Kathmandu, Central Region – Nepal
Prices Start At ₹ 1,20,000 INR / 1716 $ USD
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes, recognized for the series of beautiful turquoise lakes in the Gokyo valley and the famous Cho La Pass, takes us through the landmarks of the Khumbu region in the company of majestically soaring mountains, friendly Sherpas, colorful monasteries, the Namche Bazaar, the Sagarmatha National Park, and, of course, to the base of the mighty Everest. The trek in advancing to the base of the world’s tallest mountain maps out spectacular vistas from such celebrated viewpoints like Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar. The trek also awards us with great views of the Khumbu Icefall. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp through Gokyo Lakes, in a nutshell, will be a lifetime experience with the enthralling sights of Mt. Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Amadablam, Pumori, and Tengboche Monastery – the largest monastery in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes’ itinerary is ideal for hikers who wish to take up more challenge and “stay off the beaten path” while treading upon remote Nepalese trails. However if you are a novice trekker who is in good health and average physical fitness then Everest Base Camp Trek – 16 Days might be right for you. Additionally, if you are an experienced trekker who wants to trek to the Everest Base Camp but has limited amount of time in your hands then you can sign up for Everest Base Camp Short Trek – 14 Days instead.
Landing in Lukla (2,680 m) is the real deal. On a clear day, it will be one of the smoothest landings you’ve ever experienced. Add to it the thrill of sitting right behind the pilot, watching his every move and every dial on the instrument panel. Lukla is a fully manual landing and so entirely dependent on visibility and weather conditions.
All it needs is a phone call from Lukla saying, “all clear” and suddenly the hostesses at Kathmandu (1,400 m) airport are packing you off into the numerous turbo props. Made me think its so easy to hijack these aircrafts. But then, only an idiot would hijack a dozen people who don’t see anything right in living normally!
Prayer stones and mini stupas with an elegant script are a common place through the entire trek but more so where the villages abound.
The Swiss suspension bridge that eventually gets you to Namche is perched a good 1,000 ft above the tempestuous white waters of the Dudh Kosi. You just can’t help but take a dozen pictures in all kinds of poses on this engineering marvel that is practically the lifeline of Khumbu region.
Namche Bazaar at 3450 m, the headquarters of the Khumbu region. Right from your basic supplies, to supermarkets stocking Snickers, beer and gear, to pubs, to branded trekking shops, to an ATM you have it all here. Spend a day here to acclimatize, walk around and ponder for the rest of the way, how the hell did they get it all there????When you spared a thought for that, it won’t hurt when you pay a 100 NPR for a bottle of water.
On treks, you haven’t really photographed, till you’ve photographed at night. Post dinner, a simple suggestion to our trek leader about the possibility of seeing the mountains at night was well received. So, close to 10 pm, we went up back to the museum. At first we saw clouds blocking off our sight, but within minutes, almost as if to serve an audience, they cleared off! In this picture is the most beautiful mountain on the Everest range – Ama Dablam ( 6, 812 m).
The Tenzing Norgay Stupa is an unmissable landmark on the route beyond Namche. Perched high on a bend on the mountain trail, it’s a great place to catch your breath as you spend some time here enjoying the views and the relentless wind!
On a clear day, the initial part of the walk out of Namche towards the Everest region keeps your eyes fixated on the Everest (8, 848 m) and Ama Dablam. And here, I actually walked back a couple of steps to click this picture of the Tenzing Norgay stupa elegantly positioned at the meeting point of leading lines formed by the slopes of the Ama Dablam and below a blizzard-infested Nuptse (7, 861 m) /Lhotse (8,516 m).
The point where we broke away from the Everest highway onto the Gokyo trail. I did miss the busy international feel of the Everest Base Camp highway at this point, but in hindsight, I’m glad that I did walk this stupendous region!
Beyond Dole and later beyond Macchermo, the Cho Oyu (8, 201 m) is your companion till you cross the Ngozumpa glacier two days later. The sixth highest mountain is a huge snow wall and an additional treat on the Gokyo trail, as compared to the standard Everest Base Camp trail.
