EVEREST GOKYO TREK 8 DAYS
EVEREST GOKYO TREK 8 DAYS
This 8-day trek to EBC and Gokyo Lakes provides spectacular views of Mt. Everest & remarkable beauty of the Gokyo Valley with its alluring emerald blue lakes. The Himalayas of Nepal is undoubtedly a magical land of beauty rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture that is practiced by probably the hardiest and most friendly people in Nepal. It was Sherpa Tenzing Norgay who partnered with New Zealander Edmund Hillary to reach the summit of Mt Everest. The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek takes you to the high altitude Cho la Pass (5420m) that connects Dzongla in the east and Thagnak Village in the west.
Trekking through the peaceful Gokyo valley in the Sagarmatha National Park offers some awesome views of Gokyo Ri (5357m) and Kalapathar (6660m). Additionally, the views of Mount Everest (8848m), Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt Makalu (8485m). Cho-Oyu (8201 m) and Nuptse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Pumori, and Khumbutse in the Khumbu district will leave you spellbound. Sagarmatha National Park has an abundance of unique flora and fauna and a varied landscape that ranges from lush valleys, forests and glaciers. In this region you can expect to see yaks grazing, donkeys, Musk deer, Himalayan mountain bear, wild mountain goat, the elusive Snow Leopard, blue sheep, Rhesus monkey, Languor monkeys, mountain hawk and the superbly colored pheasant (Nepal’s national bird).
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s Everest Base Camp and Cho-La Pass trek begins at Kathmandu followed by a short scenic flight to Lukla. Our trek begins at Lukla taking us to Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Everest Base Camp. Climbing to Kala Patthar (5550m) is famous for its views of Mt. Everest, Dzongla, Cho-La Pass (5420m), Gokyo Valley, Ngozumpa Glacier, 5 turquoise Gokyo Lakes, Renjo La Pass and Gokyo Ri. This Trek offers trekkers a more varied experience of this region besides just visiting Everest Base Camp. This off the beaten path trek is more physically demanding due to the altitude at Cho La Pass (5420m). We will also cross the Ngozumpa Glacier before reaching the pass. Gokyo Valley lies between Gokyo and Khumbu.
Sherpa Expedition & Trekking will attend to the details, such as permits, meals and accommodation. With more than 40 years in this business we have become experts in caring for our clients. We leave nothing to chance and focus on making this an enjoyable, safe and hassle-free adventure that you will tell your friends about.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
This morning you will be picked up at the hotel by your guide who will take you to the domestic airport of Kathmandu airport. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes around 35 minutes, allowing you time to catch the spectacular views of the Himalayas. At Lukla you begin your trek, firstly passing a Kani (ceremonial gatehouse) before the trail descends and follows a route just above Kyangma village and its large Gompa (monastery). We then continue on to Cheplung Village where the trail passes through a forest within sight of the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the suspension bridge you trek across the ridge to Ghat and then passes Mani walls, Chortens and prayer wheels.. After a short walk from Ghat we reach Phakding where we will stay overnight.
Day 2 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trail crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River before reaching the villages of Tok-Tok, Benkar, and Monjo, and then we arrive at the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. After following the river for several hours there is a steep uphill trek to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is a thriving town and has a variety of restaurants, an internet café, pubs, post office, ATM and banks.
Day 3 : Trek to Dole (4150m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trail begins with a steep ascent from the valley floor passing through rhododendron, juniper and large conifer forests that fill the air with their distinct aroma. The trail then continues through Yak Kharka (meaning grazing pasture for yak) and various Sherpa villages. Throughout the trek, we will have some amazing views of Khumbu La Pass and Tengboche.
Day 4 : Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we take the trail leading to Gokyo (4790m), one of the main attractions of this trek. While in Gokyo for 2 days we will take a few trails and explore the surrounding terrain around the lakes.
Day 5 : Hike up to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) and Back to Gokyo via Trek to Thangnak (4,500 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we trek for about 6 to 7 hours and have a steep climb up to Gokyo Ri (5483m). The spectacular views will leave you awestruck. There are glorious views of Gokyo Valley, the enormous Ngozumpa Glacier (world’s highest), incredible panoramic views of the entire Khumbu region, and the soaring peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang (7952m). We will trek to the base of Cho La pass. Due to its remoteness, our accommodation tonight will be in a dormitory.
Day 6 : Cross Cho La pass (5,420 m) and trek to Dzongla (4,710 m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
An early start will see us trek from Gokyo Ri and have a magnificent view of Mt Cholatse (6440m) in the morning light. Today is the most physically demanding day of our trek as we head to Cho-La Pass (5420m). On reaching the highest point of the valley we begin our trek through Cho La Pass with some fantastic views of Chola Lake and Mt. Amadablam. The climbing can be quite tricky due to the terrain being rugged and with rocks covered with ice. After reaching the top of the pass we then descend to Dzongla for the night.
