Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake Trek

Day 01: Arrival, hotel transfer in Kathmandu (1350m.) & welcome dinner O/N hotel (D)
Meet in the airport, receive and welcome with flower garlands and transfer to hotel. Their after generally we discuss about the things need to do and late afternoon we settle the remaining of the preparation of trekking. Then if there is little time left we may go for a short walk around, if not we go for dinner.

Day 02: Kathmandu (1350m.) Preparation of trekking & necessary equipment shopping. O/N hotel (B)

Day 03: Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m.) & trek to Phakding (2610m.) 4 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
Today bit early breakfast and transfer to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for morning flight to Lukla, a gateway for the Everest region. After about 40 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one airport with its short runway. The airport is on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival, we meet our other crew members (porters) and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding.

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) 5 - 6 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
The walk today is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m. from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and reach entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where the trekking permits are checked in order to keep record of trekkers. The walk is enjoyable through the river bed and we reach Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up hill towards Namche Bazzar, closer and magnificent sight of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains will be viewed closely.

Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization day O/N lodge (B L D)
Today we take it easy either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest region and has government offices, We can visit the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. Or we also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung. We further climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip will be the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School which is loacted at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazzar.

Day 06: Namche Bazzar to Dole (4110 m.) 6 - 7 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
Today at first, we climb steeply out of Namche Bazzar up to Kyangjuma Village. Kyangjuma, we can enjoy outstanding views of Thamserku, Katenga, and Ama Dablam. Most strenuous ascent of the day is obviously to pass the Mong La, a very charming place perched on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. An ancient historical Chorten stands at the centre of the settlement of Mong La. The most outstanding feature of the trail today is the abundance of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. We may see some wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer. Traversing through forests, some water falls and bridges, we reach at Dole.

Day 07: Dole to Machhermo (4,470m.) 4 - 5 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
First, we climb gradully up through a scenic ridge above Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma to Luza at 4360m. Offering us good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku the trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza. While ascending from Luza, the Dudh Koshi valley is deep like a canyon with its sheer sides. Walking along the hill side above thundering Dudkoshi passing through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we reach Machhermo. Machherma is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. It is the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. At this juncture, we pay our visit to the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution and primary treatment.

Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4790 m.) 4 - 5 hrs
Today, we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after some gentle walk. Phangka is the palace where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. After crossing an iron bridge over an stream the trial levels out as it follows the valley pass the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe the 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 at this juncture.

Day 09: Gokyo explore around O/N lodge (B L D)
Today, If the weather is good, we grasp the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of next day to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or, as we know Gokyo is not only popular for its grand view from Gokyo Peak but also for the six lakes which it hosts. About 3 km north of Gokyo situates the fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to fifth lake. If interested, we climb on a hill at the edge of the Lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. Beyond the fifth Lakes, we will be at Cho Oyu Base Camp. Scenery here is breathtaking with Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang seeming just a stone's throw away. Northern part of the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier of the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. Today is such a great day, but depends on the weather.

Day 10: Climb to Gokyo Ri (5360 m.) and trek to Machhermo (4,470m.) 5 hrs
If Gokyo Ri has not been mapped out the day before we trek there today. Gokyo Ri is the highlight of this trip. Early morning, we hike up to the Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak). Climbing to Gokyo Ri is obviously strenuous as it is steep up and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But even from the trial scenery of Gokyo village on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier are mind blowing. We feel like we are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K 43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. Sight of sunrays kissing the Everest that towers over all surrounding peaks is unlike from Kala Patthar (from Kala Patthar Nuptse seems taller). Our Gokyo Ri visit will be unforgettable life time memories. We trek down to Gokyo..

Day 11: Machhermo (4,470m.) to Khumjung (3790 m.) 6 hrs
All the way down to Khumjung.

Day 12: Khumjung to Manjo (2805 m.) 4 - 5 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
We either have our lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga. After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa. We keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at of Namche Bazaar. We would likt to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche from this juncture. Upon reaching at our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals:BLD

Day 13: Manjo to Lukla: 6 - 8 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control 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. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages.

Day 14: Fly Back to Kathmandu O/N hotel (B L )
Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day at hotel. In a way after check in the hotel today is free and easy.

Note: Flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning because of strong wind in the afternoon. Sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weathercondition as well.

Day 15: free and easy in kathmandu O/N hotel (B L )

Day 16: Final Departure
An officially conclude the trip and transfer to airport. (B)