En route to Gokyo from Macchermo, the boulder walk makes you climb levels and at each level you find a pristine blue/green lake of increasing dimension till you reach Lake 3 at Gokyo. It is forbidden to take a skinny dip due to religious reasons and we didn’t even venture to find out if anyone can fish in them. Probably not…
Gokyo Lakes look pretty unassuming from the ground level. As we walked past 3 of them during our walk from Macchermo to Gokyo, I had written them off having seen the splendour of the Kashmir Great Lakes. But then, God also made Gokyo Ri (5, 357 m). And he made sure that every man who goes past these lakes also climbs Gokyo Ri to see how beautiful even his watery creations were. As you climb Gokyo Ri expecting to see the mighty Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu etc, right behind you, the three blue/green grand lakes seems to dwarf everything around them. Here you can see trekkers climbing up and as they catch on precious breath, get enthralled by what stands behind them!
Classic view of Mt.Everest (8, 848 m), Lhotse (8, 516 m) , Nuptse (7,861 m) and Makalu (8,481 m) from Gokyo Ri summit. The Ngozumpa glacier and its ever moving glacial lakes lie in the foreground.
The dreaded crossing of the Ngozumpa Glacier – the largest glacier in the Himalayas. It must be around 500 m in width and takes about 2 hrs to traverse. Our leader, Gurdit, had just one instruction for us… “This area is prone to rockfalls. Get out of this place ASAP.” For a perspective, look at the progressively diminutive trekkers on the right as they get to the base of the glacier.
Reaching the pseudo Chola pass.. an early morning start meant biting cold as we walked. As you climb up the valley behind Thagna, you see the sun rise ahead of you behind a ridge. You can’t wait to ascend up to sunlight. A fairly steep climb lands you at this perch, making you believe you’ve reached Chola Pass, until you see the Chola Pass ahead of you from where you stand. That climb is another story altogether.
En route to Dzongla, you get welcomed back to Everest region by a frontal view of the endearing Ama Dablam. This peak looks so different from different spots on the trek! Now, you’re officially done with the Gokyo region and Chola pass successfully!
While walking from Dzongla to Lobuche, the valley and the beautiful snow-clad peaks will take your breath away! The blue skies and the myriad cloud formations, and a flat walk skirting the mountain ridge curving out of Dzongla valley, makes for a particularly enjoyable walk.
Mt Pumori (7, 161 m) , Mt LingtrenTse, Mt KhumbuTse and the Western shoulder of Mt Everest form the cauldron that houses Kala Patthar (5, 644 m), Everest Base Camp (5, 380 m) and the origins of the Khumbu valley. It’s a glorious feeling to walk amongst such big mountains!
Just above Dughla on the Everest highway, you’ll find memorials for eminent mountaineers who gave their lives away on the slopes. Here is a memorial for Scott Fischer.
Mt Pumori – a beautiful name for a beautiful mountain – is now the dominant mountain in sight as you walk towards Lobuche and then to Gorakhshep. Our lead Nepali guide opined that its also the toughest mountain to climb in the Khumbu region.
Gorakhshep that now houses extremely busy tea houses with excellent WiFi connectivity at the base of Kala Patthar (the dark hill with trails leading to its top) and Mt Pumori behind.
As you make the 3 hour walk to Everest Base Camp from Gorakhshep, you reach a point that gives you a birds eye view of Everest Base Camp on the edge of the Khumbu icefall. The Khumbu glacier, the Western shoulder of Everest and Nuptse and the Everest with her customary cloud halo peeking behind it look over the base camp.
Walking to the expedition tents of Everest Base Camp is very exciting. There is no trail on the extremely slippery and loose moraine. You really don’t want to trouble the mountaineers often sunning themselves outside their tents. Yet you want to walk as far as time allows you to without losing your way in the maze of the tents. But what quietly impresses you is the innocuous but unbelievably dangerous Khumbu icefall seracs standing right next to you. It can be a huge temptation to walk on it, but I refrained from doing so.
From the summit of Kala Patthar (5,643 m), you can easily visualize the entire Everest summit day climb from South Col (7900m) following the Southern ridge, the South Summit, Hillary step and the summit. The ridge leading to the top of Lhotse from South Col is also visible.
Watching the sun rise from behind Everest, stunning us as we climb up to Kala Patthar.
Description:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft): 8km, 3 – 4 hours trek
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280 ft): 11km, 5 – 6 hours
Day 05: Acclimatization Day – Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3,680m/12,073ft): 6km, 5-6 hours
Day 07: Phortse Thanga to Machhermo (4,470m/ 14,663ft): 10km, 4-5 hours
Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800 m/15,744 ft): 7km, 4-5 hours
Day 09: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day – Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft): 2km, 3 – 4
hours
Day 10: Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m/15,580 ft): 4km, 4 – 5 hours
Day 11: Thagnak to Cho La pass (5,367m/17,604 ft) to Dzongla (15, 939 ft): 7km, 7 – 8 hours
Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 6km, 2 – 3 hours
Day 13: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft): 13km,
6-7 hours
Day 14: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pherice (4,288m/14,070ft): 16km, 7-8 hours
Day 15: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar: 20km, 6 – 7 hours
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft): 19km, 6 – 7 hours
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 18: Final departure
Departure Time: 5:30 AM
Departure: Traveler pickup is offered
One of the representative from Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure will be waiting
you outside the international airport terminal gate holding your name then
transfer you to the hotel in kathmandu.
Ports
Tribhuvan International Airport ,Kathmandu ,Nepal
- Departure Details:
- Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 – 60 minutes prior to this time
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.
Valid from the time you exchange your voucher, for the duration selected.
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Day 01 : Kathmandu(1,350m/4,428ft)
- One of the representative from Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure will be waiting
- you outside the international gate holding your name and You will be transferred to your hotel.
- Day 02 : Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Day tour of Kathmandu city , Proceed on to Swayambhunath Stupa.
Swayambhunath is a Buddhist Stupa said to be more than 2000 years old, is
perched on a hillock 77 meters above the valley floor and offering a bird’s eye view
of the Kathmandu City. Afternoon, tour of Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the “city
of beauty” is the oldest city in the valley. A great center both of the Newari Buddhist
religion and of traditional arts & crafts with 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major
temples. Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu
- Day 03 : Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding(2,651m/8,700ft): 40 minutes flight, 3 – 4 hours trek
We take an early morning flight to Lukla and meet our rest of the crew members in
Lukla and start our trek. The trail then leads to Phakding via Cheplung village from
where we get a magnificent view of Mt. Khumbila, a sacred mountain which has
never been summited.Overnight at Phakding
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Included meals:Breakfast /Lunch/ Dinner
- Day 04 : Phakding – Namche (3,438m/11,280 ft): 5 – 6 hours
We continue our walk on the trail that goes north up the Benkar valley. We cross
Dudh Koshi River and pass Chumoa and Monjo villages leading the entrance to the
Everest National Park. Then we pass Jorsale village crossing a suspension bridge
and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. We continue our trek
ascending on a steep trail and reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
- Included meals: Breakfast /Lunch/ Dinner
- Day 05 : Acclimatization Day – Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)
- We explore Namche Bazaar and hike-up to Sagarmatha National Park and enjoy the
- sunrise over the Himalayas including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam,
- Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If we are interested in a day hike, we can trek to
- Khumjung village.Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
- Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner
- Day 06 : Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3,680m/12,073ft): 5-6 hours
We climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad
valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north. There are two
trails and our guide will choose the best option for us to follow. There is a chorten
on the ridge top at 3973 m which descends from Mt. Khumbila (5761 m). We visit
Mohang, the birthplace of the re-incarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet
who is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The
trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dush
Koshi. We stay overnight in Phortse Tanga, near the river.
- Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner
- Day 07 : Phortse Thanga to Machhermo (4,470m/ 14,663ft): 4-5 hours
From Phortse Thanga,we climb to Machhermo following on a trail alongside a
rhododendron forest and pass through a waterfall before reaching Tongba Village.
We continue our uphill trek and pass through Dhole, Labarma and Luza villages
before reaching Machhermo. There is a Chhorten right before the Luza village.
Throughout today’s journey we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Overnight in Machhermo.
- Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner
- Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800 m/15,744 ft): 4-5 hours
We begin today by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to
Kangtaiga and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153 m). The valley now widens as the
trail passes through Phangkha, where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We
then descend to the riverbank before climbing onto the terminal moraine of the
Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the
trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo, at
4690 m. At this juncture, we get a chance to observe lama footprints on a stone. At
the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we become mesmerized by the
shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the
second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo
village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an
amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third lake,
Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in Gokyo.
- Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner
- Day 09 : Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day – Optional Hike to 5th Lake: 6-7 hours
We can spend this day taking a rest in the Gokyo Valley or hike to the 5th lake. If the
weather is good, another option could be to climb Gokyo Ri, a popular viewpoint to
enjoy stunning views of the mountain vista. We walk 3 km north of Gokyo to reach
the fourth lake also called Thonak Tsho. We take pleasure in the lake’s serene
beauty and continue to the 5th lake, also called Ngozumba Tsho. If we want to, we
can climb a hill, also called the Scoundrel’s Viewpoint, which is located at the edge
of the 5th lake. From here we get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang,
Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu mountains. From here, we also see the Cho
Oyu base camp. In fact, Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang seems just a stone’s throw
away. Another treat for us is the view of the biggest glacier of the world- the
Ngozumba Glacier. We trek back to Gokyo and spend the night.
- Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner
- Day 10 : Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m/15,580 ft): 4 – 5 hours
if we did not climb the Gokyo Ri the previous day, we can do that today. Climbing to
the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding as it is steep and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach
the top. But the scenery of Gokyo village, on the edge of third lake overlooked by
Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier, is magnificent. We are surrounded by
panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche
, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. The sight of
sunrays kissing Everest which towers over all the surrounding peaks is astounding.
We trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next,
traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thagnak. It will be
a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for long hiking
days and elevation gain to come.
- Included meals: Breakfast /Lunch/ Dinner
- Day 11 : Thagnak to Cho La pass (5,367m/17,604 ft) to Dzongla (15, 939 ft): 7 – 8 hours
Today is going to be one of the toughest days of the trip. The Cho La pass is not itself
difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need
to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice may cause trouble by
making the trail slippery. The trail from Phedi climbs through a ravine and a rocky
trail. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake, we reach at the top of the
pass decorated with prayer flags. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range
of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soars to the west and Lobuche East and
Baruntse rises sharply to our right. We need to pass through some crevasses before
we reach Dzongla Village. The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama
Dablam, Lobuche mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below.
- Included meals : Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 12 : Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 2 – 3 hours
This will be a very short trek so we have a lot time to relax and enjoy the beauty
that surrounds us. We climb down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail
while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail curves through the wide river
bed before reaching Lobuche. We can spend the rest of day taking a rest which will
help us prepare for the next day’s long trek. Overnight in Lobuche.
- Included meals: Breakfast /Lunch/ Dinner
- Day 13 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft): 6-7 hours
We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake.
Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’
memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that we
follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high
altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the
Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of
mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray
surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the
mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good
night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep. However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar
is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is recommended that we visit Kala
Patthar today during sunset. As the setting sun’s rays strike the snow-capped
mountains, the resulting scenery is incredible. Therefore, for those trekkers who
wish to continue to Kala Patthar today instead of the next day please inform your guide and he/she will coordinate accordingly.
- Included meals: Breakfast /Lunch/ Dinner
- Day 14 : Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pherice (4,288m/14,070ft) 7-8 hours
We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold
temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which
are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse
tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala
Patthar that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest.
We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back
to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche. Those participants who
will visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as
Everest base camp hike takes longer than the hike at Kala Patthar. After returning
to Gorak Shep, both the groups will have lunch together; the afternoon is taken to
descend down to Pheriche for a good night’s rest.
- Included meals: Breakfast /Lunch/ Dinner
- Day 15 : Pheriche to Namche Bazaar: 6 – 7 hours
- We trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees.
- After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail
- follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. In the forest,
- we may come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The path eventually
- reaches Sansa from where we can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and
- Nuptse mountains. We also pass winding trails then through a forest before
- reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
- Included meals: Breakfast /Lunch/ Dinner
- Day 16 : Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6 – 7 hours
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky
legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges
over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level
and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the
experiences of the last couple of days. Overnight in Lukla
- Included meals: Breakfast /Lunch/ Dinner
- Day 17 : Lukla – Kathmandu 1400 m
We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel. We take you for a
cultural dinner in the evening.Overnight in Kathmandu.
- Included meals: Breakfast/Dinner
- Day 18 : Departure Day
- Our driver will transfer to the airport to connect your international flight.
- ncluded meals: Breakfast
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Teahouse accommodation including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trek
- farewell dinners
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu)
- Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing by private vehicle
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trekking Guide.
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and
- accommodation
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes
- Breakfast
- Nepalese visa fee
- Excess baggage charge(s)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- International flights
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
- Kathmandu ,Nepal
- Hotel for pick up
- Weights for helicopter tours
Choice of times for tours
- Special dietary requirements, meal choices etc.
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