Adventurous treks in the Khumbu Himalayas, leaving the main Khumbu trail to visit the spectacular turquoise, Gokyo lakes before following the footsteps of the yeti over the high route pass of Cho La (5330m) into the Base Camp of Mount Everest. The trek goes through the homelands of the Sherpa people, where you will experience their wonderful warmth and hospitality. Gokyo trekking explore the real life Shangri-la with thundering rivers, peaceful valleys, pristine turquoise lakes, moonscape - like glacier with parade of snowy peaks. Trek to the high alpine Gokyo Lakes and a traverse of Renjo la pass links the stunning Gokyo valley to the remote Bhote Koshi valley makes a different trekking experience. With the majestic himalaya, we ascend through the rhododendron and conifer forest to the yak herders' settlements of sacred lakes of Gokyo and Gokyo Ri (5425m) to savor the majestic views of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Everest - four of the eight highest mountain on earth wtih many more hovering in horizon.
Itinerary
Date & Cost
Include & Exclude
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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel or Adventure Alternative guesthouse.
Day 02: Rest day and acclimatisation to jetlag. There is also the possibilty of Kathmandu city sightseeing. Trek briefing will follow.
Day 03: 2 hours walking Flight from Kathmandu into the mountains and the town of Lukla. From there a gentle downhill walk to Phakding or Jorsale along the edge of the Dudh Kosi River. Easy, well-used, busy path of porters and yaks, surrounded by forest on the sides of the valley.
Day 04/05: 6 hours walking Uphill to the Sherpa ‘capital’ in the heart of the Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar. Initially follow the valley to Monjo where you enter the National Park, then criss-cross the river a few times and start a long unrelenting path uphill, with spectacular bridges spanning deep gorges. Leave the coniferous forest behind, and arrive at a huge natural amphitheatre with the blue-roofed houses spread around the sides. Namche is the major trading centre of the Khumbu, with Tibetans crossing the high Nangpa La Pass to reach the bustling Saturday morning market. Nowadays there are also many equipment shops, internet, bank, post office, cafes, bars, lodges and hire shops. Rest here for a day and take the chance to visit the Everest Museum.
Day 06: 5 hours walking Walk to Dole (4210m), via an easy path to Sangnasha. Climb uphill until Mong La, where we have lunch. After lunch it is downhill to Phorche Tanga. A pleasant walk through some forest then brings us to Dole, where we stop for the night.
Day 05: 3-4 hours walking Today we head to Macherma, following a quite easy grassy path. You are provided with views of Cho Oyu (8200m) as we climb gradually moving up the river valley passing Lhabarma and Luza to reach our destination of Macherma (4470m).
Day 08/09: 3 hours walking There is quite a steep climb to kick us off, and due to the increase in altitude we spend two nights at the lakes to enjoy the views. On day 9 it is an early start, around 3am to climb Gokyo Ri (5483m) for sunrise. It takes around 2 ½ hrs to reach the summit, and you are rewarded with spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama dablam, Pumori, Thambersku, Khangteka, Tensum Khang Gunnel and Cho La Che before returning to Gokyo Lakes for the remainder of the day.
Day 10: 3-4 hours walking Cross the Gokyo glacier and stay in Thangna at the foot of the Cho-La Pass for the night.
Day 11: 7-8 hours walking Today is another early start, around 3am for a 2 hour climb towards the Chola La Pass (5330m). From here there is a 2 hour descent to ZongLa, with stunning views to accompany you.
Day 12: 3hours walking An easy day with about 3hrs walking on relatively flat terrain, to Labouche, which is alongside the huge Khumbu Glacier. There are many stupas erected in memory of Sherpas who have died on expeditions. Few plants live up here and it will be much colder in the evenings. It is important to walk slowly and listen to your body. Fatigue from lack of oxygen to your muscles is common, but some people may feel nauseous and suffer from headaches. Drink lots of liquid and keep warm, give your body maximum opportunity to recover.
Day 13: 3hours walking From Labouche hike on the glacial moraine to the final settlement of Gorak Shep. The views here are spectacular. Nuptse dominates the other side of the valley, behind which the black triangular peak of Everest is just visible. The giant wall of ice ahead is the border with Tibet. Gorak Shep is the last outpost, a small collection of huts just below a hill called Kala Patthar which is traditionally the finest viewing point for Everest itself.
Day 14: 5 hours walking Trek to Everest Base Camp along the lateral moraine and finally on the glacier itself. Sometimes this route is impassable. Arriving at the small tented city where climbers congregate to climb the mountain is a surreal experience. There is a network of ‘roads’ between the camps, a bakery, and a chance to have a chat with people. Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association, which does an amazing job of looking after climbers.
Day 15: Early morning climb to the summit of Kala Patthar to see sun rise behind the peak of Everest. The climbing route through the Khumbu Icefall, into the Western Cwm and up the Lhotse Face to the South Col is clearly visible, with the SE ridge to the top on the right hand skyline side of the summit block. This is a tough walk in the cold and not to be underestimated. Take warm clothing. Back at the lodge for breakfast and a walk back to Lobuje and further if the team wishes.
Day 1/17/18: Over three days a descent via Namche Bazaar all the way to Lukla with various options for accommodation. It is possible to stay in different villages, for example Pheriche, Khumjung, Monjo, but the route is the same as the way up.
Day 19: 2 hrs Lukla flight to arrive in Kathmandu in the morning and transfer to hotel. Day rest and sightseeing.
Day 20: Depart Kathmandu. If you leave in the morning it is possible to arrive in London the same day.
Cost: $1995
No of Person
Price Per Person
1 to 2
$1,695
3 to 4
$1,495
Date for 2014
23rd March - 12 April
23rd April - 12th May
2nd October - 21 October
22nd October - 10th November
Cost Include
Kathmandu arrival and departure by private Car / Bus
Domestic flights Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu.
Accommodation in Kathmandu for 3 nights - twin sharing rooms
Accommodation in lodges/tea houses dring the trek.
Three meals during the trek include hot drinks
Sagamartha National Park Fees
Tims Card
English Speaking Sherpa guides
Necessary Porters during the trek
Staff food, insurance and equipment
Cost Exclude
International flight to Kathmandu
Meals and drinks in Kathmandu
Personal costs like drinks, laundry, hot showers, bottled water