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EBC- Kalapatthar- Chola- Gokyo- Lukla - 17 days
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With eight of the world's ten highest peaks,
Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountains
vistas. Everest trek is not only famous for its
proximity to the world's highest mountain
(8848m.) but also for its friendly Sherpa
people, picturesque villages, great variety of
cultures and traditions, colorful festivals and
monasteries. The flora and fauna are other
ornaments of the Sagarmatha National Park. The
story of the yeti is still a mystery in the
world from the Khumbu region.
This trek gives you the grand tour of the famous
Khumbu valley. This is a strenuous trek leading
to Gokyo Lake and over the Cho La at 5,430m
making a circuit of Tawache (6,367m.) and
Cholatse (6,440m). Emerging into the Khumbu
valley above Lobuje the trail continues up to
Kalapatthar and then back to Lukla via Tengboche
and Namche Bazaar. The small herding settlement
of Gokyo (4750m) lies on the banks of the third
lake in a series of small turquoise mountain
lakes and on the ridge above Gokyo, the four
peaks above 8000m of Cho You, Everest, Lhotse
and Makalu expose themselves. In addition to
this you can have a look at the tremendous ice
ridge between Cho You and Gyachung (7922m),
considered one of the most dramatic panoramas in
the Khumbu region. There are many options for
additional exploration and high-altitude
walking, including the crossing of Cho La, a
5420m-high pass into Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo
Ri.
Strenuous trekking is continuously rewarded with
dramatic Himalayan scenes, including four of the
world's highest peaks: Cho Oyu (8,201m.), Makalu
(8,463m.), Lhotse (8,516m.) and Everest
(8,848m.). Breathtaking mountain vistas are
complemented by visits to Sherpa villages, homes
and monasteries offering you an insight into the
quiet but, culturally vibrant Sherpa way of
life.
Facts of the Trek
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Duration: 17 Days
Trek type: Tea House
Max Altitude: 5337m.
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Minimum Pax: 1 +
Mode of travel: Flight
Grade: Moderate
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Itinerary in Detail
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Day 01 : |
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) which takes
approximately 30 minutes and trek from Lukla to
Phakding (2640 m.) which takes approximately
three hours.
You transfer to the domestic airport for your
flight to Lukla. It is a small town with an
airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels
and general stores. You begin today’s trek from
Lukla following a gentle climb up the
mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi.
Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the
opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge.
You descend a mountainside path that merges into
your route to Everest, with views to a valley to
your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang
(6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a
Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You
continue along a small path with many climbs and
descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi
to Phakding.
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Day 02 : |
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.)
and it takes about five hours.
As you start through a level path along the
right bank from the campsite, Thamserku (6623m)
looms skyward on the opposite bank. You cross a
stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh
Koshi route, to arrive at Bengar. It is time to
climb from the riverbed on the left bank into
the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. You
continue along a path with many ups and downs;
cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of
Monjo. After descending the path of stone steps
you return to the right bank over a wooden
bridge. After a short climb you come to
Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel, also stop at the
National Park Service where a park entrance fee
is collected. After your departure from Jorsale
you enter a forested mountainside. You move on
following a short walk along the riverbed of
this V-shaped valley where the river forks - the
right is the Dudh Koshi and the left is the
Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa La. After short
distance along the Bhote Koshi, you begin the
steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain
path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge
top rest area that offers excellent views of
Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.) The climb
eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead
as you travel along the path surrounded by
pines. You pass the plateau where the Saturday
bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche
Bazar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by
mountain ranges and opens out only where it
faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central
hub of the area and food, sundries and even
mountain climbing equipment may be purchased
here
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Day 03 : |
Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) for
acclimatization and excursion around the places.
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst
the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an
abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir
shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an
ideal place to spend a rest day for
acclimatization to the high altitude before
heading off towards Tyangboche. For the
acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital
which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one
hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where
Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for
the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse,
Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There
are also good views from the National Park
Centre and Museum just above the town.
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Day 04 : |
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867 m.)
and it takes about five hours.
