Everest & Gokyo Trip Notes
Trip code: GIEG
Trip valid from: 01/09/2010
Trip valid until: 30/09/2011
Trip length: 19 days
Trip starts in: Kathmandu
Trip ends in: Kathmandu
Maximum group size: 15
Highlights
- Kathmandu’s Hidden Old Town
- Namche Bazaar – The Gateway To The High Himalaya
- Ride A Rickshaw, Kathmandu
- Kala Patar (5643m) - The Best Vantage Point To See Mount Everest
- 17th Century Thyangboche Monastery
- Bodhnath Stupa Of Kathmandu - One Of The Biggest Buddhist Shrines In The World
- Everest Base Camp And The Notorious Everest Ice Fall
This challenging and rugged adventure, with plenty of time for sensible acclimatisation, follows the classic route to the Base Camp of Mt Everest and Kala Patar. Starting from Lukla, this Everest trek takes us through the homeland of the Sherpas, where we enjoy their friendly hospitality and experience arguably the most dramatic mountain views in the world.
Itinerary
Kathmandu
Today is an arrival day and no activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time. Please ask at the hotel reception for suggestions of things to see and do in Kathmandu. There is much to do in this city ranging from sightseeing to scouring the shops in Thamel. Durbar Square, the spiritual heart of the city, is located only 10-15 minutes walk from our hotel. A pre-departure meeting takes place this evening at the hotel. Please also check the noticeboard for details of this meeting and for any other messages from your tour leader. Please also bring your passport and travel insurance documents to the meeting. Afterwards we have the opportunity to go out for an optional group dinner.Phakding
(Walking time: approx 3 hours) In the morning we fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m). The flight itself is awe-inspiring as we fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan China. Flight time is about 40 minutes and we land at an airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we meet our porters who will carry our equipment during our trek. We also have time to explore the village before hitting the trail. The trek starts with a descent towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar. (Dudh means 'milk' – the waters of the river are a strong milky white from glacial melt.) The walk is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550m), we soon reach our lodge at Phakding.Monjo - Namche Bazaar
(Walking time: approx 8 hours) It is a long day, but also essential that we ascend slowly on the route that eventually leads to Everest Base Camp. Sensible acclimatisation will ensure we are feeling good on our final days approaching the peak of Everest. We make a start from Phakding and cross the river to walk through tracts of blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring, when the flowers are in bloom. We cross the Dudh Kosi at Benkar and enjoy great views of the snow-capped peaks of Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m), where we arrive in time for lunch. Then the walking gets a little tougher and includes a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. It is a short walk to the entrance of the national park, where our permits are checked before we descend quite steeply to again cross the Dudh Kosi to Jorsale (2805m). The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank, to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi rivers. After crossing a large and stable suspension bridge high above the river we climb steeply to the village of Namche Bazaar. A slow and steady pace is recommended on this section of the climb and we are encouraged to make the most of the fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Taweche come into view for the first time. You may notice you are travelling a little more slowly as the effects of altitude start to become apparent. Take your time on this path which is used by the local peoples as a 'foot highway' on this important trading route. At Namche we stay in a lodge in the heart of the village and there is plenty of time to bargain in the shops for Tibetan artefacts or relax and marvel at the beautiful scenery.Namche Bazaar
(Acclimatisation Day) We stay at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatisation to the high altitude and to enable full exploration of the town and its surrounds. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large, protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today quite an amount of trade continues at Namche and Tibetans are sometimes seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat. It is recommended that you take the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the national park headquarters above the village. The panorama can be stunning at both times of the day with a superb view of the Khumbu peaks, including great sightings of Everest. After breakfast there are various options, including perhaps a walk towards Thami (3810m), up the beautiful and generally flat Bhote Khola River Valley, with a series of great peaks rearing to well over 6000 metres just to the west. Alternatively you can visit the national park headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and to escort you on the walks. Another option is the steep climb out of the village bowl to the flatter areas around and above Shyangboche, where beautiful views abound, although this is likely to be the same path that we will be taking tomorrow.Mongla
(Trekking: approx 4 hours) From Namche, we ascend to the airstrip at Shyanboche and then to a lunch spot in Khumjung - the largest village in the region. Towering above Khumjung is the sacred rocky peak of Khumbilya. It is the home of the guardian goddess of the region, often depicted in religious paintings (or thangkas) as a white-faced figure on a white horse. The trail contours around Khumbilya's lower slopes, passing through beautiful birch forest and then climbing on to treeless, grassy slopes to a stupa on top of a rocky ridge. Once again the views of the surrounding mountains are magnificent. Phortse can be seen across the valley - a picturesque village set in a patchwork of stone-walled fields. We overnight at the cluster of lodges on the saddle, known as Mongla.Dole
