The Gokyo – Everest Base Camp Trek is fantastically splendid, as it is a rich package of natural, cultural, and spiritual delights. It, also popular as the Everest Circuit Trek, of Everest Region, walks you through Namche Bazar, the Sagarmatha National Park, the Gokyo Lake System, the Gokyo Ri, the Cho La pass, the Kala Patthar.
These are supposedly the major sites, but the trek is not merely about these. In fact, there are a plethora of surreal sites and beguiling beauties. Walking along the banks the Dudh Koshi River, whose source is the Gokyo Lake, is a pure pleasure.
Moreover, your visit to the Tengboche Monastery will rouse you spiritually. The Khumbu Icefall and the Khumbu Glacier are strikingly picturesque.
The Everest base camp trek begins after you land to Lukla from Kathmandu. Thereafter, you will trek to Namche Bazar—a beautiful town within the Khumbu region at 3440 m, to where the most Sherpas in the tourism business belong. Namche Bazar, the gateway to the high Himalaya, is popular for altitude acclimatization.
The dainty town has enough lodgings and stores catering to the need of tourists. It has some plush bakeries and cafes. Moreover, you would love to have popular local yak steak. From there, you will, instead of taking the ‘classic route’, move up towards the Gokyo Lake in the Sagarmatha National Park at an altitude of 5000 m.
It is where 19 different lakes in the Gokyo Lake System spread over an area of 485 acres imbue the region with transcendentally pristine and pure ambiance. It will fill ethereal.
The national park is home to exotic birds and animals, and some rare species, like red panda and snow leopard. You might luckily get their glimpse.
Wait, the stunner is not over yet! You will climb the Gokyo Ri and the Cho La before getting to the Everest Base Camp. From the peaks, you will have a mesmerizing view of the Everest, the Cho Oyu, and the Makalu. Onwards, it keeps getting more thrilling, more adventurous.
It will be a climactic experience to view the mammoth Mt. Everest from Kala Patthar at 5545 m from where you can have the most accessible closeup view of the Everest.
Since it is a circuit trek, you will not be retracing your path for major part of the trek which will offer you an added benefit of everything from natural to cultural.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath & Patan
Day 03: Flight Kathmandu to Lukla & trek to Phakding
Day 04: Trek Phakding to Namche
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche
Day 06: Trek Namche to Phortse Thanga
Day 07: Trek Phortse Thanga to Machhermo
Day 08: Trek Machhermo to Gokyo
Day 09: Trek Gokyo to Thangna
Day 10: Trek Thangna to Dzongala via Chola Pass
Day 11: Trek Dzongala to Lobuche
Day 12: Trek Lobuche to Gorakshep
Day 13: Trek Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp & back to Lobuche
Day 14: Trek Lobuche to Dingbuche
Day 15: Trek Dingbuche to Tangboche
Day 16: Trek Tengboche to Jorsale
Day 17: Trek Jorsale to Lukla
Day 18: Flight Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 19: Visit Bhaktapur
Day 20: Visit Boudhanath & Pashupatinath
Day 21: Departure
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the Nepali traditional restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath and Patan: start our tour visiting a magnificent Buddhist stupa, Swoyambunath followed by a visit of Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2650m): A scenic flight to Lukla (2865m) where we start our trek to Phakding which takes about 3 hours. We trek via Cheplung (2700m), Thado Koshi and Ghat (2590m) villages. Phakding is a small charming place with some comfortable lodges.
Overnight: Lodge
Flight Time: 40 minutes
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 1531m
Day 04: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m): The busy trail follows Dudh Koshi River and reaches Zamphuti where you can observe the beautiful view of Thamserku Peak then continue to Chomoa. We continue our trek again and climb to Monjo 2850m). Monjo is entry point of Sagarmatha National Park so we should complete our trekking permit and National park entry formalities before we enter the park. The trek again continues to Jorsale where we start our ascent to Namche Bazaar after crossing the large suspension bridge. Along the way you get the first proper glimpse of Mt. Everest and other surrounding peaks. Namche bazaar is known as the gateway to Everest and has some modern facilities including some very good lodges, several monasteries, shops, bakeries, an army camp, Sagarmatha National Park quarter, museum etc.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +790m.
