Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek in the Everest region takes you to the heart of it in the shortest practical time possible. It is an exhilarating, but challenging trek that combines the Everest Base Camp route with the tranquil turquoise glacial lakes of Gokyo Valley. We start with a classic route, but less visited, to Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu glacier. Kala Pathar (5,554m) is the first ascent that rewards us with a panorama of the majestic Everest and its neighboring peaks of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Throughout this trek, the panorama is constantly changing but each and every one leaves you with an indelible memory of this mountain wilderness. The trail then crosses the glaciated Cho La Pass (5,330m) to the Goyko Valley with its sacred perfect turquoise glacial lakes. The 360º view from Gokyo Ri (5,360m) is breathtaking and is one of the most impressive places in the world. You are surrounded by four of the fourteen eight-thousanders; Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The descent back to Lukla takes on a different atmosphere as we walk through a valley passing through patches of birch and rhododendron forests where the elusive musk deer lurch at large.
At Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu, you will be met by a Trek Nepal representative and drop you at your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening.
An early morning mountain flight to Lukla (2,840m) with spectacular views of Gauri Shankar (7,135m), Melungtse (7,181m), and Numbur (6,959m), takes us to our gateway to Everest Base Camp and the land of Sherpas. Our trek heads northwards through the village of Lukla, descending to Ghat along the east bank of the Dudh Kosi, followed by a gentle climb and level meandering walk to Phakding. Awaiting us are great views of Kusum Kanguru (6,367m) and Sherpa hospitality.
Continuing along the bank of Dudh Kosi, the trail climbs through forests of rhododendrons and giant pines to Jorsale. Shortly after completing check post formalities, we cross the Dudh Kosi via a suspension bridge to start a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. During this ascend, weather conditions permitting, we encounter our first sight of Everest and Lhotse on foot. Namche Bazaar, ‘Sherpa Capital’, is situated in a crescent amphitheater that towers above two great valleys – Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi, and offers a stunning view of the mountains across the valley.
Today is an acclimatization day to allow us to adjust to the high altitude. Explore the local market, observe the local culture, walk up to the Everest viewpoint, or simply relax.
Time is available to make an excursion to either the village of Thamo or Syangboche. At Thamo there is the Thamo Nunnery; in the northeast looms the majestic Khumbi Yul Lha – a black rocky mountain, that is sacred to the Buddhists, to the west waterfalls crash down the cliff face to the Bhote Kosi. The trail here is on the traditional trade route to Tibet, so you may come across caravans of yaks led by Tibetan merchants. Syangboche is where the world’s highest airstrip is located and to the west stands Mount Kawande. The trail here is a steep ascent along small pine trees and juniper shrubs, en route looms Khumbi Yul Lha.
From the village, the trail to Sanasa is a series of ascents and descents with stunning views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse coming into view. To reach Dudh Kosi we climb the less populated trail to Mongdada followed by a steep descent through a rhododendron forest towards a small bridge. After crossing the river the trail continues through the forest ascending to Phortse. In the forest, on either side of the river, we may encounter both musk deer and wild colorful peacocks. Phortse is one of the small villages framing the stunning Khumbu Valley. From here we get our first view of Cho Oyu, one of the great eight-thousanders, whilst behind the village the peaks of Taboche (6,367m) and Cholatse (6,335m) are present. The village itself is watched over by the magnificent Ama Dablam.
The day commences with a steep descent through meadows and a pine forest towards a small bridge over the Imja Khola (river), and then a steady climb to Dingboche with spectacular views of Ama Dablam. En route we pass through Pangboche the home of the most ancient monastery in the region and the Gompa which houses the famous Yeti scalp.
On our second acclimatization day, you can explore the village and surrounding area or simply relax and watch the world go by. There is a guided excursion to explore the Imaj Khola valley with a walk to Nagarjun Ri. Within half an hour of leaving the village along a black rocky trail, there are magnificent views of Makalu and Borangche. Whilst looking down towards Namche Bazaar there are spectacular views of Khumbu Valley. At the end of the trail, it opens up into a boulder field where there are magnificent close-up views of Ama Dabam and Island Peak. Retracing our steps we return to the village.
Heading up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse (6,335m) and Taboche (6,367m), but well above the tree line, we reach Dughla. As we approach the foot of the Khumbu Glacier the climb becomes steeper. We take the zigzag path up through the boulders of the moraine to reach Labuche. En route, we have superb views of Nuptse, Kala Pathar, and Pomo Ri.
An early start to a challenging day, to accomplish the dream that is Everest Base Camp (5,364m). The route commences with a gentle ascent as we continue along the side of the Khumbu Glacier, which becomes steep, rocky and awkward for a short time. Rewarded with breathtaking views, the sugar loaf dome of Pomo Ri (7,165m) lies directly ahead, on the right Nuptse (7,861m) rises in a sheer spire and behind it an elusive sight of Everest (8,848m). A descent brings us to Gorakshep (5,140m) where we lunch and rest before taking the trail to Everest Base Camp. At Base Camp Mount Everest is not visible but we live the dream. After exploring the Base Camp and all it has to offer we return to Gorakshep for a well deserved rest.
In terms of incredible breathtaking scenery, today is the highlight. It is another early morning start to see dawn break and capture this magnificent daily event as Everest and surrounding peaks reveal themselves. An intricate ascending route which threads its way through crevasses and over moraine ridges. At Kala Pathar’s summit (5,554m) there is an unforgettable panorama: Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse and the impressive black pyramid of Everest. When it is time to leave with our indelible memory of all that is before us we retrace our steps to Gorakshep and trek down to our destination via Labuche assing a number of streams to the grazing pastures of Zongla, a small village that sits at the foot of Cholatse (6,335m).
An early start for the trek over the Cho La (5,330m) pass; with spectacular wilderness between Zongla and our destination, we depart with a packed lunch. The trail is well defined as we leave the grazing pastures behind and start our ascent to the pass. Crossing a small glacier that is usually covered in snow is reasonably straightforward as we continue the ascent to Cho La’s summit; this is also often snow-covered. From here there are excellent views with a different aspect of the mountains seen before. A steep descent is made to Thagnag along a moraine and rock trail to a boulder field and then on down to the small hamlet where we will stay for the night.
Leaving Thagnag the trail takes us along the eastern side of Gokyo Valley. Shortly we will be crossing the Nagjumba Glacier, which is well marked with cairns. At the top of the moraine overlooking the Nagjumba Glacier we climb down beside a tributary which leads us to the sacred perfect turquoise waters of the Third Gokyo Lake where Gokyo village, a small settlement, lies on its shores. The rest of the day is free to explore the village and lakes of Gokyo.
Mountains always appear most spectacular when they are graced by dawn and dusk. With this in mind we start early this morning to ascend Gokyo Ri, a small peak above Gokyo village and lakes. The views on the way up are fantastic but in no way prepares you for the 360 º view at the summit. It is one of the best views in the world, and some would say the best in Nepal. In front of you are Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, four of the fourteen eight-thousanders on earth, dominating the myriad of ‘smaller’ peaks. As we pull ourselves away from this outstanding natural beauty we retrace our steps to the village. We pass the lake where a family of Brahminy ducks has made it its home then cross a wooden bridge to the top of a staircase carved into the trail that we descend. The valley widens as we reach Pangka. The descent continues high above the river through juniper forests until we reach Dole where we have stunning views of Khumbila and Taboche.
Away from Dole we pass through pastures that are used in the summertime to graze yaks. Our descent takes us through juniper and conifer woodland then into rhododendron forests until we reach Phortse Tenga. The trail ascends steeply to Mong Dada, followed by a descent to Sanasa. A final ascent brings us to Khumjung. Khumjung Monastery houses a Yeti scalp.
The trail descends, taking us through Namche Bazaar and passing under the imposing Kongde Ridge (6,186m). We then continue along the banks of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. As we approach the village of Phakding many of rocks of the trail’s border are painted with interesting Buddhist mantras.
Our final day of walking is along the east bank of the Dudh Kosi to Lukla. A meandering level walk followed by a gentle descent to Ghat; with our final ascent bringing us to Lukla. Time to relax, reflect on the truly amazing adventure since arriving in Lukla, and enjoy Sherpa hospitality.
Flight back to Kathmandu, departure time is subject to weather conditions. Your time is free to either further explore Kathmandu and its shops or simply chill out.
