1 / 5
2 / 5
3 / 5
4 / 5
5 / 5
Best travel season:
February - May & September - December
Trip duration:
21 days
From/To:
Kathmandu
Trek duration:
16 days
Accommodation:
Lodge trekking
Difficulty:
Moderate - Demanding
Group size:
8 to 12 travellers
Tour leader:
English-speaking Nepalese trekking guide
Price:
€ 1.850,- land only
Trek via Gokyo and over Cho-La Pass to Everest Basecamp and Kala Patthar
Experience the highlights of the Solu Khumbu, the Everest-Region and land of the Sherpa, in an exciting 16-day lodge trekking tour.
Climb the most rewarding peaks of the Everest region: Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar after crossing Cho-La Pass.
Enjoy fantastic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam and other iconic mountains of the Khumbu Himal.
Visit iconic Everest base camp at the foot of the mighty Khumbu Icefall.
Optimum altitude acclimatisation: slow ascent with reasonable stages and rest days.
Visit the monasteries of Tengboche, Pangboche and Thame and explore the most beautiful villages of the Khumbu.
Enjoy extensive tours of the UNESCO world cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu and Bakhtapur at the beginning and end of the trip.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY
1
Individual arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. After immigration procedures (the visa can be obtained upon arrival) and collecting your luggage, one of our guides will accompany you to our comfortable and quiet hotel (2-3* local rating) on the edge of the lively old town district of Thamel.
In late afternoon, you’ll be met by your mountain guide for a pre-trip briefing and dinner. On this occasion you’ll get last-minute information concerning the trekking and also meet and get to know your fellow trekkers.
In late afternoon, you’ll be met by your mountain guide for a pre-trip briefing and dinner. On this occasion you’ll get last-minute information concerning the trekking and also meet and get to know your fellow trekkers.
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Kathmandu (1400 m) |
| Meals: | D |
DAY
2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu and drive to Ramechap
Your time in Nepal starts off with a good dose of the diverse culture Nepal has to offer: You’ll get to visit several UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites! In the morning, grab the chance to pay your respects the great stupa of Buddha Nath in the north of Kathmandu, the center of Lamaism in Nepal. Every morning and evening, countless believers and pilgrims walk around the stupa in a meditative mood (“Kora”). You can even climb the huge stupa! During the last few decades, a number of Buddhist monasteries have been built around the impressive stupa.
The next stop is the small town of Bhaktapur, the most ancient of the three former royal cities in the Kathmandu valley. An extensive walking tour will take you through the lively city and to the large temple precinct of Durbar Square. Despite the damage caused by the devastating earthquake of 2015, Bhaktapur with its medieval flair is architecturally unique and a cultural highlight of any trip to Nepal.
In the afternoon, start of the long drive towards the small airport Ramechap. Tomorrow’s flight to Lukla will take off from Ramechap. Overnight in a simple hotel or lodge since tourist infrastructure is still quite basic around the airport.
The next stop is the small town of Bhaktapur, the most ancient of the three former royal cities in the Kathmandu valley. An extensive walking tour will take you through the lively city and to the large temple precinct of Durbar Square. Despite the damage caused by the devastating earthquake of 2015, Bhaktapur with its medieval flair is architecturally unique and a cultural highlight of any trip to Nepal.
In the afternoon, start of the long drive towards the small airport Ramechap. Tomorrow’s flight to Lukla will take off from Ramechap. Overnight in a simple hotel or lodge since tourist infrastructure is still quite basic around the airport.
| Driving Time: | approx. 130 km / 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Ramechap (475 m) |
| Meals: | B D |
DAY
3
Flight to Lukla and start of trek
In the early morning hours, you’ll be driven the last few kilometers to the small domestic airport of Ramechap. You’ll start the trekking tour with the short (approx. 20-minute), but spectacular flight to Lukla (2850 m), the small airfield in the Solu-Khumbu and starting point of our trek.
In Lukla, you’ll meet the rest of the trek staff. After getting to know each other and distributing the load, you’re off, leisurely trekking to Phakdingma (2640 m).
In Lukla, you’ll meet the rest of the trek staff. After getting to know each other and distributing the load, you’re off, leisurely trekking to Phakdingma (2640 m).
INFO
The official weight limit for domestic flights to Lukla is 10 kg cargo luggage + 5 kg carry-on luggage per person. In case of excess baggage, there may be an excess baggage fee (approx. € 1,- per kg) at check-in, but this rarely occurs.
| Ascent: | 200 m |
| Descent: | 400 m |
| Walking Time: | 2 - 3 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Phakdingma (2640 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
4
Ascent to Namche Bazaar
Today, you’ll step into Sagarmatha National Park and hike to Namche Bazaar (3440 m), the famous capital of the Sherpas. You‘ll spend two nights there.
