
Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lake
SUMMARY
Breathe deep. Feel the crisp, thin air bite at your cheeks, a bracing reminder that you've entered a world where nature reigns supreme. Hear the silence, a profound stillness broken only by the wind whispering through vibrant prayer flags, their colors dancing against the stark, snow-laden peaks. This is Everest, not a postcard image, but a living, breathing testament to nature's untamed grandeur, a place where the earth exhales its ancient breath.
Journey to the shimmering expanse of Gokyo Lakes, where the turquoise waters reflect not just the towering mountains, but the very depths of your own wonder. Each ripple in the glacial melt mirrors a question asked, a dream whispered, a silent acknowledgement of the sheer majesty surrounding you. Share laughter and stories with the resilient Sherpa people, their hospitality a warm, unwavering embrace in the face of the elements, their wisdom etched in the lines of their faces, their spirit as enduring as the mountains themselves.
Capture the moments that make time stand still – the sun's first, hesitant kiss on Everest's summit, igniting the snow with a fiery glow, a spectacle that transcends mere photography. Explore the frozen labyrinth of the Khumbu Icefall, a chaotic masterpiece of ice and shadow, a testament to the raw, untamed forces that shape this extraordinary landscape.
This isn’t a trip, a mere vacation; it’s an immersion, a pilgrimage into the heart of the Himalayas. With Lost In The Himalaya, you’re not just seeing the iconic peaks, you’re feeling the pulse of the mountains, you’re connecting with the soul of a land where time moves to a different rhythm. You’re living a story that will stay with you forever, a chapter etched in your memory, a transformative experience that will resonate long after you’ve left the shadow of Everest behind. You're not just a traveler; you're a participant in a grand, timeless narrative, a witness to the profound beauty and enduring spirit of the Himalayas.
TREK OVERVIEW
Arrival city: Kathmandu
Meals: 16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
Activity: Hiking
Maximum Altitude: 5,545 m / 18,192 ft
Trek Grade: Hard
Duration: 16 days
Price from: <TBC>*
*per person. Varies per itinerary and time of year
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3 Nights hotel room in Kathmandu (Kathmandu Guest House)
All airport and hotel transfers
English speaking professional mountain guide
All government and local taxes
A comprehensive medical kit
All necessary paperwork and permits (National park permit )
Trekking Map
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
All airport/hotel transfers
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Excess baggage charges
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary) & Pokhara
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
Porter (on request)
Key highlights:
Combining Two Iconic Himalayan Experiences:
This trek seamlessly merges the classic Everest Base Camp journey with the stunning Gokyo Lakes region, offering a comprehensive Everest region experience.
Everest Base Camp Achievement:
Reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft) is a monumental achievement, providing an opportunity to stand at the foot of the world's highest mountain.
Gokyo Lakes Serenity:
Exploring the pristine Gokyo Lakes, a series of high-altitude glacial lakes, offers breathtaking scenery and a more tranquil trekking experience compared to the EBC trail.
Gokyo Ri Panoramic Views:
Climbing Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft) provides unparalleled panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the entire Gokyo Lakes region.
Cho La Pass Challenge:
Crossing the Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft) is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering dramatic mountain scenery and a sense of accomplishment.
Ngozumpa Glacier:
Trekking across the Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the Himalayas, is a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Sherpa Culture Immersion:
The trek offers deep immersion into the rich Sherpa culture, with opportunities to visit monasteries, interact with local communities, and experience traditional hospitality.
Spectacular Mountain Vistas:
Throughout the trek, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of iconic peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Diverse Landscapes:
The trek takes you through a wide variety of landscapes, from lush forests and rhododendron valleys to high-altitude passes and glacial terrain.
Photographic Opportunities:
This trek is a photographer's dream, offering endless opportunities to capture stunning images of the Himalayas.
*To guarantee a safe and truly unforgettable experience in the Everest region, this itinerary prioritizes proper acclimatization.
Please note: Your journey can be personalized to fit your schedule and desires. Your guide, with their in-depth knowledge, may also modify the plan based on weather or your fitness, ensuring the best possible trek.
ITINERARY
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Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be taken us to our hotel. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine with a brief cultural program.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
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8km, 3 - 4 hours trek
During the 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,186ft), we enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks. At Lukla, a gateway destination from where our trek begins, we meet our other crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, we start trekking. At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900 ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we then gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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11km, 5 - 6 hours
Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Then after crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings us to the prime heartland of Sherpa village - Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, we can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar, and we can spend a day here acclimatizing. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. We can explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If we are interested in a day hike, we trek to Khumjung village (12401 ft)-a beautiful village with a Sherpa settlement. In exploring Namche Bazar, we observe traditional Sherpa life, Khumjung Hillary School, and enjoy flora and fauna found at such altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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6km, 5-6 hours
We climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north. There are two trails and our guide will choose the best option for us to follow. There is a chorten on the ridge top at 3973 m which descends from Mt. Khumbila (5761 m). We visit Mohang, the birthplace of the reincarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet who is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dush Koshi. We stay overnight in Phortse Tanga, near the river.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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10km, 4-5 hours
From Phortse Thanga it is an uphill climb to Machhermo. We walk on a trail alongside a rhododendron forest and pass through a waterfall before reaching Tongba Village. We continue our uphill trek and pass through Dhole, Labarma and Luza villages before reaching Machhermo. There is a Chhorten right before the Luza village. Throughout today’s journey we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Overnight in Machhermo.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
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7km, 4-5 hours
We begin today by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153 m). The valley now widens as the trail passes through Phangkha, where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We then descend to the riverbank before climbing onto the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo, at 4690 m. At this juncture, we get a chance to observe lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in Gokyo.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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2km, 3 - 4 hours
We will hike to Gokyo Ri, a small peak above Gokyo village, in the morning and savor the fantastic views of the entire Khumbu region. As we ascend, the views become even more fantastic and we can see four of the seven highest peaks of Nepal, Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Reaching the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho we take pleasure in the lake’s serene beauty after which we trek back along the retracing trail to the third lake. We may take an additional hike up to the fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho if time permits and depending on our physical conditions. From here, the view of Ngozumba glacier, the longest glacier of the Himalayas, is so fascinating. Overnight in Gokyo.
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4km, 3 - 4 hours
If we did not climb the Gokyo Ri the previous day, we can do that today. Climbing to the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding as it is steep and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But the scenery of Gokyo village, on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier, is magnificent. We are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. The sight of sun rays kissing Everest which towers over all the surrounding peaks is astounding. We trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thagnak. It will be a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for long hiking days and elevation gain to come.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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7km, 7 - 8 hours
Today is going to be one of the toughest days of the trip. The Cho La pass is not itself difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice may cause trouble by making the trail slippery. The trail from Phedi climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake, we reach at the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soars to the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla Village. The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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6km, 2 - 3 hours
This will be a very short trek so we have a lot time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. We climb down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail curves through the wide river bed before reaching Lobuche. We can spend the rest of day taking a rest which will help us prepare for the next day’s long trek. Overnight in Lobuche.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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13km, 6-7hours
We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. 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 in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.
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.Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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16km, 7-8 hours
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.
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20km, 6 - 7 hours
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.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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19km, 6 - 7 hours
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of days. Overnight in Lukla.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast
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