(Trekking: approx 4 hours) From the stupa we descend 300 metres on a series of switchback trails to the Dudh Kosi River at Phortse Bridge. The trail to Gokyo is deceptive and we can ascend too quickly if we do not plan our trekking days sensibly. So, in the interests of acclimatisation, we take three days to reach Gokyo. Leaving Phortse Bridge, we ascend steeply at first and then contour high above the valley, enjoying excellent views of Kantega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam (6856m). About an hour's walk from Phortse Bridge, we gain our first views of the mammoth Cho Oyo (8153m) at the head of the valley. We are now trekking beyond the tree line and pass some imposing waterfalls en route to the yak herding settlements of Tongba (4015m) and Gyele (4050m). From here it is a short distance to Dole (4084m), where we spend the night. After lunch we can explore the upper Dole Valley, returning via a high ridge above the lodge to enjoy fantastic views of Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the north, and Taweche (6542m) and Cholatse (6440m) across the valley to the east. We are now at higher altitudes and it is important to take notice of our trek leader’s advice and recommendations regarding rest and fluid intake.Machhermo
(Trekking: approx 3 hours) Today is another short day starting with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before ascending more gradually up the Dudh Kosi Valley, high above the river. The walk is easy though we will feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hill. The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrub juniper is a stark contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After two hours we arrive at Luza (4360m) and, after a further hour's walk, we reach our lodge at Machhermo (4465m) where we spend the evening. After lunch there is an option of taking an excursion across rocky moraines to the base of Kyajo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). However, keep an eye open for the yeti! It was here in 1974 that three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl injured when trying to fight off a hairy, ape-like intruder!Gokyo
(Trekking: approx 3½ hours) A short, steep climb leads from the Machhermo Valley on to the steep grassy slopes of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Keep an eye open for the colourful Tibetan snow cocks, often found in this area. The valley widens as we pass through Pangka (4390m) and on to the jumbled, terminal moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal and the source of the Dudh Kosi River. Climbing steeply over a rocky trail we keep to the western side of the glacier to reach a small lake at the head of a wide valley and then pass a larger lake at Longponga (4690m), before following the lateral moraines to the third lake at Gokyo (4750m). Gokyo consists of a number of stone dwellings surrounded by stone-walled yak pastures. Our lodge is located close to the lake and, if there are no clouds around, the sunroom can be distinctly warm in the afternoon. For those feeling energetic, it is worth ascending to the ridge at the back of Gokyo for views down to the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier.Machhermo
(Trekking: approx 4 hours) We rise early for an ascent of Gokyo Peak (5360m) - a straight-forward but steep climb and tiring due to the altitude. The walk up will take just over two hours and the reward is one of the best panoramas in the Khumbu. From the rocky summit, four 8000-metre peaks can be seen - Everest (8848m), Cho Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m) and Makalu (8481m). Countless other towering snow-capped peaks and rock spires fill the horizons including Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the east of Cho Oyo, Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m) and Kangchung (6103m). In addition, there’s a bird's eye view of the Gokyo lakes and the huge creaking Ngozumpa Glacier, now cutting halfway across the world and snaking its way down the valley far beneath. We descend back to Gokyo for a late breakfast and then retrace our steps back to the snout of the glacier and continue down the valley back to Machhermo. It is surprising how easily and quickly we cover the return route, now that we are well acclimatised.Phortse
(Trekking: approx 5 hours) A leisurely start to the day takes us down valley to Dole, where we enter forest to continue the descent to Phortse Bridge. Keep an eye open for musk deer, which are often seen on this section of the trail. Here we take lunch and branch off the main trail to Namche to cross the Dudh Kosi and ascend to the village of Phortse. Phortse is one of the more traditional Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region, but surprisingly few trekkers stop here on their Everest trek. The dramatic mountain views and peace and quiet of this village are sure to be one of the highlights of our trek.Dingboche
