EVEREST GOKYO CHO LA AND KALA PATTHAR TREKKING

Arrival at Kathmandu (1350 m)

Sightseeing and Permits preparation

Today you will visit some of the best UNESCO heritage of Kathmandu. We will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, and Bauddhanath. In the meantime, the Parikrama Treks team will complete all the necessary paper works.

Flight to Lukla (40 minutes), trek to Phakding (2800 m / 4 hours)

Today we take an early 40 minutes flight to Lukla. Once we arrive at the hillside of a high mountainous peak we meet with our crew. We arrange all our packing and start with a gradual descent. After we arrive at Cheplung we will hike to reach Phakding.

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3438 m / 6 hours)

Today's hike takes us through the pine forest as we follow the trail to Benkar valley. We then cross Dudh Koshi River and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Once we cross the suspension bridge we pass Jorsale village and ascend to Namche Bazaar. If the weather permits, we can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse.

Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar

Today we take a rest day to get used to the higher elevation. It is the center of the Everest Region trek and also a trekkers hub. We can do several activities during our stay here. We can walk around its market or explore this sherpa village.  From here we can also go for the sunrise view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam Thamserku and Kongde.

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3680 m / 6 hours)

We start with a climb to Khumjung Hill and Descend to the east leading to Dudh Koshi. There are two trial options and our guide will choose the best option. We will hike to the ridge top at 3963 m. We will also visit Mohang where the Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet re-incarnated. Later we take a descending trail on a sandy slope to reach Phortse Tanga.

Trek from Phortse Thanga to Machhermo (4470 m / 5 hours)

Today we pass through rhododendron forest and a waterfall to reach Tongba Village. We continue our uphill trek and pass through Dole, Labarma, and Luza villages. Later we will reach Machhermo. There is a Chhorten right before the Luza village. Throughout today’s journey, we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. 

Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4800 m / 5 hours)

Today we hike with the beautiful view on the way to Kangtaiga. We will pass through Phangkha with its avalanche killing 40 people in 1995. Later we descend to the riverbank to climb the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. We start with crossing the first lake Longpongo, at 4690 m  where can observe the lama footprint on a stone. We also get to see the second lake Taboche Tsho with its turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Later we will reach Gokyo village standing by the third lake. Further, we will enjoy the Gokyo village with Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop. We can also explore around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari.

Acclimatization Day - Optional Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357 m / 4 hours)

Today we take a rest for big days in higher elevations. We can hike to Gokyo Ri located above Gokyo village to get the fantastic views of the entire Khumbu region. We also get to see four of the seven highest peaks of Nepal, Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Later we will reach the fourth lake of this trek names Thonak Tsho. Further, we can take a hike to reach the fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho if time permits. From here, the view of the longest glacier Ngozumba glacier is so fascinating.

Trek from Gokyo to Thagnak (4750 m / 5 hours)

We trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thagnak. It will be a short hike today with an afternoon of rest. We will prepare for long hiking days and elevation gain to come.

Trek from Thagnak to Cho La pass to Dzongla (5367 m / 8 hours)

Today's hike will be difficult as we cross Cho La Pass by climbing glacier traverse. The trail becomes more difficult as we walk on rocks glazed by ice making it a slippery trail. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake, we reach the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla Village.

Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4940 m / 3 hours)

We climb down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail curves through the wide river bed before reaching Lobuche. We can spend the rest of the day taking a rest which will help us prepare for the next day’s long trek.

Trek Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp (5364 m / 7 hours)

Today we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials during our hike. The walk is strenuous due to thin air at a high altitude. Later we pass through rocky dunes, moraine, and streams to reach the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers and take pictures. From the base camp, we can see Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest.

Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545 m) to Pheriche (8 hours)

Today we hike to Kala Patthar early morning for a sunrise view of the mountains. We can see Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama. Later we hike downhill and start our trek to Lobuche for a good night’s rest.

Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3438 m / 7 hours)

Today we trek down through the hillside full of rhododendron and juniper trees. We follow the Dudh Koshi River bank and descend downhill. In the forest, we may come across colorful pheasants and mountain goats. The path reaches Sansa to enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Nuptse mountains. We also pass winding trails then through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar.

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2800 m / 7 hours)

Today we take steep downhill while walking on rocky terrain and forested area. We will cross suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries.  The trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of days.

Flight to Kathmandu (1350 m / 40 min)

Reserve Day in Kathmandu

Final Departure