Gokyo Valley Everest Base Camp Trek-17Days

Welcome to Nepal, the dreamland of a great many trekkers and travel enthusiasts. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you’ll be cordially greeted and guided to your Hotel where you can put your feet up and relax enjoying the facilities offered by the hotel.  Later in the afternoon, you’ll be invited to our office for a pre-trip meeting. Afterwards, we’ll introduce you to your trekking guide. You can have a discussion regarding the needs and necessities required during the entire trip so you can prepare accordingly. An evening ample around the crowded but colourful streets in Thamel Bazaar is highly recommended in order to get a glimpse of Nepalese marketplaces.

At the break of the day, we’ll take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This pleasing flight exploits 30 minutes and flies over the exquisite Himalayan Range presenting the sight of snowy peaks, massive glaciers, and sparkling rivers. As soon as we land on the ground, we’ll begin trekking on the trail that advances to the north across Dudh Koshi Valley to Chheplung (2,700m) and continues across Dudh Koshi via a suspension bridge. Here, we catch the impressive sight of ‘Trekking Peak’, Kusum Kangguru soaring 6,369m asl. The trail now progress to the Village of Ghat (2,590m) then passes numerous Mani stones, prayer wheels and a fine chortens in Ghat. Finally, after a short ascent, the trekking trail reaches the lovely village of Phakding (2,610m).

This morning, we’ll commence our trek along the trekking trail leading to Benkar, a village with hot springs and a waterfall. The trail now crosses and re-crosses the serpentine Dudh Koshi River several times via suspension bridges beyond Monjo Village, pinewoods and rhododendrons then gently ascend to Jhorsalle: gateway to Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO world heritage site). Here, you are required to show your trekking permits at the checkpoints. During the journey, you’ll get an opportunity to observe the breathtaking sights of mountaintops such as Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,879m), and Kusum Kanguru (6,369m). Following a precipitous ascend, the trail heads to Namche Bazaar, the administrative centre and prime trading hub for the Khumbu region.

The key to avoiding Acute Mountain Sickness and other uninvited diseases is to make a slow ascent to the higher elevations with proper acclimatization to ruthless terrain and low oxygen levels. In order to do this, we must make multiple a-day stopovers in various places and Namche Bazaar is the first place where we’ll accommodate to Himalayan climate. To aid with this process; Namche Bazaar offers noteworthy one-day hike to nearby villages like Khunde and Khumjung.  Also, a few hours hike to Everest view hotel renders spell-binding panoramas of the majestic Himalayas. Along with acclimatization, we also provide rest to our tired body. Namche Bazaar is most appealing Sherpa settlement in Khumbu region. A visit to Sherpa Museum along with stroll around village extends an insight into Sherpa culture and custom. In addition, you can also enjoy an amazing view of the mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Tawche, and many more from Namche Bazaar.

With the firm determination, we’ll gradually head out of Namche Bazaar to the highland bestowing sublime mountain vistas and trek beyond Khumjung (3,790m). Later, we ascend on the precipitous trail passing initially through rhododendron woodland then Juniper and huge conifers, inhabited by Himalayan wildlife such as Musk deer and Himalayan Tahr. Now, we gently descend in the direction of Sanasa then make an uphill ascent to Mong La (4,000m). From this spot, admirable view of Mt. Khumbila (5,761m), Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Thamserku can be observed. Lastly, we move down across a bridge over Dudh Koshi River and persist through rhododendron and juniper woodland to Phortse Thanga (3,680m).

Today, we’ll advance uphill across rhododendron woodlands, several kharkas (summer settlements exploited by Sherpas) and arrive in the village of Dole (4,038m). Here, we can witness the magnificent outlooks of Mt. Tawache (6,542m) and Mt. Khumbila (5,761m). Afterwards, we’ll gradually climb along the valley side and progress beyond the Sherpa Villages of Lhabarma (4,330m) and Luza (4,390m) accompanied by with the elegant vistas including snow-capped peaks of Cho Oyu (8,818m), Kantega (6,782m) and Thamserku (6,608m). Eventually, we make it to Machhermo (4,470m). This village is equipped with a Himalayan Rescue Association aid post where trekkers may seek professional advice from volunteer doctors regarding the Altitude Mountain Sickness.

Keeping our spirits high with eyes on the ultimate prize, we’ll trek on the trail, which ascends past a small village of Phang (4,550m). It is greatly urged to exercise caution while trekking ahead in several segments of the trail, due to the presence of multiple layers of ice that make the trail slippery and difficult to pass. Along the way, we’ll acquire an opportunity to observe the outlook of Kangtega and Thamserku mountaintops next to the close-up prospect of Mt. Cho Oyu. In addition, we may spot Himalayan snow pheasants and other high Himalayan birds. Subsequently, making headway past a number of lakes in the Gokyo Lake System; we end up at Gokyo (4,750m).

