Everest BC Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass Trek

Day 01: Fly to Lukla(2,860 mt/9,383 ft) and trek to Phakding  (2,652 mt/8,595 ft) - 4 hours

Everest Base Camp trek, it starts from Kathmandu flight to Lukla. Usually the flight departs early in the morning, so one has to get ready early and be at the airport in time (5 am) which will be accompanied by our Trek Guide. The flight to Lulka could be menanching to some  as it is taken one of the daunting airports elevated at higher altitude. The flight duration will be 45 minutes.

As soon as you get off at the airport, you will feel the chillness in the weather. Upon clear weather snow-capped himalayas will be on your foresight. Porter will be meeting the groups and you can separate essential and day pack items. One check post at Lukla known as Pasang Municipality will check our TIMS and permit then we will march on.

Today’s walk will be quite less as we will be staying at lower elevation than Lukla itself. A few hours walk from the airport crossing a few suspension bridges, streams and villages. The walk is interesting through the paved path, mane rocked embellished with mantras and prayer flags frequently passing trekkers and livestocks. And for tonight we will spend overnight at Phakding which is a small settlement by the bank of the river.

Day 02: Phakding (2,652 mt/8,595 ft) to Namche (3,440 mt/11,286 ft) - 6 hours 

After an early morning breakfast we will start our day. A few places like Banker, Manjo will be crossed, Manjo is the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park.

We will be crossing a few suspension bridges along the way. Path includes both uphill,downhill and narrow sections. The path is majestic through the alpine forest, mane scripted rocks along the way, players flay flattering and spreading prayers in every direction. 

The final ascent will come after crossing the highest bridge which is approximately 80 meters high which lies ahead of Namche. The ascent will take nearly 2 hours.

The walk will consist of 6 hours and tonight we will settle down in Namche which looks even more beautiful during night time.

Day 03: Namche (3,440 mt/11,286 ft) to Kyangjuma (3,620 mt/11,876 ft) via Everest Hotel (3,880 mt/12,729 ft) and Khumjung (3,970 mt/13,024ft) - 6 hours

Wake up to the mesmerizing morning, just in front of you standing tall will be Kongde Ri (6,187 mt/20,298 ft), helicopters frequently flying by and a chill breeze with a warm cup of tea/coffee.

Today’s portion of the trek will be less but the view upon clear weather will be jaw-dropping.  After the morning breakfast we will hike upto Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Statue which also offers the majestic view of Himalayas  (Mt Lhotse 8,516 meters, Mt Nuptse 7,861 meters, Mt Thamserku 6,608 meters, Mt Ama Dablam 6,812 meters). Later to Everest view Hotel where we will be having tea and snacks overlooking the mystical snow-capped mountains, it will take almost 2 hours. Then half an hour downhill to Khumjung valley where we will have our lunch.

And after lunch we will head towards Kyangjuma which is our stop tonight.

Day 04: Kyangjuma (3,620 mt/11,876 ft) to Dole (4,038 mt/13,248 ft) -5 hours

Our walk today will be accompanied by the Tengboche Monastery  (Dawa Choling Gompa, 3,867 meters), the sight of the monastery will be on the next hill whereas Phortse will be on the foreground.

The path will contain steep hills and narrow way so one must watch their steps. For the initial phase terrain will be gradual uphill for an hour then it descends down from Hilltop to Phortse Thanga. Phortse Thanga is a tiny place just above Dudh Kosi and this will also be our lunch spot. Later the path ascends up in a snaky way through the sparse forest of Rhododendrons up to Dole.

Dole is a small village facing towards the Northwest with almost 15 houses which provides a halt for the trekkers. This place offers a blissful view of Mount Ama Dablam )6,812 meters).

Day 05: Dole (4,038 mt/13,248 ft) to Machhermo (4,470 mt/14,665 ft) - 6 hours

From Dole to Machhermo, it is a short moderate uphill which is only 5 kilometers in distance. Along the we will be crossing another small exquisite village known as Luza and the next hill village is known as Thore.

