EBC Gokyo Trek

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Manthali, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. The journey will take you along the Roshi Khola and Sunkoshi River, before crossing Sunkoshi and following the Tamakoshi River to reach Manthali Airport. From here, you'll take a short 18-minute flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region. On reaching Lukla, you'll start your trek to Phakding, which takes around 3 hours. This trek takes you through the breathtaking scenery of the Khumbu region, following the Dudhakoshi River and passing by several old monasteries. Phakding is a unique destination, renowned for its rich Buddhist heritage and the presence of an old monastery. Stay overnight in Phakding and soak in the local culture and heritage of the Khumbu region, a hub of spiritual and cultural activity with a strong Buddhist influence. This trek provides a rare opportunity to gain insights into the local culture and history while immersing yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas. Please note that the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is not always regular and can sometimes be subject to change or cancellation. It is always best to check with the flight provider for the latest information and to ensure that your plans are not impacted. Despite this, taking a flight directly to Lukla is a convenient and efficient way to reach the heart of the Khumbu region, and to start your trek to Phakding.

After spending a night near the riverside in Phakding, we will continue our trek for 4 to 5 hours to reach Namche (3440m). Along the way, we will follow the Dudh Koshi River and check in at the Jorsalle check post of the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail from Jorsalle to Namche is dotted with stunning views of the Himalayan Thar and the Lophophorus (known in Nepali as the Daphe or Himalayan Munal). The population of Namche is approximately 2300, and it is a hub for both trekkers and locals. Namche is also known for its weekly market, where Tibetan merchants come to sell their wares twice a year. Here, we can find a variety of trekking gear and equipment, and make arrangements for mule transportation or the use of yaks and dzos to reach higher elevations. During our stay in Namche, we will have the opportunity to explore the local culture, which is steeped in Buddhism, and to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Today, we will embark on a 6 to 7 hour hike around Namche. Our first destination is the view point at Japanese Hotel, located at an altitude of 3859 meters. From here, we will be able to witness the beauty of some of the world's highest mountains including Tabuche Peak (6495 meters), Choletse Peak (6335 meters), Nuptse (7864 meters), Everest (8848.86 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters), Lhotse Middle (8382 meters), Peak 38 (7591 meters), Amadablam (6814 meters), Kangtega (6783 meters), Thamserku (6618 meters), Kusum Kangaru, East West Middle, Nupla (5885 meters), Kongde (6088 meters), Kongde Nup and Sar, and Sundar Peak. We will then make our way to Syangboche, the world's highest airfield, located at an altitude of 3720 meters. After taking in the views, we will visit the nearby villages of Khumjung and Khunde. The roofs of the houses in these villages are of the same color, creating a picturesque landscape. In Khumjung, we will visit the Yati sclap, the education center and hospital that was established with the help of Edmund Hillary. In Khunde, we will visit the hospital, Yak breeding center, and the museum where we will be able to view a documentary slide show about the Everest region and its people. We will also visit the national park visitor center. Finally, we will head back to our hotel in Namche, stopping at the Namche Gumba along the way. After a long and exhilarating day, we will spend the night in the hotel, recharging our batteries for the next leg of our journey.

On the next day of our trek, we will set out from Namche (3440m) and head towards Deboche (3710m) after hiking for approximately 6 to 7 hours. During the journey, we will be surrounded by beautiful views and have a high chance of encountering Himalayan Thar and Lophophorus, as well as pine trees and Rhododendron trees. At Tengboche (3860m), we will make a stop to visit the famous monastery and then continue on to Deboche. The night will be spent in Deboche, surrounded by the stunning Rhododendron forest, which is situated at an altitude of 3710m..

Today's journey will start from Deboche, with a 5-hour hike towards Pheriche (4,240m). As we trek through the beautiful Rhododendron forest, we will have the opportunity to spot various Himalayan animals, such as Thar and Lophophorus. Our next stop is Pangboche (3,930m), where we will visit the ancient monastery and admire the scenic view of Yati sclap. From Pangboche, it takes approximately 2 hours to reach Pheriche, a windy location in the Everest region. Here, we will have the opportunity to visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and seek information from the resident doctor. We will spend the night in Pheriche.