Situated in the lap of Gokyo Ri, at the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari (third Gokyo Lake); Gokyo Valley extends alluring Himalayan panoramas to its visitors. Today, we’ll explore this beautiful Sherpa settlement, which is also one of the highest human settlements in the entire planet. For this reasons, this place proves to be an excellent place to rest and acclimatize in higher elevations. Furthermore, on the northern fringe of Gokyo lake and the west side of Ngozumpa glacier: the longest glacier in the Himalayas; lies Gokyo Ri (5,357m), a hillock requiring three hours to reach atop. At the apex, we have the opportunity to gaze snowy glaciers and Mt. Everest alongside the neighboring snow-capped peaks of Makalu (8,485m), Lhotse (8,516 m) and Cho Oyu (8,188 m). On top of that, this breath-taking panorama also encompasses amazing mountaintops like Changtse (7,543m), Nuptse (7,861 m), etc.

After enjoying these delightful outlooks, we consequently trek on the trail that proceeds on the other side of 4th and 5th Lakes in Gokyo Lake System. En route, we can catch a glimpse of blissful landscapes, surrounded by snowy mountains. We can clearly see the Ngozumpa Glacier appearing nearer, ahead of us. The trail then advances across Ngozumpa Glacier to Thagnak aka Dragnag (4,750m). The village of Thagnak contains a number of lodges, which accommodates trekkers heading to tackle Cho La pass (5,420m).

Today, we’ll trek to Phedi, positioned directly below to Cho La Pass before the break of the day to make the crossing before mid-day in order to avoid bad and unpredictable weather. From Phedi, we then advance on the stone-strewn trail across canyon towards the Pass. Now, the trail becomes pretty precipitous and prone to mini rock-falls. Afterwards, the trail heads to the vertex of the Pass. Often regarded as one of the best Himalayan viewpoints; the apex of Cho La presents the awe-inspiring outlooks of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche, Baruntse, and many more. Cho La is not a demanding pass to conquer. However, the trekking trail traverses glaciers, steep ascends and semi-vertical descents that might punish even the seasoned trekkers via exhaustion. Thereafter, the rugged trail eventually advances past glacial chasms and makes headway to Dzongla (4,830m).

The village of Dzongla extends eye-catching outlooks of the snow-covered mountains such as Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and Cholatse along with the overall view of Pheriche Village, underneath a great distance. We take a lot of time to complete it as today’s trek is short and comfortable. Therefore, we won’t hurry to our destination; instead we take our time, relax and move forward through the trail which makes some ascends and descends. Accompanied by the magnificent vistas including mountaintops such as of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Everest, Pumori, Lhotse and Lobuche, we gradually arrive at Village of Lobuche (4,940m).

With the break of the day, we advance in the direction of Everest Base Camp. Subsequent to multiple hours of trek, we set our foot in Gorakshep (5,170m). From here, we pursue the stone-strewn trail beyond the snowscape and frozen glacier above 5,100m. Elevation this high comprises of thin air pressure with low-level of live-saving oxygen.  Accompanied by mesmerizing vistas of snow-clad mountain peaks; we make it to Everest Base Camp, an elementary campsite utilized by mountaineers and climber during their expedition to the summit of the highest peak in the entire planet.  During climbing season, we can observe the Base Camp, full of colourful tents belonging to daredevil summiteers’. The Base Camp extends enchanting outlooks of Khumbu Glacier and neighbouring peaks but betrays your expectations in respect of Everest outlooks. As the Everest Base Camp is situated on the foothills of Mt. Everest itself, it fails to deliver the ultimate Everest view. After spending some time here, we return back to Gorakshep (5,170m).

Possessing a spirit as high as the majestic Mt. Everest; we now depart from Gorakshep, early in the morning to explore Kalapatthar (5,545m). It is one of the greatly admired viewpoints in the whole Khumbu region. On the way to the ultimate reward of the entire journey, we have to encounter the bone-chilling temperatures ranging from -10 to -140C. To add icing on the cake, we’ll also face unfriendly winds too.  As we reach the natural amphitheatre of Kalapatthar, we’ll be rewarded with the unrivalled and awe-inspiring panoramas of formidable mountaintops with the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest at its heart. After gazing at these marvellous views, we capture it with the aid of our cameras. Thereafter, we proceed to Pheriche (4,288m).

It’s the day fourteen of our Everest journey and this very day, we’ll begin to make our descent along the trail, which proceed downhill beyond the woodland of rhododendron then traverses Dudh Koshi River across a suspension bridge to the village of Sanasa. From this point onward, approximately one and half hours of descent down the trekking route will lead us to Namche that we passed weeks ago during our initial quest to reach Phortse Thanga

Today is the finale of our trekking escapade in the Khumbu Region. With an abrupt descent down the hill, the same trail guides us back to Lukla that we navigated in the time of our early trekking journey. Once at Lukla, we can enjoy our last but not the least, day of stay under the shadow of the snow-covered Himalayas.

Showing our gratitude for the legendary hospitality of the natives, we board an early morning flight to Kathmandu. The 30 minutes of pleasing flight fly across the Himalayas and bestow the concluding glimpses of high mountains. At Kathmandu, you can either render a much-needed break to your worn out body or you can perform some shopping for souvenirs that you can take home for your family and loved ones. If you don’t intend to do both, you can visit the remaining nearby landmark sites inside Kathmandu City.

This very day marks the end of your current escapade. We hope that we stand on your expectations and delivered satisfactory services. Moreover, we wish to meet soon in the course of your next travel venture in Nepal. One of our representatives will escort you to the airport 3 hours prior to flight destined back to your homeland.