Gokyo Chola Pass with Everest Base Camp trek - 18days
The Everest or the Khumbu region is justifiably the most famous of all the trekking and mountain regions. Populated by the Sherpas, the attractions of this area are the majestic 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 other peaks of altitude 8000m. and above, such as Lhotse, Cho Oyo and Makalu.
This trek gives you the grand tour of the famous Khumbu valley. This is a strenuous trek leading to Gokyo Lake and over the Cho La at 5,430m making a circuit of 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 (4750m) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small turquoise mountain lakes and on the ridge above Gokyo, the four peaks above 8000m of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu expose themselves. In addition to this you can have a look at the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung (7922m), 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 5420m-high pass into Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo Ri. 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.
Trip
Hightlights:
Duration:
18
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.) takes about 30 minutes. Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640 m.) takes approximately three hours. You begin the trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river. 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.) You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
2
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) takes about 5 to 5 and half 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 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. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
3
Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization and excursion around the places. For acclimatization you can walk up to Khunde hospital which was set-up by the late Sir Edmund Hillary or enjoy a one hour walk to Syangboche (3800m.), where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse,Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 4
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Thame (3739m) takes about 4 hours. From Namche the route heads west and the trail is almost level as you head up the Bhote Koshi Valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet. After descending to the Bhote Kosi the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde and to the north, Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Thame Gompa is situated above the village overlooking the valley and is the site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
5
Trek from Thame to Khumjung [3790m] takes about 5 hours. You retrace your route back down the Bhote Kosi Valley towards Namche and branch off to follow a quiet trail to Khumjung. It is a picturesque village which also has its own Gompa at the top end of town. Here you have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
6
Trek from Khumjung to Dole (4040m) takes about 5 hours. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. The trail then descends slightly towards Sanasa before ascending up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. Your trail then steeply descends passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
7
Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4410m) 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. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley you can view the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
8
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m) takes about 4 hours. Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly. You then climb a steep rocky path 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.). 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 magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
9
Rest day at Gokyo and excursion in and around Gokyo valley. Gokyo is a trade center where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide services to trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of the Ngozumba glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can also make a side trip to Firth Lake via Forth Lake. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
10
Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5340m) and trek back to Thangna (4650m) 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 Thangna, situated at the shore of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
11
Trek from Thangna to Dzongla (4843m.) via Chola pass (5420m.) takes about 5 and half hours. First you ascend slightly along the valley towards Chola pass. Most of the time the Chola pass is covered with blue ice giving you a chill feeling. Here, you can also enjoy the panoramic views of various mountains. The trail then descends steeply for an hour and then slightly descends all the way to Dzongla. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
12
Trek from Dzonglo to Gorakshep (5180m.) via Lobuche takes about 5 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). Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 13
Trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (5337m.) and back to Gorakshep takes about 4 and half hours. While trekking to Everest Base Camp you pass on 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 on their way to Everest Base Camp. 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 from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and then to Pheriche (4250m.) takes about 6 and half hours. Early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5545m.) to enjoy the view of the spectacular sunrise up over the mountains. From Kala Patthar you have panoramic views of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Thamserku. The town of Pheriche is known as windy town. Stay over night at lodge.
Day 15
Trek from Pheriche to Tyangboche (3850m.) takes about 4 hours. To reach Tyangboche you pass through Pangboche village, which is known to have the highest permanent settlement throughout the year in the Khumbu region. Upon your arrival at Tyangboche village, you come across the famous legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 16
Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) takes about 4 hours. From Tyangboche, the trail descends steeply and then slightly towards Phunki Tenga (3250m.) crossing the Dudh Koshi. Now you have a glimpse of the 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 teashops, the trail ascends steeply to Sanasa where local Sherpa people sell Tibetan goods. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 17
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) 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.
Day 18
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu takes about 35 minutes.
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
The Everest or the Khumbu region is justifiably the most famous of all the trekking and mountain regions. Populated by the Sherpas, the attractions of this area are the majestic 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 other peaks of altitude 8000m. and above, such as Lhotse, Cho Oyo and Makalu.
