Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Ri & Lobuche Peak- Malaika Travel

Everest Base Camp

with Gokyo Ri Trekking & Lobuche Peak Climbing

Everest Base Camp Trekking with Gokyo Ri Trekking & Lobuche Peak Climbing

US$ 3,770

per person

Note: This cost includes both guide and porter. However, if there is only 1 guest, the porter will not be included. In that case, a porter can be arranged at an additional cost of $20 per day if required.

Day to day itinerary

After landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu from your designated destination, you will be greeted at the arrival gate by a representative of the travel company who will then transfer you to your hotel. If you have any spare time, you can explore the city or relax at the hotel to overcome your jet lag. Overnight at Hotel.

Today after breakfast, you will meet with the guide and walk around Thamel to familiarise yourself with it. Today, we will also examine your trekking gear and help you pack for the trek. In the evening, there will be a group discussion for you to attend to discuss the upcoming trekking plans. Overnight at Hotel.

Distance: 9-13 km

Hiking time: 3-5 hours

Ideally, we will arrive in Lukla between 7 – 9 am, so that you can have breakfast and start walking mostly downhill for a relaxed walk on your first day. The hike should take 3-5 hours, depending on if you’re travelling to Phakding or Monjo. If you go to Phakding (2,650m/8,694ft) it will be about 3 hours and if you are going to Monjo (2,850m/9,350ft) it will take approximately 5 hours. If you are going to Monjo, you will have lunch in Phakding and then continue going to Monjo until you arrive in the afternoon. When you arrive, you will check into your room and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and starting the acclimatisation process. Make sure you stay well hydrated; drinking 3 to 4 litres of water a day is essential all the way throughout the trek. 9km/ 5.6 miles to Phakding or 13km/ 8.8 miles to Monjo.

Distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

For the first couple of hours, you will get to cross some of the famous suspension bridges, while gradually moving uphill towards the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, the official entrance to the Everest Region. You then continue downhill for a short time before it levels out to flat ground and mixed terrain. The trail then follows the river to the final high suspension bridge before you begin the long ‘Namche Hill’ trek, which can take 2 hours, to reach the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar. Today’s trek is usually 6 hours long with plenty of breaks and time to rest along the way. The distance from Phakding to Namche is 11.3 km/ 7.02 miles.

Distance: 3 km

Hiking time: 4 hours

Today is one of your acclimatisation trek days. When you trek behind Namche Bazaar, the trail is quite steep and you can feel the lack of oxygen as you ascend 460m/1,509ft to Shangbouche Airport, then cross the runway and head another 100m/ 328ft up to Shangbouche Hill at 3,900m/ 12,795ft. We will enjoy the stunning views and relax for 30-45 minutes before returning back to Namche. This trek is an essential part of the acclimatisation process and usually takes approximately 4 hours. 3km/ 1.8 miles.

Distance: 9.5 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

After Namche, we’ll separate from the classical route of Everest Base Camp and walk along the left route towards Thame Village. It is the oldest Sherpa village. It used to be a trade route to Tibet/China. About 150m above the town is the Thame Gompa, a picturesque monastery set amongst the many homes of Lamas. 9.7km/6 miles.

Distance: 13.5 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

From Thame, the trail heads north to Thame Teng and goes through several small villages such as Chanakpa and Taranga. It crosses through the yak field to get you to Marlung. Today, we’ll walk for approximately 6 to 7 hours at a deserted hill side to reach Lungdeng where we will stay overnight at a basic tea house or at our tented camp if the tea house is not available. Here there is a great view of Ngazumpa glacier, the biggest glacier in the world. 13.6km/8.45 miles.

