Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo

Upon arrival in the Kathmandu Airport (TIA), you will be welcomed and greeted by our representative and then transfer to the hotel. After check in, you can either take rest; hang around in the city as it all depends upon your interests. In the evening, we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.
Hotel Encounter Nepal

Meals: Dinner 

Early morning after breakfast transfer to Kathmandu airport’s domestic terminal to fly over Lukla, a gateway destination for trekking in Everest Region. After 40 minutes adventurous and scenic view flight, we reach in the Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla. Here we meet our other crew members and then we begin our first day’s easy trek through forest, villages and along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 2,652m/8,700ft
Trek Duration: 3-4 hrs

Today also we follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross suspension bridges many times, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. On the way, we can see the beautiful view of Mt Thamserku (6618m). Passing through the small village of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo we enter in to the Sagarmatha National Park. We cross the last village of Jorsale before Namche and then gradual walk through the forest and bridges until we reach the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers (Larja Dobhan). After then about 2 hours steep climb we reach Chautara from where we get the first sight of Mt. Everest. From there another 1.5 hours easy walking bring us to Namche Bazzar, the gate way to Mt. Everest and the main trading center.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 2,800m/9,186ft
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs

After 2 days walking we take a rest in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize the body. It is recommended to stay active during rest day also which helps to acclimatize our body quickly. Walking little high altitude around 100 ft will help to acclimatize properly. Morning we do hike in Thame and later explore Namche Bazzar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we will progress towards Dole, encountering various elevations along the way. After approximately two hours of trekking, we will reach Mong La Pass (3957m/12982ft). From this vantage point, the peaks of Mt. Ama Dablam (6812m/22349ft.) and Mt. Khumbi La (5761m/18901ft.) unfold before us. Moreover, our path descends through enchanting pine and rhododendron forests. After a while, we will reach Phortse Tenga, and from there, we will move onward to Dole. Overnight in Dole.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 3957m/12982ft
Trek Duration: 4 hrs

After having breakfast, we will begin the trek from Dole to Machherma (4,470m/14,663 ft). We will commence the day amidst a blossoming landscape, with a gradual ascent through a picturesque valley above Dole. Continuing our journey, we will be treated to an amazing view of Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-tallest mountain. The trail passes through diverse local communities and the breathtaking hamlet of Luza (4,360m/14,304ft). Likewise, after traversing the hillside above the Dudh Koshi River and passing through various small villages and sandy ridges, we will ultimately reach Machherma. Overnight stay in Machhermo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 4,470m/14,663 ft
Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs

Today, we start by climbing a ridge for views of Kangtaiga and Cho Oyu (8153 m). Passing through Phangkha, we descend to the riverbank before ascending onto the Ngazumpa Glacier’s terminal moraine. Crossing an iron bridge, we reach the first lake, Longpongo, at 4690 m, where we may spot lama footprints. Continuing, we’re mesmerized by the turquoise waters of Taboche Tsho and the third lake, linked by a stream. Gokyo village, with Cho-Oyu Mountain in the backdrop, provides a spectacular sight. After lunch, we explore Dudh Pokhari before overnighting in Gokyo.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs

It is recommended to stay active during rest day also which helps to acclimatize our body quickly. Walking little high altitude around 100 ft will help to acclimatize properly. If weather is clear we hike the Gokyo Ri (5360m) today, instead of waiting for tomorrow which is considered as a best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or we take a side trip towards sixth lake beyond Gokyo Ri hill. After breakfast we trek north from Gokyo along the moraine of Ngozumba Glacier with only a small gain in altitude. Just about 3 km walk we reach at fourth lake, Thonak Tsho (4870 m), a steely grey pool surrounded by enormous cliffs and peaks. We continue to fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho(4990m), set beneath the giant Cho Oyu. We can hike small hill on the east edge which locally known as Scoundrel’s Viewpoint (5000m) from where shiny close wall of Cho Oyu, upper expanse of Ngozumpa Glacier, unobstructed views of the north face of Everest as well as Nuptse, Lhotse and Makalu can be seen. It’s very hard to reach the sixth lake, Gyazumba Tsho (5419m) and back in one day. But if we are interested, still have stamina and enough time we may try for sixth lake. Finally trek back to Gokyo village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If Gokyo Ri, the main highlight of the tip, has not been climbed the day before we climb it today. Early morning we climb stiff ridge for 2 hours to Gokyo Ri. Form the summit, there are panoramic views of Cho Oyu,Pumo Ri, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Kangtega, K 43, Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru, with the Ngozumpa Glacier and tiny Gokyo village. The view of first sun rays stroke on the Everest is totally different from the view seen from Kala Patthar (Nuptse obstructs the view of Everest). We take time to admire the rare view of the planet by capturing the wordless scenery. The trip to Gokyo Ri will be unforgettable life time memory. We trek back to Gokyo village and after breakfast we trek towards Thaknak. We follow the same route near to first Lake, Longpongo. Then we follow the left path and crossing the Ngozumba Glacier we reach at Thaknak.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 5357 m/17,570 ft
Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs

Today is the toughest day. We start early (around 4-5 am) to climb challenging pass of the trip, the Cho La Pass (5368). The trail to Cho La Pass is steep, slippery and there is a chance of rock falls. So we need to walk steadily and carefully. On the way to Cho La Pass, we pass through frozen lake and view of Amadablam, Cholatse and other prominent mountains become more attractive. From the top of pass we can see the Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung etc. While descend from the pass, the view of Pyramid shaped Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche East are captivated but we need to be more careful since the trail passes through crevasses and steep rocky way. We descend continuously passing by small village of Leisyasa (4860m) and then few minutes’ walk will bring us in summer herding beautiful Dzonghla village from where we can see the complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: (5367 m/17,604 ft
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs

Today is short walk day and we get spare time to re-energize for coming days adventure. After breakfast we climb down from Dzongla through gradual trail crossing small streams, passing by the Chola Tsho / lake (4590 m), walk through the boulder path left by khumbu glacier and and viewing beautiful towering Mt. Nuptse, Lobuche, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thanserku and many more. we reach Lobuche. Relax our tired body and stroll around village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 4910 m/16,105 ft
Trek Duration: 2-3 hrs

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out inagainst the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest.

However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is recommended that we visit Kala Patthar today during sunset. As the setting sun’s rays strike the snow-capped mountains, the resulting scenery is incredible.Therefore, for those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar today instead of the next day please inform your guide and he/she will coordinate accordingly

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 8-9 hrs

After an early breakfast, we will begin the trek towards Kalapatthar. Hiking over the vantage point of the village, we’ll witness the breathtaking and awe-inspiring sunrise view over the mountain peaks. Once you reach the summit, you will be greeted with a 360-degree panoramic spectacle, encompassing Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Changtse, and the Khumbu Valley. After enjoying the beauty of the Himalayas, we will descend to Gorak Shep and take some time to rest. Similarly, today, we will descend towards Pheriche, passing through the Thukla pass and Thukla village. We will stay overnight in Pheriche.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs

The trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar encompasses a breathtaking journey through the Himalayan terrain. We will traverse the picturesque landscapes of Pangboche and Tengboche. Once we reach our destination, we will visit the largest monastery in the Khumbu region, Tengboche Monastery. Similarly, as we trek, trekkers will explore the Sansa villages, offering stunning views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Thamserku.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 3870m/12900 ft
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche.

Those participants who will visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as Everest base camp hike takes longer than the hike at Kala Patthar. After returning to Gorak Shep, both the groups will have lunch together; the afternoon is taken to descend down to Pheriche for a good night’s rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs

We trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. In the forest, we may come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The path eventually reaches Sansa from where we can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. We also pass winding trails then through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you are free till departure time. If you have more time you can do shopping or sightseeing around Kathmandu. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Black Diamond drops you to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast