Everest Base Camp Trek Via Gokyo
Everest Base Camp Trek Via Gokyo “Adventure to beautiful Gokyo Lake and crossing high Cho-la pass to Everest base camp Exciting and scenic walks with ever-present Mt. Everest and other giant peaks Within high green hills covered with tall rhododendron-magnolia and pines tree lines Walk from serene alpine hills within lovely woodland and towards the arctic zone of ice and glaciers Explore traditional Sherpa villages enriched with colorful Buddhism religion and lively culture Scenic flights to and from Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu with an array of mountain range views”
Gokyo Lake and Everest base camp trekking an adventure of marvelous combination within the best sides of high Khumbu valley with Gokyo valley, and towards famous and highly appreciated walks to Everest base camp via high Cho-la pass includes climbing to the highest viewpoint on top Kalapathar above 5,545 m offering a sweeping panorama of giant peaks with closet views of Mt. Everest. Everest Base Camp Trek Via Gokyo an enjoyable thrill with amazing scenery of high peaks on daily walks in the harmony of pristine natural surroundings and visiting impressive Sherpa villages enriched with age-old Buddhism religion and fascinating culture that makes this walk more interesting.
Starting with a short air journey to reach Lukla from Kathmandu, where the walk begins heading past lovely farm villages and into river gorge covered with serene woodland of pines and rhododendron trees as walk leads within famous Sagarmatha National Park (Sagarmatha a name for Everest in Nepali, while local Sherpa calls Chomolungma which means Great Mother in both languages), Walk climbs to famed Namche Bazaar with rest for the short hike to support acclimatization and then heading further high towards our goal at Gokyo valley and its serene glacial lakes with dramatic scenery of mountains that surround this lovely and picturesque spot.
The climb leads to a scenic viewpoint at Gokyo Ri for a magnificent panorama of mountains with Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyu with a range of peaks and then heading to our next adventure crossing high Cho-la pass above 5,367 to reach at famous Mt. Everest base camp with close views of massive Khumbu Ice Falls and glaciers, and then climb of high Kalapathar before heading back to Lukla.At Lukla where our wonderful Gokyo Valley and Everest base camp trekking completes with the scenic flight to Kathmandu with mind-blowing memories of the adventure Everest Base Camp Trek Via Gokyo
Outlook Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels
Day 02: Fly to Lukla 2,830 m & trek to Phakding 2,640 m – 04 hrs.
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m – 06 hrs.
Day 04: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and local excursion.
Day 05: Trek to Dole 4,110 m – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Machherma 4,470 m – 04 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Gokyo Lake 4,800 m – 04 hrs.
Day 08: Hike to Gokyo-Ri 5,357 m afternoon walk to Thagnag 4,750 m – 04 hrs.
Day 09: Cross Cho-La Pass 5,367m and downhill to Dzongla 4,850 m – 07 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche 4,930 m – 05 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and return to Gorakshep 5,180 m – 06 hrs.
Day 12: Hike to Kalapathar 5,545 m and walk to Pangboche 3,900 m via Pheriche -05hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar – 06 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Lukla and transfer to respective lodges after a few hours of walk.
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels.
Day 16: International departure for homeward bound or to respective countries.
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,345 m and transfer to respective Hotels
On reaching Kathmandu via respective airlines well received by company guides and staff for a short drive in the hub of Kathmandu city where your hotels are located. After checking into your lovely rooms and getting refreshed join in at the Hotel lobby for a group briefing regarding treks and other useful information to make your stay in Nepal enjoyable and pleasant.
Day 02: Fly to Lukla 2,830 m & trek to Phakding 2,640 m - 04 hrs.
Starting early morning transfer to domestic airport for the short scenic flight to reach Lukla to begin our lovely walk, where a small aircraft (Twin Otter or Dornier) takes you high above of 30 minutes on air facing views of Himalayan peaks with Mt. Everest, as the plane lands at Tenzing & Hillary airport in Lukla. From here starting our first-day walk of the adventure on the pleasant trail past Sherpa farm villages with neatly terraced fields with views of Kwangde and Kusum Kanguru peaks, and then reaching the first overnight stop at Phakding accommodation in the nice and cozy lodge by the Dudh Kosi River. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m - 06 hrs.
Walk today leads to the famous Namche Bazaar morning walk begins on the gradual path following Dudh Kosi River upstream and crossing bridges to enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo village. Sagarmatha is the word for Everest in Nepalese, and Sherpa calls Chomolungma in both languages translated 'Great Mother', after a nice stop, the walk
continues towards the river bed and then climb for a few hours within forested areas with views of snowcapped peaks, then reaching at Namche Bazaar after a good hard walk of the day. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.
An important rest day at Namche Bazaar for necessary acclimatization, before heading higher area an ideal spot for the free day at this height above 3,440 m high. In Namche spend the day with the scenic hike to viewpoints on top Namche facing Mt. Everest-Amadablam and other range of peaks, afternoon explore the streets and shops, Namche holds a colorful and busy Saturday Market once a week. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek to Dole 4,110 m - 06 hrs.
Morning walk starts on a gradual path to reach above the main trail near Sanasa village then we climb for an hour to reach Mong Danda (ridge) offering grandeur views of mountains with Everest Edith site majestic Amadablam, from here on a downhill to reach at Phortse Tenga by the Dudh Kosi River Afternoon walk leads up into the cool shade of a forest of rhododendron-pines and oaks trees to reach at Dole for overnight stop, a nice small spot with few good lodges facing the north side of Khumbila peak. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Machherma 4,470 m - 04 hrs.
As our adventure progress gaining high elevation, where walk leads to a slow start to reach Machherma of 3-4 hours of good scenic walks, as morning starts with a climb to a ridge and then walking on a pleasant winding path for some hours facing views of Mt. Cho-Oyu (world’s 6thhighest peak at 8,201 m / 26,906 ft).From the high ridge descend to a valley where Machherma a small settlement located with the number of nice lodges to stay with time in the afternoon for short walks. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Trek to Gokyo Lake 4,800 m - 04 hrs.
Today walks leads to our main destination at Gokyo Lake as our route follows high with a climb leaving the tree lines behind with more views of mountains at close distance reaching the first lake and second then entering by the third lake of Gokyo our final destination. Gokyo Lake also is known as Dudh Kund considered as holy by Hindu and Buddhist, hereafter checking into a fine lodge with time to marvel the views of surrounding mountains with Mt. Cho-Oyu. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Hike to Gokyo-Ri 5,357 m afternoon walk to Thagnag 4,750 m - 04 hrs.
Morning optional hike to reach on top scenic Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m high offering superb panorama of Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Mt. Makalu all four world's highest mountains with series of smaller peaks. Enjoying views then down to Gokyo for lunch with easy short afternoon walks to Thagnag a small settlement located beneath massive Ngozumba Glacier and high Cho-la Pass. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09: Cross Cho-la 5,367m and downhill to Dzongla 4,830 m -07 hrs.
Starting early morning for a long climb and traverse to cross over Cho-la pass (pronounced as Tsho-la) over rocky moraine, in snow condition this will be tough to find the right path in snow and ice, walking on rubble of moraine reaching at the top enclosed by Cholatse, Nirekha and Taboche peaks, after a hard and strenuous climb reaching on top Cho-la, with downhill to a small valley at Dzong-la for overnight halt. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche 4,930 m - 05 hrs.
With the pleasant stop at Dzongla after a hard climb of the previous day, morning walk leads to short climb facing excellent views and then walk on a gradual scenic trail to Lobuche as walk leads on the side of the glacier, as walk proceeds on the good path to reach at Lobuche for an overnight stop. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp 5364 m and return to Gorakshep 5,180 m - 06 hrs.
Today our adventure takes you at Everest Base Camp our main goal and highlight of the trip walking for few hours with the short steep climb in between glacier and moraine, then reaching at Gorakshep, beneath the lofty peak of Pumori and Kalapathar rocky hill. The walk continues towards Everest base camp, at base camp enjoy views of massive Khumbu Ice Fall and glaciers, after an exciting time with the experience of a lifetime retrace the journey back to Gorakshep for other overnight stops. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Hike to Kalapathar 5,545 m trek to Pangboche 3,900 m via Pheriche - 06 hrs.
Early morning climb on top Kalapathar at above 5,545 m, our highest point of the adventure with magnificent views of mountains includes Mt. Everest at close distance, after a great time on top descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast and continue walk to Thugla, from here downhill to Pheriche around windy valley with nice scenic walk to Pheriche for possible lunch stop. Pheriche houses many lodges with a health post and a station of HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association). From here another few hours of good walk reaches you at Pangboche village for the overnight halt. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar - 06 hrs walks.
The walk leads on the same route from Pangboche to reach scenic Thyangboche Monastery, allowing you with more time on this beautiful spot to explore its interesting monastery and observe monks and priests on prayer chanting in the harmony of a tranquil surrounding of green woodland and mountain views. From Thyangboche walk downhill with short up to reach at Namche Bazaar with grand views of Everest and Amadablam includes other close peaks then reaching at Namche for the overnight stop after a pleasant walk of short ups and downs. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Trek to Lukla and transfer to respective lodges - 06 hrs walk.
Our last day walk of the great adventure, the morning starts with long descend towards Sagarmatha National Park entrance at Monjo village and then crossing a long bridge to reach Phakding. From Phakding a few hours to Lukla with last climb for an hour to reach at Lukla for last overnight stop around Khumbu and Everest region. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: From Lukla Fly to Kathmandu 1,345 m and get transferred to respective hotels.
After a wonderful experience around high mountains and hills, transfer to Lukla airport for scenic flight back to Kathmandu, on reaching at Kathmandu after an awesome scenic short flight with great experience and adventure on Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp trekking, transfer to your hotels with afternoon free at leisure or last day shopping souvenirs and handicrafts. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 16: International Departure for Homeward Bound.