Distance: 13 km

Hiking time: 7-8 hours

This day is a big day! Crossing the Renjo La will be one of the more difficult days of the trip due to the altitude and trail. Typically, the weather is clear in spring from March to May and from Sep to Nov so the prospects for favourable conditions are excellent. Upon reaching the top of Renjo La, the views are outstanding. Walking to Gokyo involves a glacier walk sometimes where you have to walk carefully, and then the rest of the walk to Gokyo. 12.86km/7.9 miles

Distance: 3 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

We will hike to Gokyo Ri, a small peak above Gokyo village in the morning and savor the fantastic views of the entire Khumbu region. As we ascend, the views become even more fantastic and we can see four of the seven highest peaks of Nepal, Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. When we reach the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, we can take pleasure in the lake’s serene beauty after which we’ll trek back and retrace the trail back to the third lake. We may take an additional hike up to the fifth lake, Ngozumba Tsho if there’s enough time and depending on our physical conditions. From here, the view of Ngozumba Glacier, the longest glacier of the Himalayas, is fascinating. Overnight, you’ll stay in Gokyo. 3km/1.86miles.

Distance: 4 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

If we did not climb the Gokyo Ri the previous day, we can do that today. Climbing to the top of Gokyo Ri is demanding as it is steep and it takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But the scenery of Gokyo village, which is on the edge of the third lake and is overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier, is magnificent. We are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. The sight of the sunrays on Everest, which towers over all the surrounding peaks, is astounding. We’ll trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, you’ll traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thagnak. You’ll have a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for the long hiking days and elevation gain to come. 4km/2.48miles.

Distance: 7 km

Hiking time: 7-8 hours

Today is going to be one of the toughest days of the trip. The Cho La pass is not difficult itself, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the icy rocks may cause trouble by making the trail slippery. The trail from Phedi goes through a ravine and a rocky trail. While trekking alongside a frozen lake, we’ll reach the top of the pass which is decorated with prayer flags. The Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla Village. The village provides great views of the Cholatse, Ama Dablam, and Lobuche Mountains along with the Pheriche Village far below. 7km/4.34 miles.

Distance: 6 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Today we’ll have a very short trek, so we have a lot of time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. We will climb down from Dzongla and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail curves around the wide river bed before reaching Lobuche. We can spend the rest of the day taking a rest which will help us to prepare for the next day’s long trek. 6km/3.72miles.

Distance: 13 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

We’ll take the trail that goes through the once vast Gorakshep Lake to get to Everest Base Camp. As we continue straight ahead, we’ll come across the memorials of the Indian army mountaineers. The path from here can be misleading, so it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We will pass through rocky dunes, moraines, and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see the tents of mountaineers that stand out against the monotony of gray surroundings with their bright colours (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains that we can see from the base camp. We’ll go back to Gorakshep for a good night’s rest. 13km/8miles.

However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is recommended that we visit Kala Patthar today during the sunset. As the setting sun’s rays strike the snow-capped mountains, the scenery is incredible. For the trekkers who wish to go to Kala Patthar today instead of the next day please inform your guide and he/she will coordinate accordingly.

Distance: 12 km

Hiking time: 7-8 hours

We will prepare for an early morning departure in the pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). There is also always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. Upon reaching Kala Patthar, we get to see the 360 degree up-close views of Mt. Everest. We will take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. 12.2km/7.58 miles.

Distance: 3.5 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

You will wake up and have breakfast. From Lobuche, you’ll head up to High Camp. You’ll make your way up through the village and towards the mountain. It is a steep climb and it involves a traverse through the Lobuche Glacier and a rocky moraine. In a little over two hours, you will reach High Camp. Once you reach High Camp, you will find that the tents are already pitched up. You’ll have a lunch that has been prepared by the crew and prepare for the pre-climb training. After lunch, a rope course will be set up on a slope leading to the mountain. This training will offer you the basic experience that you’ll need on your Lobuche peak climb. It covers things from basics like how to put on your harnesses, helmet, and crampons to the more complicated lessons on how to use ascenders, descenders, ice axes and cross anchors. Your climbing guide will demonstrate how to traverse the rope and rappel down the rope. Lastly, you get to practice going up and down the rope using your harness and jumars. You can practice it twice or thrice until you feel comfortable using the harness and ascending and descending on the rope. Have an early night as you have a long day tomorrow. Overnight you’ll stay in the High Camp.

