Everest Base Camp Via Gokyo Valley

Welcome to Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. Today is your first day with Bucket List Adventure Travel. Therefore, we send one of our company representatives to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who will further escort you to a tourist standard hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. If possible, we also schedule a meeting at our office, for the briefing regarding the trek followed by an introduction session with other team members (especially Sherpas and guides). Today, we also arrange a welcome dinner in one of the most popular local restaurants, where you can also enjoy the ethnic dance and cultural music along with great Nepali food. If your flight arrives late, both the meeting and the dinner can be scheduled for the following day.

Meals included: Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Nepali food, Cultural music and Ethnic dance.)

The capital, Kathmandu valley itself, is a huge area of natural, cultural and historical sites. Therefore, today, we take you on a few hour tours to the major attractions of Kathmandu valley. After spending few hours observing these wonderful sites, we again meet for a few hours to finalize your clothing and trekking gears (down jacket, trekking boots, sleeping bags etc.) required during the trek. The night will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals included: Breakfast

(Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square-a historical structure offering architectural wonder, the Pashupatinath temple-a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- lord possessing the power of destruction, Swyambhunath and Boudhanat-a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha- Light of Asia.

Optional site:Another World Heritage site ‘Patan Durbar Square’ along with other historical masterpieces like Mahabouddha Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and Kumbeshwor Temple.)

Today is the first day of the trek and our destination is Phakding. We will be escorted in a private vehicle to the Tribhuvan International Airport to board an early morning flight to Lukla. After 30-35 min the plane will finally land at the Lukla Airport (Tenzing Hillary Airport). On reaching the airport, we will be introduced to the other crew members awaiting our arrival. At the same time, luggage will also be prepared for the porters. Once everything is set, the ultimate trek begins towards the destination of the day, leaving Lukla behind. After four hours of downhill and flat trail experience, we finally reach Phakding. You can freshen up and rest for some time. Then we will go for a short walk in the village of Phakding or even a hike to nearby Gompas for acclimatization purpose. The night will be spent at a lodge in Phakding.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Wonderful aerial view of the terrain from the plane, colorful Lukla village, ‘Mani’ prayer rocks, Phakding village and ‘Gompas’ monasteries, downhill and flat trail)

Today is the second day of the trek and our destination is Namche Bazaar. Without wasting a single minute we leave Phakding and move towards Monju crossing a few suspension bridges and small settlements. Monju is popularly recognized as the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. On reaching Sagarmatha National Park, the team leaders will take care of the necessary national park formalities at entrance, while you can enjoy small tea houses and shops. We then enter the national park, from where a vertical drop down the hill will bring us across a few suspension bridges. On crossing these bridges the trail leads uphill towards Namche Bazaar that offers the first view of Mt. Everest along with other peaks. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

(Highlights of the day: small settlements like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa and Monju, Sagarmatha National Park, small tea houses and shops, suspension bridges, steep trail, Namche Bazaar and the very first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Kusum Khangru.)

Today, the third day of the trek, we get involved in the activities that help us to adapt to the change in altitude and thinning air. Remaining active is the best way to acclimatize. Therefore, instead of resting, we visit nearby popular Sherpa villages like Khumjung and Khunde, which further aids in acclimatization. We explore the monasteries and the lifestyle of the people at Namche. Namche bazaar offers varieties of options to spend the day. Hence, the remaining day can either be spent visiting the National Park Head office, Museum and other nearby monasteries or, you can also spend some quality time at cafes and bakeries or talking to your family making internet calls. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Thame-an old Sherpa village, settlements like Khumjung/Khunde/Khongde, National Park Head office, Museum, monasteries, cafes, bakeries, shops, restaurants, post office, hospital, government health post, 24 hour electricity and water supply and high speed internet access)

Today is the fourth day of the trek and our destination is Dhole. Leaving Namche Bazaar behind, an easy walk will take us to Kyangjuma that offers one of the best views of towering peaks. The walk continues through the rhododendron forest until we reach Sanasa, which is a major trail junction of Gokyo Valley and the Everest Base Camp. Leaving the Everest Base Camp trail, we follow the stone steps trail that lies on our left hand side and walk towards Mong. From Mong, a slight descent will take us to the bank of the Dudh Koshi River as we cross Phortse Thanga. We hike up till Tenga, following the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. From here, leaving the bank of the river, we further hike up to Dhole through birch and rhododendron forest. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dhole.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Splendid view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Khumbila (a sacred mountain of the patron god of the Khumbu region, first view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega & Thamserku, longest Mani wall (prayer stone) in the Khumbu region, monastery, birch and rhododendron forest featuring musk deer, Himalayan thar, pheasants, and a wonderful view of the waterfalls.)

