GOKYO AND EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK 12 DAYS

The adventure begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where you’ll land at one of the world’s most famous airports. After landing, you'll start your trek towards Phakding, a picturesque village along the Dudh Kosi River. The journey today is relatively short but beautiful, passing through small Sherpa villages and lush forests. The trek takes about 4-5 hours and helps you adjust to the first stages of the altitude. Upon arrival, you can rest and enjoy your first night in the mountain region.

On Day 2, your trek leads you further up the Khumbu valley to Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa town and the main hub of the Everest region. You will cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River and gradually ascend through dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and fir trees. As you reach Namche after 7-8 hours of trekking, the stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Lhotse, begin to unfold. Namche Bazaar will be your base for acclimatization the following day.

Acclimatization is crucial at this stage of the trek to prevent altitude sickness. You’ll spend a day exploring Namche Bazaar, which is also a great opportunity to experience Sherpa culture. For those feeling up to it, there are several optional hikes, such as visiting Everest View Hotel for a panoramic view of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other Himalayan peaks. You may also explore the local market, Buddhist monasteries, or the Sherpa Museum to learn about the region’s history and culture. It’s a day to rest and allow your body to adjust to the altitude.

Today, you continue your trek towards Dole, passing through lush forests and high-altitude meadows. The trail ascends gradually, giving you spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The walk is approximately 5-6 hours, with a moderate climb through Lumela, where you may get your first real taste of the mountainous landscape. Dole offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for an overnight rest before you continue the climb towards Gokyo.

The trek to Gokyo is a beautiful 5-6 hour hike, where you’ll cross several scenic villages and be greeted with views of the majestic mountains as you climb. The trail leads through rocky paths and alpine meadows, with the stunning Gokyo Lakes becoming more visible as you approach. Gokyo is situated at the foot of towering peaks like Cho Oyu and offers a tranquil environment perfect for soaking in the Himalayan beauty. Upon arrival, you can enjoy the lakes and the breathtaking scenery.

This day is a highlight of the trek. Early in the morning, you’ll ascend to Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint at 5,483 meters (17,986 feet). From the summit, you’ll enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the region, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding Gokyo Lakes. After soaking in the breathtaking vistas, you’ll return to Gokyo and then continue to Thangnak (4,500 meters / 14,764 feet). This round trip takes 6-7 hours and provides an unforgettable hiking experience with stunning views of the lakes and surrounding peaks.

Today, you will face a challenging but rewarding section of the trek: crossing the Chola Pass at 5,368 meters (17,611 feet). The climb to the pass is strenuous, but it rewards you with exceptional views of the surrounding peaks. After reaching the top, you’ll descend to Dzongla (4,830 meters / 15,849 feet), a small settlement where you can rest and recover after a long day. This section of the trek takes approximately 6-9 hours and is one of the most demanding parts of the journey.

Today is the day you’ll reach the iconic Everest Base Camp! Starting early, you’ll trek towards Gorak Shep, which serves as the last stop before the base camp. From Gorak Shep, you’ll make your way to Everest Base Camp itself at 5,365 meters (17,598 feet), where you’ll have the chance to stand at the foot of the world’s highest mountain. After celebrating the achievement, you’ll return to Gorak Shep to rest for the night. This long day takes about 9-10 hours, but it’s worth every step for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The day starts early with a hike up to Kala Patthar (5,555 meters / 18,192 feet), one of the best viewpoints for Mount Everest. The summit offers an incredible panoramic view of Everest and the surrounding peaks, especially at sunrise when the light hits the mountains. After spending some time taking in the awe-inspiring views, you’ll descend back to Gorak Shep and continue your trek downhill to Pheriche (4,300 meters / 14,107 feet), a small village that offers much-needed rest after the high-altitude trekking.

After several days at high altitudes, it’s time to descend back towards Namche Bazaar. The trail takes you through Pangboche, Tengboche, and Khumjung, with views of lush forests and the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. The trek down is approximately 6-7 hours, and the descent provides a refreshing change from the previous challenging days at higher altitudes. In Namche, you can relax, have a warm meal, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the town.

On your final trekking day, you’ll make the 6-7 hour descent back to Lukla. The trail retraces your steps down the valley, passing through villages, forests, and suspension bridges. Upon arrival in Lukla, you’ll have the chance to celebrate the completion of your trek and reflect on your incredible journey through the Everest region.

On the final day, you’ll board a morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla. The flight provides one last glimpse of the Himalayas before returning to the bustling capital. Once in Kathmandu, you’ll have the afternoon free to rest, explore, or shop for souvenirs before your departure. The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu takes about 30 minutes and marks the conclusion of your incredible Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek.