BRIEF DETAILS

Day 01 | International arrival in Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We will have booked a 4 star/5 star accommodation for you, depending on your preference. We would also arrange for your visit to Trans Himalayan Tour office in Patan where we will brief you on the itinerary in person and introduce you to your trekking guide. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02 | Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding: 35min flight, 3-4 hrs trek. Ending Elevation: 2610m

The flight into Lukla is spectacular and the airport is situated amongst the hills at an altitude of 2860m. The landing at Lukla airport is an exhilarating beginning to the trek, with the runway being 520m long and 30m wide, along with an incline of 12 degrees.

Once in Lukla, the entry point of the Khumbu valley, you will be meeting your team of guide(s) and porter(s). While you are having breakfast at a local lodge and preparing for the first day of trekking, they will be arranging the luggage to carry. Today you will head through pine and cedar woods in a dusty track studded with rocks along the Dudh Kosi river to Phakding. You pass locals going about their daily chores and you learn to go around Mani stones and cross the suspension bridges. It is interesting to note that geographically, the Solukhumbu district is divided into two regions, the area up to Lukla is known as Solu and the land above Lukla is known as the Khumbu region. You will also begin to gaze upon the trip’s first mountainous glory, such as the Kusum Kanguru (6367m). It is a gentle start to the Everest region trek and the night will be spent in a comfortable lodge in Phakding village.

Day 03 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3440m

The trek through the lower Khumbu valley is fairly well populated with not too extreme temperatures. The paths lead you through rhododendron and magnolia forests, and past several villages such as Chumoa and Monjo. If you visit during spring season, you might be surprised to see some cherry blossom trees along the way, especially one brought from Japan and planted by a Japanese trekker named Mr. Osawa in Chumoa. Mr. Osawa is no longer with us but he trekked with Trans Himalayan Tour every year for 20 years to go to Gokyo and Gorakshep and take an ice bath in a small lake in Gorakshep.

You will be entering the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park from Monjo as you dwell deeper into the Khumbu region. It is a strenuous hike uphill from Jorsale to Namche Bazaar with no settlements in between. The first glimpse of Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m) and Nuptse (7861m) can be seen from Toap Hill which is a good place for a break. Go slowly while you ascend and notable mountains include the Kongde Ri (6187m), Kusum Kang (6367m) and Thamserku (6608m).

Day 04 | Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is regarded as the ‘capital’ of the Khumbu region and the gateway to the high Himalayan treks. The village has many colorful shops and lodges where it is possible to find almost anything required for trekking. An acclimatization day is scheduled to adjust your body to the change in altitude and help avoid symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in higher elevation. It is recommended to take hikes to nearby side trips such as to Hotel Everest View in Syangboche or the Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde.

Day 05 | Namche Bazaar to Dole: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 4110m

Trekking through the Gokyo valley around the sacred mountain of Khumbila, it is a charming path which ascends through beautiful birch forests, numerous frozen waterfalls and yak pastures. The route ascends and descends steeply with stairs that go up and down. A lunch stop at Mongla is truly worthwhile where you can view Tabuche (6542m) as well as the peaks of Ama Dablam (6856m) and Kantega (6685m). After a hike above the tree line through several yak herding settlements, you descend to the village of Dole with towering Cholatse and Tabuche in the background.

Day 06 | Dole to Machhermo:  2-3 hrs. Ending Elevation: 4410m

South of Gokyo and North of Dole is the last village before Gokyo, which is called Machhermo.  It is a short walk today but a slow approach is recommended due to high altitudes.  Machhermo is a small settlement hidden away in a wide valley. The paths become increasingly barren with scrub junipers and tundra grasses, however the view of the Himalayas and the jagged mountains become increasingly magnificent.

Day 07 | Acclimatization day in Machhermo, view point to Machermo ridge (5000m): 3-4 hrs. Ending Elevation: 4410m

For the acclimatization day at Machermo, you can hike to the top of the ride for striking views of Everest (8848m), Makalu (8463m), Cho Oyu (8201m) and Lhotse (8516m). It is a great preparatory climb for Gokyo Ri two days later. You should be back in Machermo before lunch time and can relax for the rest of the day.

Day 08 | Machhermo to Gokyo: 4-5 hrs. Ending Elevation: 4750m

The path from Machhermo ascends gradually up the Dudh Koshi valley towards the Gokyo lakes. You will be climbing up stone paths, with rocks conveniently placed to look like a giant staircase. You will then enter the Gokyo lakes area, to the views of clear streams, and three glacial blue lakes with the base of Cho Oyu in the backdrop. You might encounter some animals as well such as the Eurasian shell ducks or the Tibetan snowcocks. The view from Gokyo is simply magical and you are left thinking how such beauty exists. If you are feeling adventurous, try to catch the sunset by walking about 45 minutes towards the path to Renjo Pass. There is a stunning view point from where you can see the sun setting over Mt. Everest and several other peaks, and the reflection on the third lake. Make sure that you have headlights for the hike back to the lodge. With the stars, the mountains and the peaceful lake, it feels like a dream as you walk towards the lodges with smoke coming out of the chimneys.

Day 09 | Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5357m): 4-5 hrs round trip. Ending Elevation: 4750m

Gokyo Ri is a 5357m high peak in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas, amongst the Gokyo lakes. It is located on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier. At the top of the peak you are provided with a front row seat to the Himalayan amphitheater with a 360 degree views of the mountains and the Ngozumpa Glacier. Your gaze will scroll through clockwise going from Cho Oyo, Nuptse, Everest, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Cholatse, Tabuche, Kantega, Thamserku, Lobuche and countless other peaks with the turquoise lakes seated serenely below. Overnight in Gokyo.

Day 10 | Gokyo to 5^th Lake (4980m), back to Gokyo: 8-9 hrs round trip. Ending Elevation 4750m 

The hike to the 4^th lake and 5^th lake is relatively flat, especially compared to what you have already done the past few days. You would be walking on the ridge of the Ngozumpa Glacier and you may be able to hear the ice crashing in the distance. It is an amazing sight to see the expanse of this longest glacier in the Himalayas. Once you are at the 4^th lake (4840m), there is a small hill which you can ascend for a magnificent view of Mt. Everest. A further hike to the 5^th lake rewards you with more picturesque views of Everest, Pumori and Nagazumba Himal. Please be sure to take packed lunch and snacks as there are no tea shops after Gokyo village. If you are visiting during monsoon, you may notice the alpine flowers blooming all around you, especially the highly popular blue poppies that grow above 4000m. 

Day 11 | Gokyo to Lungden via Renjo La Pass (5360m): 7 - 8 hours. Ending Elevation: 4210m

It is good fun to map out the route to Renjo pass from the banks of Dudh Pokhari (the lake), as the path looks incredulous but your guide will be telling you that yes, you will be crossing that ridge.

The climb to Renjo Pass can be quite challenging and the right approach is to ascend very slowly as any exertion can leave the climber breathless. After around four hours of leaving Gokyo, you will arrive at the summit of Renjo La Pass (5360m). From the top of the pass you will get to see the mighty peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Taboche to name a few as well as the lakes enclosed by the Ngozumpa Glacier. Herein lies one of the best (if not the best) views of the Everest region. The descent to Lungden is via a narrow valley strewn with giant boulders. Be sure to have your head and ears protected as the wind picks up on the other side of Renjo Pass.


Day 12 | Lungden to Thamo: 5 - 6 hours. Ending Elevation: 3480m

The high valley around Lungden sees few trekkers and remains the simple domain for yaks and pastures. It is a pleasant downhill today and you walk by some very old, authentic Himalayan villages that blend almost invisibly into the landscape. You will pass by the village of Thame, where the legendary Tenzing Norgay grew up. The monastery there is also one of the oldest in the Khumbu region. While most treks stop for the night at Thame, we will stay overnight in Thamo village. It is another 1.5 hours away but the lodges are much warmer and our trek to Hotel Everest View tomorrow is made closer.

Day 13 | Thamo to Hotel Everest View: 3.5-4 hours. Ending Elevation: 3880m

It is a relatively straight path for half of the trail today and you will be trekking inside a jungle of pine trees until you come out to the Syangboche airstrip. Although this airstrip is no longer used for passenger planes, it was originally constructed to service Hotel Everest View in the early 1970s. Building this airstrip required 1.5 tons of dynamite, a 3 ton bulldozer plus a smaller bulldozer. Almost all the material were carried by porters, only very few items were taken via helicopter from Kathmandu. Syangboche airstrip is now mainly used by the cargo helicopter dropping off goods and as the Everest Sky Diving landing spot.

Opened in 1971, Hotel Everest View has been listed on the Guinness Book of World Records (2004) as the Highest Placed Hotel in the world at 3,880m. Featured in numerous guide books and having received media coverage, the resort has become a destination in its own right. After a highly rewarding Gokyo trek, you may want to simply relax in the comfort of hot showers, electric blankets and some delicious Japanese set menus.

Day 14 | HEV to Phakding: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2610m

Trekking from HEV to Phakding, you will be going back the same path you trekked many days ago. This time it is mostly downhill so it may be hard on your weary knees. During the peak seasons in spring and autumn when the helicopter shuttle is available (usually March 15 – May 15 and Oct 1 – Dec 5), you can opt to take the heli from HEV directly to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu same day, which will save you 2 days of trekking.

Day 15 | Phakding to Lukla: 3-4 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2860m

It is a fairly relaxed trek today and you will be pushing through the final uphill back to Lukla. Enjoy the last day of trekking and celebrate the successful completion of your trek with your guides and porters!

Day 16 | Lukla to Kathmandu

After another short domestic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, we bring you back to the city that started your journey. The day can be arranged for some sight-seeing around the famous World Heritage sights in Kathmandu, highly recommended are Patan Dubar Square, Boudhanath stupa and Swayambhunath temple (monkey temple). Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 17 | International Departure

As this epic adventure wraps up, you may already be planning for your next trip to Nepal. A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will escort you to the international airport in Kathmandu and we wish you a pleasant flight home. All the best until we meet again! 

Include:

 International & domestic airport pick up and drop off to and from a hotel in Kathmandu

 Overnights in Kathmandu on BB (bed & breakfast) basis in a 4/5 star category hotel

 Domestic flights and ground transportation

 Government licensed main trekking guide, assistant guide (for groups over 3 pax) and porters. One porter for      every two trekkers.

 Staff costs are included – wages, insurance, equipment, food & accommodation

 Trekking accommodation in tea houses with attached bathrooms where available

 3 meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus tea/coffee breaks during the trek

 A 60 liter company duffel bag per person – for yours to keep

 Sleeping bags (good up to -20 degrees) and hot water bags for the duration of the trek

 First Aid kit – to be carried by the trekking guide

 Trekking permits and entrance fees

 Kathmandu valley sight-seeing tour with private vehicle and city guide as mentioned in itinerary

 All rates are inclusive of service charge and government tax

Exclude:

 International flight tickets

 Lunch & dinner outside of trekking (not included in Kathmandu/other cities)

 Nepal entry visa fee – visa is available upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu

 Medical insurance – please make sure you have travel insurance for Nepal

 Alcoholic beverages/soft drinks/bottled water

 Tips (tipping is expected)