Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake - 16 Days

Trekking Plus representatives will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. You will be escorted to you hotel by private vehicle. After the refreshment at the hotel, you can visit the vibrant Thamel. We will meet at the evening at Trekking Plus office for a team talk about the trek. Evening we will take your to local market exploration and cultural dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Wake Up early in the morning to take a flight to Lukla, you will receive a packed breakfast. From the Kathmandu domestic airport, we will take a 35- to 40-minute flight to Lukla (9,186 feet). Enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world on a hillside surrounded by mountainous peaks. We will meet the rest of our crew members at the Lukla airport, a gateway destination from where our trek begins. We will meet our porters in Lukla too. The trail drops steeply for bit then descends to Chheplung (2660m) and Thado Khosi gaon there is suspension bridge that you have to cross after that you see the head of the valley Mt. Kusum Kanguru (6367m). After bridge climbs bit to reach at Ghat (2590m) on banks of the Dudh Koshi River just short visit at monastery then little easy walk then after climb again to reach at Phakding (2610m) Overnight at Teahouse.

During the peak seasons (October-November and April-May), flights to Lukla are typically operated from Manthali (Ramechhap) Airport.This diversion requires a significantly different schedule: the drive from Kathmandu to Manthali starts very early, often around 2:00 AM, to ensure you reach the airport in time for the morning flights. The drive covers approximately 130–135 km and generally takes 4 to 5 hours.

After the breakfast at lodge, we trek to Namche bazaar. Th trail cross the Dudh Koshi river and climb gently the valley to Toktak (2760m) and Benkar (2710m) The trail keeps close to the river valley and is lined with beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring months, when the flowers are in bloom and also you will see the beautiful waterfall. We will see the snow-capped peak of Thamserku (6623m) & Khumbi La (5765m) at Benkar. We cross the Dudh Kosi River at Benkar. From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2840m).
we check our Sagarnatha (Everest) National Park permit at check post. After checking the permits the trail steep rocky descend to large farm aftermath cross bridge at Dudh Kosi and follow the west banks. Just short distance up the river is Jorsale (2830m). The trail follows the river for a while, then re-crosses the Dudh Koshi along the river bank and after short ups and downs, makes a steep climb near the confluence of the two rivers (Bhote Koshi & Dush Koshi) then little climb and re-crosses bridge at Dudh Koshi after that the trail follows steeply ascent towards the Namche Bazaar(3440m). One hour before arrive Namche Bazaar from where we may see the Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m) and Nuptse (7879m) first time in your life. Namache bazaar is gate way to khambu. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. Overnight at tea house.

Acclimatization is most important before heading higher. Most off the trekker’s acclimatization at Namche on their trek schedule. Today, we hike to Everest View hotel viewpoint for a splendid view of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest (8848), Lhotse (8516m), Lhotse shar (8382m), Nuptse (7879m), peak- 38(7591m), Ama dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Kusum kangaru (6367), Cholaste (6335m), Tabuche peak (6495m), Khumbi La (5765m) and Kwangde Ri (6011m) etc. Back to namche for overnight.

Today the trail at first slightly climb up and continue easy level walk to kyangjuma 3550m. Along the route you may enjoy incredible view of Mt. Everest (8848), Lhotse (8516m), Lhotse shar (8382m), Nuptse (7879m), peak- 38(7591m), Ama dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Kusum kangaru (6367), Cholaste (6335m), Tabuche peak (6495m), Khumbi La (5765m) and Kwangde Ri (6011m). From kyangjuma the trail follows for a while easy level walk through Rhododendron forest to sanasa .There is three way directions from where one way right hand side leads to the direct Everest base camp trek and another way up ward left hand side leads to the Gokyo valley trek. From here the trail steep climb up approximately one and half hour to reach at Mongla danda (3978m) where there are a few teahouse and a chorten so you may rest here for a while and enjoy magnificent view of Mt. Ama dablam including numerous mountains. The trail from Mongla danda descends in steep bends trail to Phortse thanga (3680m). From Phortse thanga you will meet two trails one higher route left hand side lead to Gokyo valley trek and lower trail right hand side lead to Phortse village. From after Phortse Thanga the trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and junipers forests then after small part level walks before to reach at Dole (4090m). Overnight at tea house.

