Arrival at Kathmandu.

Namaste and welcome to Nepal! With the hope that you had a smooth flight, we assist you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel or hostel. There are no additional programmes set for of the day but just getting to know each other and briefing you about Nepal and Nepalese culture.

Accommodation

• Hotel in Kathmandu ( 1 Night)

Rest and Preparation Day.

Thank you for choosing Everest base camp via Jiri as your next adventure destination. You will meet your trekking leader on this day and he will brief you about your trek. After a short briefing you will be guided by the trekking leader to city center for last minute shopping, if there is any.  Meanwhile our backend staff will prepare for required permits, national park fees and do other last minute preparation to make sure of your hassle free trip.

Accommodation

• Hotel in Kathmandu ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• Breakfast only

Drive to Shivalaya via Jiri.

We hit the road early in the morning to make it to Shivalaya by the Evening.  Shivalaya is located around 210 km on the northeast of the Kathmandu valley but as majority of our ride is on the hilly terrain and coiled, single lane highway. The ride would take around 6-7 hours for us to reach Jiri and further around an hour to Shivalaya. En route we can enjoy major tributary namely Koshi, several along highway settlements and the panorama of Langtang, Ganesh and Dorje Lakpa. Jiri is in fact the initiation point of the trek on foot but since the recently open jeep track on the trails, all the way to Shivalaya, we would rather start from Shivalaya itself.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Trek to Sete.

From the small river side village of Shivalaya, where there is nothing exceptional as such to do, we embark on foot towards our destination. We start by descending and passing couple of streams, through dense forest. We cross couple of remarkable settlements and further embark on the forested trail until Surma Khola. We continue with ascend from here to other noticeable settlements and final sheer ascend to Sete. Sete as well is a small village which serves trekkers with meals and accommodation to travelers en route. We spend the night in Sete.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Trek to Junbesi.

We begin the day with uphill trek on lush green hills. As we ascend we walk through the forest of Rhododendron, pine, maple, birch and magnolia, handful scenery in the time of blossom. We further ascend to Lamjura La pass 3530 m which is the highest point of the trek until Namche bazaar. Like a roller coaster ride we descend and march towards Junbesi. We spend the night at Junbesi.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.

Trek to Nunthala.

Immediately after Junbesi we cross a small stream and head upward and lead in the forest. Almost an hour worth of trek and we are rewarded with the first glimpse of the mountains Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Thamserku and many others. Further down the road we come to Trakshindo pass and then after to Trakshindo village. The village in no time leads into lush green vegetation and then to the forest, noticeably of Rhododendron and coniferous all the way to Nunthala. It takes nearly around an hour to reach Nunthala from Trakshindo. Nunthala is our final destination for the day and we spend the night in here.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Trek to Kharikhola/Bupsa.

We start by descending, all the way to Dudh Koshi River and cross the river via rustic suspension bridge and immediately start climbing the ridge along the banks of the tributary. We reach Churkha and then Khanikhola after the climb. After reaching to the top we further descent to the bottom of the hill and cross a suspension bridge.  Finally, we climb an uphill all the way to Bupsa. Overnight in Bupsa.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Trek to Surke.

The trail soars dramatically from Bupsa and enters into forest, all the way up to Khari La pass. The pass is a flat meadow land which offers good views of the surrounding and some mountains. After Khari La the trail again descends and the trail turns into the tides of the ocean and after several uphill and downhill stroll, we finally reach Surkhe. We spend the night at Surkhe.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Trek to Phakding.

We feel the cool breeze move down the slopes of the hill as we go up. We ascend and keep up with the uphill to Chaurikharka and further to Chipping and finally down to Phakding. Phakding is the meeting points of the trails – trekkers trekking from Lukla and Shivalaya meet each other at this very point. We rest the night at Phakding and you will notice that this place has better amenities than the other villages that we accommodated on our way up.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Phakding – Namche bazaar (1000m ascent – 100m descent)

We start strolling on the same undulating trail we had left the earlier day. On this day we walk on the trail, carved on the hills, on the bank of Dudh koshi. Several times we cross rustic suspension bridges to walk on the left and right banks. We walk our way through beautiful riverside Buddhist settlement intermingled with sparse forest of Rhododendron, pine and fir. The first glimpse of Thamserku 6608m can be seen on this day, if the weather is clear. The final ascent to Namche Bazaar through sheer, crisscross and pine scented trail is the most difficult section of the day. Furthermore, we also feel the thin air and altitude kick in. On a clear day Namche offers the view of Mt. Everest. We rest overnight in Namche.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Rest Day

