Description
Trek itinerary
Day 01. Drive from Kathmandu (1,350 m) to Ramechhap. Flight to Lukla (2,800) and Trek to Phakding (2,651 m): (5 Hrs.)
We will take an early morning drive at 2 am to Ramechhap for 4 hours by Tourist Bus or by Jeep then fly to Lukla (20 minutes) from where the Everest Trek begins. In Lukla will meet our porter and start the trek. We gradually descend to Cheplung village from where we get a glimpse of Mt Khumbila, a sacred mountain which has never been. We walk on a trail that gradually descends to Cheplung village from where we get a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila, a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. The trail again gradually descend until Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 02. Trek from Phakding to Namche (3,438 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
The trail passes through pine forest and continue on the trail that goes north up the Benkar Valley. Then we cross Dudh Koshi River and pass Chumoa and Monjo village before reaching the entrance of Everest National Park. After crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. We ascend on a steep trail and reach Namche Bazaar which is probably the biggest town in the Everest region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 03. Acclimatization Day
Acclimatization is important to adjust to the gradual change in environment. It helps us to prevent from being Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Today we hike to Khumjung villages, enjoy the Himalayan vista from Syangboche or tour the quaint streets of Namche Bazaar. We can also visit the Tourist Visitor Center where we can see a variety of things related to the first Everest ascenders and Sherpa culture. This visit will also get us acquainted with various plant and animal life of the Everest region. In Khumjung we can even visit a monastery that houses a yeti scalp! We also climb up to the airstrip above Syangboche and enjoy incredible views of Kongde, Thamserku and Khumbila mountains. We walk back to Namche Bazaar to spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 04. Trek from Namche to Phortse (3,810 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
We leave Namche Bazaar on a trail with gradual ups and downs. On the way we are likely to spot Himalayan pheasants, musk deer and Himalayan Thars. We then begin descending to Kyanjuma. From Sansa, we follow the Gokyo trails and from Mong we get a glimpse of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Khumbila mountains. Our trail descends to Dudhkoshi Khola after which it is an uphill climb through rhododendron forests before reaching Phortse. From here we get good views of Tawache and Cholaste mountains. Overnight in Ports.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 05. Trek from Phortse to Machhermo (4,470 m): (5-6 Hrs.)
After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we are likely to come face to face with local wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. Our trail passes through forests, waterfalls and bridges before reaching Dole. We climb on a steady trail through a scenic ridge with views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku mountains. We ascend from Luza village and walk above the Dudh Koshi River. We continue walking through small villages and sandy trails before reaching Machhermo. We can visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight in Machhermo.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 06. Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800 m.): (5-6 Hrs.)
Early on today’s trail we will see fabulous views of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu 8,201 m/26,906 ft. Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangga (4480m.). We descend to the river bank before climbing up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier on a steep trail. After crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m. where we get chance to observe the Lama foot prints on a stone., At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho we become enchanted by the sparkling turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight at this junction. After lunch, we explore around the third Lakes and Dudh Pokhari. We spend night at a teahouse with comfortable beds.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 07. Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Explore the 5th Lake: (5-6 Hrs.)
We spend another day in Gokyo to acclimatize to the high altitude we will have an optional hike up to the 5th and 6th Lakes. If the weather is good, we grasp the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of next day to enjoy the scene from one of the best viewpoints of the Everest Region. The view across Nepal and stunning peaks and magical lakes are worth the effort. About 3 km north of Gokyo situates the fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to fifth lake. If interested, we climb on a hill at the edge of the Lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. We can see a lot more from here – the spot is called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. Beyond the fifth Lakes, we will be at Cho Oyu Base Camp. Scenery here is breathtaking with Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang seeming just a stone’s throw away. The northern part of the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier of the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. Moved by the charm, we may even try to go sixth lake too but depends upon our own interest and time before heading back to Gokyo village.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 08. Trek from Gokyo to Thagnak (4,750 m): (4-5 Hrs.)
