Gokyo-Cho La Pass-EBC Trek

We recommend that you schedule your arrival in Kathmandu in the morning or during the day. This will give you enough time to relax and recover from jet lag before starting your adventure. Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, meet your trek guides. You will be briefed about your upcoming adventure. If you have any doubts, check your equipment and visited to Thamel, the main tourist hub. Spend the night in Kathmandu.

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)

Today, you will set out on a guided tour of Kathmandu’s many historical and spiritual attractions, which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Soyumbhunath) and the Buddhist pilgrimage site (Boudhnath), one of the largest stupas in the world. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)
Meals: Breakfast

During the 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,186ft), you will enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks. At Lukla, a gateway destination from where your trek begins, you will meet your other crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, you will start trekking. At one hour’s gradual descent, you will be at a Cheplung village from where you have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900 ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, you will gradually descend until you will reach Phakding and spend the night.

Flight: 35 min Hiking: 3-4 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,800m/9,187ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Walking through a beautiful pine forest, you will follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar. You will cross Dudh Koshi River and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Then after crossing a suspension bridge, you will pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings you to the prime heartland of Sherpa village – Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, you can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Stay overnight at Namche Bazaar.

Hiking: 5-6 hours - Distance: 11 km
Maximum Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar, and you can spend a day here acclimatizing. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Your guides can take you to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If you are interested in a day hike, you will trek to Khumjung village (12401 ft)-a beautiful village with a Sherpa settlement. In exploring Namche Bazar, you will observe traditional Sherpa life, Khumjung Hillary School, and enjoy flora and fauna found at such altitude. Stay overnight at Namche Bazaar.

Maximum Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, you will continue your trek from Namche Bazaar towards Dole, enjoying a picturesque traverse through various points such as Dudh Koshi, stupas, and iconic peaks like Mount Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, and Everest, among others. Keep your eyes open, as you may have the opportunity to see Musk Deer and Himalayan Tahrs on the way. After approximately two hours of walking, you will reach Mong La Pass. Where,you will take a brief rest and continue your trek, passing through rhododendron forests and small Sherpa villages. The trail gradually ascends, with steep sections. Along the way, you will pass through the small village of Phortse Thanga. You will continue trekking until you willl reach Dole. Tonight, you will spend the night in Dole.

Hiking: 6-7 hours - Distance: 11 km
Maximum Altitude: 3,680m/12,074ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The trek from Dole starts with a tricky downhill walk on a slippery, snow-covered slope. Then, you will climb steadily along a path with nice views of mountains like Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Kantega, and Mt. Thamserku. The uphill part of the walk takes you through areas with fewer plants and more rocky ground. You will pass by a small place called Lhafarma, then reach Luza village nestled in a side valley. After Luza, you will cross the Dudh Koshi River and walk on sandy paths where you will reach Machhermo village, the last big village before Gokyo. At Machhermo, you can visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital to learn about altitude sickness. You will spend the night in Machhermo.

Hiking: 4-5 hours - Distance: 5 km
Maximum Altitude: 4,470m/14,666ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You will start trek today by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153m). The valley now widens as the trail passes through Phangkha, where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. You will descend to the riverbank before climbing onto the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon 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. At this juncture, you get a chance to observe lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, you will become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, you will 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 here. After lunch, you will explore around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in Gokyo.

Hiking: 4-5 hours - Distance: 7 km
Maximum Altitude: 4,800m/15,749ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You will hike to Gokyo Ri, a small peak above Gokyo village, in the morning and savor the fantastic views of the entire Khumbu region. As you will ascend, the views become even more fantastic and you can see four of the seven highest peaks of Nepal, Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Reaching the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho you will take pleasure in the lake’s serene beauty after which your trek back along the retracing trail to the third lake. You will may take an additional hike up to the fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho if time permits and depending on your physical conditions. From here, the view of Ngozumba glacier, the longest glacier of the Himalayas, is so fascinating. Overnight in Gokyo.

Hiking: 3-4 hours - Distance: 2 km
Maximum Altitude: 5,357m/17,576ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

If you did not climb the Gokyo Ri the previous day, you can do that today. Climbing to the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding as it is steep and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But the scenery of Gokyo village, on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier, is magnificent. You are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. The sight of sunrays kissing Everest which towers over all the surrounding peaks is astounding. Your trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thagnak. It will be a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare you have long hiking days and elevation gain to come.

Hiking: 4-5 hours - Distance: 4 km
Maximum Altitude: 4,750m/15,585ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today is going to be one of the toughest days of the trip. The Cho La pass is not itself difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. You need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice may cause trouble by making the trail slippery. The trail from Phedi climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake, you will reach at the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soars to the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to your right. You need to pass through some crevasses before you will reach Dzongla Village. The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below.

Hiking: 7-8 hours - Distance: 7 km
Maximum Altitude: 5,420m/17,783ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This will be a very short trek so you have a lot time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you . You will climb down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail curves through the wide river bed before reaching Lobuche. You can spend the rest of day taking a rest which will help you prepare for the next day’s long trek. Overnight in Lobuche.

Hiking: 3-4 hours - Distance: 6 km
Maximum Altitude: 4,940m/16,208ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You will take a trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, you come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that you follow your lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. You will pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, you will see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains you can view from the base camp. You will get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep. However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is recommended that we visit Kala Patthar today during sunset. As the setting sun’s rays strike the snow-capped mountains, the resulting scenery is incredible. Therefore, for those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar today instead of the next day please inform your guide and he/she will coordinate accordingly.

Hiking: 7-8 hours - Distance: 13 km
Maximum Altitude: 5,364m/17,599ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You will prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that you get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. You will take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche. Those participants who will visit Everest Base Camp today will have an early breakfast to start early as Everest base camp hike takes longer than the hike at Kala Patthar. After returning to Gorak Shep, both the groups will have lunch together; the afternoon is taken to descend down to Pheriche for a good night’s rest.

Hiking: 7-8 hours - Distance: 16 km
Maximum Altitude: 5,545m/18,193ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You will trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the prayer-flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, your trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through pine forests. In the forest, you may come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The path eventually reaches Sansa from where you can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. You will be also pass winding trails then through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Hiking: 6-7 hours - Distance: 20 km
Maximum Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The trail descends steeply downward so you need to walk cautiously as your shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After your arrival in Lukla, you will stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of days. Stay overnight in Lukla.

Hiking: 6-7 hours - Distance: 19 km
Maximum Altitude: 2,800m/9,187ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, you will take a scenic morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, which will be the end of your incredible 18-day Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo and Cho La Pass. Enjoy the aerial view of the Himalayan peaks and lush valleys as you bid farewell to the Everest region. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax or explore the city’s vibrant streets and markets. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Flight: 35 Min
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)
Meals: Breakfast

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from AlpineTrav Treks will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast