Compare Everest & Gokyo Lakes Circuit by Exodus Travels vs Gokyo Lakes With Everest Base Camp Trek by We Ramblers
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 19 days | 17 days |
| Price From | $ 3,900 | Check price |
| Price Per Day | $ 205 | Check price |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | Breakfast is included throughout the trip. In the teahouses, breakfast will be a choice of bread (a slice of toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or omelette), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot tea/coffee is also served. On specific days, there will not be a choice for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey will be served – these options are not available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations where they can be guaranteed. You may also be able to supplement your included breakfast with additional items on the teahouse menu should you wish. Additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. Please note, some more remote teahouses/lodges are unable to provide an extensive menu due to irregular delivery schedules and during periods of bad weather or a high volume of trekkers, there may be a more limited menu choice. Also, the higher altitude the more expenses the menus and extras generally are. Lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route – sometimes one of your guides will go ahead with the group’s order to make it more expedient. Dinner will be in the same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it). Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises curried lentils and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos; a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with meat or vegetables. Meat is available in the teahouses but we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money – we recommend using hand sanitiser. If you have a gluten-free diet, we strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten-free breakfast options will be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast/with an extra egg). Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the egg) or vegetable fried rice. If you are lactose intolerant, the same will apply although you will also have a choice of egg each day. If you buy imported food and drink on trek, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Drinking water Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly at altitude where it is generally recommended you drink at least 100floz to 135floz (3-4 litres) per day. We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal. The teahouses sell boiled water for approximately 150-300 rupees (US$1.80-US$3.65) per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot-water bottle. Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder/Camelpak (ideally two) and use an effective form of water treatment. There are a wide range of products available including Steripens or purification tablets, which are the quickest and easiest options to use on trek – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions). Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. These bottles filter the water as you drink through the spout may not be the most efficient while on the go on a trek. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. | N/A |
| Description |
This circular Everest Base Camp trek explores the heart of the Sherpa homeland, from Namche Bazaar to the Gokyo Valley, crossing the glaciated Cho La pass and onto the classic route to Everest Base Camp used by the great climbing parties. Allowing ample time for acclimatisation, we can explore this high mountain wilderness, the quieter Gokyo Valley plus the main Everest trails. Our goal is Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier with the chance to climb Kala Pattar (18,190ft/5,545m) for fabulous close-up views of Mount Everest. Why trek with Exodus? One of the highest staff-to-traveller ratios on the trek with one staff member to every four travellers More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days Established protocol for Lukla flight delays Exodus annually commissions independent air-safety audits on domestic carriers in Nepal and only use those approved as part of the audit Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained to recognise and deal with altitude sickness All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage Staff carry oxygen, a first-aid kit, and self-assessment acute mountain sickness cards, used to monitor every traveller at altitude Speak to Exodus office staff who have done the trek themselvesEmbark on a circular trek via the Gokyo Lakes, crossing the Cho La pass to Everest Base Camp |
Gokyo Lakes with Everest base camp trek is the most astonishing trekking expedition in the world. In this trek experience the scenic beauty of the world’s highest freshwater lake system, the high peaks, the gigantic glaciers, huge wild stream and many more. A trek to the Gokyo lakes is a once in a life time experience. This trek has everything, a challenging trail, beautiful lakes, and reflections of high peaks on its waters, huge glaciers, high passes and reaching the base of Mount Everest. This is surely, one of the beautiful and challenging treks in the world. |
Day 1 Start Kathmandu
