Everest B.C & Gokyo Lakes

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu (1350m):

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by our Himalayan Hikers representative and transferred you to the hotel. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes. After your check-in the group leader will set a time for your trek briefing to discuss in regards to the trek. The evening is free but your trek leader will organize a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight

Day 2: City Tour:

Today, you will visit BodhnathStupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and Pashupatinath, the main temple for the Hindus. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the “Ghats”. The rest of your afternoon is free. In the late afternoon you will be handed over with your trek pack. Departure information for the next morning will also be given. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2610m):

In the early morning you will take the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m) with breath taking views of the Himalayas. The flight time is about 40 minutes and you will land at an airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpa’s in the mid-1960s. After landing you will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort and load your trekking equipment. You will begin the trek by walking through the Lukla village and join the main trail to the Everest Valley. The walking is easy today with great views of KusumKhanguru. We trek through small villages of Thadokoshi andGhat. After passing through Ghats (2550m), it is only a short walk toPhakding.(Trekking:approximately3hours).Mealsincluded: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m):

From Phakding you will head towards the valley for Namche Bazaar following the DudhKoshi river. You get spectacular views of Mt.Thamserku from Benkar. From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m), the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. After lunch, it’s fairly an easy walk till we get to the last suspension bridge. The views of Lhotse, Nuptse and Tawache come into views for the first time; you now make a steep ascent to get to Tope Danda where you have photo opportunities of Everest Nuptse and Lhotse. We now make a gradual climb to get to Namche Bazaar.(Trekking: approximately 7 hours). Meals included: B, L, D

Day 5: Rest & acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3440m):

(Acclimatization Day) We have an extra day today for you to Acclamatise.You can either go for a hike to Syangboche or do other optional walks around Namche.The stunning vista includes a superb panorama of the Khumbu peaks and great views of Everest. The afternoon is free to wander through Namche. You can enjoy the bakeries, surf the internet or buy souvenir’s, etc.(Trekking: approximately 4 hours). Meals included: B, L, D

Day 6: Trek to Mongla (3970m):

From Namche, you will ascend to the airstrip at Shyanboche and then to a lunch spot in Khumjung – the largest village in the region. Towering above Khumjung is the sacred rocky peak of Khumbilya (5761m). It is the home of the guardian goddess of the region, often depicted in religious paintings (or thangkas) as a white-faced figure on a white horse. The trail contours around Khumbilya’s lower slopes, passing through beautiful birch forest and then climbing on to treeless, grassy slopes to a stupa on top of a rocky ridge (3992m). Once again the views of the surrounding mountains are magnificent. Phortse can be seen across the valley – a picturesque village set in a patchwork of stone walled fields. You will stay overnight at the cluster of lodges on the saddle, known as Mongla. Trekking approximately: 4 hours. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 7: Trek to Dole (4038m):

From the stupa you will descend 300 meters on a series of switchback trails to the Dudh Kosi River at Phortse Bridge. The trail to Gokyo is deceptive and you can can ascend too quickly if the trekking days aren’t planned sensibly. So, in the interests of acclimatization, you will take three days to reach Gokyo. Leaving Phortse Bridge, you will ascend steeply at first and then contour high above the valley, enjoying excellent views of Kantega, Thamserku and AmaDablam (6856m). About an hour’s walk from Phortse Bridge, you will gain our first views of the mammoth Cho-Oyo (8153m) at the head of the valley. You will be trekking beyond the tree line and pass some imposing waterfalls en route to the yak herding settlements of Tongba (4015m) and Gyele (4050m). From here it is a short distance to Dole (4038m), where you will spend the night. After lunch you can explore the upper Dole Valley, returning via a high ridge above the lodge to enjoy fantastic views of Cho-Oyo and Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the north, and Taweche (6542m) and Cholatse (6440m) across the valley to the east. You will be at higher altitudes today so it is important to take notice of the trek leader’s advice and recommendations regarding rest and fluid intake. Trekking approximately: 4 hours. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 8: Trek to Machermo (4465m):