Shortly after entering the Sagarmatha Nationalpark at Monjo, you‘ll cross Dudh Koshi stream on the new, impressively high and airy Hillary bridge. Following the suspension bridge, you‘ll hike up to Namche Bazaar through a steep pine forest, breaking a sweat for the first time on this trek. Don‘t forget to make a rest near the site of a ramshackle teahouse - you can expect the first view of Mt. Everest from there, perfect weather provided.
Shortly after entering the Sagarmatha Nationalpark at Monjo, you‘ll cross Dudh Koshi stream on the new, impressively high and airy Hillary bridge. Following the suspension bridge, you‘ll hike up to Namche Bazaar through a steep pine forest, breaking a sweat for the first time on this trek. Don‘t forget to make a rest near the site of a ramshackle teahouse - you can expect the first view of Mt. Everest from there, perfect weather provided.
| Ascent: | 1100 m |
| Descent: | 300 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Namche Bazaar (3440 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
5
Sherpa villages above Namche - high altitude acclimatisation
Today is dedicated to Namche Bazaar and the surrounding area. You’ll hike up to the beautiful and wealthy village of Khumjung, above Namche. You‘ll enjoy your first unobstructed views along the Dudh Koshi Valley to Mt. Everest and its satellites, enjoying a drink at the famous Everest View Hotel. From up here Ama Dablam, the iconic mountain of the Khumbu region, presents itself in all its might.
| Ascent: | 500 m |
| Descent: | 500 m |
| Walking Time: | 5 - 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Namche (3440 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
6
Trek to Thame - high altitude acclimatisation
From Namche Bazaar you’ll hike on a good and scenic path to Thame (3820 m), a genuine and beautifully located Sherpa village in the remote valley of Bhote Koshi.
A visit to the beautiful monastery of Thame, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the Khumbu, breathtakingly located under the rocky slopes of Sumdur Ri, is also part of today’s programme.
A visit to the beautiful monastery of Thame, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the Khumbu, breathtakingly located under the rocky slopes of Sumdur Ri, is also part of today’s programme.
| Ascent: | 600 m |
| Descent: | 200 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 5 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Thame (3820 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
7
Trek to Khunde - high altitude acclimatisation
Retracing your steps down the valley, you’ll walk past Syangboche, reaching Khunde (3840 m) at the foot of Khumbila (5761 m), the sacred mountain of the Sherpas. The famous Hillary Hospital is located in Khunde.
| Ascent: | 400 m |
| Descent: | 400 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 5 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Khunde (3840 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
8
Via Mong-La Pass to Dole
Accompanied by fantastic views of the peaks of Taboche, Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kantega, you’ll hike along a scenic path up to the small pass Mong La (3950 m). From the pass, you‘ll enjoy great views of Phortse village and Tengboche Monastery way down below.
Upon reaching the small settlement of Phortse Thenga (3680 m), you‘ll enter the valley of Gokyo and finally reach the small alp of Dole (4110 m), today‘s destination.
Upon reaching the small settlement of Phortse Thenga (3680 m), you‘ll enter the valley of Gokyo and finally reach the small alp of Dole (4110 m), today‘s destination.
| Ascent: | 700 m |
| Descent: | 500 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 5 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Dole (4110 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
9
Short hike to Machhermo
A short stage along Bhote Koshi River will get you to the small lodge settlement of Machhermo (4470 m). Close to the end of today’s stage, you’ll have your first unobstructed view of the imposing south face of Cho Oyu (8201 m). In the afternoon, there will be time for an acclimatisation hike above Machhermo.
| Ascent: | 350 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 3 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Machhermo (4470 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
10
Ascent to Gokyo
Higher up in the valley and past the first two small lakes, you’ll reach the settlement of Gokyo (4790 m), situated on the shores of the large, beautiful third lake, one of the biggest of the six sacred lakes of Gokyo.
While hiking along the vast scree-covered Ngozumpa glacier, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Cho Oyu, 8201 meters and the sixth highest summit in the world.
