Everest Base Camp with Two Pass Trek in Nepal - 16 Days

Fly to Lukla (2,810m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

The adventure begins with a scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla, one of the world’s most thrilling mountain airstrips. As the aircraft glides past towering Himalayan peaks, the anticipation builds. Upon landing at Lukla (2,810m), you’ll be greeted by the fresh mountain air and your trekking crew. After a short break, the trek kicks off with a gentle descent toward Phakding.

The trail winds through pine forests and charming Sherpa villages, crossing swinging suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Mani stones, prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags adorn the route, offering a spiritual touch to the journey. After 3–4 hours of walking, you’ll arrive in Phakding (2,610m), a peaceful village nestled along the riverbank. This first day is perfect for acclimatization and soaking in the serene atmosphere of the Khumbu region. A warm meal and a cozy teahouse await to end the day.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,445m)

After a hearty breakfast in Phakding, the trail continues northward along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges including the iconic Hillary Bridge. As you ascend gradually, the path weaves through lush pine forests, small Sherpa settlements, and rhododendron groves. You’ll pass through Monjo and enter the Sagarmatha National Park, where your permits are checked before descending to the river and starting the steep, challenging climb to Namche Bazaar.

This section of the trail is demanding but rewarding, with your first glimpse of Mount Everest appearing at the viewpoint near Namche on clear days. After 6–7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach the vibrant mountain town of Namche Bazaar, the heart of the Khumbu region. Nestled in a natural amphitheater, Namche offers excellent accommodations, bakeries, gear shops, and stunning views of Thamserku and Kongde Ri. It’s the perfect place to rest, acclimatize, and prepare for higher altitudes ahead.

Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,445m)

Today is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude and reducing the risk of altitude sickness. While it’s a rest day, staying active is key. A popular acclimatization hike leads to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m), offering a breathtaking panorama of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Along the way, you’ll pass by the charming village of Khumjung, home to the Hillary School and a famous monastery said to house a Yeti scalp.

Returning to Namche in the afternoon, you can explore the bustling town. Visit the Sherpa Museum, stop by a local bakery, or simply relax and enjoy the mountain scenery. Namche is also a great place to connect with fellow trekkers and stock up on any last-minute supplies. This acclimatization day is not only essential for your health but also enriches your cultural and scenic experience in the Khumbu region.

Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)

Leaving Namche Bazaar behind, the trail to Tengboche offers some of the most scenic stretches of the entire Everest region. The path initially contours along the hillsides, with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse unfolding as you walk. After descending to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga, the trail climbs steadily through rhododendron and pine forests. The uphill section is challenging, but the reward is well worth it.

After about 5–6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Tengboche, a spiritual and scenic gem perched atop a ridge. The village is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Surrounded by towering peaks, the monastery offers a peaceful ambiance and often hosts evening prayer ceremonies open to visitors. Watching the sun set over Ama Dablam from here is an unforgettable experience, making Tengboche a true highlight of the trek.

Trek to Dingboche (4,390m)

From Tengboche, the trail descends through ancient forests adorned with mossy trees and prayer flags before crossing the Imja Khola via a charming suspension bridge. The path then ascends gradually, passing the picturesque village of Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the region. With every step, the landscape becomes more alpine, the air thinner, and the views more dramatic—Ama Dablam dominates the skyline in all its glory.

As you continue your trek, the scenery transforms into wide, open valleys framed by towering snow peaks. After 5–6 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Dingboche, a windswept, high-altitude village nestled at 4,390 meters. Known as the "summer valley" of the Khumbu, Dingboche is surrounded by stone-walled fields and soaring Himalayan giants. It’s the perfect place to rest, acclimatize, and soak in the raw beauty of the mountains as you prepare for the higher elevations to come.

Day Trip and Acclimatization at Dingboche (4,390m)

Today is an essential acclimatization day in Dingboche, allowing your body to adjust to the rising altitude before heading higher. Instead of complete rest, a short day hike is highly recommended—most trekkers climb to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m), which offers jaw-dropping views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. The hike is steep but rewarding, and reaching the top gives you both confidence and better oxygen efficiency for the days ahead.

After descending, you’ll return to Dingboche to relax and refuel. Surrounded by stone walls and high Himalayan vistas, this peaceful village offers a unique high-mountain charm. You can enjoy a warm meal, sip ginger tea, and chat with fellow trekkers. With its sweeping views and slower pace, the day in Dingboche serves as a perfect balance between preparation and inspiration for the ascent to Everest Base Camp.

The trail from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,950m)

The trail from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,950m) is a dramatic ascent through a hauntingly beautiful Himalayan landscape. As you leave the village, the path climbs steadily, revealing sweeping views of Taboche, Cholatse, and the towering Nuptse ridge. The air grows thinner and the terrain more rugged, as you traverse glacial moraines and stone-carved paths. Along the way, you’ll pass the Thukla Pass memorials—solemn chortens dedicated to mountaineers who lost their lives on Everest—a moment of reflection in the vast stillness of the mountains.

From Thukla, the trail ascends further, winding along the edge of the Khumbu Glacier. The cold becomes sharper, the wind more biting, but the reward is immense. Lobuche lies nestled against the icy breath of the glacier, a quiet outpost where trekkers gather strength before the final push toward Everest Base Camp. Under the crystal sky, stars shimmer like ice crystals, and dreams grow larger in the thin, sacred air.

Trek to Gorakshep (5,160m) and Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Return to Gorakshep

Today is one of the most awaited days of the entire journey. After leaving Dingboche or Lobuche behind, the trail ascends steadily across glacial moraine and rocky terrain toward Gorakshep (5,160m), the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. The path offers striking views of Pumori, Nuptse, and the Khumbu Icefall. After a brief rest and lunch in Gorakshep, the real adventure begins—an exciting round trip hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

The trail to base camp is rugged and winds its way through glacier debris and icy trails. Upon arrival, you’ll stand at the foot of the highest mountain in the world, surrounded by prayer flags, ice seracs, and the roaring silence of the Khumbu Glacier. It’s a deeply emotional and rewarding moment. After soaking in the triumph, you’ll return to Gorakshep for the night, your heart full of memories and awe.

Early Morning Climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)

Rising before dawn, you’ll begin a steep climb up to Kala Patthar (5,545m), one of the best vantage points in the Everest region. As the first golden rays of sunlight touch the towering peaks, you’ll witness an awe-inspiring panorama of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and Lhotse bathed in morning light. This emotional moment at sunrise, surrounded by Himalayan silence and majesty, is often the highlight of the entire trek.

After savoring the views and capturing unforgettable photos, you’ll descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast. From there, the journey continues westward as you trek toward Dzongla, a quiet village nestled beneath dramatic ice cliffs. The route follows a descending path before gradually climbing again, revealing stunning alpine lakes and distant glaciers. After 6–7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Dzongla (4,830m), where the serenity and grandeur of the mountains offer a perfect end to an epic day.

Cross the Cho La Pass (5,420m) and Trek Down to Thagnak (4,695m)

Today’s adventure begins early as you ascend toward the mighty Cho La Pass (5,420m)—one of the most thrilling and challenging high-altitude crossings in the Everest region. The climb is steep and icy, with sections that require careful footing, especially across the glacier. As you reach the summit of the pass, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, and distant peaks stretching across the Himalayas. The dramatic, windswept pass, adorned with fluttering prayer flags, feels like the roof of the world.

From the top, the descent into the Gokyo Valley is equally dramatic, navigating through icy slopes and rocky trails. The landscape transforms into glacial outwash plains and rugged ridgelines as you make your way down to Thagnak (4,695m). This small, peaceful settlement lies nestled beside the Ngozumpa Glacier and offers a well-earned rest after an exhilarating day of crossing one of Nepal’s great mountain passes.

Trek to Gokyo (4,800m) and Visit Fifth Lake, Return to Gokyo

Leaving Thagnak behind, you’ll traverse the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, as you head toward the shimmering turquoise waters of Gokyo. This short yet captivating trek rewards you with surreal views of Cho Oyu and the surrounding ice-covered peaks. Gokyo, nestled beside the third lake (Dudh Pokhari), is a serene high-altitude village that feels like a sacred retreat in the heart of the Himalayas.

After a brief rest and lunch, the adventure continues with a hike to the Fifth Gokyo Lake (Ngozumpa Tsho), located at an elevation of around 5,000 meters. This hidden gem offers astonishing reflections of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu in its crystal-clear waters. The untouched wilderness around the lake exudes peace and grandeur. After soaking in the otherworldly beauty and snapping unforgettable photos, you’ll trek back to Gokyo to rest for the night beside the glacial lake.