Day 7 : Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m) and then Back to Gorak Shep (5,180 m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today starts with a two-hour trek to Gorakshep. The trail is easy, to begin with, but slowly becomes more difficult. Along the trail, we have spectacular views of several soaring peaks, such as Everest, Nuptse, and other peaks. The trail continues for about 150 meters before crossing a moraine and then gets easier before we arrive at Gorakshep, one of the world's most remote and highest settlements. After a lunch break, we trek toward EBC along a trail next to the Khumbu Glacier. Crossing the glacier will take around 1.5 hours before coming to EBC (5360m). From EBC you will have views of the Khumbu Glacier with its terrifying and dangerous crevices. We will then descend to Gorakshep for the night.
Day 8 : Hike to Kalapattar (5545m/18188ft) and back to Gorakshep and take Helicopter flight to Lukla and fly to Kathmandu.
An early start to the day will be rewarded with unforgettable sunrise views from Kala Pathar – a photographer’s paradise! Mount Everest and other gigantic peaks will be in-your-face! After spending some time here to capture the views we will head back down to Gorakshep for a well-deserved breakfast. After breakfast, we will prepare for the scenic helicopter flight back to Lukla and after we reach Lukla we will take a normal flight in some glorious views of the surrounding Himalayan Mountains.
SERVICES
Costs are included in your package.
- Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Fresh fruit every evening after dinner.
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodation during the trek.
- Sharing helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla
- All necessary paperwork including Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit & Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight with private airport transfer and domestic airport tax.
- A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Trip achievement certificate after successful trip completion.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Hotel accommodation in kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- Excess baggage of more than 10 kg for Lukla flight.
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom - until Namche which is a thriving town seeing many more tourists and a greater range of accommodation. It should be noted that at higher elevations the quality of accommodation may not be as good, with more basic rooms with the bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Khumbu region is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpas’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek. Our only flights are from Kathmandu to Lukla and return.
Physical fitness
EBC is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus!. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek.The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
What are the highlights of the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek?
Some of the highlights of the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek include stunning views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and other Himalayan peaks, exploring the pristine Gokyo Lakes, witnessing the Gokyo Ri viewpoint, and experiencing the unique Sherpa culture and hospitality.
Can I customize the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek itinerary?
The 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek itinerary can be customized to some extent. However, it is important to consult with your trekking agency or guide to ensure that the itinerary allows for proper acclimatization and a safe trekking experience. They can advise on the best route and itinerary options based on your preferences and fitness level.
How long is the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek?
The 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek covers a distance of approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) round trip from Lukla to Gokyo and back.
What is the difficulty level of the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek?
The 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek is considered to be a moderately challenging trek. It involves steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and long hours of walking each day. Prior trekking experience and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.
What is the best time to do the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek?
The best time to undertake the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, providing optimal trekking conditions.
What kind of accommodations can I expect during the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek?
Teahouses and lodges are available along the Everest Gokyo Trek route. These provide basic accommodations with shared rooms and communal dining areas. The facilities may vary, but most offer comfortable beds, hot showers (for a fee), and meals.
Is it possible to do the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek independently?
Yes, it is possible to do the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek independently. However, it is recommended to hire a guide or join a trekking agency for better support, safety, and local knowledge. They can also assist with permits, accommodations, and transportation.
What permits do I need for the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek?
For the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek, you will need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or through your trekking agency.
What should I pack for the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek?
Some essential items to pack for the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek include proper trekking gear (hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear), a good-quality backpack, a water bottle, a camera, sunscreen, a headlamp, and a first aid kit. It is also recommended to carry some snacks and water purification tablets.
Are there any altitude-related risks on the 8-day Everest Gokyo Trek?
Altitude sickness is a concern on the Everest Gokyo Trek, even on the 8-day itinerary. It is important to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. The trekking itinerary is designed to allow for gradual acclimatization, but it is still essential to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take necessary precautions.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
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Based On 10 Reviews
Tony Mancuso
Australia
December 12, 2023
A Trek to Cherish
We completed the Gokyo Everest Camp trek with Sherpa Expedition and it was an unforgettable adventure. Our guide, Lakpa Sherpa, was very nice and professional, ensuring our safety and enjoyment throughout the journey. The porter provided excellent support, making the trek even more comfortable. Sherpa Expedition is truly the best company for this trek.
An Incredible Trekking Experience
United States
November 14, 2023
Marcin Płacheta
My friend and I had the most amazing time on the Gokyo Everest Camp trek with Sherpa Expedition. Our guide, Lakpa Sherpa, was not only very nice but also highly experienced, making the trek enjoyable and informative. The porter was also very friendly and supportive. Sherpa Expedition is undoubtedly the best company for this trek.
Lis Agnete Lorenz
Austria
November 8, 2023
An Adventure of a Lifetime
My friend and I had the most incredible time on the Gokyo Everest Camp trek with Sherpa Expedition. Our guide, Lakpa Sherpa, was not only very nice but also highly experienced, making the trek enjoyable and informative. The porter was also very friendly and supportive. Sherpa Expedition is undoubtedly the best company for this trek.
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