EBC Chola Pass Gokyo Trek - 22 Days

After your arrival at the airport in Kathmandu you will be greeted by one of our representatives who will later escort you to the hotel. After hotel check in you can decide whether you would like to have a relaxing rest at the hotel. O/N you stay at the hotel.

Today after breakfast we will set out for a guided city tour where you get to discover several historical and spiritual attractions of Kathmandu. You will be seeing the world heritage sites like historical Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of lord Pashupatinath, Buddhist pilgrimage Swoyambhunath (famous by the name of Monkey temple among tourists), Boudhanath Shrine and many more cultural and natural monuments. The Kathmandu City tour will more or less familiarize you with Nepalese urban lifestyle. Later we will have a discussion session where we discuss about our trek plan and preparation. Our trek leader would be obliged to brief you about our expedition and answer your queries. O/N you stay at the hotel.

After breakfast you will be escorted to the domestic terminal of the Kathmandu airport to board a flight to Lukla, a gateway for our trekking expedition. The scenic flight to Lukla is surely going to be a once in a lifetime experience for you. The air route to Lukla is one the most beautiful air route in the world. The 40 minutes flight above the majestic mountains will land you at Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla. Upon arrival at Lukla we start our trek until we reach Phakding. The trail to Phakding lets you discover the green landscape with a scenic view of Kusum Kangraru. 0/N we stay in a guest house.

Today we take a stiff walk through a beautiful pine forest that leads us along the Dudh Koshi River and Hillary Suspension bridge to reach the check post and the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. The trail follows the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. Walking further we reach chautra where we have the first glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Two hours of more walk eventually lands us in Namche Bazaar(3440m) which is a gateway to Mt. Everest and trading point for many Sherpa people and Tibetan merchants. Namche Bazaar is an ideal market for visitors to purchase traditional crafts and other mementos. We will spend two days in Namche for acclimatization and visit local markets and traditions of the people living in the Himalayas. O/N we stay in a guest house.

We have set this day for acclimatization. We have all the options today whether go for hiking to Thame or visit Khunde or relax and explore Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazaar is the center of the Khumbu region and it has government offices, internet cafes, Shops, restaurants and colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. A few hundred vertical feet of trekking will really us to properly acclimatize. Our guide will take you to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO world natural heritage site) where you can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. A day full of hangout at the Namche Bazaar lets you discover the Himalayan beauty of the Khumbu region. O/N we stay in a guest house.

After a lovely morning breakfast at Namche we gear up our expedition to reach Phortse Thanga. We start our trek enjoying the scenic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Muptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and a close up view of Mt. Thamserku. The trail takes few ups and downs but still the magnificent view of the Himalayas makes our trekking a worthy one. We will also spot wild lives like colorful pheasant, musk deer and Himalayan Thar on our way. The trail ascends via Kayangjuma and reaches Sansa which is a major trail junction to Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. We trek further ascending through Mongla Pass (3975m) that offers a great view of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Tawache and Mt. Khumbila (Mt. Khumbila is considered sacred by the Sherpas). We will then descend down to Dudh Koshi River (3250M0, cross a bridge and further ascend via rhododendron forest to finally reach Phortse Thanga. The Phortse Thanga resides under the peaks of Tawache and Cholaste. Overnight, we stay in Phortse at a guest house.

We will be doing a short trek today. After having breakfast at Phortse we set off for Dole. The trail is quite moderate with few ups and downs along the way. We cross the bridge on the Dudh Koshi River and continue our walk. On the way we will spot the Himalayan wild lives like Peasants, Mountain goats and musk deer which makes our expedition even exciting. We the walk further through forest crossing bridges and enjoying the scenic waterfalls on our way. After crossing few brides we reach Dole. If we have leisure time we may choose to hang around Dole and its wonderful village. Overnight we stay at a guest house.

Today we climb through a ridge above Dole and ascend via Lhabarma enjoying the mystical beauty of the Himalayan region. The trail further continues offering great views of Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Kantega and Mt. Thamserku eventually taking us to a small village of Luza (4360m). We then ascend via Luza reaching Dudh Koshi valley. Walking further above roaring Dudh Koshi and crossing few villages, we reach Machhermo. Machhermo is probably the last major settlement on the way to Gokyo. Exploring Machhermo could be an ideal idea if you have a leisure time. It is also believed that this is the place where the Khumbu people got sight of Yeti during the early seventies. We will also pay our visit to Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding the high altitude climbing, sickness its precaution and treatments. Overnight, we stay in a guest house at Machhermo.

