Everest Base Camp Trekking Through Gokyo Lake

Duration= 16/17 days              Best season = Oct. to Dec.   Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and spring (March to May). Winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb) is also good for the trek; except the matter of cold. Start =From JIRI or LUKLA     Finishes = at LUKLA

Trip Highlight

Everest Base Camp Trek along the route through Gokyo Lake leads adventurous trekkers to enjoy the eye catching views i.e. Gokyo Valley, source of grand River Dudh Koshi,  the famous Himalayan spot Cho La pass, the celebrated view points- Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar along with Everest Base Camp, and obviously through the landmark of Everest region i.e., views of majestically soaring mountains, friendly Sherpas, colorful monasteries and prayer flags, the Namche Bazzar, the Sagarmatha National Park, etc.     Gokyo, a hidden valley with gorgeous blue lakes in the lap of Himalaya has its own reputation among the adventurous people. Many trekkers yearn to visit the Gokyo valley as a side trip during their Everest Base Camp Trek and they feel their Everest trek incomplete if they happen to miss the trip to Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Peak, and the famous pass, Cho La. The entire area is blessed with abounding natural beauty of shimmering Lakes. Beyond peace of mind at the tranquil appearance of the glacial Lakes, we can enjoy 360 degree panoramic view of four above 8000 m massifs and other mountains ranges from the best view point of Everest Region, the Gokyo Ri because panorama from here is more spectacular than that from the Kala Patthar viewpoint.     The Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Trek-17 days is designed for trekkers who are interested to take more remote and exotic trial passing by Gokyo Valley to approach Everest Base camp. If you are a real adventurer looking for more challenging hike in the Everest region that we suggest some of the most famous high passes in the world, then Everest Transverse Trek-20 days would be suitable for you. However, if you are a inexperienced trekker with normal physical fitness, you shall enjoy Everest Base Camp-19 days for now and if you are emerging youth & physically well but have just limited amount of time to trek Everest Base Camp-14 days" itinerary would be reliable for you.   Gokyo valley 3rd lake - 4790 meters  

Some Important Tips

  Your safety is our preference with great concern while traveling with All Trekkers Team. Please mind that your leader has the authority to proceed ahead or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is really necessary due to safety requirements. Every effort will be dedicated to keep to the mentioned itinerary. However, as this is adventure travel in remote mountainous region, we cannot be sure of it! Weather conditions, health condition of the member, unexpected natural happenings etc. can cause to changes the itinerary. Yeah! We will try to assure that the trip runs according to plan, but please you shall be ready to accompany us with flexibility if it has to be.  

Pre Trip Meeting

Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about your trek and to introduce you to other team members. (In other times some members are set to be met at trekking starting spot.

Day 1st: Kathmandu Arrival (1300 m/4264 ft)

  After you arrive in Kathmandu airport (TIA) you will be welcomed & drowned by a representative of All Trekkers Team. When you complete your custom clearance i.e. Visa, travel documents etc) pick up your luggage and look for one with an All Trekkers Team display card at the arrival gate.  We will then set you at Hotel………. or a similar category hotel as you wish. After you check, you can have a rest, wander around the city, visit our office; or what so ever- goes upon your interests and condition. 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.  

Day 2nd: Kathmandu (1300 m/4264 ft): Sightseeing and Preparation for Trekking

  Today after breakfast - starts a led tour to several historical and religious attractions in Kathmandu valley. Some of  World Heritage Sites; including the historical Durbar Square          (i.e.; Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Patan) ,Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and . In the afternoon, we will do a discussion in detail about our Trek like; where we can meet our trek leader, other participants of this trek.  Trekking agency briefs concerning trek as well as you can ask any questions regarding our upcoming adventure.  

Day 3rd: Kathmandu - Lukla (2,800 m/9,184 ft) - Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): hrs

  After breakfast we get to airport to have domestic-fly to Lukla. After an adventurous 40 minutes flight above green jungles and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world with a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. At the airport, we meet our other trek members. We get time to round as the guide manages baggage to be carried by porters. We start our trek through the village of Lukla keeping the exotic view in heart until we reach Phakding. To digest the height & for acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if your interest allows, we can take a side trip to a nearly monastery. Our first night of this marvelous trek passes in Phakding. Your stay includes meals:  

Day 4th: Phakding -Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft) -5-6 hrs

  Trekking starts in the morning after breakfast. The walk today is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with various crossings over Dudh Koshi River and glowing view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the village called Benkar. We cross belly bridges over Dudh Kosi River and step to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are to be checked in order to keep record of trekkers and local trekking staffs as well. A descending hike leads us to Jorsale, the last village to Namche Bazaar. The trip today is joyous through the river shores. After ....hrs we reach Hillary Suspension Bridge. We climb up hill towards Namche Bazzar, as we head further the closer and whitening sight of Kwangde Peak with sister peak-Kusum Kangaru, Tawache, Lhotse, Mt. Everest and many other beautiful mountains are appeared, we stop at the Chautara  to whistle & admire the views. Finally, we reach the traditional but look modern village - Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of Khumbu region. We over the night in Namche Bazzar with respected meals  

Day 5th: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day

  This is first scheduled for 'acclimatization' of this trek. Health always recommends us to stay fit, fine & ready to do the next or new. So we carry out relaxed exploring scenes of Namche Bazaar itself either spend the day taking hike to Thame or visiting Khunde will be worthful. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region almost all modern and physical facilities i.e.; government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market. Every Friday evening and Saturday will be the most wonderful.  We trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day; it will help us to proper acclimatization. The guides will take the team (you) to the Tourist Visiting Center to the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things relating to the first Everest climbers, Sherpa culture and know about the various plants and animals life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung and also climb up to famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the scared peak Khumbila hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School which is at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazzar this is another practice of acclimatization.The night in Namche Bazaar. .......  

