Everest Base Camp via Gokyo

Day 01: Flight to Lukla and begin trek

The flight to Lukla is very much weather-bound and will take off only after the confirmation of good visibility in Lukla sky. Upon arrival at Lukla Airport, your guide will arrange the porters or pack animals, assemble the gears and head out to Phakding, about 2 and half hours gradual downhill.

Day 02-03: Namche Bazaar (11,270 ft)

The trail follows continuously north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale- and ascends steep up hill of Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar (11,270 ft). The town is bustling with numerous homes, trekker's inns, shops, and a small monastery. We will camp or overnight lodge in Namche Bazaar. (5-6 hours hiking.) . We take another day here for acclimatization. Take leisurely walk in the market.

Day 04-05: To Khumjung via Thame

Follow the Bhote Koshi River down to the Nangpo Valley, enjoying a moderately easy and beautiful walk to the Sherpa village of Thame, situated at an important junction along the old primary route to and from Tibet via the Nangpa La (pass) You will spend the night here and the following day after a visit to Thame monastery, you will continue towards Khumjung.

Day 06-07 To Machermo via Dole (13,200 ft)

Leave behind the main trail to Mount Everest here and climb high on a ridge and then the trail drops steeply to the village of Phortse Thanga (11,800 ft) where you will have lunch-camping. Then the trail steeply climbs through rhododendron and birch forests to the beautiful village of Dole. We'll have spectacular views of the snowy peaks of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega along the way. The next day, a short 4 hours hiking above the River brings you to Machermo.

Day 08-09: Gokyo (15,580 ft)

We’ll take it easy and slow because of the increasing altitude. We arrive at Gokyo, a high altitude Sherpa settlement along one of the many lakes that dot the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Gokyo and Machermo are typical high altitude seasonal settlements used by the Sherpas to raise livestock and grow barley and potatoes. From here we’ll have gorgeous views of Cholatse, Taweche, Kangtega, and Thamserku. (4-5 hours hiking). A variety of Day hikes are possible on this relaxed rest day for acclimatization. Camp

Day 10: To Nymagawa Valley

The trail crosses the southern portion of the Ngozumpa Glacier-the largest in Nepal and then climbs steadily to a campsite at 16,800 feet directly below the Cho La. (5 hours hiking.). The crossing of Cho La is subject to weather conditions and if the Sherpa Guide deems it inadvisable to cross, you will retrace down the way to Phortse, then upto Pheriche toreach Lobuje.

Day 11: Cho La (17,780 ft)

This is the most direct way to link the glacial valleys of Cho Oyu and Everest, and boasts some superb views but its steep, challenging, yet a non-technical climb. Make sure your porters have good shoes and clothings. You will camp at Dzonghla (15,880 ft), a high altitude pasture directly beneath the striking north wall of Cholatse (21,125 ft). (5-6 hours hiking.)

Day 12: To Lobuje (16,170 ft)

Hike a trail high above Tsholo Lake and rejoin the main Everest trail near the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Arrive in camp in time for lunch. (4 hours hiking.).

Day 13: To Gorak Shep (17,000 ft)

Gorak Shep is nestled under the snow-coned summit of Pumori (23,442 ft) and the sheer west face of Nuptse (25,850 ft) and requires 2 and ½ hrs hiking along the rocky fields and glacial fragments at the edge of the Khumbu Glacier. Attempt hike up Kala Patar (18,192 ft, 3-4 hours round trip) and you will be blessed by the best view of Mount Everst.

Day 14: Lobuje

Optional hike to Everest Base Camp (17,600 ft) for views of the Khumbu Icefall. In the afternoon, return to Lobuje. This is a long but exhilarating day. (9-11 hours hiking.)

Day 15: Chhukhung (15,500 ft)

A long but gradual day hiking south out of the Khumbu Glacier to a lunch stop at Dingboche (14,100 ft). After lunch, we hike east up into the Chhukhung Valley, last of the glacial valleys we will explore. We camp under the incredible rock wall that links Nuptse with Lhotse (27,923'). (5-6 hours hiking.)

Day 16: To Dingboche

Today we’ll take a hard but dramatic hike that climbs about 2,800 feet from camp and ends in a small rock plateau from where, with a little imagination, one can nearly touch the Nuptse–Lhotse wall. Views of Makalu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak are superb (30 mountains over 20,000 feet can be identified from this spot!). There are several other less demanding options in the Chhukhung Valley. Descend to our camp at Dingboche. (5-6 hours hiking.)

Day 17: Tengboche (12,680 ft)

Descend to Tengboche Monastery-the spiritual center of the Khumbu- a training center for new monks. The area is considered holy; nothing may be hunted or killed. Expeditions to the world’s highest peaks have traditionally stopped here to receive the blessing of the Tengboche Rinpoche. Tengboche has the high scenic treasures like Ama Dablam and Mount Everest in the background that impresses all passersby. We will camp overnight in the lovely meadows around the monastery and have ample time to visit it. (4-5 hours hiking).

Day 18-19: To Lukla

The trail drops sharply down to the Dudh Kosi and up toward Namche Bazaar, winding in and out high above the river with views north towards the Everest valleys. After spending a night in Namche Bazaar, take a steep descent to Lukla airfield.

Day 20: Return flight to Kathmandu

If the weather favors, the craft from Kathmandu timely lands in Lukla airfield and you can embark on the flight and shortly brings you to Kathamdnu. Upon arrival, you are transferred to hotel.