Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek
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.
Grade
Challenging / Tough
Trek requirement
Very Good fitness required
(Cho La pass can be very challenging)
Maximum elevation
5,545 metres
Accommodation
4 nights hotels, 14 nights lodges
Itinerary
Day 1 – Kathmandu Arrival
On your arrival at Kathmandu, Tribhuvan Airport, you will be met by a representative of Temples of Nirvana and taken to your hotel in the Thamel district of Kathmandu.
Day 2 – 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
Day 3 – Lukla – Monjo
We take the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and enter the Khumbu region where we will spend the next two weeks trekking. Our first day in the mountains will take us down to the Dudh Koshi River crossing the bridge at Phakding where we lunch before heading on up to our first evenings accommodation at Monjo.
Day 4 – Monjo – Namche Bazaar
After a short trek we enter the Sagamartha national park. We continue up the Dudh Koshi River until reaching the 120m long Swiss built suspension bridge. Once over this we then make the hard ascent to Namche Bazaar (3440m) where we will take the first of our acclimatisation days spending two nights there in total.
Day 5 – Acclimatisation Day
This is the first of our acclimatisation days. This day can be taken as a rest day or you can take our optional walk up past the landing strip at Shyangboche and on towards the Everest view hotel were we get our first glorious views of the peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Everest. We also visit Khumjung to visit the school built by Sir Edmond Hilary before returning to Namche Bazaar.
Day 6 – 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.
Day 7 – 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.
Day 8 – 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.
Day 9 – 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.
Day 10 – Gokyo
Gokyo. After breakfast, trek around Gokyo Ri, the views in the Gokyo region are tremendous. For the best view, climb to Gokyo Ri, the small peak above the lake. This peaks of 5318m, it’s a 2 hours climb to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Twachee. Those with more time and engery can make a trip up the valley to another lake marked with the name Ngozumpa on the maps or even beyond to a fifth lake. There’re several small peaks in this region that offer vantage points for the surrounding peaks. Overnight in Gokyo.
Day 11-12 – Gokyo – Chhugyuma – Dzogla – Lobuche
The trail descending from Gokyo, the route passes the second lake. About halfway between the fist and second lakes a trail leads of across the moraine of the east. We’ve to pass Cho La (or Chhugyuma) 5420 meters. The pass is not difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier crossing on the eastern side. Allow three day from Gokyo to Lobuche on this high altitude route. An ice axe, crampons and a rope are often necessary for negotiating the small icefall at the foot of glacier on the other side of the pass, although in ideal condition there’re no technical problems and there is a trail of sorts in the rocks beside the icefall. The western approach to the pass varies in difficulty depending on the amount of snow. The pass is not possible for yaks and usually not suitable for heavily laden porters. We’ve to spend a night at Chhugyuma or Dzongla on other side. Continue along the moraine of the glacier, with views of Kalar Pattar and Pumori to reach Lobuche at 4930m for your evening stay. This will be your last stop before your climb to the base camp tomorrow. Take time to rest and acclimatise for this unforgettable day. Overnight in Lobuche.
Day 13 – Lobuche – Everest Base Camp – Gorak Shep
We leave Lobuche and following the glacier up to Gorak Shep. After ascending the Lobuche pass we start to see Everest again and the tents at base camp. After a break at Gorak Shep we head on up to Base camp where we will see all the expeditions. We will spend the evening at Gorak Shep (5140m)
Day 14 / 15 / 16 / 17/
Its a six o’clock start as we set out to ascend Kala Pataar to see the sun rise over Everest. At the summit (5545m) we will see a stunning 360-degree panorama of some of the highest peaks on the planet. After taking in the breathtaking scenery we will head back to Gorak Shep for breakfast before starting our steady descent back to Lukla to make the return journey to Kathmandu.
Day 18 – Kopan Monastery – Bouddhanath Stupa – Pashupatinath Temple
Our second sightseeing day in Kathmandu starts at Kopan Monastery perched majestically overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Kopan is a little haven of serenity amongst the chaos of the Valley. We will then head for Boudhanath, the Tibetan area of Kathmandu where the mightily impressive Bouddhanath Stupa is situated. The Stupa is the second largest Stupa in the world. In the afternoon we will make our way to Pashupatinath Hindu Temple. In the evening we will take you for a farewell Dinner, to an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.
Day 19 – Depart Kathmandu
Depending on the time of your flight departure, you may have time for a lttle more sightseeing or shopping in Kathmandu. We will then take you to Tibhuvan airport 3 hours before the departure time of your flight home and see you to your departure terminal where we will say goodbye and hope very much, that you will have enjoyed your time with Temples of Nirvana.
Cost of the Trip
The exact price of your trip depends on the date of travel and the number of travellers. We will quote you a price based on two people traveling together and sharing a twin/double room at a standard hotel in Kathmandu. If you require a single room or superior or deluxe accommodation please let us know. All prices quotes are starting from and ending in Kathmandu. The cost we quote you will include Kathmandu – Lukla flight. Please see our pages on Visas and Flights
What’s Included
In Kathmandu
Airport pick up to hotel, hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, but excluding lunch and dinner, all entry fees to Kathmandu places of interest, all transportation to places of interest.
On the trek
All transportation, all accommodation in lodges/tea houses during the trek, standard meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at lodges/tea houses, hot drinks with meals, national Park entry permits, trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit, experienced, helpful and friendly guides and porters, salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation and insurance for the guide and porter, all government taxes, air ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla return.
**Please Note**
The cost of food whilst in the mountains is quite expensive and is excluded from many comparible Treks. Depending on the length of time you are in the mountains this can lead to a significant addition to your budget. A typical trek like the Everest Base Camp trek can easily add an extra £200 – £300. All Temples of Nirvana trek prices are inclusive of breakfast, Lunch and Dinner whilst on the trek. Our prices also include all internal flights.
What’s not Included
Nepal entry visa fee, travel insurance, lunch and dinner whilst not trekking, any personal expenses, bottled drinks, chocolate, Mineral water, Cold drinks, tips for the guide and porter.
Create your own Itinerary
If the trip or itinerary you are looking for is not here, you would like to make modifications, or you have your own itinerary please let us know and we will quote you a price based on your own personalised specifications.