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Everest Gokyo trek - 11 days
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This trek explores the breath-taking Gokyo valley which
is located adjacent of the Khumbu. Gokyo is a land of
high altitude lakes and icy glaciersHere, a hike to the
high vantage point of Gokyo Ri (5350-m) will reward you
with views of four of the eight highest mountains on
earth - all in one panorama! From here, one can see more
of Everest (8848-m) and the three other Himalayan giants
- Cho Oyu (8153-m), Lhotse (8501-m) and Makalu (8463-m)
and some of the great Glaciers, mainly the Ngozumpa
Glacier.
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.
Your return trek will depart from the standard Gokyo
trek as you will take the route back to Namche by
crossing the Renjo La pass (5340m) instead of back
trekking the Gokyo valley trails. This makes the trek a
much more exciting and challenging one.
These mountains are magical - and so are your encounters
with the Sherpa people, the famous mountain dwellers of
this Himalayan wonderland. As in the classic Everest
Base Camp trek, the warmth and hospitality extended by
the local inhabitants of this region, the Sherpas, will
add a further dimension to your experience of trekking
in Nepal. |
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Facts of the Trek
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Duration: 11 Days
Trek type: Tea House
Max Altitude: 5340 m.
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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 (2640m.) which takes 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.)
which takes about five hours.
This day you trek and cross the river on high
suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the
entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which
was set-up in order to protect and preserve this
fragile mountain environment. You then ascend
quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if
the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of
Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy
the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku,
Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit
some of the village monasteries on the way of
trekking to Namche Bazaar(3440 m.). Namche is
the main trading village in the Khumbu region
and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a
meeting place for the Hindu traders from the
lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have
reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa
La.
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Day 03 : |
Rest at Namche Bazar 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 at 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 an
hour walk up to the Tyangboche (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 Dole (4040m.) via
Khumjung] and it takes about six hours.
From Namche the route heads up all the way to
Kumjung, a picturesque village which also has
its own gompa at the top end of town. Here you
can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega
and Ama Dablam.
Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to
a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge
descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be
the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu
region. The trail descends slightly towards the
Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla
(4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views
of various mountains. You trek steeply descend
passing through Phortse Tenga and from there,
the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through
rhododendron and birch forest festooned with
hanging mosses and lichens. You can enjoy
delicious meal at Phortse Tenga (3650m.).
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Day 05 : |
Trek from Dole to Gokyo [4750m] and it takes
about six hours.
From Dole you climb steadily along the side of
the valley, where the small and thorny bushes
give way to scrub juniper as the altitude
increases. The trail passes many summer
settlements, which are used when yaks are taken
to these pastures to graze in the summer months.
Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu,
while back down the valley are the peaks of
Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and
you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch.
Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You
follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then
descend slightly, following one of the
melt-water rivers which flow down the west side
of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky
inclined into the valley by the side of the
glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes.
You soon arrive at the second of the lakes,
crossing the path which heads across the glacier
to Cho La (5420m.) -your route to Lobuche and
Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is
known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore
is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side
of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the
summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected
in its emerald green waters.
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Day 06 : |
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
Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal.
This day you can make a side trip to Fifth Lake
via Forth Lake.
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Day 07 : |
Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri [5483m] & Trek
back to Machhermo (4150m.) via Gokyo village and
it takes about four and half 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 Machhermo.
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Day 08 : |
Trek from Machhermo (4150m.) to Namche Bazaar
(3440m.) which takes about five hours.
The trail gently descends to Dole and then
starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga
(3650m.) passing through rhododendron forests.
Then the path immediately ascends steeply to
Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends up to
Kyanjoma (3500m.) following small ups and down
to the destination.
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Day 09 : |
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2652m.) and
it takes about four hours.
The trails descend steeply for early one and
half hours. After that, the path has small ups
and down to Phakding through Monjo. .
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Day 10 : |
Trek from Phakding to Lukla [2886m] and it takes
about three hours.
Your final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi
back down to Lukla. This last evening in the
mountains is the ideal opportunity for a
farewell party with the sherpa guides and
porters, where you can sample some chhang, try
Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable
trekking experience.
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Day 11 : |
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu You take an early
morning flight back to Kathmandu.
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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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