Nepal Travel Trek

GOKYO CHOLA TREK – 20 DAYS

Retrace the footsteps of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Enjoy the hospitality of Sherpa village life. Brush against the majesty of Mt. Everest. These are only a few of the experiences that await you in the fabled SoluKhumbu region of Nepal.

After a careful acclimatization approach from Lukla, we ascend Gokyo Ri in the crisp sunrise air, for 360 degree views of many of the world's highest peaks (Everest, Nuptse, Lotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu are in the top 10), and of the Nagozumba glacier, the longest glacier in the Khumbu region. Next we attempt Cho La (5420m), a pass only rarely completed by trekking groups, which rewards you with a descent through pristine snow fields into a broad secluded valley surrounded by craggy peaks. The next highlight on the trip is Kalapathar, the classic hike for close-up views of Everest, and the Southern Wall that towers above you. After reaching Base Camp, our route descends through many cultural sights; Pangboche, a traditional Sherpa village, Tengboche, famous for it's ornately decorated Tibetan monastery and Khumjung, with the Hilary School and Hospital.
Best season to visit: In the spring (March to May) when the rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal, are in bloom. Also in the fall (September to December) or post-monsoon when the weather is temperate and the skies are clear.
Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult. This is a Moderate to difficult trek although, No mountaineering skills required. This itinerary offers a gradual gain of the altitude to greatly reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Maximum altitude: 5550 m at Kalapathar.
Length of trek: The trek can be completed in a minimum of twenty days, starting and finishing in Kathmandu. If a few extra days are allowed for it is then possible to enjoy several of the possible side trips and add immeasurably to the experience. It is advisable to spend two weeks along this route to fully experience the full scenic and cultural splendor.
Accommodations: This is traditionally a teahouse trek with well-maintained facilities along the route. It can also be organized as a camping trek as the valley floor can provide comfortable camping spots in good weather. Camping trek rates and fees are considerably higher as more resources are required.
Legal Preparation: Entry permit (NRS 1000) for the Sagarmatha National Park Permit is needed.
Additional Information: This Trek can be dangerous at times, especially during unexpected snowfall and Altitude sickness so potential trekkers must make sure that they are well prepared and equipped for all eventualities.  Our experienced porters/guides will help you to avoid potentially unsafe situations.

Outline Itinerary

Price includes:                  

• Arrival and departure and other required transportation by Car.  (Airport to City, City to Airport)
• Flight fare (Kathmandu / Lukla/ Kathmandu, Round Trip – US$ 208 per client and US$ 100 per Nepali staff) and Airport taxes.
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and Accommodation in Trek.
• Best quality Sleeping bags, dawn Jackets.
• First Aid Kit
• Sagarmatha National Park Permit (Nrs 1000 Per person)
• English speaking Experienced Guide and Porters
• All necessaries for Nepalese staff (all meals, accommodation in teahouses, equipments, insurance etc).
• Certificate of Trek completion from Himalayan Humanity Trekking.

Price Excludes

• Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water and cold drinks),
• Client's personal insurance,
• Meals and Accommodations in Kathmandu.
• Personal expenses,
• Rescue,
• Tips for staff (porter/Guide) etc

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m) and Phakding (2610m): Fly to Lukla (35 minutes), trek.
An early departure from the Kathmandu domestic airport will see us landing in Lukla a mere 45 minutes later, at the start of our journey to the Mount Everest Base Camp.
Following lunch, our trek will commence with a moderate walk to the junction of the Jiri trail at Chablung and from here we shall follow the Dudh Koshi river through the village of Ghat, and eventually to Phakding (2800), three hours to the north.

Day 02: Phakding to Namche (3446m): Trek.
Leaving Phakding, the path leads us north through the Dudh Koshi valley and sits 100m above the river along the west bank. After reaching Jorsalle (2810m), we enter Sagarmatha National Park where our trekking permits will be submitted to the local authorities for inspection. As the trail becomes significantly steeper en route to the spectacular Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar (3440m), we will cross the suspension bridge perched high above the Bhote and Dudh Koshi rivers. Shortly thereafter we catch our first glimpse of the mighty Mount Everest, away to the northeast. Situated high on the hillside, we will rest amongst the splendor of the Himalayas and in the protection of the stout Mount Kwangde (6011m).

