Everest Base Camp And Gokyo Lake Trek – 19 Days

Kathmandu: Boudha Temple

The flight to Nepal is mesmerizing with grand views of endless snowcapped peaks, lush green hills, and scattered settlements. Upon arriving at Tribhuvan international airport, a representative of ours will assist you with your accommodation. Upon reaching your accommodation rest for a while. Later head out on a stroll around Kathmandu, the valley has a collection of various natural and cultural landmarks. Head towards various ancient temples and Stupas of the region and get insights into the life of the people.

Later in the afternoon join in for a briefing about the trek. Your team leader and guide will provide you with vital information regarding the trek. After the briefing joins in for a welcome dinner program with your team and guide.

Phakding

Head towards the domestic airport early in the morning and board a flight towards Lukla. The flight takes you over scattered settlements and lush deep rolling hills with views of snowcapped Himalayas. After a 45 minutes flight, you will reach the small settlement of Lukla perched on a hilltop. The airstrip was established by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. Upon landing at Lukla and after a brief rest head towards the village of Phakding.

Following the trial, you will first reach Chauri Kharka a beautiful settlement, from here traversing along the banks of Dudh Koshi River will lead you to the settlement of Ghat at an elevation of 2550 meters. Along the way witness the sacred peak of Khumbila, one of the few unclimbed peaks of the Khumbu region. After a brief walk, you will reach Phakding nestled at 2,610 meters, a tiny Sherpa town hidden in the verdant Dudh Koshi Valley.

Namche Bazaar

Today you will be heading towards the Sherpa capital, known as Namche Bazaar. A bustling settlement of the Khumbu region where you will be finding basic to grandeur services on the laps of the mountains.
Following the milky glacial river of Dudh Koshi and traversing along woodlands covered with pines, cider, and verities of rhododendron and eventually crossing the river at Benkar. From this section of the trail, you will witness views of snow-capped Kusum Kanguru at an elevation of 6,369 meters and Thamserku at 6,623 meters.

From here the trail leads you to Monjo, a settlement at an elevation of 2835 meters. At Monjo stop for lunch and again head towards the trail, ascending on hilltops with inclined sections, crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, before
approaching the Sagarmatha National Park. At the park's gate make sure your permits are ready for inspection. Next head towards Jorsale and after crossing a high suspension bridge, begin your ascent towards Namche Bazaar. As you progress on the trail you will reach Tope Danda, from here witnessing the first glimpse of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Taweche. Upon reaching Namche head towards your tea house, and later head out to explore the region. The area has various pubs, restaurants, and various other attractions.

Namche Bazaar

Today is your day for acclimatization, as you ascend higher, your body must acclimate to the thinner air at greater elevations. The village has various vantage points perfect for an acclimatization hike.
Head towards any vantage point before dawn and witness mesmerizing views of the sunrise over the Himalayas. The rays of the sun change the snowy white peak into various colors. Bask in the views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, Lhotse, and other mountain peaks.

After lunch head towards Thami a village located above the Bhote Khola River Valley. Traversing through the lush woodlands of the Sagarmatha National Park you will reach the national park headquarters above the village. From here witness panoramic views of the Mahalangur range and the mighty Everest. Explore the national park headquarters and learn about the Sherpa lifestyle, culture, and the biodiversity of the region. After exploring the region head back towards Namche, along the way witness the grand views of dusk.

Mongla

After breakfast head towards the trail following the ascending route to Syangboche. From here head towards Khumjung, the largest village in the region. After a lunch break start again. From this section witness views of the Khumjung, a sacred rocky peak of Khumbilya at an elevation of 5761meters. The peak is regarded as the guardian goddess of the region, often depicted in thangkas as a white-faced figure on a white horse. Following the meandering trails on the lower slope of Khumbilya's traversing through lush birch and cider forest, you will come out to a tree-less area with high slopes and ridge sections. Along this section explore stupas located on the ridge with views of mountains and picturesque villages. A short walk will bring you to the stone-walled field settlement, of Mongla.

