Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek

Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek - 0 reviews

Max. Elevation

5500 m

Accommodation

Hotel-lodge-Tea house

Best Season

Spring- Autumn

Duration

18 Days

Trip Grading

Moderate

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner

Transport

Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner

Departure Location

Kathmandu

The Gokyo Lake, Cho La Pass, and Everest Base Camp Trek is an incredible adventure in the Everest region that offers a singular blend of serene blue lakes, high mountain paths, and well-known Himalayan views.After admiring the beauty of the Gokyo Lakes, trekkers cross the hazardous Cho La Pass (5,420m), climb Gokyo Ri for magnificient vistas, and reach the famed Everest Base Camp. This trek combines the rich Sherpa culture with breathtaking surroundings, making it an amazing experience for people seeking adventure and beauty in the heart of the Himalayas.

You will have an incredible journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Himalayas on the Gokyo Lake, Cho La Pass, and Everest Base Camp Trek. Trekking enthusiasts should not miss this walk since it offers an amazing blend of Sherpa culture, challenging high-altitude crossings, pure glacier lakes, and stunning views of the world's tallest peaks. You will journey incredibly through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Himalayas on the Gokyo Lake, Cho La Pass, and Everest Base Camp Trek. Trekking enthusiasts should not miss this walk since it offers an amazing blend of Sherpa culture, challenging high-altitude crossings, pure glacier lakes, and stunning views of the world's tallest peaks.

Gokyo, Chola pass, Everest base camp and kalapatter.
Very “high mountain” atmosphere
Turquoise high-altitude lakes and Ngozumpa glacier .
Sherpa's traditional and cultural .

Travel Style

Nature & Adventure

Complete the Epic Gokyo to Everest Circuit trek.

Experience the ultimate Himalayan adventure by trekking to Everest Base Camp through the stunning Gokyo Valley. This route offers fewer crowds, breathtaking views of turquoise lakes, and panoramic mountain vistas including Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Description

Gokyo Lake and Gokyo RI Trek

Nestled in the Gokyo Valley at an elevation of about 4,700 meters are the six magnificent glacial lakes that comprise the Gokyo Lake Trek. These turquoise-blue lakes are considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus, which gives their natural beauty a spiritual component. The greatest of these lakes, Dudh Pokhari, is a major attraction, offering expansive views of the neighboring snow-capped mountains. contain the majestic Cho Oyu (8,188 meters), the sixth-highest mountain in the world.

Cho La Pass

The Cho La Pass, which is 5,420 meters above sea level, is one of the trek's most difficult sections. This high-altitude path leads trekkers to Everest Base Camp and connects the Gokyo Valley with the Khumbu region. Crossing Cho La Pass, a steep, rocky trail that is often covered in snow and ice, requires a great deal of physical fitness and acclimatization.

Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp, at 5,364 meters, is where the journey comes to conclude. On the trek to Everest Base Camp, trekkers can learn about the Sherpa and their traditional way of life in the heart of the Khumbu region.

Gokyo Ri:

The Gokyo Ri viewpoint offers a broad perspective of Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest from its 5,357-meter elevation. The view of Gokyo RI in the morning is very mesmerizing.

Ngozumpa Glacier:

Trekkers may enjoy a stunning view of the ice and moraine at Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.

Kala Pattar:

Kala Pattar, at 5,545 meters above sea level, is the most breathtaking location to see Everest, Lhotse, and the surrounding peaks up close. The sunrise and sunset vistas are particularly stunning from Kala

Patthar.

Everest Base Camp:

A unique view of the Khumbu Icefall and the breathtaking scenery of the world's highest mountain may be obtained from the base camp.

Flight to Lukla: starting your trek with a scenic flight to Lukla with a mountain view

Acclimatization: Altitude sickness can be avoided by providing the required acclimatization days.
A once-in-a-lifetime trip, the Gokyo Lake, Cho La Pass, and Everest Base Camp Trek blends the splendor of immaculate glacial lakes, the difficulty of climbing high passes, and the legendary sensation of arriving at Everest Base Camp. This walk promises an amazing adventure through the heart of the Himalayas, regardless of your level of experience with trekking or your interest in the natural world. You will be rewarded with some of the most magnificent scenery on the planet if you plan ahead and enjoy the experience.

Trip Itinerary

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Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.

Transport: by private vehicle

Meals: not Include

Accommodation: nights at the hotel

When it comes to treks in the Everest region, flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are no longer available during October and November due to high air traffic, as per a government decision. Instead, there's an alternative route: a car journey from Kathmandu to Ramechhap (approximately 4 hours), followed by a plane from Ramechhap to Lukla (about a 25-minute flight). This applies to the return journey as well. For the rest of the year, flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are operational as usual.

