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Everest-Gokyo Trekking
Trip Introduction
The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trekking itinerary has been designed in such a way so as to make your trip easy, exciting and unforgettable. We have overlooked and excluded those challenging walks through Cho La pass thereby making the trip less strenuous.
Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be greeted with our BBP local guide who will escort us to our designated hotel. We may take a rest or visit THAMEL(Tourist Hub ) in the afternoon. Later, in the evening, a welcome dinner with authentic Nepalese cuisine, that introduces the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu, which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Patan Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘monkey temple’ (Swayambhunath), and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. During the late afternoon, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.
We take an early morning flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region and an exceptionally beautiful mountain town. During this 40-minute flight, we are able to enjoy the beauty of the rocky foothills paving ways to the majestic Himalayas. At Lukla, we meet our other crew members, get ready and start trekking. We walk on a trail that gradually descends to Cheplung village from where we get a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila, a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From here, we gradually descend until Phakding. If time permits, we make a quick hike up to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.
We will have breakfast before gearing up for the trek to Namche Bazaar, the largest Sherpa village. Our trail takes us over Dudh Koshi river via a suspension bridge and passes through a beautiful pine forest going beyond Benkar valley before reaching Monjo village. Approaching the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a brief permit check, we descend to Dudh Koshi river. Crossing the spectacular Hillary suspension bridge, we begin to ascend the prime heartland of Sherpa village, Namche Bazaar. We will now get the first glimpse of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Taweche. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Today, we will spend the day to acclimatize our bodies to the high altitudes and adjust to the thinning air. We can hike up to Sagarmatha National Park and enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas or we can trek to Khumjung village. We can also check out the Sherpa museum, which is a great place to learn about the Sherpa culture and the history of mountaineering. There is another optional 2 hour hike to Everest View Point, an uphill walk that will help speed acclimatization. Today we also visit the Hillary School and a monastery, which houses a yeti scalp. If it happens to be a Saturday, we can also witness the Haat Bazaar, a wonderful local market where people exchange their goods or buy necessary items from the market. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
We begin our day with an enjoyable walk down the river at Phunki Thanka, which is an easy walk. A steep but short climb from Phunki takes us to the very famous Tengboche monastery passing through forests of blue pine, fir and black juniper. Tengboche monastery is the biggest monastery of the Everest region and located within the Sagarmatha National Park. The monastery is blessed with panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. If we reach Tengboche by 3 o’clock, we can observe a Buddhist religious ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche.
Today, we begin walking downhill passing through lush forests with birch, conifers and rhododendron trees. We are able to admire fantastic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Walking downhill to Debuche crossing the Imja river, we reach Pangboche. Taking the upper Pangboche trail gives us pristine views of the Himalayan vista and the Pangboche monastery. Moving ahead towards Imja valley and Lobuche river, we ascend up to reach the picturesque Dingboche village, a beautiful windy settlement overlooked by numerous prayer flags and chortens. Overnight in Dingboche.
Spending a day in Dingboche will help us to acclimate to the high altitude. Our second acclimatization day, we will take a day hike to Nagarjun Hills (5,050m/15,291ft.) which offers us mesmerizing views of the fifth highest mountain Makalu along with Lhotse, Cha Lhotse, Tawache, Ama Dablam and others. From another location on the ridge we can also admire the picturesque Imja Khola Valley and the beautiful Dingboche village. After appreciating the surrounding vistas, we trek back to Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche.
We start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest climber Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide), who perished on a mission to climb Everest. Next, we continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find ourselves facing several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
Today, we walk one of the most memorable walks of our lives, the Everest Base Camp. Through the rocky trail from Lobuche, we slowly ascend to catch the glacial moraines of Mt. Pumori all the way to Gorak Shep. The walk is quite strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air. Walking along the Khumbu glacier – the highest situated glacier in the world-and crossing the Changri glacier, we walk ahead towards Gorak Shep. As we reach Gorak Shep, we are surrounded by the Himalayas. After resting for a short while, we continue to Everest Base Camp passing through rocky dunes, moraines and streams. The Everest Base Camp is stunningly beautiful. We can enjoy amazing views of Nuptse, Khumbutse and Pumori mountains from the base camp. After spending some quality time there, we trek back to Gorak Shep. 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.
