GOKYO, CHO LA PASS & EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

After breakfast met by the representative at the hotel lobby and board the waiting vehicle and drive to Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple & Swayambhunath temple for the sightseeing tour. Firstly we will be visiting Boudhanath Stupa which is approximately 5 kilometers from central Kathmandu.

Boudhanath Stupa, a colossal stupa, just beyond the Pashupatinath Temple. It is an imposing structure standing about 36 meters and is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal. The stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style platforms surrounded by colorful family style houses. The stupa is said to have been built in the 5th Century and is a sight of great veneration. Now the stupa is surrounded by houses of Buddhist from Nepal and Tibet. Many followers from different part of the world come to visit Boudhanath Stupa.

After the sightseeing tour of Boudhanath board the waiting vehicle and drive to Pashupatinath Temple for the sightseeing. Pashupatinath temple is approximately 03 kilometers from Boudhanath.

Pashupatinath Temple – is the most sacred Hindu Temples in the world and is amongst the five principle pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. On an annual pilgrimage during Shivaratri Festival thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from all the Hindu communities of the world pay their homage here. Pashupatinath is the reincarnation of Shiva in his most benevolent form as the shepherd of fertility and so there are no animal sacrifices in this temple, only fruits. Flowers and vermilion are offered. It lies on the banks of the Baghmati River and for the Hindus, to be cremated at Pashupatinath means a direct passage to heaven.

Continue drive to Swayambhunath Stupa – one of the protected monument sites of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on the top of the hill lying 4 kilometers west of Kathmandu. More than 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu – a lake than – by draining its waters. The sage saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the top of this hill and sacrificed it. It is an important pilgrimage center as well as the center of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism.

The stupa of Swayambhunath is a hemispherical mound of compacted earth, and is built to specific rules, and is replete with symbols. The mound represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. The pilgrim’s progress to Swayambhunath’s holy premises is actually through a sylvan path of 365 steps. The entrance is graced by a huge Vajra (Symbol of thunder bolt). Statues of Buddha adorn the four corners of the stupa. Statues of goddess Ganga and Jamuna guard the eternal flame behind it. There is a Tibetan gompa (monastery) and innumerable Chaityas (small stupas). The balcony of Swayambhunath is ideal for viewing the entire valley spread out below.

18:00 Hrs: A short briefing about the tour will be carried out at the hotel lobby. Later board the waiting vehicle and proceed for a welcome dinner at typical Nepali Restaurant.

Afterwards we will return back to the hotel, have some rest & Overnight at the hotel.

AM: Free on own

PM: Drive to Freedom Resort from Kathmandu. The roadway distance from Kathmandu to Freedom resort is 164 kilometers which takes 3 hours 53 minutes to reach the destination. If you are going to Everest Base camp via Ramechhap airport then this Resort is the ideal place stops over to board flight to Lukla to hold a night before taking flight to Lukla. Freedom Resort is 5 Min of Walking Distance from the Airport.

Rest of the day is free on own.

Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel

Early morning walk to the airport to fly to Lukla (2880m) Flight- 25 min. This 25 minute flight provides a magnificent entry to the trek. It highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla airport which is said to be one of the most spectacular flights in the world. Upon arrival, meet the Sherpa team and while the team reassembles the equipment for the distribution to the Porters OR Jhopke (a cross between and cow and a Yak used to carry loads). During this break, the guests are welcome to explore this bustling town on top of a hill with rows of houses, hotels and shops lining both sides of cobbled street.

The trek starts by following the trail leading to the northwest direction through the narrow street, which immediately descends from the end of the village on a trail through the open hillside. The trail is well defined and there are many shops and lodges catering to the trekkers. There are suspension bridges to connect the main trail and the villages along the way.

The main trail is also shared by packed animals and local porters, so it is advisable always to walk on the wall side and leave the way for the potters and animals. From there we follow the regular trail passing small villages of Chaurikharka, Cheplung, Thado Koshi and Ghat with shops and restaurants along the way, it’s from here were we will have the glance of the Mt. Kusum khanguru. Continue further past the monastery, Mani walls and chorten to arrive at the posh looking Yeti Mountain Lodge, from here climb gently to finally arrive at the cluster of lodges at Phakding (2,652 m). Upon arrival at Phakding we check in to the lodge. Rest of the day is free to relax or browse around this small village

Dinner and overnight at the lodge                                                     

Duration of Trek:  3 ½ – 4 hours.  

