Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp Trek

After we got to spend our first night in Kathmandu valley, we meet our trekking guide, he/she will help you get yourself completely ready for the trip. From getting trekking gears and equipment to sightseeing around UNESCO world heritage sites, it will be a fun filled exciting and insightful day. Usually, we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath stupa, Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa. After cultural sightseeing around these heritage sites, we return to hotel and stay overnight with final preparation and packing for tomorrow’s flight to Lukla. Stay overnight at Kathmandu. Accommodation: Hotel, Included: B.

We wake up with an excitement to embark our Gokyo and EBC trek today as our office representative will pick you up from your hotel to Kathmandu airport. Most probably it will be a morning flight to Lukla. We meet our further porter team at Lukla and along with them we initiate our journey through river banks of Dudh Koshi towards Phakding. Stay overnight at Phakding. Walking time 3 to 4 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

After spending our first night of the trip at Everest region, we get ready for further hiking activity. First, we finish our early meal, wear our trekking gears like sunscreen, put on hiking shoes following gradual ascend towards Jorsale for lunch nearby Dudh Koshi river. Then after it will be mostly uphill walk to Namche that comprises crossing through popular Hillary Bridge. This popular suspension bridge connects one side of the hill to another. After a while if there is clear weather, we can get first view of Mt. Everest where there is a toilet, dustbin, few local sellers and mostly trekkers pausing for quick stop. In this way, after approximately 6 hours of walk, we finally arrive at popular Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight at Namche Bazaar. Walking time: 6 to 7 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

Acclimatization is very important factor that either makes or breaks the whole trip. Proper acclimatization is the key for successful trip especially while ascending towards higher elevation and Namche is the popular site for proper acclimatization. We will make it an active day today by initially walking towards Sagarmatha National park. There we can visit Sagarmatha museum, Tenzing Norgay statue witnessing snowcapped peaks from all directions. At Namche, there are plenty of internet cafes, ATM and trekking/climbing gears shops, government , offices, ATMs, internet cafes, restaurants and other touristic attractions. Insights into local lifestyle of Sherpa. Stay overnight at Namche Bazaar. Walking hours: 6 to 7 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

Initially, we make our way through standard EBC trekking route until Kyanjuma then from there we can see a direction board clearly giving direction to people. Then after we climb steeply through rhododendron forests and reach a site called Mongla where Dudh Koshi river meets up Imja river. This place is usually more beautiful during spring season when the rhododendron is on full bloom. Further we pass through couple of pasture lands, where Sherpas herds their Yaks at pasture lands. Likewise, our Gokyo EBC adventure then reaches at Tongba, Gyele and finally at Dole where we can find lodges for overnight stay. Stay overnight at Dole. Walking hours: 5 to 6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

Our trek further ascends towards Labarma and spectacular hamlet of Looza at around 4360m. We will further carry on our journey after we make an uphill walk through refreshing forest walks. This trek route is quite steep crossing the Yak grazing areas and few flat surfaces. In the following manner, crossing the river, we finally arrive at Machhermo. There are plenty of interesting stories about Yeti popular here at Machhermo. Great sights of Thamserku and nearby Himalayas is seen today. Stay overnight at Machhermo. Walking time: 4 to 5 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

Today we climb towards Gokyo and the best thing would be astonishing views of Cholatse Himal in Pangaa village. We will be around at above 4800m nearby Ngozumpa glacier, one of its kind of experience nearby moraine that flows through it. Similarly, we do enjoy great views of Kantenga at the south and Cho Oyu at north too. Then after a short walk, nearby second lake, we will be at third lake that is connected by small river tributary. Then we finally enter the Gokyo village very near to second lake and spectacular views of snowcapped peaks is enjoyed from here. After having our lunch, we go for short walk around third lake also known as Dudh Pokhari in Nepali. Stay overnight at Gokyo. Walking time: 4 to 5 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

Acclimatization day is very necessary for our body to adapt according to changing surroundings. For active acclimatization, we step up towards fourth lake also known as Thonak Tsho and Ngozuma Tsho a fifth lake too that helps not only in acclimatization but also to view amazing views of surrounding peaks visible. Basically, we will climb at a viewpoint known as Soundrel’s viewpoint and witness never seen before views of Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu and Gyanchung Kang.