(Trekking: approx 6 hours) Our morning's walk first heads across a ridge and then descends on an exposed trail to the Imja Khola. Keep an eye open for Himalayan tahr - these mountain goats are often seen on the crags high above the trail. We meet the trail coming from Thyangboche by the suspension bridge and from here we gradually ascend to the village of Pangboche, where the peak of Ama Dablam dominates the skyline. We take lunch here and have the opportunity of seeing the beautiful monastery that once housed a legendary yeti scalp. After lunch our route follows the trail high above the Imja Khola, passing the tea houses at Orsho, before again crossing the Imja Khola and old glacial moraines to our lodge in the settlement of Dingboche. Here we find a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. The scenery is once again spectacular and although Everest has disappeared behind the Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are ample compensation. We are now almost completely above the tree-line. In clear conditions, look out for spectacular sunsets here and on Ama Dablam, the south face of Lhotse to the north, and also Island Peak in the centre of the valley.Lobuje
(Walking time: approx 6 hours) It is a tough walk today up the valley to Lobuche, so do take your time and ensure you are well hydrated. From Dingboche we ascend the small ridge behind the village above Pheriche Valley. From the chorten at the top, the peaks of Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) dramatically line the valley to the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of the Cho La (Pass) can be seen. At Dughla (4620m) we take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of Khumbu Glacier, which has flowed off Everest, and in the afternoon we climb steadily to reach a ridge with a line of memorial cairns, built in memory of Sherpas and other climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last 50 years. From here the view is spectacular; Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and, across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m) are seen at the head of the valley, whilst Everest is hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse and Lhotse. We then follow the valley stream to our lodge at Lobuje, arriving early afternoon.Gorak Shep
(Trekking: approx 3 hours to Gorak Shep, 5 hours round trip to Everest Base Camp) As the trek to Gorak Shep is relatively short, we have the opportunity for a leisurely breakfast before beginning the day’s walk. From Lobuje we follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier. A gradual ascent enables us to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. When we reach the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier, we make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that leads eventually to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m) - reached after about three hours of walking. After a quick bite we gear up accordingly to head off towards the Everest Base Camp. The trek to the base camp can be achieved in around three hours and if trekking in the popular climbing period of March to May, we will almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions here. From Everest Base Camp we do not get views of Mount Everest, but we are able to see the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm, which is regarded as technically the hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain. The return journey from the Base Camp to Gorak Shep takes the same amount of time. We have an early dinner so that we are able to get up early the next day for awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan giants from Kala Patar.Kala Patar - Pheriche
(Trekking: approx 8 hours) We wake up early the next day for the trek to Kala Patar (5545m) to experience sensational sunrise views from this amazing vantage point. From the lodge the ascent is quite steep, so start very slowly and try to ascend at a steady rhythmic pace. Kala Patar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It is a tough walk because of the altitude, but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. It will probably take a good hour and a half to reach the summit from Gorak Shep, although lower viewpoints can provide views that are almost as good. Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest, the highest mountain in the world, surround us. About three kilometres away and some 200 metres below, the area of the Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu Ice Fall. For many trekkers, reaching Kala Patar is a very emotional experience and it is worthwhile spending as long as you wish in order to savour this special moment. The descent back down to Gorak Shep is easy and once back at the lodge we have a quick drink and head off to the rooms to pack our kit bags whilst breakfast is being prepared. After breakfast we set off to Lobuche and Thugla, where we stop for lunch. After lunch we cross the Khumbu Khola and head down the valley below Cholatse to Pheriche, where we stop for the night.Namche Bazaar
(Trekking: approx 7 hours) From Pheriche we cross the Khumbu Khola River and ascend a short steep trail to the top of a small ridge for great views of Imja Valley, Ama Dablam and Kantega. We then descend to the small settlements at Orsho and Shomare before passing through Lower Pangboche to reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River to ascend back to Thyangboche for lunch. According to legend, Thyangboche Monastery was founded in the 17th century by Lama Sange Dorjee, who came from Tibet’s Rongphu Monastery. Thyangboche was destroyed by an earthquake in 1933, rebuilt and again badly damaged by fire in 1989. Construction of the present monastery was completed in 1992. We spend a bit of time after lunch visiting the monastery and the nearby museum. There is a small entrance fee for the museum and a small donation to the monastery is appreciated. In the afternoon we descend steeply through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga. After a welcome break and perhaps a cup of tea we cross the Dudh Kosi River and ascend to Trashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley through Shanasa and on to Namche Bazaar, where we spend the night.Phakding
(Trekking: approx 4 hours) We enjoy a leisurely departure from Namche Bazaar with a final opportunity to visit the shops in the bazaar before we descend steeply down to the large suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. We follow the trail through Jorsale and back to Monjo, where we take lunch. In the afternoon it is a short walk via Benkar through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with great views of Kusum Kangaru, back to our lodge in Phakding.Lukla
(Trekking: approx 3½ hours) This is our last day of trekking, where it is only a short walk on the valley before making the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. We then take lunch at our lodge and the afternoon is free to wander around, relax or perhaps enjoy a hot shower! In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner, followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa companions.Kathmandu
We rise early in the morning to be ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Kathmandu. We are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel, located in the Thamel district of Kathmandu, where we spend our final night.Kathmandu
Our brilliant adventure to Everest Base Camp sadly ends in the morning. You can extend your stay in Kathmandu or why not join another of our trips from Kathmandu to India?Itinerary Variation
While the information presented here details our planned itinerary, including routes taken, activities included, accommodation and meeting times, please accept that unforseen changes may occur. We are constantly on the lookout to improve our program and further enhance your experience. Naturally, we will keep you up to date with any last minute amendments to your tour.About The Imaginative Traveller
Our aim has always been to provide exceptional travel experiences. We believe that adventure travel should be stimulating, and that it should give you an authentic experience of a place. We want our travellers to relish the amazing diversity of countries and cultures the world has to offer. Our focus is on innovation, not imitation.
Obsessed with quality
One of our strengths has been our obsession with quality. We've always believed that our commitment to you doesn't end as soon as you've paid for your holiday. On the contrary, it is just beginning. Whilst most operators simply get a local company to handle the day to day operation of their tours, we do it all ourselves. We have managers for each of our key destinations around the world and all our small groups are escorted by our own leaders. Our local teams include guides, drivers, administration staff and contacts in the local community who help us ensure that our adventures are active and involving.
For comparability, all prices in this dossier are quoted in one currency. We use the US Dollar since that is familiar to most. However, once on tour you will need to pay for all goods and services in the local currency. See your Country Dossier for details of exchange rates.
Trip Grade
Trekking
Think about the feeling you get after completing one of the world’s great treks: seeing Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate after gruelling days on the Inca Trail; looking down on Africa from its summit, Kilimanjaro; relaxing by Pokhara’s perfect lake after tackling Annapurna’s rugged tracks.
The legs might ache but the feeling of pride in your achievements is overwhelming. More than that though, trekking gets you up close and personal with the world’s finest landscapes and many interesting cultures.
Walk through remote jungle to visit the tribes of northern Thailand and Vietnam, or explore China’s iconic Tiger Leaping Gorge by foot, and you’ll find the country opens up in a whole new way, the slow pace all the better for appreciating the surroundings.
It’s definitely better to travel than to arrive – particularly when the travel’s all on your own steam.
Fitness
A reasonable level of fitness is required for this trekking holiday and you should be in good health. You can expect to trek for up to six hours per day whilst on trek, sometimes on tracks which are fairly steep. Physical preparation, particularly walking on hills and stairs, before your trek will be a definite advantage.
Included
Experienced local tour leader, trekking staff and porters, first-aid kit, transportation, twin-share accommodation.
Not included
International flights, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre or post tour accommodation, all other meals, optional tours sightseeing or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, fully comprehensive travel insurance (obligatory on all trips and must include helicopter evacuation and repatriation), tips, items of a personal nature, laundry, cost of showers on trek (if available) and flights unless specified.
Accommodation
2 nights Hotels/guesthouses,16 nights Trekking lodge
Single room supplement
Most of our travellers like the thought of travelling with a few like-minded souls. There are NO compulsory single supplements on most tours as we simply arrange twin shared accommodation for you and another tour member of the same sex. But don't worry if that doesn't appeal. We do understand there are times when you just want a bit of privacy and 'me' time so we are more than happy to arrange a private room upon request when you book.Transport
Bus,Plane,Trek
Equipment
portable altitude chamber
Optional excursions
*prices below are guide only
Kathmandu - Bhaktapur entrance- - US$15
- - US$30 approx
- - approx US$185
- - US$4
- -
- - US$2 ( small donation also appreciated)
Responsible Travel - Travellers' Guidelines
At Imaginative Traveller we love helping our clients experience the beauty and cultures of the destinations we visit. However, hand in hand with this we have always been aware that we have a responsibility to minimise any negative impacts that tourism can bring.