Climb to Gokyo Ri (5,360m) and Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m), Trek Down to Lungden (4,370m)

Today begins with an early morning ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,360m), one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the entire Everest region. From the summit, you'll witness an unforgettable 360-degree Himalayan vista—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the sparkling Gokyo Lakes below—all bathed in golden morning light. The climb is steep but rewarding, and every breath is worth the breathtaking silence and majesty above the clouds.

After descending to Gokyo for a hearty breakfast, your next challenge is the dramatic Renjo La Pass (5,360m). This lesser-trodden route offers solitude, raw alpine scenery, and sweeping views of the Gokyo Valley and surrounding peaks. After crossing the pass, the trail drops steeply into the remote Bhote Koshi Valley, eventually leading to Lungden (4,370m). This quiet village is the perfect place to rest, surrounded by untouched terrain and a deep sense of Himalayan wilderness.

Trek to Thame Village (3,820m) and Visit Thame Monastery

Leaving Lungden behind, the trail descends gently along the Bhote Koshi River, winding through yak pastures, stone-walled fields, and traditional Sherpa villages. As you trek toward Thame (3,820m), the landscape opens up to a quiet and peaceful valley far removed from the busier Everest routes. This off-the-beaten-path village is a hidden gem, rich in heritage and blessed with panoramic views of Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru.

Upon arrival, a short walk brings you to the historic Thame Monastery, perched on a hillside above the village. This centuries-old gompa is one of the oldest and most important spiritual centers in the Khumbu region. Surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and the chants of monks, the monastery offers a serene space for reflection. It’s also known as the childhood monastery of renowned climbers like Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, adding deep cultural significance to your visit.

Trek Down to Namche Bazaar (3,445m)

Today’s journey takes you through the heart of the Khumbu, descending from the quiet, spiritual village of Thame back to the vibrant Sherpa hub of Namche Bazaar. The trail gently winds along the banks of the Bhote Koshi River, passing through dense pine and rhododendron forests, traditional stone homes, and grazing yak pastures. Along the way, you’ll cross quaint suspension bridges and enjoy stunning views of Kongde Ri and Thamserku as the Himalayas stretch behind you like a farewell gift.

As you approach Namche, the bustling town seems almost surreal after the solitude of the upper valleys. Namche welcomes you once again with its familiar winding alleys, cozy lodges, bakeries, and warm Sherpa smiles. It’s the perfect place to reflect on your high mountain journey, indulge in a well-earned treat, and enjoy a restful night surrounded by the charm and energy of the Khumbu’s most iconic village.

Trek Down to Lukla (2,850m)

Your final trekking day leads you from the vibrant hillside village of Namche Bazaar down toward Lukla, retracing your steps along the winding trails that once led you to the heart of Everest. The descent is steep at times, especially in the early hours, with suspension bridges crossing over the thundering Dudh Koshi River and trails meandering through lush pine and rhododendron forests. Each step downward carries a blend of reflection and pride, as the towering peaks slowly fade into memory.

Passing through familiar villages like Monjo, Phakding, and Cheplung, the trail feels warmer and greener. You’ll notice the rhythm of life returning—children playing, porters smiling, and bells chiming from distant yak caravans. Arriving in Lukla feels like a celebration; it’s here that you’ll raise a cup of tea or something stronger with your guide and fellow trekkers, toasting the incredible journey across high passes, glaciers, and sacred Himalayan trails.

Fly Back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap

After a heartfelt farewell to the mountains and a final morning in Lukla (2,850m), you’ll board a scenic flight back to either Kathmandu or Ramechhap, depending on flight schedules and seasonal conditions. As the small aircraft lifts off from the dramatic runway of Lukla, you’ll be treated to one last bird’s-eye view of the Everest region, where snow-draped peaks pierce the sky and valleys snake their way through emerald forests.

If flying directly to Kathmandu, you'll land in the bustling capital in under 40 minutes. The contrast between the serenity of the mountains and the vibrant rhythm of city life is both surreal and energizing. A warm shower, soft bed, and delicious meal await—along with the joy of recounting your Himalayan adventure.

Alternatively, if your flight lands in Ramechhap, a picturesque drive of about 4–5 hours will bring you back to Kathmandu. Along the way, enjoy the rural beauty of Nepal’s rolling hills, terraced farms, and peaceful villages. Whichever route you take, your journey back marks the end of a truly epic trek, etched forever in memory with the mountains' whisper still in your heart.