Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Valley Trek - 20 days

Introduction

Mt. Everest, rising 8,848m (29,028ft) above sea level reigns as the highest mountain on Earth. For decades summiting Everest has been considered as one of the greatest mountaineering achievements. In the spring of each year, we embrace this intense challenge by taking a group of qualified climbers to climb Mt. Everest via the South East Ridge of Nepal. The first successfully climbed on Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzin Norgay Sherpa accomplished this feat on May 29, 1953. Since then the South East and also via other various routes, the Mt. Everest has seen over a few thousand ascents. The South East is by far but the most successfully climbed route on the mountain.

The Everest area, known locally as Sagarmatha National Park, is home to some of the world's highest peaks as well as the famous Sherpas, migrants from eastern Tibet who crossed over the Himalaya and settled here sometime in the late 1400s or early 1500s. This trek is one that goes deep into the heart of the Himalaya. The mountain views are stunning, and the simplicity and hospitality of the Sherpa community are heartwarming. You will get to take in the awe-inspiring views of Mt. Everest, the tallest of them all, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Lobuche Peak, Mt. Amadablam, Kusum Kangru peak, Thamserku peak, and Kwangde peak. You will also be visiting Sherpa villages and monasteries to gain insight into their culture and lifestyle from up close

Journey

Everest base camp trekking begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla & continually trekking along the Dudh Kosi ("Milk River"). After crossing the Namche Bazar” Sherpa headquarter/Capital” we will continue on to Gokyo-Ri (5,360m), with its incredible natural beauty of the Himalayas & better introduction of local Sherpa cultures. We will climb Gokyo-Ri, which offers a view of the whole valley, right up to Mt Cho-Oyu. We sometimes see a family of Kongma (Himalaya Partridges) and picas (tiny and a bit like short-eared rabbits without tail) on our descent after sunrise.

The Cho-La pass, approached from Dragnag below Gokyo is a chance to walk on the glacier with relative safely. Although the approaches either side are quite steep, the glacier itself is quite flat and almost crevasse free. It can usually be safely crossed without crampons and gives us access to the upper reaches of the Khumbu valley. Cho La pass (5,330m) offers a real mountain experience before we head to Gorekshep. Now you will have the option of a sunset or sunrise trek to the 18,188ft' summit of Kala-Pattar for a panoramic view of some of the world's highest mountains including Everest at 29,035ft. We'll make the 3-hour trek on to Everest Base Camp where, depending on the season, you'll see mountaineering expeditions preparing for their ascent to the highest peak in the world, beginning with the spectacular Khumbu Icefall

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,360m)
Climb Kalapathar (5,550m)
Cho La Pass (5,330m)
Gokyo RI (5,360m)
Gokyo Lake

DETAILS ITINERARY

Day 1
Arrival in KTM, transfer to hotel, briefing

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 2
Tour, necessary preparation & packing

You will be transferred to our office for documentation work. You will also be introduced with your crew members and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. In the afternoon, half day sightseeing tour will be organized during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3
Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,610m), 3 hours

We will drive to domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport early in the morning and catch a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. We will follow one of the most scenic air routes in the world with panoramic views of glistening mountains to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. Lukla allows access to Everest Khumbu region. We will assemble the crew and take breakfast before start of Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek. Following the stone path through Ghat village, we will reach Phakding village. Visit local monastery. Stay overnight in Phakding.

Day 4
Trek to Namche (3,440m), 5 hours

Leaving Phakding, we will walk along Dudhkoshi River and enter the dense pine forest. We will cross suspension bridges and walk through dispersed houses of Zapute, Benkar and Chumoa to reach Monjo. Monjo allows an entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We need to go through required national park formalities before we can enter the park. The park is rich in Himalayan herbs, plants, mammals and birds. We will descend to Hillary Bridge existing at the base of hill. After crossing the bridge, we will follow the escalating path towards Namche Bazaar. The path rewards us with views of Thamserku Mountain, Everest, Lhotse and other mountains and peaks. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5
Hikes Acclimatize to Khumjung/Khunde (3.840), 4 hours

Namche Bazaar acts as the major trade centre to conduct trade in between locals and neighbouring Tibetans. Namche is also popular as the capital of Sherpa land. It is wise to take rest at Namche on this day. For proper acclimatization with the changing altitude, we can arrange day hike to small Khumjung and Khunde villages. Visit the local monastery and observe the local lifestyle. Head office of National Park, Museum and monasteries are interesting places near Namche. We can get most of the modern facilities including hospital and post office at Namche. Stay overnight in Namche.

Day 6
Trek to Mongla (3900m), 4 hours

Leaving Namche, we will follow the escalating trail to Syangboche Airport and continue walking to Khumjungvillage which is one of the largest villages in Khumbu region. We will enjoy the spectacular view of Khumbila Peak (5761m) which is located above Khumjung village. Khumbila Peak is considered a sacred peak and the home of guardian gods. So, climbing Khumbila Peak is forbidden. Walking along the lower slopes of Khumbila, we will enter birch forest and move further through grassy slopes to Mongla. The path allows scenic views of Phortse village. Stay overnight in Mongla.

Day 7
Trek to Dole (4200m), 4 hours

We will follow the descending trail along stupa in Mongla to Dudhkoshi River. Crossing the river over bridge at Phortsevillage, we will climb high above the valley to the ridge which greets us with panoramic views of Kantega peak, Thamserkupeak and AmaDablamMountain. Walking along the tree lines, we will walk past yak kharka at Tongba(4015m) and Gyele (4050m) to Dole (4084m).Explore Upper Dole Valley in the afternoon for views of Gyachung Kang (7922m), Taweche (6542m), Cholatse (6440m) and other peaks and mountains. Stay overnight in Dole.

Day 8
Trek to Machhermo (4410m), 4 hours

Following the steep narrow trail escalating uphill, we will reach to the top of ridge. We will walk past Lhabarma (4220m) and reach Luza (4360m). Passing through scrub, we will climb along the side of valley to reach Machhermo (4410m). This area is known as the native land of mythical ape-man Yeti. Locals believe Yeti was seen for the first time in Machhermo in 1974. Few teahouses are available in Machhermo for accommodation. Stay overnight in Machhermo.

Day 9
Day hike to the hills & acclimatization day

This is a rest day. We will climb to the nearby ridge for the views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, Thamserku and other peaks and mountains. Visit Himalayan Rescue Association in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Machhermo. This is the last settlement that we will find before Gokyo.

Day 10
Trek to Gokyo (4700m), 4 hours

Leaving Machhermo, we will walk through DudhKoshi Valley to Gokyo village. The trail leads us to Pangka village (4480m) that greets us with spectacular views of Everest, Thamserku, Nuptse and other peaks and mountains. We will walk through Nepal’s largest Ngozumpa Glacier rejoicing the pleasant views of Kantega Peak and Cho Oyu (8153m). Making our way through moraine and rock, we will get first view of three Gokyo Lakes including Longponga Lake, TabocheTsho Lake and DudhPokhari La. We will descend to the Gokyo village for overnight stay.

Day 11
Gokyo-Ri (5360m) & trek to Dragnag (4,700m), 7 hours

Located at 5360m altitude, GokyoRi is one of the best view points in Everest which allows spectacular views of Everest and three other mountains that are over 8000m feet including Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu. Capture the amazing image of Gokyo Village at the edge of third lake and move further through Nepal’s largest Ngozumpa glacier to Dragnag/ Thaknak. Stay overnight at Dragnag

Day 12
Cross Cho La Pass (5330m) & trek to Dzong La (4,830m), 6 hours

Cho La is one of the famous three high passes in Everest. Climbing Cho La pass is a challenging task where one needs to cross the steep and narrow slope. The difficulty is added by the steep glaciated path. Heading east, we will reach Phedi and walk along frozen lake to the top of the pass which is marked with cairns and prayer flags. We will enjoy the close-up views of Amadablam Mountain to the south and Cholatse peak to the west while we can also get soaring views of Lobuche East and Baruntse. Walking through crevasses, we will reach Dzongla village which greets us with views of Cholatse, Lobucheand other peaks and mountains. Stay overnight in Dzong La.

Day 13
Trek to Gorakshep (5140m), 5 hours

Following the descending path from Dzong La, we will walk past the lush green path with backdrop view of Lobuche Peak. The trail swirls up and down through river bed to Lobuche. From Lobuche, we will follow short and easy path to Gorakshep. Once vast, the lake has shrunk significantly lately. Stay overnight at the bank of GorakShep Lake.

Day 14
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m) & O/N at Gorekshep, 6 hours

The trail stretches through levelled path from Gorakshep to the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. Although levelled, the path is tricky as it is made slippery by the glaciers. Also, the challenges is added by the increased altitude and presence of thin air. Walking past the rocky dunes and moraines, we will reach Everest Base Camp. We will enjoy the views of Nuptse, Khumbutse and other peaks and mountains. We need to wait till we reach Kalapattar for close-up view of Everest. Since it is difficult to spend night at Base Camp of Everest due to altitude problem, we will return to Gorakshep for overnight stay.

Day 15
Hike to Kalapattar (Black Rock, 5550m) & trek to Pheriche (4210m), 7 hours

This is going to be long trek. We will wake up at around 3 am and prepare tea before heading through moraines and boulders to Kalapattar. Expect the challenges of low temperature and cold wind. Kalapattar is famous for its sunset view over Everest. Get the 360 degree view of Everest including panoramic views of Khumbutse, Changtse and other peaks and mountains. Take pictures and retrace the route back to Pherichevia Gorakshepfor overnight stay.

Day 16
Trek to Namche (3440m), 6 hours

After following the easy descending trail through rhododendron forest to Dudhkoshi River, we will walk past tapered gorges and once again follow the trail through forest area that is rich in Himalayan wildlife. Once we arrive at Sanasa, we will enjoy the view of Amadablam Mountain. Walking through the forested edge beyond Kyangjuma, we will reach Namche. Enjoy the views of Everest, Tengboche and other peaks and mountains. Stay overnight at Namche.