The flight to Lukla, depending on weather conditions, offers a breathtaking experience. The small aircraft navigates through a panorama of snow-covered peaks and rolling hills adorned with terraced fields. From a distance, the Lukla airport's runway – situated on the edge of a small plateau with a sloped incline – appears remarkably narrow for a safe landing.

Upon arrival, our team of porters awaits, and the Sirdar supervises the distribution of loads. The trek commences with a gradual descent along a path that affords scenic views of the Dudh Kosi River below. The landscape is adorned with rice fields, traditional villages, chortens, and prayer-engraved stones (mani). Suspension bridges span across rivers, and the path is lined with majestic ancient cedar trees. We eventually reach the valley floor and settle into the Phakding Lodge for accommodation.

Transport: by flight about 25 minutes

Transport: by jeep about 4 hours to Manthali

Altitude different: + 100 m / - 300 m

Final Altitude: approximately 2,610 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

We Trek up the Dudh Khola River, with the magnificent Himalayan pines lining our route. Several bridges make us change banks as the river meanders. Steep climb to the Namche bazaar. On the way we admire Thamserku and from time to time we see Everest. At Namche Bazar, visit the village, very picturesque.

Trekking: approximately 6 hours

Altitude Different: + 800 m / - 40 m

Final Altitude of approximately 3,440 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

We climb into a small forest and admire for the first time the high peaks of Kumbhu (Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam), we arrive in the villages of Kunde and Khumjung. It may be possible to visit the Hillary High School and the Kunde hospital built on Hillary's initiative.

walking: 4 hours

Altitude different: + 420 m / - 420 m

approximately 3,440 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

The exit from Namche is via a small flight of stone stairs which immediately gives us a little height. Then the path goes around the hill remaining approximately level. On our right, we leave the path which goes towards Tengboche then Dingboche and the Everest base camp and we continue in the Dudh Kosi Nadi valley. When we emerge towards Phortse, we see Cho Oyu at 8,188 meters at the bottom of the valley. We are starting to be acclimatized and we are at the foot of Thamserku (6,608 m) and Kangtega (6,685 m).

Trekking: 5 hours

Altitude different: + 800 m / - 350 m

Final Altitude: approximately 3,710 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

We take advantage of a short and easy stage to perfect our adaptation to the altitude. Walking slowly, taking your time, concentrating on your step and your breathing are the sesames of the high mountains. The path rises quietly in the mountain pastures, on the sunny side of the valley, facing the glacial wall of Cho Oyu (8153 m), border with Tibet. We cross several mountain pasture hamlets, fields, and enclosures surrounded by stones, before stopping at that of Machhermo.

Trekking 6 hours

Altitude different: + 950 m / - 350 m

Final Altitude: 4,400 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

As soon as you wake up, the light reflected by the glaciers and the persistent snowfields brings this singular clarity which makes the charm and the magic of the altitude. At the exit of the valley of Marchhermo, we can already see the morainic front of the Ngozumpa glacier, 300 m thick. We reach the small valley that borders the great river of ice on the left and continue to the lakes of Gokyo, nestled against the natural dam of the moraine. In the background soar the slender peaks of Lobuche, Cholatse, and Taboche. We settle in the Gokyo village, on the banks of the larger Gokyo lakes, in the heart of an enchanting mountain.

Trekking 5 hours

Altitude different: + 420 m / - 150 m

Final Altitdue: 4,750 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

In the morning, we cross the 5000-meter mark by climbing directly above the lake, towards Gokyo Peak. From its summit, after 2h30 to 3h of ascent, the Himalayas reveal no less than four giants of the planet: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. The south face of Cho Oyu, very close, drips with seracs which collapse on the Ngozumpa glacier. The latter, 17 km long, fills the entire valley. Back in Gokyo, we enjoy a break for lunch, before heading back to Dragnak, a hamlet located on the other side of the glacier. We descend to the marked passage of cairns which allows us to cross without risking a chaos of stones 1.5 km wide. Well-deserved rest at the lodge.

Trekking: 6 hours

Altitude different: + 800 m / - 700 m

approximately 4,690 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

The ascent to Cho La takes place in two former glacial valleys now bare, separated by a morainic cord. The pass, a small passage wedged between the sharp peaks of Lobuche and Cholatse, is defended by 300 meters of steep scree, fortunately, marked by a good path. We emerge from the shadow of the western slope to emerge in full light in a universe of high mountains. A glacier occupies the east side of the pass, we cross it easily, crossing some polished slabs, before reaching the top of the Chola Khola valley. The view opens onto the fantastic pyramid of Ama Dablam which will remain in focus throughout the descent to the mountain pastures of Dzongla. The lodge is beautifully situated on a scenic plateau overlooking the valley.

Trekking: approximately 7 -8hrs.

Altitude different: + 750 m / - 600 m

approximately 4,820 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

We reach Lake Tshola on the mountainside as far as the Lobuche mountain pasture and continue our ascent towards the Gorakshep lodges. A pure high mountain atmosphere!

Trekking: 3 hours

Altitude different: + 440 m / - 120 m

Final altitude: approximately 4400 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

By a gentle climb on the edge of the moraine of the glacier that descends from Everest, we reach the lodge of Gorak Shep where we will spend the night. after the lunch, you will hike to Everest base camp. Base camp the high mountain environment in which we evolve is more and more extraordinary. The walls of Nuptse (7861m), 2300m high, are carved with ice flutes and barred with seracs. The Pumori (7165 m), a gigantic snow-covered sugar loaf, overlooks the lodge from 2000 m. The Khumbu glacier fills the valley and the northern walls of Taboche and Ama Dablam close the scene. The imposing black triangle of Everest points behind the ridges of Nuptse.

Trekking: 6-7 hours

Altitude different: + 490 m / - 200 m

approximately 5,120 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

We climb the slopes of Kala Pattar as the sun rises over the summit pyramid of Everest. The Belvedere is a shoulder at 5543 m, located at the bottom of the southern spur of Pumori. From this unique point of view in the heart of Khumbu, we share a moment of quietude, and magic, facing the giants of the earth. The lights reveal the tapered ridges, the lace of ice, and gigantic vertiginous slopes of snow which gradually change from orange-red to sparkling white. The spirit filled with these wonders, we approach our journey back. We retrace our steps to Thokla and turn off towards Dingboche by penetrating one of the wildest valleys of Khumbu. Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and further Makalu offer a magnificent spectacle. Steeper descent to reach Deboche. Breathtaking view of the Nuptse.

Trekking 6-7 hours

Altitude different: + 470 m / - 850 m

Final altitude: 4400 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

We lose altitude and find more populated lands. The descent takes place on the sunny side of the valley, facing Ama Dablam and the duo Thamserku and Kantega. Mani and chortens again punctuate the path. We cross two important villages, Pheriche and Panboche. In the latter, nestled in the middle of pines and junipers, a monastery shelters a curiosity: the scalp of a yeti... We continue our descent towards the bottom of the valley, carpeted with pines and rhododendrons, haven of a small Himalayan ungulate, the musk deer, before going up to the monastery of Tengboche. Founded in 1919, it is perched on a spur, a perfect belvedere over Ama Dablam and the great wall of Nuptse and Lhotse. Rapid descent in a beautiful forest. Crossing a footbridge at Phunki, before a slow ascent then a balcony path leading to Namche Bazar..

Trekking: 7 hours

Altitude different: + 450 m / - 750 m

Final Altitude: 3,440 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

We soon taste the gentle heat of the lower valleys as we descend the wooded gorges of the Dudh Khosi, crossing the villages of Monjo and Phakding, before going up to Lukla where we thank the team of porters. We spend our last evening in the heart of Khumbu. Last day of walking, take the outward route. The descent can be hard on the knees but we lose altitude and breathing becomes easier.

Trekking 6-7hrs

Altitude different: + 700 m / - 1,300 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in the lodge

Early in the morning, the atmosphere at Lukla airport is often effervescent. A small plane takes us back to Kathmandu (subject to weather conditions) where we find our hotel in the city center. Free time so that everyone can discover the city at their leisure.

by private vehicle

By Flight: 25 minutes

Meals: breakfast

Accommodation: night at the hotel

Today you leave with your guide to discover the Kathmandu valley. In Pashupatinath, you discover the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. Built on the banks of the Bagmati, the most sacred of Nepal's rivers, Pashupinath and its ghats are a great place of cremation. You leave the mystical atmosphere of this Hindu city for Bodnath, one of the main Buddhist shrines in the Kathmandu region and one of the largest stupas in the world. Finally, you discover either the ancient royal city of Bhaktapur or Patan, its Durbar Square, and its wooden temples in the shape of pagodas.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: night in the lodge

Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. approximately 1,300 m

Meals: breakfast

Transfer to airport : by jeep

Trip Included & Excluded

Trip Included

AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
PERMITS :
All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit
STAFF INSURANCE :
Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
MAP :
Region Trekking map.
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
Flight By plane Kathmandu- Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu as per itinerary)
MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
FOODS & LODGING :
3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
GUIDE :
Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit

Trip Excluded

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
NEPAL VISA FEES :
The Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
INSURANCE :
Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
INTERNET SERVICE :
Internet facilities during the trek are not included.
TIPS :
Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
EXTRA :
Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.

Notes: Costs may be subject to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified.
Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of force majeure. your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.

Organization

Your Guide and Team

Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.

Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:

The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.

The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.

The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.

Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations:15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.

In addition, the Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).

Accommodations in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:

Hotel Ramada: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.

Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.

Accommodation during the Khopra Ridge

For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.

Here is a typical one-day menu:

Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee

Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee

Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee

During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included.

Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.

Water: provide tablets (Hydroclonazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.

Preparation for the Trek

Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.

Medical check-up

Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.

Acute Mountain Sickness

This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.

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