EBC with Gokyo Lake Trekking

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, our dedicated team at Himalayan Glacier will extend a warm welcome and ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel. After settling in, take some time to rejuvenate and unwind. Later in the evening, join us for a delightful welcome dinner hosted by Touching Mountain Treks. It's a perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow travelers and kickstart your Nepal journey on a memorable note. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Kathmandu.

After a delightful breakfast, we set out on a guided tour to delve into Kathmandu's rich historical and spiritual heritage. Our itinerary includes visits to some of the city's most significant sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, the iconic 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), and the magnificent Bouddhanath Stupa, renowned as one of the largest stupas globally.

At noon, we gather for a pre-trip discussion, providing an opportunity to meet our trek leader and fellow travelers. Touching Mountain Treks will conduct a detailed briefing about our upcoming adventure, ensuring we're well-informed and prepared for the trek ahead. This session allows us to ask any questions we may have, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. We spend the night in Kathmandu, eagerly anticipating the start of our trekking expedition.

Your adventure begins early in the morning, especially during peak trekking seasons like March, April, May, September, October, and November. Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla may be rerouted to Manthali Airport due to high demand. For an early morning Lukla flight, we'll pick you up from your hotel around 12:30 am and drive you to Manthali Airport, which takes about 5 hours. The subsequent flight from Manthali to Lukla lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can opt for a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla, skipping the long drive to Manthali. However, this option costs around 550 USD extra, assuming you share the helicopter expenses with four others.

During other months (December, January, February, June, July, and August), you'll fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla. After breakfast, we'll take you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for a scenic 40-minute flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla.

Upon landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport, your trekking journey begins. The first day's trek is short to allow time for acclimatization. You'll pass through Chaurikharka Village, descend to Dudhkoshi, and reach Phakding, your destination for the day. You can use the extra time in Phakding to explore places like Rimishung Monastery.

The trek to Everest Base Camp begins at Phakding, where you'll start by crossing the Dudh Koshi river on a sturdy suspension bridge. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife like yaks that may share the trail with you.

As you continue, you'll enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO-listed reserve known for its rare wildlife such as snow leopards, red pandas, Impend pheasants, bearded vultures, and snowcocks. Make sure to register your trekking permits at the Monjo checkpoint before tackling the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. From this national park, you'll also catch breathtaking glimpses of Mount Everest in the distance.

Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, the bustling trading hub of the Khumbu region, take some time to rest and explore. The town offers a range of shops, WiFi-enabled hotels, restaurants, and even an Irish pub, making it a fascinating stop along your trekking journey.

After ascending to a considerable height, it's crucial to acclimatize in Namche. Use this day to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Explore the vibrant market filled with souvenir shops, charming restaurants, and cozy cafes. If you're curious about Sherpa culture, don't miss the Sherpa Culture Museum, showcasing fascinating cultural artifacts.

Consider paying homage to mountaineering history by visiting the Tenzing Norgay Memorial, a tribute to one of the first Everest conquerors. For a more profound experience, visit the Khunde Hospital, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1966, or take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel, offering breathtaking vistas of Khumbu's majestic peaks like Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest itself. Additionally, the Everest National Park Center features a complimentary exhibit delving into the rich history and culture of the Khumbu region.

The trek starts with a climb up the uphill trail from Dudh Koshi valley, progressing through a series of stairs and then meandering through forested terrain towards Phortse Village. Along the way, you may spot Himalayan Thar, Himalayan pheasants (Danphe), and musk deer amidst the uneven route leading west to Gokyo valley.

Before reaching Kyanjuma, the path descends briefly before continuing towards Sansa village. As you near the end of this leg, you'll enter the Gokyo Valley, treated to breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawache, and Khumbila mountains. The trail momentarily dips towards Dudhkoshi Khola before proceeding towards Phortse village. From Phortse, the journey takes you out of the valley through forests and past yak pastures until you reach Dole.