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche (3440m): Today we hike to nearby Everest View Hotel where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Mt. Everest and surrounding mountains. You may also be interested to visit Sherpa Museum which is a great place to learn Sherpa culture and the history of mountaineering in the region.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 06: Trek Namche to Phortse Thanga (3680m): The trek starts with a flat trail to Shanasa for about one and half hour. From here the trail ascends to Mongla hill for two hours. Then the trail continues on steep downhill to Phortse Thanga for about one and half hour where we spend the night. The views of Khumbila, Tawache peak, Mt. Amadablam, Thamserku peaks are highlight of the day.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 240m
Day 07: Trek Phortse Thanga to Machhermo (4470m): The trail begins by ascending steeply through rhododendron forests, passing many Kharkas on its way to Tongba (3950m) and Gyele (3960m) and then reaches Dole. From Dole we cross a small River and continue ascending to Lhaparma (4330m), and Luza (4340m) and finally we reach Machermo. The Mountain View from this area is superb.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +660m
Day 08: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4790m): Start our trek on a gradual uphill and trail stays similar all the way to Gokyo. We climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes and soon arrive at the second lake, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking along the edge of the lake the scenery is breathtaking: the summits of Cho- Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflect beautifully in its emerald green water.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 320m
Day 09: Trek Gokyo to Thangna (4500m): We start our day really early in the morning hiking to Gokyo–Ri (5463m) for the wonderful mountain scenery including Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Twache and several other small peaks. It takes about two hours to reach Gokyo-Ri from Gokyo village. After enjoying the splendid view of mountain peaks, we retrace our steps to Gokyo. Then we continue our descent to Thangna. The route follows across the glacier.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 290m
Day 10: Trek Thangna to Dzongala (4850m) Via Chola Pass (5368m): This is one of the toughest days of the entire trek. It is the day when we cross the Cho-la pass at 5368m. The pass is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side where crampons and an ice axe might be needed. (Depending on time of the year of your trek) The western approach to the pass varies in difficulty depending on the amount of snow. The views offered here are excellent. After crossing the Cho-la Pass the trail steeply descends to Dzongala. From Dzongala you can again enjoy fantastic view of the surrounding peaks.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 350m
Day 11: Trek Dzongala to Labuche (4930m): it is a short trek to Labuche which gives you enough time to rest for your approach to Everest Base camp.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 80m
Day 12: Trek Labuche to Gorakshep (5170m): start our trek early in the morning to avoid wind (wind starts late morning in the valley) it takes about 3 hours to reach Gorakshep which is our last stop before climbing to Everest Base Camp (EBC). The trail up to Gorakshep is rocky and windy but it offers great views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and Everest Base camp. When sun begins to set over Everest, we hike to Kalapatthar (5545m) which is one of the finest viewpoints in Everest Region. As the light begins to fade, we stroll back to our lodge at Gorakshep.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 240m
Day 13: Trek Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (EBC-5380m) and trek back to Lobuche (4930m): We start our trek early in the morning again. It is about 3 hours trek to Everest Base camp which is situated at the altitude of 5380m. Contouring along the valley side, the trail leads on to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and eventually reaches base camp near the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. After celebrating our efforts and photographing the achievement we return to Lobuche for our overnight.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 240m
Day 14: Trek Lobuche to Dingbuche (4410m): We start heading down enjoying the view of Amadablam, Tawache, and Khanteka. It's fairly easy day taking about 4 hours to reach Dingbuche.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 520m
Day 15: Trek Dingbuche to Tangboche (3860m): Leaving the mountains behind us, our descent takes us through various villages including Orsho, Shomare and lower Pangboche to reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River. For our final approach to Tangbuche we ascend gradually through Debuche. Tangboche is a very well-known place in Nepal due to its’ Buddhist monastery and the superb surrounding mountain view.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 550m
Day 16: Trek Tengboche to Jorsale (2810m): We continue our trek from Tengboche descending steeply through a stunning forest of rhododendron, blue pine and silver fir to Phunkithanga a small settlement with couple of tea houses. The trail ascends to Trashinga crossing a suspension bridge continuing through juniper and pine forest, on an easy trail to Namche Bazaar. After having lunch in Namche the trail steeply descends before crossing the suspension bridge and continues to Jorsalle following Dudh Koshi River.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -1050m
Day 17: Trek Jorsale to Lukla (2865m): On our final days’ trek to reach Lukla we cross Phakding, Ghat, Thado Koshi, and Cheplung taking about 4-5 hours to complete.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +55m
Day 18: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1334m): a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. The flight usually leaves early from Lukla and takes about 40 minutes to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 40 minutes
Difference in Elevation: - 1531m
Day 19: Visit to Bhaktapur (1334m): Today we drive for an hour to visit very ancient city of Bhaktapur.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 20: Visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath: start our day visiting holiest place of Hindu, Pashupatinath temple. Then we visit a magnificent Buddhist stupa, Boudhanath.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 21: Transfer to the airport and departure.
Special Note: This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated with Lodge/tea house and/or camping accommodation, based on your preference. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.
NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.
| Srl. |
Description |
Qty. |
Remarks |
|
| 01 | Day back-pack |
1 |
||
| 02 | Gore-Tex Jacket |
1 |
||
| 03 | Down Jacket |
1 |
||
| 04 | Fleece Jacket |
1 |
||
| 05 | Micro Fleece |
1 |
||
| 06 | Trekking pants (Trousers) |
2 |
||
| 07 | Hiking shoes (Boots) |
1 |
||
| 08 | Runners (sport shoes) |
1 |
||
| 09 | Trekking Socks |
3 |
||
| 10 | Rain poncho |
1 |
||
| 11 | Sun-glasses |
1 |
||
| 12 | Water bottles |
2 |
||
| 13 | Thermal underwear(long) |
1-2 |
||
| 14 | T- shirts |
2-3 |
||
| 15 | Sunscreen/lotion |
1 |
||
| 16 | Flip flop (sandal) |
1 |
||
| 17 | Towel |
1 |
||
| 18 | Hat(Baseball cap) |
1 |
||
| 19 | Pristine drops (Water purifier) |
1 |
||
| 20 | Head light/flash light |
1 |
||
| 21 | Sleeping Bag |
1 |
||
| 22 | Gloves |
1 |
||
| 23 | Wind Proof Trouser (s) |
1 |
||
| 24 | Personal medical kid |
1 |
||
| 25 | Toiletries |
1 |
||
Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.
Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year. Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer. Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C. Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.
The summer/monsoon period: It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions "trans-Himalayan", Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.
Autumn: mid September – mid December - Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.
In winter: mid-December - mid-February - Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to - 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.
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