Namche, so Jorsalle is the last chance for a proper meal, tea and a water refill. Most groups have lunch here.
Q: What is the Hillary Suspension Bridge?
Above Jorsalle the trail crosses a high suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi near its meeting point with the Bhote Koshi. Covered in prayer flags, it is one of the most photographed spots of the trek.
Q: How hard is the climb from Jorsalle to Namche?
The trail gains about 600–700 m in 2.5–3.5 hours through pine forest. It is the hardest section of the early trek, so walk slowly and take regular breaks.
Q: Where can I first see Everest?
About halfway up the climb there is a viewpoint. On a clear day the summit of Everest shows above the Nuptse–Lhotse ridge, along with Lhotse and Taboche.
Q: What facilities are in Jorsalle?
A few tea houses and small lodges with riverside dining. Some trekkers stay overnight here to break up the climb.
Travel tip: When yak or mule trains approach on the bridge or trail, step to the mountain side and wait for them to pass.
5. Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440 m
Namche Bazaar from above.
Namche Bazaar is the largest Sherpa town in the Khumbu and the main acclimatization stop. On the Three Passes Trek it is both the gateway to the circuit and the place where the loop closes.
Q: Where is Namche Bazaar?
Namche is built in a horseshoe-shaped bowl on a steep hillside above the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. It is the trading and administrative centre of the Khumbu region.
Q: Why spend an acclimatization day here?
At 3,440 m, the body needs time to adjust before going higher. Trekkers follow "climb high, sleep low": hike up during the day, then return to Namche to sleep.
Q: What are the best acclimatization hikes from Namche?
Popular options are the Everest View Hotel near Syangboche (about 3,880 m) and the villages of Khumjung and Kunde. Both give wide views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.
Q: What can I see and do in Namche?
- The Saturday market, where traders from lower valleys sell food and goods
- The Sherpa Culture Museum and the viewpoint with the Tenzing Norgay memorial
- The Sagarmatha National Park visitor centre
- Namche Monastery and the town's many bakeries and cafes
Q: What facilities does Namche have?
Namche has ATMs, money exchange, trekking gear shops for buying or renting, pharmacies, a health clinic and many bakeries. Lodges range from basic to comfortable, most with hot showers and Wi-Fi.
Q: How does Namche fit into the Three Passes route?
The counterclockwise circuit heads east from Namche towards Tengboche and Dingboche. After crossing Renjo La, the trail descends through Thame and returns to Namche, completing the loop.
Q: Is Namche the last place to buy gear?
It is the last town with a wide choice of shops and reliable services. Prices for food, water and charging rise steadily above Namche.
Travel tip: Buy or rent anything you forgot here, such as a down jacket, gloves or microspikes for the passes.
6. Khumjung
Altitude: 3,790 m
Khumjung village.
Khumjung is one of the largest traditional Sherpa villages in the Khumbu, known for its monastery and the Hillary School.
Q: Where is Khumjung and how do I get there?
Khumjung lies in a wide valley above Namche, below the sacred peak Khumbila (5,761 m). The walk from Namche takes 1.5–2 hours via Syangboche and the Everest View Hotel.
Q: What is Khumjung Monastery famous for?
The monastery displays a relic that local tradition says is a yeti scalp. Visitors can view it for a small donation, which supports the monastery.
Q: What is the Hillary School?
Khumjung School was founded in 1961 by Sir Edmund Hillary through the Himalayan Trust. It was the first school in the Khumbu and still educates children from across the region.
Q: What does the village look like?
Stone houses with green roofs are surrounded by stone-walled potato and barley fields. Prayer flags, chortens and long mani walls line the paths.
Q: Should I stay overnight or visit on a day hike?
Most trekkers visit on an acclimatization day hike from Namche. Some itineraries stay overnight and continue to Tengboche via Sanasa, joining the main trail.
Q: What facilities are available?
Several tea houses and lodges, a few small shops and a bakery. Facilities are simpler and quieter than in Namche.
Travel tip: Walk a loop of Namche – Syangboche – Khumjung – Kunde – Namche for a full acclimatization day with the best views.
7. Kunde
Altitude: 3,840 m
Kunde village with Ama Dablam, Kangtega and Thamserku. Photo: Nima Nuru Sherpa
Kunde is a peaceful twin village of Khumjung, best known as the home of the Kunde Hospital.