The trek commences at Dole, leading you to Lopharma in just thirty minutes. As you continue from Lopharma, the trail winds through lush forests bustling with wildlife such as mountain goats, pheasants, and musk deer, guiding you to Luza. From Luza, the path gently descends to Machhermo, a journey lasting approximately one and a half hours. Along this route, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Taboche, Cholatse, and Kajyori, offering a glimpse of the majestic beauty that surrounds you.

Leaving Machherma behind, your journey to the mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes begins. Along the trek, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of Kangtega, Thamserku, and Cho-Oyu peaks. The valley gradually expands as you reach Phangga village, but brace yourself for the demanding terrain ahead. Descending briefly, you'll reach a riverbank, marking the start of your ascent towards the Ngozuma glacier, the largest glacier in the Everest region. Passing by Longpongo and Raboche Tsho, you'll finally reach Gokyo Lake, also known as Dudh Pokhari, a jewel nestled amidst the mountains.

Trek Distance: 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) Highest Altitude: 5,400 meters (17,814 feet)

Trek Duration: Approximately 1 ½ hours

On the second day allocated for acclimatization, you will start your day with an early morning trek from Gokyo village to Gokyo Ri, also known as Gokyo Peak. Positioned on the western edge of the Ngozumpa glacier, just above Gokyo village, Gokyo Ri offers breathtaking panoramic views of the highest peaks in the region, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After immersing yourself in these stunning vistas, you will return to Gokyo village and have the opportunity to explore the picturesque Gokyo lakes. This group of six major lakes forms the world’s highest freshwater lake system, adding another layer of natural beauty to your trekking experience.

Trek Distance: 3.7 km / 2.3miles, Highest Altitude 4,790m / 15,584ft, Trek Duration 5 hours

After acclimatizing for a day in Gokyo village, we resume our trek towards Thangnak, covering a distance of 3.7 kilometers or 2.3 miles. The highest altitude reached on this leg of the trek is 4,790 meters or 15,584 feet. The trek duration typically spans about 5 hours.

During this part of the journey, we traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier, encountering a path with varying terrain, including ascents and descents. Despite the undulating terrain, this segment of the trek does not involve any significant altitude gain.

Thangnak village is situated alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, offering a tranquil ambiance amidst its serene surroundings. Its strategic location makes it an ideal stopover for trekkers embarking on the Cho-La high pass expedition, which stands at an elevation of 5,330 meters.

Trek Distance: 16km / 9.9miles, Highest Altitude: 5420m / 17,783ft, Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs

After spending the night at Thangnak, you'll set out on a trek covering a distance of 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) with a highest point reaching 5420 meters (17,783 feet) above sea level. The trek is expected to take around 6 to 7 hours to complete.

The journey begins with a hike over rocky terrain and glacial moraines as you make your way towards Cho La Pass in the early morning hours. After a few hours of trekking, you'll reach the summit of Cho La Pass, offering breathtaking vistas of Cho La Lake and the towering Mt. Cholatse (6,440m).

Descending from Cho La Pass, the trail transitions to icy and slippery terrain, adding an element of challenge to the trek. Despite the difficulty, the scenic beauty along the way makes the experience truly enjoyable. Your day's destination, Dzongla, will be reached after approximately seven hours of trekking, marking the end of this rewarding yet demanding journey.

Trek Distance: 8.36km / 5.2miles, Highest Altitude:4,910m / 16,175ft, Trek Duration 4 hrs

On the tenth day of our trek, we depart from Dzongla and trace our route along the moraine, descending beside Chola Lake and continuing alongside the Khumbu Glacier. Along this path, we encounter memorial statues honoring climbers who lost their lives in this region.

Compared to the previous day, the journey to Lobuche promises a more enjoyable experience. As we approach Lobuche, we follow the course of Imja Khola and anticipate reaching our destination in approximately four hours. Upon arrival in Lobuche, we reconnect with the traditional route of the Everest Base Camp trek.

Trek Distance:15km / 9.32miles, Highest Altitude: 5,364m / 17,598ft) Trek Duration: 6-8 hours

This day marks a significant milestone as you venture towards the renowned Everest Base Camp. Beginning the journey at Lobuche, the ascent becomes more pronounced as we approach Gorak Shep. Upon reaching Gorak Shep, we'll secure our belongings and proceed towards the Everest Base Camp itself.

Standing at the Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a moment of immense accomplishment, a culmination of your dedication and perseverance. The journey to EBC demands consistent physical exertion and unwavering determination, shaping you into a stronger individual along the way. The panoramic vistas from EBC, including the breathtaking Khumbu Glacier, offer an unforgettable experience. Capture these moments through photographs to cherish as lasting memories.

After soaking in the beauty of EBC, we'll descend to Gorak Shep for the night, knowing that another remarkable day awaits on this incredible trekking adventure.

Trek Distance: 10km / 6.25 miles), Highest Altitude: 5,555m / 18,208ft, Trek Duration: 5 hours

In the morning, we'll start our day early at Gorak Shep and embark on a hike to Kala Patthar, where you'll witness the breathtaking sight of dawn breaking over Mount Everest. This experience is truly incomparable and will leave you awestruck.

After soaking in the views at the Kala Patthar viewpoint, we'll descend back to Gorak Shep for a hearty breakfast and some well-deserved rest. Once refreshed, we'll make our way towards Dingboche, our destination for the day.

Trek Distance: 14km / 8.75miles, Highest Altitude: 4,410m / 14,470ft, Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs

Today, we start our day in Pheriche and make our way towards Namche Bazaar. The trail winds through lush forests where we may be lucky enough to catch glimpses of various wildlife such as pheasants, musk deer, and mountain goats.

Along the way, the landscape is adorned with colorful prayer flags and traditional chortens, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the journey. This day also offers us one final opportunity to marvel at the majestic Mt. Everest before we continue our trek.

As we progress, we eventually arrive at Namche Bazaar, where we will rest for the night, soaking in the lively atmosphere of this bustling mountain town

Trek Distance: 13.5km / 8.3miles, Highest Altitude: 3,440m / 11,285ft, Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs

As our trekking adventure comes to a close, we savor our last day on the trails. After a hearty breakfast, we embark on a descent down a rugged path, traversing the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge and journeying through quaint local villages. Our route meanders through the picturesque Dudh Koshi River Valley and its enchanting surroundings.

Arriving in Lukla, we settle into our hotel to refresh and unwind. This evening likely marks your final night in the captivating Khumbu region. Reflecting on the challenges overcome and the triumphs achieved, it's a moment to cherish and celebrate our journey's success.

Board a

If your trip goes as planned, you'll head back to Kathmandu early in the morning. The flight path from Lukla varies based on the trekking season. During March, April, May, September, October, or November, you'll likely fly to Manthali, where we'll arrange a drive to Kathmandu for you. In the remaining months (December, January, February, June, July, and August), you'll fly directly from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Alternatively, if you prefer to skip the Lukla-Manthali-Kathmandu route, you can opt for a helicopter ride. This option costs around 550 USD per person.

We wish you a comfortable journey back to Kathmandu. It's a moment to reflect on your Everest Base Camp adventure and anticipate reuniting with your loved ones at home.

scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu or Manthali, enjoying aerial views of the Himalayas as you bid farewell to the mountains.

You will be transfer

Today marks the end of our incredible journey in Nepal! A friendly and knowledgeable Touching Mountain Treks representative will escort us to the airport, ensuring we arrive well in advance of our flight, about three hours early. As we head back home, we'll have plenty of time to reminisce about our adventures and begin dreaming about our next exciting trip to this enchanting land of Nepal.

red to the airport for your onward flight, concluding your memorable Gokyo Lake with Everest Base Camp trekking adventure in the Himalayas.