Gokyo & Cho La Pass trekking - Gokyo valley & Cho La pass

ITINERARY:

Day 01: Kathmandu flight to Lukla then trek to Phakding (2610m)
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) and it takes about 30 minutes. Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2610 m.) which takes approximately three hours. You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding Overnight at Teahouse

 

Day 02: Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about five hours. This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La. Overnight at Teahouse

 

Day 03 Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Namche is a colorful village with many wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, fabulous food, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An early hike above town, before the clouds move in, will reward climbers with a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world), and the beautiful Ama Dablam. On the way down, we can visit the Sherpa Museum that houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a fabulous photography display by a local Nepalese naturalist. One room highlights the Sherpa traditions and in another, Sherpa high altitude climbers are presented. Overnight at teahouse

 

Day 04: Namche Bazaar trek to Dole (4090m)
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4090m.) via Khumjung and it takes about six hours. From Namche the route heads up all the way to Kumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of town. Here you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek steeply descend passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. Overnight at Teahouse

 

Day 05 Dole trek to Machhermo (4410m)
Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4410m) and it takes about five hours. From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when 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 Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo. Overnight at Teahouse

 

Day 06: Machhermo trek to Gokyo (4750m)
From Machhermo to Gokyo the trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down valley to Kangtega and up towards to Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangka at 4390m then descends to the river bank before beginning the climb onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. It is a steep climb up the moraine, switch backing alongside the stream to the first small lake at 4650m where a family of Brahmin ducks has resided for many years. The trail now becomes almost level as it follows the valley past a second lake known as Longponga. We finally reach Gokyo on a boulder-strewn path at 4750m. It takes about 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at Teahouse

 

Day 07: Explore Gokyo Ri (5480m) and afternoon relax
This day early in the morning we have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo RI (5480m) ample rewards to ones that attempt this trip. There are stunning views of the Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu mountains range, such giants as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu (8481m), Cho-Oyu (8153m) and Gychung Kang (7922m). This day we have for acclimatization, back to the Gokyo in the afternoon overnight at Teahouse

 

Day 08: Gokyo trek to Thangna/Dragnag (4700m)
From Gokyo the trail descends, looking at the views of the fine mountains and natural beauty, towards Thangna which is consider as the base of Cho -La Pass. It is really wonderful trip from Gokyo Lake to Thangna (4700m) but in Thangna only very basic teahouse facilities are available in here. It takes around 4 hours walk. Overnight at teahouse

 

Day 09: Thagna (Chola high camp) trek to Dzonglha (4830m)
Cross Cho La pass (5300 meters) then trek to Dzongla (4830m). Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4/5 am to reach the pass by 9-10AM otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect our journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5330 meters we could be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. We start to climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent views from the top including Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Mt. Everest. After the pass, the trail descends steeply towards the Dzonglha (4,830 m) passing through pine forests. It takes about 7 hours to walk. Overnight at teahouse

 

Day 10: Dzonglha to Lobuche (4910m)
From Dzonglha, the trail levels and then makes a gradual climb up and down to the small Sherpa settlement of Lobuche (4,910m). This is a small village situated nearby the stream. The sunset on Nuptse is a memorable sight. It takes about 4 hours walk. Overnight at teahouse

 

Day 11: Lobuche trek to Gorak Shep (5160m)
The first section of today’s trail follows the western side of the broad Khumbu valley and ascents gently through meadows besides the glacial moraine. The ascent becomes steeper and rougher as it crosses several side moraines. After rounding a bend in the trail, the conical peak of Pumori comes into view. On the lower slopes of this mountain a ridge extending to the south terminates in a small peak, known as Kala Pattar (5545m), meaning 'black rock'. The trail then makes a short descent onto the sandy, flat expanse of Gorak Shep. From here we will continue to the current Everest base camp, which is about a 4 hours return walk from Gorak Shep. We will return to this small settlement after our visit to the base camp It takes approximately 7 hrs. Overnight at teahouse

 

Day 12: Gorak Shep to Dingboche (4360m)
After an early morning rise we will start our day by climbing the Kala Pattar (5545m). This is a steep ascent up the grassy slopes west of Gorak Shep. From Kala Pattar the entire Everest south face is visible as well as Lho La (the pass between Nepal and Tibet, also named the Western Cwm), Changtse (the northern peak of Everest) and most of the West-Ridge route. We return to Gorak Shep and trek back to Lobuche continue to Dughla then go straight up the hill from the bridge to reach an upper trail, staying high above the valley floor. The views from here are great. You can easily recognize Island Peak and the top of Makalu is visible in the distance over the pass to the right of Island Peak. After passing a chorten we will descent to Dingboche. it takes approximately 7 hours walk. Overnight at teahouse.

 

Day 13: Dingboche trek to Tengboche (3860m)
From Dingboche we descend the valley of the Imja Khola, trek to Pangboche through the potatoes fields, down alpine pastures. The Pangboche Gompa (monastery) is the oldest in the Khumbu and once used to boast the skull and hand of a Yeti, Leaving Pangboche the route descends past some magnificently carved mani stones to the Imja Khola, which we cross via a steel suspension bridge high above the river at a spot where it rushes through a narrow cleft then to Debache and a short steep climb to Tengboche through a forest of birches conifers and rhododendrons. It takes approximately 4 hours overnight at Teahouse

 

Day 14: Tengboche trek to Monjo (2840m)
Trek goes down to the Fuki Tenga and steady climb and continuous walk to Namche Bazaar. You will spend some time in Namche bazaar After Namche you are walking descend and reach to the village of Monjo (2840m). It takes about 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse

 

Day 15: Monjo trek to Lukla (2840m)
Trek back to Lukla along the same trail, although it always looks different coming from the opposite direction on arrival in Lukla (2840m) you will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek. It takes 5 hours. Overnight at Teahouse

 

Day 16: Lukla flight to Katmandu
In the morning, we take the tiny aircraft to flight from Lukla to Kathmandu which is very interesting scenery flight journey on the earth. After arrival in Kathmandu airport we drive you to hotel. It takes 35 minutes flight and 20 drive from Kathmandu airport to hotel.

Fixed Departure Dates (Tailormade departures available on request)

January: 26th
February: 9th 20th, 27nd
March: 22th, 26th, 31st
April: 3rd, 7th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 24th, 28th
May: 5th, 9th, 13th, 19th, 26th
June: 7th, 12th, 18th, 27th
July: 6th, 22nd
August: 5th, 9th, 13th, 19th, 26th
September: 3rd, 7th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 24th, 28th
October: 2nd, 5th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 25th, 29th, 31st
November: 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th, 16th, 19th, 23rd, 29th
December: 2th, 6th, 13th

Nepal Trekking Fixed Departures 2010 - 2011

• Annapurna Circuit Trekking - 19 Days
• Annapurna Base Camp Trekking - 14 days
• Jomsom And Muktinath Trekking - 12 days
• Ghorepani - Poon Hill Trekking - 8 days
• Ghandruk Trekking - 5 days
• Everest Base camp and Kala Pattar Trekking - 12 days
• Everest View Trekking or Everest Panorama Trekking - 7 days
• Gokyo Lake/Gokyo Valley Trekking - 12 days
• Jiri Trek to Gokyo Lake- 19 days
• Jiri to Everest Base camp Trekking - 19 days
• Cho La Pass and Everest base camp Trekking - 16 days
• Jiri Trek to Cho La Pass - 23 days
• Langtang Valley Trekking - 9 days
• Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu Trekking - 13 days
• Gosainkund and Helambu Trekking - 10 days
• Helambu Valley Trekking - 8 days