Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek

This is one of Nepal’s most famous treks, set amongst breath-taking high mountain scenery, through the Khumbu - Sherpa country. After a magnificent mountain flight to Lukla we follow the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche Bazaar. The trail to Gokyo is a gradual ascent up the valley passing through patches of birch and rhododendron forest where the elusive musk deer can sometimes be seen. Through small yak-grazing settlements we reach the Gokyo lakes where we climb Gokyo Peak (5480m) and enjoy stunning summit mountain scenery including Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyo. From this point we follow a trail heading south for Phortse, then north for Pheriche. After the ascent of Kala Pattar (5545m) and the impressive up-close view of Everest, our return route passes through Tengboche, a magnificent location with a fascinating monastery. We rest here and savor the incredible scenery, including magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6809m), Kwangde (6194m), Nuptse (7879m), and Lhotse (8511m), to name but a few.

This trek is to be considered as an alternative trek to the traditional Everest Base Camp trek that offers magnificent view of the mountain peaks and the Ngozumpa Glacier- the largest in the Nepal Himalayas.

This extraordinary trek is also worthy in a sense that it offers an ample opportunity to explore the amazing destination and its impressive sight, which is beyond human imagination.

Trip Facts

Duration:	17days
Destination:	Nepal
Activity:	Treks
Region:	Everest Trekking Region
Package nature:	Everest Trekking
Season:	All Season
Trip start from:	Kathmandu
Trip ends at:	Kathmandu
Possibility:	Tea House & Camping
Grade:	Strenuous
Max altitude:	5545m

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 01.    Arrival at the Kathmandu
Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu
Welcome by our representative
Transfer to the hotel 
Trekking preparation  
Overnight at the hotel

Day 02.    Kathmandu-Lukla
Transfer to Domestic airport 
Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Please note that flight is subject to weather conditions. Due to weather, sometime flight may delay and cancel.
Upon arrival in Lukla, you will be met by our trek guide and porters. From Lukla we descend on a wide trail northwest to the village of Choblung in the Dudh Kosi Valley. The valley radiates energy through beautiful pine and rhododendron forest. The trek is easy and we follow the river's course, passing through the village of Ghat. Our destination is the small village of Phakding where we will spend overnight.
Overnight at the local lodge 

Day 03.    Phakding-Namche Bazzar
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Trek through a beautiful pine forest, the track leads us along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch wonderful prospect of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about one hour we get first sight fist of at Mt. Everest, peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We stop at Chauatra to admire the view. We still need to walk about 1 hour to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. We stay overnight in Namche Bazaar
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 04.    Namche Bazzar
Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a highly important village for the Sherpa people. In the morning we visit the Sherpa Museum and Visitor Centre. This contains an interesting display on Sherpa life and culture, lots of information on the forests, wildlife and plants of the area and an exhibit on the history of climbing in the Khumbu.
The afternoon is free for you to make an excursion up the valley beyond Namche towards the village of Thamo or you can relax in the village. About 4 hours walk round trip.
Overnight at the local lodge 

