Gokyo Lakes & EBC Trek

Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp trek – 20 days

A spectacular view of Lukla sets the scene for the splendours to come as you make your way up Namche bazaar the colourful centre of Sherpa life. After acclimatization climate by spending time exploring this bustling, village, it is time to trek up through the friendly Sherpa’s settlement and past active Buddhist monasteries. The objective is Gokyo Lakes where the Khumbu range reflected in the emerald green water below and optional excursions to Gokyo Ri may yield while a stunning view of Makalu. From here, you will head for the main Everest trial and the rocky summit of Kalapattar (18,193 ft), and its unsuppressed close a view of Everest and its giant neighbours. After accomplish this feat, you will trek back through the Khumbu to Lukla for a flight back to the Kathmandu for some city adventures to match your trekking highs.

Detailed Itinerary

(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 01: Arrival day, welcome at airport by garland, check into a Hotel rest day.

Day 02: Another brand new day start with special breakfast and leave for full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley. The Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath (a UNESCO world heritage site) and the biggest Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath. Also, visit The Kathmandu Durbar square and the Monkey Temple at Syambhunath (2000 years old temple, stay at Kathmandu hotel, B

Day 03: Kathmandu – Lukla (2880m) – Phakding (2740m).

Morning we set for Lukla (flight not included), the most renowned mountain airstrip in the world. On the flight, we watch the rugged foothills give way to the snowline of the Himalaya; many of the world’s highest mountains, including Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu (the world’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th highest respectively) may sometimes be seen from the window of the plane. Once we are in Lukla Surprisingly, this high-altitude trek begins by descending to the river at Phakding. We stay there. B, L, D

Day 04: Phakding – Namche (3445m).

The first day may have been surprisingly long for some, but stay at Phakding allows us to begin the ascent to Namche Bazaar first thing in the morning. At about halfway up the hill, a gap in the trees allow us to spy Everest for the first time. If the weather is clear, the top of the South-West Face will be just visible behind the long Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. A plume can often be seen stretching away from the very summit.

Namche is the most prosperous and the largest town in the Khumbu. A bazaar is held here every Saturday. The wares on display include meat, grains and vegetables, tennis shoes and trinkets as well as hand woven aprons and Tibetan boots. The Sherpa’s play host to trader from the foothills, as well as Tibetans from over the border. Thamserku (6648m), Kwangde Ri (6187m) and Khumbila (5707m) surround the natural bowl that Namche sits in..B, L, D

Day 05: Namche – Rest/acclimatization day.

We take the day off to allow our bodies to adjust to the rarefied atmosphere before ascending to higher altitudes. The secret of safe acclimatization is to ‘climb high, sleep low’ so it is safe for the more energetic amongst us to hike up the hill behind Namche to the airstrip at Syangboche, or stroll across to the museum behind the police post. Others may prefer to ‘chill out’ and visit one of the lodges for a freshly-baked cinnamon roll. Namche is a busy and bustling trading place and there is always plenty going on.B, L, D

Day 06:  Namche Bazzar – Dole-(4,110 m/ 13,152 ft): 6 – 7 hrs

Today at first, we climb steeply out of Namche Bazzar up to Kyangjuma Village. Kyangjuma, we can enjoy outstanding views of Thamserku, Katenga, and Ama Dablam. Most strenuous ascent of the day is obviously to pass the Mong La, a very charming place perched on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. An ancient historical Chorten stands at the centre of the settlement of Mong La. We stop at the top of Mong La to admire the grandest views of surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while having lunch. The most outstanding feature of the trail today is the abundance of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. While on the way it will not be  unusual to spot wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer. Traversing through forests, some water falls and bridges, we reach at Dole, a small place with few teahouses. Overnight at Dole. (B,L,D).

Day 07:  Dole – Machherma-(4,470 m/ 14,663 ft): 4 – 5 hrs

Firstly, we climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma at 4220m to Luza at 4360m. The path is steep in most places as we pass through thorny bushes up to Lhabarma. Offering us good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku the trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m). While ascending from Luza, the Dudh Koshi valley is deep like a canyon with its sheer sides. Walking along the hill side above thundering Dudkoshi passing through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we reach Machherma. Machherma is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. It is the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. At this juncture, we pay our visit to the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution and primary treatment. Overnight at Machherma (B,L,D)

Day 08:  Machherma – Gokyo (4800 m/15,744 ft): 4 – 5 hrs

Today, we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after some gentle walk. Phangka is the palace where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over an stream the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight at this juncture. After lunch, we explore around the third Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend night at a teahouse with comfortable bedrooms. Overnight at Gokyo. (B,L,D)

Day 09:  Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day – Optional Hike to 5th and 6th Lakes

Today is full day rest or an acclimatization day but we know we should not stay idle. If the weather is good, we grasp the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of next day to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or, as we know Gokyo is not only popular for its grand view from Gokyo Peak but also for the six lakes which it hosts. Definitely we would not miss the chance to observe the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). About 3 km north of Gokyo situates the fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to fifth lake. If interested, we climb on a hill at the edge of the Lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We can see a lot more from here – the spot is called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. Beyond the fifth Lakes, we will be at Cho Oyu Base Camp. Scenery here is breathtaking with Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang seeming just a stone’s throw away. Northern part of the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier of the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. Moved by the charm, we may even try to go sixth lake too but depends upon our own interest and time. Back to Gokyo village. Overnight at Gokyo. (B,L,D).