Day 17
Trek to Lukla (2800m), 6 hours

From Namche, we will lower down to rhododendron forest and walk along Dudhkoshi River to Phakding. Walking past the walled road of Ghat, we will reach Lukla. Stay overnight in Lukla.

Day 18
Fly back to KTM, evening celebration meal

We will catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. This is rest day. Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. We can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, you can arrange your photo albums and jot down memories in your journal. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 19
Free day, Emergency day for Lukla – KTM flight

Due to the climate condition, delay of flight in Lukla is a common experience. Also, we might lag behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. Under such condition, we will catch flight from Lukla to Kathmandu on this day. Returning to Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. Spend the day as you like. Farewell dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 20
Int’l departure for onward flight to home

You will be transferred to the Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.

Start Date

End Date

Availability

Price

Min.

Start Date

24th Oct 2019

End Date

12th Nov 2019

Availability

OPENED

Price

USD 2,190

Min

Book

REMARKS : If you have private team (+2 persons team), contact our sales person for customized date and special group based discounted cost

COST INCLUDES

Conservation/National park fees and all govt. taxes
All required trekking permits
4 (four) nights 3 star hotel accommodation on twin sharing BB basis
Round trip (KTM – Lukla –KTM) domestic airfares with domestic airport taxes
All airport/hotel/airport transfers by private vehicles
An Experience Sherpa Trek Guide
Support Sherpa staffs
Required number of porters
Trek sleeping bag and Down Jacket (to be returned after the trek)
Trek duffle bag to each trek member
All meals of high quality and hygienic (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
All hot drinks and beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, treated drinking water etc.)
Trek First Aid Kit
Insurance of all local team members
Equipment for porters
Half-day world heritage sites tour with guide & private transport
Farewell celebration dinner

COST EXCLUDES

Medical/personal high risk insurance, (must cover emergency evacuation cost)
International departure taxes
Personal trek gears
Major meals in Kathmandu
Cost of personal expenses i.e. telephone calls, laundry, Toiletry items etc.
Bottle water, boiled water, soft drinks, beers
Tips to the local staff

Fitness
This kind of trek is challenging and tough. So if you have any previous experiences will be a key factor to complete the trek successfully but not mandatory previous trekking and mountaineering experiences and also doesn’t require any technical experience. Your tough level of fitness is really important for this trek which is a must. Therefore we strongly suggest preparing yourself in good physical condition. You need to be trained at least for about 4 to 6 months to prepare yourself as a strong candidate. You can go to the fitness center every morning for about 1.5 hours, do hiking every weekend with increasing weights on your pack, participating in marathon helps you a lot to check the level of fitness by yourself. Manage some time for cycling for a couple of hours for 3 or 4 times a week. However, at the high altitude, there might be little symptoms of altitude illness like mild headache, fatigue, etc. but take it as normal and just drink plenty of water (4 – 5 liters) every day. On this trek, you need to be able to hike 6 – 10 hours over hilly terrain up to 6,000m of altitude with a daypack.
Experience
If you have any previous experiences of similar grade trek or our challenging grade trek would be a helpful and key factor to successfully complete the trek. This trek will introduce you about high altitude trekking in the Himalayas and also about the local cultures, traditions, and local people. Even if you are around the age of 60 years, you can be a candidate for this trek

Published on : May 08, 2017

We were referred to Dream Himala Adventures by our friends who have already been avid clients and it definitely did not disappoint. Joining their treks would mean a worry-free trip to your destination. From fetching you from the airport to bringing you to your hotel, from coordinating all the logistics from a city tour to rushing to check in at the airport for our flight to Lukla and back to Kathmandu, everything was so smoothly handled that you really didn't have to bother yourself with anything else other than your own personal preparation.

They will make sure you have the best teahouses to stay at at each stop. We never had any problems with our guesthouses. They were all clean, had a western toilet, had good food, and were all safe.

They have guides assigned to you that are well equiped with experience of going up and down treks. Our head guide (cause there were 2 provided for our group), has had 20 years experience in guiding groups to Mt. Everest's base camp. These are very strong sherpas. At one point, when we were reaching 5,000 masl, a gas tank appeared at the side of one of our guides. We haven't seen that on any other sherpa that the other groups had. This told us that they really are prepared should anything happen.

Dawa really provides excellent service. I had the unfortunate event of being hit by a bad case of AMS that I had to be flown down to Kathmandu. Dawa worked relentlessly with the helicopter rides to the ambulance to the clinic and finally with our insurance to coordinate with the expenses that were incurred because of this incident. I felt confidence that everything would go smoothly because of how hard working he is.

I would strongly recommend them to anyone who plans on going up on a trek in Nepal. From our experience, we can really attest to the great service we experienced from everything from the trek to staying in Kathmandu.

Consuelo Seriña, Philippines