Gokyo Lake Chola pass to Everest Base Camp (18 Days)

Itinerary

Day 01:  Arrival Kathmandu (1300m) & Transfer to Hotel

Day 02 : Kathmandu sightseeing and Trek preparation.

Day 03:  Kathmandu – Lukla (2,800 m) – Phakding (2,652 m): 3 hrs walk

Day 04:  Phakding -Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 4 hrs walk

Day 05:  Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day

Day 06:  Namche Bazaar – Dole-(4,110 m): 6 hrs walk

Day 07:  Dole – Machherma-(4,470 m): 5 hrs walk

Day 08:  Machherma – Gokyo (4800 m): 4 hrs walk

Day 09:  Gokyo Valley:Acclimatization Day

Day 10:  Hike – Gokyo Ri (5357 m) – Thaknak (4750 m): 6 hrs walk

Day 11:  Thaknak – Cho-la Pass (5367 m) – Lobuche (4940 m): 9 hrs walk

Day 12:  Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5170 m) – Everest Base Camp (5360 m) / Kala Patthar (5545 m) – Gorak Shep:  8 hrs walk

Day 13:  Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar / Everest Base Camp – Pheriche (4280m): 9 hrs walk

Day 14:  Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar. 6 hrs walk

Day 15:  Namche Bazaar-Lukla. 6 hrs walk

Day 16:  Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 17:  Final Departure

Detail Itinerary

Day 01:  Arrival Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel

You will be welcomed by the boss of  company at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1300m).After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our company display board at the arrival gate. You will be transfer to Hotel. After check in, you will visit our office; meet your trekking guide as well as other participants. Later in the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent Touristic Restaurant where you will enjoy  with a fine meal. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 : Kathmandu sightseeing and Trek preparation.

Full day of sightseeing in the very famous capital, Kathmandu. We will be visit the famous heritage sites in Kathmandu.

Morning:

We will start from your hotel by a morning walk in the blocked alleyways of Kathmandu. Your first contact with the smiling Nepalese people. We begin to cross the nice area of Thamel, full of nice shops, bars and restaurants.

We will see during this walk many temples and stupas: it will be for you the beginning of religious lessons, making the difference between Buddhists stupas and Hindu temples. You will discover with a great surprise how these two religions live together.

We will make a stop at Thahiti Tole, then in front of Kathesimbhu stupa. Always meeting statues and local shops (suits, spices, incenses, and so on) and listening the noise of bells (and of horns), we will see Asan Tole with wonderful Hindu temples. Then Indra Chowk and Pyaphal Tole. After 2 hours of walk and of wonder, we will arrive at Durbar Square.

Kathmandu Durbar Square situated the center of Kathmandu where you can see the House of Living Goddess “KUMARI” Kasthamandup temple” Said that was built from single tree in 16th century, big bell-big drams, erotic carving in old temple, old palace etc. All the most important monuments of the city are in this area. You will be filled with wonder by all these numerous such majestic and so ancient temples registered in the Heritage of the UNESCO. It is possible to spend hours, sat on the walk of one of these monuments, admiring architecture, considering the animation of places, dreaming. We will take lunch at the top of a restaurant, with a great plunging view.

Afternoon.

You will begin the afternoon by another walk in the streets of Kathmandu, to look at the real face of this city, with local buildings and narrow streets. Then we will arrive at Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). Swayambunath stupa has it that Manjushree, found of Kathmandu valley, and discovered the lotus of ancient valley lake on which site the great stupa of Swayambunath was later built. The omni sighted stare of Buddha greets visitors & residents alike compassion. This is one of the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world, which has been registered in UNESCO heritage side.  It is said that Swayambunath Stupa is more than 2,000 years old, and it symbolizes knowledge. At the summit of this hill, the painted eyes on all four sides symbolize the all-seeing power of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist place where pilgrims from all over the world.

From this place we can have a wonderful panoramic view on all the capital. So great at the end of the day, with the sunset. We will come back hotel by bus.

Evening: Time for you to prepare the trek and we introduce in front of you our crew members. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03:  Kathmandu – Lukla (2800m) – Phakding (2652m) 3 hours walk.

Early morning, after breakfast we get transferred to domestic airport to fly to Lukla (2800m). After an adventurous 40 minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. At the airport, we meet our other crew members. We get time to stroll around while the guide divides and manages baggage to be carried by porters. We start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding (2652m). It takes four hours walk.To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 04:  Phakding -Namche Bazaar (3440m) 4 hours walk.

