Gokyo with Everest base camp via Cho-La Pass treks

On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport our guide and staff will meet you with traditional welcome. After knowing the staff of Himalayan Forever Treks, a short drive to your hotels. Located in the heart of a city within an exciting Thamel area, an interesting place where most good hotels and restaurants situated. Reaching at the hotel, check your lovely rooms, after getting refreshed join in for group briefing. Provided by your guide or Group Leader, offers useful and important information of the trek, hotels and local lodge. 

Includes details of the local culture with do’s and don’ts, evening a group welcome dinner in a nice Nepali Restaurants. 

Morning after breakfast, our city and cultural guide meets the group at the hotel for exciting tour. The drive leads in the heart of Kathmandu city, where interesting historical Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard located. The right spot to observe Nepalese cultures. Tour of ancient monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, next tour takes you to old Swyambhunath Stupa of more than 2,600 years history.  A Buddhist monument situated on a hillock west of Kathmandu city outskirt, the famous landmark of the country.

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Nestled within the bustling streets of the Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu Durbar Square stands as a living museum of Nepal's royal history. As the former royal palace, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an array of palaces, courtyards, and intricately carved temples. The architecture reflects a harmonious blend of Hindu and Nepalese artistry, with pagoda-style structures, ornate windows, and detailed wooden carvings that showcase the country's cultural diversity. Visitors can explore the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (the Living Goddess's residence), and numerous shrines that bear witness to the city's royal past. The vibrant atmosphere, with street vendors, local artisans, and traditional performances, immerses visitors in the authentic charm of Kathmandu.

2. Pashupatinath Temple:

A short distance from Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple emerges as one of the most sacred Hindu shrines globally, nestled along the banks of the Bagmati River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this UNESCO-listed site draws pilgrims and tourists alike with its spiritual aura and stunning architecture. The temple complex encompasses a series of shrines, ghats, and courtyards, each contributing to the religious ambiance. The main temple, adorned with silver and gold, features intricate carvings that narrate Hindu mythology. Visitors can witness the solemnity of cremation ceremonies along the riverbank, a profound experience that underscores the cycle of life and death in Hindu tradition.

3. Boudhanath Stupa:

A beacon of Buddhism in Kathmandu, the Boudhanath Stupa is an imposing structure that commands attention with its colossal mandala. As one of the largest stupas in the world, it serves as a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The stupa's whitewashed dome is adorned with prayer flags, while the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha gaze serenely in all four cardinal directions. Pilgrims and visitors alike circumambulate the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras, creating a rhythmic and meditative atmosphere. The surrounding area is dotted with monasteries, shops selling traditional Tibetan artifacts, and rooftop cafes that offer panoramic views of the stupa and its vibrant surroundings.From here back to hotel for lunch.

Morning transfer to Manthali town small airport for panoramic flight to Lukla, board in a small aircraft. The flight heads east with stunning views of Himalayan peaks facing Mt. Everest, as the plane makes a smooth exciting landing at Lukla Tenzing & Hillary Airport.

A moderate town, where walk starts heading down to Dudh Koshi River valley through several Sherpa villages. Festooned with prayer flags, Buddhist monument and prayer wall then reaching our first overnight stop at Phakding village.

A long today’s walk to Namche Bazaar, morning after breakfast the trail follows on moderate path. Walking short down and ups crossing a long bridge to reach a nice village of Monjo. The enter Sagarmatha National Park; (Sagarmatha a name for Everest in Nepal, while the native Sherpa calls as Chomolungma of Tibetan origin language). From the park entrance cross another bridge over the same river Dudh Koshi to Jorsalle, the last settlement before Namche Bazaar. Stopping for lunch, afternoon walk on river bed amidst lovely forest, then starts the climb on crossing a high bridge. A steep winding for few hours reaches Namche Bazaar for two overnight halt in the comfort of nice lodge.

An ideal spot Namche Bazaar for rest day to support acclimatization and short hike to view-points. Morning having breakfast facing views of Kwangde and Thamersarkhu peaks, while at Namche there are several side hikes.

Suggested scenic places for hikes around Namche and beyond:Visit the park museum on top of Namche Bazaar, offers interesting information of the Khumbu Sherpa’s cultures. Along with panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamersarkhu and Kantega with Kwangde peaks. 

Hike to Everest View Hotel at above 3,880 m high a refreshing spot for views of Mt. Everest, while having warm cup of hot drinks. For energetic people can enjoy longer hike to Khumjung and Khunde villages, located on a glacial valley.

Rest of the day enjoy leisure afternoon browsing the streets of Namche Bazaar full of shops, stores, restaurants and fresh bakeries. 

On leaving Namche Bazaar following the major trail, the after few hours our route diverts away from the main path. As climb leads on steep trail for few hours to the top of Mong Hill. A small place on a high ridge facing superb views of snow peaks. Enjoying the views the trail heads down to Dudh Koshi River reaching a quiet area at Phortse Tenga for lunch stop. Located on a river gorges amidst forest surroundings.

After lunch climb into a narrow covered in dense tree lines, then finally the day ends reaching Dole. A nice small settlement with several good lodges for overnight halt.

Enjoying the comfort of a nice homely type lodge, having breakfast walk starts with short climb above Dole. Today is a short day walk of few hours to Machermo, from the high ridge with river down below. The high trail follows along the high ridgeline reaching a small settlement of Luza. As walk continues above Dudh Koshi River, a nice pleasant trek facing views of surrounding snow peaks. Overlooking grand views of Mt. Cho-Oyu towards North, standing on a high ridge facing Machermo settlement down below. A gentle downhill walk to a small river gorge and short climb to Machermo for lunch and overnight stop.

