Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo via Chola Pass

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, a Wind Horse representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure until the evening.

Later in the evening, there will be a briefing followed by dinner, along with a cultural performance, at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu

Today, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

At Kathmandu Durbar Square, you will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments. Following that, you will drive to Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Here, you will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries. Afterward the visit, you will proceed to the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple. The evening is free for you to shop for any last supplies or gear needed for your upcoming trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular, and the landing is an exciting experience. One end of the runway is 60 meters higher than the other. The flight is typically on a small Dornier or Twin Otter aircraft, with duration of around 25–30 minutes.

Upon arrival at Lukla (2800m), you will meet your guides and porters before commencing the trek towards Phakding. Begin the trek by descending gradually for about 2 hours to Thado Koshi, then gradually ascend, crossing several suspension bridges, passing through villages, and finally arriving at Phakding (2610m). Overnight in Phakding.

Following the Dudh Koshi River, the trail traverses through Sherpa settlements such as Bengkar and Chumao, and then enters the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Crossing over the Hillary Hanging Bridge, continue with a steep uphill climb to Chautara, where you get the first glimpse of Everest through the trees.

Continue the ascent to reach the vibrant Namche Bazaar (3440m), the pulsating heart of the Sherpa community, offering accommodations, cafes, and stores vending souvenirs and trekking essentials. Namche Bazaar serves as an ideal location to procure any forgotten items and acclimatize to the altitude for the remainder of the day. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Today is set as an acclimatization day, and you will embark on a short hike to Syangboche Hotel Everest View, situated at 3880m, which takes about 1-2hrs. This location is renowned as one of the best vantage points, offering breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks.

After relishing at the panoramic scenery, a brief descent on the other side leads you to the large village of Khumjung, home to Hillary’s School. Following the visit, you will descend back to Namche, where you have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore on your own. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Leaving Namche, it is a brief ascent until you’ll reach Kyangjungma, an area with charming tea shops where the trail from Khumjung also converges. The view of Everest and Ama Dablam are excellent from this part of the trail. The journey continues, leading through the quaint settlement of Sanasa before descending to the river at Phunkithenga (3300m).

From this point, the trail takes a steep ascent, weaving through pine and rhododendron forests along the hillside, eventually reaching the saddle where the Tengboche Monastery rests at 3870m. Passing through these rhododendron trees on a clear day provides breathtaking vistas of Himalayan giants like Kongde, Taboche, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega, and Thamserku. Overnight in Tengboche.

Descending through a picturesque forest adorned with rhododendrons, birches, and conifers will bring you to Deboche (3820m). This quaint village hosts a few lodges and a nunnery. Continuing along the journey, you will cross over a stunning hanging bridge and ascend to Pangboche village (3980m). At Pangboche, you will have the option to visit Pangboche Monastery, situated higher up the village.

Beyond Pangboche, the trail ascends above the tree lines through alpine meadows adorned with scrub juniper and a vibrant display of wildflowers during the summer. Along the trail, you will encounter several yak herders’ camps, after crossing a river the trail ascends to a small ridge, arriving at Dingboche(4410). Dingboche is a large village offering breathtaking mountain vistas, and the only place in this region where barley is grown. Overnight in Dingboche.

At this point in the journey, it is crucial to allocate a second day for acclimatization owing to the substantial altitude gain. Today’s plan involves a hike to Nangkartshang hill, situated at an altitude of almost 5,100 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of prominent peaks like Taboche, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam.

This vantage point also provides stunning vistas overlooking the Imja and Pheriche Valleys. Following this exploration, you will return to Dingboche to spend the night. Overnight in Dingboche.

Departing Dingboche, the trail gradually climbs through the highlands adorned with sparse alpine shrubs. After crossing a lively stream, a short ascent will lead you to Thugla (4600m), the designated lunch spot for the day’s journey.

Beyond Thugla, the path steepens, passing by stone memorials decorated with vibrant prayer flags, erected in memory of climbers who have passed away. Continuing on the trek, after a brief stretch, you will reach the small settlement of Lobuche (4950m). This village presents breathtaking panoramic views of Nuptse, Lobuche, and Pumori. Overnight in Lobuche.

Today is one of the most highly anticipated segments of the trek: the journey to Everest Base Camp. The initial phase entails a relatively level walk, transitioning into a path navigating across rocky highlands and glaciers until arriving at Gorakshep (5,164m).