On day 5 as well we do not go any further than Namche and stop here itself for much needed acclimatization. On this day in order to get acquainted with high altitude, we explore Namche and its culture on the first place and then do short hikes to higher grounds close to Namche. Namche is interesting village or town which has terrace like settlement and looks like an amphitheatre. This is the most happening village throughout the Everest Gokyo trek. On this day we hike to Syangboche airport; one of the high altitude, non commercial air strip. We also take the opportunity to visit Khunde and Khumjung where we see the school built by Sir. Edmund Hillary. Back to Namche we relax and enjoy the view, meanwhile we get ready for the next day’s trek. This place would be the last place on the trail for any last minute shopping.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Namche – Phortse Thanga (530m ascent – 290m descent)

There are two options from here to reach our next destination and we stick with the route via Kyanjuma. With the views of snow dusted, soaring Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse we make sheer ascent through barren ridges. After the ascent we reach Mong La also known as Mond Danda. Mong Danda is where we loosen our load and relax over the lunch. After revitalizing ourselves, we further descend to the root of the hill and banks of Dudh Koshi River. At the bottom of the hill lies our final destination for the day, Phortse Thanga.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Phortse Thanga -  Macharmo (ascent – 650m)

From Portse thanga branches two trails, one that heads to Everest base camp and the other which heads to the valley of Dudh Koshi, which is Gokyo. On this day we don’t walk huge distance, but strenuous and sheer uphill. The reason for walking less is as within a very short distance we reach the recommended uphill travel for a day. The trail encompasses beautiful forest of Rhododendron - a beautiful trail and playground of musk deer. Keep an eye for Golden eagle and dramatically soaring mountains of Everest region. The trail is comparatively easy from after we cross a village namely Dole. On the other hand, we would only see tundra grass and dotted scrub Junipers. It is advised to hydrate as much as possible due to remarkable change in altitude over a short period of time.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Machhermo – Gokyo (ascent – 350m)

The villages we see from Machhermo onwards are all temporary villages and only inhabited at certain time of the year. The views are unparalleled from here as you will get the unblocked views of Kantega, Cho Oyu and others. We keep walking on the trail by the Dudh Koshi river for almost an hour and until we reach the first lake.  We see the 1st lake immediately after a sheer uphill walk and then further down the trail we see 2nd lake called Taboche Tsho. Finally, we see the third lake namely Gokyo, which is also known as Dudh Kunda. There is a small settlement, basically a cluster of lodges by the 3rd Lake and we spend 2 days in the same place for acclimatization and excursion. As we walk very short distance on this day, we could further travel to the 4th and 5th lakes which is around 1 and ½ hours hike up and down. Nevertheless, hiking to the 4th and the 5th lake is always dependent on your willingness, physical strength and the weather.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Gokyo Acclimatization and excursion (570m ascent – 570m descend)

After acclimatizing in Gokyo and enjoying the views of Cho Oyu (8204m) for long enough, we further ascent to Gokyo Ri (5346m). Gokyo Ri is one of the most appreciated, nearby viewpoints and a peak that offers an unparalleled, picturesque view of surrounding mountains including the Everest. Travelers love the day trip to Gokyo Ri because it does not require a mountaineering permit and acclimatize perfectly for the following days hike to one of the high passes above 5000m. The entire trip takes about 4 hours and we call it a 2nd day at Gokyo itself.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Gokyo to Drag Nak (Taknak)

On this day we walk almost all day on the treacherous trail left behind ever changing trails from the melts and shifts of Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail is only marked by the help of steps and cairns made by the trekkers. This is one of the most difficult sections of Gokyo lake trek already, and the chances of rock rolling from the hills make it more adventurous. There is nothing interesting about Dragnag except the views of the surrounding. This place is basically a group of houses that serves as lodges and the launching pad for trekkers willing to cross the pass next day.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Drak Nak (Taknak) – Chola Pass  – Dongla Ascent  (700m – Descent 590m)