We gear up for our expedition to reach Gokyo today. We climb through a ridge Chorten that offers a fabulous view of Mt. Kangtega, Mt. Thamserku and Mt. Cho Oyu. The trail further passes through the Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480m). Phangka is the place where a deadly avalanche killed forty people in 1995. We pass through the bank of river and ascend the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. Walking further we will have our glimpse of the first lake of the valley. Ahead is the second lake that offers a mesmerizing view of sparkling blue water. Little ahead of the second lake we see the third lake, the two lakes are linked by a stream. Upon reaching Gokyo that stands by the third lake, we will be amazed to enjoy the scenic view of Cho Oyu. We will also explore around the third lakes, Dudh Pokhari. Gokyo has lot more to be explored along with its natural beauty. Overnight, we stay in a guest house

Today is an acclimatization day. Few hours of walk even during the rest day is ideal for trekkers. We take a chance to climb Gokyo Ri which is the best viewpoint of the Everest region. The mesmerizing view that it offers is really luring and leaves your eyes wide open. We will take as many photographs as we like. Gokyo is rather famous for its awesome lakes that have added more beauty to this region. We will visit the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and Fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). Thonak Tsho the fourth lake lies approximately 3 KM north of Gokyo. The trail further continues to Ngozuma Tsho the fifth lake. We may choose to climb a hill at the edge of the lakes to enjoy the scenic view of rising peaks like Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu. The view point is called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. We can also see the base camp of Cho Oyu from the northern part of the fifth lake. The view of the world’s biggest glacier; the Ngazumpa glacier is yet another attraction of our trip. You may also choose to trek further for the astonishing view of the sixth lake depending upon the availability of time. Overnight, we stay at a guesthouse.

After spending magnificent day in mystical Gokyo valley we will today set off for Thaknak. The trail to Thaknak is takes few ups and downs passing through the forest and crossing small streams. We reach Thaknak scaling the second lake and the Ngozumba Glacier. Overnight, we stay at the guesthouse.

Today is probably the toughest day of our expedition. We will be trekking all the way to Cho La pass and then to Dzongla. Cho La pass is yet another attraction of our trip. We will start early in the morning and pass through Cho La. The pass is not difficult in itself but it is rather steep and we even need to cross a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need be cautious as the trail is quite vertical and rocks are glazed by ice adds trouble to the trekkers making the trail slippery. The trail from Phei ascends through a gorge and rocky route. We climb up continuously until we reach at the top of the pass festooned with prayer flags. We find ourselves surrounded by the Himalayas from all sides. Ama Dablam reveals in the south, Cholatse on the west, Lobutse in the east and Baruntse rises to our right. We walk further passing through some crevasses until we reach Dzongla. Dzongla is yet another attraction of our expedition that offers a scenic view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Lobuche. Overnight, we stay at the guesthouse.

We would be walking a short and relaxed trail to Lobuche. We start our expedition descending from Dzongla crossing a bridge and then further travelling through grassy trail. As we walk we will enjoy the view of scenic Lobuche peak en route. Walking further we reach a ridge that entices with the vibrant beauty of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Kangtega, Mt Thamserku and Mt. Taboche. The trail now take a twist curving through the wide stony river bed eventually landing us in Lobuche. Overnight, we stay at a guesthouse.

The trail to Gorak Shep heads through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. On our way to Gorak Shep we will witness north ridge of Mt. Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Nuptse etc. Climbing further through the Changri Glacier we have a first glimpse of Kala Patthar. Our walk continues all the way to Gorak Shep. As we Gorak Shep, we will find ourselves surrounded by snow-capped mountains along with the highest peak of the world Mt. Everest. We take the trail that further takes us to Everest Base Camp. O/N we stay at the guest house.

