This circular Everest Base Camp trek explores the heart of the Sherpa homeland, from Namche Bazaar to the Gokyo Valley, crossing the glaciated Cho La Pass and on to the classic route to Everest Base Camp used by the great climbing parties.
Allowing ample time for acclimatisation, we are able to explore this high mountain wilderness, the quieter Gokyo Valley as well as the main Everest trails. Our goal is Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier with the chance to climb iconic Kala Pattar (5545m), which offers fabulous close-up views of Mount Everest.
Itinerary
Day 1
Start Kathmandu.
Day 2
Drive to Manthali (Ramechhap) airport; short but spectacular flight to Lukla (2800m) Head northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi; trek to the small settlement of Phakding.
Day 3
Follow the Dudh Kosi and ascend to Namche Bazaar.
Day 4
Explore in and around Namche Bazaar; acclimatisation walk in the Thame Valley.
Day 5
Acclimatisation walk to Kunde and Khumjung; descend to Kyanjuma.
Day 6
Cross the Mong La into the Gokyo Valley and trek to Dole.
Day 7
Continue to Machhermo.
Day 8
Trek to Gokyo Lake, a small settlement of lodges on the shores of a blue lake. Afternoon, optional walk up the hill behind camp for incredible views of the Ngozumpo Glacier.
Day 9
Climb Gokyo Ri (5360m); afternoon trek to Dragnag.
Day 10
Cross the Cho La (5420m) and enter the main Khumbu Valley; trek to Dzongla.
Day 11
Continue the ascent to Lobuje.
Day 12
A long day to visit Everest Base Camp. Overnight at Gorak Shep.
Day 13
Climb Kala Pattar (5545m) for classic views of Everest; descend to Pheriche.
Day 14
Trek to Thyangboche and visit the famous monastery.
Day 15
Trek back to Monzo via Kyanjuma and Namche.
Day 16
Return to Lukla.
Day 17
Fly to Manthali (Ramechhap) airport and transfer to Kathmandu
Day 18
Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 19
End Kathmandu.
Price
From £2,599
What's Included
- All breakfasts
- Morning bed-tea on trek
- Welcome drink at each overnight lodge
- 3 nights hotels and 15 nights teahouses
- All listed transport and activities
- Tour leader throughout, plus local staff (staff to client ratio of 1:4 on trek)
- Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Full porterage throughout trek
- Kitbag
- Trekking map (provided locally)
- Trekking permit and national park fees