Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Valley trek – 19days

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Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Valley trek – 19days is professionally designed climbing itinerary takes you on a challenging hike.
Group size: Minimum 2 pax Max-Altitude: 3,860 m/12664 ft
Destination: Nepal
Arrival on: Kathmandu, Nepal Departure from: Kathmandu, Nepal
Meals: All meals during trek
Accommodation: Hotel/Mountain lodge
Fitness level: Moderate

Trip Introduction

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Valley trek - 19 Days is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. As Gokyo valley lies in the west part of Khumbu region with a breathtaking view of turquoise lakes and yaks grazing around it. From here the view is a stupendous panorama extending from Cho Oyu (8,201m/26906ft) and Everest (8,848m/29,047ft) to Lhotse (8,516m/27,933ft), and all the way to Makalu. This view is arguably better than the one above Gorak Shep.

This 19 days Trek is designed for those who enjoy traveling and exploring in ease, therefore, there is no rush for reaching the base camp but leisurely enjoying the Himalaya experience. Guided by experienced Sherpa, Everest base camp trek takes you deep into the awe-inspiring landscapes of Great Himalaya; offering some of the rarest sightings of majestic glaciers, towering peaks, and exotic flora and fauna.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400 m

Day 02: Fly to Lukla
Altitude: 2,804 m and Trek to Phakding - Altitude: 2,610 m | Trek: 3 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,441 m | Trek: 5.5 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 04: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day
Meal: BLD

Day 05: Trek to Thame
Altitude: 3800 m/12540 ft | Trek: 5/6 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 06: Trek to Lumde
Altitude: 4380 m/14455 ft. | Trek: 5/6 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) via Renjo-la Pass
Altitude: 5360 m/17685 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo Ri
Altitude: 5,483 m and Back to Gokyo | Trek: 5 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 09: Trek to Thangna
Altitude: 4,500 m | Trek: 4 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 10: Cross Cho La pass
Altitude: 5,300 m and Trek to Dzongla - Altitude: 4,710 m | Trek: 7 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 11: Trek to Lobuche
Altitude: 4,910 m | Trek: 4 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 12: Trek to Everest Base Camp
Altitude: 5,365 m and then back to Gorak Shep - Altitude: 5,180 m | Trek: 8 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 13: Hike Up to Kala Patthar
Altitude: 5,555 m | Early in the Morning and Trek Down to Pheriche - Altitude: 4,200 m | Trek: 7 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 14: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,441 m | Trek: 7 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 15: Trek to Lukla
Altitude: 2,804 m | Trek: 6 hours |  Meal: BLD

Day 16: Morning Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Meal: B

Day 17: Leisure Day
Meal: B

Day 18: Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Flight Departure
Meal: B

Day to Day Itinerary

  Day 01 - Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Our airport representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival. He/she will escort you to the respective hotel in a private vehicle. Your prior trip meeting will be scheduled on the very day at the hotel before dinner. However, our airport representative will give you a brief idea about the second day’s schedule on your way to the hotel. During this meeting, we will introduce you to your leader/guide. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your trek or anything that is related to your trip. To make you feel comfortable, we host a welcome dinner for you in a popular restaurant in the city where you can enjoy authentic Nepali meal along with cultural programs including ethnic dance and songs. And the night you will be spending at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Note: If you happen to arrive after 4 pm you would be briefed about the trip by our guide, this will be the pre-trip meeting for you, so please make sure that you ask all the questions. But if you arrive earlier than 4 pm, your pre-trip meeting would be on that very day at our office. During the meeting, we will introduce your trek leader/guide. For the meeting, please make sure you bring the passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.

Day 02 - Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
Total duration: 4-5 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

An early morning start takes us to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for the 35-minute scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport at Lukla (2,804 m). On arrival at the airport, the guide will brief you and introduce your porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding (2,610 m). After landing you’ll have time to explore the village while our Sherpa crew sort and load our trekking equipment. Then the trek begins by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where you’ll join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2,713 m). This walk is considered to be a short hike that will help you to acclimatize. After almost three to four hours of walk, you will reach Phakding. There are many beautiful monasteries to visit, beautiful Lukla village and a breathtaking terrain to view. There are many resting places and lodges in Phakding and you will be staying in one of these lodges tonight.