Q: Where is Kunde?
Kunde sits at the western end of the same valley as Khumjung, a flat 15–20 minute walk away. Both villages lie beneath Khumbila, the region's protector mountain.
Q: What is the Kunde Hospital?
The hospital was set up in 1966 by Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Trust. It provides health care for local Sherpa communities and treats trekkers when needed.
Q: What makes Kunde different from Khumjung?
Kunde is smaller and quieter, with fewer visitors. Its traditional stone houses, yak pastures and fields give a close look at everyday Sherpa farm life.
Q: What views can I enjoy from Kunde?
The village faces Thamserku, Kangtega and Ama Dablam. A short climb on the hillside above gives a wider panorama of the valley.
Q: Is Kunde good for acclimatization?
Yes. At 3,840 m it is about 400 m above Namche, ideal for a "climb high, sleep low" day hike.
Q: Are there lodges in Kunde?
There are a few simple tea houses. Most visitors stop for tea or lunch and return to Namche the same day.
Travel tip: Respect privacy around the hospital and homes; ask before photographing local people.
8. Tengboche
Altitude: 3,860 m
Tengboche Monastery gate. Photo:
Tengboche is home to the largest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu and one of the finest mountain viewpoints on the trek.
Q: Where is Tengboche and how long is the walk from Namche?
Tengboche sits on a forested ridge above the meeting of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola rivers. The walk from Namche takes 5–6 hours.
Q: What is the trail like?
The trail contours to Kyangjuma and Sanasa, then drops to the river at Phunki Tenga (about 3,250 m). From there a steep 2–2.5 hour climb through pine and rhododendron forest leads to Tengboche.
Q: What is the history of Tengboche Monastery?
The monastery was founded in 1916 by Lama Gulu. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1934 and rebuilt, then burned down in 1989. With local and international support it was rebuilt again and reconsecrated in 1993.
Q: Can trekkers visit the monastery?
Yes. Visitors may quietly watch the monks' daily prayers, usually held in the afternoon. Remove your shoes, dress modestly and do not take photos inside the prayer hall.
Q: What is the Mani Rimdu festival?
Mani Rimdu is a Sherpa Buddhist festival of masked dances and blessings held at Tengboche. It usually falls in October or November, following the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Q: Which mountains can be seen from Tengboche?
Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega and Taboche. Sunset and early morning give the clearest views.
Q: What accommodation is available?
Tengboche has only a few lodges and a bakery, and rooms fill quickly in peak season. Many groups stay in Deboche, 15–20 minutes further on.
Travel tip: Book your Tengboche room in advance for October–November and March–May, especially around Mani Rimdu.
9. Deboche
Altitude: 3,820 m
Deboche with Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
Deboche is a small forest village just below Tengboche and a calmer place to spend the night.
Q: Where is Deboche?
Deboche lies 15–20 minutes beyond Tengboche, down a gentle trail through rhododendron, birch and fir forest. It is slightly lower than Tengboche.
Q: Why stay in Deboche instead of Tengboche?
Deboche is quieter and usually has more rooms available in peak season. Some lodges here are newer and more comfortable. You can still walk up to Tengboche for the evening prayers or sunrise views.
Q: What is special about Deboche?
A small Buddhist nunnery sits in the village, a peaceful place to visit respectfully. The surrounding forest is one of the prettiest on the route.
Q: When is the forest at its best?
In spring, roughly March to May, the rhododendrons bloom in red, pink and white.
Q: Can I see wildlife around Deboche?
The forest is home to Himalayan tahr, musk deer and the Danphe (Himalayan monal). Early morning is the best time to spot them.
Q: What comes next on the trail?
The trail crosses the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge, then climbs gently to Pangboche in 1–1.5 hours.
Travel tip: Nights get cold in the forest shade, so keep a warm layer and hat ready once the sun drops.
10. Pangboche
Altitude: 3,985 m
Pangboche Monastery.
Pangboche is one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Khumbu, with an ancient monastery and a proud mountaineering tradition.
Q: Where is Pangboche?
Pangboche lies on the slopes of the Imja Khola valley, facing Ama Dablam. It is 1–1.5 hours from Deboche and is divided into Upper and Lower Pangboche.
Q: What is special about Pangboche Monastery?
The monastery in Upper Pangboche is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu, dating back several centuries. It once kept relics said to be a yeti scalp and hand, part of the region's folklore.