Today’s terrain is plain sailing which also provides an amazing view of parched hills which touch the sky. It will take approximately 3-4 hours to Machhermo. After lunch we will hike uphill from the village for acclimatization and hike back. The hilltop extends an amazingly beautiful view of the surrounding, Dragnag, Himalayas and Chola Pass.

After we are done with our acclimatization we will have rest and prepare for tomorrow. 

Day 06: Machhermo  (4,470 mt/14,665 ft) to Gokyo lake (4,998 mt/16,400 ft) - 6/7 hours

Today also we will be ascending the same elevation as we did yesterday. The vegetation remains the same more to this we will be entering into the dessert place. Please keep your hydrated throughout the way and refill whenever you can.

You will be seeing stone boundaries made by the locals to keep yaks, naks as a shelter. The path will be rocky as we will be walking just beside the Ngozumpa Glacier. The Gokyo lake is spread upto 196 ha which is kinda enormous and mystical on that high elevation. Along the way we will come across more than two lakes. Today's walk will only be from 6-7 hours whereas the distance will be 9 kilometers.

Day 07: Early hike to Gokyo Ri(5,357 mt/17,575 ft) and trek to Dragnag (4,700 mt/15,419 ft)

We will leave quietly early in the morning because we do not want to miss the glimpse of rays touching the world highest Pinnacle. It will take almost two hour to conquer the Gokyo Ri ascent.

The view of enormous mountains covered with snow, glaciers so vast as much as eyes can see and exquisitely beautiful blue Gokyo lake stagnant there, it is more than enough to make our heart stop for a moment. Yeah, indeed it is time to fill up the vacant space on your phone and camera with photos and videos and time to take these memories back.

Later we will descend down and have lunch at Gokyo Lake then head towards Drangnag. We will be crossing an enormous glacier. After the snow in the glacier all that will be left will be huge rocks so please be cautious as you might slip your steps.

After lunch we will reach Drangnag within 4 hours and settle down here for tonight.

Day 08: Trek to Dzongla(4,830 mt/15,846) via Chola Pass (5,420 mt/17,782 ft)

Yup, today we will cross Chola Pass which is elevated at 5,420 mt, the same as the altitude of Kala Pathar. The walk could be strenuous but the achievement you will get after accomplishing it will be priceless.

You will be provided with crampons if there is hard snow. The path will be mounting upto chola Pass which will take nearly four hours then it descends down up to Dzongla. Let’s not write anything about the spectacular view you will be witnessing from the crest :).

Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (4,940 mt/16,207 ft)

Yes, Lobuche is our tonight destination.

Path follows the trail beside Chola lake which has no sweat. Just above the path lies Lobuche Base Camp. Later the path adjoin a bit ahead of Everest Memorial Chukpi Lhara. We will only scale 100 meters approximately.

The duration will only be 5-6 hours whereas distance will be 6 kilometers. Later in the evening we will sit by the central heating inside the lobby of the hotel and share our experience of the trip.

Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp  (5,360 mt/17,585 ft) and back to Gorakshep (5,164 mt/16,942 ft)

Yeah! Today is the day of reaching the Everest Base Camp. After breakfast at Lobuche we will head towards Gorakshep. After almost three hours we will be reaching at Gorakshep. The terrain will have glaciers on the ride side whereas on the left barren hill.

The path will be rocky today so one must watch their steps. Frequently passing porters and travelers will make it more crowded. Later after having Lunch in Gorakshep we will stroll towards Everest Base Camp which will take roughly two hours. Be ready to bedazzled by the creation of the omnipotent. The feeling of accomplishing what we have sought for and the memory and experience that will last forever will be achieved today.

The feeling is not describable in words, take back as memories as you can because it is the only one thing that will last forever. Those snowy-white mountains will definitely make you forget all the tiredness you have endured during the trek. Then we will head back to Gorakshep and spend the night.

Indeed it is time to talk about all the hardship that we encountered on our journey and we must hit the bed early because we got a big day tomorrow.

