Everest Base Camp Trek is one of such treks which evolves around the World’s tallest peak Mount Everest. Additionally, Gokyo lakes is base around the world’s highest settlements is in majestic surroundings of beautiful mountainous scenarios. Khumbu, Himalayan Region is the best for the adventurers all over the world with its both cultural and natural aspect. Everest is the highest point on the earth where mankind reaches up to, but it is fact that not everyone can go all the way upward till summit of it. So, many of us have to satisfy our self by trekking on the laps of Everest which would be the experience relatively close from climbing it.
While you do the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes, you will explore the peace lies within the Himalayas. Friendly Sherpas, beautiful monasteries, mani walls and Buddhist flags all over the pathway which never makes you feel bored at any point of time. Several mountains such as Mt.Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Amadablam, Pumo Ri welcomes you with high standing gestures. A trek route which has been on operation from long time makes that guidance all over the circuit is well planned and pre-scheduled. Namche Bazaar, Sagarmatha National Park, Gokyo Lakes and many more makes you astonished and amazed at same time.
Situating at altitude of more than 4000 meter above from sea level’ Gokyo lakes definitely provide the lifetime experience among the tourists. Several suspension breezes on the high flowing Himalayan rivers excites everyone with swaying flags on them with amazing cold breeze of air. A mountainous flight and traditional food are another important prospect of on this trek trail. The trail passes from the settlements such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Phortse Tenga, Dhole, Machhermo have been enthralling trekkers with their distinct speciality from other. The trek route also passes through the world-famous Cho la Pass and reach up to the highest point for Everest non climber around the Khumbu region called Kala Patthar. It is quite proven that Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo is worth of your money and time.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Exploring Kathmandu Valley
Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (35 mins) and trek to Phakding (3-4 hrs)
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (5-6 hrs)
Day 5: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Dhole (5-6 hrs)
Day 7: Dhole to Machherma (5-6 hrs)
Day 8: Machherma to Gokyo (4-5 hrs)
Day 9: Resting at Gokyo Valley or Hiking up to Gokyo Ri and returning back
Day 10: Gokyo to Thagnakl (4-5 hrs)
Day 11: Thagnak to Cho La Pass and then to Dzongla (7-8 hrs)
Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche (2 -3 hrs)
Day 13: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and walking up to Everest Base Camp (6-7 hrs)
Day 14: Gorak Shep to Kalapatthar then to Pheriche (7-8 hrs)
Day 15: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (6-7 hrs)
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (6-7 hrs)
Day 17: Flying back to Kathmandu (35 mins)
Day 18: Departure from Tribhuvan International Airport
Landing at Kathmandu would be your first step towards Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes. Our representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport Gate if you inform about your flight schedule to our help desk. Then s/he will guide you towards the Hotel at Thamel, where you will be spending your stay at Kathmandu. Standard facilities will be provided by the hotel’s side as per your requirement and budget.
Every person who comes to Nepal with opinion of travelling at any part of Nepal explores the Kathmandu valley at first before going to their respective treks. Situating at above 1400 meter above from sea level Kathmandu city is the political capital of Nepal. This historic and cultural Kathmandu valley of Kathmandu is full of temples. World heritage site such as Swayambunath (Monkey temple), Pashupatinath, Boudhanath are generous on religious aspect too. You can also roam around Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar square too.
Third day at Nepal, is the day to begin you Everest Base Camp trek officially. This day you have to land at Tenzing – Hillary Airport at Lukla. The high elevation with rapidly changing weather makes lukla airport one of the dangerous airports around the world according to famous international Medias such as National Geographic. Sound weather assures scheduled flight but don’t get surprised if flight gets delayed because it is usual at this airport. After landing at lukla you have to reach up to Phakding for overnight stay.
Gateway of Everest is Namche Bazaar and this the day to reach forward Namche bazaar. At first you have to pass through villages like Nyambu Thang, Chumda and monjo by keeping Mighty Dudh Koshi River Side by Side. Then you enter the periphery of Sagarmatha National Park by paying 1000Nepalese rupee to the Park authority. After that you will reach capital of Khumbu region, Namche bazaar (3440m) by crossing Tawaa and Larja Dovan.
Such a long trek needs a proper rest on the way to get completed successfully. So there is no better place ion Khumbu region to rest than Namche Bazaar. You can whether go towards famous Hotel Everest View and Sherpa Museume Bazaar. Facilities such as Banks, Spas, Message center, Pool houses, ATMs, Pharmacies give modern facility on such high elevation also.
Our destination for this day will be Dhole where we will spend our night. Passing through numerous Mani walls, prayers flags, Sherpa villages and small monastaries you will reach forward to Dhole. The view of famous peaks such as Ama Dablam (6856m), Mt Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414 m), Taboche (6367m) will be on your eyesight all over the way.
Machherma is a windy settlement at above 4470m above from the sea level. It is on the left of humongous Dudh Koshi River and offers a lot more to the trekkers. After passing the glorious settlements such as Kele and Labharma, you will reach up to Luza. If you are fond of photography, the panaroma you get of Cho Oyu, Everest, Cholatse and Arkam Tse will be worth of capturing in your camera. At the end of the day you will reach Machherma for overnight stay.
On this day wew begin our journey from machherma with making Kangtaiga tha first stop of the day.. Then you pass through Phangkha where an avalanche killed 40 people on 1995 AD. Then we will climb onto the moraine of Ngazumpa Glacier until we reach the first lake called Longpongo (4690 m). Then gradually you reach forward to second Lake Taboche Tsho and third lake on your way. The shinning portay of sun on the icy water keeps every human heart mesmerized. Then at the side of third lake called Dudh Pokhari you will find famous Gokyo village where you stay on this night.
Gokyo Ri is a small peak on the top of Gokyo Village but is very famous within the trekkers. You can whether stay back at Gokyo village and rest or went up to Gokyo peak, it is all based on your opinion. But climbing up to the Gokyo Ri gives spontaneous views of several high standing peakls such as Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and mighty Everest. Then you will travel up to fourth Lake Thonak Tsho and Ngozumba Tsho if the weather is good and if you get permission of going up to there. Then again you will return back for overnight stay at Gokyo.
Trekking up to the other side of Gokyo Ri Mountain, the largest Ngazunpa Glacier wilol be right on your eyes. Cholatse, Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse and Pumo Ri are the other mountains which surrounds along oue whole day trek. Today will be day of only short distance walk before we trek up to Cho La Pass next day.
As Cho La Pass stand high on the elevation of 5367 meter above sea level this will be the toughest day on the whole Everest Base Camp Trek while travelling from the Gokyo Lakes. Cho La Pass is not difficult on itself but travelling through the steep glacier traverse, makes it tough to walk on. The trail then passes through rocky and bumpy road on the side of frozen lake. Then the astonishing view of Mt Amadbalam, Cholatse and Lobuche mountains comes in front of your eyes. Then you will reach small settlement called Dzonga for dinner and stay for a night.
Lobuche is another beautiful settlement on Khumbu region situated above 4940m from the sea level. Starting from Dzongla, you will have to walk on the grassy fields called kharkas at first. Shortly after starting your trek you will reach up to Lobuche where you can rest for the whole day. Traditional and healthy food as per trekking requirement is available at Lobuche for trekkers.
Today is the day to reach up to your utmost destination of the trip called Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is a base station for all those who goes for Everest expedition. Beginning from the Lobuche you have to cross the mysterious Gorak Shep Lake at first. Be extra attentive while climbing upward because high altitude can catch you up really soon. Be prepared for the precaution of altitude sickness and primary health assistance. When you reach up to Everest base camp, you will be able to see other mountains such as Nuptse, Khumbutse and Pumo Ri etcetera. Then you will return Gorak Shep for overnight stay.
Kalapatthar is the highest point anyone can reach, if s/he is not opting to climb any mountain. Kalapatthar is also booked in Guinness book of world records for holding cabinet meeting at the highest elevation by Nepalese Government. Reaching up to kalapathhar gives almost every side’s view of Mt Everest and no more upward trek is included in this trip other than kalapatthar is done. After that you will descend to Pheriuche and sleep at there.
From this day we begin to return from the trip. After crossing Dudh Koshi River you ascend through the rhododendrous pine forest. Different rare species like Yaks and mountain goats can be seen over the journey. Amazing views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse never hides from your eyes until reaching Namche Bazaar again. Get some massage, spa and physical treatment at Namche Bazaar before going to bed to re-energize yourself.
The same trail will be taken to our backward journey to lukla as we climbed few days earlier. Again you have to pass through settlements such as Jorsale, Bengkar, TokTok, Ghat and cheplung to reach up to Lukla. Prayers wheels on the way points out the spirituality among Sherpa community of this region. Re-confirming your flight ticket will be essential thing to do before accommodating yourself on hotel.
Today is the day to return from Solukhumbu District to Kathmandu district once again. If the weather gets sound and visibility becomes clearer then, your flight will take place in prescribed time but don’t worry because numerous other planes are also will be on que if weather challenges your flight schedule. If you get lucky enough in point of view of weather and land early at Kathmandu, don’t forget to explore more of this historic valley. Also enjoy the night Life of Thamel area if you enjoy gatherings.
It will be the last day of your stay at Nepal if you are not able to extend your trip further with boundary of time and budget. We would love to see you again but it will be better if you add some more days of stay at this time also. But, if you make your mind to go on this day the, our representative will bid farewell to you in traditional style and will drop you to the airport. Our staff will also help you in departure proceeding and documentation also. We hope to see you soon. Have a safe journey!!
If you are looking for travel in Nepal, Bishnu will help you to make your perfect trip plan. He has been working on this industry for more than 10 years