Absorbing an excellence of Himalayan beauty, we might too hike for the sixth lake only if we have time and your interest. Getting there at sixth lake is quite challenging as we will be very near to Cho Oyu Base Camp. Inspiring views of Mt. Gyachung and Cho Oyu will be almost in a touching distance. Stay overnight at Gokyo. Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

It will be the most important day of our trip today as we hike towards Gokyo Ri for great experience. We start our day early in expectation for amazing morning views. Challenging yet rewarding Gokyo Ri adventure can take more than couple of hours that will be based mostly on physical and mental fitness procedures. One thing to keep in mind while trekking around foothills of Himalayas is that none of these trips are race, therefore, walking slowly, acclimatizing at various site and few other things are essential to consider. Embrace yourself with best views of Everest and other many snowcapped Himalayas, glaciers, lakes and more. Namely, Mt. Everest, Thamserku, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Lobuche and more. Along with glorious Himalayas, largest Ngozumba glacier stretches along valey. In this way, after amazing Himalayan landscape views, we return towards Gokyo village and make our way towards Thagnak crossing the largest Ngozumba glacier. Stay overnight at Thagnak. Walking time: 4 to 5 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

This is the big day of your trip. We start early (5-6 am) to take advantage of the stable early morning weather pattern that exists in the Himalayas. Cho La Pass is steep and involve a glacier transverse on the eastern side. Trail climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail we climb up continuously. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake we reach at the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. The pyramidal Ama Dablam supervises over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse rockets on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse mount sharply to our right. We pass through some crevasses before our trek descend down to Dzongla, another beautiful but small settlement with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below. Cho La pass is itself not difficult but the steep trail and the rocks greased by ice is the problem. Sometimes in new snow conditions, solo trekkers often get lost when they could not identify the trail, so trekkers are suggested to go only with an experienced trekking guide although government of Nepal allows trekkers to trek independently on their own. We must be careful of the slippery conditions. Depending upon season and conditions, we sometimes need crampons for Cho La pass crossing. Stay overnight at Dzongla. Walking Time: 7 – 6 hrs, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

We pass through high on the edge of Awi Peak, above the village of Chola and continue past Cholatse Lake. Beyond the lake, the Chola Glacier flows steeply from a saddle between the cliffs of Cholatse and Tawoche in a rugged and beautiful display. We climb up and before us unfolds the striking form of Nuptse (7745 m), rising above the Khumbu Glacier. We continue our traverse until we join the busy trail from Tengboche to Lobuche. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains elusive. After a rest, walk around the place, be active and don’t miss to watch the sunset over Nuptse! It’s a big day tomorrow ultimate push to our goal, the Everest Base Camp! We know you are excited!! Stay overnight at Lobuche. Walking Time: 2 – 3 hrs, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

Long and hard but great day as our desire of being at Everest Base Camp is going to be fulfilled today. Have a good hearty breakfast, and it is important to pack some food, energy bars and enough water for the trip. The trail runs parallel with the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier until we climb onto a moraine at the Changri Nup Glacier. It then undulates as we cross the glacier over rocky paths until we descend to Gorakshep. It takes about three hours to reach Gorakshep. As we reach Gorakshep, we find the snowy mountains looming all around us including the top of the world – Mt. Everest. After a short lunch break we set off for Everest Base Camp. It’s now about three-and-a-half-hour push to Everest base camp which is an exhausting climb up. We follow the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier past some memorials. Everest does not seem to get any nearer and by now we have five of the world’s highest mountains in such a small area. We see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before we finally drop onto the glacial moraine itself. Not far to go now, the trail winds up and down through fascinating ice seracs to Everest Base Camp. We do not get views of Mt Everest but can see the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm. If its spring we will see colorful tents that arises charisma in the gray surroundings. By now we have met the ultimate objective of our trip. Spend some time taking photos in the natural amphitheater. Trek back to Gorakshep takes about another three hours. Stay overnight at Gorakshep. Walking Time: 8– 9 hrs, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

