Description
The Gokyo-Everest Base Camp route is one of the classic treks in the Sherpa region leading towards the following viewpoints:
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- Kala Pathar (5545m)
- Everest Base Camp glacier (5300m)
- “Gokyo”, a serene turquoise lake
The journey begins with a flight in a small aircraft for about a half-hour to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla, notoriously ranked as the most dangerous airport in the world: it has a slanted runway facing downwards at 20 degrees. Our pilots are recognized as experts but even then the approach can only be attempted in good weather.
Latest update: Lukla flight operates from Ramechhap, located within a 4-hour drive east of Kathmandu, due to heavy traffic at the city airport.
After reaching Lukla, you will meet our local guide and staff and proceed northbound, entering the gate towards Phakding. The next day covers a trek to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The journey consists of a visit to the famous Namche Bazaar, the region’s largest junction and Sherpa village, where you can enjoy shops, restaurants and a variety of activities. Trekking gradually ascends towards the turquoise-colored Gokyo, the glacier lake with many other lakes at 4790m which are also one of the highlights of this trek. We then go up to Gokyo Ri (5181m) to have a breathtaking panoramic view of almost all of the region’s 8000 meter high peaks including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu as well as many other named and unnamed peaks. Afterwards, we take an alternative mountaineering route that begins near the southern tip of Ngozumpa Glacier and just south of Taujun Lake. This leads east over the Cho La pass at 5420m to continue along the route to Gorakshep (5160m) in order to have an easier trek to Everest Base Camp. This alternate route also leads to a steep climb to Kala Pathar (black rock) where you can have a clearer view of Mt. Everest and plenty of other Himalayas.
We then descend with great achievement and a smile through the cold, hard wind. Along the way you can continue to experience unique Sherpa villages, mystical monasteries and enticing views. Descend via the normal approaching route of Tengboche Monastery, where crowds of Sherpas gather for the exciting Mani-Rimdu festival which takes place every tenth month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar.
You then return to Namche Bazaar where you can relax with a hot shower and enjoy a cold Sherpa beer to celebrate. This is followed by the final descent to Lukla where you can take a flight back to Kathmandu.
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This trek is possible to do with many side excursions such as Chukkung Valley and Ama Dablam Base Camp (4600m).
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Adventure-seekers can use the following high pass crossings:
- Kongma La (5535m)
- Chola Pass (5420m)
- Renjo Pass (5345m)
- Tashi Laptsa Pass (5750m), etc.
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It is also possible to climb arduous peaks with an additional 5-10 or more days:
- Island Peak (6160m)
- Lobuche Peak (6145m)
- Kwande Peak (6011m)
- Mera Peak (6470m)
- Pachermo Peak (6187m)
- many others above 6000m.
NOTE: All trips can be customized as per your interest, fitness level and schedule.
Duration
16 DAYS
Grade
ADVNTURE / VIGOROUS
Driving Duration
3-7 HRS
Altitude
MAX 5545 M
Group Size
1-15 PAX
Season
MARCH TO MAY & OCT TO DEC
Route itinerary
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Namche Bazaar via Phakding and Sagarmatha National Park
Fly to Lukla 45 minute flight. Meet with staff and start smooth trek to Phakding by crossing Dudh Khosi river. Next day continue trek, enter in Sagarmatha National Park and steep uphill to Namche Bazaar.
Exploring Khumjung: Sacred Khumbila, Yeti Legends, and Himalayan Hospitality
Visit to Khumjung village which is at the foot of Sacred mountain, Khumbila, 5761m and to famous Hotel Everest View, Yeti’s skull kept at the monastery and Kunde hospital.
Trek to Machermo via Phortse Tenga with Views of Ama Dablam and IPPG Health Post Stop
A steep trek with stunning views of Ama Dablam and small traditional hamlets of Phortse Tenga. Another short day, Dole to Machermo, where Health post exist by IPPG.
Ascend Past Pangka to Nilibuk with First Views of Gokyo Lake (4,750m) and Glaciers
Excellent view of Khatenga and Cho Oyu, we ascend. After lunch, after Pangka, ascend to Nilibuk’s narrow trail, we see the first view of Gokyo lake at 4750 meter with glaciers flowing down.
