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Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes

One of the most famous and rewarding treks in the world, fly from Kathmandu to the airstrip of Lukla clinging to the sides of the Kumbu Valley and follow the trail all the way to the base of Everest. Your destination is the peak of Kala Patar above Hillary's original base camp at Gorek Shep, which at 5,545m climbing Kala Patar provides unparalleled views of the Everest range. You will also have the chance to continue on to the modern base camp itself on the glacier at the base of the Kumbu icefall.. This is a challenging high altitude trek, although the itinerary is designed to give you plenty of times to acclimatise slowly. This route is the longer version of the famous trek, passing the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and crossing the high Cho La pass, although a shorter 2½ week trek is also available following a more direct route to Everest.

Trip highlights

  • The breathtaking view from Kala Patar.
  • The sense of achievement at reaching one of the most incredible spots on the planet.
  • Exploring Kathmandu and timeless Bhaktapur.
  • Landing at Lukla airstrip - an experience never to be forgotten.
  • Your first hot bath on return to Kathmandu!

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive in Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel

Day 2:

Guided tour of Kathmandu and Patan.

Day 3:

You will be taken to the airport for the morning flight to the mountainous airstrip at Lukla from where you begin your trek. It is a gentle hike, mostly downhill following the river valley to Phakding (altitude 2,650m).

Day 4:

From Phakding follow the river valley to the entrance to Sagmartha National Park, from where you begin the first climb up to the sherpa capital Namche Bazaar (altitude 3,450m) where you spend the night.

Day 5:

An acclimatisation day, hiking in the hills around Namche Bazaar to prepare you for the altitude.

Day 6:

Hike from Namche to Photse Tenga (altitude 3,840m) through Rhododendron forests.

Day 7:

It is a slow, steady ascent to the small Sherpa village of Luza (altitude 4,200m).

Day 8:

Continue to Gokyo (altitude 4,790m), travelling slowly to avoid the effects of altitude sickness as the landscape opens around around the beautifully clear Gokyo Lakes.

Day 9:

A short day crossing the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier to the simple stonme huts of Dragnag where you spend the night (altitude 4,700m)

Day 10:

Today is a long, steep hike over Cho La Pass at 5,330m before descending to the small summer village of Dzonglha (altitude 4,830m). Today is one of the toughest days of the hike, with a difficult but not technical climb at high altitude of rock and snow.

Day 11:

You will have time to rest in the morning from the previous days excursions before making the short, step hike up the terminal morain of the Khumbu Glacier to the small camp at Lobuche (altitude 4,900m).

Day 12:

From Lobuche, it is a fairly short hike along the moraine at the edge of the Kumbu Glacier to Gorek Shep (altitude 5,140m). After lunch, continue to climb Kala Patar, at an altitude of 5,540m the highest point on your trek with stupendous views over the Everest range.

Day 13:

If you have the time and energy, hike from Gorek Shep to Everest Base Camp. After time to see the famous Kumbu Icefall, return to Gorek Shep.

Day 14:

From Gorek Shep begin your descent to the village of Dingboche (altitude 4,410m) opposite the impressive Mount Amadablam.

Day 15:

Spend the day hiking in the area around Dingboche, with the opportunity to climb to Amadablam Base Camp before returning to Dingboche.

Day 16:

Hike along the fast flowing Kumbu River to Thyangboche and return to Namche Bazaar (altitude 3,450m).

Day 17:

A chance to explore the Sherpa villages around Namche Bazaar.

Day 18:

Hike from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla for a final night celebration.

Day 19:

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel with the afternoon free for a well earned rest!

Day 20:

A sightseeing tour of the sights around Kathmandu including the timeless medieval city of Bhaktapur will be arranged for today.

Day 21:

You will be taken to the airport in time for your flight home.

Please note the trek itinerary is subject to change according to weather conditions and your acclimatisation to the altitude.

Price

From £2,195 per person, based on two passengers travelling together (not including international flights).

Call us for single supplement details

Duration and details

21 days

Is it for you?

This is a challenging trek which is suitable for fit walkers or those with previous hiking experience. The distance covered each day is not great, but the effects of altitude will make trekking very hard work and the trail becomes rougher as you approach Everest.

Best times to go

October to May - October to November is the prime trekking season, but international flights are at their most expensive and the trails are busiest at this time of year. the winter months can be extremly cold, but March to May can be a good time to hike. The summer months are the monsoon season, when heavy rain is common and mists obsucre the mountain view.

View Nepal climate chart

Included

17 day trek with English speaking guide and porters; all meals on the trek; airport transfers; guided tours of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur; welcome meal and pre-trek briefing; domestic flights.

Not included

Sleeping bag; international flights; insurance; visas.

Getting there

International flights return from London to Kathmandu start from £650 per person, although flights in October and November can be much more expensive.

View flight information

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