Day 03 - Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m)
Total duration: 5-6 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You’ll continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing the majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering the Sagarmatha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. You can find many good restaurants, hotels, lodges shops, money exchange, bakeries and teahouses as Namche is the biggest village along the whole Everest trail. Major attractions of this day are an amazing view of Mt. Kusum, Lhotse, Nuptse and the first Glimpse of Mt. Everest. You will stay in a guesthouse tonight.

Day 04 - Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day
Total duration: 3 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

The entire day will be spent in Namche so as to adjust with the thin air and the environment. Namche is an important acclimatizing spot. It is always advisable to remain active instead of sitting ideal during the day. Today, you will go for a short trek to Thame, an old Sherpa village, to celebrate and watch the Sherpa Tradition or you can visit the peripheral villages offering you a lot more to see and cherish. You can also visit the National Parks headquarter, monasteries or the museum. Evening time can be spent by roaming around the market areas. This night will also be spent in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Day 05 - Trek to Phorste Thanga (3,680 m
Total duration: 5 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

The trail climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forest. Juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making the trekking very pristine in spring. The trail passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbi La and Taboche are magnificent throughout the day.

Day 06 - Trek to Machherma (4,470 m)
Total duration: 5 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You will climb a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steeply to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. You will reach Machherma by early noon.

Day 07 - Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) - 5.5 hours
Total duration: 5 - 6 Hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

The trek today takes you at one of our main destinations, Gokyo (4,790 m). You will make this camp your base for 2 nights as you will have sightseeing and hiking trip around Gokyo.

Day 08 - Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) and Back to Gokyo - 5 hours
Total duration: 5  hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Early in the morning, you will have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,483 m. There are ample rewards for those who attempt this trip – you get stunning views of the supper Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, including the giants Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang.

Day 09 - Trek to Thangna (4,500 m)
Total duration: 4 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Trek by foot to Cho La pass. Accommodation in Thangna will be very basic and in a dormitory-based room because of its remoteness.

Day 10 - Cross Cho La pass (5,300 m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,710 m)
Total duration: 7 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You will start walking before sunrise at 4:00 or 5:00 am so as to reach the pass by 9:00 am – 10:00 am and dodge bad weather conditions of the noontime. You will cross over at an altitude of 5,300 m where you could be exposed to strong winds if you cross it too late. You will start to climb steeply the trail that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent views and then you will descend to the Dzongla at noon. Accommodation in Dzongla will be very basic and in the dormitory-style room because of its remoteness.

Day 11 - Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m )
Total duration: 5 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today, the trail continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and passes by stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits. You will continue as heading to the village of Lobuche which is located at the foot of giant Lobuche peak. Due to change in air density as the air density gets lower n lower and some of you may be facing breathing problem starting from this point. You will stay in a guesthouse tonight

Day 12 - Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m) and then Back to Gorak Shep (5,180 m)
Total duration: 8 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

This is a big and difficult day walk along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 5,365 m, the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment. During spring, there will likely be expedition teams about to attempt the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. Soon after which you will return back to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 13 - Hike Up to Kala Patthar (5,555 m) Early in the Morning and Trek Down to Pheriche (4,200 m)
Total duration: 7hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Most of the morning is spent climbing Kala Patthar, a small peak at 5,555 m. The ascent is demanding but the climber gets the most magnificent mountain panorama – Everest, the highest point on the planet at 8,848 m, towers directly ahead and on all sides loom the giants such as Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse and countless others. After you make a quick descent to Gorak Shep and have hot breakfast, and then trek down to Pheriche for the night.

Day 14 - Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m)
Total duration: 7 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Following the same trail, leaving the mountains behind us, our descent takes us from Tengboche (3,860 m) to the town of Namche Bazaar.

