Gokyo Chola Pass Trekking -Everest Circuit Trek 19 Days

Our representative welcomes you on your arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel. For your kind information, your group leader will be happy to assist you in any way he can. Trek briefing will be delivered and the arrangements are made for the distribution of trekking equipment like a duffel bag, down jacket, sleeping bag, etc. The evening will be highlighted by a traditional Royal Nepali welcome dinner accompanied with a trek guide as a perfect end of your very arrival day in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

After Breakfast you will be visiting Boudhanath Stupa (Buddhist Shrine) and Pashupatinath Temple (Hindu Shrine), both are Enlisted in UNESCO's Cultural World heritage sites. You will be accompanied by a professional tour guide. Vehicle, Guide and Entry Fee to the sites are included. You will be thoroughly briefed in prior about all the aspects of the tour by your tour guide or trip leader. The tour will start around 9:00 (Can also be done in the afternoon if requested from all the clients) and it will take around 3 hrs. 

The afternoon is free for last minute preparations.

Most Lukla flights fly early, during which time the probability of high winds and clouds is likely to be lower. In one of the earliest flights, we proceed eagerly towards the starting point of our incredible journey. This thrilling mountain flight is for 20 minutes and eventually, we get to the most beautiful town of Lukla which is simply phenomenal. This airstrip was built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friend when he started his social work of building schools and hospitals for the local Sherpa people.

At Lukla, the first glimpse of all huge mountains is quite impressive which surrounds the very village but be patient, it is just starting, and there are lots more to come on your way. From Lukla, we trek downhill towards the Dudh Koshi (milky river), a raging river that flows from the highest mountains. The trail is fairly easy and well-marked, menders around the fields of potatoes and wheat. We see many "Mani Wall" which is a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the Buddhist chanting inscriptions, "Om Mani Padme Hum" which means, "Hail to the jewel on the lotus". Please respect the local tradition as the local people walking left to these Mani Walls. We pass through many traditional villages to reach the vicinity of Phakding for our first-night stay at Lodge.We see many "Mani Wall" which is a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the Buddhist chanting inscriptions, "Om Mani Padme Hum" which means, "Hail to the jewel on the lotus". Please respect the local tradition as the local people walking left to these Mani Walls. 

Today, passing through the pine forest and terraces, we cross and recross the thundering glacial river ' Dudh Koshi '. We will see groups of yaks and dzopki carrying the trek-gears and trading goods along the trail. Spectacular mountain peaks like Nupla (5885m) Kongde RI (6093 m), Thamserku (6808m) rises majestically above us.

We must be patient, though the allure of the mountains is hard to resist, as it is very important that we acclimatize slowly so that we can fully appreciate our time at higher altitude. We enter onto the Sagarmatha National Park, another World Heritage site. We walk along the river to the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, a gateway to the Everest. As we ascent passing through pine forest of rhododendron and magnolia, we will sight our first view of the majestic Mt. Everest from a vantage point

As we believe that the journey is important not the place of stay. This rest day is very important to acclimatize for safe ascending. Though it is a rest day, you have lots of options you can do as you wish. You may walk to the hill above the village to the National Park Headquarter to see stunning view of huge mountains including Mt. Everest. The Sherpa cultural center in National Park headquarter, has an interesting collection of Sherpa mountaineering items and photographs. You may go on an excursion to Thame village or those who are fit and acclimatizing well may wish to take an optional morning walk to the Everest View Hotel from where view of the Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam may be seen or just simply relax and watch the Sherpa culture around.

Leaving the Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar, the trail heads up the ridges and spectacular views Ama Dablam, Everest can be clearly seen on the horizon before we descend through splendid rhododendron forests to our the for lunch to the " City in the Clouds ", Khumjung, where Sir Edmund Hillary built " Schoolhouse in the clouds" and famous Khunde hospital. On the way, as we pass through terraced fields we may see a brightly colorful Pheasant, the Imphieant Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. We will also be able to visit the Khumjung monastery where we may have an opportunity to see the famous "Scalp of Yeti".   

Today we follow the Gokyo valley trail around Khumbila (5761m), a holy mountain for the local people then gradually ascending through beautiful birch forest and yak pastures to a stupa (3992m) on a top of a rocky village called Mon La stupa. The views once again stunning Mt. Everest looms above the Lhotse (8511m) and Nuptse (7896m) on the northeastern skyline. Below us is the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola; across the valley, Thyangboche monastery is framed by Ama Dablam (6856m) and Kantega (6685m).

From the stupa, we descend on a series of switchback trails to Phortse Tenga and then short climb gets us onto the trail for our first view of the huge mountain Cho - Oyu (8153m) at the head of the valley. We emerge above the tree line and pass several temporary yak-herding settlements firstly Tongba (4015m) then Gayle (4050m) before reaching at Dole. Since leaving the trail we have seen relatively fewer trekkers and locals, as well as isolation of the trail, is a pleasure. We pass some eye-catching waterfalls and sit to see at the glaciers that flow from Tawatse (6542m) and Cholatse (6440m) on the opposite side of the valley.