Last day in Nepal in the country of high Himalayan mountains with fascinating culture, after a memorable experience and adventure on Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp trekking, as per your international flight time our staff transfers you to the airport for the flight homeward bound or to your next port of call and respective countries. Meals included: Breakfast
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICE
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- 2 Night Kathmandu Hotel accommodation with breakfast (3-star Hotel)
- Pre-trek briefing
- Internal flight Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu for guest and guide inclusive with all taxes and transfers
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek /lodges along the trek as per itinerary
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Fresh fruits after every dinner
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, well English speaking trained, government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodations, and insurance
- 1 well-experienced English-speaking assistant guide if the group size exceeds 5+ persons
- All necessary trekking permits: Sagarmatha National Park and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) fee.
- 1 Well-Plan Trekking t-shirt
- Well Plan Trekking trek achievement certificate after the successful trek
- Comprehensive medical kits and basic first aid (carried by your guide)
- Oximeter - To determine your oxygen level
- All government and local taxes
- 1 complimentary dinner after arrival or before departure in a traditional restaurant.
THE PACKAGE EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICE
- Nepal entry visa
- International airfare
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Bar and beverage bills
- Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu (also in the case of early returns and late departures)
- Personal nature expenses egg. all kinds of drinks, Mineral water, Beer, Coke, entire beverage, Hot water, etc
- Extra Hot showers, Wi-Fi & battery charging while on a trek
- Services not mentioned in the 'Services Includes' section (Please ask us if you are confused about any services)
- Tips for guides and porters
Physically condition& experience requirements
For physically fit person of all ages with sound health who have done moderate to strenuous walk and activity before or at present. This type of treks involves long ups and downs and the length of walking will be from 5 - 7 hours every day with rest and break in between. The whole trip goes from a week to two weeks or more in the high altitude. This trip is for well experience people who have done previous long high hills or mountainous trekking in and around Himalaya or other mountainous areas on rough terrains, this trip involves walking in snow and ice conditions sometimes and encountering high of over 4,000 meters passes, as for moderate people can join on this type of trips as long they are super physically fit and a mind with positive and determinations. Past hiking experience is a must but no technical skill is required for this trip .participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung and blood diseases should inform well plan trekking before booking the trek .we also recommend that you consult your doctors before the trip.
Accommodations on the trek
In Kathmandu, we use the deluxe hotel to ensure a comfortable stay and relaxed environment before and after your adventure. All breakfasts are included at the hotel in Kathmandu. Rooms are generally twin share - depending on group size and room availability, the triple share may be offered to your request. A single supplement room is available at an additional cost. And on request single supplement will be charged US$200.well plan trekking will arrange clean and comfortable rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouse in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities .also note that single rooms are available the trekking regions at the lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
Meals during the trek
In the city, only breakfast is included on the trip itinerary. While on the trek, we provide good quality food in sufficient quantities from Tea Houses/Mt. lodges. We provide all meals on full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and tea & coffee) from the teahouse menu during the trekking period. Various meals including noodles item, soups, bread, rice item, curries, spaghetti, pizza, egg items, potatoes item, pasta, the fresh vegetable so overall you have a different choice of food on the trek.
Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at the altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 liters per person per day. We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on the trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.
All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).
TRAVEL & MEDICAL & TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before you book any of our trips we strongly suggest that you buy medical and travel insurance to make you stay and while traveling in Nepal Himalaya or neighboring countries, which will help and support you, in case medical and travel problem arise and situation beyond companies control. If such situation arises with emergency evacuation, where your medical bills on using transportations services by Helicopter or other means of which you can directly claim from your insurance, which is to be paid by you or by your insurance company on the spot.
Where Well Plan Treks will obtain a strong letter of the incidents occurred so that you can claim from your insurance agents. In case of mishaps and accidents or severe illness, we will contact your insurance company if it is okay to use Heli or other immediate life-saving process and transportation to nearest medical post and hospitals, where your insurance company will directly pay related expenses accordingly as per situations and conditions of the victims. For all trips with us, we need your contact address as well of you next to kin, family members, close relatives or friends in case of emergency purpose.
Climate and Weather
The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is late September to May, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good, the days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST
This list is a guide to help you pack for your trip. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel necessary for your comfort and convenience .we also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.
Head
- A warm hat that covers your ears
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Upper body
- T-shirts
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Fleece wind –stopper jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Down vest and /or jacket (optional)Hands
- Lightweight gloves (water /windproof)
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower body
- Underwear
- Hiking trousers
- Fleece or woolen trousers
- Lightweight thermal bottoms
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric )shell pants Feet
- Thin lightweight inner socks
- Heavy poly or wool socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces
- Camp shoes (sneakers and sandals)
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C de 14 degrees F)
- Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)Toiletries
- Toothbrush /paste
- Multi-purpose soap
- Nail clippers
- Deodorants
- Medium-sized quick-drying towel
- Face and body moisturizer
- Small mirror
- Female hygiene products
Personal hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue/toilet roll
- Antibacterial hand wash
Medical
- Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
- A cough and /or cold medicine
- Anti –altitude sickness pills; Diamox or acetazolamide
- Stomach antibiotic
Extras /luxuries
- Reading book
- Trail map /guidebook
- Journal and pen
- Travel game(chess, backgammon, playing cards etc)
- Modest swimsuit
- Binoculars
- Camera
