Gokyo - Kalapatthar Trek
Trekking to Gokyo Valley and Kalapatthar is one of the dramatic treks in Nepal which provides the best alternative to the popular Everest Base Camp trek. We follow the normal trekking route of popular Everest base camp trekking and take a different route up from Namche. Gokyo trek takes you through serene beauty of Gokyo valley with sparking lakes seen against the backdrop of mighty snowcapped snow peaks, the ascension of Gokyo Ri for paroramic view of some of the top ten majestic mountains, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse Makalu, Cho Oyu, crossing of Cho La Pass ( 5420m. ) one of the challenging high passes in the high Himalayas and rarely attempted by the trekkers.
Gokyo - Kalapatthar trekking offers close up view of Everest from Kalapatthar and finally making the historical footprint at the Everest base camp which many people dream in their life time. On the return we take you through many cultural sites; Pangboche, a traditional Sherpa village with old traditional monasteries, Tengboche, famous for its ornately decorated Tibetan monastery and finally Himalayan flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a staff / representative from Great Himalayan Guide as you come out at the airport after the immigration formalities. You will be transferred to a hotel. A briefing of the trekking trip will be arranged at a convenient time.
Day 02: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3 - 4 hrs.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway for Everest. After an adventurous 35 minute flight with spectacular views of breathtaking Himalalays, we land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. Upon arrival at Lukla, the trekking guide will arrange the loads for the porters to carry and commence the trek. We take easy walk to Phakding for three hours and spend the night there to help acclimatize. You can make a small side trips in Phakding if you are not so tired and the time permits.
Day 03: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3440 m): 5 - 6 hrs
We walk through beautiful pine forest passing Dhudhkosi River crossing several suspension bridges. We Walk through the busy trail and view the tantalizing glimpses of Kusum Kangru (6,369 m ), Everest (8,848 m.) and Nuptse (7,879 m ). Arrive at Namche Bazar (3,440 m ).a gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region.
Day 04: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
A pleasant day can be spent exploring the village, talking to the Sherpas and marveling at the incredible scenery. You can make a side trip to Thame, another Sherpa town north – west of Namche for acclimatization. Another option could be a day hike to Khumjung and Everest View Hotel for a good view of Everest.
Day 05: Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m) - 5 - 6 hrs walk.
It is a steep one hour walk to Synagboche. The trail descends gradually to Phunki Thanga and then climbs steeply at first and then gradually ascends through forest and mani stones to Tengboche ( 3870m. ).The views of the Himalayas including Kwangde (6,187m.), Everest (8,848m.), Nuptse ( 7,879m.), Lhotse, Tawache, Amadablam are magnificent from here. You will visit famous Tengboche monastery.
Day 06: Tengboche to Pheriche (4,240 m): 5 - 6 hrs
We pass through the forest of briches, conifers & rhododendrons with possible sights of snow pigeons, golden eagles, goshawks in tha trail. The route climbs past some magnificently carved mani stones to Pangboche. The views of Amadablam appears magnificent. We enter into Imja valley passing through beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls leaving behind alpine meadows to Pheriche.
Day 07: Rest & Acclimatization day in Pheriche.
You can visit a clinic run by Himalayan Rescue Association if you get any health problem or to know more about AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness ). Our leader will take you to Nangajong ridge for the great views of Lhotse, Amadablam, Nuptse, Makalu, Thamserku, Kangtega and for acclimatization.
Your leader will advise on
Day 08: Pheriche – Lobuche ( 4930m. ): 5 – 6 hrs.
The valley begins to narrow as we pass through Dusa, the yak herders place and Phulung Karpo. We walk up a small ridge and then contour round the base of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we take a short steep climb to the terminal moraine of the glacier from where the views are stunning. We Arrive at Lobuje.
Day 09: Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5170 m) - Everest Base Camp (5364 m) - Gorak Shep: 8 - 9 hrs.
The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with the views of. Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including Mt. Everest. We further move towards Everest Base Camp and finally we see tents pitched in the vast area of glaciers for Everest and Lhotse expedition members and the dangerous Khumbu icefall, the killer of hundreds of mountaineers. Although Everest is not visible from here, it is the destination for the trekkers of the world to put their steps and make a memorable moment of their life. We return to Gorakhshep for night stop over.