Leave the main village and the follow the trail on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. It is a pleasant walk for the first half of the day as one passes through agricultural countryside, small wayside villages and a monastery. We cross the Dudh Koshi at Benkar where there are tantalizing glimpses of the snow peaks Mt. Kusum Khangaru (6369m) and Mt. Thamserku (6623m). Just before lunch, there is a steep climb of about 20 minutes to arrive at Monjo for Lunch.

After lunch, trek up to the check post to check the permits and enter into the Sagarmatha National Park. Descend for 10 minute and then cross a suspension bridge to arrive at Jorsale (2800m). Pass through several small villages and beautiful pine forest. This is a busy trail with plenty of human interest. Our first good views are of the west ridge of Kusum Khangaru (6369m). Follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing over a suspension bridge, and then slowly climb up a very steep trail to Namche Bazaar. Near half waypoint at top danda, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) – the big three. The climb is for nearly 3 hours as one gain in altitude making breathing difficult due to rarified air.

Arrive at a Kani (Gate) with a full view of Namche Bazzar. Upon arrival at Namche Bazaar (3447 m) check into the lodge. This prosperous town is the largest in Khumbu. Mt. Thamserku (6648 m) and Kongde Ri (6624 m) loom along the east and west of the village. The sacred mountain Khumbi Yul (5707 m) dominates the skyline along the west.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge                                              Duration of Trek: 5 – 5 ½   hours

After a leisurely breakfast, excursion to Hotel Everest View which starts from the main square in Namche bazaar with a flight of cobbled stone steps all the way  to Shyangboche airstrip (3790 meters), which was built to serve Hotel Everest View. Cross the airstrip and climb past the telephone tower to a trail that leads off to the right (east wards) the trail somewhat levels at the top of the ridge, from here the trail is gradual all the way to the single storey hotel at 3890 meters. Hotel Everest View, as the name suggest have the amphitheater views of the giants of the Himalayas Mt. Everest (8,848 M), Mt Lhotse (8,516 M), Mt Nuptse (7,855 M), Mt Tawoche (6,542 M), Mt.Cholatse (6,440 M), Mt. Amadablam (6,814 M), Mt. Kangtega (6,783 M), Mt. Thamserku (6,618 M) and Mt. Kusum Khangaru (5,808 M) is what is on offer (Weather Permitting)

Note: Please allow for some money today to spend for tea/coffee at the Hotel Everest View as we will be using the premises of the Hotel.

After enjoying the views, backtrack to Namche. Along the trail you may also lookout for the Danphe (Impeyan Pheasant) the national bird of Nepal.

After lunch, free to explore the Namche bazaar and may be even enjoy a coffee at the local bakery.Later visit the famous Bazaar, the hub of the Khumbu. Many traders from Tibet are also seen mingling with the local populace.

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge                                                     Duration of Trek: 3 ½ – 4 hours.

After a leisurely breakfast, we trek to Phortse Drengka. Another beautiful place to discover in the Himalayas, The trek immediately begins with a steep climb on a cobbled stone steps from Namche bazaar for about 15 minutes to the top of the ridge, from here the trail winds through gently with magnificent views of the Himalaya especially of the Mt. Amadablam (6,814 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,618 m) and Mt. Kangtega (6783 m).

Everest soon looms in the distance with Nuptse and Lhotse. The memorial for Tenzing Sherpa also lies along the trail. It was set up in 2003 by Mr. Tashi Tenzing in honor of his grandfather. The view of the mountains is awe-inspiring and a stop here to take photographs is rewarding. After spending some time at the chorten, we continue towards , Sanasa which also provides an amphitheater views of the Amadablam (6,696 m) and Kangtega (6,779 m) flanked by the towering view of the

Sagarmatha (Everest), Lhotse and Nuptse (weather permitting) look for the blood pheasant and Impeyan pheasant in the undergrowth. After a short descent there is a trail junction which meets the main Thyangboche trail just before Sanasa. We take the left side trail and trek through the pine forests. The trail slowly begins to ascend as we contour climbing steeply on the hillside till we arrive at Mong la, a pass at 3,973 m, a few tea houses, a chorten and prayer flags. It is an ideal place for lunch with superb views of the Himalayas all around.

