Everest Gokyo Circuit Trek

On booking a trek with us, you will be shared your hotel details of Kathmandu before you fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, either by air, or by road, you will be directed or guided to your Hotel.

Your trek leader welcomes you there and guides you to your room. You may spend the rest of the day shopping remaining stuffs for the trek in Thamel, or take a local tour.

We will meet over a welcome dinner where we get introduced to the team and share few important details for the trek. A feast on typical Nepalese cuisines after that and then we wish Good Night to each other.

Our cabs will be ready to drive us to airport tomorrow. So be prepared and on time to board our flight to Lukla.

Early morning, we leave for Kathmandu Domestic Airport. We board the 9 - 11 seater flight to Lukla. This airport has the reputation of being the World's Most Dangerous Airport !! The view outside from the window is breathtaking. All the white tall peaks of Nepal can be seen guarded by the greener ones. Remember to take your seat to your left while going, and to your right while returning. 

After some 40 minutes we experience a sudden landing which is not so smooth as we are used to. We then unboard the flight and land in the beautiful location of the Lukla airport. Once we collect our bags,  we exit out of the airport to a have some hot breakfast before starting the much awaited trek to the Everest Base Camp.

Today's trek is a short walk of around 7.5 kms, and takes about 3 - 4 hours with lunch time included. The trail is beautiful with lots of small Buddhist Chortens, Mane walls, prayer flags, terrace farmings of the Himalayas with tall mountains encircling you all round, and off-course - the suspension bridges crossing over the Dudh Kosi river multiple times !!

On reaching Phakding, we check in to our rooms and ease out for the day.

Today we criss cross the Dudh Koshi river several times through suspension bridges and climb up to Namche Bazaar at 3440m. The trail is very exciting and happening as you trek along with trekkers from different nations. As you go on, Thamserku ( 6618m ) and Kusum Kangru ( 6369m ) rises elegantly on your right to keep you inspiring. We cross the settlements of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, to arrive at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Our permits to enter will be made here. This place has a small museum inside worth checking while we get the permits done. We walk for some 30 more minutes more to stop for lunch at Jorsalle. We have another checking and the we are all set to negotiate the steep climb to Namche Bazaar. The trail initially goes down to the river as be walk beside it and then start to climb gradually. We cross another suspension bridge high up which can be seen much before we walk on it. From here, the trail zig-zags up to "The First Everest View Point". If the weather is clear, we can see Everest behind the Lhotse and Nuptse ridge through the leaves and branches of the trees. From here, Namche checkpost is an hour distance where we make our entries again. After getting it done, we head to our Lodge for tonight. Its some 30 minutes walk from here.

On reaching, we checkin to our rooms and ease out for the day. We have reached a very good height today. Namche is a very important place on this route. Its an ancient trade hub which has flourished very well due to tourism.  The place is surrounded grand views of Himalayan peaks. Don't miss the sunset behind Thamserku. 

Today we start the day to climb up to Everest View Hotel for acclimatization. From here, we can view the beautiful peak of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, The little hump of Kangtega, Everest, Nuptse, a little of Lhotse, Cholatse and Tobuche. This is at 3880m and gives us a very good altitude to acclimatize for the days to come. We head back to Namche for lunch. Post lunch, we may take a local tour of Namche. There is a monastery, few bakeries and shops. 

After yesterday's acclimatization walk and a much needed break in Namche Bazaar, today we start our trek towards Tengboche. All throughout the trek, we will get superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku if we are not unlucky.

The trek route for the day is comfortable, following a gradual trail with few ups and downs, all surrounded by the magnificence and charm of the great Himalayas of Nepal. If you are further lucky, on the way we can also spot wild lives like the Himalayan pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar.

The trek route from Namche Bazaar till Kyangjuma is  almost flat and a slight descend. The route follows till Sansa from where the trail splits. One goes to Gokyo valley, while the other one to the Everest Base Camp. From Sanasa, the trek is simple through the pine forests and crosses yet another bridge over the Dudh Koshi River to bring us to Phunki Thenga - a small commercial settlement with a few tea-houses and an army post. It is our preferred place to have  lunch.

Post lunch, we need to trek further, and slightly steeper to Tengboche. Tengboche offers excellent views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest. It houses the a biggest Buddhist Monastery in the region and is famous for pre-Everest climbing rituals. We visit it in the evening free time.

A nice plate of hot Dal/Bhaat/ Tarkari is a pleasant way to end our beautiful day.Slowly and relaxed, we are approaching closer to the Everest Base Camp.

Wake up to a peaceful morning in Tengboche. Today we head further up and closer to the Everest Base Camp. We trek till Dingboche. 

The trail to the village of Pangboche village is straight up after crossing the river. The views are just amazing with Ama Dablam dominating them all. It takes about a little more than 2 hours to reach Pangboche, where we can break for a light snack. This vilage once had become famous for the 'hand' which was believed to be that of a Yeti's. DNA studies proved it to be of a human being's.

From Pangboche, a walk of another hour brings us to Tsuo Og where the trail splits again. One goes to Periche and another to the Imza Valley and Chukung. We take the right trail and continue on a steep trek to reach Dingboche. 