Today, we will embark on a trek from Pheriche to Lobuche, which will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. The first two hours of the trek will be a gradual climb through a plain terrain, followed by a more strenuous 2-hour ascent. After reaching the top, we will take a flat trail for around 1 hour, during which we will encounter a memorable monument dedicated to those who have lost their lives in the mountainous region. Upon arrival at Lobuche, we will find ourselves in a non-vegetation zone with a fork in the road - one path leading to Kongala Pass on the right and the other leading to Chola Pass on the left. We will stay at the base of Lobuche, with a stunning view of Nupste in front of us. At an altitude of 4910 meters, this will be a challenging but rewarding day of trekking.

Today, we will embark on a 4-hour trek from Lobuche to Gorekshep, located at an altitude of 5140 meters. Our journey will take us through a rocky terrain and past some glaciers, so it is important to bring along enough water and energy bars, as well as to wear appropriate gear. Upon arrival at Gorekshep, we will take a break for lunch before continuing on to the ultimate destination of our trek - the South Base Camp of Mount Everest, located at an altitude of 5364 meters. During the months of March and April, the area will be bustling with climbers who have come to acclimatize in preparation for their ascent of the mountain. From the base camp, we will be treated to a panoramic view that feels like a heavenly paradise. After taking in the sights, we will return to Gorekshep for dinner and an early bedtime, as we will need to wake up earlier than normal the next morning.

Today, we will be starting early in the morning with a wake-up call and a hot cup of tea before embarking on a 7-hour trek from Gorekshep to Dzongla. Our first stop will be Kalapathhar, located at an altitude of 5550 meters, where we will aim to reach before sunrise to take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayan range from the view point. It is important to bring along enough water, energy bars, and wear proper clothing to stay warm and comfortable during the early morning hike. After taking in the sunrise at Kalapathhar, we will return to the hotel for breakfast and then pack up our gear in preparation for the next leg of our journey to Dzongla, located at an altitude of 4830 meters. Along the way, we will stop for lunch before arriving at Dzongla, where we will spend the night.

Today, we will be setting out on an 8 to 9-hour trek from Dzongla to Gokyo, with a stop at the Cholapass along the way. We will start the day with an early breakfast before setting out for Cholapass, located at an altitude of 5420 meters. The ascent to the top will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. From Cholapass, we will continue on to Thangnak, located at an altitude of 4700 meters, which will take another 2 to 3 hours. At Thangnak, we will take a break for lunch and rest before completing the final leg of our journey to Gokyo, located at an altitude of 4790 meters, which will take another 2 to 3 hours of walking. Upon arrival at Gokyo, we will check into one of the available lodges or hotels for the night.

Today, we will be embarking on a full day trek to visit the 5th lake at Gokyo and then continue on to Machhermo. The trek to the 5th lake, located at an altitude of 4990 meters, will take approximately 8 to 9 hours and will take us through the stunning Gokyo region, where there are six lakes in total. We will start our journey by visiting the 3rd lake, before making our way to the 4th and 5th lakes. After taking in the beauty of the 5th lake, we will return to our hotel for lunch and then pack up our gear for the continuation of our journey to Machhermo, located at an altitude of 4470 meters. Upon arrival at Machhermo, we will check into a hotel for the night.

Today, we will make our way back to Namche from Machhermo. Our journey will take approximately 7 to 8 hours. After fueling up with breakfast, we will begin our descent, taking in the beautiful surroundings of the lush jungle and the Dudha Koshi River. This area is abundant with wildlife, including yaks that serve as a source of food and shelter. We will take a break for lunch along the way and then continue our trek towards Namche, located at an altitude of 3441 meters. Upon arrival, we will check into a hotel for the night and get some much-needed rest after a long day of trekking.

After breakfast in Namche, we will embark on a 7 to 8 hour trek to reach Lukla. Our journey will begin with a walk down towards Sagarmatha National Park, where we will need to check out. We will continue our descent to Phagding where we will have lunch. After lunch, we will walk for an additional 2 to 3 hours to reach Lukla. Our final destination for the day will be an overnight stay in Lukla. Before retiring for the night, we will visit the flight ticket counter to reconfirm our flight tickets. Afterwards, we will gather for a final team dinner and give tips and say goodbye to the staff if we are satisfied with their services. The altitude at Lukla is 2800m.

After a fulfilling journey in the Himalayas, we will end our trek and head back to Kathmandu. In the morning, after having breakfast, we will walk to the airport, which is 15 minutes away, to catch our flight. The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu or Manthali will take approximately 25 minutes and 18 minutes, respectively. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel in Kathmandu, where we will be able to rest and reflect on our memorable adventure in the mountains.