This trek gives you the grand tour of the famous Khumbu valley. This is a strenuous trek leading to Gokyo Lake and over the Cho La at 5,430m making a circuit of Tawache (6367m) and Cholatse (6440m). Emerging into the Khumbu valley above Lobuje the trail continues up to Kalapatthar and then back to Lukla via Tengboche and Namche Bazaar. The small herding settlement of Gokyo (4750m) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small turquoise mountain lakes and on the ridge above Gokyo, the four peaks above 8000m of Cho You, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu expose themselves. In addition to this you can have a look at the tremendous ice ridge between Cho You and Gyachung (7922m), considered one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu region. There are many options for additional exploration and high-altitude walking, including the crossing of Cho La, a 5420m high pass into Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo Ri.
Strenuous trekking is continuously rewarded with dramatic Himalayan scenes, including four of the world’s highest peaks: Cho Oyu (8201m), Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516m) and Everest (8848m). Breathtaking mountain vistas are complemented by visits to Sherpa villages, homes and monasteries offering you an insight into the quiet but, culturally vibrant Sherpa way of life.
Lantang Ri Trekking & Expedition representative will greet you in an airport & transfer you to your Hotel, after refreshment you will be picked from hotel lobby to office where you will be formally introduced to your Guide and the activities to be enjoyed over the next few days. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details required for your trek permits, at this stage.
After breakfast, we start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. Escorting by an English speaking guide (can be provide any language speaking guide on request) be, try to give them a full taste of our vivid culture image and an enchanting manner of its people. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square.
Bouddhanath: Bouddhanath is a Buddhist religious complex with a history dating back over 500 years. Located on the eastern edge of Kathmandu it is now a site of great pilgrimage for Buddhist followers who circle its massive stupa, spin its many prayer wheels and visit its beautiful monastery. The main feature of Boudhanath is its huge hemispherical white stupa with central golden tower and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Visitors should circle the stupa in a clockwise direction and spin prayer wheels for good fortune and a good life. Visitors may also enjoy visiting the Thangka painting school within the complex to see highly skilled artists at work on religious mandala paintings.
Pashupatinath: Hindu Temple is a very large and complex and focal point for the Hindu religion. This old and very revered complex of buildings and shrines is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. While Lord Shiva has multiple forms he is often seen as the destroyer. This has great significance for the Pashupatinath temple as it is the site of many Hindi ritual cremations each day. Pashupatinath is considered by Hindus to be an auspicious site for passing from one stage of life to the next through the purifying and destroying flames of cremation. However, on a happier note, visitors may also get to see the temple in a buoyant festival mode with one of the many Hindu festivals celebrated here through the year.
Swayambhunath: You will first visit the Swayambhunath temple complex that sits atop a high hill overlooking Kathmandu and the entire Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is perhaps the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. It consists of a very large white stupa with the all-seeing-eye of Lord Buddha plus many small stupa and beautifully carved stone shrines. This is a wonderful place to catch your breath and start to understand and appreciate the deep importance of Buddhist belief to the people of Nepal and the Himalaya region. Make sure you ring the many bells to awaken the gods and let them know you are in Nepal. Take the time to enjoy the view over Kathmandu and have your guide point the many other highlights of the city. In the far distance to the east you may also be able to see the hills of Nagarkot where your hotel for tonight is located. If you feel energetic you might also like to try some or all of the 350 steps that lead all the way from Kathmandu city up to your Swayambhunath temple vantage point.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: The next stop today is the beautiful Kathmandu Durbar Square, or the royal palace square of the ancient Malla kings of the Kathmandu Valley. This square and all its architectural treasures are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While some damage to buildings occurred in the 2015 earthquake the site still contains many stunning architectural gems. The original royal palace courtyards are open to visitors and you will marvel at the intricate timber carving and beautifully crafted brickwork of the palace. The open square outside the palace has many beautiful multi-storey pagodas and temples with ornate carving and carpentry artwork that tells some of the story of the ancient kings and their mystical time and beliefs. The square also contains many important Hindu temples and statues such as to Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Durbar Square also contains the unique and intriguing Kumari Chok. This is an ancient and ornate house where resides the Raj Kumari – the Living Goddess. She is a young girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. If you are in the courtyard of the home at the right time in the afternoon you may see a brief glimpse of the Goddess at her window.
Finally, drive you to Ramechhap for the overnight to catch the early morning flight to Lukla which takes off from Ramechhap airport for a short duration.
Your early flight to Lukla today will take approximately 30 minutes; from here you will trek to Phakding, descending 200m over 3 hours. You will catch a glimpse of some great mountains such as Nupla (5885m) above Kongde Ridge, Kusum Kang (6367m appears on the right a little later. All along you will be following the northern (left) bank of the Dudh Kosi River. It is important to take these first few days slowly to enable your body to acclimatise and to enjoy the passing scenery and culture.
Today begins on level ground, relative to the environment in which you are! You will cross the river on a high suspension bridge and begin to climb up to Monjo (2800m) and on to the gateway to the Sagamartha National Park Entrance in place to protect and preserve this beautiful environment. There is a good rest stop on the way up where you will see people gathered, admiring the first real chance to see Everest in the distance. On the way up today you will be rewarded with views of Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache Peak before eventually arriving at Namche after about 5 hours.
The main aim today is to allow your body to acclimatise, it is important to drink lots of water and take some gentle exercise. Namche is a growing town tucked into a neat little valley, there is lots going on in the centre with market days on Friday and Saturday. There are some interesting museums and shops. There is also internet and a sauna! You could venture further afield, take a visit to Khumjung where the Hillary school sits and Khunde nearby, on the way back to Namche you could visit the Shyangboche airstrip, (3790m) the highest in the world nearby is the Everest View Hotel for stunning views.
There are various trails leading out of the village of Namche, your guide will show you the most appropriate, you are most likely to enjoy excellent views of Ama Dablam and Everest amongst others along the way though. From Sanasa trail descends to Phunki Thanga from where you have a 2 hour climb to Tengboche steeply at first but soon levels out. You will come to a stone gate which marks the entrance to Tengboche, the religious centre of the Khumbu region. Overall today will take approximately 5 hours.
Another 5 hour day today as you first descend through rhododendron forests to pastures below and Deboche. You begin to climb from the Imja Khola river with great views of Ama Dablam and Kantaga (6779m), your route is lined by chortens to Pengboche the highest year round settlement in the valley and the gompa here is the oldest in the Khumbu, home to what is believed to be the hand skull of a yeti. You soon find yourself above the tree line you will pass a few tea shops and yak herders before you reach Dingboche a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls.
Here you will enjoy outstanding mountain views, particularly the north face of Ama Dablam and Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. There are several walk options enabling your body to acclimatise better. Remember to drink plenty of water.
A little more than five hours today and you will travel through Periche, Dugla and enjoy fantastic views. Lobuche is well protected from the elements.
Trek from Lobuche to Kala Patthar via Gorakshep and trek back to Gorakshep and it takes about five hours. After an early breakfast, you will prepare for Kala Patthar (5545m) Trek up the valley following the rocky moraine path, view icy glacial pond and icebergs down below of Khumbu glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a short downhill walk brings you to Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar (5545m) and Mt. Pumori (7145m) Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp with the new camp being further up the valley. The walk is gradual until you reach a rocky spot; from there another uphill climb for half an hour brings you to Kala Patthar. From Kala Patthar top, the views will be beyond your wildest imagination, with Everest seeming within a stones throw distance between the summit of Mt. Nuptse and Lho-La and Lhotse on the back. The panoramic view from this spot is something to cherish and you feel it’s worth the hard climb up to here and to feel at the top of the world. With all the higher snow capped giants that dominate all around, it is truly a magnificent spot to be at on a clearer sunny day. After a great moment, an hour descent takes you back to Gorakshep.
Trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep which takes about five hours. While trekking to Everest Base Camp you pass through a trail, which weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. During the spring season, you can meet some expedition team on the Everest Base Camp. The number of team is less in the autumn season. On the return leg, you can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu icefall and numerous mountains. You return to Gorak Shep and trek to Dzongla where you will stay at a trekking lodge for th night.
