-
17 days
-
Everest
-
Challenging
-
5,545 m
-
From 1 person
-
Trekking
Highlights
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- Crossing Cho La (5,420 m) from the Khumbu to the Gokyo valley
- The turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the view from Gokyo Ri (5,360 m)
- The Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal
- Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery
- Acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche before the high ground
Overview
This trek combines the two highlights of the Khumbu: Everest Base Camp and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. After acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, you follow the classic route to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for sunrise over Everest.
From there you head west to Dzongla and cross Cho La (5,420 m), a steep pass with a short glacier section, to Gokyo. A dawn climb of Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) gives one of the finest views in Nepal, over the lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier to Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu, before you return to Lukla via Dole and Namche Bazaar.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. Autumn usually gives the clearest skies, while spring is a little warmer and the rhododendrons are in bloom lower down.
In winter (December to February) the high passes can be closed by snow, and the monsoon (June to August) brings rain and cloud. We do not recommend this trek outside the main seasons.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a challenging high-altitude trek that combines Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5,545 m) with the crossing of Cho La (5,420 m) and a climb of Gokyo Ri. Most days involve six to seven hours of walking.
The Cho La crossing is steep and rocky, with a short glacier section, and microspikes may be needed early or late in the season. Previous trekking experience is an advantage, and good fitness and steady training before the trip are essential.
Permits
You need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
An early morning flight takes you to Lukla (2,860 m), a short and spectacular flight into the Khumbu region. After meeting your porters, you begin with an easy walk of around 3–4 hours, mostly downhill along the Dudh Koshi river. Please note: in the main seasons (March–May and October–November), Lukla flights usually depart from Manthali airport in Ramechhap, about a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu, so the day starts very early. Overnight in a teahouse in Phakding (2,610 m).
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi river across several high suspension bridges and enters Sagarmatha National Park. A long, steep climb then brings you to Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa trading town of the Khumbu. Walk slowly and drink plenty of water. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
A rest day to help your body adjust to the altitude. A morning hike climbs to the Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde, with views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku, before returning to Namche. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
The balcony trail high above the Dudh Koshi offers fine views of Ama Dablam and Everest. After descending to the river, a climb through forest leads to Tengboche, where you visit the monastery. Overnight in a teahouse in Tengboche (3,860 m).
Descending through forest, you pass through the village of Pangboche and continue into the Imja valley. The landscape opens up above the tree line, with Ama Dablam towering overhead on the way to Dingboche. Overnight in a teahouse in Dingboche (4,410 m).
A second acclimatization day. You hike up Nangkartshang ridge or walk part of the way towards Chhukung, enjoying views of Ama Dablam and Lhotse, then return to Dingboche to rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Dingboche (4,410 m).
The trail crosses open pastures to Thukla, then climbs steeply to the memorials built for climbers who lost their lives on Everest. From here the walk continues more gently up the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in a teahouse in Lobuche (4,910 m).
A rocky trail beside the Khumbu Glacier leads to Gorak Shep. After a rest you continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, then return to Gorak Shep for the night. The day takes about seven to eight hours in total. This is the highest overnight of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Gorak Shep (5,164 m).
An early climb of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) rewards you with a sunrise view of Everest and the surrounding peaks. After breakfast you head west on a quieter trail to Dzongla, with views of Cholatse and Taboche. Expect around seven to eight hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Dzongla (4,830 m).
A pre-dawn start for the crossing of Cho La (5,420 m), which includes a short section over a small glacier near the top. The descent on the far side is steep and rocky, ending at the small settlement of Thangnak. The crossing takes around seven hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Thangnak (4,700 m).
A short but rough walk over the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal, brings you to Gokyo. The afternoon is free to enjoy the turquoise lakes. Overnight in a teahouse in Gokyo (4,790 m).
A dawn climb of Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) rewards you with panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu above the lakes. After breakfast you descend the Gokyo valley to Dole. It is a long day of around seven to eight hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Dole (4,200 m).
Descending through rhododendron forest to the river, you climb again to Mong La, a ridge with views of Ama Dablam, before continuing to Namche Bazaar. The return to lower altitude makes for a comfortable night. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
On your final trekking day you descend to the Dudh Koshi and retrace the trail back to Lukla. In the evening you can celebrate the end of the trek with your guide and porters. Overnight in a teahouse in Lukla (2,860 m).
A morning flight takes you back to Kathmandu. Flights from Lukla depend on the weather, so departure times can vary. The rest of the day is free to rest and enjoy a hot shower at your hotel. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
