Description
The Gokyo-Everest Base Camp route is one of the classic treks in the Sherpa region leading towards the following viewpoints:
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- Kala Pathar (5545m)
- Everest Base Camp glacier (5300m)
- “Gokyo”, a serene turquoise lake
The journey begins with a flight in a small aircraft for about a half-hour to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla, notoriously ranked as the most dangerous airport in the world: it has a slanted runway facing downwards at 20 degrees. Our pilots are recognized as experts but even then the approach can only be attempted in good weather.
Latest update: Lukla flight operates from Ramechhap, located within a 4-hour drive east of Kathmandu, due to heavy traffic at the city airport.
After reaching Lukla, you will meet our local guide and staff and proceed northbound, entering the gate towards Phakding. The next day covers a trek to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The journey consists of a visit to the famous Namche Bazaar, the region’s largest junction and Sherpa village, where you can enjoy shops, restaurants and a variety of activities. Trekking gradually ascends towards the turquoise-colored Gokyo, the glacier lake with many other lakes at 4790m which are also one of the highlights of this trek. We then go up to Gokyo Ri (5181m) to have a breathtaking panoramic view of almost all of the region's 8000 meter high peaks including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu as well as many other named and unnamed peaks. Afterwards, we take an alternative mountaineering route that begins near the southern tip of Ngozumpa Glacier and just south of Taujun Lake. This leads east over the Cho La pass at 5420m to continue along the route to Gorakshep (5160m) in order to have an easier trek to Everest Base Camp. This alternate route also leads to a steep climb to Kala Pathar (black rock) where you can have a clearer view of Mt. Everest and plenty of other Himalayas.
We then descend with great achievement and a smile through the cold, hard wind. Along the way you can continue to experience unique Sherpa villages, mystical monasteries and enticing views. Descend via the normal approaching route of Tengboche Monastery, where crowds of Sherpas gather for the exciting Mani-Rimdu festival which takes place every tenth month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar.
You then return to Namche Bazaar where you can relax with a hot shower and enjoy a cold Sherpa beer to celebrate. This is followed by the final descent to Lukla where you can take a flight back to Kathmandu.
Additional Options
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This trek is possible to do with many side excursions such as Chukkung Valley and Ama Dablam Base Camp (4600m).
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Adventure-seekers can use the following high pass crossings:
- Kongma La (5535m)
- Chola Pass (5420m)
- Renjo Pass (5345m)
- Tashi Laptsa Pass (5750m), etc.
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It is also possible to climb arduous peaks with an additional 5-10 or more days:
- Island Peak (6160m)
- Lobuche Peak (6145m)
- Kwande Peak (6011m)
- Mera Peak (6470m)
- Pachermo Peak (6187m)
- many others above 6000m.
NOTE: All trips can be customized as per your interest, fitness level and schedule.
Duration
16 DAYS
Grade
ADVNTURE / VIGOROUS
Daily Walk Duration
3-7 HRS
Altitude
MAX 5545 M
Group Size
1-15 PAX
Season
MARCH TO MAY & OCT TO DEC
Route itinerary
Trek Map
Mrs. Meena Sherpa
+ 977 9851023553
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