Trek from Dzongla to Thangna (4650 m.) and it takes about five and half hours. The early part of the trek goes through flat stone path for an hour passing through arid valley. Now you head towards steeply ascent path as you reach Chola glacier. You walk for half an hour along the icy trails. After you reach Chola pass the routh moves down through the stony path until you reach Phedi. Those who go for camping trek they camp around here and enjoy their lunch. The path goes ups and down for some distance and you arrive at ridge. From here you climb down upto Thangna. It is a small village with few lodges and tea shops. You can catch a glimpse of Machhermo peak and some others. People here mostly grow potato, buck wheat, wheat and some green vegetables
Trek from Thangna to Gokyo (4750m.) which takes about four hours. To reach Gokyo your trails move along the glacier route until you reach first lake. The trek is easier over flat path following Dudh Koshi stream upto Gokyo. It is a windy valley and situated near the third lake. At Gokyo you are stunned by the natural beauty of Dudh Pokhari lake.
Then we carry out an excursion in and around Gokyo valley. Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to the trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumba glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can make a side trip to Fifth Lake via Fourth Lake.
Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5483m) & Trek to Machhermo (4410m) and it takes about five hours. Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region – some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machermo following Dudh Koshi stream. There are yak pastures and few human settlements. From here you can have an excellent view of Tawoche.
You will be trekking for around 5 hours today descending to Dole and to Phortse Tenga (3650m) passing through the pretty rhododendron forests.
A four hour walk today descending steeply for the first half then on to Phakding, where you will spend the night.This is your final day trekking; it will take you around 3 hours more to Lukla from Phakding. This evening you will have a farewell ceremony with your guides and porters where you will be able to sample some Chang and try some Sherpa dancing.
You will be on an early flight back this morning then drive to Kathmandu and taken to your hotel.
Enjoy a day exploring some of the quieter streets of Kathmandu, stocking up on souvenirs and presents for those back home. This evening you have a farewell dinner, you will be picked up in good time.
You will be met at your hotel and taken to the airport in good time to meet your flight home.
Recommended equipment list: Trekkers need to provide their own personal clothing and equipment. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us as like Down Jacket
Well broken-in walking shoes - these must be suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes.
Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit.
Sleeping bag (5 seasons), lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, lip salve, gaiters.
Insect repellent, toilet articles, diary, toilet roll, laundry soap, wet ones, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, film, cards and personal medical kit.
Itinerary and Dates: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions and the health of trekkers can all contribute to changes. Your guide, and their Sherpa assistants, will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary. Our aim is to return you safely to Kathmandu in time for your departure flight booking.
Experience Required: This Trek is suitable for keen walkers who are able to walk for 6 – 7 hours each day, with a light rucksack. Some of the days are quite long, and walking feels more strenuous at altitude. Generally, the trail is a good quality, but occasionally it will be uneven and rocky.
Food & Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a teahouse each night, unless the itinerary stipulates tent camping is necessary on some nights. Teahouses are simple, locally-run guesthouses with twin-share or single rooms. Toilets and showers are of varying standards. Typical food available for lunch and dinner is Nepali rice & lentils, pasta, potato dishes, soups or pizzas. Delicious pancakes, porridge, toast and eggs are the main breakfast fare, while tea, coffee and hot chocolate are always available. You will probably be pleasantly surprised by the variety of food at the lodges.
What about our luggage: One porter will be shared between two trekking clients. Porters will carry a maximum of 12kgs per client. If you wish to, you may keep excess clothing and items in a storage room at your Kathmandu hotel.
What will the temperature be like: The weather obviously varies considerably by season and may also change drastically within a single day, particularly at high altitude. If your itinerary takes you above 3,000m need to be prepared for conditions that may range from -10 to 25 degrees on any day. Some useful weather data is available here: https://bit.ly/3vi7rHX You will also need good protections from sun and wind exposure. Contact us for a suggested trek packing list to suit your itinerary.
How much money should we bring: You will need to carry Nepali Rupee to pay for things not covered by your itinerary package. This may include bottled water; evening hot showers; additional food treats; additional hot drinks; equipment replacement or repairs; battery charging and gifts and tips. Shopping can also be done on your last day in Thamel. Talk with us in our office before departing on your trek and we can provide more advice and currency exchange.
What about Acute Mountaineering Sickness (AMS): AMS is essentially impossible to predict. Some people are affected, and other not. Only a very small percentage of people suffer serious effects. Effects may become apparent at any altitude, not just at the extremes of your itinerary.
Signs of AMS includes:
Prevention of AMS:
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