Hiking/Climbing time: 9-10 hours

You’ll make the summit push today. You will wake up at around 1 AM or earlier and have breakfast. By 2 am, we’ll start our climb to the summit of Lobuche East. It is a steep ascent and a rocky trail. After walking for nearly 2-3 hours, we’ll have reached the crampon point. This is where we put on our crampons. We will be walking along the Lobuche glacier on snow and ice. At the steep parts, our ropes will be fixed and we’ll ascend these parts using the ascenders. Though there are no crevasses or ladders along the way, climbing Lobuche Peak is much more challenging than climbing Island Peak. From the high camp, we’ll climb up to the summit in about 5-6 hours. From the summit, you can enjoy the close up views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Barun Tse, Ama Dablam, Chamlang, Thamserku, Gaurishanker and the Dudh Kunda area.

The whole valley looks incredible from the top. You can savour this incredible moment and take pictures. Later, you’ll make your way back down to the High Camp. At the sections where the ropes have been fixed, you’ll need to rappel down. Our crew will be waiting for you at the High Camp with hot soup and drinks to warm you up. You’ll have your lunch, and then after a bit of rest, you’ll descend to Lobuche.

An extra day reserved for the summit if you are not able to reach the summit on Day 16 due to bad weather or ill health. This day can also be used for unforeseen delays and hurdles during the trip. Bad weather may contribute to flight delays or cancellation of plans. There may also be other unforeseen emergencies which might change your plans. Therefore, this spare day could serve as a back-up for any unexpected delays. If your trip goes as planned, then you can use this day to rest and explore a village en route on the trail, take it slow and walk at an easy pace on your return trek, or use this extra day for sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Distance: 20 km

Hiking time: 7-8 hours

After leaving Lobuche, we’ll head down to Namche Bazaar. The treeless landscape turns to verdant pine and juniper forests. It is refreshing to walk amidst the greenery again. There is more oxygen in the air so we breathe easily and feel better. We can enjoy the views of Everest and Ama Dablam as we walk past Pheriche, Pangboche and Tengboche before finally getting down to Namche. There are some steep sections. Once in Namche, we’ll head to the teahouse where our rooms have been booked. We can enjoy a long, hot shower and have a nice meal.

Day 19: Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840m) [7-8 hrs]

You’ll retrace your steps back to Lukla. It is a downhill walk filled with amazing alpine views of pine forests, glacial rivers and snow covered Himalayan peaks. Once you reach Lukla, you’ll head to a teahouse and rest. You can celebrate your last evening in Khumbu with the crew. You can thank your guide and porters for helping you achieve your goal. There will be Sherpa brew and lots of singing and dancing.

Day 20: Fly to Kathmandu (1300m) [35 minutes flight]

You’ll return to Kathmandu by flight. Brace yourself as the plane goes down the steep runway and takes off from the cliff. You can gaze at the mighty Khumbu peaks for one last time. Once you reach Kathmandu, you will be driven from the airport to your hotel. You can take a rest or explore the city on your own. You can stroll down the Thamel or Ason Bazaar, Kathmandu’s oldest market to shop for souvenirs. In the evening, you’ll get together with your guide or a representative from our office for a farewell dinner.

Day 21: Departure to the airport

Your trip ends today, so bid goodbye to your newfound friends. You will be driven to the airport three hours before your flight departs. If you wish to explore more of the Himalayas, let us know.

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Included in the price

Airport pickups and drop-offs in a private vehicle
3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Teahouse accommodation during the trek
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and a cup of tea or coffee with every meal
Domestic flights (Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu)
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and necessary porters during the trek (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
Lobuche Peak climbing permit and necessary documents
Duffel bag, warm/down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trip)
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park permit, TIMS)
Trip achievement certificate
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All government tax, VAT and office service charges

Not included in the price

Nepal visa fee
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Excess baggage charges (The baggage weight limit on the Lukla flight is 15kg per person in total)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival/late departure, and earlier return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, internet / Wi-Fi, laundry, bar bills – tea/coffee, hot chocolate, juice, beer, battery charging, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, showers etc.)
Tips for guides and porters

Contact us

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+44 7761 228972

info@malaikatravel.com