Gokyo-Chola Pass - Everest Base Camp Treks
Tour Code: HMG-GCP-02
This unforgettable trekking adventure takes you to the base of the world’s tallest peak- Mt Everest, past beautiful mountain scenery & to the Sherpa homeland….
Labeled as one of the best trekking adventures in the world by ‘Lonely Planet’ and ‘National Geographic Adventure,’ the Everest Base Camp Trek is a ‘must-do’ for all intrepid trekkers and adventurers.
Our trek begins from Lukla, after an exhilarating flight and landing at the STOL airport. Lukla is known as the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park – a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. With towering Himalayan Peaks in the background, we trek past picturesque Sherpa villages and beautiful mountain scenery. Following a trail filled with colorful prayer flags, Mani stones and chortens, we trek past Himalayan glaciers and visit the Gokyo Lakes and climb up to Gokyo Ri (5340m). We traverse the icy Chola Pass (5420m) and reach the Everest Base Camp (5337m). We trek to Kala Patthar (5545m) from where Mt. Everest seems so close. We also enjoy the views of Pumori, Kwangde, Nuptse, Lhotse and other Himalayan peaks. Our return journey is made via the traditional Sherpa villages of Pheriche and Thyangboche, set amidst the backdrop of Ama Dablam, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Nepal.
Trip Facts:
Duration: 21 Days
Type of Trek: Teahouse/Camping
Minimum Pax: 1 +
Starts: in Kathmandu
Ends: In Kathmandu
Meals: All meals provided on the trail
Mode of travel: Flight/tourists coach/or car up to trek point
Grade: Moderate
Max Altitude: 5545m.
A brief outline of your itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Day 03: Trek from Lukla {2886m} to Phakding {2640m}
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche bazaar {3440m}
Day 05: Rest for Acclimatization at Namche bazaar
Day 06: Trek from Namche bazaar to Thame {3739m}
Day 07: Trek from Thame to Khumjung {3790m}
Day 08: Trek from Khumjung to Dole {4040m}
Day 09: Trek from Dole to Machhermo {4410m}
Day 10: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo {4750m}
Day 11: A day for rest at Gokyo
Day 12: Trek/climb to Gokyo Ri {5340m} & trek back to Thangna {4650m}
Day 13: Trek from Thangna to Dzongla {4843m} via Chola Pass {5420m}
Day 14: Trek from Dzongla to Gorak Shep {5180m}
Day 15: Trek from Gorak Shep to EBC {5337m}
Day 16: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar {5545m} & trek to Pheriche {4250m}
Day 17: Trek from Pheriche to Thyangboche {3850m}
Day 18: Trek from Thyangboche to Namche bazaar
Day 19: Trek from Namche bazaar to Lukla
Day 20: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 21: Departure
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
It’s exciting as you fly into Kathmandu if the day is clear. The views from the windows of your plane give you fantastic views of snow-capped mountain peaks begins to stir the excitement in you that makes you feel elated, & this begins a whole link of blissful experiences that stay with you for a long time. Our escort and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Our escort will also help you check into your reserved hotel. At the hotel, you will be oriented on your daily activities.
This is your first overnight in the valley of the gods.
Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. The city displays an interesting combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, the two important neighboring cities bear much cultural and religious significance to Nepal’s landscape. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath. Overnight at your hotel
Day 3 Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) this takes about 30 minutes.
Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640m.) which takes approximately three hours.
You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla at (5885m), which can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at a Ghat (trail) teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Stay over night at a lodge.
Day 4 Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) which takes about 5 to 6 hours at your pace. This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend pretty steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Kongde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries on your trails to Namche Bazaar (3440m). Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 5 we rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization and do some helpful excursions around the area. It is an ideal place to spend a day for rest to acclimatize with the higher altitudes before heading off towards Tyangboche. To prepare you for the tough climbing to come in the days ahead, you can walk up to Khunde hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary or you can take a one hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Stay overnight at your lodge in bustling Namche which is a real happening town hereabouts.
Day 6 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3739m) this takes about 4 hours. From Namche the route heads towards west and the trail is almost level as you head up the Bhote Koshi Valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet. After descending to the Bhote Kosi the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here, there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde and to the north is the Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Thame Gompa is situated above the village overlooking the valley and is a site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 7 Trek from Thame to Khumjung [3790m] which takes about 5 hours. You retrace your route down the Bhote Kosi Valley towards Namche and branch off to follow a quiet trail to Khumjung. It is a picturesque village which also has its own Gompa at the top end of town. Here you can get excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Stay overnight at your lodge.