Today is another significant day of your Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek. We are going to conquer Kala Patthar today which provides the most assessable point to view Mt Everest and the views are said to surpass the wildest imagination. We start early in the morning to catch the outstanding views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day striking on Mount Everest. Kala Patthar (5,550m) is a small peak literally meaning black rock, it appears as a big brown bump below the impressive Pumo Ri (7,165m) and above Kala Patthar offers splendid views of the Mount Everest Panorama. We take several breaks to catch our breath and to take pictures from several outstanding viewpoints. After about two hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. We push ourselves to climb the rocky projection near to the summit manifested by cairns and prayer flags. At the very top of Kala Patthar is a small stupa and a weather station. Standing on top of Kala Patthar can be an emotional experience for you. This is what you have come for the view from here is outstanding, with 360-degree panorama of the mountains stretching from the left – Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, Everest standing out amongst all, Nuptse, and in the distance Ama Dablam seen in almost the shape of the Matterhorn, Taoche, Cholatse, Lobuche and Changri. The area of Everest Base Camp can be seen amongst the ice pinnacles at the bottom of the Khumbu Icefall some 200m below. After enclosing as many pictures as we like of the gorgeous Everest, its neighboring peaks and as whole scenery, we trek down to Gorakshep. After having breakfast at Gorakshep, we trek down to Pheriche. Stay overnight at Pheriche. Walking Time: 8– 9 hrs, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

Today, you might be feeling a lot better as you have spent a night at lower altitude. You will feel better with gradual drop in altitude. Breathing is much easier. The journey today starts with quite a few meters drop to the valley floor and we cross the Dudh Koshi river on our first suspension bridge. As we descend the Dudh Koshi River is raging more and more furiously with the joining of its tributary streams and the fact that the temperature that has risen quite dramatically melts snow making the river to swell. The walk today is in the shadow of the pine trees and rhododendrons bushes that line these well-trodden trails. Watch out for faunas such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc. too in these trails. After several ups and downs we come near by the army camp at Namche Bazaar from where we take last look at the Everest which will be no more visible ahead on this back trek. On reaching our lodge at Namche, we take a nice hot shower that will help relief our tired muscles. You will have a very relaxed sleep in one of the room with private restroom in Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight at Namche Bazaar. Walking Time: 7– 8 hrs, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

Today the trail goes steeply downwards, so we need to walk carefully having control over our shaky legs. After again multiple crossings over the prayer flags festooned suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. The more we trek downwards the more we feel easier to breathe as the air gets denser. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today. Although we are following the same route down, we feel completely different views with open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We inspect the impressive Sherpa and their Buddhist culture advised by the ancient monasteries, chhortens, mani stones, and prayer flags swathed in Sherpa homes, villages, bridges and the trails which are believed to spread goodwill and compassion in the space with their fluttering. Upon arrival in Lukla, stretch those sore legs and summon up the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We celebrate our successful and safe trek with the crew. Stay overnight at Lukla. Walking Time: 6–7 hrs, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included: B, L, D.

A morning flight drops us in Kathmandu. Flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning because wind can create problem to fly the aircraft after noon. But sometimes the flight can be delayed and even canceled due to bad weather and other reasons that are beyond our control. You will be transferred to hotel in Kathmandu after arrival in Kathmandu. You can rest in your hotel, could do some last-minute shopping and packing, or stroll around Thamel. Flying Time: 35 minutes, Accommodation: Hotel, Included Meal: B.

Mountain weather becomes unexpectedly bad sometimes that can affect the Lukla-Kathmandu flight to be delayed and even canceled. An extra day would help you to be in safe side from missing your flight back home. If everything went smooth as planned, you can use this day for sightseeing around Kathmandu, the UNESCO World Heritage sites or as a free exploration day on your own. Accommodation: Hotel, Included Meals: B, D

Today your trip comes to an end. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Icicles Adventure Treks & Tours will take you to the airport for your flight back home. We are sure our service and the Nepal Himalayas has captivated you to come back again! Included Meals: B