The trip will be organised by Eco Trek (Holy Himalaya) a company with 29 years’ experience in the Himalaya.
The group will travel to Kathmandu and then fly to Lukla in the foothills of the Himalaya, from whence the 15-day trek will commence.
The route to be followed takes climbers into the beautiful Gokyo Lakes region, up and over the high Chola La pass (with spectacular views of Everest and all the surrounding peaks), down to Lobuche, and hence to Gorek Shep and Everest Base Camp. For the return, the standard route will be followed. Thus, the trek becomes a ‘circuit’ with new vistas opening every day. The highest point to be reached is Kala Pathar (5548m) – a summit almost as high as Kilimanjaro, which overlooks Everest Base Camp. However, there is no need to fear that the trip will be too strenuous for those who will be visiting the Himalaya for the first time. Experience has shown that anyone who is fit and well, and who enjoys the outdoors, should handle the trek comfortably. The pace will be leisurely, and plenty of time has been allowed for acclimatisation. Accommodation will be in “tea-houses” (privately owned high quality lodges with internet and electricity, including private bathroom facilities are available all most all the spots on the route), and participants will be thoroughly briefed on every aspect of the trip.
Kathmandu as long as you wish… at least 2 nights recommended on arrival and 2 nights at the end of the treks. We will look after all your needs while you are in Kathmandu including airport transfers. Your hotel, www.holyhimalaya.com while you are here in capital city of Nepal.
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes - ROUTE DESCRIPTION
With eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountains vistas. The Everest trek is not only famous for its proximity to the world’s highest mountain (8848m) but also for its friendly Sherpa people, picturesque villages, great variety of cultures and traditions, monasteries, and colorful festivals. The flora and fauna are other ornaments of the Sagarmatha National Park; and the story of the yeti from this region is one of the world’s enduring mysteries.
This trek gives you a grand tour of the famous Khumbu valley. It is a strenuous route leading to Gokyo Lakes and over the Chola pass at 5,430m, and takes you on a circuit around Tawache (6,367m) and Cholatse (6,440m). Emerging into the Khumbu Valley above Lobuje the trail continues up to Kala Patthar and then back to Lukla via Tengboche and Namche Bazaar.
The small herding settlement of Gokyo (4,750m) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small turquoise mountain tarns. On the ridge above Gokyo, the four peaks above 8000m of Cho You, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu expose themselves. In addition to this you can see the tremendous ice ridge between Cho You and Gyachung (7,922m), considered one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu region. There are many options for additional exploration and high-altitude walking, including the crossing of Cho La, a 5,420m-high pass into Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo Ri.
Strenuous trekking is continuously rewarded with dramatic Himalayan scenes, including four of the world’s highest peaks: Cho Oyu (8,201m), Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516m) and Everest (8,848m). Breathtaking mountain vistas are complemented by visits to Sherpa villages, homes and monasteries offering you an insight into the quiet but culturally vibrant Sherpa way of life.
Day 01 - Kathmandu arirval
Arrival in Kathmandu / collection at the airport and transfer to Hotel. Welcoming Dinner.
Overnight Holy Himalaya Hotel, Thamel.
Day 02 - Kathmandu
Morning guided city tour. Kathmandu is a cultural city with many monuments and heritage sites. Buddhist Stupas, Hindu temples and places of arts and crafts will be the focus of the tour. Afternoon free for shopping. Overnight Holy Himalaya Hotel, Thamel.
Day 03 - Trek Day 01
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,886m). This takes about 30 minutes.
Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2,640m), which takes three hours. You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport, a few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. Nupla (5,885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank – a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountain-side path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right, and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6,367m). The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat tea-house. You continue along a small path with many ups and downs following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.
Day 04 - Trek Day 02
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) which takes about 6 hours.
This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2,800m) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park, which was established to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt. Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde Ri and Tawache peak.
Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. This is a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La.
Day 05 - Trek Day 03
Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and sightseeing in the surrounding areas. 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 as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization before heading off towards Tyangboche.
You walk up to the Khunde Hospital which was built by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take a one hour walk up to Syangboche (3,800m) where the Everest View Hotel is situated. From here you will have an outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views of the peaks from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.
Day 06 - Trek Day 04
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,040m) via Khumjung. This takes about six hours.
From Namche the route heads up all the way up to Khumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the higher end of town. Here, you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5,734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then climbs up to Mongla (4,000m). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You descend to Phortse Tenga, and from there climb steeply to Dole through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. You will enjoy a delicious meal at Phortse Tenga (3,650m).
