Everest Gokyo Lake, Chola pass 17 days

Everest Base Camp/ Gokyo Trekking
The Mount Everest or the Nepali name is Sagarmatha (Brow of the Ocean) & even more
popular Sherpa is Chomolungma (Mother Goddess of the world) Khumbu, region provides
you with sufficient chance of exploring High Mountain scenery. It is east from Kathmandu &
you can plan to start your trip from Jiri or take a flight to Lukla & start you walk. You will be
following in the footsteps of the legendry Sherpa Tenzing, Sir Edmund Hillary, passing
through one of the most beautiful mountain panoramic views, and many Sherpa villages
likes Namche bazaar you will explore the rich Sherpa culture as well as spectacular
landscapes and monasteries. It will give you the chance of climbing up to Kala Patthar (5545
m), from where you can clearly see the magnificent view of Everest, The South Col, Khumbu
icefall and other spectacular peaks of the region. This region is the gateway of the many
high mountains & trekking peaks of the world. If you are interested to walk more, you could
make a trip to Tashilaptcha pass in Rolwaling Himal or ahead to eastern part of Nepal,
Kanchanjunga/Makalu and Arun Valley.
Details of Gokyo Lake/Chola pass/EBC 17 days itinerary:
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 trek to Phungi Thanga 3250m. / 10628 ft.) (5 hrs) O/N lodge (B L D) Easy 
We continue to walk down to Pangboche and follow the same way back to Tengboche and
down to Phungi Thanga. 

Day 14: Phortse to Manjo (2805m. / 9172 ft.) (4 hrs) O/N lodge (B L D) Easy  
From Phortse we descend to the bridge over the DudhKosi at Phunki where there are water
driven prayer wheels, then climb and contour around the hillside to Namche. First part of
walk is bit step up and difficult. After Namche the way descend down to Manjo. Now we are
taking the same way back. It will take about 5 hours trekking.
 
Day 15: Manjo to Lukla 2840m, (5hrs) O/N lodge (B L D) Easy 
From Manjo the trail descends steeply by crossing many small villages like Chamuwa,
ThuloGumela, Bangkar by following the same river of DudhKoshi. Their after we reach
and Pass  the village of Phakding (2610m) where we spent an over night on day 02. As we
are already the last part of our trekking and it is already lowland as well so every one feel
easy and dreaming a better food and accommodation of Kathmandu. By passing the
village Ghat, Choplung, Chaunrikharka and we reach to Lukla an end of happy trekking.
 
Day 16: Lukla fly to Kathmandu, End of the trek (B L ) 

Early morning flight to Kathmandu. Even some time due to the weather condition we have
to wait sometime in the airport. Afternoon free to tour around Kathmandu
 
Day 17:  Sightseeing & free day in Kathmandu and farewell dinner O/N hotel (B D)
Guide and transport is included. Lunch by yourself.  Well, in Kathmandu there are so many
world heritage sites including ancient places, many Hindu temples, Bouddha Stupas and
Gompas. with all these we can see our old civilisation. We have many pilgrimage sites.
 
Day 18:  An Official end of the trip and departure to airport (B) 
 
The cost for above mentioned trip is USD 1527.00 per person based on 3/4 star
accommodation in Kathmandu An extra porter USD 272.00 single accommodation USD
95.00. If you like to add or less day or change the itinerary please let me know and will
discuss later.
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 weather condition as well.