Trace the river gorge through pine and fir forests, registering permits at Monjo. Cross the high Hillary Suspension Bridge spanning the confluence of the Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi. Climb the sustained forest switchbacks up to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar.

Climb past the Syangboche airstrip to the Everest View Hotel for your first direct sight of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Descend into Khumjung village to visit the local monastery and the historic Hillary School before returning to Namche for the evening.

Follow the high balcony trail overlooking the Imja Khola with views of Ama Dablam. Descend stone steps through forest to Phunki Thenga for lunch, then make a steady 2-hour uphill climb through rhododendron woods to reach Tengboche Monastery on the open ridge.

Descend through birch and fir trees to Deboche and cross the rushing Imja Khola. Pass the ancient stone settlement of Pangboche beneath Ama Dablam's north face and climb into the alpine tundra to the stone-walled pastures of Dingboche.

A short high-altitude walk branching east into the Imja Valley beneath the massive south wall of Lhotse and Nuptse. Arrive in the high mountain outpost of Chhukung. In the afternoon, take an acclimatization hike toward Island Peak Base Camp or the Chhukung glacier moraine.

Tackle an early morning non-technical climb to the summit of Chhukung Ri (5,546 m). From this vantage point, take in views of the sheer Lhotse-Nuptse wall, Ama Dablam, Makalu (8,485 m), and Baruntse. Descend to Chhukung to rest and prepare gear for the first pass.

Depart before dawn into the high alpine wilderness. Climb steep rocky terrain and scree slopes past frozen tarns to the prayer flags of Kongma La (5,535 m)—the highest pass on the circuit. Descend a steep scree gully and cross the boulder-strewn moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche.

Follow the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep. Drop heavy packs, hydrate, and hike across the active glacial path to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. Take photos by the landmark marker before returning to Gorak Shep.

Pre-dawn ascent up the switchbacks of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for sunrise illuminating Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori. Descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast, pack up, and trek past Lobuche, branching west along the alpine lake of Chola Tsho to the lodge hamlet of Dzongla.

An early start to climb the rocky headwall of Cho La. Put on microspikes to cross the glaciated, crevassed ice field at the pass summit (5,420 m). Enjoy views of Cholatse and Baruntse before carefully descending a steep scree and boulder field into the valley basin of Thagnak.

Cross the lateral and medial moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier—the longest glacier in the Himalayas. Navigate gravel mounds, frozen lakes, and shifting rock tracks to emerge beside the turquoise waters of Dudh Pokhari (the Third Lake) at Gokyo Village.

Climb the switchback trail to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for a 360-degree panorama of four 8,000 m giants: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. In the afternoon, rest by the lakeside or hike north along the glacier moraine toward the Fourth and Fifth Gokyo Lakes.

Climb the stone-cut staircase path along the western shore of Dudh Pokhari to reach the crest of Renjo La Pass (5,360 m). Take in an unblocked view back across the turquoise lake toward Everest and Makalu. Descend the steep western scree trail into the remote Bhote Koshi valley at Lungden.

Walk down the historic Tibetan yak-caravan trading route following the Bhote Koshi river. Pass through ancient stone-walled settlements at Marulung to arrive in Thame, the home village of legendary mountaineers Tenzing Norgay and Apa Sherpa. Visit the historic 14th-century Thame Gompa.

Follow the forested trail contouring high above the river, passing rock paintings of Buddhist deities to re-enter Namche Bazaar. After a short break, descend the steep forest switchbacks past the Hillary Bridge to check into your lodge in Monjo.

Follow the Dudh Koshi riverbank through Phakding and small farming hamlets, crossing suspension bridges over the turquoise river. Make a final steady climb back up through the stone gateway of Lukla for an evening celebration dinner with your crew.

Board an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu (or Ramechhap). Meet our airport transfer vehicle for private drop-off at your hotel, concluding the complete 18-day Everest Three Passes expedition.