This small settlement stands as the final permanent outpost, adorned with trekking lodges perched on the periphery of the Khumbu Icefall. After taking a short break, you will traverse alongside the Khumbu glacier moraine for an additional hour and a half to finally reach the Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Congratulations on reaching the base camp! Capture the breathtaking scenery around you, including the majestic peaks, the sprawling Khumbu Glacier, and the mesmerizing Khumbu Icefalls. Absorb the vibrant sight of expedition tents, creating a colorful contrast against the natural backdrop, and then make your way back to Gorakshep for an overnight stay. Overnight in Gorakshep.

You will embark on an early morning hike to Kala Patthar, situated at an altitude of 5,540m(although recent measurements suggest it exceeds 5600m). This challenging yet brief hike covers approximately 1.5 kilometers and involves a rapid ascent of about 400 meters within an hour from Gorakshep.

The trail steeply ascends, offering glimpses of Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse after a 100-meter climb. Continuing upward, a breathtaking vista of the Khumbu glacier and the Nuptse massif awaits you. The final ascent to the rocky vantage point of Kala Patthar places you in the midst of an awe-inspiring Himalayan panorama, showcasing majestic peaks, icefalls, and sprawling glaciers.

After marveling at the panoramic vistas, you then descend to Gorakshep for breakfast. After breakfast, you will trace your steps back toward Lobuche, and continue towards Dzongla. Overnight in Dzongla.

Today’s trek is both arduous and captivating, featuring diverse terrains and stunning vistas. Initially, the journey unfolds along a flat path traversing yak pastures before gradually transforming into a challenging ascent, culminating in a steep uphill trek towards the majestic Cho La Pass.

As you navigate the icy trail skirting the Cho La glacier, the ascent intensifies, leading you to the summit adorned with vibrant prayer flags dancing in the brisk mountain breeze. At this vantage point, a breathtaking panorama of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche, and Baruntse awaits you.

Descending sharply from the pass, the trail leads to Phedi before transitioning into a gradual climb towards the charming village of Thangnak Kharka. Overnight in Thangnak Kharka.

Today’s hike follows a relatively shorter route than previous days. The journey towards Gokyo, traverses thgough the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Along this path, a picturesque landscape unfolds, characterized by a flat terrain offering splendid views. En route, you will encounter the pristine beauty of the first and second lakes before arriving at the third lake.

Nestled by the third lake rests Gokyo village, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Gokyo Peak. The trek promises a blend of natural beauty and panoramic vistas, making it a memorable leg of the journey. Overnight in Gokyo.

Hiking up to Gokyo Ri at an altitude of 5,330 meters is an extraordinary adventure that offer panoramic vistas of some of the world’s tallest peaks such as Mount Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Pumori, Nuptse, and others.

Begin your hike early in the morning to make the most of the daylight and to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas. Once at the summit of Gokyo Ri, take your time to absorb the incredible vistas. The view of the mountains and the surrounding Gokyo Valley is truly captivating. Soak in the beauty, and appreciate the natural magnificence of the Himalayas before descending to your lodge at Gokyo.

After lunch, depending on your energy levels and available time, you can take a walk around the 4th or 5th Gokyo Lakes. These locations provide different vantage points and perspectives of the surrounding mountains. Overnight in Gokyo.

Today’s hike goes alongside the Dudh Koshi river, with the breathtaking views of the Gokyo Lakes and the towering peaks of Taboche and Cholatse. Along this trail lie several charming villages, such as Machhermo, Lhabarma, and Luza, each offering a distinct peek into the rich local culture and Sherpa way of life. These villages also provide opportunities to rest, enjoy local hospitality, and learn about the traditions of the region. Overnight in Dole.

Descending from Dole, you will navigate a steep pathway that winds through picturesque forests adorned with rhododendron and pine trees to Phortse Thenga. Phortse Thenga situated on a river valley offers a perfect and scenic spot for a well-deserved rest.

Continuing onward from Phortse Tenga, the trail gradually ascends towards Mongla, presenting panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. Further along, the path descends towards Sanasa, intersecting with the classic Everest trekking route. From Sanasa, the journey follows the iconic Everest route, leading you towards the vibrant and bustling hub of Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Today you have a long hike from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. You will descend along a rocky path, cross over the Dudh Koshi river multiple times. Then finally ascend over a steep trial to Lukla. Overnight in Lukla.

Today, you will bid goodbye to the stunning Khumbu Valley and take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. With the rest of the day at your disposal, you have the opportunity to rest and relax or venture out and explore the local market. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today has been designated as a contingency day in case the flight from Lukla is canceled due to the unpredictable mountain weather, which unfortunately occurs quite frequently. In the event that everything proceeds as scheduled, you are free to spend this day as you wish. You might opt to go souvenir shopping or, if you prefer, you can request for a additional sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight.