This challenging trek to Everest Base Camp via the sacred turquoise lakes of Gokyo offers some of the best mountain views in all of Nepal. After a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla, we will follow the Dudh Kosi ("Milk River") into Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park and to the Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar (11,283'). We'll have a couple of days here to rest and explore. To aid acclimatization, you can day hike to Khumjung, home of the first Hillary school and a gompa (monastery) containing a skull of the legendary yeti. Setting off from Namche, we'll trek a high, open trail that reveals the extraordinary depths of the valleys and heights of the surrounding mountains. We will make a steep descent through rhododendron and pine forests to reach our campsite in Phortse Tenga (Phortse "by the river"). Our next morning's hike will bring us to Dole (13,776'). The varied terrain and increase in altitude to Dole, then on to Machermo and Gokyo Lakes make for a challenging hike. On your first afternoon in Gokyo, you may choose to walk the lakeside trail, or just sit back and enjoy the reflection of the surrounding peaks in the lake's glacial waters. Rising for an early morning start to reach the summit of Gokyo Ri (17,548') rewards you with a view rivaling the celebrated vista from atop Kala Pattar seen later in our trek. By now feeling fit and acclimatized, we will travel acrossthe Ngozumpa glacier, camping the night at Thangnak (15,416'). We'll continue the next day over the infamous Cho La (17,778') to Dzongla for hot tea and a much deserved rest. From Dzongla, we will gradually make our way toward Lobuche along the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Early morning next day, we will hike to Gorak Shep at the base of Kala Pattar, the "Black Rock". You will have the option of an early morning climb to the summit of Kala Pattar (18,188') for a panoramic view of some of the highest peaks of the Himalaya, including Everest at 29,035', Nuptse, and Pumori. At the foot of the imposing Khumbu Icefall, a 3-hour trek from Gorak Shep, is Everest Base Camp, the provisional community of some of the world's most eminent mountaineers. Depending on the time of year, we will visit with members of the Arun mountaineering expedition teams preparing for their assault on the world's highest mountains. We will make our way back to Lukla via Pangboche, Tengboche and Namche for our return flight to Kathmandu. As with all our adventures, this extended trek to the base of Everest includes 2 days in 3-star accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu both before and after your trek. You will have time to relax and explore this fascinating city and the surrounding Kathmandu Valley. After your long trek, the hot shower and cold beverages waiting in Kathmandu will no doubt be among the best of your life!
ITINERARY
Day 1 |
Arrival Kathmandu |
Day 2 |
Kathmandu |
Day 3 |
Fly Lukla - trek Phakding |
Day 4 |
Namche |
Day 5 |
Namche |
Day 6 |
Phortse Tenga |
Day 7 |
Dole |
Day 8 |
Machermo |
Day 9 |
Gokyo Lakes |
Day 10 |
Gokyo Ri - Gokyo Lakes |
Day 11 |
Thangnak |
Day 12 |
Cross Cho La - Dzongla |
Day 13 |
Lobuche |
Day 14 |
Gorak Shep -Everest basecamp |
Day 15 |
Kala Pattar; Pheriche |
Day 16 |
Tengboche |
Day 17 |
Namche |
Day 18 |
Lukla |
Day 19 |
Fly Kathmandu |
Day 20 |
Kathmandu |
Day 21 |
Flight Home or Extend |
Dates Offered 2007
March 20 - April 10
April 02- April 21
April 22 - May 13
May 07 - May 28
May 15 - June 04
Oct. 03 - Oct. 24
Oct. 25 - Nov. 14
Nov. 02 - Nov. 23
Dec. 10 - Jan. 01