You leave the village for a climb to the top of
a ridge and level mountain path that offers an
excellent panorama of Thamserku, Kantega, and
Kusum Kangrib. To the right there is a steep
cliff that drops down to the Dudh Koshi, faintly
visible on the valley floor below. As you make
your way around a branch ridge, Ama Dablam
(6812m) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7855m) and
Tawoche (6501m) suddenly appear. After a gentle
descent the mountain path ends; you will come to
the fork leading to Gokyo. Now you descend past
two tea houses and through the village of
Trashinga. Though you cannot see it, you can
hear the Dudh Koshi and soon you descend to the
river and arrive at Phunki Tenga. It is a long
climb to Tyangboche; the first half is
especially steep. As you climb through the
forested zone, the incline eases and a splendid
view appears. Continue climbing the mountainside
diagonally until you come to the stone gate
built by lamas which marks your entry into
Tyangboche (3867m). You may use the large
plateau in front of the splendid monastery as
your campsite. There are a lodge and hotel
managed by the National Park Service. Tyangboche
is an important lookout point on this course,
and the sunset on Everest and Ama Dablam is
especially beautiful
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Day 05 : |
Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4260 m.) and
it takes approximately five hours.
Leave Tyangboche and the Khumbu mountains as a
backdrop-and descend a rhododendron covered area
to emerge to a pleasant level area. Being
welcomed by a long Mani stone wall you enter the
village of Deboche. You continue to Minlinggo
and leave the mountain path to cross over a
suspension bridge to the left bank of the Imja
Khola. Climb the mountain path while looking up
at Ama Dablam and Kantega (6779m) as they appear
on the opposite bank. Ascend the chorten-lined
route, come to a fork, the upper path passes
Pangboche and a monastery, take the lower path
to Pangboche Olin and its stone wall-enclosed
potato field. Pass through the village and cross
a stream to a path skirting a rocky area to
terraced hills along the riverbank. The trails
climb slowly, winding above the Imjatse River,
to a big Mani Stupa. From here, the walk is
fairly moderate as you enter the Imjatse Valley
beneath the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse
and Lhotse with views of the eastern snow capped
mountains including the Island Peak or Imjatse
(6,189m). Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of
fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the
crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the
cold winds and grazing animals.
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Day 06 : |
Rest day at Dingboche (4260 m.) for
acclimatization.
This is a remarkable day for acclimatization.
There are some breathtaking views of the North
face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge
as you explore this beautiful valley that leads
up to Island Peak. The walk is short with a good
chance to relax in the afternoon. You have
another option as you can hike upto Chhukum.
From here you can enjoy the panoramic view of
Island peak, Ama
Dablaml, Makalu, Tawoche peak and others. On the
same day you come back to Dingboche and have
rest.
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Day 07 : |
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m.) which
takes about six hours.
The onward journey leads north for up to
50-minutes until you come to a mani-prayer Stupa.
The trail is gentle looking down to Pheriche
village below. Today's walk offers views of the
Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north-Pokalde
(5741m), Kongma-tse (5820m) and the great wall
of Nuptse. After two hours walk, the trail from
Pheriche joins near Dugla (4595m) before a small
wooden bridge over the river of Khumbu glacier.
You stop at Dugla, for lunch, before continuing
for an hour up a steep hill to the top, where
there are views of Mt. Pumori and other peaks
west of Everest. After a short break, continue
trekking up to Lobuche, hidden and sheltered
from the wind.
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Day 08 : |
Trek from Lobuche to Kala Patthar via Gorakshep
(m.) and trek back to Gorakshep and it takes
about five hours.
After an early breakfast, you will prepare for
Kala Patthar (5545m.) Trek up the valley
following the rocky moraine path, view icy
glacial pond and icebergs down below of Khumbu
glacier. After the last rocky moraine dunes, a
short downhill walk brings you to Gorakshep, the
flat field below Kala Patthar (5545m) and Mt.
