Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek - 19 Days

Second day onwards, your sightseeing tour begins inside the Kathmandu valley, incorporating historically and culturally renowned places, many of which is listed in the UNESCO world heritage sites. You will visit Pashupatinath Temple, famous for its elegantly carved wooden sculptures and glittering golden statures that are just breathtaking. Thereafter, you will explore the Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath temple. Being few of the largest stupas around the world, these structures epitomize the pinnacle of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Finally, you will visit Patan Durbar Square to spot one of the architectural wonders of the country. Built in the Newari style, the designs and engineering of this complex is simply phenomenol!!

Early in the morning, we will head towards Lukla, which is an incredible flight over the mountainous terrain. As you come out of your plane, groups of crisply attired trekkers bustle the route to Phakding. Along the way, you will stumble across suspension bridges and encounter several mani stones, prayer flags and Chorten. There are no major peaks on this way, but still you will be able to catch the glimpse of ravishing scene of Karyolung (6,530m), Nupla (5,885m) and Gongla (5,813m) by our side. Once you descend towards river Thadokoshi, you will witness a lovely savage-looking mountain Kusum Kanguru (6,367m), which suddenly disappears as you turn out of the tributary. After a short climb, you will arrive at Phakding.

The trek on this day is a bit more exciting as you will have a short glimpse of the Mt. Everest on your way. The trek is divided into two phases. Firstly, you will sweep across the breezy and sparkling river Dudh Koshi via suspension bridge. Thence forth, passing through the settlements of Zapote, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, you will stopover at Monjo for registering the trekking permits in order to advance towards Sagarmatha National Park, which is enlisted in the UNESCO world heritage sites in 1979. Series of ups and downs mark your trail up to Jhorsalle. Then, as soon as you cross the Hillary Bridge, the second phase of trek begins. You will ascend to the Sherpa Town, where in the middle of your climb, you will see the Mt. Everest rising between Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge if the weather favours.

Accustomed by cultural artefacts and modern amenities, Namche Bazar is the heart of Sherpas. This place has been a trading center for the Nepalese and Tibetan traders for a long time, where they exchange their products such as dried meat, salt and textiles. On this day, you will hike to a certain height and enjoy the panoramic beauty of mountains including the highest peak of the world from the balcony of Hotel Everest View. At the end of the day, you will return towards your hotel.

Following the trail along the Phunke Tenga destined towards Tengboche, you will get a chance to speculate the magnificent view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and few other mountains. What’s more, when you come towards the end of the trek of the day, probably for the first time, you will see water driven prayer wheels, which will undoubtedly keep you in awe.

The way to Dengboche is the easy one. Dengboche is well-known for its stone walls covering the entire valley of Imja. These walls are built using the stones of various sizes coming out of the field during ploughing, which ended up being piled up one over the other forming a kilometer-long wall. For sure you will be fascinated by it.

Dingboche is sunny and is less affected by the icy winds descending from Khumbu making it a perfect destination for trekkers and climbers to acclimatize. On this day, you will climb to Nangkartshang hill from where a bewitchingly incredible view of Makalu, Chhopulu and other peaks can be observed. After a few hours, you will return to Dingboche for stay.

This is the time when you feel like a mountain climber as chilly winds begin to strike on your cheeks. Later on, while tracing your way up to the bottom of the Khumbu Glacier, world’s highest glacier, you will observe the appealing views of Khumbutse, the Mahalangur Himal, Lingtren and the Pumori mountains. After few moments, you will carry on your Himalayan slog and rest on a hotel in Lobuche.

Forging ahead from Lobuche to Gorakshep, you will have an abrupt glimpse of Lobuche glacier and a rocky jagged pyramid of snow. Upon arrival at Gorakshep, you will see but a handful of lodges for stay. Then, marching ahead along the gorakshep towards kalapathar(black rock), you will see Mt. Everest standing face-to-face with your nose and Khumbu Glacier underneath your foot. It is believed that moments spent on Kalapathar is unforgotteble. Finally, at the end of the day, you will return to Gorakshep for stay at night.

The route to Everest Base Camp passes a small lake along a roughly linear path. After spending few hours on EBC, you will come down to Gorekshep, Lobuche and finally to Dzongla. The way to Dzongla is marked with ups and downs and beautiful turquoise lakes by the sides.

The way to thangnak from dzongla is very slippery so, crampons is recommended for the trekkers. Unlike others, there is also the greater risk of rock falling on the way, which makes your trek more adventurous. From the Cho la, you can have a good view of Ama Dablam. On this day, stay on hotel at Thangnak is managed.

The path from Thanknak to Gokyo follows a curved track. Upon arriving at Gokyo, you will be able to get a wonderful view of the pristine turquoise lake, also known as Dudh Pokhari aka pond of milk. This lake is sacred by the hindus and regarded as the residing place of ‘Nag Devata’, Snake God. On the east shore of the lake, there are lodges where you will stay for the day.

Gokyo is simply an amazing destination for acclimatization. On this day, you will hike up to Gokyo Ri, located on the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier (largest glacier in Nepal). Standing on the top of Gokyo Ri, you can have a glimpse of four 8000 meters peaks: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Gokyo Ri is one of the highlights of this trek. After creating some unforgettable life long memories on Gokyo Ri, you will return to your hotel.

On this day, we will descend to the Dole, a small village in the Khumbu region. There are number of guesthouses in this village, which is also regarded as the ‘stopping point’ for the trekkers. You will stay in one of guesthouses for the night.

Finally, tracing your way along a circular path, you will come to the commercial hub of Sherpas. You will stay overnight in a hotel.

Across the lush greenery, high suspension bridges, quaint Sherpa settlements and thriving forest, we’ll move downhill all the way to Lukla. We’ll pass by many more mani stones, chorten and prayer wheel along while appreciating the mountain and green view.

On our final moments in Everest Region, we’ll catch a flight that will take us to Kathmandu. Once in the city, you can use your remaining time as per your wish and preference. You can shop for souvenirs, relax in your hotel room, or visit the remaining landmarks and historical buildings. Treat yourself with the various recreational activities that the metropolitan has to offer!

The day nineteen marks the end of your journey in Nepal. You can extend your stay to run away for another adventure and for that, we are here to assist. But if you have made up the mind to return home; three hours before your scheduled flight, one of our representatives will guide you to the airport! Have a safe flight!