This trek is a 14 day hiking of the famous Khumbu area. The trek climbs to Gokyo Lake and over the Cho La Pass at 5330m to take us into the Khumbu Valley above Lobuje. The trek continues up to Kalapattar. We then make our way back to Lukla via Thengboche and Namche Bazaar.
With several of the world’s highest peaks (Cho Oyu (8201m), Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516 m) and Everest (8850m), the Kombu Area is loaded with the most awesome of mountains vistas. In this mind-boggling neighborhood of the world’s highest mountains are the famous Sherpa people with their villages, high stone-built monasteries and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
The wildness of Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park surrounds Khumbu Valley and is legendary for sightings of Yeti. The path from Lukla airport to both Everest Base Camp Route and Gokyo are almost always busy with the Yaks, mules and horses who inter-mingle with we trekkers. As there are no roads, these animals transport the bulk of the goods for the villagers and the trekkers in the region.
Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition considers this trek strenuous as trekkers must climb over high passes.
Detail Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 03: Phakding – Namche (3440 m) 5-6 hours
Day 04: Namche Rest/ Acclimatization Day Hiking Everest view hotel or khumjung village
Day 05: Namche – Tengboche (3860 m) 4-5 hours
Day 06: Tengboche – Dingboche (4410 m) 4-5 hours
Day 07: Dingboche – Lobuche (4910 m) 4-5 hours
Day 08: Lobuche – Kala Pattar (5550m) – Dzonglha BC (4830 m) 6 -7 hours
Day 09: Dzongla – Cho La Pass (5330m) – Dragnag (4700m) 4-5 hours
Day 10: Dragnag – Gokyo (4790 m) 3-4 hours
Day 11: Gokyo(4790 m) (4790 m) (Gokyo Ri hiking 5360m)
Day 12: Gokyo – Kele (Gyele) (4110 m) 3-4 hours
Day 13: Kele – Sanasa (3520m) 4-5 hours
Day 14: Sanasa- Namche Bazar – Lukla (2880 m) 6-7 hours
Day 15: Lukla – Kathmandu (1337 m) Flight 30 minutes
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Important Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern to Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. Please understand that the HV Treks trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is found prudent. Unfavorable circumstances may occur during the trek. Dangerous weather conditions, the condition of a group member, natural events such as landslides can force changes in the itinerary. All efforts will be made to keep to the planned itinerary. The HV Treks leader will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary.
Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give a 24-hour emergency response to an accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Also Important: on Domestic Flight (Kathmandu – Lukla)
The Government of Nepal has announced an issue for the flight operation to Lukla. Due to heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport, most of the flights from and to Lukla are managed from Ramechhap airport which is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive). However, direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is available in off-seasons.
Alternatively, helicopter arrangements can be made on 4 people sharing basis with the addition of USD $ 550 for one-way flight per person to change your airplane flights to the helicopter. We will try to coordinate and form groups at the airport for this arrangement, but we cannot guarantee it. The jeep drive to Ramechhap and flight to Lukla is almost always guaranteed unless the flight is canceled due to bad weather conditions.
Travelers are suggested to advise us on the preferred alternatives for the flights to/from Lukla affected due to possible delays or disruptions.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and ensure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan HV Treks’ placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour.
Day 02: Kathmandu-Lukla (flight) 2840m -by flight 35 minutes Phakding (2610m) 2-3 hours
We are going to have exciting and adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla today. We can compare this flight with the Mountain Flight. The flight is supposed to be exciting due to the climatic conditions; especially visibility and wind that affect our flight most may cause to delay. In a little turboprop with the capacity of about 14 passengers, we fly in the altitude up to 3500 meters to Lukla. If the day is clear we are lucky to view in the north the ranges of snow peaks of the huge mountains bordering with Tibet. And to the south we can view the beautiful small villages and terraces of the fertile lands. After landing in Lukla, we walk downhill upto Chheplung then we walk uphill along the Dudhkoshi River to Phakding. Wooden and suspension bridges in the several points welcome us to cross the river. We rest in Phakding this day. From today onwards, after the dinner or before we go to bed, the Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition trekking guide will take report and give briefing in every evening about the trek that we are going to make next day.
Day 03: Phakding – Namche (3440 m) 5-6 hours
The path goes uphill and downhill to Namche Bazar. We reach Monjo, a village which is the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park too. This point is very popular place so the trekkers don’t miss the chance to take some pictures over here. This is the point where our permit and TIMS cards are checked. Then we walk downhill to Dudh Khosi. We walk along the Dudh Koshi crossing wooden and suspension bridges in several points. After we cross Larja Bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we can view the panoramic glance of Mt. Everest in about one and half an hour’s walk. We head to Namche Bazar, the very famous village in the Everest Region. We can hire horse if wish/need in this point. We have a camp here.
