Khumbu region is considered as one of well-known areas for trekking in the world. Thousands of visitors pay their visit annually in this marvelous region. The inhabitants of the region are the legendary Sherpas. These hardy people have carved an existence since time immemorial from the frozen landscape. Deep in the Himalaya, in a quite remote valley, are the magnificent azure blue Gokyo Lakes. The series of glacial lakes are set in beautiful high altitude wilderness dominated by the great peaks of Cho Oyu, (8153m.) and Gyachungkang (7922m.). Quite less well-known than the main Everest trail, a trek in this valley provides stunning views of many Himalayan giants. This high altitude trek explores the heart of the Sherpa homeland, visiting Namche Bazaar,and Tyangboche before ascending to our destination.
Justifiably acknowledged as one of Nepal's most famous treks to the Khumbu Mountains & Sherpa settlements, the trek offers a unique experience to the visitors. The trail to Gokyo and Chola Pass is a gradual ascent up the valley passing through patches of birch and rhododendron forest where the elusive musk deer can sometimes be seen. Through small yak-grazing settlements we reach the Gokyo Lakes where we ascend the Gokyo Peak (5480m) and enjoy stunning mountains summit views including Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyo.
Visiting the Cho La pass, we reach Dzongla. The views of Ama Dablam and Taweche look spectacular from here. Ascending Zhongla, we continue towards Gorak Shep and climb to Kala Pattar (5545m) from where we enjoy an impressive close-up view of Everest. Our return route passes through Tengboche monastery, where we rest and savor the incredible scenery, including magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6809m), Kwangde (6194m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8511m).
Itinerary :
Day 01:
Kathmandu (1320m)
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Upon arrival at the airport, you would be received by our representative and then transfer to hotel.
Day 02:
Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m) and then to Phakding (2640m.)
We take early flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.). Upon arrival at Lukla, we would be refreshed in one of the hotels and then start our trek to Phakding (2640 m.). We trek following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in a stone throwing distance on the opposite bank. In the late afternoon, we reach Phakding.
Day 03:
Phakding to Namche Bazzar (3440m.)
Having breakfast at Phakding, we commence our trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.).The trail goes along the right bank of Dudh Koshi. Thamserku is standing majestically skyward on the opposite bank. We then reach Bengar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. We continue along the trail with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village Monjo. We then come to Sagarmatha National Park Service where a park entrance fee is to be deposited. We follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks Dudh Koshit to the right Bhote Koshi to the left. Now we begin steep ascent to Namche Bazar. On the way, we would have excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.).Surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges, Namche Bazar (3440m) is a central hub of the area for food, trekking gears and other necessary goods.
Day 04:
Acclimatization at Namche Bazzar
We take rest at Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) for acclimatization. It is considered as an ideal place for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading towards Tyangboche. We go up to Khhumjung monastery. It is a small settlement of Sherpa community. We enjoy the splendid view of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, Kwangde and so on from here. While returning to Namche, we would visit Museum just above the town that exhibits Sherpa culture.
Day 05:
Namche Bazaar to Khumjung (3780m.)
Taking breakfast at Namche Bazaar, we would be heading towards Khumjung (3780m.).
The route starts by climbing up to the Shyangboche airstrip just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. Overnight at Khumjung.
Day 06:
Khumjung to Dole (4040m)
Leaving Khumjung we have a choice of two trails up to Mong La. The left one goes trough the rocks, steep up. The right one is used as yak trail. Both the trails join just before Mong La. After steep down to Phortse Tanga, the trail goes gently to Dole passing through patches of birch and rhododendron forest where the elusive musk deer can sometimes be seen.
Day 07:
Dole to Machermo (4410m).
Today we would be trekking from Dole to Machermo (4410m.). Walking along the alpine meadow enjoying yaks and alpine highland birds and flowers, with view of Cho Oyu (8153m) to the North is rewarding one. Overnight stay at machermo.
Day 08:
Machermo to Gokyo Lake (4750m).
We climb up the moraine on the far side of the village and then walk gently downhill to the village of Fanka. The path enters a very steep region where the path is cut into a cliff. Arrive at the foot of a rock staircase and begin the slow climb upwards. We then enter at a wooden bridge over the Dudh Kosi and mark the first of the Gokyo Lakes, populated with its amazing high altitude ducks. Just before Gokyo, there is a chautara (resting place) covered with prayer flags. Gokyo village can be seen from here.
Day 09:
Gokyo Lake to Gokyo Ri (5,333m.) and back to Gokyo Lake
We climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri early in the morning to have stunning views of the upper Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas like- Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu (8481m), Cho-Oyu (8153m) and Gychung Kang (7922m) and many more.
