The Everest basecamp trek through passe above 5000 meters Cho-la pass (5230m) is a wonderful challenging high trek. This trek is a little more physical than the classic Everest base camp circuit and is therefore reserved for well-trained people with experience of walking at altitude… It is the land of the Sherpas surrounded by many peaks over 8000m, such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Cho-oyu, etc. This culturally rich region Sherpa, Buddhist, Tibetan etc…
Gokyo Peak (Nepali: Gokyo RI) is a 5,457m high peak in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas. It is located on the west side of the Ngozumba glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal and reputed to be the largest in the whole Himalayas. Gokyo (4,750m above sea level), at the base of Gokyo RI, is a small hamlet of a few stone houses and one of the highest settlements in the world. From the summit of Gokyo RI it is possible to see four 8,000-metre peaks: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. The Gokyo Lakes are in the area.
The Gokyo trek is a fairly popular trekking route. The route itself ends at Gokyo RI, and trekkers typically turn around at this point and retrace their steps back to the trailhead. There is an alternative mountaineering route that begins near the southern tip of Ngozumba Glacier and just south of Taujun Lake. This alternative route leads east over the Cho La, a pass at 5,420m where it meets with the main Everest Base Camp trek.
It is usually visited during the circuit trek of Everest Base Camp with 3 Passes trek. It is slightly off route while visiting Everest base camps (Nepal side) but thousands of backpackers still visit it for the Gokyo Lakes beauty.
Whether below 4000m or above 5000m, there will be wonder and adventure at every step!
Trip Facts:
| Trek name: Gokyo Lake with Everest BC |
| Trek duration: 14 days |
| Walking level: About 6/7 hours of walking per day |
| Level: ** |
| Trek Accommodation: In Lodge |
| Season: March/ April and October/November. |
| Trekking Pass: Cho-la passe (5230m) |
| Trekking peak: Gokyo-Ri ( 5457m) |
Your day begins early as you head for Kathmandu airport to catch to Lukla flight. Assuming the flight departs without much delay, you will have fine weather with stunning views of Himalayan peaks. The trail leaves Lukla through a Kani or gateway. Soon you are walking down gently descending trails, past rolling farmlands that extends over what seems to be a wide promontory overlooking the canyon of the Dudh Koshi River. The snow peak at the head of the valley is Kumbila (5,716m), the mountain sacred to the Sherpas. On the way to Phakding, you will notice a huge boulder printed with Tibetan religious mantras (mostly; Om Mani Padme Hum). About 3 hours walk, you will be in Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
We continue north following the Dudh Koshi river and on to Jorsale where we enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. From here it is a short walk to the confluence of two rivers, the lmja Drangpa (Imja Khola) and the NangpoTsangpo (Bhote Koshi) followed by a steep climb (for about 2hrs.) to Namche Bazaar, the main town in the Khumbu region. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading center with a weekly Saturday market. Distance: 10.5km/6.5miles approximately 5 hours walks.
We leave Namche Bazaar on a trail with gradual ups and downs. On the way we are likely to spot Himalayan pheasants, musk deer and Himalayan Tars. We then begin descending to Kyangjuma. From Sansa, we follow the Gokyo trails and from Mong we get a glimpse of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Kumbila mountains. Our trail descends to Dudh Koshi Khola after which it is an uphill climb through rhododendron forests before reaching Phortse. From here we get good views of Tawache and Cholatse mountains and we can climb steep up to half an hour to dole.
After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we are likely to come face to face with local wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. Our trail passes through forests, waterfalls and bridges before reaching Dole. We climb on a steady trail through a scenic ridge with views of Cho Oyu, Kangtega, and Thamserku mountains. We ascend from Luza village and walk above the Dudh Koshi River. We continue walking through small villages and sandy trails before reaching Machhermo. We can visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight in Machhermo.
