Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Ri and Chola Pass [Premium]

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu
• Day 2: Meet and greet / Gear Check. Travel from Kathmandu to Ramachep. Stay at Ramechhap.
• Day 3: Fly from Ramachep to Lukla, Trek to Phakding 
• Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
• Day 5 Acclimatization trek to Namche Bazaar
• Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga
• Day 7: Trek from Phortse Thanga to Machherma
• Day 8: Trek from Machherma to Gokyo
• Day 9: Trek from Gokyo Lake to Gokyo Ri and then trek to Dragnag
• Day 10: Trek from Dragnag via Chola Pass to Dzongla
• Day 11: From Dzongla via Lobuche to Gorakshep, Sunset at Kalapatthar
• Day 12: Sunrise trek to Kalapatthar followed by a trek to Everest Base Camp
• Day 13: Trek from Gorakshep to Pangboche
• Day 14: Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar
• Day 15: Climb down from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
• Day 16: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
• Day 17: Sightseeing at Kathmandu / Buffer day 
• Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu, airport pick up and get briefed on the Everest base camp trek the next day. Stay the night in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Ramechhap

Relax day in Kathmandu. Detailed trek brief, equipment check and team bonding activities by Everest base camp trek Lead. Today by noon we will be travelling from Kathmandu to Ramachep. Stay the night in Ramechhap.

Important Notice:

We'd like to bring to your attention a crucial update regarding your upcoming journey with TrekNomads. Due to ongoing developments and essential maintenance at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, your flight to Lukla will be rerouted from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has mandated that flights to and from Lukla operate through Ramechhap since the 2019 post-monsoon season. This arrangement, initially temporary, has been extended, and CAAN is considering a permanent shift for all Lukla flights from Ramechhap. While some flights will certainly still go from Kathmandu, they are not always guaranteed, even when booked in advance and can be subject to unplanned and prolonged delays. 

​If your flight departs from Ramechhap Airport, your journey will commence on day two of your itinerary. You will travel for four to five hours to the town of Ramechhap, where TrekNomads will arrange accommodation and an evening meal. While the roads may be bumpy, this journey is essential to ensure your Everest Base Camp dream becomes a reality. Day three begins with an early start to be at the airport and a flight to Lukla. TrekNomads ensures you're on one of the first flights from Ramechhap, allowing for the best available weather monitoring and a swift start to your trek.

On the return, you'll fly from Lukla to Ramechhap and embark on an adventurous drive back to Kathmandu. Please note that traffic entering Kathmandu can be significant, extending the journey to approximately six to seven hours with breaks for food and rest.

Day 3: Phakding

Altitude: 8,563 ft/2,610 m

Trek Duration: 3 hours, 8 Km

Early morning flight to the village of Lukla where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. After landing, our gear will be loaded onto yaks as we trek for about two and a half hours, through terraced hillsides, crossing the Dudh Koshi river on our first suspension bridge before reaching the village of Phakding. Stay the night in Phakding.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar

Altitude: 11,286 ft / 3,440 m

Trek Duration: 6 hours, 10 Km

We continue trekking along the banks of Dudh Koshi, we cross this majestic river many times on exhilarating suspension bridges laden with prayer flags before entering the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail then climbs to Namche Bazaar, the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu Valley. Stay the night in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization

This is a rest day to help you acclimatize to the altitude. You will head out on an acclimatization trek today after which you can Spend the day exploring the village and discover the real sherpa culture. Visit a museum and stay the night.

Day 6: Phortse Thanga

Altitude: 12,073 ft/ 3,680 m

Trek Duration: 5 hours, 9 Km

This trek starts with an early morning uphill climb to Namche Bazaar, from here turn towards Phortse Thanga via Dudhkoshi Valley. The zig-zag trail has some of the best views, you can even spot mountain goats, Himalayan Thar and other birds of the Khumbu Glacier. Stay the night at Phortse Thanga.

Day 7: Maccherma

Altitude: 14,665 ft/ 4,470 m

Trek Duration: 5 hours, 12 Km

Start your trek with a steady climb up a scenic ridge and bask in the panoramic views of Kangtega and Thamserku as you reach Luza. We then climb up to the hillside above the river settlement at Maccherma near a juncture of glacial streams. Stay the night at the Maccherma.

Day 8: Gokyo

Altitude: 15,715 ft/ 4,790 m

Trek Duration: 3 hours, 7 Km

Today the trek starts with a gentle climb through the Chorten ridge. You'll find the views of the landscapes and mountains extremely pleasing. The trail leads to the river bed, after which there will be a steady climb towards the moraine of Ngozumpa glacier. Stay overnight at Gokyo.

Day 9: Dragnag

Altitude: 15,419 ft/4,700 m

Trek Duration: 6 hours, 10 Km

Wake up much before sunrise and trek to the summit of Gokyo-Ri. Watch the sunrise from the peak and marvel at the magnificence of the mighty Himalayas including Barun Tse and Mt Everest. Have breakfast at the peak and start descending towards Dragnag. It will take about 4 hours to trek to Thangna from Gokyo Lake. Stay the night at Dragnag.