Q: Why is Pangboche known for its climbing culture?
Many experienced Everest Sherpa guides and high-altitude workers come from Pangboche. Climbers often stop here to receive blessings from local lamas before expeditions.
Q: What views does Pangboche offer?
Ama Dablam (6,812 m) rises directly across the valley, with Thamserku, Kangtega and Taboche nearby. It is one of the best places to see Ama Dablam up close.
Q: Can I visit Ama Dablam Base Camp from here?
Yes. A side trip crosses the river and climbs to Ama Dablam Base Camp (about 4,600 m). It takes a full day return and works well as an extra acclimatization hike.
Q: What facilities are available?
Pangboche has several lodges, small shops and tea houses, mostly along the main trail in Lower Pangboche. Charging and Wi-Fi are available for a fee.
Travel tip: Climb to Upper Pangboche for the monastery; it is quieter and gives better valley views than the main trail.
11. Shomare
Altitude: 4,010 m
Shomare with Kongde Ri.
Shomare (also spelled Somare) is a small tea house settlement and the usual lunch stop between Pangboche and Dingboche.
Q: Where is Shomare?
Shomare sits beside the trail about one hour above Pangboche, on open slopes of the Imja Khola valley. It is the first stop on the route above 4,000 m.
Q: What is the landscape like around Shomare?
The forest is left behind here. The land becomes open alpine scrub, juniper and yak grazing pastures, with stone yak shelters along the trail.
Q: What can I see from Shomare?
Ama Dablam towers close above the village, with Taboche and Cholatse to the north-west. The valley ahead opens towards Lhotse and Island Peak.
Q: Can I stay overnight in Shomare?
Yes, though there are only a few small lodges. Most trekkers stop for tea or lunch and continue to Dingboche.
Q: How do I continue to Dingboche?
The trail passes Orsho, then splits: the left fork climbs to Pheriche, the right fork crosses the Khumbu Khola bridge to Dingboche. Take the right fork for the Three Passes route.
Q: Do I need to worry about altitude here?
Above 4,000 m, altitude sickness becomes a real risk. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Tell your guide at once about headaches, nausea or unusual tiredness.
Travel tip: Eat a proper lunch here; appetite often drops at altitude, but your body needs the energy for the climb ahead.
12. Dingboche
Altitude: 4,410 m
Dingboche from above.
Dingboche is the main acclimatization village of the upper Imja valley and the junction where the Three Passes circuit turns east towards Kongma La.
Q: Where is Dingboche?
Dingboche lies in the broad Imja valley, 1.5–2 hours from Shomare. It faces the south face of Lhotse, with Ama Dablam and Island Peak (Imja Tse) nearby.
Q: Why is Dingboche famous for its stone walls?
Long stone walls surround fields of potatoes and barley. They shelter the crops from the strong valley winds and keep grazing yaks out, creating a patchwork pattern unique to the village.
Q: Why spend an acclimatization day in Dingboche?
The next stages go much higher, up to Chhukung (4,730 m) and Kongma La (5,535 m). A rest day here lets the body adjust before the first pass.
Q: What is the best acclimatization hike?
The ridge to Nangkartshang Peak (about 5,083 m) is the classic choice, taking 4–5 hours return. It gives views of Makalu, Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam and the Imja valley. An easier option is a walk up the valley towards Chhukung.
Q: Why is Dingboche a key junction on the Three Passes Trek?
From Dingboche, Three Passes trekkers head east to Chhukung, then cross Kongma La to Lobuche. Trekkers on the standard Everest Base Camp route go north instead, via Dughla to Lobuche.
Q: What facilities are available in Dingboche?
Dingboche has many lodges, bakeries and cafes, with paid Wi-Fi, hot showers and battery charging. Dining rooms are heated by yak-dung stoves in the evening; bedrooms are unheated.
Q: How cold does it get?
Nights are well below freezing for much of the year, especially from November to February. A warm sleeping bag rated to about -15°C is recommended.
Q: What if I get altitude sickness here?
Descend if symptoms get worse; do not go higher. The Himalayan Rescue Association runs a seasonal aid post in nearby Pheriche. Make sure your travel insurance covers helicopter evacuation to at least 6,000 m.
Travel tip: Check your gear for the passes in Dingboche: microspikes, warm gloves, headlamp batteries and enough cash, as there are no ATMs above Namche.