We ascend on a hill and enjoy views of the Dudh Koshi valley and Kangtega, Thamserku and Cho-Oyu mountains. Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangga. We descend to the river bank before climbing up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier on a steep trail. We pass through Longpongo, Raboche Tsho and Dudh Pokhari before reaching Gokyo. On the trail next to the first lake, we see what is believed to be the footprints of a Lama (Buddhist priest). We explore Dudh Pokhari before calling it a night. Overnight in Gokyo
After two to three hours “huff and puff” you reach the summit not to be disappointed for your effort at all, as the views from here are well worth the effort you put in. Everest (8,848m), showing more of its northern flank than from Kalapathar, with Makalu (8,481m) further to the east and Cho Oyu (8,201m) towards the north make a mesmerizing view to watch. Return back to Gokyo Lake after spending a wonderful break at the summit. After a lunch we head to Thagnag. We climb out of Gokyo village to a ridge. Then, we take the route through the Ngozumba Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Continuing further and traversing along the edge of that mountain, we descend down to Thagnag. On the trek, we enjoy the magnificent views of Cho Oyu, Gokyo RI, and other high Himalayas.
Today, we trek to the Cho La Pass. Cho La pass is also another show up of this trip. Today is going to be one of the toughest days. The pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice add trouble to the trekkers making the trail slippery. Our trail climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail. So, we climb up continuously up from Phedi. We trek through the side of a frozen lake while we come to the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Amadablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below.
Today, we head for Lobuche. We climb down from Dzongla. Upon crossing, we transverse through grassy trail. Enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak we stretch up eventually through a ridge. The mountains of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku Tabuche are seen looming prominently. Curving round through the wide gravelly river bed, we reach Lobuche.
Today is a challenging day but will no doubt be very rewarding and the highlight of the trek as you walk to Everest Base Camp. After an early start we follow the undulating trail along the western side of the broad Khumbu valley and glacier. After approximately 2 to 3 hours the trail descends onto sandy basin to reach Gorakshep. After a light lunch we will set off to walk to Everest Base Camp which is approximately 5 to 6 hour return trek back to Gorakshep where we sleep tonight. After crossing the sandy flat at Gorak shep the trail climbs onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier and ascends the side of the glacier for two hours before finally descending onto rocky glacial moraine. The trail then winds up and down and through fascinating ice seracs to Everest Base Camp where there are fantastic lose up views of the Khumbu icefall. After a short stop we will retrace our trail back to Gorakshep
In the morning after an early breakfast we climb up to the summit of Kalapathar. It is definitely worth the 2 to 3 hour walk for its great views of Everest and Khumbu Ice Fall plus the other Himalayan giants of Pumori, Changtse, Nuptse and Lhotse. We will spend plenty time on the summit to allow you to sit and reflect surrounded by the majestic beauty of the mountains and ice flutes. After walking up Kalapathar we return to the teahouse at Gorakshep for lunch before making our return journey past Lobuche.
Today’s walk will be a bit shorter. Thus, we would get more time to observe and relax. We climb down from Dzongla and cross a bridge and then transverse through grassy trail. Enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak we stretch up eventually through a ridge. Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku Taboche are seen looming prominently. Curving round through the wide gravelly river bed, we will be at Lobuche. Overnight at Dingboche.
From Pheriche, we continue to Pangboche. Some of the other peaks that you would enjoy include Pokhalde, Thamserku, and Kantenga among others. We will trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it’s spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Upon reaching Tengboche you may also consider visiting the famous Tengboche Monastery.
This site is the spiritual and social centre for the people of the surrounding area. From here are marvelous views of most of the giant peaks in the area. From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Koshi at Phunki where there are water driven prayer wheels, then climb and contour around the hillside to Namche
From Namche Bazaar the trail descends steeply to the village of Jorsale. Passing the villages of Phakding (2640m) and Choplung, we reach Chauri Kharka and the trail that cuts up to the airstrip at Lukla. We will camp on the lawn of a lodge at Lukla.
After an early morning flight to Kathmandu, our guide will transfer you to your hotel.
We will transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport for your departure to your next destination.
Cost Include
Cost Non-Includes