Early Morning Ascent to Gokyo Peak (5,337m) for Himalayan Panorama and Descent to Chola Pass Base
Early morning excursion to Gokyo peak at 5337m for better view of Cho Oyu, Gyacung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawachee. Descend back to Gokyo to further to base of Chola pass.
Cross Chola Pass (5,420m) — Weather-Dependent Route to Dzongla, Dughla, and Lobuche
Cross Chola, 5420 meter high, also called Chugyima la, depending on weather condition route is different than expected. Continue to Dzongla and further next to Dughla (4620m) and to Lobuche (4930m).
Glacier and Moraine Trek to Gorakshep with Views of Kala Patthar and Mt. Pumori”
The trail follows through glacier, moraine with a lot of possible difficulty to due to high altitude. Views of Kala Pathar (5550m) and Mt .Pumori, can be seen. Overnight at Gorakshep.
Climb Kala Patthar for Unmatched Views of Everest’s West and South Faces
Climb to Kala Pathar (Black rock) to have best view of Mt. Everest of west and south faces. This is certainly the best mountain viewpoints in the world. The climb is hard work, but offers the best.
Return Trek via Dughla, Pangboche, and Tengboche Monastery to Lukla
Return back to Dughla, Pangboche. Tengboche monastery at 3860 is another highlight of the trip, Namche for hot shower and to endless switch backs to the Dudh Khosi river to Lukla for final night.
End of Sherpa Village Trek: Experience Sherpa Culture and Fly Back to Kathmandu
End of Sherpa village trek in Sherpa land, enjoying Sherpa Culture by giving Sherpa Smile. Flight back to Kathmandu.
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Namche Bazaar via Phakding and Sagarmatha National Park
Fly to Lukla 45 minute flight. Meet with staff and start smooth trek to Phakding by crossing Dudh Khosi river. Next day continue trek, enter in Sagarmatha National Park and steep uphill to Namche Bazaar.
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Namche Bazaar via Phakding and Sagarmatha National Park
Fly to Lukla 45 minute flight. Meet with staff and start smooth trek to Phakding by crossing Dudh Khosi river. Next day continue trek, enter in Sagarmatha National Park and steep uphill to Namche Bazaar.
Trek to Machermo via Phortse Tenga with Views of Ama Dablam and IPPG Health Post Stop
A steep trek with stunning views of Ama Dablam and small traditional hamlets of Phortse Tenga. Another short day, Dole to Machermo, where Health post exist by IPPG.
Ascend Past Pangka to Nilibuk with First Views of Gokyo Lake (4,750m) and Glaciers
Excellent view of Khatenga and Cho Oyu, we ascend. After lunch, after Pangka, ascend to Nilibuk’s narrow trail, we see the first view of Gokyo lake at 4750 meter with glaciers flowing down.
Early Morning Ascent to Gokyo Peak (5,337m) for Himalayan Panorama and Descent to Chola Pass Base
Early morning excursion to Gokyo peak at 5337m for better view of Cho Oyu, Gyacung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawachee. Descend back to Gokyo to further to base of Chola pass.
Cross Chola Pass (5,420m) — Weather-Dependent Route to Dzongla, Dughla, and Lobuche
Cross Chola, 5420 meter high, also called Chugyima la, depending on weather condition route is different than expected. Continue to Dzongla and further next to Dughla (4620m) and to Lobuche (4930m).
Glacier and Moraine Trek to Gorakshep with Views of Kala Patthar and Mt. Pumori”
The trail follows through glacier, moraine with a lot of possible difficulty to due to high altitude. Views of Kala Pathar (5550m) and Mt .Pumori, can be seen. Overnight at Gorakshep.
Climb Kala Patthar for Unmatched Views of Everest’s West and South Faces
Climb to Kala Pathar (Black rock) to have best view of Mt. Everest of west and south faces. This is certainly the best mountain viewpoints in the world. The climb is hard work, but offers the best.
Return Trek via Dughla, Pangboche, and Tengboche Monastery to Lukla
Return back to Dughla, Pangboche. Tengboche monastery at 3860 is another highlight of the trip, Namche for hot shower and to endless switch backs to the Dudh Khosi river to Lukla for final night.
End of Sherpa Village Trek: Experience Sherpa Culture and Fly Back to Kathmandu
End of Sherpa village trek in Sherpa land, enjoying Sherpa Culture by giving Sherpa Smile. Flight back to Kathmandu.