Today we will be exploring the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. We will take the trail to Everest Base camp through Gorak Shep Lake. Trekking straight ahead we come through the Indian army mountaineers memorials. Upon reaching Everest base camp we will enjoy the natural splendor of Khumbu Glacier and icefall. This is the point from where the Everest expedition actually begins. One can truly salute the courage and bravery of Everest climbers witnessing the deadly trail that leads to the peak of the Everest. We can see the rising peaks of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori but mighty Everest still remains hidden. After enjoying the magnificence of Everest Base Camp we head towards Kala Patthar. The early morning view of Mt. Everest and the other Himalayas is simply mind blowing. We need to gear up with some fine cloths so as to protect ourselves from the cold wind which is quite common in the region. En route we can see some scenic mountains like Lingtren, Changtse etc from a distance. We can also witness Mt. Everest revealing itself as we continue our trek. On our way we can stop for some time to snap the beautiful natural scenes and the Himalayan range. A long but exciting walk finally lands us in Kala Patthar. We can truly enjoy the panoramic view of Himalayas and capture the moments in our cameras. This moment is going to be the most memorable moments for you which would keep your memories alive for rest of your lifetime. We will trek back to Gorak Shep and stay at the guesthouse.

Today we will descend down to Pheriche from Gorak Shep. We will follow the regular trail that descends all the way to Pheriche. En route we will enjoy the majestic views of ever shining mountains of the region. Upon arrival at Pheriche we may choose to hang around the Sherpa settlement in this village and discover more about traditional Sherpa culture and tradition. Overnight, we stay at the guest house.

We would be trekking an easier walk down to the lower altitude today. We will follow the same route back to the terminal moraines at Dughla and the wide valley of Khumbu Khola. The trail pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages of Pheriche, Orsho and Shomare. We will also pay our visit to a monastery in Upper Pangboche and then take the regular trail to reach Pangboche. From Pangboche we trek further via Imja Khola and ascend through the forest to Debuche. We may choose to visit Debuche monastery. Upon reaching Tengboche we may choose to hang around the region and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayan range from this region. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Nuptse. The biggest Buddhist Monastery of the Khumbu region “Tengboche Monastery or Gompa” is the central attraction of Tengboche. We pay our visit to the monastery and witness some ceremonies out there. We will also spend plenty of time capturing the scenic beauty of the Himalayan range in our cameras. Overnight, we stay at a guesthouse.

We would be trekking down to Namche Bazaar today. We follow the trail through the hillside filled with Rhododendron, Pine and Juniper trees. The trail offers superb view blended with natural vegetation and the high Himalayas. After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi river, the trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge further descending through the pine forest eventually reaching Sansa. We may also get chance to see the wild lives of the region such as mountain goats, snow leopards, pheasants etc. while travelling via forest. Trekking further we pass through a Chorten and reach army camp of Namche Bazaar. Upon reaching at Namche we may choose to hang around and take beautiful pictures of Mt. Lhotse, peak of Mt. Everest and Tengboche from this juncture. Overnight, we stay at a guest house.

We will be wrapping up our trekking expedition today. Leaving Namche Bazaar behind we descend down the rocky trail crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river. As we walk the trail becomes more smooth and easy. We find the environment really warm and cozy compared to previous days of our expedition. We can feel the fresh air blowing from Himalayas that makes our expedition more energetic and vibrant. We pass through beautiful forest filled with Rhododendron, pine trees and different natural vegetations. We get to snap beautiful mountains and the panoramic views on our way. We will be pleased passing through Sherpa villages that offer a unique blend of Sherpa culture and tradition. Upon arrival at Lukla we conclude our long expedition and have a relaxing time with our friends and crew members. Overnight, we stay in Lukla.

We will wave our final goodbye to the beautiful mountains today. The flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for the morning because the windy afternoon may cause difficulties flying the aircraft. The early morning scenic flight over the Himalayas drops us at the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport from where you will be escorted to the hotel. Today we have the whole day to relax at the hotel or hang around in the city at your convenience.

Today you have relaxing day in Kathmandu. You have all the day to hang around in the streets and bazaar of Kathmandu. You may spend time in buying gifts and mementos for your friends and family. If you are interested you may choose to have a guided city tour to explore Kathmandu and its vicinity. You will be joining a special farewell dinner in a cozy traditional Nepali restaurant hosted by Breakfree Adventures and its team in the evening. Overnight, at the hotel.

Your trip to the majestic country of Nepal comes to an end today! You will be escorted by one of the representatives of Breakfree Adventures to the international terminal of Kathmandu airport approximately three hours before your flight schedule. We exchange our last good-byes and now you will be leaving Nepal with all the good memories you had during the wonderful trekking adventure. We hope you had a lovely time with us. Breakfree Adventures would be obliged to be your travel partner during your next adventure in Nepal. Have a safe flight back home!