Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake (18 Days)

    Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake

    Basic Info ( Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake 18 Days ) $ 1705 per person

    Duration 18
    Group Size 2 or more
    TransportaionPrivate vehicles, Kathmandu-lukla-Kathmandu
    Altitude 5545 meters
    Accomodations Hotel in kathmandu, tea house/lodge during trek
    Best Seasons Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
    Activities Trekking, hiking
    Meals Welcome and farewell dinner at katmandu, All meals during treks

    Basic Intro

    The Gokyo valley has always been great attraction for tourists because of its mesmerizing view of Gokyo Lake and its surroundings. It offers more serene view of eastern Himalaya and Mount Everest from Gokyo Ri. Moreover stunning view of Himalayan panorama from Gokyo Ri, the largest Ngozumpa glacier, diverse flora and fauna and the rich Sherpa culture makes this trip even more adventurous and special. This trail is perfect to capture the scenic views of Mt. Everest itself, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamserku and many other lofty mountains.

    This trek starts after the thirty five minute flight from Kathmandu landing Lukla Airport, gate-way of Everest Namche Bazar (3440m) a Sherpa territory. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has modern facilities. From Namche Bazaar it takes the path to Dole village and Machhemro. Another day we trek down to beautiful mountain lake Gokyo. We spend the next few days trekking and interacting amongst the mountain people also known as Sherpa’s, we stay at local lodges and trek into the heartland of their villages. Other days we takes us to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar, 5,545 metres (18,192 ft) and Mt. Pumori.  Alternatively, the comeback route can be arranged through the Chola Pass and Thame trail offers the pleasure adventurous psyche with more marvelous view of lofty High Himalayans exploring the Nepalese culture and tradition of Khumbu Region.

    Day 01: Arrival, transfer to Hotel 

    Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation 

    Day 03: Kathmandu - Lukla [2,800 m/9,184 ft] - Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): 3-4 hrs 

    Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), 5-6 hrs walk 

    Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar 

    Day 06: Namche Bazzar - Dole-(4,110 m/ 13,152 ft): 6-7 hrs 

    Day 07: Dole - Machhermo-(4,470 m/ 14,663 ft): 4-5 hrs 

    Day 08: Trek to Gokyo Lake (4800m) 

    Day 09: Relax Day at Gokyo Lake 

    Day 10: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,330m/17,483ft), & trek to Thangnag (4750m/15580ft), 6-7 hrs walk 

    Day 11: Trek to Cho-la Pass (5367m/17604ft) to Dzongla (4,850m/15908ft), 5-6 hrs walk 

    Day 12: Trek to Loubuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 4-5 hrs 

    Day 13:  Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft) - Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) - Gorak Shep:  8-9 hrs 

    Day 14:  Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft) - Pheriche (4,730m/15,518ft): 8-9 hrs 

    Day 15: Trek to Tengboche (3,867m/12684ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,570m/11,710ft): 6-7 hrs

    Day 16: Namche Bazaar-Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6-8 hrs 

    Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft) 

    Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu

    Includes

    ·         All airport/hotel transfers

    ·         Three night’s hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Bliss International or simalar catagory) with breakfast.

    ·         Welcome and farewell dinner

    ·         A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide by private car/jeep.

    ·         Private Vehicle with Air-condition.

    ·         Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu) and airport departure taxes.

    ·         Teahouse/Lodge and tented camp accommodation during trek with all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

    ·         An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging

    ·         Four seasonal sleeping bag, Trekking Poles and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)

    ·         A comprehensive medical kit

    ·         All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS )

    Not Includes

    ·         Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)

    ·         International airfare to and from Kathmandu

    ·         Excess baggage charges

    ·         Extra night accommodation/s in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary

    ·         Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu(and also in the case you return early from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)

    ·         Travel and rescue insurance

    ·         Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)

    ·         Tips for guides and porters

    Arrival, transfer to Hotel

    Day 1 : Arrival, transfer to Hotel

    According to your flight detail, you will be greeted by our representative at international airport with your name and Himalayan Club Tours and Travel written on it. Then, we will assist you in transfer to Hotel where you are be welcomed by tea/coffee. At evening we have a welcome dinner organized by our team to get to know each other. Overnight at Kathmandu.
    Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