Day 8 Trek from Khumjung to Dole (4040m) which takes about 5 hours. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then ascends up to Mongla at (4000m.). From here, you can get panoramic views of various mountains. Your trek steeply descends passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. You can enjoy a delicious meal & a well earned rest at Phortse Tenga (3650m). Stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 9 Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4410m) which takes about 3 hours. From Dole, you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub junipers as the altitude increases. The trail cuts across many summer settlements. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley you can view the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch. Stay overnight at your lodge.
Day 10 Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m) which takes about 4 hours. Today you head for wonder lakes of Gokyo. As you hike, you follow a scenic trail to Pangkha & then descend slightly, following one of the melting-water Rivers which flow down from the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky path inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m) - your route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore lays the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, your eyes take in the scenery which is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 11 this day you rest at Gokyo and do some excursions in and around the Gokyo valley. Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide their best services to the trekkers going through this area. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumba glacier, said to be the biggest glacier in Nepal. This day you can also make a side trip to Firth Lake via the forth Lake. Stay overnight at your lodge.
Day 12 Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5340m) and trek back to Thangna (4650m) via Gokyo village which takes about four and half hours. Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself is one of the finest to behold in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch, it is a short walk to the village of Thangna, situated at the shore of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Stay overnight at your lodge.
Day 13 Trek from Thangna to Dzongla (4843m.) via Chola pass (5420m) this takes about 5 and half hours. Now you ascend slightly along the valley towards Chola pass. The Chola pass is most times covered with blue ice that tends to give you that icy cold feeling of the chill. Down here, you can also enjoy the majestic views of various mountain peaks. From here, the trail descends steeply down for an hour and then slightly descends all the way to Dzongla. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 14 Trek from Dzonglo to Gorakshep (5180m.) via Lobuche which takes about 5 hours. From Dzongla, the trail descends and ascends gently and contours around the west side of the Lobuche Khola, providing excellent views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse wall and Everest. The trail coming from Pheriche meets at the Lobuche Khola (Lobuche Stream). Stay overnight at your lodge.
Day 15 Trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (5337m.) and back to Gorakshep which takes about 4 and half hours. While trekking to Everest Base Camp you pass through a trail which weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. During the spring season, you will come across some expedition teams at the Everest Base Camp. The number of teams is always less in the autumn season. On the return leg, you can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu icefall and numerous mountains. You then return to Gorak Shep to stay overnight.
Day 16 Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and trek to Pheriche (4250m.) this takes about 6 and half hours. At the break of dawn, climb to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy the views of sunrise. It’s a magnificent experience; make sure you get some good pictures into your camera. From Kala Patthar you can have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more. The 4 legged Yaks are normally regarded as the porters in this area. The town of Pheriche is known well for its windy environment. Here you can see the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. The Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post is located down here, and foreign volunteer doctors are based at this post to provide medical treatment to trekkers as well as the local folks. Stay over night at your lodge.
Day 17 Trek from Pheriche to Tyangboche (3850m) this takes about 4 hours. To reach Tyangboche you pass through Pangboche village, which is known to have the highest permanent settlement throughout the year in the Khumbu region. Upon your arrival at Tyangboche village, you come across the famous legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. There is a trekker's visiting centre where local Sherpas make an exhibition of different goods to be sold to interested trekkers. They also show a slide presentation about Sherpa people, culture, Buddhist religion and environmental development programs. Tyangboche is a good place to hang around for some time. Stay overnight at your lodge.
Day 18 Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) which takes about 4 hours. From Tyangboche, the trail descends steeply and slightly towards Phunki Tenga (3250m) crossing the Dudh Koshi. Now you have a glimpse of panoramic views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Passing by several villages and numerous teashops, the trail ascends steeply to Sanasa where local Sherpa people sell Tibetan goods. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 19 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886m) this takes about six hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for a few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes at a trot will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. This is the last day of our trek on the beautiful mountains.
Day 20 you hop a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. This is an early morning flight back to Kathmandu which takes about 35 minutes. Your day is free, however, at even tide; you will be taken to a well known Nepali kitchen for a delicious farewell dinner of the original Nepalese cuisine. As you enjoy your meal, you will also be entertained to an exciting cultural dance performed by the local belles. You will enjoy this experience which is complimentary on behalf of HimalayanMountainGuide.com Over night at your hotel
Day 21 This day of yours is free to do some last minute shopping and packing before departure to the airport. Our escort team will pick you up from your hotel & take you to the airport to connect for your onward flight home.