Today is the fifth day of the trek and our destination is Machhermo. As we hike up from Dhole, the vegetation becomes sparse, which is definitely dominated by the magnificent view of the nearing peak. We first climb a short scenic ridge and head towards north, enjoying the mountain views. A gentle ascend will first take us to Luza, from where we walk down to the river. Then a steep climb will take us to the terminal moraine of Ngozumba glacier. From here, we head towards Machherma, which is the last major settlement on the way to Gokyo. The night will be spent at a lodge in Machhermo.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Magnificent views of snow capped peaks, tea shops, terminal moraine of Ngozumba glacier and few small settlements.)

Today is the sixth day of the trek and this day will take us to one of the destinations of this trek, Gokyo Valley. We first climb up the ridge, then an easy flat walk will take us to the bottom of the small rocky mountain. After a short climb, we cross a bridge and get to the first Gokyo lake (Lonspunga Tso). We continue towards the second Gokyo lake (Taujung Tsho). Following the west bank of the glacier, we walk up to the third Gokyo lake (Gokyo Tsho). On reaching the lake the walk continues till the east bank of the lake where lodges are located. The remaining days will be spent exploring the lakes and glacier. The night will be spent at a lodge in Gokyo.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: First lake, where we get to observe the footprints of ancient Lamas, splendid turquoise blue Second Lake and Third Lake, splendid view of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Thamsermu, Gokyo Village and the facilities offered by the lodges in the village.)

Today is the seventh day of the trek and the day is spent exploring the valley. First, we climb up the Gokyo RI (5,630m) above the village on the northern edge of the lake. We spend some time relishing the view of the magnificent mountains. Then, we walk down to the lodge, have lunch and hike around the glacier. The night will be spent at a lodge in Gokyo Valley.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Excellent view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu from Gokyo RI, Gokyo RI is also a famous vantage point of a series of six Gokyo lakes, magnificent view and experience of Ngozumba glacier-the longest glacier in the Himalayas.)

Today is the eighth day of the trek and our destination is Dragnag. Leaving the Third Lake behind, we start to walk early in the morning as we need to walk across the Ngozumba glacier. We cross the glacier before the sun gets stronger, as during the sunny days the ice melts, making the trail more slippery and difficult to walk. After crossing the glacier, following the east bank of the glacier, we slightly descend to Dragnag. The rest of the day can also be spent hiking nearby hills, which helps to acclimatize. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dragnag.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Slippery trail across Ngozumba glacier, view of small ice lakes formed by the glacier, ice falling with the sound of ice cracks, small hill hiking in Dragnag.)

oday is the ninth day of the trek and our destination is Dzongla via Chola pass. Today we reach the second destination of the trek, Chola Pass (5,420m). Initially, we walk a vertical uphill trail along a small stream crossing Chola Phedi. Then, the trail drops down to the bottom of the Chola pass. The trail here is icy, slippery and difficult to cross. From the base, a steep rocky ascent will take us to the top of the Chola Pass. The top greets you with flapping prayer flag and a wonderful view of Gokyo Valley. After spending some time here, a steep descend following icy (use of crampons recommended) and rocky trail will first take us to the valley, from where Dzongla is fairly an easy walk. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dzongla.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Magnificent view of Ama Dablam & Cholatse and the Gokyo Valley from Cho La pass, flapping prayer flags on top of Chola pass, experience of difficult, icy, slippery and rocky up and downhill trail, and a grand view of Cholatse North face from Dzongla.)

Today is the tenth day of the trek and our destination is Lobuche. From Dzongla, the trail continues to descend east, crossing Chola and then taking the trail on the left side, we continue to hike up to the place where the trail meets the Everest Base Camp trail. Further ascend from here will finally take us to Lobuche. After having lunch, we also hike a bit and explore the Khumbu Glacier. The night will be spent at a lodge in Lobuche.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Splendid views of mountains and glaciers, tombstone of trekkers who lost their lives in the glacier, view of the Khumbu and Lobuche glacier.)

Today is the eleventh day of the trek and we finally reach the major destination of the trek, the Everest Base Camp. Following the west bank of the Khumbu Glacier, the trail continues to ascend till Lobuche pass. Shortly after crossing this pass, we come across a junction of Changri Nup and Changri Shar Glacier that merge to Khumbu Glacier. We walk across the glacier to reach Gorakshep, located at the bottom of Kala Patthar. Leaving the trail that leads to Kala Patthar, we hike up to the base camp of the Everest. We spend some time exploring the area and then walk back down to the lodge at Gorakshep. The remaining day will be spent either exploring the area or simply resting at the lodge. The night will be spent at a lodge in Gorakshep.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Experience of glaciers like Khumbu, Lobuche, Changri Nup and Changri Shar, Lobuche & Thokla pass, north ridge of Everest along with 360 degree vista of snowy mountains like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, a glimpse of Kala Pathhar, rocky and glacial trail and the Everest Base Camp marked with colorful prayer flags.)