Most of the trekkers take a rest day in Dingboche. However, we advise, despite of resting in Dingboche move further for a short trek to Dughla. We do have a PAID BUFFER DAY. So use it strategically.

Today, we trek to Duglha up along the Khumbu Khola. The views are just perfect surrounding us. We cross by Dusa and Phulung Karpo to reach Dughla. The Chola Lake is located above the campsite of Phulung Karpo. Excellent views of Mt. Pumori greet us today.

With views of Cholatse, Nuptse and Thamserku, Dughla is a nice place to be in and ideal for slowing our pace to the Everest Base Camp as we are trekking above 4500 meters. This will reduce our exertion and maximize our chances of better acclimatization.

Today we take ourselves yet closer to the Everest Base Camp. Our day starts with a warm welcome by the sun and hot cup of coffee.

From Duglha, we trek up through the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We ascend to reach Chupki Lhara from where great views of the surrounding panorama is sought. He we also find the memorials of the legendary mountaineer Babu Chiri Sherpa, who summited Mt. Everest 10 times and that of Scott Fischer.

Soon, we are welcomed by the multiple peaks of Lingtren, the pyramid of Pumori and Khumbutse and other peaks of Mahalangur Himal. The altitude is high here and the terrain is rough too. Lobuche is just little ahead and soon we reach there.

It was a short walk to day, and was totally aimed at acclimatizing better.

The trail to Gorak Shep follows the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. A short trek to Thangma Riju will give us a chance to witness the grand vista of the mighty peaks. The north ridge of Everest along is visible besides Pumori. Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse and Nuptse, etc makes it a rewarding sight. Its a 360 degree vista from here. Enjoy it !!

After enjoying the view, we then climb up steeply along the Changri Glacier. There we get the first sight of Kala Patthar beneath Pumori. Gorak Shep is a place where you are surrounded by snow cladded mountains all round, including the top of the world - Mt. Everest.

The dusk view from Kala Patthar is more honorable than the dawn view, so it is proposed to visit Kala Patthar today amid nightfall. As the setting sun's beams strike the snow topped mountains the subsequent view is incredible.

We begin well in time post lunch to get the sensational perspectives of the surrounding view from Kala Patthar seeing the last light of the day reflecting on Mount Everest. Recognizable peaks, to the likes of Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower toward the east even as Everest uncovers itself between the west shoulder peak and Nuptse. Amid the climb to Kala Patthar, we rest multiple times to catch for some breath as it is a demanding climb, and also to capture few extraordinary perspectives of the mountains.

After a strenuous climb for some hours, we reach Kala Patthar. We scramble few rough patches and reach the summit set apart by cairns and prayer flags. As we are on the top, we enjoy some of the most unimaginable Himalayan Panorama, meandering relentlessly between one massif and then onto the next. We take the greatest number of pictures as we can and bring seep in the perspective - a moment to last lifetime.

We return to rest at Gorakshep tonight. We will be visiting the Everest Base Camp tomorrow..  so we sleep excited !!

Today is the climax of our trip. We will visit the base camp of Mount Everest - The highest mountain of the World !!

After a good and quick breakfast, we take the trail leading to the Everest Base Camp through the Gorak Shep Lake. Proceeding straight ahead, we pass by our Army's (India Army) Mountaineers' Memorial.

After tackling the glacial moraine of Khumbu glacier, we reach the Everest Base Camp. It from here where mountaineers attempt the summit of the glorious mountain. Mt. Everest is hidden from here and Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can see from the base camp.

Having reached here, we have completed a part of our trek, living it to the fullest. Now its time to return within the safe time as we need to push to Periche for the night halt.

A short walk for the day. Much needed. We trek to Dzongla today. Dzongla can be considered as the base camp of Chola which we negotiate tomorrow. 

Today we negotiate the tough Chola pass. Its a steep climb on rocky patches. Few sections are icy and requires safe step.

From the top, get treated to the majestic views of the surrounding mountains. A steep descend follows from Phedi and then till Thanknak. From there, its a flat simple walk to the Gokyo 3rd Lake.

Today we explore the beautiful lakes of Gokyo. arly morning after breakfast, we trek to the Gokyo 4th and 5th lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier view point. If we are determined, we visit the Gokyo 6th lake too

In the evening, we attempt the summit of Gokyo Ri.

Today, we trek down to Phortshe Thanga from Gokyo. The trail is initially gradual descend followed by usual descend. Its a very scenic trail with grand views of peaks like Machermo peak, Cholatse, Tabuche, Kangtega, Thamserku. We stop to have lunch in Dole, before climbing down to the Doodh Kosi river in Phortshe Thanga.

The trail climbs steeply for around 1 hour to Mongla on the start of the day after which the trail gradually climbs down to Kyangjumma and the to Namche Bazaar. 

Today we bring an end to our trekking days. We retrace our steps back to Lukla.

Today, we fly back to Kathmandu and checkin into our Hotel. We spend the day in our own way and according to our own priorities. Show may shop for family and relatives, while some may rest, while some may go for river rafting, bunjee jumping or temple visits. You may also get a tattoo done. We meet for a farewell dinner at night.