Everest Base Camp – Cho La – Gokyo Trek

Dedicated to immersing you in Kathmandu's rich history and preparing for our trek, we have a full day planned. After breakfast, our experienced guide will escort you from your hotel to explore Kathmandu's iconic sites, including the Monkey Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. These landmarks offer a deep dive into Nepali culture, art, and architecture. Post-lunch, we'll convene at our office for an introductory session with the mountain guide, who will brief you on the trek, sharing essential insights and preparation tips. Following this, we'll assist with packing, providing duffel bags, and guiding you through any last-minute gear purchases, ensuring you're fully equipped for the journey ahead.

Embarking on our thrilling Everest Base Camp trek, we depart with an early morning flight to Lukla, offering mesmerizing views of the Himalayas from the sky. Upon landing, our team of porters will join us, and we'll initiate our trek towards the quaint Phakding village, nestled below Lukla. Our path leads us alongside the serene Dudh Koshi River, through lush landscapes, past the charming Cheplung village at 2,660 meters and Thado Koshi Gaon at 2,580 meters. As we traverse several suspension bridges, the journey to Phakding is adorned with the majestic sights of Kongde Ri and Kusum Kanguru, setting the stage for our adventure ahead.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, our journey resumes through lush rhododendron forests towards Toktok village at 2,760 meters, moving on past Bengkar village at 2,630 meters. The route includes crossing two spectacular hanging bridges before reaching Monjo at 2,835 meters, where we'll register our trekking permits and enter the Sagarmatha parkland. Advancing, we'll navigate several suspension bridges and tackle a challenging ascent to Namche Bazaar. Though demanding, the trek to Namche Bazaar rewards us with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Himalayas. Surrounded by the breathtaking great things about snow-capped mountains and vivid landscapes, the strenuous journey to Namche promises to invigorate and encourage, making every step of this challenging ascent quite worthwhile.

Starting our day with a scenic hike to Hotel Everest View, we're presented with our first majestic view of Mt. Everest. The journey also unfolds spectacular vistas of Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, and Khumbila, among others. Betting on our energy levels, we may extend the hike to Khumjung monastery or prefer to return to Namche Bazaar for a leisurely afternoon. Namche Bazaar, the most important Sherpa settlement within the Khumbu region, buzzes as a dynamic tourist hub. Crammed with cafes, pubs, souvenir shops, restaurants, and museums, it offers an energetic atmosphere for exploration and relaxation. The colorful life in Namche far surpasses expectations, making it a desirable place to immerse in Sherpa culture and mountain life.

Heading towards Tengboche village marks the following phase of our trek. The journey commences with a trek along the undulating hillsides to Kyangjuma at 3,550 meters. Following a winding ascent, the trail then gently leads us down to Phungi Thenga at 3,250 meters. Crossing a bridge, we venture through verdant forests to succeed in Tengboche village. This leg of the trek unveils breathtaking vistas of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest, and Nuptse. Upon arrival in Tengboche, the magnificent Tengboche Monastery, a cornerstone of spirituality within the region, welcomes us. This tranquil haven offers a respite from our trek's challenges. There, we'll explore the village and revel in the mesmerizing panoramic views of the peaks, capping our day with a restful evening.

Leaving Tengboche, we make our descent through lush rhododendron forests towards Deboche village at 3,320 meters, a journey rich in diverse flora and fauna. Crossing a bridge over Imja Khola leads us to Pangboche village at 3,930 meters, after which another span takes us to Shomare village at 4,010 meters. Our path continues through Orsho at 4,190 meters before ascending to Dingboche village, nestled amidst stunning mountain vistas of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak. Dingboche is a perfect rest spot for the night, offering an opportunity to explore and acclimatize to the elevation, preparing us for the trek's next, more difficult stages.

Today, while Dingboche village is our restful haven, we’ll still start a morning hike to the bottom of Nagarjuna Hill for acclimatization. This trek rewards us with extraordinary views of Lobuche, Lhotse, Nuptse, Kangtega, Ama Dablam, and Cholatse, showcasing a panoramic spectacle to not be missed. The remainder of the day is ours to explore and relax in Dingboche village, nestled at 4,410 meters, making it one of the best dwellings within the Khumbu region. This day and age provide an ideal blend of rest and cultural immersion, offering us the possibility to unwind, further acclimatize, and interact with the welcoming locals, delving into the Sherpa community’s rich culture, lifestyle, and traditions.

