EBC trek with Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo -Ri and Chola pass

Elevation of Kathmandu: 1,400m (4,593 ft)

Language spoken Nepali/English

Currency: Nepalese Rupees

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star-hotel

Best Adventure Travel welcomes the explorers to Nepal. On arrival in Kathmandu, our representatives shall greet and transfer to the destined hotel. A short rest at the hotel and in the evening the team leader shall brief the whole schedule for the following days and make an introduction to the remaining team members.

After completion of the whole ice breaking ceremony a mighty Nepali cuisine is spread as a welcome dinner.

Elevation of Lukla: 2,800m/9,184 ft

Elevation of Phakding: 2,652m/8,700 ft

Distance covered: 8km/5 miles

Walking duration (Phakding): 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Private transfer is made to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to take an early flight to Lukla. The 35-40 minutes flight allows to embrace the changing beauty of landscape. On reaching Lukla introduction to the remaining crew members are made. Then and there, the Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes begins.

Taking the narrow steady path of Lukla, we head towards Pasang Lhamo Memorial Gate and continue to descend the trial that pass through the settlements of Cheplung, Chhuthwa, Thado Koshigaon, Thalsharoa towards Phakding village. The trail moves across Mani stones, Chortens, prayer wheels, which gives a vibes of Sherpa culture. After nearly walking for four hours we get the view of Dudh Koshi river and Kusum Kangru and reach Phakding.

Elevation of Namche Bazar: 3,440m/11,283 ft

Distance covered: 10.7k/6.69 miles

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

We head north taking a steep trail across Ghatte Khole and tiny village of Toktok. We gently descend to Bengkar, and ascend towards Chhamuwa, after crossing the bridge of Benkar. We gently reach Sagarmatha National Park and explore the nearby monasteries. Heading forward we pass enormous bridge carved with Tibetan mantra.

Very soon we shall see the confluence of Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi. We cross the Larja Bridge and enjoy the first glimpse of Mt.Everest. The voyage further continues to Mislung and then to the flat area of Namche Bazar, which is located at a height of 3,440m/11,283 ft and the only trading hub of the whole Khumbu region.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

We take a one-day acclimatization at Namche Bazar where we shall trek to the nearby areas i.e. Shyangboche, Namche, Khunde, and Khumjung. We start by walking towards Namche monastery where we shall climb up to the Shyangboche airport.

We further walk through, the Juniper bushes marching to Kunde, where we shall witness the diversity of Thamserku, Khumbila and Ama Dablam. After a quick exploration in Kunde, we move on Khumjumg where we shall explore the established school of Sir Edmund Hillary before heading back to Namche Bazar.

Elevation of Phortse: 3810m (12,496 ft)

Distance Covered: 6km / 6.7 miles

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

Taking the pathway of Chhorkung, we continue the journey towards north, where we shall meet the gazing view of Mt. Thamserku and Mt. Ama Dablam. We shall also pass several Chortens and greet by a trail junction at Sanasa.

Besides the natural outlook, we may also spot the rarest flora and fauna. We might spot Yaks, Himalayan Thar, Daphne and Musk Deer. The pathway we have chosen gradually goes to Kyangjuma before reaching Sanasa. The track follows pine forest and land us in a dense settlement of Phunki Tenga.

Before reaching Phortse Thanga, we have a tough climb, but once we reach, the we get an eye shot of Nuptse, Everest, Ama-Dablam.

Elevation of Machhermo: 4,470m (14,663 ft)

Distance covered: 10km/6.25m

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

As the altitude increases, the bushes turn to shrubs. From Phortse Thanga, we will pass several settlements and Yak pasturing lands. The higher we go, the closer we catch sight of Mt.Cholatse (6335m), Thamserku (6623m), Taboche (6367m), and Kantega (6783m). For nearly 6-7 hours we walk through the Ngozumpz glacier, Luza and Lhabarma and finally reach Machhermo village at a height of 4,470m (14,663 ft).

Elevation of Gokyo: 4800m (15,744 ft)

Distance covered: 7km/ 4.38m

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

The trail from Machhermo to Gokyo takes us down to the Kantega valley and Cho Oyu. The path widens through the Pangka (4390m) and slides down to the terminal of Ngozumpa glacier. We head further walking all the way through rough track and encounter Longponga lake (4650m).

The scenic beauty will keep us intact, while we pass Taujung lake (4710m). From there we continue our trek to Gokyo, which is at a height of 4,800m (15,744ft).

Elevation of Gokyo Ri: 5357m (17,570 ft)

Distance covered: 10km/6.25m

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

The second acclimatization of the 18 days Everest Base Camp trek. We will take a rest at Gokyo village. We shall explore the nearby areas of Gokyo village, however, if the weather turns out to be clear and supportive, we shall have a steep climb up to the Gokyo Ri (5357m/17,570 ft), where we can see the stunning view of the entire Gokyo valley, the whole of Khumbu range, Ngozumpa glacier.

Further, walking to Gokyo Ri, we shall get a chance to view a portion of Gokyo lakes. We see Thonak  Tsho Lake (fourth lake), and Ngozumpa lake (fifth lake). If weather supports us, we shall walk towards the sixth Gokyo lake.

Elevation of Thagnak: 4,700m (15,400 ft)

Distance Covered: 4km/2.5miles

Walking duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

A short walk of 4-5 hours shall take us closer to the Ngozumpa glacier edge. Two hours of walk from Thagnak, we pass the Longpongo lake (the first lake), at a level of 4,690 m. Upon reaching the other side of the glacier we get a glimpse of Taboche lake, the second Gokyo lake, and its series of six lakes. While we walk a little further, we shall see Dudh Pokhari, the third Gokyo lakes, which stands at the edge of Gokyo village close to Cho-Oyu mountain. Above the greenish lake, is the panoramic vista of Tawache, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Elevation of Cho La pass: 5,367m (17,604ft)

Elevation of Dzongla: 4,830m (15,850 ft)

Distance Covered: 7km / 4.38miles

Walking duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

From Thagnak, we get ready for the 3-4 hours walk to Cho La Pass. The trek can be a bit difficult. We start the day early for we need to cross the pass by afternoon, as there are chances of encountering a turned down weather. The route is tough one as its steep, and the terrain is formed with ice, large bounders and loose rock.

From the Cho La pass we observe Kyajo Ri, Numbur, Tengkanpoche, etc. While the majestic views of Lobuche east, Cholatse, and Baruntse give us a gigantic appearance. From the Cho La pass, the steps descend steeply towards Dzongle. The small village of Dzongle resides at an elevation of 4,830m (15,850 ft) between Mt. Lobuche and Cho La pass.

Elevation of Lobuche: 4,940m (16,207 ft)

Distance Covered: 7km / 4.38miles

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

This is the shortest trek of our Everest Base Camp, as we just need to hike for 2-3 hours. From Dzongla we walk through the grassy trials enjoying the notable aspect of Mt. Lobuche. On the way, we shall encounter tributaries where tribute is paid to those climbers who gave their life in ascending Everest.

The path further glides towards Khumbu Glacier, making us look at Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur Himal, Mt. Khumbutse landing us to the beautiful nestled village of Lobuche, at a height of 4,910m (16,109 ft). As we are closer to the snowy mountains, the temperature is extremely cold.

Elevation of Gorak Shep: 5,170m (16,961 ft)

Distance Covered: 4.0km / 2.48 miles

Walking duration: 3-4 hours

Elevation of Everest Base Camp: 5,364m (17,594 ft)

Distance Covered (EBC): 13km/8.13 miles

Walking duration (EBC): 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house 

Commencing to narrow trail towards north in between the Khumbu Glacier and mountain wall, we head to Gorak Shep. The windy and rocky ascending shall take us to the Lobuche pass, where we shall encounter the Changri Shar Glacier.

Once we reach Gorak Shep, we shall take a short break and leave the luggage behind to ease the further trekking journey. We march to Everest Base Camp taking the new moraine route to reach Mount Everest Base Camp. We shall be welcomed by the colorful fluttering flags, mountaineers camp and the grey white mountains surrounding the Everest Base Camp.

We shall stay longer to see the setting sun behind the snow-capped hills. The striking rays of settling sun results in an incredible landscape. With a heart content view, we return to Gorak Shep.

Elevation of Kala Patthar: 5,545m (18,192 ft)

Distance covered:3 km/ 1.9 miles

Elevation of Pherice: 4,371m (14,340 ft)

Temperature of Pherice: 1.6 °C (Average)

Distance covered:19km/11.78m

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house

We shall hike to Kala Patthar from Gorak Shep early in the morning to take a breath catching view of Mt.Everest. From Gorak Shep the trek takes approximately 2 hours. On the entrance of Kala Patthar, we shall encounter the waving colorful flags. We shall see the sisters peak getting dominated by Mt. Everest.

As the sun rises, the gleam of Mt.Pumori, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Taboche, Mt. Ama Dablam starts to sparkle. While looking down from Kala Patthar, we see the sight of trekkers camp, Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu IceFall and Gorak Shep. We possibly capture every moment and walk back down to Pherice.

We trace back the journey to Pherice, where we shall still be surrounded by the Taboche peak, Cholatse, and other adjacent peak. Before climbing to Pherice village the walk route goes through several ascend and descend mode and finally lead us inside the settlement of Pherice.

Elevation of Namche Bazar: 3,440m/11,283 ft

Distance covered: 10.7k/6.69 miles

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

We cross the bridge over the Dudh Koshi river and move forward to the pines, juniper trees and rhododendron forests. We rapidly follow the trails of Dudh Koshi river, and come across mountain goats, and colorful pheasants. The trail connects to Sansa, from where we can again enjoy the glorifying view of Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. After few windy pathways, we finally reach Namche Bazaar.

Elevation of Lukla: 2,800m/9,184 ft

Distance covered: 8km/5 miles

Walking duration: 6-7hours

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

We shall revive the same lane we had taken earlier. We shall leave Namche bazar for Lukla. Retracing every downhill and uphill path we will move through the Rhododendron, pine forests, and few suspension bridges before descending to Phakding. On the way, we will again encounter Dudh Koshi river and move towards Lukla.

The 6-7 hours walk, and we reach Lukla. The travelers can explore the remaining parts of Lukla or enjoy the Sherpa eatery outlets.

Elevation of Kathmandu: (1,400m/4,593 ft)

Distance covered: 138km/85.74 miles

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Moon Light

We pack every bit of memories we had gripped during the journey, thank the porters who helped us and fly back to Kathmandu valley from Lukla airport. While flying, we can see the white Himalayas fading behind us. Upon reaching Kathmandu, the explorers can go around the streets of Thamel and other nearby areas or enjoy window shopping or local eateries.

Elevation of Kathmandu: 1,400m (4,600 ft)

Distance covered: 138km/85.74 miles

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight

After the majestic view of Mt. Everest, we want the travel seekers to explore the remaining aspect of Nepal Hence, a sightseeing event is organized where we shall take explorers to the narrowing streets of Ashon and the busy area of Indrachowk. These two places are quite popular for selling authentic Nepalese spices, and clothes.

Taking the same lane, we move forward to the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Basantapur. We shall visit the museum and the nearby areas such as Kumari Ghar.

From there we head to Soyambhunath-the monkey temple. The area gives a pleasant vibes of Buddhist culture. The enchanting recites of monks, the sound of a ringing bell, and a pleasant view of Kathmandu valley from the Swayambhu hill, makes the whole traveling experience a soothing one. In the evening, a grand feast is organized (farewell dinner), where we shall share the memories of the entire trip and share our experience as a great feedback.

The 18 days journey to Everest Base Camp, and Gokyo Lakes concludes. We shall provide transfer service to the airport for every explorer.