Pumori (7145m.) Gorakshep is the location of the
original Everest Base Camp with the new camp
being further up the valley. The walk is gradual
until you reach a rocky spot; from there another
uphill climb for half an hour brings you to Kala
Patthar. From Kala Patthar top, the views will
be beyond your wildest imagination, with Everest
seeming within a stones throw distance between
the summit of Mt. Nuptse and Lho-La and Lhotse
on the back. The panoramic view from this spot
is something to cherish and you feel it’s worth
the hard climb up to here and to feel at the top
of the world. With all the higher snow capped
giants that dominate all around, it is truly a
magnificent spot to be at on a clearer sunny
day. After a great moment, an hour descent takes
you back to Gorakshep.
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Day 09 : |
Trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp (m.)
and back to Gorakshep which takes about five
hours.
While trekking to Everest Base Camp you pass
through a trail, which weaves its way through
ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the
Khumbu Glacier. During the spring season, you
can meet some expedition team on the Everest
Base Camp. The number of team is less in the
autumn season. On the return leg, you can take a
higher route to get a spectacular view of the
Khumbu icefall and numerous mountains. You
return to Gorak Shep to stay overnight.
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Day: 10 |
Trek from Gorakshep to Dzongla (4620m.) and it
takes about six hours.
While trekking from Gorakshep the route descends
gently upto Lobuche. Now the narrow path
stretches at flat level along the riverbed for
some distance and the route suddenly goes upward
to Dzongla. It gives you the excellent views of
Lobuche, Lobuche west, Cholatse and Tabuche. You
stay overnight here.
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Day 11 : |
Trek from Dzongla to Thangna (4650 m.) and it
takes about five and half hours.
The early part of the trek goes through flat
stone path for an hour passing through arid
valley. Now you head towards steeply ascent path
as you reach Chola glacier. You walk for half an
hour along the icy trails. After you reach Chola
pass the routh moves down through the stony path
until you reach Phedi. Those who go for camping
trek they camp around here and enjoy their
lunch. The path goes ups and down for some
distance and you arrive at ridge. From here you
climb down upto Thangna. It is a small village
with few lodges and tea shops. You can catch a
glimpse of Machhermo peak and some others.
People here mostly grow potato, buck wheat,
wheat and some green vegetables.
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Day 12 : |
Trek from Thangna to Gokyo (4750m.) which takes
about four hours.
To reach Gokyo your trails move along the
glacier route until you reach first lake. The
trek is easier over flat path following Dudh
Koshi stream upto Gokyo. It is a windy valley
and situated near the third lake. At Gokyo you
are stunned by the natural beauty of Dudh
Pokhari lake.
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Day 13 : |
Rest day at Gokyo and excursion in and around
Gokyo valley
Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people
run lodges to provide the best services to the
trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of
Ngozumba glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal.
This day you can make a side trip to Fifth Lake
via Fourth Lake.
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Day 14 : |
Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri [5483m] & Trek
to Machhermo [4410m] and it takes about five
hours.
Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern
edge of the lake and you leave camp just after
first light, following a steep path up the
hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest,
Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the
view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one
of the finest to be had in the Everest region -
some say it is even better than that from Kala
Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the
village of Machermo following Dudh Koshi stream.
There are yak pastures and few human
settlements. From here you can have an excellent
view of Tawoche.
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Day 15 : |
Trek from Machhermo to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.)
which takes about six hours.
The walk from Machhermo is mostly downhill to
Phortse tenga following the forest covered
rhododendron, pine and local incense. After that
the trails climb steeply until you reach Monglo,
a place with tea shops. The path now descends
gently upto Khumjung. To reach Namche you follow
flat and then down way to Namche. It grants you
panoramic view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama
Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are
also good views from the National Park Centre
and Museum just above the town.
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Day 16 : |
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) and
it takes about six hours.
The last day of your trek leads from Namche
Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant,
except for few short uphill climbs and then down
to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three
times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will
bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay.
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Day 17 : |
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
You take an early morning flight back to
Kathmandu which takes about 35 minutes.
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Services
Included
National Park entry permit, Trekking permit,
Land transportation to and fro, Accommodation in
lodges during the trek, Food: three meals a day,
A guide & required number of porter(s),
Essential equipment.
Services
Excluded
Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency
evacuation by Helicopter, Alternative
transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide,
strike, road blockade etc.
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