Day 10:  An early start this morning for the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5360m), a small peak above Gokyo village. As we climb the views become even more fantastic and from the top we can see four of the seven highest peaks in the Nepal Himalaya: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Stretching out for miles below us is the longest glacier in Nepal  the Ngozumpo glacier, which tumbles down from the slopes of Cho Oyu. One of the best all round views in Nepal, the climb is well worth the effort. We return to Gokyo for lunch. Mid afternoon we retrace our steps to the second lake and climb to the crest of the moraine overlooking the Ngozumpo glacier. The route across the glacier is well marked with cairns and takes us to the eastern side of the Gokyo Valley. We stay tonight at Dragnag (4700m) at the foot of the Cho La Pass. B.L.D.

Day 11: Dragna to Chho La Pass cross 5420m and trek to Lobuche. B.L.D.

This is very long day though but you could have an option to stay in Dzonglha or to Lobuche which is 2 and half hour away from Dzongla.

Day 12: We trek along the rough path along the side of the Khumbu glacier to the tea shacks at Gorak Shep. Behind rises the attractive 7000m peak of Pumori which dwarfs our trek’s summit of Kala Pattar. The route up is straightforward and takes most people between 90 minutes and 2 hours. All the peaks – Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam and scores of other lesser peaks can be seen from this wonderful vantage point. B, L, D

Day 13: Gorak Shep – Everest Base camp 5,364 mtrs – Lobuche

This is the day! You will re-pack your pack this morning before breakfast and then put a smile on your face….and get ready for the fairly easy trek from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp. You may have a special token you would like to place there…prayer flags are popular, or a stone, a crystal, a photo of a loved one….anything that has meaning to you, as long as it’s eco-friendly. The base camp has been cleaned up nicely by some expeditions who came specifically for that purpose so the icefall and glacier are in pristine condition. The elevation here is 5,364 meters, 17,598 feet. Enjoy you lunch at Base Camp and take lots of photos to commemorate the moment before hiking back out to Gorak Shep. You will stop to pick up any of your personal belongings you have left at the guesthouse and begin the trek back out to Lobuche and down to Phireche. Overnight at Phireche, guest house.B, L, D

Day 14 : Phireche to Tyangboche

We descend all morning to Tyangboche, Evening you can visit Monastra and beautiful sunrise.  B, L, D

Day 15 : Tyangboch – Namche (3445m).

The route then leads down  and then again up hill to Namche, It might be a good option to have a good final view of Everest before you leave Everest region and mountains behind. B, L, D

Day 16: Namche – Phakding (2610m).

Will be an easy decent walk down Namche overnight stay in Pkakding.

Day 17: Phakding – Lukla (2880m).

Most people head towards Lukla with a heavy heart. There is something very special about the setting, the villages and the people of the high Khumbu hills and valleys and our memories help us up the deceptively long, final climb into Lukla. Our campsite and house are well located and offer a good final resting spot. B, L, D

Day 18: Lukla – Kathmandu.

Another chance to enjoy this great view to Kathmandu(flight not included). Please note that flights into Lukla are sometimes delayed due to un-flyable conditions either in fog-bound Kathmandu or in windy Lukla; be reassured that our staff in Lukla and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimize the inconvenience caused if this happens. Your patience in the sometimes-trying circumstances, which can occur, will be greatly appreciated.

Upon arrival back in Kathmandu, you will be meet by our Earthbound Expeditions representative and transferred to the Hotel. B,

Day 19: Day in Kathmandu:          

Day will be spend at leisure in Kathmandu for in case. In the evening, the management will host a farewell dinner with cultural show. B, D

Day 20 Final Departure, transfer to airport. B

*** Tour End ***

Cost of the trip: £ 1395Per Person.

Please contact us for more departure dates.

The above cost includes

• Accommodation Hotel in Kathmandu 5/ 4 star hotel, twin sharing rooms and in trek simple lodges.
• Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner and 3 times tea) as mentioned above in the trek.
• One professional guide and 1 porter for the trek with their meal, Insurance.
• All National park fee ( USD 38 )
• Kathmandu sightseeing, airport pick up and drop, all ground transport.
• One night cultural show and dinner.
• Down jacket and sleeping bag for trek if necessary.

The cost Exclude

• Bar bills (coca cola, mineral water etc.), food in Kathmandu, while not mentioned.
• Personal Insurance & emergency rescue charges if necessary.
• Extra porter & transport charges in the event of landslides.
• Domestic and international flight.
• Other personal expenses, airport tax, Kathmandu city entrance fees.
• Personal, medical and evacuation insurance Laundry, cost raised by re-routing, cancellation, political disturbance etc.
• Tips any other expenses, which are not mentioned above.

Please click here for detailed T&Cs.