Day 11: Sunrise from Kala Pathar (5,545 mt/18,192 ft)  and back to Pheriche (4,371 mt/14,340 ft)

We will wake around 3 am in the morning because it will take almost two hours to reach Kalapathar and we do not want to miss the glimpse of first ray touching the world highest Pinnacle of the world, Mount Everest.

Without any doubt, this will be the moment which forsure remains forever ingrained in everyone's mind for lifetime. Do wear gloves, warm clothes, cap, buff as the crest gets windy. Imagine Mount Everest standing tall on the East whereas you are stagnant there surrounded by enormous Himalayas, thinking how on earth could this kind of place exist and you being the spy to witness everything.

It is time to fill up the space on your electronic device with pictures and videos. Later we will hike downhill towards Gorakshep then to Lobuche and Pheriche. Today's hike will be roughly 6 hours.

Day 12: Pheriche (4,371 mt/14,340 ft) to Namche (3,440 mt/11,286 ft)

Following the same trail we will hike back to Namche. Yes we will be walking two days distance in a day. As it is downhill and the majority of the path includes descending it will be a lot easier to walk back.

It will roughly take 7 hours from Pheriche to Namche Bazar, we will be spending our night here. There will be a hot spring which you can use on request or simply ask your guide to arrange for you.

Day 13: Namche (3,440 mt/11,286 ft) to Lukla (2,860 mt/9,383 ft)

Certainly, the path is long and for this reason we will have to start off early in the morning. The things, places that our sight missed while going to Base Camp will be at your sight. There might be a moment when you might feel like, is it the path that we took while ascending.

The duration of the walk could be somewhere between 7-9 hours. Tonight we will stay at Lukla and leave tomorrow accordingly.

Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu

In a day lukla airport takes more than 6 flights which starts from early in the morning. 

Just in case:

As the Lukla flight mostly depends upon the weather, we would like to inform trekkers if flight got postponed due to weather which is not in our boundary, the firm will only cover the basic expenses for a day only not further than that.

Qualification/Training

Best physical condition is required to do trekking in Nepal in high altitude. Lots of up down includes while doing trekking. We suggest running, walking, hiking in the hill, climbing stairs rather than elevator to prepare for the trek. Include swimming, rowing, biking in your daily base training.

Basic further Experience to do Trekking

• One should be able to hike for 6-7 hours a day.
• One should be able to carry 8 kg themselves on backpack for preparation.
• We suggest you to run about 4/5 miles in home for the preparation with some load on your back for 2 to 3 months to make yours climbing much more easier. Or use treadmill for everyday running and walking.
• If you have uphill location/mountain then once a week you should go to hike with load packed bag pack. If you do not have mountain and high hills then use stairs to go up/down than elevator.
• Do regular swimming, biking, rowing for additional training

1. Duffel Bag

A simple design without wheels and without foldable handles is best for your gear to be carried by porters. You can buy in thamel, although they are not as tough as the North Face Base Camp Duffel.

1. Sleeping Bag

Down-filled bags are fluffy, light and thick. 4-5 season sleeping with a muff an extra section around the neck that makes a big difference to the overall warmth of a bag is recommended. You can rent reasonable sleeping bags cheaply in Thamel.

1. Sleeping bag liner

Cotton – it saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Thamel but are more easily brought from home. Fleece ones are readily available in Thamel.

1. Down Jackets

Extremely light, warm and easy to pack – they are very handy in cold regions, especially during chilly mornings and evenings. Better to get the down jackets that can hold against -10 °C up to 3000m and -20 °C for altitudes above 3000m. They can be easily bought or rented in Thamel.  

1. Daypack

This should be comfortable with a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips. It needs to be big enough to hold all the items you need for the day till you reach the next camp like a jacket, water, camera and odds and ends.

1. Boots

Lightweight boots with good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion are the best. Look at the inner lining -leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Try them in some steep terrain before trekking to find trouble spots.

1. Socks

Quality cotton mix sports socks (3-4 pairs) are good while in the low country. Thick trekking socks (3-4) are better for higher up and cool evenings. Mostly modern trekking boots fit snugly so wearing two pairs of socks at the same time is impractical.