We start our day after having hot breakfast at lodge. We will climb gradually along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu (8201m) while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega (6783m) and Thamserku (6623m). You are walking through Lhabarma (4330m), Luza (4340m) and finally reach at Machhermo (4410m) overnight at tea house.

Machhermo to Gokyo the trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down valley to Kangtega and up towards to Cho-Oyu (8201m). Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangka at 4390m then descends to the river bank before beginning the climb onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. It is a steep climb up the moraine, switch backing alongside the stream to the first small lake Longponga (4650m) where a family of Brahmin ducks has resided for many years. After first lake the trail now becomes almost level as it follows the valley past a second lake known as Taujung (4710m) and continue trek to Gokyo Lake (4750m). Overnight at Teahouse.

Early in the morning we have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo RI (5360m). There are stunning views of the Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu mountains range, such giants as Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) Mt. Everest (8848), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7879m), Makalu (8481m), Cholaste (6335m), Tabuche peak (6495m) and Gychung Kang (7922m). After enjoy the beautiful views at Gokyo Ri then return to Gokyo (4750m) and 2-3 hours trek from Gokyo lake to Thakna. The trail bit ascends then after trail smoothly up and down in glacier after that about forty five minutes smoothly descends along the valley to reach at Thangana (4700m) known as base camp of Cho La Pass. Along the trail you will see the fine views of mountains and natural beauty. It is really wonderful trip from Gokyo Lake to Thangna. Overnight in lodge.

Today is going to be one of the tough days, 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 trekking trail slippery. Our trail climbs through a narrow valley and a rocky trail we climb up continuously up from Phedi. As we gain height, the view gets increasingly captivating before us. We trek through the side of a frozen lake while we come to the top of the Cho La pass (5368m) decorated with prayer flags. Famous mountains we get sight of during the trail on the Pass and from the top are Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung etc. 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. After the Cho La pass, the trail descends steeply towards the Dzonglha (4,830 m) passing through some crevasses and pine forests before we reach at Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche and the Pheriche village far below. Finally you reach at Dzongla (4830m) here are few basic teahouse facilities. Overnight at teahouse.

Today you don’t have to walk longer and also not hard trail from Dzongla to Lobuche so you can enjoy the trip after crossing the Cho La Pass (5368m). The trail is descends and ascends gently and level walk finally you reach at Lobuche (4910m). This trip is providing excellent views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse, Everest, Pumori, Lobuche peak etc. Lobuche is a small village situated nearby the stream and the sunset on Nuptse is a memorable sight. Overnight in tea house

Today, the trail follows western side of khumbu valley ascends gently through meadows nearby the glacial moraine after that ascends and descends in the rocky path with some rounding the bands. Along the way you can enjoy incredible views of Pumori (7167m) Lingtren (6713m), Khumbutse (6639m), Nuptse (7879m), Lobuche east (6090m) as well as Khumbu glacier and icefall. After finishing several bands you will a bit descends to Gorak Shep (5140m). After reaching Gorak Shep you may have your lunch and leave your bag pack at teahouse then start your journey to Everest base camp (5364m). You will spend about 4 and half hours trek up to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak shep. The trek trail is on glacier and snow capped rocks. You can also see many small frozen lakes around the Everest Base Camp. There are several mountains including Pumori (7165m), Lingtren (6713m), Khumbutse (6639m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8516m) but you can’t see the mount Everest (8848m) from Everest base camp although you will see it along the trail. The most impressive view from Everest base camp is the Khumbu icefall. After enjoying beautiful moment at the Everest base camp then return back to Gorak Shep. Overnight at teahouse.

