Gokyo Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp Trek
“A circuit encompassing stunning Gokyo Lakes, demanding Cho La Pass and wonderful glacial walk to Everest Base Camp”
This ultimate challenge to Gokyo, Kala Patthar & Everest Base Camp Trek adds adventurous thrill to the regular Everest Base Camp Trek. Graded as moderate to challenging trek, it takes you to the base of Mt. Everest traversing across the high Cho La pass at an elevation of 5420m. Cultural encounter in the frequent Sherpa hamlets and the breathtaking views of five highland turquoise lakes in Gokyo Valley just before entering Khumbu Valley via Cho La are the early rewards of the trek. You also have the opportunities to trek to the summit of both Gokyo Ri [5340m] and Kala Patthar [5554m] for magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. A visit to Everest Base Camp gives you the chance to have a closer look at the spectacular Khumbu Icefall. Beginners or inexperienced climbers can also do this trek, but this trek requires one to be moderately fit. Considering the snow conditions over Cho La Pass, the trek is not advisable during winter [January & February] and the monsoon season [July & August].
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrival and transfer to hotel
- Day 2 Sightseeing Tour around Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan Durbar Square
- Day 3 Fly to Lukla [Approx.2783m/45 minutes.] and trek to Phakding [Approx.2656m/3-4 hrs.]
- Day 4 Trek to Namche [Approx.3450m/5-6 hrs.]
- Day 5 Acclimatization in Namche
- Day 6 Trek to Dole[Approx. 4010m/ 5-6 hrs.]
- Day 7 Machhermo [Approx. 4470m/ 4-5 hrs.]
- Day 8 Trek to Gokyo [Approx. 4750m/ 4-5 hrs.]
- Day 9 Excursion of Gokyo-Ri
- Day 10 Trek to Tragnag [Approx. 4690m/ 4-5 hrs]
- Day 11 Trek Lobuche Via Cho-la Pass [Approx. 5420/ 7-8 hrs]
- Day 12 Trek to Gorak shep and hike to Everest Base Camp[Approx. 5184/ 6-7 hrs]; back to Gorakshep
- Day 13 Trek to Pheriche via Kalapatthar [Approx. 55543/ 5-6 hrs]
- Day 14 Trek to Namche (3450m) - approx. 5-6 hours
- Day 15 Trek to Lukla (2783m) - approx. 5-6 hours
- Day 16 Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel (around 27 min flight )
- Day 17 Departure
Cost for 2019:
01 person: USD 1780 per person on single room basis (private trip)
02 persons: USD 1595 per person on twin sharing basis (group joining)
03-05 persons: USD 1535 per person on twin sharing basis (group joining)
Single Supplement Cost: USD 90 per person (incase no one wants to share room with)
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Accommodation during trek in local lodge/Tea house (standard rooms non
- Attached bathroom)
- 3 course meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu airfares
- English speaking local expert guide, porters during the trek)
- Sagarmatha National park fees
- Khumbu VDC entry fees
- 3 nights’ accommodation at 3 star Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing with
- Breakfast
- Sightseeing Tours in Kathmandu with English Speaking Local Guide and entry fees
- Airport transfers with an escorts by Private Vehicle
- Medical Kit bag carried by guide
- Equipment clothing for porter & staffs only
- Insurance for all staff & porters only
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Nepal visa
- International flight & any other airfares
- All Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
- Extra baggage charge if any (weight allowance 12kg+3kg in domestic flight)
- Personal gears & clothing (available on hire) www.explorehimalaya.com
- Tips for Guide, porters, drivers etc.
- Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason,
- Personal expenses like Table drinks, snacks while walking, hot water/shower,
- internet, telephone etc. during trek.
- Your Insurance and Medical expenses https://globalrescue.com/explorehimalaya/index.html
- Any other tours, transfers and Hotel accommodations other than mentioned above.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane lands at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the arrivals and escort you to your hotel. Overnight at hotel. .
- Day 2
Sightseeing tours of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath &Patan
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to Boudhnath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and after that to Pashupatinath, the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. We take a tour to Patan also called as Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square. Overnight at hotel. .
- Day 3
Flight to Lukla (2860m) – approx. 27 minutes & Trek to Phakding (2656m) - approx. 3 hours
A scenic flight of thirty minutes from Kathmandu brings us to Lukla, cliff hanging airport in Khumbu from where the trek in Everest Region begins. After meeting the crew, we head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail and then stay overnight in Phakding. Overnight at lodge. .
- Day 4
Trek to Namche (3450m) - approx. 7/8 hours
From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. We then take a steep hike to Namche. If the weather is clear, we get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the locals, lowland traders and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. Overnight at lodge. .
- Day 5
Acclimatization in Namche
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. To acclimatize, we visit Khunde Hospital set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a one hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. Overnight at lodge..
- Day 6
Trek to Dole (4084m) - approx. 4/5 hours
Today is a spectacular day in terms of scenery as we follow the main trail north of Namche. A short climb to a crest reveals a wonderful view towards Everest and Lhotse. We follow this main trail for a while longer, passing many traders selling Tibetan handicrafts, to a crossroads high above the Dudh Kosi. The trail to Everest drops down the hill but we turn off here and climb to cross the Mon La before reaching Phortse Tenga. From Phortse Tenga, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens.
- Day 7
Trek to Machermo (4410m) - approx. 4/5 hours
From Dole we climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the rhododendron forests give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements [yersa], which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze during summer. Ahead of us are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while at the rear are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. Today’s trek is a short one and we will arrive at Machermo in time for lunch..
- Day 8
Trek to Gokyo (4750m) - approx. 4/5 hours
We head for the lakes at Gokyo. We follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. We soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La - our route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is breathtaking with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters. .
- Day 9
Rest day - Ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m) - approx. 3/4 hours
Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and we leave just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As we climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to have in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. For those who still have some energy, there are more good views to have by dropping back down to the main path and following it north to the fourth and fifth of the Gokyo lakes, the latter being about three hours from Gokyo..
- Day 10
Trek to Thagnag (4690m) - approx. 4/5 hours
Fit and acclimatized, we leave Gokyo to cross the Ngozumpa Glacier. We descend to the second lake and drop down onto the glacier. The route across the glacier is marked by cairns and is generally quite well defined. We climb off the glacier by a small dwelling known as Thagnag and follow a shallow valley to our hotel in the village. .
- Day 11
Trek to Lobuche Via Cho-la Pass (5420) - around 7/8 hours
An early start is necessary today as we have to cross Cho La and make the long descent to Lobuche. Continuing up the valley, we cross a ridge and an old lateral moraine, before beginning the rocky scramble to the pass. From the pass there are excellent views, across the Rolwaling Valley to the west and Ama Dablam to the south east. The descent from the pass involves the crossing of a small glacier [often snow covered] which is fairly straightforward. There are more excellent views of Ama Dablam and the forbidding north face of Cholatse as we descend to the pastures below. The way to Lobuche contours the grassy slopes above a lake, the Tshola Tsho, to join up with the main Everest trail from Pheriche and Tengboche. The trail flattens out and follows the valley on the west side of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche..
- Day 12
Trek to Gorak Shep (05184m), hike to Everest Base Camp (5184m) & back to Gorak Shep - approx. 6-7 hours
A very early start is required to reach Gorak Shep. The trail offers superb views of the surrounding mountains, especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. We stop for lunch at Gorak Shep. Later in the afternoon, we make our way to the Everest Base Camp. It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col. We return to Gorak Shep..
- Day 13
Trek back to Pheriche (4252m Visit Kala Patthar (5545m) &) - approx. 7 hours
ln the morning, we make our way to the top of one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region, Kala Patthar [5554m] following the Khumbu Glacier. After Kala Patthar, we trek back to Pheriche for overnight..
- Day 14
Trek to Namche (3450m) - approx. 5-6 hours
Descending takes a lot less hours and effort and obviously AMS is no longer an issue. Enjoy the passes and forest until we reach Phakding once again for the overnight stay.
- Day 15
Trek to Lukla (2860m) - approx. 3 hours
Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the Sherpa guides and porters, where we can sample some chang, try Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable trekking experience..
- Day 16
Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel (flight times around 27min)
We pack up early and head for the airstrip to hop a flight back to Kathmandu. On touchdown, the rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or send some great pictures back home or even go down for a stroll at Thamel, an internationally known hub for tourists in Asia..
- Day 17
Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepali support team takes you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, do some wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour or even mountain biking, etc- please ask us).
- April 15 2019
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