Today will be another short day starting with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before ascending more gradually up the Dudh Kosi Valley, high above the river. Though the walk is easy you will feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hill. The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrub juniper is a stark contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After two hours you will arrive at Luza (4360m) and, after a further hour’s walk, you will reach the lodge at Machhermo (4465m), where you will spend the evening. After lunch there is an option to take an excursion across rocky moraines to the base of KyajoRi (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). However, keep an eye open for the yeti – It was here in 1974 that three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl injured when trying to fight off a hairy, ape-like intruder! Trekking approximately: 3 hours. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 9: Trek to Gokyo (4790m):

A short, steep climb leads from the Machhermo Valley on to the steep grassy slopes of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Keep an eye open for the colorful Tibetan snow cocks, often found in this area. The valley widens as you pass through Pangka (4390m) and on to the jumbled, terminal moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal and the source of the Dudh Kosi River. Climbing steeply over a rocky trail you will keep to the western side of the glacier to reach a small lake at the head of a wide valley and then pass a larger lake at Longponga (4690m), before following the lateral moraines to the third lake at Gokyo (4750m). Gokyo consists of a number of stone dwellings surrounded by stone walled yak pastures. The lodge is located close to the lake and, if there are no clouds around, the sunroom will be lovely and warm in the afternoon. For those feeling energetic, it is worth ascending to the ridge at the back of Gokyo for views down to the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier. Trekking approximately: 6 hours. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 10 : Trek to Gokyori & back to Machermo (4470m):

You will rise early for an ascent of Gokyo Peak (5360m) – a straightforward but steep climb and tiring due to the altitude. The walk up will take just over two hours; the reward is one of the best panoramas in the Khumbu. From the rocky summit, four 8000-metre peaks can be seen – Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m) and Makalu (8481m). Countless other towering snow-capped peaks and rock spires fill the horizons including Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the east of Cho-Oyo, Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m) and Kangchung (6103m). In addition, there’s a bird’s eye view of the Gokyo lakes and the huge creaking Ngozumpa Glacier, now cutting halfway across the world and snaking its way down the valley far beneath. You will descend back to Gokyo for a late breakfast and then retrace your steps back to the snout of the glacier and continue down the valley back to Machhermo. It is surprising how easily and quickly you will cover the return route, now that you are well acclimatized. Trekking approximately: 4 hours. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 11: Trek to Phortse (3810m):

A leisurely start to the day will wind you down valley to Dole, where you will enter the forest to continue the descent to Phortse Bridge. Keep an eye open for musk deer, which are often seen on this section of the trail. Here you will take lunch and branch off the main trail to Namche, crossing the Dudh Koshi and ascending to the village of Phortse. Phortse is one of the more traditional Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region, but surprisingly, few trekkers stop here on their Everest trek. The dramatic mountain views and peace and quiet of this village are sure to be one of the highlights of the trek. Trekking approximately: 5 hours. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 12: Trek to Dingboche (4410m):

Your morning’s walk will take you across a ridge before descending on an exposed trail to the Imja Khola. Keep an eye open for Himalayan thar – these mountain goats are often seen on the crags high above the trail. You will meet the trail coming from Thyangboche via the suspension bridge and from here you will gradually ascend to the village of Pangboche, where the peak of AmaDablam dominates the skyline. You will have lunch here and have the opportunity to see the beautiful monastery that once housed a legendary yeti scalp. After lunch you will follow the trail high above the Imja Khola, passing the teahouses at Orsho, before again crossing the Imja Khola and old glacial moraines to the lodge in the settlement of Dingboche. Here you will find a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stonewalls. These walls protect crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. The scenery is once again spectacular and although Everest has disappeared behind the Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are ample compensation. You will be almost completely above the tree line here. In clear conditions, look out for spectacular sunsets at this point, and on AmaDablam, the south face of Lhotse to the north, and also Island Peak in the center of the valley. Trekking approximately: 6 hours. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 13: Trek to Lobuche (4930m):

