Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek

You will be directed to the domestic terminal for your morning flight to Lukla, a scenic 40-minute journey along the Nepalese Himalayan range. This eastbound flight takes you to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, nestled amidst imposing hills. The name "Lukla" originates from the Tibetan language, meaning "place of sheep," reflecting its history as a grazing land for sheep. Once in Lukla, the trek continues through quaint Sherpa settlements like Chhuplung and Ghat, following the path alongside the Dudhkoshi River until reaching Phakding, situated in the picturesque Dudh Koshi River Valley.

Note: All the flight operates from Ramechhap - Lukla in the months of April, May, October and November.

The journey begins smoothly from Phakding, with the initial part of the trek following the Dudh Koshi River basin. We traverse a short foot trail, eventually crossing a narrow suspension bridge to reach Monjo. Monjo serves as the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park, where you'll need to present or obtain your National Park Entry permit upon reaching Jorsalle. Lunch is scheduled at Jorsalle, marking the start of the next 3-hour leg of the trek leading to Namche. Throughout this stretch, you'll cross the Dudh Koshi River multiple times, and the ascent from Jorsalle to Namche involves challenging switchbacks with a steep climb.

The trail from Jorsalle to Namche Bazaar is demanding, requiring stamina for the steep ascent. A notable landmark along the way is the renowned Hillary suspension bridge. After a total of 5 hours, you'll arrive at Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa village resembling an amphitheater with stunning views of Mt. Thamserkhu (6608m). Namche Bazaar serves as a pivotal point for various treks in the Everest region, such as the Gokyo Lake Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, and the Three Passes Trek.

Namche Bazaar, shaped like a horseshoe silhouette reminiscent of a Roman Amphitheatre, stands as a vibrant village at an elevation above 3000 meters. Acclimatization becomes crucial before ascending further. Serving as a commercial hub, Namche offers various amenities such as pubs, confectioneries, souvenir shops, and bars. Post breakfast, embark on a day hike to Syangboche Airport (3780m), one of Nepal's highest operating airports. The trail involves a switchback ascent to the airport and further ascends to Everest View Hotel, the world's highest-placed hotel at 3962 meters. The hotel provides spectacular views, including the visible Phortse village and an impressive panorama of Everest.

Descend to Khumjung for lunch, a fascinating Sherpa village known for having the highest number of Everest Summiters. Khumjung's allure extends to a mysterious Yeti skull in its monastery and a school established by Sir Edmund Hillary, still in operation. On the return journey to Namche Bazaar, visit the famous Yak Farm, completing a maximum 4-hour round trip.

The initial segment of the trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche is relatively easy, featuring occasional ascents through a semi-arid landscape. The path takes a steep descent from Phunki Tenga to the Dudhkoshi River, followed by crossing a suspension bridge and initiating a climb towards Tengboche. This part of the trek is rewarding, offering the first breathtaking views of Everest upon reaching Tengboche.

Tengboche, a small village nestled amidst dense rhododendron and juniper forests, hosts the Everest region's largest monastery—the Tengboche Monastery. To the south of Tengboche stands the picturesque Mt. Amadablam (6812m), while to the far east, the view encompasses the Everest massifs, partially obscured by Mt. Nuptse (7861m) and its neighboring peak, Mt. Lhotse (8516m).

After taking in the breathtaking Everest panorama at Tengboche, the journey progresses closer to the Everest Base Camp. The trek from Tengboche to Dingboche begins with a descent through dense birch, fir, juniper, and rhododendron forests, leading to the village of Debouche at 3650 meters.

From Debouche, the trail traverses a massive Mani wall and gradually ascends toward Pangboche. En route to Pangboche, you'll cross a bridge over the Imjatse River, sourced from the renowned trekking peak, Island Peak (6189m). Continuing from Pangboche, the route continues to ascend for 2-3 hours until you reach the overnight destination, Dingboche.

Upon reaching Dingboche and surpassing the 4410 meters elevation mark, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness increases. Recognizing the importance of acclimatization in high altitudes, a rest day is scheduled in Dingboche.

As part of the day's activities, a guided day hike to the nearby Nangkartshang Peak is planned. To ease the climb, your backpack will be left at Dingboche. The round-trip hike to the peak takes approximately 5 hours. Nangkartshang Peak offers stunning views of Mount Amadablam and Amadablam Lake. The peak has two summits, one surpassing 5000 meters and the other below 5000 meters. The total ascent to the summit takes about 3 hours. If you're inclined, you can choose to hike to the highest point or descend from the lower peak towards Dingboche. The descent from the top to Dingboche takes about 1 hour. Spend the night in Dingboche.

The trail from Dingboche to Lobuche begins with a steep ascent along a rocky and rugged path. After an hour of climbing through the Himalayan pastureland, you'll reach Dughlaphedi (4620m), a small Sherpa settlement. Before reaching Dughlaphedi, you'll traverse a vast glacial moraine. A tea break is scheduled at Dughla before continuing the journey towards Lobuche. The stretch to Lobuche involves a gentle climb lasting about 45 minutes. Upon reaching Lobuche, you'll be greeted by the imposing ice wall of Mount Nuptse.

At this elevation, the surroundings transition to a semi-arid landscape with alpine vegetation. The area is characterized by dry conditions, with only small shrubs dotting the landscape. Accommodations for the night will be provided in a teahouse at Lobuche.

The trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep takes 3-4 hours, crossing the 5000 meters elevation mark, increasing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness. The trail includes occasional uphill sections to Lobuche Pass, where caution is needed around Yaks. The route to Gorak Shep passes through Khumbu Glacier's glacial moraines, offering a spectacular view of the Everest mountains.

The subsequent journey from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp spans a flat expanse with rock boulders, glacial moraines, and sandy terrain. Following the trail marked by Khumbu Glacier debris, you'll reach the base camp with memorials for deceased climbers. The expansive glacial area at Everest Base Camp marks the initial stage of the ascent to Mount Everest's summit. After exploration, the trek returns to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

The ascent from Gorak Shep to Kalapatthar commences with a gradual climb initially, followed by a stretch on a level surface. The final approach just below the summit involves a switchback ascent with a steep climb, totaling 1.5 hours to reach the top. Kalapatthar stands as an excellent vantage point for admiring the panoramic view of Everest, particularly during the captivating moments of sunset and sunrise.

The route is a challenging uphill climb from Gorak Shep. The trail leads to the base of Kalapatthar and winds through a rocky, uneven path towards the summit. Kalapatthar offers a mesmerizing view of the Everest panorama. After spending around 30 minutes at the top, the descent follows back to Gorak Shep for breakfast.. After enjoying a delicious breakfast upon returning to Gorak Shep, begin the descent towards Dzonglha village. Amidst the breathtaking views of Nuptse, Changtse, and Lhotse peaks, embark on a short hike to Lobuche village. Take a westward detour, ascending towards Dzonglha village, and spend the evening captivated by the awe-inspiring sight of Awi Peak (5245m) at Dzonglha.

Today's leg of the journey from Dzonglha to Dragnag marks the conquest of the another highest point of this trek, Cho La Pass. This challenging trek reaches an elevation of 5420 meters at the summit of Cho La Pass. The trail gradually steepens, presenting more demanding terrain as you ascend. Traverse the Cho La Glacier, navigating through dense snow. Following a short descent from a steep ascent, reach the summit of Cho La Pass—the most technically demanding of the three passes. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the glaciated valley before descending to the opposite side. Proceed through boulders towards Dragnag Village, a charming Sherpa settlement, and conclude the day at a cozy teahouse with warm meals.

Departing from Dragnag, your trek continues towards Gokyo village. Despite the short distance, exercise caution while navigating past the Ngozumpa glacier, traversing through thick ice, snow, and boulders on the way to Gokyo. The village unfolds alongside the expansive oligotrophic lake of Dudh Pokhari. Spend the rest of the day exploring 4th and 5th Gokyo lakes, as Gokyo boasts six freshwater lakes situated at an elevation of 4,700m-5,000m, with Thonak Lake being the largest among them. Enjoy an overnight stay at Gokyo village.

Today's traverse involves trekking to the summit of Gokyo Ri, promising breathtaking panoramic views. From the peak, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing sight of Mount Everest, the majestic Himalayan range, turquoise glacial lakes, and vast glaciers. Distinguished from the Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Ri offers a unique perspective, allowing you to marvel at the wonders of the Himalayas and serene lakes simultaneously. After the ascent, enjoy a well-deserved lunch in the village. After lunch, you will begin your return journey descending towards Dhole traversing through Machhermo village in between. Dhole is where you will spend the night today.

The stretch from Dhole to Namche is fairly easy with not much climb uphill in between. The trail leading towards Namche gradually descends with amazing view of Mt.Amadablam never leaving your sight. You will first encounter the crossroad point at Khumjung village located right above Namche Bazaar. Descending further from hereon, you will reach Namche Bazaar for your overnight stop.

The route from Namche to Lukla involves a steep descent with several river crossings. You'll follow the same trail, retracing your journey through Jorsalle, Monjo, and Phakding before ultimately reaching your overnight stop in Lukla.

Commencing with an early morning flight from Lukla, you'll be en route to Kathmandu. After an adventurous 30-minute flight, your trekking journey concludes as you land at Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon arrival, our vehicle will transport you to your hotel.

Note: All the flight operates from Lukla - Ramechhap in the months of April, May, October and November.

Optional: For flexibility, you may book your own accommodations Hostel to 5 star Hotel in Kathmandu and you can stay more than one night in Kathmandu before and after the trek at your preferred place.