While hiking along the vast scree-covered Ngozumpa glacier, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Cho Oyu, 8201 meters and the sixth highest summit in the world.
| Ascent: | 500 m |
| Descent: | 200 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Gokyo (4790 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
11
Breathtaking view from Gokyo Ri (5360 m)
Today, treat yourself to one of the highlights of this trip: ascending the straightforward but rewarding Gokyo Ri (5360 m). The summit high above Gokyo is marked with countless prayer flags and offers one of the absolutely best views in the Everest region! The fantastic panorama stretches from Cho Oyu (8201 m) in the west to Makalu (8481 m) in the east, taking in Mt. Everest (8848 m) and Lhotse (8516 m).
After a long summit rest you’ll return down to Gokyo where a well-deserved lunch will be waiting for you. In the afternoon, you’ll hike to Dragnag (4700 m), located on the eastern shore of the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier. Dragnag is our "base camp" before crossing the Cho La, our next pass.
After a long summit rest you’ll return down to Gokyo where a well-deserved lunch will be waiting for you. In the afternoon, you’ll hike to Dragnag (4700 m), located on the eastern shore of the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier. Dragnag is our "base camp" before crossing the Cho La, our next pass.
| Ascent: | 700 m |
| Descent: | 850 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Dragnag (4700 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
12
Crossing Cho La (pass, 5330m)
A long leg is awaiting today, so plan for an early start as the length of the stage should not be underestimated. The steep ascent in scree is demanding, despite the last few day’s optimal altitude acclimatisation. Also, the usually straightforward ice and snow field on the eastern slopes of the pass can be quite challenging in bad weather.
Reaching the height of Cho La Pass (5330 m) at last, you’ll be proud of yourself, happy and content. There will be packed lunch on or near the pass before the long descent.
After passing the remains of what used to be a sizeable glacier, the path will get steeper again. You will descend to the high alp of Dzonglha (4830 m) and its few lodges.
Reaching the height of Cho La Pass (5330 m) at last, you’ll be proud of yourself, happy and content. There will be packed lunch on or near the pass before the long descent.
After passing the remains of what used to be a sizeable glacier, the path will get steeper again. You will descend to the high alp of Dzonglha (4830 m) and its few lodges.
INFO
Crossing the remains of flat Cho La glacier is usually straighforward. In case of lack of snow and icy conditions, traction devices (i.e. snowspikes or light crampons) and trekking poles might be useful.
| Ascent: | 800 m |
| Descent: | 650 m |
| Walking Time: | 8 - 9 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Dzonglha (4830 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
13
Short hike to Lobuche
Today’s short stage of about 2,5 hours will take you along a panoramic high route above the beautiful Chola Tsho (a moraine-dammed lake) to the lodges at Lobuche (4910 m).
| Ascent: | 250 m |
| Descent: | 150 m |
| Walking Time: | 2 - 3 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Lobuche (4910 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
14
Everest view from Kala Patthar (5550 m)
The mighty Khumbu glacier draws us ever closer to Gorak Shep (5140 m), situated at the foot of Kala Patthar (5750 m). "The black stone" is today’s peak and the second summit of your trek. Again, a very early start is necessary because the stage is a long one. But, upon reaching the top, the mighty Mt. Everest is right in front of your nose, rewarding all your efforts.
You‘ll have time to enjoy this great view in the afternoon, as today‘s stage of the trek ends in Gorak Shep at the foot of Kala Patthar.
You‘ll have time to enjoy this great view in the afternoon, as today‘s stage of the trek ends in Gorak Shep at the foot of Kala Patthar.
| Ascent: | 1000 m |
| Descent: | 600 m |
| Walking Time: | 7 - 8 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Gorak Shep (5140 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
15
Visiting Everest Base Camp
From Gorak Shep, you’ll hike along the Khumbu Glacier a little further to Everest Base Camp (5360 m). The massive Khumbu Icefall will make a lasting impression on you - this is where the busy main route leads up to the summit of Mt. Everest (8850 m). In the afternoon, retrace your steps back down along Khumbu glacier to Lobuche.
| Ascent: | 400 m |
| Descent: | 600 m |
| Walking Time: | 6 - 7 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Lobuche (4910 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
16
Descent to Pangboche
Via the sizeable village of Pheriche (4240 m), one of the highest permanent settlements in the Khumbu, you’ll trek down to Pangboche (3930 m) at the foot of mighty and beautiful Ama Dablam. The air is getting more humid and the temperatures warmer.
In the afternoon, you can visit the small local gompa. Over 600 years old, it is Khumbu’s oldest monastery and is a great excuse for a nice stroll through the old part of the beautiful village.
In the afternoon, you can visit the small local gompa. Over 600 years old, it is Khumbu’s oldest monastery and is a great excuse for a nice stroll through the old part of the beautiful village.
| Ascent: | 100 m |
| Descent: | 1100 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Pangboche (3930 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
17
Visit Tengboche monastery and return to Namche Bazaar
A leisurely hike through fairy tale rhododendron forests will take you to Tengboche monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. Although it is not as old as other monasteries in the region, it is located in a very sacred and spiritual place and is therefore regarded as the most important monastery by the Sherpas. Taking in the breathtaking views of Kangtega high above the monastery and the surrounding mountains, one can readily understand why.
Following the interesting visit, you’ll continue on your way to Namche Bazaar. After the steep descent to Phunke Tenga, where you‘ll cross Dudh Koshi, a short but nevertheless exhausting climb up to the teahouses at Sanasa awaits you. After a well-deserved rest, reach the lively town of Namche Bazaar in the afternoon.
Following the interesting visit, you’ll continue on your way to Namche Bazaar. After the steep descent to Phunke Tenga, where you‘ll cross Dudh Koshi, a short but nevertheless exhausting climb up to the teahouses at Sanasa awaits you. After a well-deserved rest, reach the lively town of Namche Bazaar in the afternoon.
| Ascent: | 550 m |
| Descent: | 850 m |
| Walking Time: | 5 - 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Namche Bazaar (3440 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
18
End of Trek in Lukla
Retracing your steps takes you down towards Bhote Koshi river where you‘ll cross Hilary bridge again, finally leaving the land of the Sherpa behind. In nearby Monjo, you‘ll leave Sagarmath Nationalpark.
The scenic path takes you through many small villages and settlements and is quite enjoyable, although there are surprisingly many ups and downs... After a long stage and a final climb up to Lukla, you‘ll reach the big village that has developed around the airstrip and end the trekking there. You‘ll spend the last night of the trek in Lukla.
In the evening, you will celebrate the succesful trek with the whole crew, singing and dancing included!
The scenic path takes you through many small villages and settlements and is quite enjoyable, although there are surprisingly many ups and downs... After a long stage and a final climb up to Lukla, you‘ll reach the big village that has developed around the airstrip and end the trekking there. You‘ll spend the last night of the trek in Lukla.
In the evening, you will celebrate the succesful trek with the whole crew, singing and dancing included!
| Ascent: | 700 m |
| Descent: | 1200 m |
| Walking Time: | 7 - 8 h |
| Accommodation: | Lodge, Lukla (2840 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
19
Return flight to Ramechap and drive to Kathmandu
In the morning, weather permitting, 20-minute flight back to the small airport of Ramechap. A minibus will be waiting to take you back to Kathmandu, a 5 to 6 hour drive on narrow roads through the lush Nepalese countryside to your hotel in Kathmandu. The evening is at your disposal.
| Driving Time: | approx. 130 km / 5 - 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Kathmandu (1400 m) |
| Meals: | B |
DAY
20
UNESCO World Heritage of Kathmandu
Today is another day dedicated to the former royal city of Kathmandu and its cultural highlights.
Early in the morning, visit to the important Hindu temple Pashupati Nath. The Shiva sanctuary, part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, is still used for cremation rituals by practicing Hindus. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner temple, but the atmosphere in the vast complex is nevertheless impressive.
Afterwards, drive to the Stupa of Swayabu Nath, beautifully situated on a wooded hill in the west of the city. It is also called “monkey temple” because of the many wild monkey that live in and around it. The collection of Buddhist and Hindu buildings and shrines is captivating because of its outstanding location and atmosphere. The view over the sprawling city of Kathmandu from the stupa is impressive.
The last stop of the sightseeing tour is Durbar Square of Kathmandu in the early afternoon. The large ensemble is made up of former Hindu temples and royal palaces as well as the temple of Kumari. The Newari, the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley, worship her as a living goddess. The rest of the afternoon is free.
During a last shared dinner you can reminisce about the highlights of the past days together with your fellow trekkers.
INFO
If you do not wish to join the sightseeing tour but prefer to explore the city on your own, you are welcome to do so!
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Kathmandu (1400 m) |
| Meals: | B D |
DAY
21
Flight home or onward travel
Depending on your flight connection, transfer to Kathmandu airport and journey home or onward journey.
| Meals: | B |
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Difficulty rating - altitude acclimatisation - preparation
Overall difficulty
Moderate to Demanding
Technical difficulty
Easy to Moderate
No alpine difficulties, good sure-footedness is required. Most of our trek follows good, wide and easy hiking trails without technical difficulties. Some passages on narrow and steep gravel trails need to be negotiated, e.g. crossing Cho La Pass en route to Everest Base Camp and climbing Gokyo Ri. The descent of Cho La pass is glaciated but not difficult, using traction devices (spikes or light crampons) can be useful.
