Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes
The Gokyo and Khumbu Valleys are arguably the most dramatic and interesting of the Everest region. This trek explores friendly Sherpa villages, visits monasteries, seeks wildlife and unveils dramatic mountain scenery. We have two days in Kathmandu to experience one of Asia’s most fascinating cities before flying to Lukla, the starting point of our trek. We follow the Dudh Kosi Valley to Namche Bazaar and then trek into Gokyo Valley. The trail ascends gradually and we enjoy a series of short trekking days to ensure proper acclimatisation, walking beside the moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier and turquoise lakes to reach our lodge in Gokyo. From here we can climb Gokyo Ri (5360m) to a view of all of the region’s 8000-metre peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu – a breathtaking panorama. From Gokyo we trek via Phortse and Dingboche to rejoin the main trail to Everest, which we follow to Gorak Shep. It is from here we make the round trip on a rugged trail to visit Everest Base Camp. However to get a better view of the mountain and a 360 degree panorama of many other Himalayan peaks, the short but steep climb to Kala Patar is the highlight for many on this trek. Here the climbing route up the mountain can be seen, showing the immense scale and difficulty involved for any climbing team attempting to climb Everest. Our return route heads back to Lukla via the beautiful Thyangboche Monastery.
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | (Sat) Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. |
| 2 | Explore Bodhnath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Afternoon free to explore Kathmandu. |
| 3-4 | Fly to Lukla and commence trek. Continue to Namche Bazaar. |
| 5 | Acclimatisation day. Optional hike to Thami. |
| 6-8 | Proceed up Gokyo Valley and enjoy views of the massive Cho Oyu. |
| 9-10 | Pass the terminal moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier and the first three Gokyo Lakes to Gokyo. Climb Gokyo Ri (5181m). Trek to Machhermo. |
| 11-12 | Retrace steps down valley to main Everest trail and then climb to Dingboche. |
| 13 | Walk through stark alpine scenery. Steep final ascent to Lobuje. |
| 14 | Walk to overnight stay at Gorak Shep. Afternoon visit to Everest Base Camp. |
| 15 | Ascend Kala Patar (5545m) for views across Khumbu Glacier to Everest. Descend to Pheriche. |
| 16-19 | Commence return trek to Lukla. Fly back to Kathmandu. |
| 20 | Trip ends in Kathmandu this morning (Thu). |
Trip Highlights
Gallery
Video
From Our Blog
Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments
Andrew - Australia, 17 Dec, 2011
The pre-tour fitness advice needs to be stressed to all people applying for this tour.
Gyoko lakes are stunning and excellent preparation for Everest Base Camp.
Bruce - Australia, 08 Oct, 2011
The experience was wonderful, the trekking team good fun and the leader and sherpas went out of their way to look after us.
At A Glance
Trip Length |
20 days |
Trip Code |
PHEG |
Activities |
|
| Trekking (Strenuous), Culture (Easy) | |
| Min Altitude | Max Altitude |
| 2650m | 5545m |
Minimum Passengers |
|
| 6 people | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 14 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Nepal | |
Start City |
|
| Kathmandu | |
End City |
|
| Kathmandu | |