Dole

Start your trek early towards Dole. Descending on a trail of the Dudh Koshi River, to Phortse Bridge. From Phortse Bridge, you will be traversing on a steep inclined trail high above the valley, along the way witness amazing views of the mountain peaks of Kantega, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. As you progress on the trail get your first glimpse of Cho Oyo at an elevation of 8153 meters.
From here you will be traversing barren alpine grounds, where the tree line vanishes. Along with the way witness waterfalls and yak herding settlements of Tongba (4015m) and Gyele (4050m). After crossing the high alpine pastureland, a brief walk will lead you to Dole. Later head on towards a high ridge of the region and bask in the views of Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the north, and Taweche (6542m) and Cholatse (6440m) across the valley to the east during the sunset.

Machhermo

Today's walk is short and relatively easy, other than the altitude so take it slow. Head out of the Dole ascending the Dudh Koshi Valley. Traversing across the arid alpine landscape with patches of scrub juniper and shrubs, all along the way witness views of the Himalayan range. Progressing on the trail you will reach the village of Luza nestled at an elevation of 4360 meters. A brief walk will lead you to the settlement of Machhermo.

After a brief rest, head towards the base of Kyajo Ri and Machhermo Peak. Explore the region and later head back towards Machhermo.

Our client at Gokyo Lake

Today start early after breakfast. Following a steep trail from Machhermo Valley hiking across cliffs with pasture lands of the Dudh Koshi Valley. As you progress on the trail the valley widens and you will be traversing across the settlement of Pangka and moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier, the source of the Dudh Koshi River.

Walking on the western part of the glacier, you will emerge out of a wide valley and then pass a large lake of Longpongav at an elevation of 4690 meters. Following the trail, you will reach the third lake at Gokyo at an elevation of 4750 meters and finally to the settlement perched on the banks of the turquoise blue lake. The settlement has several stone dwellings and stone-walled yak pastures.

After a brief rest head out to explore the region and climb a ridge at the back of Gokyo and witness views of Ngozumpa Glacier and the lakes nestled on the laps of the mountains.

Machhermo

Wake up before dawn and head towards Gokyo Peak, one of the most famous vantage points of the Khumbu region providing grand panoramic views of the region. The climb is non-technical, but the altitude can be a problem for some so take it slow. From the summit witness majestic views of Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m) and Makalu (8481m), Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the east of Cho-Oyo, Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m) and Kangchung (6103m). Also, witness a different perspective of the Gokyo lakes and the huge Ngozumpa Glacier. After spending a brief time head towards Gokyo.

Later head towards Machhermo, following the downhill track. Upon reaching Machhermo explore the region.

Phortse

Start early today, traversing mostly downhill sections. Following the trail towards Dole, passing through lush woodlands to Phortse Bridge. Crossing the bridge over Dudh Koshi River you will be ascending to the village of Phortse. Upon reaching Phortse leave your heavy backpacks and head out to explore the region.

Visit various settlements and ancient monasteries here, learning about the true culture and traditions of the mountain people. Later sit by your tea house and witness the mesmerizing views of the sunset.

Dingboche

Following the trail on a steep section with sheer cliffs descend towards Imja Khola. Keep an eye out as you may witness Musk deers and Himalayan Thar, perched on the high cliffs above the trail. As you progress on the trail you will cross the river and ascend towards Pangboche and witness the views of the most picturesque peak of Ama Dablam. Here also visit monasteries and explore what is believed to be the hand and scalp of a yeti.

After lunch, follow the high trail above the Imja Khola, crossing the Imja Khola and glacial moraines to Dingboche. The village is covered with a patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls. The views from the village are spectacular, enjoy the sunset changing the snowy white peaks of Ama Dablam, the south face of Lhotse to the north, and also Island Peak into an array of colors.