Day 10: Dzongla

Altitude: 15,846 ft/4,830 m

Trek Duration: 7 hours, 7 Km

Start the day with a climb up to

Cho-La-Pass and descend to Dzongla. The trail to Cho-La-Pass has good scenic views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse (7,879 m), Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Cholaste (6,440 m), Mt. Tawache (6,542 m), and Mt. Gyachung (7,952 m). Explore Dzongla and stay the night at Dzongla.

Day 11: Gorakshep

Altitude: 16,863 ft / 5,140 m

Trek Duration: 5+3 hours, 7+4 Km

Today we start trekking from Dzongla to Khumbu Glacier with magnificent views of Tawache and Cholaste. As you start approaching Lobuche, the temperature starts dipping and the high altitude starts kicking in. From Lobuche you trek up to Gorakshep and in the evening trek to the Kala Patthar peak to watch the sunset. Stay the night in Gorakshep.

Day 12: Everest Base Camp

Altitude: 17,595 ft/5,363 m

Trek Duration: 3+6 hours, 4+7 Km

After breakfast, trek to Everest Base Camp for about 6 hours. From here you can get a good glimpse of Pumori (7,165 m), Lingtren (6,713 m), Khumbutse (6,639 m), Mt. Everest (8,848 m) and more ranges. Descend back to Gorakshep and stay the night there.

Day 13: Pangboche

Altitude: 12,893 ft/3,930 m

Trek Duration: 8 hours, 18 Km

Start your descent from Gorakshep early in the morning and continue trekking to a small settlement of Pheriche for lunch. Reach Pangboche and stay the night there.

Day 14: Namche Bazaar

Altitude: 11,286 ft/3,440 m

Trek Duration: 6 hours, 12 Km

Trek back to Namche Bazaar through a trail that goes through valleys and pasturelands. On this trek, you pass through the Tengboche Monastery enjoying the picturesque view of Monjo valley. Reach Namche Bazaar and stay the night in Namche Bazaar.

Day 15: Lukla

Altitude: 9,317 ft/2,840 m

Trek Duration: 8 hours, 18 Km

Start your descent back to Lukla from Namche Bazaar, the trek will take 7 hours. Reach Lukla and spend the night in Lukla.

Day 16: Kathmandu

Take an early morning flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. Take a rest on this day or visit the Pashupatinath Temple. Stay the night at Kathmandu.

Day 17: Kathmandu

Leisurely wake up and start exploring the city of Kathmandu. Visit the Durbar square and Swayambhunath Stupa and the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Or keep this as a buffer day. Stay the night in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Departure

Depart from Kathmandu and travel back to your city. 

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Trek Insurance

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.

We've gone a step ahead and made sure that you don't have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, your insurance comes as a part of your inclusions. To know more about the benefits covered and sum insured, click here. 

Important Information for Everest Base Camp Trek with TrekNomads

Flight Delays at Ramechap or Lukla:

• Delays at Ramechap: If weather delays at Lukla cause a 3-4 day wait at Ramechap, accommodation will be adjusted with your stay in Kathmandu (BnB only) for Days 14 and 15. Beyond two days, any additional lodging and meal expenses at Ramechap will be covered by the trekkers. Similarly, on return, trekkers will also need to bear the cost of their stay in Kathmandu.
• Delays at Lukla: If stuck at Lukla, the extra nights will also adjust with Kathmandu BnB. Additional lodging and food beyond 2 days must be borne by trekkers.

Alternative Travel Options:

• Helicopter Ride: Options to fly from Ramechap to Lukla or Phakding or Lukla to Ramechap or Kathmandu. Payment is to be made directly to the helicopter operator.
• Land Route via Salleri: Add two extra travel days via Salleri-Thandanda-Phakding. Expenses for this out-of-itinerary route must be covered by trekkers.

Out-of-Itinerary Scenarios:

• No refunds or booking adjustments will be made if trekkers leave the itinerary for personal or medical reasons or based on extreme weather conditions, etc.
• Helicopter rides requested mid-trek (e.g., from Gorakshep) will only be facilitated; payments must be made directly to the operator.

Lodge and Accommodation Policy:

• Hotels in Kathmandu and lodges/tea houses along the trek are pre-booked. However, due to weather delays (at Ramechap) or emergencies (extreme weather conditions, heavy snowfall/rainfall, medical emergencies, etc), similar or alternative lodges may be assigned.
• Facilities such as toiletries, towels, and slippers are not available in tea houses along the trek route. Trekkers should bring their own essentials.

Risk and Liability: 

We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstance and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any types of sickness including altitude sickness.

What to Expect:

The Everest Base Camp trek is a challenging trek that requires prior Himalayan trekking experience. During the course, we will trek 4 to 10 hours per day on moderate to steep grades, at varied elevations. Some days will be rest days with optional hikes to properly acclimatize, while on other days you will continue your journey towards EBC. Your Trek Captain will set a suitable pace to minimize the risk of altitude issues. Porters and pack animals will transport your gear. A signed medical consent form from your doctor will be required for participation. You will also be required to sign an indemnity bond before heading on the trek.