Day 04: Namche Rest/ Acclimatization Day Hiking Everest view hotel or khumjung village
Since we are in the Everest Region Trek, we can view the Mt Everest almost from everywhere. We rest in Namche Bazaar today especially for the acclimatization. The tribes living in Namche Bazzar are the Sherpas in majority. We can experience somehow the life style of Sherpas who has close culture with the Tibetan. We can visit to the museum about the Himalayan people. This is the place with army camp, health post, school, police check post, bakeries, internet cafes, disco theque, bars, snooker, pool, foreign money exchanger etc. We can have a taste of local wine, alcohol, food etc. Number of shops and lodges welcome the tourists over here. Many trekkers stay here at least one or for several days for acclimatization. Especially the Friday and Saturday markets are very famous here. People from far and near come to make their business. Various things (local and imported) are displayed for sale. Especially people from Khumbu area (upper Namche Bazzar) come for shopping here on those market days.
Day 05: Namche – Tengboche (3860 m) 4-5 hours
The path goes slowly uphill in the beginning. We walk through almost barren lands; just a few small bushes in some places. We can have a view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche,Kangtaiga amd Thamsherku on the way. Then we walk downhill to the Phungi Thanga Khola. We cross the suspension bridge and walk uphill to Tangboche. We can visit to Monastery in Tangboche which is the biggest monastery of Khumbu region. A big water driven prayer wheel (Maane) is the matter of attraction in Tengboche. An army barrack is also set up here. Internet service is available in this campsite. We can use telephone, mobile overhere.
Day 06: Tengboche – Dingboche (4410 m) 4-5 hours
We walk downhill in the beginning umtil we Deboche. Then the path goes flat along the Imja Khola, a stream originated from a glacier. We have to cross the same stream in several places through the wooden and suspension bridges. We see some jungles too in some places on the way. In Pangboche we visit a monastery where the skull and bones of a hand of a yeti had been kept previously, this is what Lamas in the monastery and people in the village talk. But these have been already stolen by the smugglers so they are unfortunately no longer visible. The peaks of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, Nuptse, Lobuche Peak, Pumori and many other peaks give us the feeling that we are walking in the area among the highest peaks of the world. We may see blue sheep also in this part of our trek. Dingboche which is the highest permanently inhabited place in the world is located at the altitude of 4400 meters.
Day 07: Dingboche – Lobuche (4910 m) 4-5 hours
The path goes slightly uphill. We walk slowly since we are walking in the high altitude. The view is spectacular from all the parts of this trek. We view the famous Khumbu glacier. We have to cross the glacier along the path through the wooden bridge. After Dhukla the route goes straight uphill for about an hour. Then we walk through the moraines of the Khumbu glacier. In Lobuche, there are some lodges where we spend the night. Telephone service is available here.
Day 08: Lobuche – Kala Pattar (5550m) – Dzonglha BC (4830 m) 6 -7 hours
Today in the early morning first we climb Kala Pattar, grassy dark hill. This is the highest point of this trek. From the top we view the Everest, the highest mountain in the world, Lhotse (8516m), Lhoptse shar (8400) near to Tibet and many other peaks, glaciers including Changrishar glacier, Pumo Ri Ridge etc. We spend about half an hour on the top of Kala Pattar. But it depends on the weather condition. Then we come down to Lobuche through the Memorial Park of the ones who died on the Everest. Then from Lobuche we head to Dzonglha. The path goes slightly uphill. Dzonglha is the place with just a couple of lodges. So during the trekking season, the lodges are always full. In summer
Day 09: Dzongla – Cho La Pass (5330m) – Dragnag (4700m) 4-5 hours
The path we are going to walk today may be covered with snow in many places. Hence rope and crampon are recommended. We cross glaciers and the risk of crevasses is to face today. We walk to the top of Cho La Pass which is called Chhugyuma in the local tongue. The view of Ama Dablam and Chholhatse are spectacular from here. The path after the pass is risky since it is icy, slippery and the rocks may fall from time to time from a landslide. Finally, we camp at Dragnag.
Day 10: Dragnag – Gokyo (4790 m) 3-4 hours
Today first we walk through the Ngozumba Glacier. No bridge over the glacier at all but moraines and ice everywhere. No need to worry because the path is not so difficult to cross through the glacier but must be careful. We meet the first small lake of Gokyo region called Longpogo. Then we meet second lake called Tabache Tsho on the way. We head to Gokyo where there is the main lake called Dudh Pokhari, means the pond of Milk. In this lake the local people gather on the day of Full moon called Janai Purnima that falls in the month of August. Gokyo is the campsite with the internet and telephone facility.
Day 11: Gokyo(4790 m) (4790 m) (Gokyo Ri hiking 5360m)
We have a rest in Gokyo today. This is not acclimatization rest but free day to entertainment. The entire day is on our own. You visit to the shore of lake. But if we want then we can visit to Gokyo peak along with the trekking leader/guide. The view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu is spectacular from the Gokyo peak (5360m). Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition guide will arrange for our visit to the various places today.
Day 12: Gokyo – Kele (Gyele) (4110 m) 3-4 hours
The path goes slightly downhill after we cross the first lake Longopongo we view several spectacular waters falls on the way. We head to Kele via Machherma. After Machherma we walk to Luza and Lhabarma before we reach our campsite Kele.
Day 13: Kele – Sanasa (3520m) 4-5 hours
The path goes downhill upto Phortse Tenga. On the way we walk through Dole where there are a few lodges. Then we cross the place called Tenga. After Tenga we walk nearly along the Dudhkoshi River. On the way we view power house, waterfalls and Rhododendron Forest. Also, there is an army barrack on the way. After Phortse Tenga, we have to walk at least for one and half hours. We cross a small pass called Mong Deurali which is the birth place of a famous Lama Sange Dorje. After Mong Deurali we walk downhill to Sanasa our campsite. The view we get today is definitely spectacular.
Day 14: Sanasa- Namche Bazar – Lukla (2880 m) 6-7 hours
A short trekking day. In a few hours we walk to Lukla where we spend our final night of the trek. The village is not huge but there is a lot of activity on the airfield from where we fly back to Kathmandu tomorrow. Every Thursday the local people around Lukla gather here for weekly fair for their marketing/business and get together.
Day 15: Lukla – Kathmandu (1337 m) Flight 30 minutes
Today we wait for the plane to fly Kathmandu. Who knows? We will come back to this region again or not in our life. So, we may have look around for the last view of the Everest region. The flight depends on the weather condition. Flight delay or cancellation is common phenomenon in this region. So, we may have to pay extra charge US $ 250-350 for the plane charter so that we will not miss our flight to our home country from Kathmandu. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. HV trek’ staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye, but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.
Included in the Cost
Not Included in the Cost
Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 12
Max Altitude: 5550 meters
Best Season: March-November
Difficulty Level: Hard
December ,January and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in Himalayas. Though it gets colder in night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively less trekkers on the trail.Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikings and cultural tour.It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour for this places. Chitawan National park Bardiya National Park are also the places to have live experience of culture and rituals.
March , April and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze is felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of cloud can be seen in the sky during this season.So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal .So many tourist from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalyan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period.Peak climbing period can be enlength upto June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programmes during this period.This period offer plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.Except rhododendrons , many kind of natural flora and fauna makes Nepal very beautiful during this season
June ,July and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slight difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang , Upper Dolpa , Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September , October and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our trek. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes.This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is the popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain , Tihar and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for civil workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favourable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal.Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period.So many tourist come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m are the best destination for climbing in this season.Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of nature of Nepal in this season.
Equipment’s : Packing Lists
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to insure you have all necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.
Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic
Sun cap
Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
Sunglasses with UV protection
Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
Towel for shower
Light and expedition weight thermal tops
Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket
Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner
Lower Body
Non-cotton underwear brief
pair of Hiking shorts
1 pair of Hiking trousers
1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabri
2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks<
1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
Cotton socks (optional)
Gaiters (winter only), optional are “low” ankle high version
Sleeping
1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*
Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
Hot water bag under sleeping bag
Rucksack and Travel Bags
1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carry-on)
1 large duffel bag
A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Small, personal first-aid kit with first-aid tape, antiseptics, and plasters (Band-Aids) (please simple and
Aspirin or preferred comparable
Skin-blister kit
Anti-diarrhea pills
Anti-headache pills
Cough and/or cold medicine
Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc.
Water filter or water purification tablets
1 set of earplugs
Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
Please Do Not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
Practical Items
1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
1 compass or GPS(optional)
1 alarm clock/watch
1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries