19-Day Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal with Gokyo and Three High Passes

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Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Your Hotel

• Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, we will meet you and exchange warm greetings before guiding you to your hotel, where you can relax and rest your jet-lagged body after a tiresome flight.
• At the end of the day, you may wander around the delightful Thamel market and get familiar with the Nepalese atmosphere.

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Day 02

Kathmandu City Tour and Pre-Trip Meeting

• After a healthy breakfast, you will be invited to our office, where we will hold a pre-trip meeting. You will be introduced to your trekking guide, with whom you can have a conversation regarding your upcoming escapade.
• Thereafter, we will depart for a full-day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu and explore the buildings and monuments that illustrate the history, customs, fine arts, and craftsmanship of ancient ethnic groups who resided in this particular region.
• Commencing the tour with a visit to the most sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the focal point of Hindu beliefs, we then explore the sacred Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. These two stupas are among the largest stupa structures on the entire planet and are considered ancient architectural marvels.
• Finally, we conclude our day with a look at Basantapur Durbar Square. The Durbar Square complex reflects the artistic prowess of the Malla craftsmen through extremely beautiful wall paintings, wood and stone carvings, and numerous sculptures and monuments dedicated to deities of multiple religions.

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Day 03

Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

• Early in the morning, we will board a scenic domestic flight to the mountainous village of Lukla. During this short 30-minute flight, we will fly over lofty mountain ranges and observe picturesque landscapes and awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks.
• Once we land in Lukla, we will get our first taste of trekking as we begin our trek to Phakding. We will follow the trail that ascends along a mountain slope beside the spurting Dudh Koshi River.
• Afterward, the trail advances to Chheplung (2,700 m) and then reaches Ghat (2,590 m), a village famed for its eye-catching Mani stones, large prayer wheels, and a cluster of prayer flags. From here, a short walk leads to Phakding (2,651 m).

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Day 04

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

• Today, we will cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River on our way to Namche Bazaar. We will follow the trail beyond the Sherpa villages of Benkar, Monjo, and Jhorsalle. Along the way, the trail extends through pinewoods and rhododendron forest and passes through the territory of Sagarmatha National Park. We can also catch distant sights of beautiful mountains such as Kusum Kanguru (6,369 m), Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse.
• Before we arrive at Namche Bazaar, we must tackle an abrupt upward slope of a few hundred meters. Also known as the 'Gateway to Mt. Everest', this village is the prime commercial hub of the whole Khumbu region and has witnessed economic prosperity thanks to Himalayan tourism.

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Day 05

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

• Day five is set aside exclusively for acclimatization and rest. As the Himalayan region lies at a higher altitude with a lower amount of oxygen compared to lower, oxygen-rich regions, trekkers and climbers must adapt to the change in atmosphere. This process is known as acclimatization. If they fail to do so, trekkers may develop the initial symptoms of AMS, such as dizziness and headache, which may turn into a more severe form and ultimately cause death. To speed up this process, we can go for a short hike to the Hotel Everest View or nearby scenic villages like Khumjung and Khunde, where we can witness exquisite mountain vistas including Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse.
• In the late afternoon, you can stroll around Namche Bazaar, visit the Sherpa Museum, and get acquainted with its people and their customs.

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Day 06

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

• Throughout the day, we are accompanied by inspiring outlooks of snow-clad mountain peaks such as Everest, Khumbila, Lhotse, Taboche, and Nuptse as we trek along the trail and face a couple of ups and downs.
• Subsequently, we will arrive in Khumjung Village, the largest settlement in the Khumbu region, and then proceed to the village of Sanasa, where the trail splits into two - one leading to Gokyo Lakes and the other to Everest Base Camp (EBC).
• We will follow the trail to EBC, progress through the pinewoods, and then traverse a suspension bridge covered with prayer flags built over the Dudh Koshi River to Phunki Tenga.
• From here, we will make an abrupt ascent beyond the pinewoods and come up to Tengboche (3,860 m). This Sherpa village renders sublime vistas embracing Ama Dablam, Everest, and Nuptse and harbors the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. Explore Tengboche for the rest of the day.

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Day 07

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

• Day seven of our escapade offers a pleasant and easy trek. At the break of day, we will move downhill on the moderately wide trail enveloped by lovely rhododendron woods to Debuche.
• Continuing onward, we will maintain our pace and cross the sparkling Imja Khola to reach Pangboche (4,360 m). This village is home to Pangboche Monastery. En route, we can take pleasure in prepossessing landscapes complemented by snow-covered mountaintops.
• Thereupon, we will proceed to Imja Valley and move uphill to Dingboche (4,360 m).

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Day 08

Rest and Acclimatization in Dingboche

• The Sherpa village of Dingboche possesses a classic feature: rock walls that surround it. This man-made barrier protects crops of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes in the farmland from herbivores and freezing wind. Well-renowned among visitors for the vistas of Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest, Dingboche provides an ideal place to rest as well as acclimatize for trekkers and climbers.

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Day 09

Trek to Chhukung and Climb Chukung Ri

• On this day, we will push forward on the trail through farmlands equipped with artificial rock fences beyond the Imja Valley and Bibre. Gazing at the spellbinding vista of Ama Dablam and the surrounding mountains, we will traverse a chilly stream and get to Chhukung (4,750 m).
• Thereafter, we will make headway in the direction of Chukung Ri (5,546 m). This peak offers a climbing experience for newbie climbers, as it is technically non-challenging. An ascent to the top of this peak can take 4-5 hours. The apex delivers a stupendous and close-up outlook of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labsa.

