GOKYO LAKE - EVEREST BASE CAMP TREKKING
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TRIP OVERVIEW:

With eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with
spectacular mountains vistas. Everest trek in justifiably famous,
not only for its proximity to the world’s highest mountain ( 8848m )
but also for its friendly Sherpa people, picturesque villages, great
variety of cultures and traditions, colourful festivals and
monasteries. The flora and fauna are other ornaments of the Sagarmatha National Park. The story of the yeti is still a mystery
in the world from the Khumbu region.
This trek gives you the grand tour of the famous Khumbu Valley. This
is a strenuous trek leading to Gokyo Lake and over the Cho La at
5,420m making a circuit of Tawache (6,367 m) and Cholatse (6,440m).
Emerging into the Khumbu valley above Lobuje the trail continues up
to Kalapattar and then back to Lukla via Tengboche and Namche
Bazaar.
Strenuous trekking is continuously rewarded with dramatic Himalayan
scenes, including four of the world's eight highest peaks; Cho Oyu
(8,201m), Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516 m) and Everest (8,850m).
Breathtaking mountain vistas are complemented by visits to Sherpa
villages, homes and monasteries offering you an insight into the
quiet but, culturally vibrant Sherpa way of life
Itinerary |
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Day 01 Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu (KTM) and Transfer to Hotel.
Day 02 Kathmandu Sightseeing
After breakfast at Hotel, we will start the full day sightseeing (0900hrs)
by coach where our first spot will be Swayambhunath and continue as follow
(All listed in World Heritage Sites by UNESCO).
Swayambhunath: One of world’s most
glorious, ancient, enigmatic and the holiest of Buddhist Chaityas dating
back more than 2000 years is situated on a hillock. Swayambhunath, literally
“the Self-Created or Existent”, is a mosaic of small stupas and pagoda
temple contributed by and time by the succession of kings and noblemen. The
main structure of is made of a solid hemisphere of brick and clay supporting
a lofty conical spire capped by pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four
sides on the base of the spire are the “All Seeing Eyes” of Lord Buddha. The
main features of Swayambhunath in brief are “The Five Buddhas.”
Bouddhanth: This colossal and ancient
Stupa, one of Nepal’s most unique monument and said to be the world biggest,
attracts Nepalese pilgrimage of Tibetan stock from as far as Dolpo and Mugu
as well as Tibet, Ladhak in India and Bhutan. Baudhanath Stupa with all
seeing eyes of primordial Adi Buddha on all the four sides of the stupa is
said to hold the remains of Kasyapa - the Buddha of the previous time.The
Stupa 100 meters in diameter, built on an octagonal base inset with prayer
wheels by the Lichchivi King Mana Deva in the fifth century rises to 36
meters above the base including the spire, “all seeing eyes” and the
pinnacle represent the stages of enlightenment, symbol of royalty,
compassion, knowing and nirvana. There are many myths about the origins of
the stupa.
Guheshwari: The short drive from Bouddha
will take you this place said that when Sati, the consort of Siva, immolated
herself due to her father’s insult, Siva stricken with grief, wandered the
skies with her corpse as pieces of her body fell to earth thus creating 51
sacred sites. Her private parts fell here thus the name “Guheshwari”.
Pashupatinath: Just a small walk takes
you the temple of lord Siva-Pasupatinath with two tiered golden roof and
silver doors is famous for its superb Newari architecture situated near the
banks of sacred Bagmati River. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted
to the “Hindus Only”, however visitors can clearly see the temple from the
eastern bank of the Bagmati River. Pashupati, literally, “Lord of the
Animals” is the patron deity of Nepal and believed to have been unearthed by
an obscure herdsman while one of his cattle was showering the earth with
milk. Across the sacred river, above the array of decorated monuments is the
“Slasmantak or Mrigasthali Ban (forest)” where legends have it that Lord
Siva dwelled in a form of an antelope to evade the hordes of demigods.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Durbar square classic tour takes you to the famous places has housed kings
of different dynasties and temple-scape representing finest specimens of
Hindu and Buddhist architectures.
Now you will drive to your Hotel around 1830hrs. We will meet you this
evening to take you to the welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural
Program hosted by Makalu Adventure.
Day 03 Flight: Kathmandu (1,310m) - Lukla (2,840m). Trek to Phakding
(2,610m). (2-3 hours).
Early morning transfer to airport for flight to Lukla. The flight into Lukla
is a lifetime experience, in itself. The airfield is on a slope and the
difference between the two ends of the runway is about 60 meters!
Meet with your sirdar and the rest of the crew. You will need to identify
your luggage, which is to be made into loads, and then while you have lunch
your crew will load these onto pack animals or get it ready for your team of
porters. After lunch, trek for a few hours along the Dudh Kosi River to the
village of Phakding 2,610 m & Camp overnight.
Day 04 Phakding (2,610m) – Namche bazaar (3,440m).
Beginning with a slight climb to Jorsale we pass a waterfall and along this
part of the trail villages are interspersed with magnificent forest –
rhododendron, magnolia trees and giant firs. Then walk to Namche crossing a
few bridges and then climb of several hundred meters, a steep descent and
another steep climb through the forest.
Day 05 Namche bazaar (Acclimatization day 3,440 m.)
Acclimatization is most important before proceeding to a higher elevation.
You can spend a day taking a day hike to Thame, Khunde or Khumjung or
relaxing, and explore Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa community.
Day 06 Namche (3,440m) – Thame (3,800m).
A moderately easy and beautiful walk to the Sherpa village of Thame 3800 m,
situated at an important junction along the old primary trade route to and
from Tibet via the Nangpa La pass. The trail leads west past a large array
of prayer flags and Mani stones - some of them very picturesque. After the
village of Thomde the trail descends to the river and makes a steep climb to
Thame.
Day 07: Thame (3,800m) – Khumjung (3,790m).
Morning visit to the Thame Monastery, then trek to the serene Sherpa
villages of Khunde 3890 m and Khumjung 3790 m. Sir Edmund Hillary
established his first school and hospital in these villages.
Day 08: Khumjung (3,790m) – Dole (4,200m).
Leaving the main trail to Mt. Everest, climb high on a ridge and then
descend to the village of Phortse. From Phortse the trail leads through
forests to Dole.
Day 09: Dole (4,200m) – Machhermo (4,410m).
A steep but beautiful morning climb through pine, fir and rhododendron
forests to Lhabama and Luza. After a leisurely afternoon trek, high above
the river, camp at Machhermo 4410 m. The days trek is short so that you are
not exhausted and to allow time for acclimatization.
Day 10: Rest day for acclimatization or optional hikes.
Day 11: Machhermo (4,410m)– Gokyo (Second Lake at 4,750m).
This is your first real day at high altitude and the trekking today may be
described as moderate at the most difficult. However, the going is slow (in
fact, it is recommended that you walk slowly to avoid exhausting yourself).
The valley opens wide as the trail passes through Pangkha. Mt. Cho Oyu (8153
m.) dominates the skyline to the north as the trail leads up to the moraine
on the left flank of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The climb is steep to the first
of the four lakes that lie in the Gokyo area but the trail levels off
towards the second lake at 4750 meters.
The settlements of Gokyo and Luza are typical high altitude temporary
villages where the herders live when they bring their cattle up to high
summer pastures during the warmer months leaving the lower pastures.
Day 12: Gokyo (4,750m) – Free Day.
A free day to explore the area around Gokyo or rest. For enthusiasts a
rigorous day's hike up the ridge above camp provides spectacular views of
the Everest trinity: Nuptse 7879 m, Lhotse 8511 m, and Everest 8848 m, as
well as Makalu 8463 m looming to the east and Cho Oyu (8153 m.) to the
north.
Day 13: Gokyo (4.750m)– Chyugima Pass (5,169m).
The long and most difficult part of this trek. The trail crosses the
southern portion of the Ngozumpa Glacier then climbs steadily to a campsite
on the 5169-m Chyugima Pass.
Day 14: Cross Cho La (5,420m) – Trek to Dzongla (4,730m).
A steep and challenging but, non-technical climb over rock, snow and perhaps
ice with superb views links the glacial valleys of Cho Oyu and Everest.
Today you will cross the 5420 meter Cho La. Camp will be at Dzongla 4730 m,
a high altitude summer pasture directly beneath the north wall of Cholatse
6440 m.
Day 15: Trek to Lobuche (4,930m).
After a morning of rest, hike on a trail above Tsholo Lake and join the main
Everest trail near the end of the Khumbu Glacier. Camp at Lobuje (4930 m.
Day 16: Lobuche (4,930m) – Gorkshep (5,140m).
The trail from Lobuche follows the muide, a geographer's name for the trough
at the edge of the glaciers lateral moranie. A tributary glacier has piled
another moranie across the trail which has to be crossed, giving a good view
of Pumori. This section of the trek provides good views of the Everest group
and Pumori from Gork Shep and Kala Pattar
Day 17: Gorkshep (5,140m) - Kala Patthar (5,545m)- Lobuche (4,930m).
Hike up early in the morning to Kala Patthar to see the stunning views of
Mount Everest. If you feel physically fit, optional hike to real Base Camp
of Everest (5,200m) can be made. Get back to Gorakshep or Lobuche for the
overnight stay.
Day 18: Lobuche (4,930m)- Tengboche (3,860m).
Trekking to Tengboche we leave behind the Trekkers Aid Post at Pheriche 4240
m. A western volunteer doctor, supported by The Himalayan Rescue Association
is stationed here and offers treatment and consultation to trekkers.
Continue down the valley to the less altitude. Get into the valley to Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, spiritual center of the
Khumbu. is adequately compensated by views of Mt. Amadablam and on clear
days views of Mt. Everest and it surrounding peaks. Amadablam means
"Mother's Charm Box" and is named after the little box that Sherpa women
wear around their necks. It is also one of the most beautiful mountains in
the Himalaya. Camp Overnight.
Day 19: Tengboche (3,860m) – Namche (3,440m).
The trail then descents the right flank of the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche.
The descent is long but, more takes you to the famous Sherpa habitat. Camp
Overnight.
Day 20: Trek Namche to Phakding (2,610m). (3-4 hours).
Down along the gorge of the Dudh Kosi to the small village of Phakding.
Overnight Camp or Lodge.
Day 21: Phakding to Lukla (2,840m) (3 hrs).
Trek further to the mountain airstrip at Lukla to catch your return flight
to Kathmandu. Weather permitting your trekking crew might prepare a farewell
treat for you. You would be expected to join in the singing and the dancing!
Overnight Camp or Lodge at Lukla.
Day 22: Lukla (2,840m)- Kathmandu (1310m)
Fly to Kathmandu, with remainder of the day free. Hotel Overnight.
Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu.
Enjoy shopping and various finest restaurants in Kathmandu. Hotel Overnight.
Day 24: Final Departure.
Transfer to International terminal of Kathmandu Airport for the Final
Departure.
Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek
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Services Included:
01. All ground transfers by private vehicle as per our itinerary.
02. Finest Five Star Hotel in Kathmandu (Twin Sharing, including
breakfast and all Tax)
03. Welcome Dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program hosted by Makalu
Adventure.
04. Guided sightseeing around world heritage sites of KTM (Includes all
applicable entrance fees).
05. All domestic airfares (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu).
06. Organized Camping Trek arrangement, including all high quality
German Salewa / UK Super Quasar camping equipments such as Two Men Tent,
Kitchen Tent, Dinning Tent, Toilet Tent, Tables, Chairs, Mattresses, Hot
Water Bags, Pillows, Inner Sheet and etc.
07. Everyday three times hot meals while on trekking, prepared by our
professional kitchen crew.
08. National Park / Conservation Area Permit Fees.
09. Guide, porters and their daily wages, insurance with all necessary
lodging - fooding arrangements.
10. Administration service during rescue service management (if
necessary).
- Services
Excluded:
01. Airport taxes.
02. Expenses of personal nature such as bottled drinks, mineral water,
laundry and etc.
03. Rescue and evacuation - if needed.
04. Personal medical and travel insurance.
05. Tips and Gratitude.
10 Aug
and 25 Aug 2010
06 Sep,
12 Sep( 9 SEATS ARE AVAILABLE), 23 Sep and 28 Sep 2010( 6 SEATS ARE
AVAILABLE)
02 Oct
(8 SEATS ARE AVAILABLE),
10 Oct (4 seats are available), 16 Oct, 25 Oct and 30 Oct 2010
05 Nov (
6 seats are available),
15 Nov, 20 Nov( 8 SEATS ARE AVAILABLE) and 26 Nov 2010
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All the itineraries are subject
to change to suit your schedule
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