Lobuche

Today start your trek following a small ridge above the Pheriche valley. At the top visit, a Stupa covered with colorful flags, and witness grand views of the landscape across the west part and, Lobuje Peak and the snowfields of the Cho La. After a brief downhill track, you will be traversing across a flat surface.

As you progress on the trail you will be crossing the Khumbu Khola at Dughla, traversing along the base of the Khumbu Glacier moraines. After crossing the steep and rocky trail to the top of the moraines. After a brief walk, you will reach stone memorials commemorating climbers who died on surrounding summits, over the last fifty or so years. Along with this section witness views of Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m). Following a stream, you will eventually reach Lobuje.

Our guest at Everest Base Camp

Today you will be heading towards the Everest Base Camp. The hike takes you following the tracks of the valley which runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier. Traversing on moraines of Changri Nup Glacier.

Make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that eventually leads to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m) – reached after about three hours of walking. Now’s the time to grab a quick bite, gear up appropriately, and then head off towards Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp witness views of snowcapped mountains, glaciers, lakes, caves, and the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the West ( Mt. Everest is not visible from the base camp). After spending a brief time at the base camp head back towards Gorak Shep.

Everest: Kalapathar

Today wake up before dawn and head towards the famous vantage point of the Khumbu region, Kala Patthar at an elevation of 5545 meters. Apart from the altitude, the climb is non-technical. Upon reaching the summit basking in the views of Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega, Lhotse, and even Everest base camp snuggled at the base of the Khumbu Ice Fall. After spending a brief time at the summit retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep.

Upon reaching Gorak Shep and after a brief breakfast head towards Pheriche. Traversing on a downhill section you will cross the settlements of Lobuche and Thukla, where you will stop for lunch. After, walking across the banks of Khumbu Khola cross the river and head down towards
Cholatse and finally to Pheriche.

Namche Bazaar

Start your trek but crossing the rapids of Khumbu Khola and ascending a steep ridge having sheer cliffs with views of Imja Valley, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Kantega. Progressing on the trail you will descend to the tiny settlements of Orsho and Shomare before heading towards Lower Pangboche. From here cross the Imja Khola River, then ascend back towards Thyangboche.

At Thyangboche visit the ancient monastery of the region. According to the legends, Lama Sange Dorjee, who came from Tibet’s Rongphu Monastery, founded Thyangboche Monastery in the 17th century. Thyangboche was destroyed by an earthquake in 1933, rebuilt, and again badly damaged by a fire in 1989. Construction of the present monastery was completed in 1992. Explore the area and start friendly talks with the monks and get an insight into the culture and life of the people.

After a brief exploration, descending on a woodland covered with juniper, rhododendron, and fir you will reach Phunkitenga, from here crossing the Dudh Koshi River and ascend towards Trashinga. Following the high route above the valley via Shanasa you will reach the settlement of Namche Bazaar.

Phakding

After witnessing, the sunrise and having breakfast head towards the trail, on a descending route crossing a high suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. Traversing across lush woodland head towards Jorsale and to Monjo, where you will stop for lunch. After lush strolling through the lush woodlands of pines, rhododendron, and cider you will reach the settlement of Phakding.

After breakfast head towards Lukla, today is your last day of the trek so enjoy the views of the landscapes and the fresh air of the mountains. Upon reaching Lukla head towards your accommodation and rest. Later in the afternoon head out to explore the region and celebrate the success of your trek and the last night in the mountains.

Kathmandu

After breakfast heads towards the Lukla airstrip and catches an early flight to Kathmandu. Upon landing at Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. If you want to, we can arrange a guided tour of the city, or you can stroll on your own. In the evening join in for a farewell dinner program to mark the success of your trek with your team members and our representatives.

Kathmandu Tribhuwan Internaitonal Airport

Our staff will drop you off at the airport, and bid farewell to your newfound friends as well as Nepal.

Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.