    Day 2 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

    After short introduction with our tour guide, today we are having tour to Kathmandu UNESCO world heritage site with our tour guide which include Pashupatinath Temple “Nepal biggest Hindu temple” it is also place for the body crimination of Hindu religion. Then we drive to Bouddhanath Stupa whch is nearby Pashupatinath temple. Bouddhanath is Asian biggest stupa. It was damage by earthquake on 2015 AD however, it is completely repaired recently. Then after we drive to Swayambhunath Stupa, popularly known by “monkey temple” this stupa is on the small where we can see the whole Kathmandu valley from there. At last we drive to Patan durbar square, “Ancient Royal Palace”. Inside the square you can see different Hindu temple which are Bhimsen temple, Vishwonath temple, Taleju Bhawani temple and Krishna Temple which is most popular temple among them. Beside it you can study the Newar architecture, arts and their culture where, our tour guide help you to describe about its history of every place. At evening we have a meeting with our trekking guide and make our trekking preparation. And check our equipment for trekking. Overnight at Kathmandu.
    Kathmandu - Lukla [2,800 m/9,184 ft] - Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): 3-4 hrs

    Day 3 : Kathmandu - Lukla [2,800 m/9,184 ft] - Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): 3-4 hrs

    We fly to Lukla in early morning (40 minute). After some trekking equipment preparation and check-in at check-in point to show permits. We star our first day of trek to Phakding. After walking downhill for 3-4 hours and following Dudh Koshi River we will reach Phakding where we are having our first overnight.
    Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), 5-6 hrs walk

    Day 4 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), 5-6 hrs walk

    Second day of our trekking start with hot tea/coffee and some breakfast at Tea house, we began our trekking at around 8 in the morning. Trial passes through Dhud koshi River and Rhododendron forest and Sagarmatha national park entry gate. After crossing the up and down hill and some suspension bridge we reach to Namche bazaar. Located between Bhotekoshi and Dhud Koshi River, one of the developed city of Khumbu region. Overnight at Namche bazaar.
    Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

    Day 5 : Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

    Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar makes your body familiar with high altitude. So, today you have full time to do sightseeing on Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the community village of Sherpa people. And also have facility of health post, post office, restaurant, book shop, internet cyber café and etc. On the day you can also hike to Hotel Everest view for sunrise, visit Khumbu valley, village school, health post.
    Namche Bazzar - Dole-(4,110 m/ 13,152 ft): 6-7 hrs

    Day 6 : Namche Bazzar - Dole-(4,110 m/ 13,152 ft): 6-7 hrs

    Today after breakfast we resume our trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole with walking around 6-7 hours. We climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north and walking to Dole. Overnight in Dole.
    Dole - Machhermo-(4,470 m/ 14,663 ft): 4-5 hrs

    Day 7 : Dole - Machhermo-(4,470 m/ 14,663 ft): 4-5 hrs

    From Dole it is an uphill climb to Machhermo. We walk on a trail alongside a rhododendron forest and pass through a waterfall before reaching Tongba Village. We continue our uphill trek and pass through Labarma and Luza villages before reaching Machhermo. There is a Chhorten right before the Luza village. Throughout today’s journey we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Overnight in Machhermo.
    Trek to Gokyo Lake (4800m)

    Day 8 : Trek to Gokyo Lake (4800m)

    We begin today by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153 m). The valley now widens as the trail passes through Phangkha, where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We then descend to the riverbank before climbing onto the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo, at 4690 m. At this juncture, we get a chance to observe 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 lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in Gokyo.
    Relax Day at Gokyo Lake

    Day 9 : Relax Day at Gokyo Lake

    Today is free day to have rest and relax around Gokyo Lake. You can enjoy the beautiful view of Gokyo Lake, Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. Overnight in Gokyo.
    Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,330m/17,483ft), & trek to Thangnag (4750m/15580ft), 6-7 hrs walk

    Day 10 : Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,330m/17,483ft), & trek to Thangnag (4750m/15580ft), 6-7 hrs walk

    Today morning we will hike 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.
    Trek to Cho-la Pass (5367m/17604ft) to Dzongla (4,850m/15908ft), 5-6 hrs walk

    Day 11 : Trek to Cho-la Pass (5367m/17604ft) to Dzongla (4,850m/15908ft), 5-6 hrs walk

    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.
    Trek to Loubuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 4-5 hrs

    Day 12 : Trek to Loubuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 4-5 hrs

    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.
    Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft) - Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) - Gorak Shep: 8-9 hrs

    Day 13 : Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft) - Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) - Gorak Shep: 8-9 hrs

