Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Trek, Also known as Everest Circuit trek, is one of the most adventurous treks in the Everest Himalayas. It follows the route via high pass of Cho La at 5,330 m into the Base Camp of Mount Everest. A unique trek that goes through Lukla, Namche Bazaar and all the way to Gokyo, Cho La Pass, Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp.
Leading you to the home of the legendary Sherpa people, based at the foothills of the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest at 8,848 m, this trek follows the highly praised trekking route through the Dudh Koshi to its source, the Gokyo Lake which is to the west of the Everest Base Camp, giving you the benefit to summit Gokyo Peak (5,483 m) and offering a fantastic panoramic view of Cho Oyo, Everest and Makalu.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of Everest including several other similar peaks and explore the Buddhists monasteries located at the world’s highest elevation.
We will pick you up from the airport even if you arrive earlier.
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Note: Either on Day 01 or Day 02, there will be a pre-trek meeting in our office. During the meeting, we will introduce your trek leader/guide. Please make sure you bring the passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.
An early morning start takes us to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for the 35-minute scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport at Lukla (2,804 m). On arrival at the airport, the guide will brief you and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding (2,610 m). After landing we have time to explore the village while our Sherpa crew sort and load our trekking equipment. Then we begin our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2,713 m). Walking is easy. After passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m), it is a short walk to Phakding.
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing the majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering the Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar (considered the Gateway to Everest) is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes and bakeries. Namche is the biggest town along the Everest trail.
We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. We will trek a short distance to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport and the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest-placed hotels in the world. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas including Mt Everest.
The trail climbs steeply out of valley through rhododendron forest. Juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making the trekking very pristine in spring. The trail passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbi La and Taboche are magnificent throughout the day.
We climb a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. We will reach Machherma by early noon.
The trek today takes us at one of our main destinations, Gokyo (4,790 m). We will make this camp our base for 2 nights as we will have a sightseeing and hiking trip around Gokyo.
Early in the morning, we have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,483 m. There are ample rewards for those who attempt this trip – you get stunning views of the super Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, including the giants Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang.
Trek to the foot of Cho La pass. Accommodation in Thangna will be very basic and in a dormitory-based room because of its remoteness.
We start walking before sunrise at 4:00 or 5:00 am so as to reach the pass by 9:00 am – 10:00 am and dodge bad weather conditions of the noontime. We cross over at an altitude of 5,300 m where we could be exposed to strong winds if we crossing too late. We start to climb steeply the trail that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent views, then we descend to the Dzongla at noon. Accommodation in Dzongla will be very basic and in dormitory-style room because of its remoteness.
A rather easier and shorter trekking route will take us to Lobuche after 4 hours of trekking.
This is a big and difficult day walk along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 5,365 m, the closest you can get to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment. During spring, there will likely be expedition teams about to attempt the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. We return back to Gorak Shep for the night.
This will be one of the most difficult yet rewarding days of the trek. Most of the morning is spent climbing Mt. Kala Patthar, a small peak at 5,555 m. The ascent is demanding but the climber gets the most magnificent mountain panorama: Everest, the highest point on the planet at 8,848 m, towers directly ahead and on all sides loom the giants such as Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse and countless others. We make a quick descent to Gorak Shep and have hot breakfast, and then trek down to Pheriche.
Leaving the mountains behind us, our descent takes us through Pangboche and Tengboche before continuing to the town of Namche Bazaar. We arrive back to Namche in the afternoon.
This is our last day of trekking as we return to Lukla where the trek began. We enjoy this time to reflect on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. The afternoon is free, so you can wander about, relax and enjoy a hot shower! In the evening, have a few celebratory drinks and dance with your trekmates.
Enjoying the last glimpse of the mountains we have recently visited, the 35 minutes scenic flight takes us back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, we are met and transferred back to our starting hotel. If you are interested in extending the trip, there are many options such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking and other activities.
The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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