A nice place with several good lodges with views of Machermo peak, afternoon relax and enjoy short walks around the high view-points.

Enjoy the breakfast, and get ready for another half day walk to Gokyo Valley.Our main destinations and highlights of the trip, a short climb to a high ridge. As walk follows on the gradual trail to a small isolated place at Panga with few small lodges. From here climb towards Gokyo valley reaching first lake and then coming across second lake. Then reach the main third lakes of Gokyo our final destination for lunch and overnight halt.

Most all nice lodges, situated high above the Gokyo Lake, facing charming views of Mt. Cho-Oyu in the north direction. Getting organized in a nice small rooms of the lodge, having breakfast. Afternoon free at leisure for short hike around the lake and its scenic surrounding.

Rise early morning for exciting hike to the top of Gokyo-Ri. A steep climb after a few minutes easy walk, the uphill begins walking from the southern bank of the lake. The climb on grassy and rocky slope sided hill, as walk continues reaching on top of Gokyo-Ri. The highest point of the adventure, catch the striking sunrise as it hits the world’s highest peaks. Includes glorious panorama of giant snow-capped mountain range with Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu and Mt. Makalu towards east. Staying for an hour enjoying the views of Gokyo scenic valley and its emerald colored lakes. Includes grand views of Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glaciers of Nepal and whole Himalayan range. After a grand vista from Gokyo-Ri, walk down back to the lodge for breakfast and lunch.

Afternoon a leisure walk of few hours heading south east past the lakes to Na and beyond, reaching Thagnak. A small settlement for overnight stop, in a nice small lodge, located at the base of Cho-La.

Starting early morning carrying packed lunch for the long day, the climb follows over steep slopes on rocky path. As uphill continues till top of Cho-La pass is reached, a well hidden ridge, close to Cholatse peaks. Enjoy the views of Nirekha and Lobuche peaks as far towards Mt. Cho-Oyu. From the pass after a refreshing rest a long downhill leads to Dzongla for overnight halt. A small settlement situated off from the main trail, with stunning views of Cholatse and Taboche peaks. 

From Dzongla, an easy short pleasant morning walk up to a ridge, and then on nice gradual climb above Thugla ridge. From here the trails from Pheriche, Dingboche and Cho-La pass joins on route Everest base camp. The walk leads on a nice gradual up to Lobuche for overnight halt. 

Another Big Day of the adventure, start the morning walk from the lodge at Lobuche. As well carrying a pack lunch for the long day to Everest base camp, a slow gentle walk to start the fresh cool morning. The trail follows up and then walk on rocky moraine, above Khumbu glaciers. After few hour of steady hike reaching Gorakshep, a small settlement located on a valley below high Kalapathar hill. Facing close views of Mt. Pumori, enjoy a short refreshing break and then walk continues over rocks and boulders. Then finally reaching the highlight of the adventure at Everest base camp, enjoy the dramatic scenery of arctic landscapes.

The base camp, can be busy and active during the mountaineering expedition times of late spring. Enjoy the remorseless fields of ice, snow and glaciers with massif Khumbu Ice Fall. The views of Mt. Everest is not visible, blocked by Lhotse and Nuptse peaks, achieving our goal and highlights. Return walk to Gorakshep for overnight stop, after a long exciting day of the adventure. 

Start the morning as early as possible for the last big climb of the adventure to Kalapathar rocky hill top. After a strenuous climb reaching on the highest point of the adventure, Kalapathar one of the famous, popular scenic ridge.

From Kalapathar, enjoy breathtaking panorama of gigantic peaks that surrounds top of Kalapathar, facing closest views of Mt. Everest. After completing all major highlights descend to Gorakshep for breakfast, and continue walk downhill, feeling in high spirits. The trail follows past Lobuche and Thugla, from here onwards on another route to Pheriche valley. A pleasant walk to join the trail of Dingboche to Pangboche, head downhill to Pangboche for overnight stop.

Morning grand views of Ama Dablam at close distance, towers above Pangboche village. Leaving Pangboche walk down to a bridge and climb up to Tengboche and the monastery. A great exciting place surrounded by range of peaks, with time to visit the impressive Tengboche Monastery. On leaving Tengboche after a pleasant stop, walk down to Imjatse River. Crossing a short bridge an hour climb to Shanasha village then on winding nice trail to Kyang-Jima. A lovely small settlement with several guest houses and lodges amidst tranquil surrounding. From Kyang-Jima, enjoy superb views of Everest, Ama Dablam with Tharmasarku and Kwangde at close range. 

After a pleasant overnight with glorious morning views of stunning peaks, an hour walk to Namche Bazaar. Having time at Namche Bazaar as well for lunch stop, afternoon down to Dudh Koshi River. On reaching the river bank a slow short climb to enter the park entrance and exit. Then ending the wonderful day reaching lovely small village at Monjo for overnight halt.

Last day trek of the adventure, enjoy the walk with few short down and ups to Phakding. From Phakding retracing the same route with last final climb to Lukla for lunch and overnight stop. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the Lukla town lined with shops, restaurants and stores.

Having early breakfast, a short walk to Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary airport as plane reach from Ramechap or Kathmandu. Board on the small aircraft for swift short flight back to land at Manthali small airstrip. A pleasant and exciting drive brings you back at Kathmandu, rest of the day at leisure and for individual activities and shopping souvenirs of Nepal. 

Last day in Nepal and at Kathmandu, get ready for final departure as per your international flight time. Himalayan Forever Trek guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Bidding farewell to the guide and staff as you depart for homeward bound flight, after a wonderful experience and adventure on Gokyo with Everest Base Camp via Cho-La Pass Trekking.