Responsible Travel is twofold. It’s about taking people to the places they want to go in a safe and responsible manner but also about respecting and maintaining the natural and often delicate balance of the destination. Economic gain from tourism is often fundamental to a country, but should never be at the expense of its culture or the environment.
Our Aims
- It is our aim to provide journeys that have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the places we visit.
- We do not believe that, as visitors, we should impose our own cultures on others; rather that we should experience foreign cultures and appreciate them for what they are.
- Whilst it is our aim to show destinations and cultures in a positive light, we do not believe in papering over the cracks or shielding visitors from the realities of life. This does not mean, however, that we condone or endorse certain situations or regimes that may be in place.
Our guidelines are meant not as rigid instructions but rather as suggestions to make our holidays more enjoyable – for everybody. As cultural and environmental sensitivities vary from country to country more specific guidelines can be found in our individual country and trip dossiers.
Travellers' Guidelines
Before you depart try to spend some time familiarising yourself with the destination you will be travelling to – their culture and customs. The country dossiers on our website offer detailed information about all the regions we visit. They also include some useful phrases in the local language for you to use on your trip! A few words of the local language can open up many more opportunities for you to interact with the people you will meet.
Although it is tempting to give out pens, sweets and money to people begging, and particularly tempting to give to children, we feel that this encourages a begging mentality and has a long-term negative impact on communities. If someone begging earns more than someone in the same community who works this can discourage local employment. If children regularly bring home money it may discourage their parents from sending them to school. It is of course your own personal choice but you could consider giving to registered charities or contributing to our Responsible Travel fund instead. Money donated through our fund to our worldwide projects is matched pound for pound by Imaginative Traveller and used to help local grassroots projects.
Always ask permission to photograph local people and respect their decision if they would prefer not to have their picture taken.
Respect local dress codes, especially at religious sites. Our tour leaders are always on hand to give you advice about this.
In many of the countries we visit you might see examples of animal cruelty (for example dancing bears, performing monkeys and snake charmers). Please do not take photographs of this or offer money as it encourages the activity.
Respect the environment you are in. It sounds obvious but do not throw litter, take it with you or use rubbish bins! You may see locals throwing rubbish on the street but do not follow their example!
When shopping in countries where haggling is the norm – enjoy it and only pay what you feel is a fair price for the goods you are purchasing. However, remember that the shopkeeper does have to make a living so do stop once you have reached a price you are happy with. Bargaining should be fun but always remember that a small amount can mean much more to the vendor than to you.
Endeavor to take home souvenirs made locally; the money you spend can be very important to the local communities. However, do use your common sense and don’t buy anything that you think might be made out of endangered animals or plants.
To help keep as much money as possible in the host country - try to eat in locally owned restaurants and order local drinks and produce rather than international brands.
In hotels do be conscious of how much water you are using. Many of the areas we visit regularly have shortages; try not to have hour long showers! Don’t leave lights, air conditioners or fans on when you leave the room – you wouldn’t at home!
Respect the environment you are in, especially when in national parks or reserves. Pay attention to rules about keeping on paths, keeping a distance from animals and not removing any of the natural habitat.
Relax and immerse yourself in the differences of the culture you are in – you’ll be back home in the familiar soon enough (and wishing you were still on holiday!). These cultural differences are part of what makes your experience special.
If you would like to offset the carbon dioxide that will be produced on your flights you can do this on our website (on our Responsible travel page). We work with climatecare, who will reduce the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that you produce in another part of the World through their emission reduction projects. These projects are low carbon efficient technologies in developing countries and not only serve to reduce emissions but also help to spread the adoption of low carbon technologies and improve the quality of life for local communities. Details of climatecare’s projects can be found on their website.
If you would like to contribute to our Worldwide projects, helping communities all over the World, you can also do this on our website or with a sales consultant. Please refer to our responsible travel page on the website for details of our current projects. Any donation you make will be matched £ for £ by Imaginative Traveller (up to a maximum of £1000).
Have a great trip!
Please do let us know if you have any comments about responsible travel at rto@imtrav.net
The Imaginative Traveller & Gecko's Adventures This trip is operated by our partner company, Gecko's Adventures. Gecko's is an Australia based company with more than 10 years experience in adventure travel and they share our ethos for offering unique holiday adventures. As this is a code shared departure you can expect there to be both Imaginative Traveller and Gecko's travellers on your trip.Last updated: 25/10/2011
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