Day 10:
Gokyo to Tagnag (4661m)
We trek down from the Gokyo Valley to Tagnag. Along the way, we experience the Himalayan culture and life. We cross the crevassed glacier and reach the lateral moraine at a far. The village is just below a small cliff.
Day 11:
Tagnag to Dzongla (4830m) via Cho La Pass (5330m).
We leave Tagnag following the path alongside the stream through the yak pastures. On the way, we can see the Cho La. We make our attempt to top the Cho La (5,420m.). Overnight stay at Dzongla.
Day 12:
Dzongla to Lobuche (4930m)
Leaving Dzongla, we climb up for about 20 minutes up, and then gently follow the path to Lobuche. Overnight stay at Lobuche.
Day 13:
Lobuche (4900m.) to Gorakshep (5180m.)
Trek from Lobuche (4900m.) to Gorakshep (5180m.). We will have our lunch at Gorakshep and walk to Everest Base Camp (5486m.). We will spend some hours in the Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep. We trek on glacier and snow capped rocks. We would also see many small frozen lakes around the Everest Base Camp.
Day 14:
Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and then to Pheriche (4243m.)
Today we trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and then to Pheriche (4243m.) We climb Kala Patthar (5545m.) in the morning to enjoy the view of sunrise. Besides, we would also have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more. There is telephone service at Pheriche from where one can make telephonic conversations to any part of the world. The town of Pheriche is known as windy town as the flow of wind is high at all times. Pheriche is also popular due to the establishment of Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post where foreign volunteer doctors provide medical treatment to trekkers as well as local people.
Day 15:
Pheriche to Phortse (3750m.)
Now we trek from Pheriche to Phortse (3750m.). On the way, one can have a look at wild animals like mountain goat, musk deer and many species of himalayan birds. There are monasteries as well at Pangboche and Phortse which were believed to have been constructed during the 16th century. The Pangboche village has also gained its popularity for highest settlement on earth.
Day 16:
Phortse (3750m.) to Khumjung (3790m.)
We trek from Phortse (3750m.) to Khumjung (3790m.).The trail here descends for early twenty minutes and ascends up steeply for almost one hour to Mongla (4000m.). From this spot, you can see the panoramic view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kangaru, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. Now the trail descends and ascends frequently up to Khumjung. The Khumjung village is said to be the largest settlement of Khumbu region. There is well-equipped high school built by Edmund Hillary in 1960. Besides, there is an old monastery where the skull of Yeti is believed to have been preserved.
Day 17:
Khumjung to Thame (3800m.)
It is our turn to trek from Khumjung to Thame (3800m.). At Thame, one can visit many ancient monasteries. One can experience the real Sherpa culture at Thame.
Day 18:
Thame to Monjo (2835m.)
Today we trek from Thame to Monjo (2835m.). While trekking from Thame to Monjo we come across Sherpa settlements and interact with the friendly Sherpa people. Upon arrival at Monjo, we get into one of the best lodges of the area.
Day 19:
Monjo to Lukla (2800m.)
Having lunch at Monjo, we trek to Lukla (2800m.). En route, we gradually descend along the bank of Dudh Koshi River. We would have plenty of opportunities to walk over suspension bridges.
Day 20:
Lukla to Kathmandu
We board our early flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. Upon arrival at TIA, we would be received by our representatives and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, we would go for shopping. Farewell dinner would be served in Bhojan Griha, a typical Nepali hotel.
Day 21:
Back home destination.
Price for the Trip :
Group Size
1 - 2 Pax
2 - 4 Pax
4 - 8 Pax
8 -15 Pax
Budget Trip
US$ 1080.00
US$ 1040.00
US$ 1002.00
US$ 960.00
Standard Trip
US$ 1240.00
US$ 1202.00
US$ 1160.00
US$ 1120.00
Deluxe Trip
US$ 1440.00
US$ 1404.00
US$ 1360.00
US$ 1320.00
Price Includes:
Ground transportation all meals (Breakfast/lunch/dinner with tea/coffee), accommodation in teahouses, a guide, entry permits, all necessaries for Nepalese staff (all meals, accommodation in tea houses, equipments, insurance etc).
Price Excludes:
Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water, cold drinks), cigarettes, clients personal insurance, any kind of unforeseen expenses etc.
Flight ticket for clients Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu.
Flight ticket for guide Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
Note: The departure schedule can be changed on any unavoidable circumstances such as weather hazards, trail slides, and avalanches.
