Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek

Our early morning flight by Twin Otter aircraft takes us to Lukla, the most renowned and shortest mountain airstrip in the world. On the flight we watch the rugged foothills give way to the snowline of the Himalaya; many of the world’s highest mountains, including Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu (the world’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th highest respectively). On arrival, we meet our Sherpas, Potter and after a cup of tea, we take the trail out of Lukla. Surprisingly, this high-altitude trek begins by descending to the river at Phakding. we head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail. Overnight at Phakding.

we continue north following the Dudh Kosi river and on to Jorsale where we enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. From here it is a short walk to the confluence of two rivers, the lmja Drangpa (Imja Khola) and the Nangpo Tsangpo (Bhote Kosi) followed by a steep climb (for about 2hrs.) to Namche Bazaar, the main town in the Khumbu region. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre with a weekly Saturday market.

Namche is the most prosperous and the largest town in the Khumbu Valley. A bazaar is held here every Saturday. The wares on display include meat, grains and vegetables, tennis shoes and trinkets as well as hand woven aprons and Tibetan boots. Thamserku (6648m), Kwangde Ri (6187m) and Khumbila (5707m) surround the natural bowl that Namche rests in. Halfway up the hill, a gap in the trees allows us to see Everest for the first time. If the weather is clear the top of the South-West Face will be just visible behind the long Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. A plume can often be seen stretching away from the summit. Overnight.

Namche Bazaar rest day and overnight Namche Bazaar is tucked away between two ridges amongst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. Once named the ‘Trekkers Mecca of Nepal, Namche now boasts an abundance of lodges and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatising to the new altitude of 3450m before heading off towards Gokyo. Options for acclimatisation walks include a visit to Khunde Hospital and also the one hour walk up to the Everest Hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. Overnight.

After acclimatization at Namche Bazaar, we will trek towards Dole. This is where our path separates from the classic Everest Base Camp hike. Classic EBC trek continues towards Tengboche instead of Dole.  

The path to Dole is rocky and has many ups and downs. After about two hours of trek, we will reach Mong La Pass(3957m / 12982ft).

From here, we can get amazing views of Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812m / 22,349ft) and Mt. Khumbila (5,761m / 18,901ft). As we move forward, our trail takes us downhill through forests full of pine and rhododendron and then at Phortse Tenga, a riverside village. However, we will move ahead until we reach our destination for the day at Dole.

We leave Dole and climb higher, which takes us to beautiful meadows that serve as yak pastures, and alongside, you will see several shrines and prayer flags. During the summer months, these pastures are green, and you can see yaks grazing. But, during winter, the area is barren, and even the locals move down to avoid harsh winter.

As you look ahead, you can see the stunning Mt. Cho Oyu, the fifth tallest mountain in the world. The trail then leads us to Lapahrma village and then Luja before finally reaching our destination Machhermo. 

Today will be the Gokyo Lakes sightseeing day. After an hour trek, we will be crossing the elevated grazing lands and reach Phanga. In this region, you can see the memorials of people who lost their lives during the landslides.

As our journey elevates, the paths become narrower, and you will reach the outlet of the first Gokyo Lake, which also happens to be the smallest among the five major Gokyo lakes. The Gokyo village itself lies a short walk ahead from the third Gokyo lake, and it is one of the highest settlements in Nepal. In the middle of the Gokyo Valley, you will be able to see an uphill, which is the famous Gokyo Ri viewpoint. 

The seventh day is scheduled for acclimatization day at Gokyo, and this day, we will explore the Gokyo valley. However, we’ll not miss stepping at the famous viewpoint of Gokyo RI (5,430m/17,519ft).  From here, you can see four among the six highest mountains of the world – Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m). We will also be visiting other Gokyo lakes. 

After acclimatizing for a day at Gokyo village, we continue our trek, and the destination for this day is Thangnak. On our way, we will be passing Ngozumpa Glacier. The path itself is full of ups and downs, but it is a shorter trek and you will not be gaining any height. 

Thangnak village sits by the side of Ngozumpa Glacier in a serene setting and lies in a perfect place helping trekkers to reach Cho-La high pass (5,330m).

After spending the night at Thangnak, we will be hiking over the rocky trails and the glacial moraines to the top of the Cho La Pass in the very early morning. After a couple of hours of trek, we will step on the top of Cho La Pass, which will reward us with the magnificent views of Cho La Lake and Mt. Cholatse (6,440m).

As we head downhill, the trail becomes icy and slippery. The scenes you get to enjoy from this trek are very pleasant. We will reach our destination for that day – Dzongla – after trekking for about seven hours. It is quite a long trek. 

On our tenth day, we will leave Dzongla, following the moraine, and descend along with Chola Lake. Then we follow the Khumbu Glacier. On our way, we can see the memorial statues of the climbers, who passed away in this region.

Unlike the previous day, the hike to Lobuche should be pleasurable, and before reaching Lobuche, we will be following Imja Khola. And sure enough, we will reach our destination for that day – Lobuche – after trekking for about four hours. By reaching Lobuche, we have rejoined the classic Everest Base Camp trek trail.

This will be a remarkable day for you, as this day you will be reaching the Everest Base Camp itself. However, the journey will start at Lobuche and elevate significantly as we approach Gorak Shep. Once we reach Gorak Shep, we will leave our belongings there and head up to the Everest Base Camp. 

Once you reach Everest Base Camp (EBC), you will feel a sense of achievement – like the fruition of your efforts. Reaching EBC requires consistent physical effort and lots of determination, so in a way, the journey to EBC will transform you into a better person. The views from EBC are incredible, and you will get a chance to enjoy the views of Khumbu Glacier. We suggest you to click as many pictures as you can as they will serve you as a memento for the rest of your life 

After enjoying the views from EBC, we will trek down to Gorak Shep and spend our night there but rest assured that another remarkable day will still be awaiting you.

We will wake up at Gorak Shep early in the morning and hike to Kala Patthar to catch the dawn breaking on the Everest Mountain. The sights you will be witnessing will be incomparable to anything that you might have ever seen. 

After spending a while at the Kala Patthar viewpoint we will descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast and then rest for some time. Then we will head to Pheriche – the destination for the day. 

This day we wake up at Pheriche and then head to Namche Bazaar. The trail will be leading us through forests where we might spot wildlife like pheasants, musk deer, mountain goats, etc.

On the way, you will see numerous prayer flags and chortens, and this day provides you with the last chance to see Mt. Everest. As we trek further, we will reach Namche Bazaar, where we will be spending our night. 

Just like, all good things must come to an end. This is your last day on the trekking trails. After breakfast, we will hike down a steep trail, cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge, and pass through several local villages. Most of our trek will take place in Dudh Koshi River Valley and its surroundings.

Upon reaching Lukla, we will freshen up at our hotel and relax. It will most probably be your last night in the Khumbu region. You have succeeded against several odds. It is a moment worth celebrating.

If everything goes according to the schedule, you will be flying back to Kathmandu in the early morning. The 40-minute flight back to Kathmandu will indeed be a relaxing one. The chances are you will be reflecting on your journey to Everest Base Camp and excited that you will soon be able to meet your loved ones back home. 

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.