Day 15 - Trek to Lukla (2,804 m) - 6 hours
Total duration: 6 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

This is your last day of trekking as you return to Lukla where the trek began. You’ll enjoy this time to reflect on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. The afternoon is free, so you can wander about, relax and enjoy a hot shower! In the evening, have a few celebratory drinks and dance with your trek mates. Today is the final day of this trek, so shortly after the breakfast, we will head towards Lukla from where your trek began. The trail drops down to Dudhkoshi and then to Monjo. You will have our lunch at Phakding and then continue to walk till we reach Lukla. This evening can be spent with the team members roaming around the market or can have some quality time with ourselves enjoying achievement that you made during the past few days. You will spend this night at Lukla.

Day 16 - Morning Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

On your flight back to Kathmandu as you leave Lukla, you can enjoy some last-minute glimpses of the mountains. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will transfer you to your hotel from the airport. Since today is your last day in Kathmandu, we host a farewell dinner where you can give your feedback regarding the services that we provided during the entire trip. You will stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 17 - Leisure Day and Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

It’s also spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.  You will spend a night at a hotel.

Day 18 - Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Flight Departure
Meals included: Breakfast

The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Important Note

Trekking in the Himalayan region goes through unexpected complication like natural and health challenges resulting changes in the itinerary for your own security reason, If such incident happens during the trek our professional Guide, Porters and leader take you to final point safely for evacuation so, please be friendly with your guide for more achievements and protection. Flights in the Himalayan region often get canceled even in the best season due to bad weather so we request our travelers to carry luggage for extra days.

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip but if you want, we can still customize the itinerary according to your wish and preferable time for the visit. Feel free to write to us or you can even give us a call if you would like to discuss any aspect regarding the trip.

Included / Exclude

Cost Include

  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private tourist vehicle 
  • A  day  of guided city tour in Kathmandu in  private vehicle 
  • 4 Night twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu at tourist standard hotel along with breakfast 
  • 14 accommodation during the trek in Teahouse/Lodges 
  • All standard meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Airport transfer from and to Kathmandu 
  • Kathmandu –Lukla –Kathmandu flight tickets, domestic departure transfer, and airport tax 
  • Well experienced English speaking  trekking guides holding guide’s license (their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation) 
  • Porters (One porter for each 2 members) and his entire expenses(salary, food, accommodation equipment and insurance) 
  • All the necessary permits i.e.,(Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit) and Khumbu permit and all the paper works 
  • Down jackets and sleeping bags (upon request).Needs to be returned after trip completion. 
  • Company’s duffel bag(Upon request) and T-shirt(As a souvenir) 
  • Trekking route map 
  • First Aid Kit(Carried by your trek guide) 
  • Necessary  local and government taxes 

Cost Exclude

  • Nepal arrival visa.
  • Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.  
  • Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation. 
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation. 
  • Tips of the guide, porters and driver as a token of appreciation. 
  • Monument entrance fee for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
  • Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in “cost includes” list.
     

Best time to travel

March to May, Mid September to Mid December

Physical Condition and requirement

Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes, however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is important that we consult with our doctor before we decide and set up for the Everest Base camp trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Treks Planner Nepal before booking the trek.

Additional info

We always recommend you to add supplement night/s in Kathmandu after your trek if possible. Because of bad weather, we could face the problem of domestic flights to/from Lukla delayed by few hours or canceled for a day or more. Very rarely, but it could happen even in the best trekking season. Better to come prepared rather than being sorry. If everything runs smoothly, you can always indulge yourself in other activities like sightseeing, river rafting, adventure activities, shopping, as you wish in that additional day. 

Important notes

Trekking in the Himalayan region goes through unexpected complication like natural and health challenges resulting changes in the itinerary for your own security reason, If such incident happens during the trek our professional Guide, Porters and leader take you to final point safely for evacuation so, please be friendly with your guide for more achievements and protection. Flights in the Himalayan region often get canceled even in the best season due to bad weather so we request our travelers to carry luggage for extra days.

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip but if you want, we can still customize the itinerary according to your wish and preferable time for the visit. Feel free to write to us or you can even give us a call if you would like to discuss any aspect regarding the trip.


Source:www.treksplannernepal.com