Everest Gokyo Lake, Chola pass 17 days

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 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 03: 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 04: 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 05: 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 06: 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 07: Machhermo to Gokyo (4790 m.) and 4 - 5 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
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 08: Climb to Gokyo Ri (5360 m.) and trek to Thaknak (4750 m.) 4 - 5 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
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. Upon breakfast we trek to Thaknak for overnight scaling by the second Lakes and the Ngozumba Glacier.

Day 09: Thaknak - Cho-la Pass (5367 m.) to Dzongla (4830 m.) 7 - 8 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
Today is the toughest day and we need to start early (4-6 am) compared to other days on the trip. The pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice add trouble to the trekkers making the trail slippery. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake we 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 soar on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below.

Day 10: Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m.) 2 - 3 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
We would get more time to observe and relax today as we have bit short to walk to Lobuche. We walk down from Dzongla and cross a bridge and then transverse through grassy trail. Enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak we stretch up eventually through a ridge. Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku Taboche are seen looming prominently.

Day 11: Lobuche to Gorak Shep [5170 m.) then Everest Base Camp [5364 m.) and back to Gorak Shep: 8 - 9 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
We pass through the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world - Mt. Everest. After a quick lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here.

Day 12: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to Pheriche [4280 m.) 8 - 9 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From this juncture, we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar where rocks our eyes taking unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another.

Day 13: Pheriche to Namche Bazar 7 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
Today is much easier walk down to the lower altitudes. We pass through Somare, Pangboche and Tengboche. Tengboche is a very beautiful place and there is a big monastry as well. From Pangboche we trek down to Tengboche (a very popular Monestry) we might pay our visit to this monastery. If it is spring, the surroundings will be found adored by pink and red rhododendron flowers is dazzling. Second half of walk is bit hard as we need to climb up a bit.

Day 14: Namche Bazar to Lukla 6 hrs O/N lodge (B L D)
We would likt to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche from this juncture. 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 15: Fly Back to Kathmandu O/N hotel (B L D)
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 evening farewell dinner.

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 16: Free and easy for shopping and other personl things and evening farewell dinner. O/N hotel (B L D)

Day 17: Final Departure
An officially conclude the trip and transfer to airport. (B)
The cost for above mentioned trip is: Euro 1229.00 per person based on minium of 2 person. If you wish to do only Everest Base camp or only Gokyo Lake the days will be less. Please feel free for any change or any feedback.