In the morning you will ascend the small ridge behind the village above Pheriche Valley. From the chorten at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) make a striking scene. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of Cho La dominate the skyline. The walking is now generally flat on wide-open fields. Late in the morning you will cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla (4620m) and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of Khumbu Glacier. In the afternoon, there will be a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge, you will pass a line of memorial cairns, built in memory of Sherpa’s and other climbers who have died on the various Everest expeditions. From here the view is spectacular – Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m) and, across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m) can be seen at the head of the valley whilst Everest remains hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse and Lhotse. You will then follow the valley stream to the lodge at Lobuje, arriving early afternoon. Today will be tiring but the fantastic scenery makes it all very worthwhile. Trekking: approximately 6 hours. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 14: Trek to Gorakshep & Everest Base Camp (5364m):

Today we start early for Gorekshep following the broad valley that runs parallel to KhumbuGlacier.A gradual ascent enables you to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. When you reach the moraines of ChangriNup Glacier, you will make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with Cairns that eventually leads to the surprising glacial sands of GorakShep (5160m) – reached after about three hours of walking.
After a quick bite you will gear up appropriately and head off towards the Everest Base Camp. The trek to the base camp will take you around three hours and if trekking in the popular climbing period of March to May, you will almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions here. From Everest Base Camp you won’t get views of Mount Everest, but you will be able to see the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm, which is regarded as technically the hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain. The return journey from the Base Camp to GorakShep takes the same amount of time. You’ll have an early dinner so you can get up early the next day for the awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan giants from Kala Pathar. Trekking approximately: 3 hours to GorakShep, 5 hours round trip to Everest Base Camp. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 15: Trek to Kalapathar & Pheriche (5550m):

Today you make an early start for Kala pathar (5550m) to experience the sensational sunrise views from this amazing vantage point. From the lodge the ascent is quite steep, so you should start very slowly and try to ascend at a steady, rhythmic pace. Kala Pathar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It is a tough walk because of the altitude, but the 360-degree view from the top will surpass your wildest imagination. It will probably take about two hours to reach the summit from GorakShep. Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, AmaDablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest, the highest mountain in the world, will surround you. About three kilometers away and some 200 meters below, the area of the Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu Ice Fall. The descent back down to GorakShep is easy and once you have returned to the lodge you will have breakfast and retrace your steps back to Lobuje and to Thugla for lunch. After lunch we cross the khumbu khola and head down the valley to Pheriche for the night. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 16: Trek to Namche (3440m):

From Pheriche you will cross the Khumbu Khola River and ascend a short steep trail to the top of a small ridge for great views of Imja Valley, AmaDablam and Kantega. You will then descend to the small settlements at Orsho and Shomare before passing through Lower Pangboche to reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River to ascend back to Thyangboche for lunch. In the afternoon you will descend steeply through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga. After a welcome break and perhaps a cup of tea, you will cross the Dudh Kosi River and ascend to Trashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley through Shanasa and on to Namche Bazaar, where you will spend the night. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 17: Trek to Phakding (2610m):

You will enjoy a leisurely departure from Namche Bazaar with a final opportunity to visit the shops in the bazaar before descending steeply down to the large suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. You will follow the trail through Jorsale and back to Monjo, where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon it is only a short walk via Benkar through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with great views of KusumKangaru, back to the lodge in Phakding. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 18: Trek to Lukla (2840m):

This is your last day of trekking, where it is only a short walk in the valley before making the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. You will then have lunch at the lodge and the afternoon is free to wander around or relax. In the evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner, followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with your Sherpa companions. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu:

You will rise early in the morning today for your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met and transferred back to the starting hotel. The rest of the day is free to do some souvenir shopping or further sightseeing. Your final night in Kathmandu offers you the chance to go out on the town and enjoy a final dinner (optional) with your travelling companions and newfound friends. Meals included: B

Day 20: International Departure:

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. A departure transfer to the airport is included.