| Day |
Route |
Duration |
Highest Point/m |
Grade |
| 1 |
Arrival Kathmandu transfer to Hotel |
All day |
1300 |
Easy |
| |
Meet with our representative at the
airport. Drive to hotel. |
| 2 |
Kathmandu |
All day |
1300 |
Easy |
| |
Sightseeing Day see Kathmandu Day Trips for ideas
of what to do. |
| 3 |
Kathmandu - Lukla – Phakdhing |
4 hours |
2610 |
Easy |
| |
Early morning fly
to Lukla and walk to Phakding. The flight has great views
of about 200 km of the eastern Himalayas. After arriving in
Lukla we walk through picturesque Sherpa villages to Phakding.
|
| 4 |
Phakdhing - Namche Bazaar |
6 hours |
3450 |
Easy |
| |
Criss-cross several bridges over the
Dudhkoshi river we then begin the long climb up to Namche Bazaar.
During the climb there are views of Everest through pine forest.
Namche is the main trading spot of the Khumbu region and has
bakeries, Email service, money exchange, equipment shops, Sherpa
Museum, and the National Park Headquarters. |
| 5 |
Namche Bazaar |
all day |
3450 |
Easy |
| |
Acclimatization day. Use today
to rest and explore the surrounding villages of Khumjung and
Kunde, take in the sights and sounds of this famous bazaar,
or check out the schools and hospitals set-up by Sir Edmund
Hillary. |
| 6 |
Namche - Dole |
7 hours |
4040 |
Moderate |
| |
The trail remains fairly level for
the first hour or so with fabulous views of Ama Dablam across
the valley. At the Mong La (4,010m) we descend to the river-side
village of Phortse Tenga. Then begins the beautiful walk through
pine and birch trees where we may encounter Musk Deer and Dhaphe
(Himalayan) Pheasant on the way up to Dole which is above tree
line. |
| 7 |
Dole - Machharmo |
4 hours |
4420 |
Easy |
| |
This is a classic alpine meadow walk
over small ridges where we may see yaks and alpine highland
birds, but always with Cho Oyu (8,153m) views to the North.
We halt at the comfortable spot of Machermo to take in the views
and aid acclimatization. |
| 8 |
Machharmo – Gokyo |
4 hours |
4790 |
Moderate |
| |
 |
We enter the Gokyo valley passing
a small waterfall emanating from the first lake. We then
pass another lake before reaching the hamlet of Gokyo
beside the turquoise third lake. Hopefully the moon will
be bright enough to illuminate the surrounding mountains.
|
|
| 9 |
Gokyo |
all day |
5483 |
Moderate |
| |
Wake up early to hike up
Gokyo Ri (5,483m), once at the top we can relax and enjoy
the panoramic views of Everest and Makalu. The afternoon is
spent exploring the surrounding minor peaks and relaxing.
|
| 10 |
Cho Oyu Base Camp |
all day |
5600 |
Moderate |
| |
Trek up past the five lakes
to Cho Oyu Base Camp - one of the wildest and most remote
areas in the region. Camp by the hidden sixth lake and enjoy
the sublime views. |
| 11 |
Cho Oyu Base Camp – Machharmo |
5 hours |
4790 |
Moderate |
| |
A long downhill walk to the
rest and comfort of Machharmo.
|
| 12 |
Machharmo - Namche Bazaar |
5 hours |
3450 |
Moderate |
| |
Begin to say good-bye to
the mountains as we head back towards civilisation and the
creature comforts of Namche Bazaar.
|
| 13 |
Namche Bazaar - Phakding |
6 hours |
2610 |
Easy |
| |
A very easy day retracing
our steps, enjoy stopping off at tea shops and perhaps do
a little shopping for souvenirs along the way. |
| 14 |
Phakding – Lukla |
4 hours |
2850 |
Easy |
| |
Take your time and perhaps
plan your next trip to the Himalaya on our final day in the
mountains. At Lukla we celebrate the end of the trek!
|
| 15 |
Lukla - Kathmandu |
35 minutes |
1300 |
Easy |
| |
Early morning fly to Kathmandu and
drive to Hotel
|
| 16 |
Kathmandu |
all day |
1300 |
Easy |
| |
Final Day end of trek debrief and
departure. |