Day 03: Rest at Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization.
The dreaminess of Namche will provide an ideal spot for a little rest and relaxation as we acclimatize to the lower pressure and thinner air at high altitude. You may wander the streets of Namche browsing the local shops, visiting the local museum with exhibits of the flora, fauna, and history of the Everest region, or simply sit back and enjoy the view. Another option is to hike to some of the nearby Sherpa villages such as Kunde and Khumjung, or, take a more strenuous walk to Thame.
Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Thame (3800m): Trek.
Morning visit to Monastery, Musume and market (Good views of Thamserki (6608m), Ama-Dablam (6856m), Kongde Ri (6178m) and more mountains. Afternoon walk to Thame. Visit to 700 yrs old monastery. Overnight at Teahouse lodge / Camp
Day 05: Thame to Khumjung (3750m): Trek.
Walking around 4 hrs. Big Sherpa village to Khumjung. Visit to Khunde Hospital, Khumjung monastery and Hilary School. Specticular views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8515m) and more mountains. Overnight at lodge / camp.
Day 06: Khumjung to Dole (4200m): Trek
The trail climbs steeply through rhododendron forests, passing many Kharkas on its way to Tongba (3950m) and Gyele (3960m) and finally Dole. Stay at Guest house- Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. O/N at Dole.
Day 07: Dole to Machhermo (4470m): Trek.
The trail climbs through a huge rock at Lhabarma (4330m) and carries on to Luza (4340m).From Luza the trail continues to climb to Machhermo (4410m) where you can have good views of the mountains. Stay at Guest house- Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. O/N at Machhermo.
Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m): Trek
Passing through Machhermo the trail climbs and reaches Pangka (4390m). Beyond Pangka the trail drops and again climbs steeply. From there you can see the massive Ngozmpa Glacier and finally you arrive at Gokyo. Stay at Guest house- Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. O/N at Gokyo.
Day 09: Rest at Gokyo: Climb to Gokyo RI
After having breakfast you can take a look around Gokyo valley. If you want to observe the best view you have to climb Gokyo RI (5357m) which is also called Kala Pattar but not the Kala Pattar above Gorakshep. From here you have panoramic views of Cho Oyu (8201m), Gyachung Kang (7922m), Everest, Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (4063m), Cholaste and Tawachee. Back to Guest house- Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. O/N at Gokyo.
Day 10: Gokyo to Thangna (4950m): Trek
From Gokyo the trail descends, looking at the views of the fine mountains and natural beauty, towards Thangna which is consider as the base of Cho -La Pass. Stay at Guest house- Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. O/N at Thangna.
Day 11: Thangna to Chola Pass to Dzongla (5420m): Trek.
Today the trail descends again and leads you across the moraine, to the glacier which you must cross. From here you can see a beautiful view of the icefall before you reach Dzongla. Stay at Guest house- Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. O/N at Dzongla.
Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche (4910m): Trek.
The trail continues along the moraine from Dzongla affording you splendid views of Kala Pattar and Pumori before you reach Lobuche. Stay at Guest house- Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast. O/N at  Lobuche.
Day 13: Lase obuche to Everest Base Camp (5360m) to Gorakshep (5160m): Trek.
Trek to Gorakshep and same day trek to Everest Base camp and then back to Gorakshep.
Day 14: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m) and Lobuche: Trek.
The enormity of Everest can now be seen and realized. The South Col from which Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay made their first ascent in 1953 – is clearly visible. Time will be reserved here to be spent taking photographs and marveling at the sight of the mighty mountain before descending back to Gorak Shep and beginning our trek home.
Day 15: Lobuche to Dingboche: Trek.
A short descent from Lobuche to Thukla followed by a manageable hike down to Dingboche, the highest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu region.
Day 16: Dingboche to Chhukung to Dingboche: Trek
Leisurely walk to a village called Chhukung. From here, we can see some beautiful mountains: Nuptse, Lhotse, Peak 38, Mountain with No Name, Island Peak and of course, Ama Dablam. Chhukung sits at an elevation of 4730m so no wonder its cold! Then way back to Dingboche.
Day 17: Dingboche to Tengboche: Trek.
Advancing further on our descent, Ama Dablam (6856m) bids farewell from far off in the distance providing the perfect backdrop for personal reflection, and a stunning reminder of your most recent accomplishment.
Day 18: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar: Trek.
Led back via a steep descent through the lush countryside, a plethora of bird species will serenade our parade back to Namche Bazaar.
Day 19: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: Trek.
The final day of trekking is bittersweet as the familiarity of the path already trodden unfolds, heralding the end of our sojourn in the Himalayas. Until, that is, the siren call of Everest and her subjects beckons once again.
Day 20: Lukla to Kathmandu: Fly to Kathmandu (45 minutes).
The flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla will be a short and serene 45 minutes. Upon arrival you may be greeted and transferred to your hotel where you may commit to memory, once and for all, the experiences of the last few weeks.