Hike up Gokyo Ri 5357 m then head to Thaknak 4750 m. If we have not climbed Gokyo Ri the day before. Gokyo Ri is the highlight of this trip. Early morning, we hike up to the Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak). Climbing to Gokyo Ri is strenuous as it is steep up and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. The trail vista of Gokyo village on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier are astonishing. We feel like we are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. The visit to Gokyo Ri will be unforgettable. After being inspired by the highest mountains in the world we trek down to Gokyo. After the breakfast we trek to Thagnak for overnight scaling by the second Lakes and the Ngozumba Glacier.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 09. Trek from Thagnak to Dzongla (4,830 m) via Cho La pass (5,420 m): (7-8 Hrs.)
Today is the toughest day of the trek compared to other days on the trip. Start before sunrise between 4 to 5 a.m. to reach the pass by 9 – 10 a.m. to dodge bad weather conditions of the noontime. The pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is steep and the rocks glazed by ice making this tricky for inexperienced trekkers. The trail from Phedi climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail as we climb up continuously. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake we reach at the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. As we reach the top, we are rewarded by the magnificent views of Ama Dablam on the south even as Cholatse soar on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below. We will stay overnight at a very basic local lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10. Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4,940 m): (2-3 Hrs.)
The trek from Dzongla to Lobuche is short and easy. Thus, we would get more time to observe and relax. We move down from Dzongla and cross a bridge onto a grassy trail. Enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak, we stretch up eventually through a ridge. Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku Taboche are seen looming prominently. Curving round through the wide gravelly river bed, we will arrive in Lobuche, a small hamlet of lodges where we will spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11. Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,170m) with Everest Base Camp (5,364m.): (8-9 Hrs.)
Once you leave Lobuche, the trail is a gradual for about 20 minutes then makes your way up a short hill called Thangma Riju, where we will see amazing panoramic views of the whole Khumbu Glacier. We then move onto the glacial moraine. We will be walking parallel to the Khumbu, Everest glacier. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Pumori and Nuptse. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a black mount beneath Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world – Mt. Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we move across boulders, and move up and down across the glacial moraine. This can be challenging for some people. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mt. Everest is not visible from base camp. We can enjoy amazing views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori mountains from the basecamp. After soaking in the beauty, we retrace back about 2 hours towards GorakShep where we spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12. Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) then to Pheriche (4,288 m): (8-9 Hrs.)
Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperatures of (-8 to -15 C). It is dark outside with cold temperature and most likely chilly winds. . As the light appears behind Mt. Everest. Everest slowly begins to reveal itself emerging from the darkness into light.
After 3 hours of ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. During the ascent to Kala Patthar, we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding viewpoints to snap pictures the last section up to the top is on big boulders and is marked by cairns and prayer flags. We can sit on the top of Kala Patthar where Everest will leave you inspired.
We can take pictures before making the journey back to Gorak Shep. WE will have breakfast and wait other participants to return back. We will pack our bag and after breakfast we start walking back down to Lobuche and stop in Thukla for lunch and finally make our way back to Pheriche for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 13. Trek from Pheriche to Namche (3,410 m): (6-7 Hrs.)
Today is a long walk down to the lower altitudes, with a few hills thrown in. We will pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages Shomare, Pangbouche and continue downhill passing Ama Dablam on your left. We will cross the river, watching out for landslide region on our left. We will move fast through the forest to Debuche and back up hill to Tengbouche. We might take a quick visit to the Monastery. After having hot drink and snacks at Tengboche, we continuing down the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it is spring, the surroundings will be found adored by pink and red rhododendron flowers dazzling. After walking down hill for 1 hour, we reach our lunch spot by the Dudh Koshi River. After lunch we have to hike up hill for two hours and then an additional 1 hour high traverse back into Namche Bazaar.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 14. Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,800 m): (7-8 Hrs.)
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. It is mostly a downhill walk on a trail alongside the DudhKoshi River. We cross several suspension bridges, pass by several monasteries and villages before reaching Lukla. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flags. We spend rest of the day in Lukla taking rest as today will be our last day on the mountains. Overnight in Lukla.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 15. Fly to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
We catch an early morning flight to Ramechhap then drive to Kathmandu after a long mountain journey. In Kathmandu , we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenirs shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Meals included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have farewell dinner and share the experiences about our trek.
We can customize this trip as per your schedule, budget and preferences. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.
