Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trekking

This is the classic Everest trek, combined with a detour up to the stunning Gokyo Lakes and over the Cho La Pass. The trip takes you to the Sherpa lands of the Solukhhumbu and up the Dudh Kosi and into the Sagarmatha National Park. The trip culminates with a visit to Everest Base camp where you will be in and amongst the Summit groups themselves. We will then visit Kala Pataar (5545 metres) for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. A 20 day trip which includes a full itinerary visiting the best sites of Kathmandu.

3 Day Nepalese Experience Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu  and Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trekking Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
On your arrival at Kathmandu, Tribhuvan Airport, you will be met by a representative of Sacred Himalaya and taken to your hotel in the Thamel district of Kathmandu.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included : BB

Your Kathmandu Hotel Accommodation with BB

Day 02: Swayambhunath Temple – Kathmandu Durbar Square
This will be the first of your sightseeing days in Kathmandu. In the morning we will head for Swayambhunath (Monkey) Temple. Swayambhunath is a UNESCO, World Heritage and one of the must see sights of the Valley. We will walk the 365 steps up to the Stupa. There is much to see, not least the three large Buddha statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Chenrezig and Guru Rinpoche. in the park to the rear. In the afternoon we visit the Durbar square in Kathmandu
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included : BB

Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding(2,651m/8,700ft): 8km, 3 – 4 hours trek
During the 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,186ft), we enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks. At Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins, we meet our other crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, we start trekking. At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we then gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280 ft): 11km, 5 – 6 hours
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, we follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar. Then, we cross Dudh Koshi River and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Then crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings us to the prime heart land of Sherpa village – Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, we can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 05: Acclimatization Day – Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)
There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar, and we can spend a day here acclimatizing. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Our guides can take us to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If we are interested in a day hike, we trek to Khumjung village (12401ft)-a beautiful village with a Sherpa settlement. In exploring Namche Bazar, we observe traditional Sherpa life, Khumjung Hillary School and enjoy flora and fauna found at such altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 06 – Namche Bazaar – Phortse Thanga
After our rest at Namche we are prepared physically and mentally to proceed further with our trek. To begin the trek from Namche we climb the hill to Khumjung and then descend to the east of the village down the broad Valley leading to the Dudh Koshi. The Gokyo route turns north, climbing above the more frequented route to Tengboche and Everest base camp. The two trails soon join and continue towards a large Chorten on the ridge top at 3973m. This ridge descends from Khumbila. Again from Mong the trail descends in steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dudh Koshi. The trail to Everest drops down the hill but we turn off here and climb to cross the Mon La before reaching Phortse Thanga.
Overnight stay at Phortse Thanga.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 07 – Phortse Thanga – Dole
Phortse Thanga To Dole [4090m]. After breakfast we advance for the next destination. The trail climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests from Phortse Thanga. The route passing through a herders’ hut at Tongba climbs gently to Dole (4090m).
Overnight stay at Dole.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 08 – Dole – Machhermo
Dole To Machermo [4410m]. The trail becomes steep as we climb through Gyele on to Lhabarma at 4330m. We then walk on the banks of the large stream of Luza at 4340m from here the trail continues to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to Machermo at 4410m.
Overnight stay at Machhermo.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 09 – Machhermo – Gokyo
Machhermo to Gokyo. The trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kantega and up towards Cho Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangka at 4390m then descends to the river bank before beginning of climb on to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier.It’s a steep climb up the moraine, switchbacking alongside the stream to the first small lake at 4650m, where a family of green Braminy ducks resides. The trail now becomes almost level at 4690m and finally Gokyo at 4750m.
Overnight in Gokyo
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10 –Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day – Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft): 2km, 3 – 4 hours
We will hike to Gokyo Ri, a small peak above Gokyo village, in the morning and savor the fantastic views of the entire Khumbu region. As we ascend, the views become even more fantastic and we can see four of the seven highest peaks of Nepal, Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Reaching the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho we take pleasure in the lake’s serene beauty after which we trek back along the retracing trail to the third lake. We may take an additional hike up to the fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho if time permits and depending on our physical conditions. From here, the view of Ngozumba glacier, the longest glacier of the Himalayas, is so fascinating. Overnight in Gokyo.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11: Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m/15,580 ft): 4km, 3 – 4 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 12: Thagnak to Cho La pass (5,367m/17,604 ft) to Dzongla (15, 939 ft): 7km, 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 13: Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 6km, 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 14: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft): 13km, 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 and Dinner

Day 15: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pherice (4,288m/14,070ft): 16km, 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 see360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Pheriche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Pherice.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch and Dinner