After lunch and some rest we continue our trek towards Phortse Drengka. Since we have done most of the climbing, now from here the trail steeply descends all the way to Phortse Drengka through a dense pine and rhododendron forest, a descent of around 200 meters and takes about 1 ½ hours.

Look out for the Yak traffic and remember to stay on the wall side in order to avoid being pushed off the hillside. Upon arrival we check in to the lodges which are located in close proximity to the river. Rest of the day is free to explore or can take a rest in the quiet, serene environment 

Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Phortse Drengka          Trek duration: 5 to 5 ½ hrs

After breakfast, climb out of Phortse Tenga to meet the main trail from Mon La, that leads towards the Gokyo Valley and into Dole. The trail ascends gently with Cho Oyu (The Turqoise Mountain) coming to sight for the first time as we reach the Army post half an hour into the trail. The tree line starts to shrink to alpine shrub as we ascend with cranberry bushes stuck to the ground. The waterfalls along the trail add to the beauty of the terrain as we approach Dole, a small village with just a few Lodges. You will realize that the trek today is shorter than the days we have had had and we will soon be in Dole for lunch.

After lunch we will do an acclimatization walk to the hill close to the village from where we have great views of the surrounding mountains.               

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Dole                                  Trek duration: 4 ½ to 5 hrs

After breakfast trek to Dole. The first hour involves steady climbing before the trail contours to Luza (4,370 m), a small grazing spot with potato fields. From here Machermo is not far and only involves a short climb from here. Today’s trail too offers some magnificent views of the Himalayas and we need to walk slowly as we are now over 4000 meters in altitude and also need to be more cautious about our health as now we are more prone to Altitude sickness. The view of Cho Oyu in the distance from the hill ahead of Machermo should keep inspired and wanting to get closer to our destination Gokyo and the Renjo-la Pass. We are now only a day’s walk away from Gokyo and only three hundred meters away.

After lunch, hike up to the hill above the Village and then descend to the IPPG (International Porters Progress Group) Porter Shelter where we may also listen a lecture on Altitude sickness, it’s prevention and consequences. (Note: The Porter Shelter was built by CAN (Community Action Nepal) – Doug Scott’s Charity.)  (Note: Today is another short day to allow time for acclimatization.)

 Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Machermo               Trek duration: 4 ½ to 5 Hrs

A steady climb out of Machermo soon leads to a broader trail as we pass through the village of Lapharma, a small settlement with wide green grazing grounds for Yaks and Dzopkios. As the end of the valley, we will traverse the trail along the rocky cliff towards Gokyo. After a short but steady climb, arrive at the snout of the Ngozungpa Glacier which feeds the Dudh Kosi and then reach the first of the Gokyo lakes. From here the trail is much gentler and ascends gradually along the moraines as we approach the second lake and then the third lake at the banks of which is situated the village of Gokyo. Gokyo village consists of about nine Lodges with a backdrop of Cho Oyu. The place is simply spellbinding. Upon arrival, check into the Lodge.

After lunch, walk towards the Ngozungpa Glacier which is located behind the village. The walk along the edge of the lake will help our acclimatization. (Note: Please do not forget to carry your head lamp and warm clothes as the wind picks up and can be a freezing experience. Both the seventh, eight and ninth day are short trek days in order to get acclimatized with the altitude that is gained steadily. Today on the trail we get magnificent views of Mt. Cho-Yu, Mt. Nangpa Gosai, Mt. Nzogumpa Kang and Khasung Range)

 Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Gokyo                             Trek duration: 5 to 5 ½ hrs

An early morning rise today is sure to make you feel the chill of the mountains. Today we trek to the top of Gokyo Ri which has one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Everest and three other 8,000 meter peaks. The climb starts from across one of the rivers that feed the lake. The climb is steady and demanding but the reward for the hard work is more than just satisfactory.

As you get halfway, Everest comes to view and so does the sun it starts to warm you up. Looking down the valley, the view of Tawache and the lakes are spectacular. Once on the top, the views will be your reward for the hard work and what a reward! Everest (8,848 m), showing more of its northern flank Makalu (8,463 m) further to the east and Cho Oyu (8,201 m) towards the north make up one of the most mesmerizing views you couldn’t ask for more.

When we are done with the views (which of course is not quite something that happens), we descend to the village taking in all that we can.  The rest of the day is free to explore more of the village and one may opt to walk towards the 5^th Lake

It is also a good plan to just great to relax as you can soak yourself in the Himalayan sun.