Today is the twelfth day of the trek and our destination is Pheriche, after a hike to Kala Patthar. Today, we first hike up to Kala Patthar, which is considered the best vantage point in the entire Khumbu region. Today we start early, in fact, before breakfast to see the early morning sun rays striking the mountains. Initially, we hike for about two hours, which will take us to Kala Pathhar. We enjoy the sunrise view in the mountains, spend some time taking pictures and relishing the view, then we hike down to Gorakshep for breakfast. Following the same route used earlier, we hike down to Lobuche. After walking for some time, we cross Thokla pass and further walk down towards the suspension bridge at Dughla. We cross the suspension bridge and then walk down to Pheriche. The night will be spent at a lodge in Pheriche.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day:Sunrise view and the mind blogging view of majestic Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Amadablam, Thamserku, Mera Peak and other peaks of the Everest region from Kala Patthar, and a second chance to experience the view of glaciers like Changri Shar, Changri Nup and Khumbu, the experience of Lobuche pass and Thokla pass, tombstones and small settlements like Lobuche, Dhughla, Phulaji and Pheriche.)

Today is the thirteenth day of the trek and our destination is Namche Bazaar. In the beginning, the downhill walk is quite easy. We pass through the yak grazing area of Somare, and then crossing the village of Pangboche and Deboche we reach Tengboche, through the rhododendron forest. From Tengboche, a vertical descend will take us to the bridge across the Dudhkoshi river. On crossing the bridge, we again hike up to Kyagjuma, crossing Sanasa. A fairly easy, downhill walk will finally take us to Namche Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Vertical and flat trail experience, lifestyle and settlement of people in the settlements like Somare, Pangboche, Deboche, Tengboche, Phunke Tenga, Khyangjuma and Namche featuring a number of monasteries and Chortens, Tengboche Monastery – the largest monastery in the Khumbu region, along with the view of majestic peaks: Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Tawache, a walk through rhododendron, pine and juniper forest, water driven prayer wheels, stone-steps, the longest Mani walls, Tenzing Norgye Memorial Stupa, and the modern facilities at Namche Bazaar.)

Today is the last day of the trek and our destination is Lukla. Starting Namche, a 6-7 hour trek will finally take us to Lukla. The trail continues downhill towards the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, where the Bhote Koshi River meets the Dudh Koshi River at Larja Dobhan. A slight descent from here will then take us to Monjo (entry and exit point of the Sagarmatha National Park). After the national park exit formalities, we walk down to cross a suspension bridge across Kyashar Khola, and following the east bank of the Bhote Koshi River, we further walk towards another bridge over the Bhote Koshi River. Now, following the west bank of the Bhote Koshi River, we walk down to Phakding. From Phakding, the trail descends till Thado Koshi Gaon, and a gradual ascent from here will finally take us to Lukla. Today, after reaching Lukla, you can either spend your time with the crew member or opt for some alone time to recollect the memories made during the past few days. The night will be spent at a lodge in Lukla.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Last view of Mt. Everest from Namche Bazaar, Kongde RI from Phakding and Kusum Khangkaru from Thado Koshigaon, beautiful rhododendron and Magnolia forest, trail accompanied by various prayer rocks –Mani wall and monasteries including 500 years old monastery – Pemacholing Monastery, small Sherpa settlements like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa and Monju, and finally the colorful village of Lukla.)

Today is your last day in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Our Sherpas will carry your luggage to the airport, while other formalities will be taken care by your team leader. Once the plane lands at the airport, we will directly board the plane and fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning, enjoying the scenic view once again from the sky. A comfortable private vehicle will be awaiting our arrival in Kathmandu Airport, which will safely escort you to the hotel. In the evening, we meet for some time to discuss your trek and get feedback. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals included: Breakfast

(Highlights of the day: Wonderful aerial view of the terrain from the plane, tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu)

Today is the last day of your trip in Nepal with Bucket List Adventure Travel. If your flight is scheduled early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. But, if the flight is scheduled later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around shopping areas in Kathmandu. However, if you are planning to spend some extra days in Nepal, we can also make the arrangements for some other top adventurous activities that you can attend while you are in Nepal.

The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7:30am. In case of special days (sunrise viewing days), our guides will wake you up early in the morning at around 4-5 am. A western breakfast: porridge, oats, toasts, etc. will be served at around 8:00-8:30am. The lunch will be served from a teahouse menu at about 12-1pm. However, the lunch time can also be postponed on request. The dinner will be served at around 8:30-9:00pm. Your accommodation is arranged in a lodge or local guest house during the trek and a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.

While you are walking, you can also request your guide to slow down and stop at the places where you want to take some snaps. After dinner and before going to the bed your team leader will brief you regarding the next day’s schedule.