Our Gokyo-Cho La- Kala Patar is one of the most famous treks in the Everest region. This trip combines Sherpa tradition and culture with adventure and takes you through the heart of the upper Khumbu region, with its crystal clear lakes and the well-know viewpoint Gokyo Ri, to the foot of Everest. Some previous trekking experience is highly desirable.
After the short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the trail leads through various villages and the prosperous Sherpa town Namche Bazar and via Dole to Gokyo Lake at 4750m. The viewpoint Gokyo Ri (5357m) above allows stunning views of the western shoulder of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and far away Makalu and also nearest great view of Cho-You directly.
After crossing over the Cho La Pass (5420m) we trek via Lobuche up to Kala Patar (5545m) above Gorak Shep near Everest Base Camp amongst the most impressive mountain scenery.
Various Accommodation and meal arrangements are on offer: these could be luxury or simple lodges or tents (or a mix) with generally full board (breakfast, lunch or packed lunch, & dinner) provided. Cheaper options available, please inquire.
After arrival at Kathmandu International Airport an ‘Region Treks’s representative will take you to your hotel in town. You will be briefed about your trek and there will be time to walk around in the vicinity of the hotel. Evening meal. There will also be a chat regarding accommodation and meals during the trip.
After breakfast we offer a guide for a tour of the Kathmandu valley with visits to the Pashupatinath Temples, Durbar Square and the Boudhanath Stupa. If preferred you can have a free day.
After breakfast transfer to Kathmandu Airport for the half hour flight to Lukla: one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in the dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by giant peaks. After a brief rest we start the walk through Lukla with its many shops to the nearby village of Chaurikharka visiting a school and monastery on the way. Meeting staff and porters, evening meal and overnight stay in Buddha Lodge.
After early breakfast we trek along the undulating trail up the marvelous Dudh Kosi valley with a break in Phakding. Onwards mainly uphill through various small settlements, across bridges and past tea houses to Monjo.
Soon after breakfast we enter the Everest National Park (access formalities will be completed by your guide). The trail follows the Dudh Kosi crossing it several times to the Hillary Bridge festooned in prayer flags. There the steep and relentless climb to Namche begins; usually a rest is taken at the spot where Everest can be seen for the first time. Namche Bazar with its many shops, tea houses and hostels is the true heart of the Khumbu district.
You have a choice to rest, stroll through the village or take part in an easy walk to Chor Camp and its museum with views to Everest and many other remarkable peaks.
The undulating trail leads across rhododendron slopes to Sanasa followed by a steep climb to Mong La (3978m) a fabulous viewpoint with its ancient stupa next to restaurants handy for a break. Then down to the bridge at Phortse Dranka before ascending through forests and past some waterfalls to the small village of Dole.
We climb steadily up the scenic ridge above Dole, offering good views of Cho Oyu (8201m) and other peaks, and via Lhabarma and other summer settlements to charming Luza (4360m), all above the canyon-like valley. Once we reach Machhermo we may visit the Himalayan Rescue Post there.
We cross a ridge with fabulous views down and up valley to Kang Tenga and Cho Oyu respectively. The valley widens and passing several chorten we reach Pangka and continue to the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier (the largest Nepalese glacier) and the First Lake (Lama footprint on a stone). Past the turquoise Second Lake to the Third Lake with the village Gokyo next to it and Cho Oyu at the head of the valley. You may wish to explore the surroundings of the lake.
Alternative 1: you have a choice to rest or walk up to the Fourth Lake (Thonak So); 3km and even to the Fifth Lake (Ngozumpa); a further 4km. It is possible to climb a hill (5553m) from there with outstanding views of Cho Oyu, or try and reach the Sixth Lake. Alternative 2: if the weather is good we recommend to climb Gokyo Ri (5357m) today instead of next day to enjoy the best viewpoint in the entire region.
Alternative 3: if Gokyo Ri was not done the day before we climb it today by its steep and strenuous path to reach its summit in about 4 hours. The views are truly outstanding with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, four 8000m peaks, visible and possibly even better than from Kala Patar. It may well be the unforgettable highlight of this trip. After a rest down to Gokyo and Dragnag (4750m) on the eastern side of Ngozumpa Glacier. Alternative 4: visit some of the Gokyo lakes before moving across to Dragnag or straight to this settlement,i.e. almost a rest day!
This is the toughest section of the entire trip with an early start. We walk through a gorge and the rocky trail leads from Phedi past a frozen lake steeply to the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags with majestic peaks all around. After a rest we move down the small glacier (there may be some crevasses) to reach the beautifully situated Dzonglha with views to Ama Dablam. We may stay overnight here or, preferably walk on to Lobuche.
The trail leads along slopes above Tsho Lake to and along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, then through the terminal moraines of the Changri Glacier to Gorak Shep where we see Kala Patar ahead with Pumori beyond. We continue and route finding becomes difficult through the moraines - it is important to follow the leader exactly – to Base Camp for a rest: many colourful tents between Nuptse and Pumori (Everest is not visible from here). Return to Gorak Shep.
Early start, with cold and wind a possibility, to climb Kala Patar with its 360 degree panorama which includes Pumori close by and, best of all mighty Mount Everest and Nuptse – an unforgettable spectacle. Down to Gorak Shep and on to Pheriche.
We walk down through the Sherpa villages of Orsho and Shomare to Pangboche where we may visit the Gompa in the upper village. Then down to the bridge across the Imja Khola and through the forest to Debuche (possible to visit the nun’s monastery). After a stop at Tengboche and possibly a visit to its famous monastery we continue downhill zig-zags to cross to Sanasa and on to Namche Bazar.
Initially steeply down - a last view to Everest – and across the Hillary Bridge to gentler downhill trekking all the way to Lukla with some uphill stretches. It may be possible to stay overnight in ‘Buddha Lodge’. It is customary to tip porters & guides.
After breakfast to Lukla Airport for the flight back and transfer to accommodation in town. The rest of the day is free: you either take a break or enjoy the town with its many shops and sights. In the evening we celebrate our successful trek with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast we will take you to Kathmandu International Airport about three hours before your scheduled return flight.
Region Treks Pvt. Ltd. is well-known Government Register Trekking Company in
Nepal. Here, we would like to clear about trip booking Terms and
Conditions, which belongs to every type of trip in Nepal from our
agency.
Go through our terms and conditions carefully before booking your trip with booking conditions.
For
your trip trip with our agency, we need a photocopy your passport and
20% of total amount a non refundable booking deposit is required for
every trip booking per person of trip cost plus domestic flight ticket
amount to by the ticket unless otherwise agreed. The rest of the money
can be paid after arriving at our office, full is required before
starting the trip and for your last minute booking you need to pay full
amount of money as an advance before a week.
This is short cut way to get in Gokyo ri and Kalapathhar.
Please Leave a Review