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Gokyo                          Trek duration:  3½ to 4 hrs

The trail initially leads back south before leaving the main route; a short climb leads to the crossing of the jumbled moraine of the Nzogumpa Glacier.

Lunch at Dragnag

This hard scrabbling country offers various equally demanding routes until you reach the camp site tucked in below the pass. 

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Chyugima                   Trek duration:  3 ½ – 4 hrs

An early start is recommended. The route lies over the large, uncomfortable broken and scree before starting up the slab rock of the pass itself. Depending on the time of the year the route to the summit snow field of the Chyugima La pass (5,240 m) may or may not be covered by snow. The decent starts gently before steeping down. The broken ground route leads to the few stone huts that make up the Dzong La.

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Dzongla

Trek duration: 7 ½ to 8 hrs

An ill- defined track traverses across to join the main trail coming up from Pheriche. On the way you can watch the beautiful view of the Mt. Cholatse (6,442 m) back on the west side of the route. A steep ascend leads to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The stark and the rugged beauty create almost a moonscape. The campsite at Lobuche is situated at the wind swept valley with the enchanting views of the Tawache(6501m) and Nuptse(7879m).

Dinner and Overnight at the lodge in Lobuche                              Trek duration: 5 to 5 ½ hrs

From Lobuche, the trek begins with a pleasant walk with a vista of the Himalayan giants surrounding the landscape and a short climb brings one to another valley. Travel along the Khumbu Glacier through the jumbled moraines and scattered rocks. The trail continues to slowly contour on the open landscape and after about an hour, there is a steep ascent for about 10/ 15 minutes. Climb slowly to a ridge and then continue on a trail of rocks caused by rockslides. On a clear day Mt. Everest can be seen looming behind Nuptse.

Arrive at the ridge above Gorakshep and then descend to Gorakshep, a settlement with 4/5 tea houses to stay for overnight.

This was the base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. In 1953 the British Everest expedition called this “lake camp’. Gorakshep or ”graveyard of the crows” has a small lake that is usually frozen and several monuments to climbers who have died during various Everest expeditions. The carved stone in memory of Jake Britenbach of the 1963 US expedition and the monument of Indian Ambassador H. Dayal, who died during a visit to the Everest Base Camp after the 1965 Indian expedition, are north-east of the lake.

The trip to base camp, while fascinating, is not spectacular as the ascent of Kalaphattar because there is no view of Everest itself from the base camp. Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Nuptse, which loom over the Base Camp, shades the view of Everest After a quick lunch, trek begins from Gorakshep lodge first through wide open moonscape land and then along the jumbled moraines and scattered rocks passing by the memorials of Rob Hall and Yasuko Namba and others who perished during the Mt. Everest disaster of 1996. The trail continues on a ridge from where a small glimpse of Mt. Everest can be seen. At the end of the ridge, a scrabbling descent leads to the entry into the Khumbu Glacier. The trail through the glacier is an interesting one in that one can actually feel as if one is inside a fridge with the cold seeping from all sides. The Everest Base Camp is also the site for the base camp for Lhotse and Nuptse. It is not actually a specific site as various expeditions have elected different locations for a semi-permanent camp during their assault on the mountains. Some of the sites that expeditions have used as base camps are identifiable form debris on the glacier at 5360m or more. However the highlight of the trip to this place is the sight of the Khumbu icefall and the trek along the Khumbu Icefall is an interesting and an exhilarating one. Later return to Gorakshep.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge                                                 Duration of Trek: 7 ½ – 8 ½ hours.

After breakfast take the left-hand side trail and head straight up the hill to Kalaphattar (5545m) for views of Mt. Everest. The trek up to the top is an arduous one and takes about a 2 ½ to 3 hrs to reach.

The early morning or late afternoon is the best time to view Mt. Everest from this vantage point as the sun is behind the observer and directly on the mountains in front. The climb to the Kalaphattar though tough, is well worth it as the views from here are breathtaking. The giants of the earth are all around Pumori (7145m), Everest (8848m), and China’s peak Changtse (7553m), Nuptse (7855m), Lhotse (8516m), Amadablam and many others. Later return to Ghorakshep.

After visiting the Base Camp backtracking on scattered rocks and jumbled moraines to return to Lobuche. Cross the stream and then head towards the Sherpa Memorial and then to Thugla. The going is easier as we lose altitude. After lunch cross the Thugla bridge and climb the ridge. Leave the main trail to Pheriche. 

