Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass Trek - 18 Days

Kathmandu

Kathmandu valley sightseeing to Cultural World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism and Buddhism in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significance. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous places Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath and Swoyambhunath.

Early morning fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2800 meters) and trek to Phakding (2652 meters)
We take an early flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, upon arrival at Lukla, take a breakfast and start our trek to Phakding (2652m). We trek following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi. Nupla (5885m) is standing next to you on the opposite bank. We pass Sherpa villages and finally we reach at Phakding.

After your breakfast at Phakding, crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Kosi the walk is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill and re-crossing the same river again, with magnificent view of Thamserku (6608m), from the village of Benkar, cross the long suspension bridge over the Bhote-Koshi river, after the bridge on this busy trail of trekkers and Jhopkyo (Crossed Yak/ox) and porters, finally reaching at a small village of Monjo after the last 20 minutes climb from the stream. Monjo is situated below the magnificent peak of Thamserku and near the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park.
After few minutes walk from Monjo, comes to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. We follow a short walk along the riverbed of this valley where the major river meets each other. Crossing over the Hillary bridge, the trek begins steep ascent to Namche Bazar. On the way, we would havewith magnificent view of Kwangde peak and it other sister peaks towards east, with Kusum Kangru on the back as you climb higher, view of Mt. Everest- Nuptse wall, Lhotse and the closer view of Taweche peak.
Surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges, Namche Bazaar is a central hub of the area and known as the capital of Khumbu and the Gateway to Everest which is home to many good hotels and lodges here, along the whole Everest trail this is quite a big village, the colorful houses are situated in an amphitheater U shaped bowl.

Acclimatization is very important to avoid altitude sickness. You will go on a day hike to Khumjung (3790 meters) via Syangboche and come back to Namche.
Start with a steep one-hour climb to the Syangboche airstrip (3780m), from where we will slowly ascent towards khunde passing numerous chorten (stone Buddhist monuments). Enjoy your cup of coffee at Everest View Hotel Syangboche to have an excellent view of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, Kwangde and many other snow-capped mountains within 360 degree. Khumjung village (3790m) which is the next settlement of Sherpa community with schools and offices by Edmund HIllary in Khumbu, at the foothill of the sacred peak Khumbila. We can also visit Khumjung monastery which offers Yeti Scalp.

Early morning special blessing of sacred Himalayas – continue your trek to Dole by Syangboche. Following the route to Everest Base camp until Sanasa then trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m), enjoy panoramic views of various mountains from here. Trek steeply descend passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole (4038 meters), through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens some time.

After Dole, the trek leads steadily along the side of the valley from Dole, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kangtega and Thamserku.

The trek leads over a very scenic path from Machhermo to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melt-water Rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We climb a steep rocky inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes.we soon arrive at the second lake, crossing the path which heads across the Glacier to Cho La (5420m). The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari will appear and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the Gokyo lake (4750m), we will arrive at Gokyo village; a trade center where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to the trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of the biggest glacier of Himalayas Ngozumpa.

Today is the gokyo valley and glacier lakes excursion and highlight day of our trek, we will walk around the glacial lakes. The Gokyo Ri stands tall across the Dudh Phokari. If you are physically fit – Early morning follow the trail that leads up to the summit of Gokyo peak or the Gokyo Ri (5360 meters) . It is a 2-3 hour steep climb to the top but truly rewarding. Once described as the best view point in Nepal Himalaya, the summit of the Gokyo Ri truly offers such a panorama of the mighty Himalaya that we can hardly believe we are not dreaming. Surrounding us are Kusum Kanguru (6367m), Cho Oyu (8153 m), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8475 m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche(6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), Lobuche (6145m) and Mt Everest (8848m) and splendid view of hundreds of other unnamed peaks.

From Gokyo valley, trek down to Thagnak (4690 meters). Along the way, we cross the crevasses glacier and reach the lateral moraine at a far. The village is just below a small cliff. You have to prepare for tomorrow’s high climbing pass. better drink more liquor/water

Cross Cho La pass (5420 meters) then trek down to Dzongla (4830 meters) 7 to 10 hours. Today is a long trek. Better to start before sunrise at 4 am or 5 am to reach the pass by 9 o 10 am. Otwerwise condition of weather will affect your journey to Cho La. Cross over altitude of 5420 meters Chola pass, could be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. Start to climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the high altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. When you reach the top, you rewarded by the magnificent views, then we descend to the Dzongla through the Frozen Chola Lake.

From Dzongla descend downhill to Pheriche (4240 m). Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post is available at Pheriche health post where volunteer foreign doctors are providing medical treatment.

Trek from Pheriche comfortable descent passing through Rhododendron Forest to Tyangboche (3860m), takes approximately 4 hours. Tyangboche is famous for the oldest monastery in Khumbu region. Visit inside the Monastery and enjoy your afternoon with splendid views of Ama Dablam, lush green hills and river views.

The walk from Tyangboche is mostly downhill on the main busy trail with a few steep climbs for an hour from the bridge at Phungitenga, near to Shanasha. You will catch the way descends from Gokyo valley. The walk to Namche is very scenic on a long winding path. Enroute you will see traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde. If your group did not visit previously; an opportunity to visit one of its monastery, the only monastery that has a Yeti Scalp. From Khumjung village another 30 minutes walk brings you to the village of Khunde, where you can visit the Khunde Hospital funded by Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. After Khunde, a scenic and pleasant walk brings you to Namche for the overnight.

Today is the last day of your great trek, hope the trekking is pleasant, will be one of the good walk to Lukla, you can walk at your own best pace, leisurely and enjoying the lush green scenery around. Apart from few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times and the only long climb will be just before Lukla which will take approximately 45 minutes from a place called Choplung or from the old big oak tree.
On reaching Lukla, Enjoy time to reflect on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. Get refreshed and Prepare for the last day great dinner and a party with the fellow Sherpa crew, supporters and trekking members.

The flight time to Kathmandu are schedule for normally early morning, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to weather condition and other reason, depending upon the flight time make way to the terminal for security check.
This scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu takes about 35 minutes, a scenic view of the snow capped peaks can be seen from window of the plane. Arrive Kathmandu domestic terminal and drive to your Hotel.

Leisure day in Kathmandu. It’s also spare day in case of bad weather condition in Lukla. Go for shopping or request us to discover more Kathmandu as a guided trip on additional cost. Evening will be Farewell Dinner with Nepalese Cultural Dance.

Transfer for your final flight departure. The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport onward your final destination from Nepal. Wish you your wonderful journey.