This trek makes a loop in the Khumbu valley from Gokyo to Kalapathar to Everest Base Camp. The trek through Gokyo valley to the Gokyo Lake is beautiful as it passes through yak pasture villages, it continues going over the Chola pass and reaching Kalapathar, the finest view point in the Khumbu Valley and the best place to see Mt. Everest. A visit to Everest Base Camp is magical in itself as you are surrounded by white peaks and glaciers.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be received by our representative and transferred to your Hotel. If arrive early mid-day is free to venture around the city close to your hotel. Briefing at the hotel in the evening.
This is a free day for Trek Logistic Preparation or can sign up for Cultural Tour. Let us know and we can arrange for that.
After early breakfast, we drive to domestic airport to catch a plane to Lukla (9,184ft). In this 40 minutes flight, we enjoy magnificent views of hillside surrounded by great mountainous peaks.
Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins, we meet our other crew members and after final preparations, the trekking starts passing Chaurikharka village and makes a descent towards the Dudhkosi Ghat. The trail follows the right bank of the Dudhkosi River until camp at Phakding is reached. This first day is short for acclimatization reasons. Lunch will be served in Lukla or on the way.
After breakfast, we continue our trek along the river crossing it at different points by means of wooden bridges at Benkar (2,713 meters), Jorsale (2,804 meters) and two Hillary bridges at the confluence of the Bhotekosi and Dudhkosi Rivers and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. And then, it is an uphill climb of over 304 meters towards Namche Bazaar, the biggest Sherpa village in Nepal. There are shops, a health clinic, and banks. From Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, we can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
A day to relax and acclimatize. There is an option of 2 hours hike to Everest View Point or just take a look around Namche Bazaar, the main Centre of the Khumbu region that has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. We can also visit the Sherpa Museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering.
From Namche Bazaar, We will continue gradually gaining altitude walking through a small airstrip at Syangboche, a gradual climb goes through a small hill, and then down to the villages of Khumjung and Khunde. Here Sir Edmund Hillary has built a school. Khumjung is another big village. From here, we walk down a little further, turn left to climb steep stairs, and walk through forests of birch and junipers. We will reach Phortse Tenga, a tiny village. Look across the valley for the village of Phortse, and we will see that it is beautifully situated on a plateau with some farmlands. We can rest here for a while and walk further to the village of Dole where we will stay tonight.
From Dole, the trail climbs to Labharma and Luza. The trail is steep in most places. Luza is situated on a large riverbank. The trail continues to climb along the valley high above the river and then crosses the sandy slopes finally reaching the village of Machhermo.
From Machhermo, it is a steep climb up the moraine and alongside the stream coming to a small lake. It is here where the wood ducks live. The valley widens as the trail passes through the Fangka settlement and then descends to the riverbank before beginning a climb to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glaciers. The trail almost levels off as it follows the valley past the second lake and finally up the jumble of rocks and boulders and reaching isolated Gokyo Lake. Overnight at Gokyo Lake
After early breakfast, let’s gear up for a steep climb. Make sure we have water, some snacks and warm clothes. The trail goes steep ups directly above the Gokyo lake to Gokyo-Ri for about two and half hard climb. From Gokyo Ri it is possible to see four 8K-meters peaks: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The Gokyo Lakes are in the area. After enjoying the mesmerizing views and taking pictures we then descent all the way downhill to Gokyo Lake. After lunch, take a rest walk around the oldest and longest glaciers of Khumbu valley. Overnight at Gokyo Lake.
Today we trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side and then pass along the edge of that mountain till we reach 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.
It is going to be one of the toughest day of the trip. The Cho La pass isn't itself hard, however it is steep and includes an icey mass through the eastern side. We should be very cautious as the trail is vertical and the stones coated by ice may cause inconvenience by making the trail slippery. The trail from Phedi moves through a deep narrow valley and a rocky trail. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake, we reach at the highest point of the pass decorated with colorful prayer flags. We have to pass through a few glaciers before reaching out last spot of the day “Dzongla village”. The village gives awesome perspectives of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche mountains alongside the Pheriche Village far beneath.
From Dzongla, the trail levels off and then makes a gradual climb leading up and down to a small Sherpa settlement of Lobuche. This will be a very short trek, so we have a lot time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. We can spend the rest of day taking rest. The sunset on Nuptse is a memorable sight. Overnight in Lobuche.
The trail becomes rougher as we cross several side moraines and go past Gorak shep, a tiny settlement with few teahouses. From here we will climb up and go for the top of Kalapathar. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude.After rounding a bend in the trail, we reach the base of this small peak, Kala Pathar (5,545 meters). It may take us about 3 to 4 hours to make to the summit. The top provides the best vantagepoint for viewing Mt. Everest. The sunset view is very admirable then the sunrise from this point. The striking of the setting sun's rays over the snow-capped mountains is simple incredible scenery. After having a breath taking moments at the peak, we go back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest.
This is an optional hike to the Everest Base Camp.
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.
Or we can just go back to Lobuche with and rest.
From Lobuche, we retrace our steps back down to Thuklha and go straight up the hill from the bridge to reach an upper trail, staying high above the valley floor past the yak pastures at Dusa to a chorten at the head of the Imja valley. From here, the views of Island Peak are great, and we can see Makalu is in a distance. The trail continues descending lower into the valley through little stone huts leading to the village of Dingboche. There are few houses and lodges in Dingboche. The mountain scenery is outstanding.
The route from Dingboche descends into the Imja Khola Valley and then crosses the Khumbu Khola on a wooden bridge and climbs to rejoin the upward trail. Following the trail downhill, it is easy to make a detour and visit the upper part of Pangboche and continue to Tengboche.
Our destination, Tengboche, is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Everest region and we will also stop by in the Tengboche monastery, which is one of the largest in Khumbu. We nourish our spirit with a guided tour of the monastery grounds, followed by chanting and prayer with the resident Buddhist monks.
Walk down from the rear of monastery, going down until we each Phunki Tenga, few teahouses. Climb up gradually through a forest. Once we are out of this forest, we will walk along a ridge from where we can see down on our left side some of the deepest gorges in Nepal. In spring, the rhododendrons will be in superb colors, making the valley even more beautiful. Reach Namche Bazaar in about 5 hours and trek further down for about 2 hours to reach Monjo.
The trek back to Lukla takes about 4 hours. This will be the last night for us to get together with all of our fellow trekkers. It will be a good idea that all of the group members go for a farewell dinner party. We can have a good time with two local alcoholic beverages ‘chang’ or ‘rakshi.’ Feel free to dance with the crewmembers in the Sherpa way.
After the breakfast, our trekking crews will help us carry our bags to the airport and bid adieu for the last time. We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or venture around the city close to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
This is an extra day in case of flight delays due to bad weather, landslide etc. The day is free for independent activities or do some souvenir shopping or can explore any other areas of Kathmandu. Let us know and we can arrange for that.
Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! After Breakfast, Free till departure transfer to the airport to connect with the onward flight. Return home to tell the tale of legendary adventure.
THN-EGV21-STD
$2099
2-12 people
21 Days
Nepal
Difficult
Trekking, Pass, Glacier Walk, Great Mountain Views, Local Culture
5,5544m/18,192ft
1,300m/4,264ft
Breakfast in Kathmandu. All meals during the trek
3 Star hotels in Kathmandu. Local Tea houses during the trek
March to May | September to December