The adventure starts in Kathmandu. On arrival, those travelling on the group flights will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied Exodus with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer. There are no activities planned today so if making your own travel arrangements, you can arrive at any time. Upon arrival to the hotel, look out for a noticeboard in the reception area with details of where and when to meet for your welcome/trek briefing this evening. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Early morning transfer to Manthali for your flight to Lukla. Trek to Phakding
We have a very early start this morning to drive (approximately four hours) out to Manthali Airport (RHP) where all Lukla flights now operate from. We depart our hotel at approximately 3am to ensure arriving in Manthali for in time for the first morning flights to Lukla. The hotel will provide a packed breakfast for the journey. We fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (9,190ft/2,800m), and set off on the first short leg of our trek, heading north up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (Milk River). We descend from the small plateau into the forested valley. The trail offers tantalising views before reaching the settlement of Phakding, where we spend our first night. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 8,701ft/2,652m)
Day 3 Follow the Dudh Kosi and ascend to Namche Bazaar
Heading out of Phakding, we follow the Dudh Kosi north. Today's walk takes us through magnificent forests with glimpses of the mountains ahead. We cross the river several times by bridge as we pass through the villages of Benkar, Monzo and Jorsale. A final bridge brings us to the foot of the steep climb to Namche. Halfway up the ascent, we may get our first glimpse (cloud permitting) of the Everest summit behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. A last 985ft (300m) climb brings us to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and the main town in the area. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre. It has a weekly market on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, but the town always bustles with trekkers, coffee shops, bakeries and stores selling all kinds of trekking and climbing gear and Tibetan souvenirs. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 11,285ft/3,440m)
Day 4 Acclimatisation walk to Kunde and Khumjung; descend to Kyanjuma
We climb steeply out of Namche past the airstrip at Shyangboche to the Everest View Hotel, the highpoint of our day at 12,730ft (3,880m). Built by the Japanese, this spectacularly situated hotel with wonderful views of Everest and Ama Dablam is an ideal place for a tea break. Enroute to the Everest View Hotel, you will have the option to stop off at the Sagarmatha Next experience centre and learn about the work this local organisation is doing to tackle waste pollution on the mountain trails and how you can help. Descending through forest, we come to Khumjung, where we have lunch close to the Sir Edmund Hillary School. After, we walk up to Kunde and visit the Edmund Hillary Hospital. The twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung are below Khumbila, the rocky peak sacred to all Sherpas. For much of the walk, we have great views of Ama Dablam and other Himalaya giants. We walk back down through Khumjumg to the monastery. Sadly, it was damaged in the earthquake but is now being repaired. Inside is a small box and, after paying the entry fee (which goes towards the repairs), we will be shown the only yeti skull in the world. Descending to the main trail, we spend the night at Kyanjuma. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 11,810ft/3,600m)
Day 5 Cross the Mong La into the Gokyo Valley and trek to Dole
At Kyanjuma we turn off the main trail and begin climbing to the Mong La, marked by a chorten on the top of a ridge at 3,972m. This ridge descends from Khumbila, the abode of the patron god of all Sherpas. From the ridge, the trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks towards the Dudh Kosi. At Phortse Tenga (3,600m) there are a few tea houses to choose from for our lunch stop. After lunch the trail starts to climb steeply out of the valley and we enter the rhododendron forests, which give way to juniper and conifers higher up the valley. We pass through kharkas, summer settlements used by the Sherpas to graze their yaks, before coming to Dole, where we have magnificent views of Kangtaiga and Tramserku. Total ascent: 2,887ft (880m); total descent: 2,119ft (464m) Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 13,255ft/4040m)
Day 6 Continue to Machhermo
A short walk today. From Dole the trail is steep in places as it passes through Lhabarma and Luza along the side of the valley, high above the river through scrub junipers until we cross the sandy spurs to Machhermo (4,410m). It was here in 1974 that a yeti was reported to have attacked a sherpa and killed three yaks! We should get to Machhermo by lunchtime and in the afternoon there is time for an acclimatisation walk up onto the ridge behind the lodge for amazing views of Tramserku. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 14,469ft/4,410m)
Day 7 Trek to Gokyo Lake, a small settlement of lodges on the shores of a blue lake. Afternoon, optional walk up the hill behind camp for incredible views of the Ngozumpo Glacier