Day 10: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar - Pheriche (4280 m ): 8 - 9 hrs
Today is the day of our ultimate destination. We start our hiking early in the morning with the target to reach kalapatthar for sunrise to witness the first day light shining on Everest and gradually making yellowish glittering mighty massive. Walking at dark with cold temperature and chilly wind, gasp and slow steps will be paid off as we reach Kalapatthar for the breathtaking panorama of Himalayas and the bet and closest views of Pumori, Chnagtse, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse, Amadablam etc. We marvel at from one awesome massive to another taking life memorable pictures and leave before the chilly strong wind hit us. We retrace to Gorakhshep and then to Lobuche
Day 11: Lobuche – Zhongla ( 4830m. : 4 – 5 hrs.
We follow the bank of a stream and then gradually ascend to a ridge for fantastic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Island peak, Amadablam, Makalu. We make contour passing meadows and arrive at Zhongla.
Day 12: Zhongla – Cho La Pass – Dragnag ( 5685m. ): 6 – 7 hrs.
Today is the most difficult day in the entire trek. We gradually ascend along the Kharkas and steeply climb through the glaciers and arrive at Cho La pass. We enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the pass and steeply descend thorough the boulder-strewn scree slopes passing through kharkas and arrive at Dragnag.
Day 13: Dragnag – Gokyo ( 4780m. ): 3 – 4 hrs.
We cross glacier and arrive at middle lake. We further pass through Kharkas ( yak grazing land ) and arrive at Gokyo, an old yak herders village, with the snowy mountains completing the backdrop reflecting into the turquoise waters. The entire area is blessed with abounding natural beauty of shimmering Lakes.
Day 14: Gokyo Ri ( 5483m. ) – Machhermo ( 7 – 8 hrs.)
Early in the morning we steeply climb up for 3 to 4 hours and reach the top of to Gokyo Ri, the best view point in Everest region. The views of the sun rays gradually shedding light on Everest and the breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas including Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K 43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, and Pumori prove the best vantage point in Khumbu region. We descend to Gokyo and continue our onward journey. We pass the lakes and follow boulder – strewn path descending through the moraine. As we further descend, the trail passes through the flat land of Kharkas (yak pasture land ) where Yeti sightings were reported. We arrive at Macchermo.
Day 15: Machhermo – Namche ( 3440m. ): 5 – 6 hrs.
We follow Dhudh Koshi River which carries the melt water from Ngozumngba Glacier and gradually descend along the side of the valley through scrub junipers. The forest covered with juniper and large conifers give way to rhododendron forest as the altitude decreases. The trail descends to Phortethanga and gradually ascends to Mongla, the birth place of lama Sange Dorje who introduced Tibetan Buddhism in this area. We gradually descend and arrive at Namche.
Day 16: Namche Bazaar-Lukla (2,800m): 6 - 8 hrs
The trail descends steeply downward. We walk slowly through rocky terrain. We cross suspension bridges over Dhudh KoshiRiver for server times pass through rhododendron and pine forest, Sherpa villages and arrive at Lukla.
Day 17: Lukla – Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu. You can rest and relax throughout the day at the hotel after a long mountain journey. We take you for a farewell dinner at one of the finest typical Nepali restaurant with traditional Nepali culture program.
Day 18: Free in Kathmandu.
You are free for your personal activities such as buying souvenir for your nears and dears or any other adventure tours.
Day 19: Airport Transfer
We transfer to the airport for your onward journeys.
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Cost Includes
- International and domestic airport arrivals and departures
- Accommodation at hotel in Kathmandu on BB plan ( as per the choice of the trekkers )
- Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flight fare including airport tax
- All necessary paperwork for permit ( national park entrance, TIMS card )
- Accommodation at the hotels / lodges in the trekking trail
- All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner ) in the trekking
- An experienced English speaking trek leader ( trekking guide ) and assistant trekking guide ( 4 trekking members ), and porters ( one porter between two trekkers ) to carry luggage including their meals, accommodation, wages, equipment and accident insurance.
- First aid medical kit
- All government and local taxes
- Farewell dinner
Cost Excludes
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Excess baggage charges for the domestic flight
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance for trekking members
- Any additional expenses due to domestic flight delay or cancellation
- Any other expenses of personal nature ( phone calls, laundry, bar bills battery recharge, hot shower and boiled water in the trekking ).
- Gratuity for the trekking staffs
Per person US $ 1500