Day 6th: Namche Bazzar - Dole-(4,110 m/ 13,152 ft): 5-6 hrs

  We ascend steadily out from Namche Bazzar up to Kyangjuma Village from where, we can enjoy outstanding glowing views of Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Katenga. Most memorable ascent of the day is of course to pass the Mong La, a very charming and challenging place of Mt. Khumbila. A historical Chorten stares from the centre of the settlement of Mong La. We stop at the top of Mong La to over view the grandstand views of scenic surrounding of snow-capped mountains and valleys with having our lunch. The most remarkable feature of the very trail today is the abundance of natural vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. Spotting wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer while on the way is not unusual. We pass by forests, some water falls and bridges & reach Dole; a small place with few teahouses.We spends the night in Dole..  

Day 7th: Dole - Machherma-(4,470 m/ 14,663 ft): 4-5 hrs

  Firstly, we climb steadily up through a scenic route above Dole and the trail leads up via Lhabarma at 4220m to Luza at 4360m. The path is ascending in most places as we pass by thorny bushes up to Lhabarma. We take a glimpse of good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. The trail takes the Everest trekkers through many summer habitations and a spiritual of Luza (4360 m).As we ascend from Luza, the Dudh Koshi valley is deep like a canyon with its suit sides. Walking along with the hill side up from roaring Dudkoshi passing through some sandy spurs, we reach the destination of today - Machherma. Machherma is the last main stop station on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains flows through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi, the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. We visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital here for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, the precaution, and primary treatment, a very warm and worthful Precaution to the first goers& regarding altitude sickness in the high altitude region. Our guides are adequately practiced about this. The night in Machherma.  

Day 8th: Machharmo - Gokyo (4800 m/15,744 ft): 3-4 hrs

  Today, through Chorten from where we can catch amazing view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu. Beyond the valley widens the trail passes through a Chorten and steps Pangka (4480 m) after some gradual walk. Phangka is the palace where killed 40 people by an avalanche in 1995. We descend to the river bank then only begin to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. Now, It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over a stream the trial levels out and it follows the valley past the first lake known as Longpongo at 4690m, there we get chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone. Towards the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho we become stunned by the 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 Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend night in a teahouse with cozy bedrooms. This is how-we have Overnight in Gokyo..      

Day 9th: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day

  Today - the day rest or an acclimatization day but If the weather is good, we grab the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of next day to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or, Gokyo is not only popular for its grand view, from Gokyo Peak also for the six lakes which it hosts. Definitely we would not miss the chance to observe the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho), about 3 km north of Gokyo is with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). The more we climb on a hill at the shore of the Lakes to get views of Cho-Oyu,Nuptse , Everest,Gyachung Kang Lhotse and Makalu. We can store a lot more fun from the spot is called Scoundrel's Viewpoint. The Cho Oyu Base Camp is beyond the fifth Lake. Scenery here of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang seems just some steps away. Northern part of the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier of the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. We will try to catch up the sixth lake too but if our own interest and time permits because we have to get back to Gokyo village. We spend the second night at Gokyo.  

Day 10th: Hike - Gokyo Ri (5,330 m/17,483 ft) - Thaknak (4750 m/15,580 ft): 5-6 hrs

  If Gokyo Ri has not been climbed the day before we do this today is the highlight of this trip.  Climb to Gokyo Ri is obviously strenuous as it is steep up and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. We feel like we are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K 43, Cholatse, Taboche,Kangtega,Pumori, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, and The Everest. Sight of sunrays covering like by the quilt to the Everest and towers over all surrounding peaks is incredible from Kala Patthar (from Kala Patthar Nuptse seems taller).Thus, Our visit to Gokyo Ri, will be unforgettable in life time memories. We climb down to Gokyo and after snacks we trek to Thaknak for night stay through  the second Lakes and the Ngozumba Glacier...............  