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Day 10

Cross Kongma La Pass and Trek to Lobuche

• This morning, we will advance to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass. As the location is remote, there are no teahouses on the way; therefore, we must prepare ourselves well with packed lunches and plentiful water. Despite this, if you enjoy utter nature, you can take delight in the isolation of the region. There are two paths to reach Kongma La Pass: one lies to the northwest of Chhukung over the Nuptse Glacier moraines, and the other returns to Bibre before climbing above the Niyang Khola.
• With a cairn next to Buddhist prayer flags, the vertex of the pass bestows vistas embracing the snowy peaks of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongtega, and neighboring mountains beside glacial lakes.
• Now comes the most difficult part, the downhill trek on the abrupt trail. After the uphill advance on the farthest side, the trekking trail steers north via the Khumbu Glacier and then continues to Lobuche (4,940 m).

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Day 11

Trek to Gorakshep and Explore Everest Base Camp

• Pursuing the rugged trail, we will move forward past the Khumbu Glacier to arrive at Gorakshep (5,170 m). From this point onward, the trail ascends to Everest Base Camp. Situated in the foothills of the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest, the Base Camp offers a place where climbers and mountaineers can prepare both physically and mentally for an expedition to the summit. Without any use of special equipment, you can set foot in Everest Base Camp. During the climbing season, you can observe colorful tents belonging to various Everest expedition groups. From the Base Camp, you can witness the sublime view of the Khumbu Icefall. However, you are denied a perfect view of Mt. Everest because of the position of the Base Camp itself. For that elegant vista, we have to wait until we reach Kalapatthar.
• Eventually, we will return to Gorakshep (5,170 m).

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Day 12

Sunrise Trek to Kalapatthar and Return to Lobuche

• Before dawn, we will push forward for the most strenuous trek of our entire journey. As we will be trekking in the dark with the temperature reaching as low as 5-10°C, our endurance will be tested to its limit. At the same time, this particular trek proves worthwhile, as the top of Kalapatthar (5,545 m) bestows mind-boggling vistas of high mountains that few in the world ever witness in their entire lifetime. Appraised as the best viewpoint in the Khumbu region, Kalapatthar provides a chance to catch the glittering panorama of Mt. Everest along with its adjacent peaks under the first light of the day.
• After this sightseeing, we will be on the road to Lobuche (4,940 m).

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Day 13

Trek from Lobuche to Dzongla

• After trekking on the primary EBC trail for a couple of hours, we will leave the main path and proceed to Dzongla with sublime vistas of towering summits.
• Progressing across stupas beside the trail, we will ascend beyond Chola Tsho Lake and continue past it to traverse a bridge over Chola Khola. In the end, we arrive at Dzongla (4,830 m).

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Day 14

Cross Cho La Pass and Trek to Gokyo

• Before the crack of dawn, we will advance to the other side of Cho La Pass, as the weather tends to turn ugly during mid-day. As the trail rises through high elevation, abruptly exposed rock, and slippery ice sheets on some segments, it presents difficulties during the trek. The top of Cho La Pass exhibits cairns and fluttering prayer flags. Once you turn your head around, you can get a glimpse of elegant lakes next to majestic peaks from the apex.
• Afterward, we will descend the trail to Thangnak and then pass by the edge of Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.
• We now march beyond the second lake of the Gokyo Lake system, which comprises altogether six lakes, eventually continuing to Gokyo Village (4,800 m). This alluring village is positioned at the lap of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), beside Dudh Pokhari, the third lake of the Gokyo Lake system.

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Day 15

Explore Gokyo and Climb Gokyo Ri

• It is day fifteen of our travel venture, and today we will explore the prepossessing Gokyo region. We will hike to the top of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), where we can take pleasure in fascinating landscapes comprising the turquoise-hued lakes of the Gokyo Lake system alongside elegant views of peaks including Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.
• Subsequently, we trek to the Fourth and Fifth Lakes. From the Fifth Lake, we can discover close-up views of the Ngozumpa Glacier, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Gyachung Kang.
• Later, we return to Gokyo Village.

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Day 16

Cross Renjo La Pass and Trek to Marlung

• To conquer our third and final Khumbu pass, we trek from Gokyo along the trail that initially continues beside Dudh Pokhari.
• From this point onward, we will hike for about 2-3 hours to the top of Renjo La Pass (5,360 m). Along this segment of the trail, the vistas of the Himalayan and Rolwaling massifs will be on our side. From the highest elevation of 5,360 m, you can see picturesque landscapes comprising lakes and glaciers.
• Thereafter, we will descend the south side beside the eye-catching Angladumba Tsho Lake. Furthermore, we can also observe Relama Tsho and Renjo Lake next to the trail, which heads to Lumde via a tapered valley congested with huge rocks. From here onward, the trail follows the length of the Bhote Koshi River to Marlung (4,210 m).

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Day 17

Trek from Marlung to Namche Bazaar

• This morning, we proceed downward on the trekking trail, which extends over the Bhote Koshi River to Taranga and then continues across suspension bridges to Thame, which is famous for the oldest monastery in the whole region.
• Passing through many Sherpa villages, the trail ends up at Namche Bazaar.

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Day 18

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

• The trekking trail progresses beside the rushing Dudh Koshi River beyond rugged terrain and woodlands of rhododendron, pine, and oak, all accompanied by mountain scenery.
• Lastly, the trail concludes where it originally started, in Lukla. You may take a stroll around Lukla village and recall the reminiscence of your previous adventure.

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Day 19

Fly Back to Kathmandu and Free Time

• Today marks the end of your escapade in Nepal. Bidding farewell to the Khumbu region, you will board a flight back to Kathmandu. In the capital city, you can spend the rest of your day resting in your hotel room, or you can explore the remaining monuments within the vicinity of the city and do some last-minute souvenir shopping.