We begin today by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and Tramserku and up the valley towards Cho Oyu (8,201m). The valley now widens as the trail passes through Pangkha then descends to the riverbank before beginning the steep climb on a narrow trail onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpo Glacier. We pass the first of the lakes at Gokyo, called Longpongo. We then follow the almost level trail past the second lake and on to the third lake and the walled meadows and lodges of Gokyo at 4,750m. Gokyo is a small settlement of lodges on the shores of a blue lake. Look out for Brahmany Ducks swimming in the lake. We have lunch in Gokyo and in the afternoon we can walk up the hill behind the lodge for incredible views of the Ngozumpo Glacier. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 15,584ft/4,750m)
Day 8 Climb Gokyo Ri
An early start this morning for the steep ascent of Gokyo Ri (17,585ft/5,360m), a small peak above Gokyo village. As we climb, the views become even more fantastic and from the top we can see four of the eight highest peaks in the Nepalese Himalaya: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Stretching out for miles below us is the longest glacier in Nepal - the Ngozumpo Glacier, which tumbles down from the slopes of Cho Oyu. One of the best all-round views in Nepal, the climb is well worth the effort. We return to Gokyo for lunch and the afternoon is free to relax or explore the lakeshore. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 15,584ft/4,750m)
Day 9 Walk across the Ngozumpo Glacier to Thangnak
There is time this morning to explore the area around Gokyo. The energetic can walk to the fourth lake or explore the trail to the Renzo La from where you can see Everest. After an early lunch we set off for Thangnak. The trail starts by climbing to the crest of the moraine overlooking the Ngozumpo Glacier. The route across the glacier is well marked with cairns but we need to take care as the path is narrow and there is ice underfoot in parts. The trail climbs up and down and takes us to the eastern side of the Gokyo Valley. We stay tonight at Thangnak at the foot of the Cho La Pass. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 13,123ft/4,700m)
Day 10 Cross the Cho La and enter the main Khumbu Valley; trek to Dzongla
An early start for the very long day across the Cho La (5,420m), you will need to carry your micro-spikes with you today. We climb up the valley from Thangnak for about two hours to a col. Ahead we can see the Cho La in the distance. We descend to a large boulder field, which we cross on a well-defined path to the base of the steep part of the ascent. A new trail has been created up the Cho La to avoid the risk of rock fall and there are some metal chains in place to use as handrails. The last couple of hours are very steep and rocky and involve some scrambling as we zig-zag up to the top.The upper part of the route can be covered in snow and ice, particularly after November and in spring. Finally, we reach the glaciated top, from where there are excellent views including an unusual aspect of Ama Dablam. We will need microspikes for the descent (and sometimes on the ascent) and we need to take care on the descent as it’s steep and involves the crossing of a glacier (usually snow-covered) which is fairly straightforward. After a scramble down onto the glacier, we follow a trail across the snow and down a rocky gully to the pastures below. The trail becomes more defined as we approach Dzongla, where we stay tonight. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 15,846ft/4,830m)
Day 11 Continue the ascent to Lobuje
An easier day ahead as leaving Dzongla we begin with a continuation of our descent. A short ascent brings us to the foot of Awi Peak, which we contour round on a wonderful high trail with great views of Chalotse and Tawoche across the valley. We finally descend to join the main trail again just below Lobuje. We spend the night at Lobuje (4,930m). The sunset on Nuptse from the ridge across from the lodge is not to be missed. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 16,175ft/4,930m)
Day 12 A long day to visit Everest Base Camp. Overnight at Gorak Shep
We are now surrounded by giant Himalayan peaks; Everest, Nuptse, Lingtren, Khumbutse and Pumori tower above us. Today is long and hard as we visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m). The trail from Lobuje climbs steadily by the side of the Khumbu Glacier, with some steep ups and downs on a rocky trail. It will take us about 3 hours to reach Gorak Shep (5,180m), a collection of lodges situated at the foot of Kala Pattar. After a short break and an early lunch, we fill our water bottles and make sure we have plenty of snacks (there are no lodges from here to Base Camp) and set off for Base Camp. The trail heads along the crest of the moraine at first with plenty of undulations, some of them quite steep. We then drop steeply down onto the Khumbu Glacier itself, where we get magnificent close-up views of the great Khumbu Icefall as it tumbles down from Everest. In the spring season we will see expedition teams as they prepare for an ascent. We retrace our steps to Gorak Shep for the night. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 16,995ft/5,180m)
Day 13 Climb Kala Pattar (5,545m) for classic views of Everest; descend to Pheriche
Another long day as we ascend the small peak of Kala Pattar ('black rock') at 18,190ft (5,545m). We set off very early before breakfast for the steep two-hour climb to the summit, but the effort is well worth it, as we appreciate the most magnificent view of the Khumbu glacier and above all a close-up sight of the world's highest mountain which the Nepalese call Sagarmatha - Head of the Waters and the Sherpas Chomolungma - Mother of the World. We return to Gorak Shep for a well-deserved breakfast and then head back down to Lobuje for lunch. Descending on the main trail we pass through Chukpo Lhari, where there are many memorials to those who have died on Everest. From here we drop down steeply to Dugla, a small collection of tea houses. The trail then descends to the riverbed and we have an easy walk down the valley to Pheriche. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 13,921ft/4,243m)