Day 11th: Thaknak - Cho-la Pass (5367 m/17,604 ft) - Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 7-8 hrs

  Cho La Pass is also another show of this trip. It is one of the tough days, the pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and full of glacier track on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the ice-growing rocks add trouble to the trekkers making the trail more slippery. Our trail goes up through a rocky hill, we climb up smoothly up from Phedi. As we get height, the view gets increasingly captivating before us. We trek through the side of a frozen lake while we come to the top of the pass decorated side with prayer flags.  We get sight of Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, and Numbur, Kangchung etc. during the trail on the Pass and from the top. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soar on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right which help us to forget the trekkers tiresome throw the whistles of relaxes. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below. Depending upon our own condition and interest, we might take overnight at Dzongla or go ahead to Lobuche to shorten the route and for overnight.  To ease our next day's Everest Base Camp ascent and also that lodges are better in Lobuche than at Dzongla. If we decide to continue, we climb down from Dzongla and after crossing a bridge and through grassy trail.  The view of Lobuche Peak we stretch up eventually through a ridge. Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku Taboche are seen looming prominently. Curving round through the wide river bed & passing numbers of high hills, we reach Lobuche for the night stay.  

Day 12th: Lobuche- Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17,594 ft)-Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft): 6-7 hrs

  We take the remained trail to Everest Base Camp through the vast Gorak Shep lake. Continuing straight ahead. The path from here can be misleading, we follow the lead Sherpa, every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier, the walk is quite strenuous due to thin air in high altitude, the walk goes through rocky dunes and moraine and streams, until we reach the base camp. As we reach Everest Base Camp we cannot stay ourselves without appreciating & inspiring the Everest climbers, those take the dangerous route through the Khumbu Icefall. Everest Base Camp is lively during the high expedition season. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against all the dull gray surroundings (especially in spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste, Pumori are the mountains we can view from base camp but Everest itself is not visible from here since we reach to the foot of the tallest one. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest.Eventhen, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable. Sun rays at the time of sun set strike the snow capped mountains, while there is no word to explain the scenes .A hike to Kala Patthar for amazing sunset view will be rather better than waiting until the next day. The night in Gorak Shep.  

Day 13th: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5545 m/18,192 ft) - Pheriche (4280 m/14,070 ft): 7-8 hrs

  The clearance day of our trek. We start early in the morning to catch-up with the magic view from Kala Patthar also witnessing the first light of day shining onto the Mount Everest. Anyway, we need to be ready for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure. Moreover, there are always chilly wind blows which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder and Nuptse.While the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause for moment to hold our breath and to whistle at several outstanding view points to snap some piece of Nepal into your camera. We reach Kala Patthar after several hours. From here, near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks, throwing our eyes over the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take many pictures as we can with our camera and take many in spirit. Getting back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast take a gradual descend route down to Pheriche for a good night & rest.  

Day 14th: Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,280 ft): 5-6 hrs

  The trip is much easier walking down to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back to the terminal moraines at Dughla and the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we come down passing the beautiful Sherpa villages of Pheriche, Orsho, and Shomare to Pangboche however there is another trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche. From Pangboche we step down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Debuche Dingboche or if interested, we might visit nuns at the Debuche monastery. If we are trekking during the full moon of November or December, we might get and opportunity to witness the Mani Rimdu festival in the monastery at Tengboche. We have lunch at Tengboche & we continue through the hillside full of rhododendrons. If it's spring, the surrounding adored by pink and red rhododendron flowers is dazzling. We either have our lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga. When we cross the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River,our trail then follows the Dudh Koshi descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa. We lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., as we pass through the forest by the trail. After some hours we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. Here the travelers want to take a long last look back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche (and snaps) from here. After reaching the lodge, you take an enjoying hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in deluxe room in Namche Bazaar. The night in Namche Bazaar.  

Day 15th: Namche Bazaar-Lukla: 6-8 hrs

  The trail steeply downward so we need to walk slowly controlling our legs as they continuously shake. After crossing the suspension bridges over the same Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more natural. To some what, by today, we start to get warmth. If any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by passing this biting breeze of the mountains. We are traveling back to the same route down; we find completely different views and feelings. You like to snap a cocktail picture of open plains, and rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks and so on. We walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and flag. Our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the bitter biting but the suitable and secret experiences of the last couple of weeks. The trekkers stay the very night at Lukla with very happy mood and smile on their lips. Overnight in Lukla.  

Day 16th: Fly back to Kathmandu

  Flights to Kathmandu generally scheduled for morning because wind and the weather may create problem to fly the aircraft in the afternoon and also sometime the flight time can be delayed due to the reason like this, are beyond our command. Anyway We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. As flight drops us in Kathmandu. You can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel. Or If get interested to take some gifts to home from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods. Our guides   can assist or you can do it yourself too. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu take the time Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing your trek to Everest Base Camp Trek! Overnight in Kathmandu.  

Finally

  We are saying good bye as your journey to Nepal accomplishes There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight by a representative from All Trekkers Team will take you to the airport. Wishing to get your next adventure in to this wonderful land Nepal. As you wish in your additional days, you can either stay in Kathmandu or have another plan like short hikes around Kathmandu valley or tour to different romantic cities like  lumbini (birth-place of Lord Gautam Buddha) ,chitawan (for wild-life observation closely and enjoy with the Tharu culture), pokhara (romantic naturally kingdom) etc. Those who come to visit Nepal and don't go to Pokhara, it said that their visit to Nepal remain incomplete. However it depends upon your visa duration.