Trip to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes

An easy day with a gentle gain of altitude. We walk up the Dudh Koshi gorge, crossing from one side to the other on suspension bridges. Our target is Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Sherpa people, and the gate of Sagarmatha National Park. Distance 10 km. ↑ Altitude 3440 m. Walking time 4 hours.

We spend the day in Namche Bazaar and get used to the altitude. A walk to the village of Khumjung, where the yeti scalp is kept, then up to the Hillary memorial (4000 m). All day long we have the highest peaks of the Himalayas in front of us: Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Nuptse (7861 m), Ama Dablam (6814 m)

About an hour out of Namche Bazaar on the classic trail we turn left, onto the path that leads to Gokyo. Distance 12 km. Walking time 5.5 h. Ascent 600 m. Overnight altitude 4040 m.

A short day, so there is time to rest and recover in the afternoon. Today we see the eight-thousander Cho Oyu (8188 m) for the first time. After lunch you are free and can walk around on your own. Distance 7 km. Walking time 3.5 h. Ascent 400 m. Overnight altitude 4440 m.

Another short day. The trail runs along a mountain river and then over the moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier, into the valley that holds the finest high lakes: Longponga (4650 m), Taujung (4710 m) and the largest one, Gokyo (4750 m), with the village of the same name on its shore. After lunch we walk up the moraine for a view of Ngozumpa, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. Distance 9 km. Walking time 3.5 h. Ascent 320 m. Overnight altitude 4760 m.

An early start and the climb of Gokyo Ri, 5330 m. We do our best to meet the sunrise on the summit. After the descent, 3 hours for breakfast and rest. Then we pack and cross the Ngozumpa glacier to the village of Dragnag. Distance 9 km. Walking time 6.5 h. Descent 80 m. Overnight altitude 4680 m.

Today brings the key point of the route, the Cho La pass at 5367 m. Beyond the pass we cross a glacier and go down to Dzonglha. Distance 10 km. Walking time 6.5 h. Up and down 700 m. Night at 4670 m.

An easy day to Lobuche. On our right rise Taboche and Cholatse, on our left Lobuche and ahead Ama Dablam. Halfway we see the classic trail to Everest. After lunch, a walk up the moraine facing the Khumbu glacier. In Lobuche we join the part of our group that came by the classic route. Distance 8 km. Walking time 2.5 h. Ascent 270 m. Night at 4940 m.

In the morning a walk of about 4 hours to the village of Gorak Shep. In the afternoon we go up Kala Patthar, 5645 m, 3 m higher than Elbrus, for a 360º view of Everest and a crowd of other Himalayan peaks. It is also key acclimatisation before the Island Peak climb, for those who join it. Distance 7.5 km. ↑ Altitude 5364 m

In the morning an easy walk with light packs to Everest Base Camp. In the afternoon we go down to the Sherpa village of Pheriche. Distance 17 km ↑ Altitude 5645 m to 4350 m

We follow the mountain path through coniferous forest along the gorge. The descent today and on the following days is stretched out on purpose. This way down can in fact be done in two days instead of three. It is a bit harder, and that is exactly what we do if we need a spare day for the Island Peak climb. Distance 14 km. ↓ Altitude 3867 m. About 4 hours of walking.

In Namche Bazaar we stop for a long lunch. Distance 14 km. ↓ Altitude 2835 m. About 4 hours of walking.

The last leg, the final 13 km of our journey. It takes about 4 hours.

Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu in the morning. Transfer to the Thamel tourist quarter. Hotel check-in. The evening is yours in Kathmandu. Nepali folk music and songs. A stroll around Thamel. You can go for a Nepali massage in the best salon in town (20-30 USD per hour). Night at the hotel.

Today we visit the three great sights of the city: 1. Swayambhunath temple, also known as the Monkey Temple. 2. The Buddhist complex of Boudhanath, where we have lunch on a roof terrace facing the stupa and the Himalayas. 3. The Hindu complex of Pashupatinath, the temple of Shiva, where bodies are cremated day and night on the bank of the Bagmati river. In the evening the last dinner of the programme, in a Tibetan restaurant with home-brewed tongba beer. Then the Purple Haze rock bar.

Breakfast at the hotel. The programme ends here. We will drive you to the airport at any time during the day.