Fitness and stamina
Moderate to Demanding
The most demanding stages will involve daily ascents of up to approx. 1200 m in altitude difference and/or daily descents of up to approx. 1200 m in altitude difference. Most stages will be less. Walking times can add up to 8 hours a day, but most stages of the tour are shorter. You do need a good level of fitness - it is truly a must.
Since we attach great importance to good and sustained altitude acclimatisation, our itinerary includes important acclimatisation days and acclimatisation stages (e.g. Namche Bazaar, side trip to Thame, etc.) but also some shorter stages while hiking up to Gokyo, reaching heights of 4500 m and above for the first time on this trek. Appropriate altitude acclimatisation is a prerequisite for climbing the rewarding peaks and reaching the highlights of our trip - Gokyo Ri (5350 m), Cho La Pass (5330 m), Kala Patthar (5750 m), Everest Base Camp (5300 m) - and enjoying the entire trek at the same time.
Since we attach great importance to good and sustained altitude acclimatisation, our itinerary includes important acclimatisation days and acclimatisation stages (e.g. Namche Bazaar, side trip to Thame, etc.) but also some shorter stages while hiking up to Gokyo, reaching heights of 4500 m and above for the first time on this trek. Appropriate altitude acclimatisation is a prerequisite for climbing the rewarding peaks and reaching the highlights of our trip - Gokyo Ri (5350 m), Cho La Pass (5330 m), Kala Patthar (5750 m), Everest Base Camp (5300 m) - and enjoying the entire trek at the same time.
Altitude acclimatisation
In the course of this trek we’ll spend a number of days at altitudes above 4500 m.a.s.l. and reach altitudes of up to 5750 m.a.s.l. Our greatest sleeping height will be in Gorak Shep at 5140 m.a.s.l. In order to minimise the risk of altitude sickness, our program is designed for a slow and well-tolerated altitude acclimatisation, which has proved successful over many years. Especially the days around Namche Bazaar and the slow ascent to Gokyo will give your body the opportunity to adapt to the high altitude.
Please make this process easy for your body by
• starting the journey in good health and well-rested,
• avoiding any unnecessary efforts during the first days of the trek,
• walking relatively slowly, especially when ascending,
• drinking lots of liquids (water),
• trusting and following the instructions and advice of your guide.
Requirements and preparation
This trip is ideal for mountain hikers with a good level of fitness, accustomed to day hikes of 1000 to 1200 cumulated meters of ascent/descent in the Alps or other local mountainranges and who do not shy away from longer tours of 1500 meters of ascent/descent either. As a participant, you are used to a regular exercise regime of (endurance) sports, may already have trekking experience, but little or possibly no experience of altitudes around and above 5000 meters a.s.l.
Endurance training is the best way to prepare yourself: regular running (jogging), cycling as well as long mountain hikes carrying an average daypack (approx. 6 to 10 kg) are best for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.
PLEASE NOTE: Prices quoted are land only and do not include international flights. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until the departure is showing 'Guaranteed' or 'Almost full'.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's included
- Nepalese Trekking Guide - English-speaking and trained by TTM
- Porter crew - porters will carry a load of approx. 12 kg from each participant
- Quiet and clean 2-3* hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu - twin room with attached bathroom including breakfast
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu - other meals in Kathmandu according to detailed itinerary
- During the trek overnight in typical lodges - twin bedrooms to share
- Full board during the trek in lodges and teahouses along the trek
- Domestic flights Ramechap - Lukla - Ramechap
- All ground transportation in Nepal according to itinerary - including airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- All necessary national park fees, trekking permit and other fees according to itinerary
- Entrance fees for Bhakhtapur, Pashupati Nath, Bouddha Nath, Swayambu Nath and Kathmandu Durbar square according to itinerary
What's not included
- International flights to Nepal
- Visa for Nepal - approx. € 50,- - available upon arrival at Kathmandu airport
- Travel insurance - you can take out travel insurance and/or trip cancelation/interuption insurance through TTM
- Personal equipment
- Drinks and beverages
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Costs incurred for itinerary changes due to clients actions/decisions
- Single room supplement in Kathmandu: € 120,- - if available a room can be shared with another participant. Please let us know your preferences at the time of booking.
- All other costs not mentioned under "What's included"