Day 14 Trek to Thyangboche and visit the famous monastery, descent to Phungki Tenga and ascend to Kyanjuma
We descend the Pheriche Valley with spectacular views of Ama Dablam. We join the main Imja Khola Valley, which we follow down to Pangboche with superb views looking back to the great ridge of Lhotse-Nuptse. Pangboche, at 13,075ft (3,985m) is the highest permanent settlement on the approach to Everest. Dropping down to the rushing Imja Khola we then walk through rhododendron forests to Thyangboche. From here we have a fantastic panorama of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We have lunch here and can visit the famous monastery. After lunch the trail descends to the river at Phungki Tenga and then we have a long climb up to our lodge for the night at Kyanjuma, where there are wonderful views across the valley to Ama Dablam. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 11,811ft/3,600m)
Day 15 Trek back to Namche and further down to Monzo
This morning our walk to Namche Bazaar takes us along a beautiful undulating trail high above the Dudh Kosi. We have time in Namche and after lunch we descend through Namche Bazaar and pick up our outward trail again to Monzo, where we stay tonight. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 9,350ft/2,850m)
Day 16 Return to Lukla
We retrace our steps southwards with a final climb to the airstrip at Lukla. Accommodation: Teahouse (altitude: 9,185ft/2,800m)
Day 17 Fly to Manthali; transfer to Kathmandu
We fly back to Manthali airport on one of the first flights of the day (approximately 7-7:30am) to allow for the five to six hour bus transfer back to Kathmandu arriving in the city for mid-late afternoon. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel
Day 18 Free day in Kathmandu
Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu (it is also a spare day to allow for any delays in the flights to or from Lukla). You may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Boudhanath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. We offer a full range of sightseeing tours, which can be booked and paid for locally; please ask your leader for details. Or you can simply hire a taxi from outside the hotel. The Thamel area is full of shops and restaurants and coffee shops for those who want a more relaxing day. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 19 End Kathmandu
The tour ends after breakfast. Catch your transfer to the airport – see the Joining Instructions for more details – and begin your return journey home.
Day 1: Kathmandu
Arrive at the historic city of Kathmandu and check into the hotel. Our support staff will meet you to give the details about next day’s plans as well as discuss the trekking plan. Remaining part of the day is at leisure and you can explore the city and its famous shopping street called Thamel.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m / 9, 184ft) and trek to Phakding (2,651m / 8,700 ft). 3-4 hours
Today we will check out early and head to the airport for a flight to Lukla. This is a unique flying experience on a small Dornier aircraft, which are used in these mountain ranges. The total flying time, will be of 40 minutes with some great taking views of snow capped mountains and the Himalayan Ranges. Landing on this tiny airport is a thrilling experience. Our guides and porters will be waiting from you at the Airport. We will have a quick breakfast and start our trek for Phakding. It is a small downhill trek that passes through some scenic villages, monasteries and Buddhist Stupas. We will be crossing the very first hanging bridge during of our trek and it surely is a thrilling experience to cross one of these.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m / 11,280 ft). 6-7 hours
We will start trekking after breakfast and it will take us about 6 to 7 hours to reach Namche. The trekking trail from Phakding will go along side of the Dudh Koshi river and will pass through several Sherpa Villages till we cross a place called Monjo. After Monjo we will get a village called Jorsale, which is the last village before we reach Namche. We will have our lunch at Jorsale, as there will not be anything available after this point. We will get about 5 hanging bridges before we reach Namche. As we trek for a while, we will see a gigantic view of Mt. Thamserku. We will enter the Sagarmatha National Park after Monjo and the same park covers the entire Everest and Khumbu Glacier zone. This protected zone and just before Namche there is a check post which will verify our permits before they let us in. En route, we will cross the large hanging bridge that is very popular and a lot of people take photos at this point. The trek begins to get tougher as it sets on an incline trail after this bridge and till we reach Namche. The trail between Jorsale and Namche Check Post will be a little tough and we recompensed that you walk at your own pace. if the weather permits, you may be able to get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Namche Check Post. We will take several steps from Namche Post to reach Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Rest day at Namche Bazaar.
Today’s day is reserved for acclimatization in this high altitude region. We will stay at Namche and explore the place. Namche has many attractions such as the Museum with a beautiful flat ground, The Tenzing Norgay Statue, Hike to the non operational Syangboche Airport, Visit to Sir. Edmund Hillary School, Khumjung Village and many more.
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4, 038m / 13, 248 ft). 6-7 hours
We will start the trek a little early today and head for Dole. We will proceed on broad trail from Namche and till a village called Kyangjuma. After this point, we will get an inclining trail till Mongla. The portion between Kyangjuma and Mongla will be the difficult part of today’s trek. The trail to Mongla may seem like an endless hike. Mongla is a very beautiful place. We will get very nice views of Mt. Thamserku and Khangteka. We will have our lunch at Mongla and then proceed further to Phortse Thanga. We will cross the famous Phortse village that comes on our left hand side. The trail will begin to get tougher once we cross Phortse Thanga; however it is less difficult in comparison to the Mongla trail. The trail after Phortse Thanga will go through a Rhododendron forest and if you are lucky enough, you may get a chance to sight a muck deer or a Himalayan Monal. En-route to Dole, we will cross several waterfalls. We will take about 2.5 hours to reach Dole once we cross Phortse Thanga. Dole is a very small settlement and the place has some nice views of gigantic mountains.
Day 6: Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m/ 14,663 ft). 3-4 hours
A very small distance at the beginning of the trek be little tough and post that it will be an easy day of trekking. Once we ascend on the trail from Dole, we will get huge view of Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m /26,864 ft). In fact, we will get the views of Cho Oyu through the trek. We will also get to see Thamserku and Khangteka on our back on this trail while Cho Oyu’s view will be on our front. We will take about 3 to 4 hours to reach Machhermo and it is an easy trail. Once we reach Machhermo, we can either take rest for the remaining part of the day or explore the surroundings.
Day 7: Machhermo to Gokyo (4, 800 m / 15,744 ft). 5- 6 hours
We will start early today for Gokyo. The trail will be of moderate difficulty level. The views from this trail are really beautiful. The trail will descend to a river and get a steep incline till the moraine of Ngozumpa glacier. En-route to Gokyo we will see 3 Gokyo Lakes. The very first lake is a small one and as we trek further we will get the second lake that is relatively bigger to the first one. We trek a little more to reach the 3rd lake, which is really big and the best looking lake among all Gokyo Lakes. The tea houses are placed on the bank of this 3rd lake. Stay over at a tea house with mesmerizing views of the Gokyo Lake.
Day 8: Gokyo to 5th Gokyo Lake.
We will be visiting the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes today. The 4th Gokyo is very close by from the 3rd lake. After visiting the 4th lake, we will trek further for another 1.5 hours to reach the 5th lake. The views from the 5th Lake can be considered as the best view in the entire region of Mt. Everest and is an experience of life time which you should not miss. You get to see the course of the Ngozumpa glacier and some mesmerizing views of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang (7,952 m / 26,089 ft). The Ngozumpa glacier is the longest glacier in the Himalayan zone. We spend some time at the 5th Lake and then return to our hotel in Gokyo.
Day 9: Thangnak (4,750m / 15,580ft) after hiking Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575 ft). 6-7 hours
We will start early for the hike to Gokyo Ri. In morning, the views of high peaks are much clear from Gokyo Ri. The views of Gokyo Lakes are simply breathtaking from Gokyo Ri. The sky scarping Himalayan ranges, that are placed as single line will be much clearly visible from this point. We will return to Gokyo and trek further for 2 to 3 hours to reach Thangnak that is situated at the other side of Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail to Ngozumpa glacier will pass through the third Gokyo Lake and goes down on to the glacier, the trail goes and down on the glacier. Once we cross the glacier, the trail is mostly flat.
Day 10: Thangnak to Zongla (4, 830m / 15,850 ft) via Chola Pass (5, 368m / 17,611 ft). 6-7 hours
This is the toughest day of our trekking expedition as we set ourselves to cross the mighty Chola Pass. It is one of the highest mountain passes in the Khubu Region. Threfore, it is best we start early and give ourselves enough time to trek at our pace. One we cross Thanganak, the trail begins to ascend and goes along side of stream. After a while, we will get flag pole and need to come down from this point. The view of the glacier on your left and the Chola Pass are mesmerizing from this point.
The trail then goes over rocks and becomes steep incline to Chola Pass, making it the toughest part in today’s trek. Please be little careful as this portion will have many lose scree that can cause you to slip. While it may appear an endless task to reach the Chola pass the scenic beauty it offers makes this effort a rewarding one. Some of the high peaks such as Lhotse and Baruntse are visible clearly from this pass. The pass is filled with prayer flags and is favorite spot of trekkers for photography. The view of the glacier that is below this pass is really spectacular. We will start descending the pass after spending some time at the pass. While descending, it is better be too careful as some places might be slippery. The trail is a complete downhill trek till Zongla.
Day 11: Zongla to Lobuche (4, 940 m / 16,207 ft). 3-4 hours
It is going be a short and easier trek in comparison to the previous day. We will trek from only 3 to 4 hours and reach Lobuche. On our way we will get to see the Chola Tso Lake and Thokla Pass memorials. The train then goes past a river bed and merges with the bigger trekking trail that is coming from Pheriche. We will reach Lobuche and take rest in a tea house
Day 12: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,164 m / 16,942 ft) and visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft). 7-8 hours
The smallest part of trek in beginning will be a flat trail till the Lobuche pass. After we cross Lobuche pass, the trail becomes uneven till we reach Gorakshep. You will get to some gigantic views of Mt. Nuptse and Pumori. One we reach Gorakshep, we will keep our bags at the hotel land proceed for Everest Base Camp. The trail will be very much like the one we just got before Gorakshep. Mt. Everest is not fully visible from the base camp and only a portion can be seen from the Base Camp. We will get down to the Khumbu Glacier to reach the Base Camp. The base camp is at the glacier and has several flags are there. You will always find many trekkers forming a queue to get picture around the flags and signboards. We will then return to Gorakshep after spending some time at the Everest base camp.
Day 13: Pheriche (4,371 m / 14,340 ft) after Kala Patthar (5, 645m / 18,520ft) hike. 7-8 hours
We will start early and hike to Kala Patthar. It will take about 3 hours to reach atop Kala Patthar. You will get a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges from this point and also get a full vertical view of Mt. Everest. If we can reach really early, then we can see the beautiful sight of sun rise falling on the Mt. Everest. After spending some time at Kala Patthar, we will begin downhill trek till Dughla and then trek on a flat trail to reach Pheriche.
Day 14: Pheriche to Namche.6-7 hours
This is going to be an easy trail, till Namche. The trail will go past the villages of Shomare, Pangboche, Deboche and Tengboche. The trail between Deboche and Tengboche is an uphill trek where we to climb several steps to reach Tengboche. The village of Tengboche is very beautiful and is famous for the monastery. We will be having our lunch at Tengboche. The trail will be downhill till Phungi Thanga. We will get a hanging bridge at Phungi Thanga and post that it will be an inclined trail, making it the toughest part of today trek. We will cross some more villages like Kyangjuma and reach the Namche Bazaar.
Day 15: Namche to Lukla. 6-7 hours
It is our last day of trekking in this journey. The trail is downhill trek for most of the part and goes along side of the Dudh Koshi River. We will pass by small villages like Jorsale and Monjo. While the trail is a very moderate one, the potion just before Lukla may be a little tough as we have to climb several steps.
Day 16: Kathmandu.
We will fly back to Kathmandu on the same flight that we took while coming. Most of the flights are in the morning and we can reach in Kathmandu before 10 AM. Spend the day at leisure and explore the historic city.
Day 17: Departure.
Kindly check out before 12 noon and we will drop you at the airport for your further journey. We will hand over the trekking completion certificate after your check out.