Dinner and overnight at the lodge                                                     Duration of Trek: 5 -5 ½ hours.

Having been consistently at high altitude above 4200m most trekkers welcome the thought of returning to warmer, softer climbs and the day’s walk to Thyangboche and the buzzing town of Namche Bazaar is a delightful way of doing so. The route starts through the main trail coming from Pheriche and passes through the village of Shomare and  Pangboche (3985m). Descend to the spectacular little bridge over the Dudh Koshi river and head through the fir and rhododendron forest for a lovely afternoon’s walk to the meadows of Devouche.

From here, climb for 20 minutes to reach Thyangboche. Descend steeply to the Dudh Koshi and the small village of Phunki (3250m) with its water powered Prayer Wheels for lunch. (Note: The original bridge built by Sir Edmund Hillary was washed away when a flood caused by the land side from the Ama Dablam caused a flooding in this region.)

After lunch cross the river over the small bridge and start the steep climb towards Sanasa. After the initial climb the trail is relatively flat as we continue the trek towards Namche by following the path round the eastern flanks of the hills.

At the rear is the beautiful west face of the Thamserku (6608m) and Kang Taiga (6685m).

Upon arrival check into the Lodge

Dinner and Overnight at Namche Bazaar                         

Trek Duration: 6 ½ – 7 Hrs

A LEISURELY MORNING IN NAMCHE BAZAAR.

Namche Bazaar, famous the world over is a place where people meet. It’s a great place for acclimatization as well as to enjoy the last few hours in Sherpa land enjoying a cup of coffee at the Namche Bakery or taking a walk through bazaar before heading back to the end of the journey.

The trek begins, from the edge of the town, with a huge descent all the way down to Jorsale. Enroute we once again cross the famous bridge over the Dudh Kosi. As we arrive at Jorsale, halt for Lunch at one of the restaurants / tea house / Lodge. It is interesting to watch others starting enthusiastically on the trek ahead as we head down and is also a good feeling to shed a few layer of clothing.  From here we cross the steel suspension bridge of Jorsalle and climb up to the National Park gate where we complete the checkout formalities from the Sagarmatha National Park.

After completing the checkout formalities we continue a little further to make an overnight stop at the settlement of Monjo.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge                                                Duration of Trek: 3 ½ – 4 hours.

After a late morning wake up and breakfast, we resume our trek towards Lukla. The trek begins with a descent to steel bridge then ascends to a ridge. Walk past small settlements and then once again, cross another steel suspension bridge to arrive at Benkar, from here the trail traverses but undulates with short climbs in between to arrive at Toktok village. Cross yet another suspension bridge on approach to Phakding. It is a bit early to stop for lunch and so make an easy walk through the village square past the lodges along the way and after walking for about 45 minutes, reach the village of Ghat, a small picturesque Sherpa village where there are colorful Mani wall along the trail. There are many places to stop for lunch along the Thado Kosi settlement, an ideal place to stop for lunch before heading up to Lukla. Though most of the trail is gradual, there are few short but steep climbs in between on the way to Lukla. There are sign boards along the way pointing you in the direction of Lukla. The trail is well defined and broad and climbs steadily past a few bhattis (Local restaurants) then through scrub forest and through the village of Chaurikharka. The final phase of the trek on approach to Lukla is a steep climb; there is a collection of houses and bhattis in Tamang Tolle, a new settlement a short distance from is the airport. As you approach the Lukla town the houses and hotels rapidly increases. Upon arrival at Lukla we check in to the lodge. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla. In the evening, a farewell dinner may be followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa companions

The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the surrounding and prepare for our early morning flight the following day.

Dinner and Overnight at the hotel                                                 Duration of Trek: 6 to 6 ½ hrs

After a hearty breakfast, walk up to the airport and later board the 25 minute flight back to Manthali. Upon arrival board the waiting vehicle and take a 4- 5 hrs drive to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is Free.

Overnight at the hotel                                                                            Flight Duration: 45 minutes & 4 hrs drive

Free for the activities around Kathmandu Valley.

This day is kept free to make our flight flexible if Weather does not permit for Lukla Kathmandu Flight then we can proceed in this day.

Overnight at the hotel

REPORTING TIME: (Three hours 3hrs before flight time) & Free until Departure