• Camp shoes/sandals/flip-flops

A luxury for your feet at the end of the day is the most important thing. Sandals or running shoes are good. Flip-flops, available for cheap in Thamel, is a necessity for showers during the trek.

• Fleece Jacket

Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket. In Thamel you can get almost any sort of fleece you need.

• Wind Jacket

Windproof and breathable jackets are comfort during windy days. Make sure they have hoods. Gore-tex (or similar) jackets are recommended for treks over passes or climbing trips. Lighter jackets should be a second jacket, easy to throw in the daypack in warmer days.

• Raincoat or Poncho

Bringing a raincoat/poncho or an umbralia is a sensible thing when you are in the mountains as you never know when Mother Nature wants to have some more fun.

• Nightwear thermals

Lightweight thermals are great for warm nights in the sleeping bag. It will help you to secure your energy. 

• Trekking pants                                         

You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-coloured is the best. You can survive with only one pair, although two/three is better. Rather than Dark is recommended for the trek to attract even from the distance .

1. Warm skull cap/balaclava

Woollen/mixed synthetic warm cap or balaclava is nice for the evenings. Also it needs during the night to prevent from the cold or wind.

• Neck gaiter (Buff) 

For winter trekking they are really the best for staying warm. It will save you from the cold and prevent from sore throat. Also, this can be used for multipurpose. 

1. Trekking poles

Definitely useful, especially on steep, rough terrain, but if you are not used to using them you can survive without.

• Sunglasses

Suitable for snow, it’s bright up there, but specialized glacier glasses with side pieces are not needed. Contact lens wearers report very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Ski goggles are unnecessary.

1. Gloves

Fleece gloves are also a must. However, a good pair of wind and waterproof/ gloves are also essential for foul weather. Available in Kathmandu for cheap if you don’t have a pair.

• Water bottles

Should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. Nalgene or a similar brand, or European fuel bottles are the best. You need at least 2 water bottles or at least 1 water bottle in addition to a Camelback or hydration system.

• Torch / Flashlight

Petzl Tikka’s and other similar torches with LED bulbs rule. They are quite helpful for trips to the toilet at night!

• Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen

Sunburn doesn’t look and feel as cool as the beach burn. Get sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher depending on the sensitivity of your skin. You should also use a lip balm with high SPF. Also, have a wide-brimmed hat to go with.

• First Aid Kit

We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, decongestants, lozenges, various antibiotics for Nepalese varieties of diarrhoea and chests infections, Diamox (an acclimatizing aid drug), antiseptic, antihistamine cream, rehydration, bandages and band-aids, tough blister tape (but not moleskin). As we are not certified to prescribe medicines you have to use them at your own risk. You have to bring any personal medicines that you need.

• Water purification

Bring a bottle of iodine tablets such as Potable Aqua, Piyush, Couglans etc or any other similar tablets. Bottled water is available on the trail.

• Money-pouch/belt/inside pocket

Most people find wearing one while trekking is a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack. But they can be handy.

• Book and Note Pad

When you are free for independent activities, especially in the evenings' books can be a good friend. Kindles are also fine. Note Pad is also important for making diary entries and taking notes of things that catch your interest. 

1. Power Bank

Though there are charging facilities available in the hotels, lodges and teahouses in route, bring power bank when you are in the mountains. You never know when there will be a power cut or occur some technical emergencies. 

1. Toiletries and odds & ends

The smallest tube of toothpaste is perfect for a month. You need to bring or buy along the way. Your personal toiletries come in the list. Make sure you also have toilet rolls or tissue paper for emergencies.

1. Towel

Bring only a small one trekking or a camp towel. You can buy anywhere in the trekking gear shop in Thamel.  

Meals: All Meals in the trek will serve in tea- house . Each day 1 breakfast 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner will serve . Sample meals menu in this trip will be as below . 

Accomodation 

All accomodation  in this trip will arrange in Twin Share basis in normal cozy room of tea house . Toilet and bathroom will be outside the room in sharing basis . Here are some pictures of tea house and bed room that we use in our trek .