Day 05.    Namche Bazzar- Phortse Tenga  
Trek from Namche Phortse Tenga
After breakfast, we trek to the villages of Khumjung set below Khumbila, the rocky peak sacred to all Sherpas. In Khumjung we can see the Edmund Hillary School. There should also be time to visit Khumjung monastery, where for a small donation we will be shown the only Yeti skull in the world! Descending to the main trail and meet the main trail to Gokyo then we climb approx 1 ½ hrs to reach the pass called Mong La marked by a chorten on the top of a ridge at 3972m.and we decent all the way to Phorste Tenga for overnight.
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 06.    Phortse Tenga -Dole
Trek from Phorste Tenga to Dole
From Phortse Tenga the trail starts to climb steeply out of the valley and we enter the rhododendron forests, which give way to juniper and conifers higher up the valley. We pass through many kharkas, summer settlements used by the Sherpas to graze their yaks, before coming to Dole where we have magnificent views of Cholatshe and Tawoche.
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 07.    Dole-Machhermo
Trek from Dole to Machhermo
Today is a short walk for us. From Dole the trail is steep in places as it passes through Lhabarma and Luza along the side of the valley, high above the river through scrub junipers until we cross the dusty trail to Machhermo (4410m). It was here in 1974 that a yeti was reported to have attacked a sherpa and killed three yaks! We should get to Machhermo by lunch time and in the afternoon there is time for an acclimatization walk up onto the ridge behind the lodge for amazing views of Thamserku.
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 08.    Machhermo-Gokyo
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo
Today, we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8203m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after some gentle walk. Phangka is the place where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over an stream the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe the 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 Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend night in a teahouse at Gokyo.
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 09.    Gokyo-Gokyo Ri 
Trek to Gokyo Ri and backtrack to Tangnak
An early start this morning for the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m), a small peak above Gokyo village. As we climb the views become even more fantastic and from the top we can see four of the eight highest peaks in the Nepal Himalaya: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Stretching out for miles below us is the longest glacier in Nepal - the Ngozumpo glacier, which tumbles down from the slopes of Cho Oyu. One of the best all round views in Nepal, the climb is well worth the effort. We return to Gokyo for lunch. Mid afternoon we retrace our steps to the second lake and climb to the crest of the moraine overlooking the Ngozumpo glacier. The route across the glacier is well marked with cairns and takes us to the eastern side of the Gokyo Valley. We stay tonight at Tangnak (4700m) at the foot of the Cho La Pass.
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 10.    Tangnak-Dzongla
Trek to Dzongla, Cross the Cho La
An early start for the long day across the Cho La (5330m). We climb up from Tangnak and approach a large boulder field. Beyond this ancient moraine, the climb to the pass is steep in places, involving some easy scrambling. The upper part of the route can be snow covered, particularly after November. From the pass there are excellent views including an unusual aspect of Ama Dablam. The descent from the pass involves the crossing of a small glacier (usually snow covered) which is fairly straightforward. We descend steeply to the grazing pastures below, the trail becoming more defined as we approach Dzongla (4830m), where we stay tonight in a very small basic lodge.
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 11.    Dzongla-Lobuche
Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche
Leaving Dzongla we continue our descent on an easy trail. A short ascent brings us to the foot of Awi Peak, which we contour round on a wonderful high trail with great views of Chalotse and Tawoche across the valley. We finally descend to join the main trail again just below Lobuje. We spend the night at Lobuche (4,930m). The sunset on Nuptse from the ridge across from the lodge is not to be missed.
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 12.    Lobuche-Gorakshep
Lobuche to Gorakshep; day trip to Everest Base Camp
We are now surrounded by giant Himalayan peaks; Everest, Nuptse, Lingtren, Khumbutse and Pumori tower above us. Today is very long and hard as we visit Everest Base Camp. The trail from Lobuje climbs steadily by the side of the Khumbu Glacier, and after crossing glacier rubble we arrive at Gorakshep (5160m), a summer yak-herder settlement situated at the foot of Kala Pattar. After a short break and snack we set off for Base Camp. The trail heads along the crest of the moraine at first and then drops onto the Khumbu Glacier itself, where we get magnificent close-up views of the great Khumbu Icefall as it tumbles down from Everest. In the spring season we will see expedition teams as they prepare for an ascent. We retrace our steps to Gorakshep for the night.
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 13.    Kala Patthar-Pheriche
Kala Patthar and Pheriche
Another long day as we ascend the small peak of Kala Pattar ('black rock') at 5545 m. It is a steep two-hour climb to the summit, but the effort is well worth it, as we appreciate the most magnificent view of the Khumbu glacier and above all a close-up sight of the world's highest mountain which the Nepalese call Sagarmatha – Fore Head of Sky and the Sherpas Chomolungma - Mother of the World. We return to Gorakshep and descend past Lobuche to Pheriche. Please note the exact order in which we trek up Kala Pattar and visit Everest Base Camp will depend on the weather and how the group is acclimatizing. Both days are long and hard due to the high altitude.
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 14.    Pheriche-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar
Trek from Pheriche to Tengboche-Namche
Today, we trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it is spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Depending on our hunger and condition, we either have our lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga for lunch. After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. We stop at Kyangjuma (3570 m/11,710 ft) for a relaxed lunch. We unknowingly appreciate the gorgeous Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse with every bite. Following lunch, the trail to Namche Bazaar clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. We keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest by the trail. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. At this point, we would like to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. On reaching our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 15.    Namche-Lukla
Trek from Namche to Lukla
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control 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. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. Upon arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile on faces! Overnight in Lukla
Overnight at the local lodge

Day 16.    Lukla-Kathmandu
Flight to Kathmandu 
Evening: Nepali dinner with a live cultural show at the Nepali restaurant [Complement]
Overnight at the hotel

Day 17.    Depart from Kathmandu
According to your flight schedule, it is varies on your departure time rest of day is at leisure for independent activities of your interest until we pick you up at the hotel or we could plan some activities upon your choice if it is late hour flight and then transfer to airport for your further destination

SERVICE INCLUDE

01.    All tours & transfer as per the given itinerary by comfortable private vehicle 
02.    All sightseeing tours with an English speaking local guide as per itinerary
03.    All applicable monument entrance fees
04.    TIMS Card & permit fees
05.    Trekking  guide & porter 
06.    Free Trekking Bag
07.    All activities which are mention in above itinerary 
08.    Daily buffet breakfast in Kathmandu 
19.    Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner during the trekking time 
10.    All accommodation in the mention hotel 

SERVICE EXLUDE

01.    Nepal Visa fees  
02.    Meals in Kathmandu [Lunch & dinner: US$ 10-20 per lunch/dinner]
03.    Air-conditional vehicle for budget package
04.    Necessary trekking equipment and things as per check list 
05.    Tips for driver, guide &  porter 
06.    Airfare 
07.    Personal expenses such as insurance, medical charges, laundry, shopping, liquor etc 
08.    Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation
09.    Any transportation cost outside of the regular itinerary
10.    Camera Fees at certain entrances
11.    Cost arising by flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides and reasons beyond our             control