The day is tedious and we start very early to cover the entire ascent and descent above 5000m, which takes approximately 9 hours. This is one of the most difficult sections of the Gokyo Lake trek. However, we slowly embark on the same trail we left on the day prior and stroll steep and never ending uphill but with some pretty nice and near views of peaks like Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Phari Lapche, Kyajo – Ri. On the other hand, once you reach the top you will be captivated by 360 degree view of the mountains in the region. Not to forget, the view of Mount Everest dominating rest of the landscape is irreplaceable. Further after crossing Chola Pass the trail again becomes sheer, exhilarating scramble, on the edge of the mountains. After reaching the foot of the trail from the Chola pass we cross several streams, from where the trail becomes a walk in the garden. The view of Ama Dablam yet looks at its best and towards the end of the valley until we reach Dongla.  We spend overnight at Dzongla.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Dongla – Labuche

Comparing with previous days, today can be called as easy hike of 2-3 hours. With the view of Cholatse on our right, majority of our walk will be on this grassy knoll. Furthermore, we come across beautiful streams and finally walking over the moraine we reach Lobuche. We spend overnight at Lobuche.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Lobuche – Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar/Ebc – Gorakshep ( Ascent 650m, descent 385m)

It is very important to be careful on this day as we may feel AMS but cautiously we ascend towards Gorak Shep. Initially we follow the narrow gap between glacier moraine and the mountain. We make a very small but difficult climb to more technically difficult moraine with the first sighting to Gorakshep. Gorakshep 5160m. Gorak Shep is at the base of Kalapatthar 5545m and is a flat land where we have our lunch. We do 2 trips from Gorak Shep but not on the same day. It is recommended to visit Kala Patthar on this day to view Himalayas of Everest region. On the other hand, many people prefer Kala Patthar in the morning but it is not recommended due to the ruined view the mountains due sunrise from behind the Everest.  Going to Kala Patthar on the same day would be photographers delight. We would only do either trek to Everest base camp or Kala Patthar on the same day. Overnight at Gorak Shep.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Gorakshep – Pheriche (200m ascent, descent 700+m)

If we made it to Kala Patthar on the previous day, we hike to Everest base camp on this day, before we descend to Pheriche. We make a very nominal ascent of 200m this day but as it is very technical it takes almost 3 hours. We start our trek early at around 6 am to our destination which is a semi-permanent village made out of bright dome tents and bounder covered by prayer flags. Everest base camp is merely a hub of mountaineers who are waiting for green signal to climb further. Nevertheless, the views of the mountains are spectacular but Everest is not visible due to the towering mountains upfront. After spending brief moments in Everest base camp we trek down for another hour to Gorakshep and further down to Periche in Next 3-4 hours.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Pheriche – Namche (Ascent 400+m and ascent 50+m)

From Periche we descend to scenic Imja River and make small and easy ascent and walk through the forest of Rhododendron and Fir. We walk majorly through the banks of Imja stream and further of Dudh Koshi River. We cross several patches of villages until an uphill to Tengboche and further down to Phunki Thanga.  Since most of the day is a downhill walk, we walk until we reach Namche Bazaar. The final ascend to Namche is sheer but not technical. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Namche – Lukla (Ascent 950m, descend 250m)

Although we start early and it is all descend from Namche to lukla, it is claimed to be the hardest downhill in the entire Everest Gokyo route. The remorseless incline makes it difficult on the knees but there is always an option to slow down the pace and stroll easy. It’s a flat trail from Benkar to Phakding and Lukla and very easy for the knees. It’s the final day in Everest region, on the trails. Once we reach Lukla, the trekking leader will reconfirm your flights. In the evening we usually enjoy party like atmosphere amongst the trekker who has finished their trek.

Accommodation

• Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or  any one item from the menu.)

Lukla – Kathmandu

We board an early morning flight on the world’s most adventurous before the weather is wrecked. With the views of the beautiful peaks on our right we head towards Kathmandu. Gokyo Trek officially ends on this day once we transfer you to your hotel or hostel. We further would transfer you to the international airport as per your schedule. We thank you for choosing Wonderful Everest view treks and Expedition as your adventure partner!

Accommodation

• Hotel in Kathmandu ( 1 Night)

Meals Included

• Breakfast only