Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes

20 days - from $1970

Take in incredible views of Everest, Cho Oyu and other Himalayan giants while exploring two awe-inspiring valleys of the Khumbu region

The Gokyo and Khumbu Valleys are arguably the most dramatic and interesting of the Everest region. This trek explores friendly Sherpa villages, visits monasteries, seeks wildlife and unveils dramatic mountain scenery. We have two days in Kathmandu to experience one of Asia’s most fascinating cities before flying to Lukla, the starting point of our trek. We follow the Dudh Kosi Valley to Namche Bazaar and then trek into Gokyo Valley. The trail ascends gradually and we enjoy a series of short trekking days to ensure proper acclimatisation, walking beside the moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier and turquoise lakes to reach our lodge in Gokyo. From here we can climb Gokyo Ri (5360m) to a view of all of the region’s 8000-metre peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu – a breathtaking panorama. From Gokyo we trek via Phortse and Dingboche to rejoin the main trail to Everest, which we follow to Gorak Shep. It is from here we make the round trip on a rugged trail to visit Everest Base Camp. However to get a better view of the mountain and a 360 degree panorama of many other Himalayan peaks, the short but steep climb to Kala Patar is the highlight for many on this trek. Here the climbing route up the mountain can be seen, showing the immense scale and difficulty involved for any climbing team attempting to climb Everest. Our return route heads back to Lukla via the beautiful Thyangboche Monastery.

Highlights

• Bodhnath Stupa of Kathmandu - one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world
• 17th Century Thyangboche Monastery
• Kala Patar (5643m) - the best vantage point to see Mount Everest
• Kathmandu’s hidden old town
• The lakes and 8000-metre peaks of Gokyo
• Namche Bazaar – the gateway to the High Himalaya

Itinerary:

Day 1: Kathmandu (1360m)2: Kathmandu (1360m)3: Phakding (2652m)4: Namche Bazaar (3446m)5: Namche Bazaar (3446m)6: Mongla (3970m)7: Dole (4038m)8: Machhermo (4465m)9: Gokyo (4720m)10: Machhermo (4465m)11: Phortse (3810m)12: Dingboche (4360m)13: Lobuje (4930m)14: Gorak Shep (5160m) - Everest Base Camp15: Kala Patar - Pheriche (4270m)16: Namche Bazaar (3446m)17: Phakding (2652m)18: Lukla (2800m)19: Kathmandu (1360m)20: Kathmandu (1360m)
Included:

• The services of an expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites.

• Return local flights from Kathmandu to Lukla.

• 16-day trek with comfortable lodge accommodation, generally in twin-share rooms with beds with comfortable foam mattresses and pillows.

• Ascents of Gokyo Ri (5360m) and Kala Patar (5545m).

• Porterage on trek.

• Trek Pack for use on trek valued at over US$500 – kitbag designed with porter comfort in mind, high quality sleeping bag designed for sub-zero temperatures, inner sheet and high-altitude jacket.

• Trekking off the main trail to the village of Phortse - one of the more traditional Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region.

• Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar, with guides on hand to escort walks.

• Sightseeing (and entrance fees where applicable) in Kathmandu including Bodhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath and the holy Bagmati River.

• Kathmandu airport arrival transfer and transfer on Day 19.

International flights, airport departure taxes, airport departure transfer, visas, insurance, meals not listed, any optional tours and activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, showers on trek (if available), tips or gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Please allow US$400 for meals.