Day 07 - Trek Day 05
Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,410m), which takes about 3 hours.
From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze during the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch.
Day 08 - Trek Day 06
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,750m), which takes about 4 hours.
Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melted-water rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky path inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5,420m) – your route to Lobuche and Everest later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari. On its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide services to trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumba glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal.
Day 09 - Trek Day 07
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,340m).
Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you 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 be had in the Everest region – some say it is even better than that from Kala Pathar. Afternoon rest.
Day 10 - Trek Day 08
Nest morning you have a short walk to the small settlement of Thangna (4,650m), situated on the shores of the Ngozumpa Glacier. This takes about four hours.
Day 11 - Trek Day 09
Trek from Thangna to Dzongla (4,843m) via Chola La (pass) (5,420m).
You ascend towards Chola La, the route being covered with rocks. This takes about 5 hours. Chola La itself is often covered with blue ice – imparting a chilling feeling. The trail descends steeply for an hour, and then more gently all the way to Dzongla. Arrival late afternoon.
Day 12 - Trek Day 10
Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4.910m), which takes about 3 hours.
From Dzongla the trail descends and ascends gently and contours around the west side of the Lobuche Khola, providing excellent views of Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse wall and Everest. The trail coming from Pheriche meets at the Lobuche Khola (Lobuche Stream).
Day 13 - Trek Day 11
Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,180m), which takes about 3 hours. Afternoon walk to Everest Base Camp (5,337m) and back to Gorak Shep. Allow 5 hours. While trekking to Everest Base Camp you pass along a trail which weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. During the spring season, you can meet expedition teams at the Everest Base Camp. (The number of team is less in the autumn season.) On the return leg, you can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu icefall and numerous mountains. You return to Gorak Shep to stay overnight.
Day 14 - Trek Day 12
Early morning climb to Kala Pathar (5,545m) for a sunrise view, and then trek down to Pheriche (4,250m).
From Kala Pathar you have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more. Pheriche is a place where you can make phone calls to any part of the world. You will also see the mountain yaks in Pheriche. Yaks are normally regarded as the porters in this area. The town of Pheriche is known as windy town. From there you can see the perpendicular walls of Cholatse and Tawache. This also where the Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post is located. Foreign volunteer doctors provide medical treatment to trekkers as well as to the local people.
Day 15 - Trek Day 13
Trek from Pheriche to Tyangboche (3,850m), and then down to Namche Baraar (3,440m) – a long day, which takes about 8 hours.
To reach Tyangboche you pass through Pangboche village, which is known to have highest permanent settlement throughout the year in Khumbu region. The trail ascends and descends at a slow rate. Upon arrival at Tyangboche village you come across the famous legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. There is a trekker’s visiting centre where local Sherpas make an exhibition of different goods to be sold to interested trekkers. They also have a slide presentation about the Sherpa people, their culture, the Buddhist religion, and environ-mental development programs. From Tyangboche, the trail descends steeply towards Phunki Tenga (3,250m) crossing the Dudh Koshi. Now you have a glimpse of panoramic views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, the trail ascends steeply to Sanasa where local Sherpa people sell Tibetan goods. The way from Sanasa to Namche has small ascents and descents with views of forests and mountains. Overnight Namche Bazaar.
Day 16 - Trek Day 14
Morning spent at Namche Bazaar. After lunch, descend to Phakding (2,610m) – 4 hours.+ Lukla (2,886 m), which takes about 3 hours. That evening you will thank your support staff and present them with their tips.
Day 17 - Trek Day 15
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.
You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu which takes about 35 min. Afternoon free.
Overnight Holy Himalaya Hotel, Thamel.
Day 18 - Kathmandu
Day of leisure in Kathmandu for sightseeing and shopping. Overnight Holy Himalaya Hotel.
Pre-departure health (and FAQ) information !
Hiking/ trekking is a physical activity that requires a certain level of physical performance and you are doing it on your own risk. So that you may participate fully and that we may help in that effort, we would like to know if you have any physical conditions that would affect your ability to hike. Please take a few moments and complete the following form and explain if you answer “YES” to any of our questions.
Do you have any past history of the following:
Your interests and preferences:
Our goal is to make your trip the best we can. If we know a little more about your interests and preferences we can do our job better. Any additional support: Please let us know if you need any support on insurance, flights (helicopter service), tours, hotels or transport on the outbound or inbound. Generally our all inclusive packages does not includes insurance and medical expenses.