    Today is the most important and one of the most difficult day of the trekking . So, we should make our body warm and build physically and mentally prepared. We start our trekking early in the morning after having yummy breakfast at the hotel. Trial is long and uphill so, we walk slowly with some break on the way. However in every step of walking we saw closer and panoramic view of the Mt. Everest. We will check in at the lodge on Gorakshep and put our bag at the Lodge. We stay some hour at the lodge for lunch and rest. After that we walk to Everest base camp which takes around 2-3 hour uphill walk. From the base camp we can see the stunning view of Mt. Everest with its full ranges and other popular mountain peaks. After soaking the beauty we walk back to Gorakshep where we stay overnight.
    Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft) - Pheriche (4,730m/15,518ft): 8-9 hrs

    Day 14 : Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft) - Pheriche (4,730m/15,518ft): 8-9 hrs

    Kala Patthar is the last point of trekking (5545m). We continue walk to Kala Patthar in early morning for sun rise, which take around two and half hour hiking. We view sunrise form world highest Mountain Mt. Everest with hot tea/coffee. We enjoy the amazing view of Everest and several Himalayan peaks. We spend some hour for watching Everest with taking some Photo/video. Then we walk back to Gorakshep for breakfast. After breakfast at lodge we walk back downhill to Pheriche by the same trekking root. Overnight at Pheriche.
    Trek to Tengboche (3,867m/12684ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,570m/11,710ft): 6-7 hrs

    Day 15 : Trek to Tengboche (3,867m/12684ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,570m/11,710ft): 6-7 hrs

    Today after breakfast we continue our trek to tengboche have lunch and have few sightseeing around place then continue journey towards Namchhe bazaar where we will spend our second last day on everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
    Namche Bazaar-Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6-8 hrs

    Day 16 : Namche Bazaar-Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6-8 hrs

    Last day of trekking, our trek begin with walk slowly on the step and rocks crossing some of the popular bridge, following the Dhud koshi river and walk through pine and rhododendron forest and pass several Sherpa village and different Buddhist monastery we reach Lukla. Overnight at Lukla.
    Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

    Day 17 : Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

    This is the last day on the Everest region. We fly back to Kathmandu on our first flight (40min) to Domestic airport, Kathmandu where our office staff will be waiting for you at airport. In evening we have farewell dinner with our office team leader where you can share your experience about the Everest trek. Overnight at Kathmandu.
    Departure from Kathmandu

    Day 18 : Departure from Kathmandu

    Last day in Nepal our office staff will drop you at airport before 2 hours of your actual flight, with some good memory about us and unforgettable memories about trekking.

    Equipment List

    Equipment Check List

    Head: 
    - Sun hat or scarf
    - Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
    - Sunglasses with UV protection

    Lower Body: 
    - Lightweight cotton long pants/ Hiking shorts 
    - Fleece or wool pants (seasonal) 
    - Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

    Feet :
    - Thin, lightweight inner socks 
    - Thick, warm wool hiking socks 
    - Hiking boots with spare laces 
    - Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

    Upper Body: 
    - T-shirts 
    - Fleece jacket or pullover 
    - Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket 
    - Down vest and/or jacket *

    Hands: 
    - Lightweight gloves

    Accessories: 
    - Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F * 
    - Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries 
    - Trekking Bags/Duffel bag 
    - Basic First Aid Kit 
    - Large plastic bags 
    - for keeping items dry inside trek bag 
    - Trekking Poles * 
    - Water bottles 
    - Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)

    Toiletries (it’s up to your comfort lable): 
    - 1 medium sized quick drying towel 
    - Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable) 
    - Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable) 
    - Deodorants 
    - Nail clippers 
    - Face and body moisturizer 
    - Feminine hygiene products 
    - Small mirror

    Personal Hygiene (it’s up to your comfort lable):
    - Wet wipes (baby wipes) 
    - Tissue /toilet roll 
    - Anti bacterial hands wash 
    - Diamox (Drugs for altitude sickness if incase) 
    - Water purified pills

    Extras/Luxuries (it’s up to your comfort lable) 
    - Binoculars (optional) 
    - Reading book 
    - Journal & Pen 
    - Pencils and small notebooks 
    - Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble

        

    Useful Information

    Autumn (Sept. to Nov.) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake . The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. If you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy some alone time with nature then taking this trip during winter (Dec., Jan. and Feb.) could also be an option. However, the temperature during winter could be harsh for most guests. Trekking in the Summer or Monsoon seasons (June to Aug.) will be affected by rain but the Summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist.