Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lake Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital and cultural hub of Nepal! We’ll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel. Plan on an evening briefing on last-minute specifics about your trek and an early lights-out: you have a big day ahead.

Day 02: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft): 8km, 3 - 4 hours trek

During the 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,186ft), we 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 our trek begins, we meet our other crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, we start trekking. At one hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900 ft), a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we then gradually descend until we reach Phakding and spend the night.

Day 03: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280 ft): 11km, 5 - 6 hours

After a pleasant night stop with the sound of river, morning walk leads following the Dudh Kosi River upstream and crossing suspension bridges to reach at Monjo village with grand views of Kwangde and Tharmarserku peaks, from here into Sagarmatha National park (Sagarmatha Nepalese name for Mt. Everest, while Sherpa calls Chomolungma in both languages means 'Great Mother'). Walk proceed towards Jorsalle village and into river valley covered within rhododendron-pines-oaks and fir trees as the route leads uphill for few hours to reach at famous Namche Bazaar, where colorful and busy Saturday market is held weekly.

Day 04: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar: (3,440m/11,284ft)

At this point, we take a well-deserved break! Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the lofty altitude. There’s an optional 2 hour hike to Everest View Point, an uphill walk that will help speed acclimatization. Otherwise, spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. Check out the Sherpa museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering. On Saturdays, the Hatt Bazaar is open for trading and an intimate look at the locals’ marketplace. It is part of the larger Namche Bazaar, a shopping hub filled with all manner of trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment.

Day 05: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3,680m/12,073ft): 6km, 5-6 hours

We climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north. There are two trails and our guide will choose the best option for us to follow. There is a chorten on the ridge top at 3973 m which descends from Mt. Khumbila (5761 m). We visit Mohang, the birthplace of the re-incarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet who is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dush Koshi. We stay overnight in Phortse Tanga, near the river.

Day 06: Phortse Thanga to Machhermo (4,470m/ 14,663ft): 10km, 4-5 hours

This morning walk starts with a climb as the rhododendron forest declines for smaller rhododendron and juniper bushes, where walk proceeds to higher altitude, as the route leads on a high ridge and then on level path for an hour reaching at Lhabarma Kharka and Luza at 4,390m; as the walk continues skirting a ridge line with super views of Cho-Oyu world 6th highest peak at 8,201 m high, from here descend to Machherma a small settlement with few good lodges, at Machherma for lunch and overnight stop with ample time for short walks or just relax and enjoy the views.

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo Lake 4,790m - 04 hrs.

Today by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153 m). We then 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 4690 m. At this juncture, we get a chance to observe lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we 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, we explore around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. 

Day 08: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day - Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft): 2km, 3 - 4 hours

Early morning hike up to Gokyo Ri to catch the stunning sunrise views over chain of world highest mountains, as the route climbs steeply offering grand views finally after two hours of hard walk reaching the top of Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m high commanding glorious panorama from Mt. Everest-Lhotse-Makalu with Mt. Cho-Oyu includes series of peaks and of Gokyo lake with Ngozumba Glacier down below. After grand marvelous time and worth the tough climb, descend back to Gokyo for breakfast and lunch with afternoon free to relax.

Day 9: Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m/15,580 ft): 4km, 4 - 5 hours

We 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. We 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 us for long hiking days and elevation gain to come.

Day 10: Thagnak to Cho La pass (5,367m/17,604 ft) to Dzongla (15, 939 ft): 7km, 7 - 8 hours

Starting our adventure early morning as the walk climb steeply over scree and rocks for few hours with rest in between to catch your breath and to enjoy the surrounding marvelous views, finally climbing up to the top of Cho-La often spelled as Tsho-La, festooned with Buddhist prayer flags offering views of Nirekha-Cholatse and Lobuche peaks.

Day 11: Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 6km, 2 - 3 hours

This will be a very short trek so we have a lot time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. We 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. We can spend the rest of day taking a rest which will help us prepare for the next day’s long trek. Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 12: Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and return to Gorakshep 5,180 m - 06 hrs.

Today a big marvelous day with an adventure towards our main goal and highlight of the trip reaching at the foot of world number Mt. Everest at base camp, morning walk leads on gradual uphill slope with short steep climb near Glass Pyramid, optional side walk to visit at this glass pyramid a metrological station and a lab, established by Italy and Nepal government to track and read the Himalayan weather and the flow of glacier. From here few hour of good walk over moraine and glacier brings you at Gorakshep located on route Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar hill top, Gorakshep with 3-4 nice lodges for overnight stops, from here our walk leads further east over glacier and moraine then reaching at Everest base camp of above 5,364 m high with sweeping views of Khumbu Ice Fall and glacier. After feeling high with an adventure of a lifetime experience head back to Gorakshep for overnight stop before heading back to Lukla.

Day 13: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) to Pherice (4,288m/14,070ft): 16km, 7-8 hours

We 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 we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to 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.

Day 14: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar: 20km, 6 - 7 hours

Today is a relatively long hike but it’s a good trail and all downhill. The lower elevation makes things easier as well. The trek spends most of the day going down the Gokyo Valley with some good views of the peaks before you intersect back with the main route up to Everest Base Camp and head back to Namche. Will spend the night in Namche Bazaar.

Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft): 19km, 6 - 7 hours

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our 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 our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of days. 

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.

Early morning transfer to Lukla airport known as Tenzing & Hillary airport with its unique airstrip, sometime the flight can delay due to bad weather, as the flight arrives from Kathmandu board on the smaller Twin-Otter or Dornier airplane where a scenic flight brings you at hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city life.

Day 17: Final departure

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 Himalayan Asuka Treks & Expedition team 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.