We ascend gradually up to the Dudh Koshi valley, high above the river. Though walking is easy, you will feel the effects of altitude in even the smallest hill. We are now above the tree line and the brown, barren hillsides with only small clusters of juniper are a great contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue sky. After lunch, there is an option to take an excursion across rocky moraines to the base of Kyojo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). However, keep an eye open for the Yeti!!! It is here in 1974 that three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl was badly injured when trying to fight off a hairy ape-like creature.

Gradual ascend to Gokyo village put us in alpine country and as we approach the Ngozumpa Glacier (the largest Glacier in Nepal) onto the marine and rock that extends down from it. We enjoy excellent views of Kantega to the south, Cholatse to the east and Cho Oyo to the north. Once we have ascended the snout of the glacier the path levels and parallels the Ngozumpa Glacier, separating us from the glacier is the massive lateral marine. We pass Longpongo (first lake), Taochelake (second lake where Tibetan Ducks are often seen swimming in the freezing water), before we reach to the third lake called Gokyo Chho at incredible Gokyo village.

Early in the morning we start steady ascent of Gokyo RI that takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your level of fitness and acclimatization for the Nepal's best panoramic views. From the rocky summit four peaks higher than 8000 meter can be seen: Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (98153m), Lhotse (8501m) and Makalu (84) and countless other towering snow peaks fill the horizon including Gyangchung Kang (7922 m), Cholatse (6440 m), Tawache (6542 m), Kantega (6685 m), Thamserku (6808 m), Lobuche (6145 m) and many more other unnamed peaks while below us the Ngozumpa Glacier stretches through the valley and the striking color of the lakes make the completion of the whole incredible Gokyo valley.

After lunch we weave our way across the Ngozumpa Glacier for Lunch Thangna. Great views of Cho-Oyo and Cholatse greet you. Keep an eye open for the Himalayan Thar on the rocky slopes as they are not hunted and are not too shy.

We start our journey early in the morning to take advantage of the stable early morning weather pattern that prevails in the Himalayas. Depending upon the weather condition it takes 3-4 hours to reach the saddle of the Pass. There will be time on the crown of the Pass to drink and savour the life long experience being on the Pass before the descent into the valley to Dzongla. This is one of the especial days the highlight of the trip. The views of the peaks seem to hover over us. Words failed to describes the beauty of Nature and sense of achievement to be on the Pass.

The early morning sun is welcome after a cold night and reveals a dramatic panorama of the spectacular pears. We traverse high in the flanks of Awi Peak, above the village of Chola and continue past Cholatse Lake. Beyond the lake the Chola Glacier flows from the saddle between the cliffs of Cholatse and Tawache peaks with the rugged beautiful display. We continue our walk until we join the busy trail to Everest Base Camp. Walking on barren slopes above the tree line we sill see different peaks such as Cholatse, Lobuche and Pumari unfolds us in this contrasting and spectacular landscape. Rock cairns can be seen dedicated to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains at Dugla Ridge. Walking up onto marine of Khumbu Glacier (the longest glacier in Nepal) to Lobuche for the overnight camp, one can feel the temperature drops her as we are more exposed with our camp situated along this glacier marine.

Today, we are high among the glaciers of the world's highest peaks to trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier, as the trail menders over the rocky marine towards the high settlement of seasonal spectacular village called Gorak Shep. After the rest, we walk to Everest Base Camp. The view surpasses the wildest imagination. We will hear huge glaciers creaking as they move under pressure and be awe-struck at the sheer size and majesty of the surrounding peaks including Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Kantega and Everest – the highest mountain in the world. We return to Gorak Shep for over night stay. This spectacular village is surround by Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Nuptse (7745m) and of course Everest (8848m). As the sun sets it becomes very cold though the sun is strong in daytime.

This morning we head for the historical ascend to Kalapathar for the incredible sunrise view. After making historic steps on Kalapattar, we will descend down to the highlander's village called Lobuche. Another day at high altitude which is going to be a long and tiring one. The trek to Everest base camp is optional so if you are feeling tired you can rest at Gorak Shep instead. After making historic steps on Everest Base Camp and Kalapattar, we will descend down medical Himalayan settlement of Pheriche.

We retrace our steps to Pangboche; it seems much quicker and easier going down! There can be a tendency to rush as we are walking downhill, but there is still much to see as we descend to Thyanboche on the way to Namche, the Sherpa capital where we will visit the Thyanboche monastery. This monastery was recently re-built after it was destroyed by fire in 1989 AD. As this area is a devout Buddhist region, the wild life is unharmed so there is possibility that we may see some wild animals such as musk deer, mountain goat and Pheasants etc.

We retrace our steps along the same Dudh Koshi. It is a beautiful and easy walk through pine and rhododendron forest with a view of Kusum Kanguru and other splendid mountains behind us before a gradual climb out of the river valley to the trek starting point Lukla to savour our final mountain sunset of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey.

• There are lots of interesting thing to see in Kathmandu valley: the Royal Palace, Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath (the monkey temple), Patan and an ancient city Bhakatpur etc. Or you may explore down town to shop for souvenirs, getting your photos or slides processed and trying out the various restaurants in Thamel.
• During the Peak season the flights are likely to go to Ramechhap which will add another 5 Hrs Drive to get to the Capital city. 

It is time to fly back to home keeping all the exhilarating experiences of Nepal in mind. Please make sure that you have collected all valuable from the security department. Those people traveling by aircraft to further destination will be transferred to the airport.