Departing from Dingboche, the trail ascends sharply to Dusa at 4,503 meters, progressing towards Dughla at 4,620 meters. A bridge crossing just before Dughla marks our approach. Beyond Dughla, we pass memorials dedicated to fallen Sherpas and climbers, a poignant reminder of the Everest region's challenges and bravado. The journey intensifies with a steep climb to Dughla Pass at 4,830 meters, eventually leading us to Lobuche village. Today’s trek takes us across a glacier, transitioning into a landscape that becomes increasingly arid and barren, offering a stark contrast to the verdant valleys left behind.

Departing Lobuche village early, we tread along a well-worn path ascending beside the Khumbu glacier, passing the Pyramid at 4,970 meters, an Italian center. Our journey leads us to Gorak Shep for a quick respite before pressing on to Everest Base Camp. The route from Gorak Shep winds through alpine ponds, over glacier moraines, and beside glacial streams, with the steep and rocky path offering views of the Khumbu Glacier on the way. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, we are greeted with magnificent views of the Khumbu Icefall and also the towering peaks that surround us. After savoring the instant and capturing memories amid the fluttering prayer flags, we return to Gorak Shep to conclude our day.

At dawn, we start a hike to Kala Patthar, a renowned viewpoint for witnessing a mesmerizing sunrise and also the breathtaking panorama of Mt. Everest. The trail to Kala Patthar is rugged and steep, promising awe-inspiring views at the summit. Post-hike, we return to Gorak Shep for a hearty breakfast before commencing our descent for the day. Retracing our steps, we walk down to Lobuche village and then continue our journey to Dzongla, where we'll rest for the night. Throughout this descent, the stunning views of the mountains remain our constant companions, offering a serene backdrop to reflect on the day’s accomplishments.

Departing Dzongla early, we face the challenge of crossing the Cho La Pass today, guided by our experienced leader. The trail to the pass winds steeply uphill, revealing jaw-dropping mountain landscapes from the summit. After taking a flash to relish the views, we begin our descent to Thangnak. This portion of the trek, characterized by its rocky terrain and sharp decline, continues to supply stunning vistas, enhancing our journey with its natural beauty.

Today's journey leads us to the enchanting Gokyo village, a gem within the Khumbu region. The trail from Thangnak is well-trodden yet challenging, taking us alongside the vast expanse of Nepal's largest glacier, Ngozumpa. En route, we'll pass two of the Gokyo Lakes, with our destination nestled on the banks of the third. The positioning of Gokyo village, amid these tranquil lakes and surrounded by majestic mountain vistas, offers a serene and picturesque setting that's simply breathtaking.

Our day of the week in Gokyo village begins with an early morning hike to Gokyo Ri. This viewpoint gifts us with a shocking sunrise and spectacular views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Island Peak, Makalu, Cholatse, and Pumori. Following this exhilarating start, we'll take the chance to explore more of the Gokyo Lakes, immersing ourselves in their serene beauty. For those seeking further adventure, another hike ends up in Cho Oyu base camp, passing by the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes. The rest of the day is spent in Gokyo village, engaging with the local people and experiencing the heat of Sherpa hospitality during this breathtaking setting.

Beginning in Gokyo Village, the trek winds along a rocky path beside the Dudh Koshi River. Crossing this river leads you through Phangka and onto Machhermo. The journey from Machhermo presents a challenging uphill climb to a ridge, rewarding trekkers with expansive views. From the ridge, the trail descends to the Dudh Koshi River, requiring a bridge crossing to succeed in Luza Village. Beyond Luza, the route to Dole meanders through dense rhododendron and juniper forests. This section of the trek offers breathtaking vistas of the imposing Khumbila and Tawache peaks, enhancing the trekking experience with their majestic presence.

Departing from Dole, our trek navigates through juniper and rhododendron forests towards Phortse Thenga. We'll parallel the Dudh Kosi River before ascending to Mong La Pass. Descending from the pass, the trail winds through Dudh Koshi Gorge, past Kyanjuma village, and continues until the welcoming sights of Namche Bazaar emerge.

Leaving Namche Bazaar, we begin with a steep descent through rugged terrain, transitioning into a forested path dotted with remote settlements. The trail takes us through magnolia and rhododendron forests, and we cross numerous suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River on our way to Phakding. From there, we ascend towards Lukla, following the river through lush forests, passing quaint villages, and crossing several more bridges, completing the final leg of our memorable journey.

After concluding our EBC Cho La  Gokyo Lakes trek, we'll return to Kathmandu with an early morning flight, enjoying a final glimpse of the mountain panorama. Spend your day at leisure in Kathmandu, indulging in local cuisine, shopping, or exploring. In the evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner, where you'll also receive a trek certificate to commemorate your journey with us.

It's time to bid farewell. Ensure your luggage is packed, leaving nothing behind. We welcome your feedback. Our team will escort you from your hotel to the international airport in line with your flight schedule. If you have extra days and want to explore more, we provide various adventurous and relaxing