Today early in the morning from Gorak shep hike up to Kala patter for magnificent view of the numerous Himalaya as well as breathtaking view of sunrise. The trail from Gorak sheep to Kala patter at the beginning steep climb up approximately half an hour reach the flat land where have been attending Nepal government cabinet meeting regarding the issue of the global warming in 2009.it was first cabinet meeting in such a high place in the world. Aftermath the trail steep climb with lots of bends finally you reach at kala patter after that about 50 meters steeply with rocky climbing to summit the main Kala pattar (5545m). Today you may see excellent view of sunrise on the Mt. Everest (8848), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7879m), Ama dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Kusum kangaru (6367), Cholaste (6335m), Tabuche peak(6495m) Lobuche peak (6090m) , Lingtren (6713m), Khumbutse (6639m), Lho La ,south col, changste as well as Everest base camp, Khumbu Icefall and few lake. Once you are at the kala pattar you may feel you are touching Mt. pumori and close-up view Mt. Everest. Finally the dream comes in true then will return back to Gorak shep have a breakfast continue trek heading down through Lobuche and Dughla. Little further from Dughla you will cross the river comes from Everest base camp and khumbu icefall then you will meet two trail where one way left hand side goes to Dingboche and lower one right hand side goes to Pheriche . Trek through left hand side leads flat and smoothly descends to Dingbouche. Overnight at teahouse.

We descends the valley and cross the Khumbu Khola bridge and climbs to rejoin the upward trail at some stone huts near Orsho. After that the trail leads slightly descends to Orhso continue level walk to Somare then slightly descents and a bit ascend for a while then level walk to two way junction where one trail higher right hand side goes to Phortse village via upper Pangboche and another lower trail left hand side goes to Tengboche through lower Pangboche. Beyond pangboche the trail descends past some magnificently carved mani stones to the Imja Khola, which we cross via a steel suspension bridge high above the river at a spot where it rushes through a narrow cleft then to Debache and a short steep climb to Tengboche through a forest of birches conifers and rhododendrons. Finally you reach at Tengboche(3867m). You may enjoy the breathtaking view of sunset and sunrise as well as magnificent view of the Mt. Everest including other Himalayas from Tengboche. Tengboche monastery is one of the beautiful monasteries in solu khumbu area as well as the religious center of the whole ‘Sherpa land ‘entire solu khumbu area. Overnight at teahouse.

After breakfast, take a descent to the Imjatse River, then a steep climb for about an hour will take you to Sanasa. From there on, the winding path takes you to Namche Bazaar. Have your lunch in one of the finer restaurants in Namche then with himalayas views in the backdrop, you will move on through the rugged trail towards a lush green forest. You might have the chance of coming across musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, or even the rare red panda. Tourists have often shared the experience of witnessing Blood Pheasant and Impeyan Pheasant. The route then takes a steep descent to the Dudh Koshi River. Cross the river via a suspension bridge towards Jorsale. It is the buffer zone of Sagarmatha National Park. You will further walk south towards Monjo Village. Monjo is a small village known best for being the checkpoint or the entrance gate of the national park. There are many guesthouses and tea houses in this area. The stone houses roofed by tin tops and wooden windows take you back in time. Overnight stay in Monjo.

After breakfast, you head back to Lukla. There is a descent in the first leg of the trek to Benkar. From there, you will take a suspension bridge and head to Ghat to grab lunch. From there, continue your trek towards Phakding village. There is a gradual climb until you reach Chablung village. Walk past a thick forest of birch and juniper; then, you will get to the Pasang Lhamu Memorial gate in a short while. Upon arrival, keep your backpack in your tea house, then head to the streets and enjoy yourself with the locals. The small village has a lot to give in terms of exploring. There are various shops in the area where you can find adorable souvenirs to take back home. The people here are friendly and welcoming. You can grab some locally brewed drinks and enjoy your last night in the Khumbu region, along with the locals and our team.

We have breakfast and then walk to Tenzing-Hillary airport and fly back to Kathmandu in the morning, enjoying the scenery during the flight. We’ll have a celebratory dinner in Kathmandu in the evening. Otherwise, the rest of the day is yours. Overnight in the hotel.

Driving from Ramechhap to Kathmandu will take an extra 4 hours; during the peak season, the flight from Lukla will go to Manthali (Ramechhap). Total Distance by road: 130 Km.