We wake up before dawn today to trek towards Kala Patthar (meaning ‘black rock’) to catch a glimpse of blazing sunrise over Mt. Everest. As we climb up the hill, the views of Lingtren, Khumbutse and Changtse are incredibly stunning. Kala Patthar is a vantage point for the closest views of Mt. Everest from where we can enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of other peaks as well. After spending some memorable times at the summit of Kala Patthar, we hike down to Gorak Shep, have our breakfast and then start trekking downhill to our destination today, Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.
The magnificent and splendid Everest surrounds us as we begin the trek to Phortse today. On the way, we can see various wildlife like mountain goats, musk deer and many species of Himalayan birds. Kangtega and Thamserku lie just above us along with the Khumbu La and Kongde Ri. Phortse is a typical Sherpa village which is less explored as it is situated off the regular base camp trail. Today’s trekking journey brings us incredible views and amazing cultural experiences of the Sherpa people. Overnight in Phortse.
We begin our exciting journey today walking alongside Dudh Koshi river passing through rhododendron forests, waterfalls and several wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats and musk deer to reach the Tongba village. The path is not very difficult, although the hills are steep, but trekking along this route is very exciting. Passing through Dole, Labarma and Luza villages we finally reach Machhermo, the last village before reaching the Gokyo valley. There is a Chhorten right before the Luza village. In Machhermo, we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight in Machhermo.
This morning, we begin climbing a ridge for excellent views of the Dudh Koshi valley, Kangtega, Thamserku and Cho Oyu. Descending towards the river bank, we then climb up the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Crossing a metal bridge over a stream, we enter the Gokyo territory, passing the first lake known as Longpongo. Here, we can witness footprints of a lama (Buddhist priest) on a stone. We become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun at the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho. A little ahead is the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, which is linked to the second lake 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.
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.
After breakfast, we descend on a trail along the Dudh Koshi river passing the first Gokyo lakes. The views of Cholatse and Taboche peaks along the way are fascinating. After reaching a Chhorten (stupa) at the edge, the glimpses of Thamserku, Cho Oyu and Kangtega mountains are awe-inspiring. Walking past tiny villages of Machhermo, Luza and Labarma, we reach Dole. Overnight in Dole.
In the morning, we get ready to head back to Namche. En route we spot a lot of mountain wildlife, waterfalls and rhododendron forests. The astonishing views of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega mountains are ours to admire. From Mong La, we can admire the beauty of Khumbila peak. After reaching an intersection where the trail from Sanasa meets our current trail, we can see capturing views of the Himalayas. For one last time, we get to see Lhotse, the tip of Mt. Everest and Tengboche from the Namche army camp hill. Bidding adieu to the ‘Crown of the Himalayas’, we reach Namche Bazaar in a short while. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
This happens to be our final day of trekking as we make our way to Lukla. Walking down the exciting rocky trail, passing through mountain forests and Sherpa villages and crossing several suspension bridges, we reach Lukla. The air seems warmer and our trek in the mountains has come to an end. We may celebrate our success with our trekking crew members or spend time reminiscing about the incredible adventure in the mountains. Overnight in Lukla.
We take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. On arrival, we will be dropped to our hotel where we can relax or take a glimpse of Kathmandu city. Thamel, being a central tourist hub, is where we can also do some last minute shopping or just stroll around. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner hosted by our Guide to enjoy with our trek leader and a few other staff. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Your adventure in Nepal has come to an end today. Your local guide will take you to the airport three hours before your scheduled flight. On your way back home, you will have plenty of time to reminisce about the trip and plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.