FAQs:

Is this trek too dangerous?

Yes and no. Yes; because altitude can kill people so care must be taken to acclimatize properly. No; from the lack of so-called "objective" danger such as rock fall or crevasses normally associated with climbing. However, people have been seriously injured by yaks who inadvertently bump them off the trail and down a steep hillside. So always be on the uphill side when a yak passes by.

Does the trek require any kind of training?

Yes. This trek requires a good level of fitness. If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that is shared here with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a week. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even at higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength and along with streamlining your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can be rest assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life.

Is there a diet plan that we should follow to train for EBC?

Eating right amounts to 70% of the effort you put into getting fit. A good nutritious diet can help your body sustain the pressure that it will be going through during the trek and during your workouts. If you wish to know more about what to eat during the course of your fitness regime, you can get in touch with our trek captain.

Are your staff equipped/trained & insured?

Yes! Our guides and porters are fully trained, equipped and provided for. Our Trek Captain comes with the experience of doing the EBC trek priorly. Every member in a trek group works as a team and takes care of each other's responsibility.

Is there an age limit to do the Everest Base Camp Trek?

No, there is no age limit for Everest Base Camp trekking but, you need to be in good physical shape with a positive attitude. We also suggest you to prior to the trek though we suggest you to please see your doctor and obtain necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for traveling in extreme altitude prior to the trek.

Should I carry a medical kit along with me?

It is always better to consult your doctor. However, while we do carry a first aid kit, we suggest you carry simple medicines such as Ibuprofen, Codeine, Paracetamol, Strepsils, and anti-diarrhea tablets.

What about toilet facilities? Will I be able to shower during the trek?

Most of the teahouses on Everest trail have squat toilet facilities, but recently built lodges have western style toilets as well. Nowadays, flush toilets are also being introduced with a number of increasing foreign mountaineers each year. It is highly recommended to carry your own toilet paper and other required toiletries.

Hot shower facilities are available till Gorakshep. The most common type is a bucket shower, usually, buckets with a tap filled with hot water and placed in a shower room. Hot showers costs from USD 4 to 15 per use and the price increases along with the elevation. Attached bathrooms and toilets are not available unless you book for a luxury lodge during the EBC trek.

What if I am not able to do the trek?

Our guides will make required efforts to obtain the necessary transportation and reservations to get you home as quickly as possible if for any reason you need to depart early. However, you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as: hotel, transport, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would not use later.

What about ATMs on the trail?

ATM services are available only in Namche Bazaar and Lukla. However, the services might not work or run out of cash. Therefore, we suggest you carry a small amount of money to buy snacks, etc. during the trek.

What kind of weather can I expect during the trek? How cold does it get?

The temperatures in September can range from 28° to - 10°, depending on the altitude. Make sure you stay warm and dry at all times.

What type of adapter will I require in order to plug my electrical equipment?

Most of the tea houses/ lodges have electricity whereby you will be able to charge your iPod or camera batteries. Please note that lodges/tea houses will charge you some extra money for the services. The fee may vary from USD 1 to USD 3 per hour.

Are there any communication facilities available while we are on the mountain?

There are telephones (landlines) in most of the villages along the trek routes from where you can make international calls. Mobile Phone services are available throughout Nepal and even at the Everest Base Camp but the quality of the reception varies from location to location. Internet facilities can be found in only a few villages. However, these facilities can be expensive. Our guides will carry mobile phones which also can be used by you when/if necessary (these calls would be chargeable).

Fitness Criteria:

This trek requires a good level of fitness.

To register for this trek you are required to complete any of the below mentioned fitness criteria 

5K run in 35 minutes or Cycling 10kms in 40 mins or Swimming 1 km in 40 mins  or Stair climbing 50 floors (10 floors up and down 5 times) in 30 mins.

Once you do register, please share the proof of fitness criteria with your Trek Captain. 

If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that will be shared with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a day. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even at higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper Body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength and along with streamlining your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can be rest assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life. 

NOTE: Trekkers who have already trekked in the same route or have trekked in similar altitude (highest altitude of this trek) or even higher automatically get qualified. 

Trek Gradient:

This trek is graded challenging to extreme because you will be trekking for 13 consecutive days over rough terrain, you will be exposed to increasing altitudes each day, averaging 4,000 m and up to a maximum of 5,545 m.

Your Trek Captain will brief you on the next day's trek every evening so you have ample time to prep and be ready for the climb the next morning. You are expected to wake up at the time told by the Trek Captain. This is highly important because the earlier you start the trek, the faster you can reach the next village.

Being away from home comforts and family for an extended period of time is often a challenge for Nomads although access to communications on the trail is very good overall.

Insurance:

With TrekNomads we ensure that your way to the base camp of the world's highest peak is as smooth as possible. However, we suggest and strongly recommend that you purchase an insurance policy for your trek so that you get to enjoy your experience without any worries. 

Do’s and Don’ts:

• We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
• Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try to avoid wearing Jeans, bright colours and heavy apparels as much as possible.
• A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
• Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
• If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
• Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
• Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
• If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
• Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
• To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek