The Everest or the Khumbu region is justifiably the most famous of all the trekking and mountain regions. Populated by the Sherpas, the attraction of this area are the majestic snow capped mountains, the high mountain villages, charming monasteries and the congenial people. This area includes the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8,848 m.) and many peaks of altitude 8000m. and above, such as Lhotse, Cho Oyo and Makalu.
This trek would be ideal for those with less time but seeking adventure into massive and mystical mountains that can be found nowhere else on earth but Nepal. You will be led into the magical landscape of huge and pristine glaciers, rugged and highly challenging but beautiful trails and enter the world of the legendary Sherpas with the diverse & mysterious cultures found on these mountains.
This trek explores the breathtaking Gokyo valley which is located adjacent to the Khumbu. Gokyo is a land of high altitude lakes and glittering icy glaciers. Here, a hike to the high vantage point of Gokyo Ri (5350-m) will reward you with views of four of the eight highest mountains on earth - all wonderfully arrayed in one panorama! From here, one can see more of Everest (8848-m) and the three other Himalayan giants - Cho Oyu (8153-m), Lhotse (8501-m) and Makalu (8463-m) and some of the great Glaciers, mainly the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Trip
Hightlights:
Duration:
11
Days
Type of Trek :
Teahouse / Camping
Max Altitude:
5545 m.
Minimum Pax:
1 +
Mode of travel:
Flight
Grade:
Moderate
Outline Itinerary
Day
1
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) which takes about 30 minutes. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, and is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at a Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
Day
2
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about five hours. This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set up to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche Bazaar 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. You will also visit some of the village monasteries on the way trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Stay over night at a hotel in Namche
Day
3
Rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization at a high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set up by the late Sir Edmund Hillary and you can also hike for an hour up to Tyangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for some outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Center and Museum just above the town. Stay over night at Namche.
Day 4
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040m.) via Khumjung, takes about six hours. From Namche the route heads up all the way to Khumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of town. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek a steeply descending pass through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. You can enjoy a delicious meal at Phortse Tenga (3650m.). Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
Day
5
Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4150m) which takes about five hours. From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements. The view ahead of you presents majestic views of Cho Oyu, while back 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. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
Day
6
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m) which takes about four and half 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 incline 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 (5420m.), and your route to Lobuche. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
Day
7
Rest day at Gokyo when you may go for an excursion in and around Gokyo valley. Gokyo is a trade center where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to trekkers. It is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can also take a trip to the Fifth Lake via the Fourth Lake. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
Day
8
Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5483m) and then back to Machhermo (4150m.) via. Gokyo village takes about four and half hours.
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 Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machhermo. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
Day
9
Trek from Machhermo (4150m.) to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) which takes about five hours. The trail gently descends to Dole and then starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga (3650m.) passing through rhododendron forests. Then, the path immediately steeply ascends to Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends to Kyanjoma (3500m.) following some small ups and downs on the trail to your next destination. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
Day
10
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) which takes about six hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via. Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for a few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. Stay over night at lodge in Lukla.
Day
11
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes 30 minutes. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.
The price includes
the following services:
Airport pick-up and drop off services
Trekking guide
Porter/s (1 porter can carry two people's luggage up to 30 kilograms)
Entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park
Trekkers' Information Management System(TIMS) card
All land transportation (from hotel to airport and from airport to hotel)
All meals 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
Necessary equipment such as sleeping bags, down jackets, etc.
Rescue Assistance
Insurance and equipment for the Nepali staff
First Aid kit
Flight ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla and from Lukla to Kathmandu for all articipants including Nepali staff
Airport tax at Kathmandu domestic airport and Lukla airport