After morning breakfast Trek start from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). Today, the walk is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and reach entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked in order to keep record of trekkers and local trekking staffs as well. A descend and a gradual walk brings us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar. The walk is enjoyable through the river bed and we reach Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up hill towards Namche Bazaar, closer and magnificent sight of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains are viewed closer, we stop at the Chautara here to admire the view. Finally, we reach the colorful village of Namche Bazaar, the main gateway of Khumbu region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 05:  Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day

This is first ‘acclimatization’ day for this trek. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or carry out relaxed exploration of Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides will take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung and also climb up to famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School which is at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 06:  Namche Bazaar – Dole (4110m) 6 hours walk.

After having a nice breakfast trek start from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4110m). It takes six hours walk. Today, We climb steeply out of Namche Bazaar up to Kyangjuma Village from where, we can enjoy outstanding views of Thamserku, Katenga, and Ama Dablam. Most strenuous ascent of the day is obviously to pass the Mong La, a very charming place perched on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. An ancient historical Chorten stands at the centre of the settlement of Mong La. We stop at the top of Mong La to admire the grandstand views of surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while we have our lunch. The most outstanding feature of the trail today is the abundance of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. Spotting wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer while on the way is not unusual. Through forests, some waterfalls and bridges, we reach Dole; a small place with few teahouses. Overnight in Dole.

Day 07:  Dole – Machherma (4470m) 5 hours walk.

After morning breakfast trek start to Machherma (4470m). It takes five hours walk. Today, firstly, we climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above the Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma at 4220m to Luza at 4360m. The path is steep in most places as we pass through thorny bushes up to Lhabarma. Offering us good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku the trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m). While we ascend from Luza, the Dudh Koshi valley is deep like a canyon with its sheer sides. Walking along the hill side above thundering Dudhkoshi passing through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we reach Machherma. Machherma is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. It is the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. We visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital here for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Precaution regarding altitude sickness is vital while trekking in the high altitude region; however our guides are quite knowledgeable about this. Overnight in Machherma.

Day 08:  Machherma – Gokyo (4800m) 4 hours walk.

After breakfast trek start from Machherma to Gokyo (4800m). It takes four hours walk. Today, we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after some gentle walk. Phangka is the palace where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over an stream the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo (4690m), where we get chance to observe the 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 Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend night in a teahouse with comfortable bedrooms. Overnight in Gokyo.

Day 09:  Gokyo Valley:Acclimatization Day

Today is full day rest or an acclimatization day but we know we should not stay idle. If the weather is good, we grasp the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of next day to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or, as we know Gokyo is not only popular for its grand view from Gokyo Peak but also for the six lakes which it hosts. Definitely we would not miss the chance to observe the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). About 3 km north of Gokyo is the fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to fifth lake. If interested, we climb on a hill at the edge of the Lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We can see a lot more from here – the spot is called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. Beyond the fifth Lakes is the Cho Oyu Base Camp. Scenery here is breathtaking with Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang seeming just a stone’s throw away. Northern part of the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier of the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. Moved by the charm, we may even try to go sixth lake too but depends upon our own interest and time. Back to Gokyo village. Overnight at Gokyo.

Day 10:  Hike – Gokyo RI (5357m) – Thaknak (4750m) 6 hours walk.

After have a breakfast trek to Gokyo Ri (5355m) and Thaknak (4750m). It takes six hours walk. If Gokyo Ri has not been done the day before we do this today. Gokyo Ri is the highlight of this trip. Early morning, we hike up the to Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak). Climb to Gokyo Ri is obviously strenuous as it is steep up and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top, but even from the trial scenery of Gokyo village on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier are mind blowing. We feel like we are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K 43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. Sight of sunrays kissing the Everest that towers over all surrounding peaks is unlike from Kala Patthar (from Kala Patthar Nuptse seems taller). Our Gokyo Ri visit will be unforgettable life time memories. We trek down to Gokyo and after Little breakfast we trek to Thaknak for overnight being by the second Lakes and the Ngozumba Glacier. Overnight in Thaknak.

Day 11:  Thaknak – Cho-la Pass (5365m) – Lobuche (4940m). 9 hours walk

After breakfast trek start to Cho-la Pass (5365m) and Lobuche (4940m). It takes nine hours walk. Today, Cho La Pass is also another show up of this trip. Today is the toughest day and we need to start early (4-6 am) compared to other days on the trip. 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 trail slippery. Our trail climbs through a ravine 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 pass decorated with prayer flags. Prominent 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. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below. Depending upon our own condition and interest, we might take overnight at Dzongla or simply go ahead to Lobuche for overnight.

However, the idea is better to go up to Lobuche same day to ease our next day’s Everest Base Camp ascent and also that lodges are better in Lobuche than that of Dzongla. If we decide to continue, we climb down from Dzongla and after crossing a bridge and transverse through grassy trail. Enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak we stretch up eventually through a ridge. Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku Taboche are seen looming prominently. Curving round through the wide gravelly river bed, we reach Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 12:  Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5170m) – Everest Base Camp (5360m) / Kala Patthar (5545m) – Gorak Shep, 8 hours walk.

After morning breakfast trek start to Gorak Shep (5170m) to Everest Base Camp (5360m) / Kala Patthar (5545m). It takes eight hours walk. Today, the trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass though the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world – Mount Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. As we reach Everest Base Camp we cannot stop ourselves from appreciating the Everest climbers those take the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer’s tents stand out in bright colors against all the dull gray surroundings (especially in the Spring). Nuptse, Khumbutse and Pumori are the mountains we can view from base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here. By now we have met the ultimate objective of our trip.

However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is suggested to visit Kala Patthar today during sunset.  As the setting sun’s rays strike the snow capped mountains the resulting scenery is indescribable. For those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar, our guides and Sherpas coordinate your hike to Kala Patthar for amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until the next day. Overnight in Gorak Shep at a local lodge.

Day 13:  Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar / Everest Base Camp – Pheriche (4280m) 9 hours walk.

After having warms breakfast trek to Kala Patthar / Everest Base Camp and come back to Pheriche (4280m). It takes nine hours walk. Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. 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 emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From here we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks our eyes taking in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we can with our camera and take the in view with our mind’s eye to last lifetime.  On being back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast and wait other participants to return back.

Those participants who plan to visit Everest base camp today will have early breakfast to start early as Everest base camp hike takes longer time (4-5 hrs) than the Kala Patthar hike. Upon return back to Gorak Shep, the group will have lunch together; and afternoon time is taken to descend down to Pheriche for a good night’s rest.

Day 14:  Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar, 6 hours walk.

After having breakfast trek come back to Pangboche – Tengboche and Namche Bazaar. It takes six hours walk. Today is much easier walk down to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back to the terminal moraines at Dughla and the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages of Pheriche, Orsho, and Shomare. We might take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche or take the regular trial to reach Pangboche. From Pangboche we retrace our footsteps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Debuche or if interested, we might visit nuns at the Debuche monastery. If we are trekking during the full moon of November or December, we might get an opportunity to witness the Mani Rimdu festival in the monastery at Tengboche. After having lunch at Tengboche, we continuing through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it’s spring, the surrounding adored by pink and red rhododendron flowers is dazzling. We either have our lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga. After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa. We keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while we pass through the forest by the trail. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at of Namche Bazaar. We want to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche from here. On reaching our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 15:  Namche Bazaar-Lukla, 6 hours walk.

After morning breakfast trek come back to Lukla. It takes six hours walk. Today, the trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control 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. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile on their faces! Overnight in Lukla.

Day 16:  Fly back to Kathmandu

Flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning because wind can create problem to fly the aircraft in the afternoon but sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason that are beyond our command. We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. You can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel. If get interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guides or you can do it yourself too. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu take the time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing your trek to Everest Base Camp Trek! Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 17:  Final Departure

It’s time to enjoy a bit of Kathmandu and the ultimate view of the great mountains! Free time in Kathmandu and transfer to the airport two hours before departure of your flight home, after a final goodbye! On the way back, you’ll have time to plan a new adventure in Nepal, that country so magical!

Trekking Price Base on Groups Participants.
Trekking Ref. No. EVE-17N

 Trip Cost includes:
* All airport/hotel transfers
* Four nights 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
* Welcome and farewell dinner
* Accommodation during trek in hotel/guesthouse
* A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees
* All ground transportation as per itinerary in private vehicle
* An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
* All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS )
* A comprehensive medical kit
* All government and local taxes

Trip Cost does not include:
* Nepal Visa fee (bring small denomination USD cash and two passport photographs)
* International airfare.
* Excess baggage charges.
* Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu(and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary).
* Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
* Travel and rescue insurance.
* Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, etc).
* Tips for guides and porters.

Note: All participants have to give a copy of their insurance, with the address, tel and fax number of insurance company. This insurance has to cover the helicopter rescue in case of accident or sickness. In case of your insurance don’t cover helicopter rescue, you have to fill a form in Kathmandu and make agreement that you will pay yourself the amount of expenses paid by Nepal Assemble Treks for your helicopter rescue or research. Without this agreement, you cannot participate in trek.

In The trek the guide is allowed to change the itinerary, depending of the weather, climate and the physical condition of participants. Each participant who stop his trek or make changes any form of program may not ask any money compensation to the agency.

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