Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes

Detail Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m/4264 ft) After your arrival at Kathmandu Internation airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition. and you will be then transferred to your hotel. After check in, you can either take a rest or visit Pink Mountain's office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition. For dinner, you will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country's food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2Kathmandu (1300 m/4264 ft): Sightseeing and Trek Preparation After breakfast you will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader, other crew and other participants of this trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3Kathmandu - Lukla (2,800 m/9,184 ft) - Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): 3 - 4 hrs After your breakfast, you will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, You will meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 4Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): 5 - 6 hrs Today's our trek starts in the morning after breakfast. The walk today is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and reach entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked in order to keep record of trekkers and local trekking staffs as well. A descend and a gradual walk brings us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar. The walk is enjoyable through the river bed and we reach Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up hill towards Namche Bazzar, closer and magnificent sight of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains will be viewed closely. We stop at Chautara to admire the view. Finally, we reach the colorful village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of Khumbu region. Overnight in Namche Bazzar.

Day 5Namche Bazzar - Dole-(4,110 m/ 13,152 ft): 6 - 7 hrs Today at first, we climb steeply out of Namche Bazzar up to Kyangjuma Village. Kyangjuma, we can enjoy outstanding views of Thamserku, Katenga, and Ama Dablam. Most strenuous ascent of the day is obviously to pass the Mong La, a very charming place perched on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. An ancient historical Chorten stands at the centre of the settlement of Mong La. We stop at the top of Mong La to admire the grandest views of surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while having lunch. The most outstanding feature of the trail today is the abundance of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. While on the way it will not be unusual to spot wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer. Traversing through forests, some water falls and bridges, we reach at Dole, a small place with few teahouses. Overnight at Dole.

Day 6Dole - Machherma-(4,470 m/ 14,663 ft): 4 - 5 hrs Firstly, we climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma at 4220m to Luza at 4360m. The path is steep in most places as we pass through thorny bushes up to Lhabarma. Offering us good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku the trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m). While ascending from Luza, the Dudh Koshi valley is deep like a canyon with its sheer sides. Walking along the hill side above thundering Dudkoshi passing through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we reach Machherma. Machherma is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. It is the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. At this juncture, we pay our visit to the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution and primary treatment. Overnight at Machherma.

Day 7Machherma - Gokyo (4800 m/15,744 ft): 4 - 5 hrs 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 (8153m). 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 palace 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 at this juncture. After lunch, we explore around the third Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend night at a teahouse with comfortable bedrooms. Overnight at Gokyo.

Day 8Hike - Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft) - Thaknak (4750 m/15,580 ft): 4 - 5 hrs If Gokyo Ri has not been mapped out the day before we trek there today. Gokyo Ri is the highlight of this trip. Early morning, we hike up to the Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak). Climbing to Gokyo Ri is obviously strenuous as it is steep up and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But even from the trial scenery of Gokyo village on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier are mind blowing. We feel like we are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K 43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. Sight of sunrays kissing the Everest that towers over all surrounding peaks is unlike from Kala Patthar (from Kala Patthar Nuptse seems taller). Our Gokyo Ri visit will be unforgettable life time memories. We trek down to Gokyo. Upon breakfast we trek to Thaknak for overnight scaling by the second Lakes and the Ngozumba Glacier. Overnight at Thaknak.

Day 9Thaknak - Cho-la Pass (5367 m/17,604 ft) - Dzongla (4830 m /15939 ft): 7 - 8 hrs Cho La Pass is also another show up of this trip. Today is the toughest day and we need to start early (4-6 am) compared to other days on the trip. The 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 add trouble to the trekkers making the trail slippery. Thought the trail from Phedi climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail we climb up continuously. 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 soar on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below. Overnight at a very basic local lodge.

Day 10Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 2 - 3 hrs Today's walk will be a bit shorter. Thus, we would get more time to observe and relax. We climb down from Dzongla and cross a bridge and then transverse through grassy trail. Enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak we stretch up eventually through a ridge. Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku Taboche are seen looming prominently. Curving round through the wide gravelly river bed, we will be at Lobuche. Overnight at Lobuche.

Day 11Lobuche - Gorak Shep [5170 m/16,961ft] - Everest Base Camp [5364 m/17,594 ft] - Gorak Shep: 8 - 9 hrs The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world - Mt. Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents 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. Everest actually is not visible from here. By now we have met the ultimate objective of our trip. Overnight at Gorak Shep.

Day 12Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar - Pheriche [4280 m/14,070 ft]: 8 - 9 hrs Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Further, there is always the potential for chilly wind which is quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar, we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From this juncture, we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar where rocks our eyes taking unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we can and take the in view with our mind's eye to last lifetime. On being back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast and wait other participants to return back.

Day 13Pheriche - Pangboche - Tengboche - Namche Bazzar (3,440 m/11,280 ft): 5 - 6 hrs Today is much easier walk down to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back to the terminal moraines at Dughla and the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages of Pheriche, Orsho, and Shomare. You might take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche or take the regular trial to reach Pangboche. From Pangboche you retrace your footsteps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Debuche or if interested, you might pay your visit to nuns at the Debuche monastery. If you are trekking during the full moon of November or December, you might get and opportunity to witness the Mani Rimdu festival in the monastery at Tengboche. Upon having lunch at Tengboche, continuing through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it is spring, the surroundings will be found adored by pink and red rhododendron flowers is dazzling. You either have your lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga. 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. You keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a Chorten, you reach the army camp at of Namche Bazaar. You would likt to take a long last look back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche from this juncture. Upon reaching at lodge, you take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 14Namche Bazaar - Lukla: 6 - 8 hrs The trail descends steeply downward so you need to walk slowly and under control as your 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 you start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as you pass through this charming mountain air. Although you are travelling the same route down, you feel completely different views. You snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. Walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while you walk through the villages. Upon arrival in Lukla, you stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. You experience the culmination of a fantastic Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lake trip and have a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile on faces ! Overnight at Lukla.

Day 15Fly Back to Kathmandu Today, you fly back to Kathmandu after oyur long Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu. You can rest and relax throughout the day at hotel. If you want to explore any other areas in Kathmandu with Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition's City Guide is always welcome.To celebrate the successful completion of Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening at typical Nepal restaurent. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 16Rest in Kathmandu.Shopping Souviner.

Day 17Final Departure Your trip to Nepal and Mountain of Nepal comes to an end today. At last approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, a representative from Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition escorts us to the airport. On your way to home you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure trip in the wonderful country of Nepal with Pink Moutntain Treks and Expedition.