Trip Level
Moderate Strenuous
Destination
Nepal
Max Altitude
5545 meter
Trip Duration
18 Days
Overview
The popular trek to Gokyo to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is considered as one of the most thrilling routes in the Solu-Khumbu region. It equals or surpasses it in beauty and with less of the crowds. The highlight of Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint with an astonishing panorama of the Himalaya as well as views of the sparkling lakes below and Nepal largest glacier.The journey up to the Gokyo valley with its associated alpine lakes is fast becoming a favorite trek in the khumbu region. As the Everest region second most popular destination after the Everest Base Camp Trek.
The Gokyo valley includes all the mountain scenery you can take and more and trail life provides insights into the sherpa lifestyle and cultural along the way. The views of Everest and surrounding peaks from Gokyo Ri (5,340m/17,519ft) is the visual highlight of treks. From this viewpoint you will have an unforgettable view of the Himalaya; with Everest standing out above the rest while far below the vantage point are the sparkling Gokyo lakes alongside the lateral moraine of Nepal largest glacier the Ngozomba Glacier before crossing Cho La Pass to Dzongla.
Along the whole Gokyo to Kalapatthar (5,545m/18,188ft) EBC trek can enjoy robust Mountain scenery with an arry of snowy peaks, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Nupste, Pumori, Thamsherku, Kangde, Makalu, Baruntse, The highest Mt.Everest, and many more soar above the mountain ranges trails. Crossing of Cho-La, one of the highest navigable pass. This land is famous by the renowned high mountain sherpa, who still largely follow a customary way of life. The Everest Base Camp trip allows insight into their lifestyle with associated Buddhist monasteries, regally perched about the settlements. Rare wildlife in the stark highland include the Musk deer, Himalayan Thar, Snow Leopard, Snow Cock, Hawk, Pheasant and people even lay claim that the fabled yeti resides somewhere in the Khumbu.
Outline Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) and hotel transfer
After our arrival in Kathmandu. A representative of Yala Adventure picks up from Airport and transfer to hotel. WMeals Included:e will have welcome dinner tonight with the short trip briefing.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 02: Optional Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour Kathmandu as an option or you will also have choice to stay at hotel or do something for your trek preparation.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft)3-4 hours
During the 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,186ft), we enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks. At Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins, we meet our other crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, we start trekking. At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900 ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we then gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280 ft),5-6 hours
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, we follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar. We then cross Dudh Koshi River and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Then after crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings us to the prime heartland of Sherpa village - Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, we can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 05: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft)
Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Our guides can take us to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If we are interested in a day hike, we trek to Khumjung village (12401 ft)-a beautiful village with a Sherpa settlement. In exploring Namche Bazar, we observe traditional Sherpa life, Khumjung Hillary School, and enjoy flora and fauna found at such altitude.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3,680m/12,073ft),5-6 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. There are two trails and our guide will choose the best option for us to follow. There is a chorten on the ridge top at 3973 m which descends from Mt. Khumbila (5761 m). We visit Mohang, the birthplace of the re-incarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet who is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dush Koshi. We stay overnight in Phortse Tanga, near the river.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 07: Phortse Thanga to Machhermo (4,470m/ 14,663ft),4-5 hours
From Phortse Thanga 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 Dhole, 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800 m/15,744 ft),4-5 hours
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 09: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day - Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft) 3-4 hours
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 10: Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m/15,580 ft) 4-5 hours
If we did not climb the Gokyo Ri the previous day, we can do that today. Climbing 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 11: Thagnak to Cho La pass (5,367m/17,604 ft) to Dzongla (15, 939 ft)7-8 hours
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. The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft), 2-3 hours
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 13: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft),6-7 hours
We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that 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. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 14: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pherice (4,288m/14,070ft),7-8 hours
We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night's rest. Overnight in Lobuche.
Those participants who will visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as Everest base camp hike takes longer than the hike at Kala Patthar. After returning to Gorak Shep, both the groups will have lunch together; the afternoon is taken to descend down to Pheriche for a good night's rest.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 15: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar, 6-7 hours
We trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. In the forest, we may come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The path eventually reaches Sansa from where we can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. We also pass winding trails then through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft) 6-7 hours
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our 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. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of days.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu
Today we will fly back to Kathmandu after the breakfast. We will picked up from Airport and transfer to hotel. Evening we have a dinner with Nepalese culture show.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 18: Final departure from Kathmandu
You will be fee till your departure. Our representative will be at hotel for your transfer to Kathmandu Airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cost Details
Equipments Checklist
Clothing
Warm jacket or down jacket
Water and windproof jacket, poncho or umbrella
Long sleeved synthetic fleece
Thermal underwear
Hat, pair of gloves and scarf
Comfortable hiking trousers (loose fitting)
Shorts and trousers, or skirt
2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks
2 pairs of running socks or liner socks
Proper hiking boots
Running shoes and flip-flops
T-shirts
During winter season, additional clothings may include:
The outer jacket should be warm, down jacket is highly recommended during winter season
Bring a pair of warm winter trousers, in addition to the hiking trousers
Bring at least one windproof layer of clothes, helping to reduce any chill factor influence.
Snow gaitors
Trekking Gear
Pair of polarizing sun-glasses (to be comfortable and to avoid potential snow-blindness)
Backpack and backpack cover (against rain and dust)
Map of the trekking area
Head torch, or small torch, plus spare batteries
Sleeping bag and silk liner
Water bottles
Miscellaneous
Toiletries
A small light weight and quick drying towel
Bar of soap
Sunscreen (at least SPF +20)
Earplugs
Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
First aid kid
Water purification tables or a water filter
Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if going beyond 4,000 m elevations)
Toilet paper
Optional items
Camera, battery etc
Altimeter
Compass
Binoculars
Books/magazines
Trekking poles
GPS unit
Padlocks for guest house rooms and bags
Sewing/repair kit
Pocket knife
Candles (for lodges)
Dairy or notebook plus pencil/pen
Camping
Tent
Stove and fuel
Cooking, eating and drinking utensils
Sleeping mat
Food and water (for the very remote trekking areas)
Map
Gallery
