Gokyo, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, and Kongma-La Pass Trek – 17 Days

After breakfast, head on a guided tour of the valley towards various historical and spiritual attractions. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath, and the Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath, the largest stupas in the world.

In the afternoon join in for a short briefing regarding the trip with your trekking leader and other team members.

After breakfast head towards the domestic airport and catch a flight towards Lukla. Lukla is regarded as the gateway to the Everest region. The thrilling flight will take you flying amidst the grand Himalayas. Upon landing at Lukla and after a brief stop, start your trek.

Following the descending trail, you will reach the village of Cheplung, from the village witness the view of Mt. Khumbila known as the "God of Khumbu". The sacred peak is prohibited to climb, making it one of the unclimbed peaks in the region. From Cheplung, continue the trek along lush woodland on a descending trail towards Phakding.

Today you will be heading towards Namche Bazaar. The Sherpa capital and economic hub of the region, where you can find basic to grandeur amenities. Start your trek traversing across the dense wilderness of the Khumbu region. Crossing through the hamlet of Zamphute and Tok Tok. Following uphill and downhill trails and crossing multiple suspension bridges over the rapids of the Dudh Koshi River. Along with this section witness the magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (21,675ft) and you will pass the settlement of Benkar and Chumoa.

As you progress from here you will reach the Sagarmatha National Park entrance at Monjo. After your permits are checked, head on an uphill climb towards Namche Bazaar following a steep path over a high bridge with views of the Dudh Koshi River gorge. As, you gain elevation witness views of Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and other mountain giants. Upon reaching Namche head towards your accommodation and rest.

Today is your acclimatization day. At higher altitudes due to the presence of thin air proper acclimatization is very important for your body to adapt. The settlement has various vantage points perfect for acclimatization hikes.

Before dawn head out to witness the Himalayan sunrise strolling around the village. After breakfast head towards the settlement of Khumjung. Start by traversing a U-shaped hill above Namche Bazaar. Along the way witness grand views of the Kwangde, Khumbila, Thamserku, Tagi Tau, and Pharchamo, the tip of Ama Dablam and Taboche. As you progress you will reach an intersection from here take the right trail. Following the trail, you will walk past a large Chorten and a series of mani walls, which leads you to “THE EVEREST VIEW HOTEL”. One of the highest-located hotels on the planet. At the hotel have your lunch with views of Lhotse and Lhotse Shar ( East ) peak, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and Taboche.

After lunch head towards the Khumjung School established by Sir Edmund Hillary. Next head towards the Khumjung Monastery which stands magnificently in a grove of cedar in the upper part of the village where there is an image of the Guru Padmasambhava, who helped establish Buddhism in Tibet, flanked by his two consorts. Inside the gompa is a preserved skull that lamas believe is that of the yeti. After exploring the monastery head towards Namche and soak in the views of the sunset from the porch of your tea house.

Start early today, traversing mostly on upwards sections. Following the trail cross through lush woodlands and miles of undergrowth. Along the trail witness spectacular views of the Mahalangur Himalayan range. Upon reaching Phortse leave your heavy backpacks and head out to explore the region.

Visit various settlements and ancient monasteries here, learning about the true culture and traditions of the mountain people. Later sit by your tea house and witness the mesmerizing views of the sunset.

Today's walk is short and relatively easy, other than the altitude so take it slow. Head out ascending the Dudh Koshi Valley. Traversing across the arid alpine landscape with patches of scrub juniper and shrubs, all along the way witness views of the Himalayan range. Progressing on the trail cross several settlements. A brief walk will lead you to the settlement of Machhermo.

After a brief rest, if you are not too tired head towards the base of Kyajo Ri and Machhermo Peak. Explore the region and later head back towards Machhermo.

Today start early after breakfast. Following a steep trail from Machhermo Valley hiking across cliffs with pasture lands of the Dudh Koshi Valley. As you progress on the trail the valley widens and you will be traversing across the settlement of Pangka and the moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier, the source of the Dudh Koshi River.

Walking on the western part of the glacier, you will emerge out of a wide valley and then pass a large lake of Longpongav at an elevation of 4690 meters. Following the trail, you will reach the third lake at Gokyo at an elevation of 4750 meters and finally to the settlement perched on the banks of the turquoise blue lake. The settlement has several stone dwellings and stone-walled yak pastures.

After a brief rest head out to explore the region and climb a ridge at the back of Gokyo and witness views of Ngozumpa Glacier and the lakes nestled on the laps of the mountains.

Wake up before dawn and head towards any vantage point, to witness the grand panoramic views of the region. Witness majestic views of Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (8153m), Lhotse (8511m) and Makalu (8481m), Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the east of Cho-Oyo, Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m) and Kangchung (6103m). Also, witness a different perspective of the Gokyo lakes and the huge Ngozumpa Glacier. After spending a brief time head towards Gokyo.

Later head towards Tragnang, following the downhill track. Upon reaching Tragnang explore the region.

Today you will be crossing a high mountain pass of Cho La. The climb is non-technical, but the altitude may be a problem so take it slow. Traversing on high steep sections of arid landscape you will reach the summit of the pass. From the top witness views of Mount Everest, Kangega, Kwangde, Nuptse, AmaDablam, and other surrounding peaks of the Everest region, glaciers, icefalls, and river networks.

After spending a brief time at the summit head towards Dzongla. Crossing the icy surface of the glaciers on a zig-zag trail down the moraine. Following the downhill trail, you will eventually reach Dzongla.

Start early today as you will have to cover a lot of ground today. Traversing across high pasture lands and arid rocky terrain with scattered boulders, with views of the Himalayas. Along the trail witness the mountain peaks of Taboche, Lobuche peaks, Pumori, and the rest of Mahalangur Himal peaks, with views up to Tibet and Nuptse filling the eastern horizon.

Next crossing the moraine of the Changri glacier eventually joins the Khumbu glacier from the west. Take extra caution as the tracks a steep with stony slopes, after a brief walk you will reach Gorak Shep. Catch the first glimpse of Kala Patthar from here, a renowned vantage point of the region.

After a brief rest at Gorak Shep and leaving your heavy backpacks head towards Everest Base Camp. Traversing along the turquoise water Gorak Shep Lake with views of Changtse peak in Tibet and the Lho La depression. Crossing glaciers, icefalls, frozen pools of meltwater, exposed icy walls, and large boulders you will finally reach the Everest Base Camp. After basking in the foothills of the world's highest peak retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep.

Today wake up before dawn and head towards the famous vantage point of the Khumbu region, Kala Patthar at an elevation of 5545 meters. Apart from the altitude, the climb is non-technical. Upon reaching the summit basking in the views of Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega, Lhotse, and even Everest base camp snuggled at the base of the Khumbu Ice Fall. After spending a brief time at the summit retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep.

Upon reaching Gorak Shep and after a brief rest head towards Lobuche. Traversing on a downhill section you will reach the settlements of Lobuche.

Today's trek will take you across yet another mountain pass. Start early as the mountain weather can degrade as the day progress. The pass you will be crossing is the most difficult so far. After breakfast head towards the trail turning away from the main valley and ascending a hill towards Kongma La. As you gain altitude witness grand views of the region, the ridge of Nuptse, glaciers of Kongmatse ahead, and the rocky peak of Pokalde to your left. As you progress you will come across a small lake and from here after a steep ascent you will reach the summit of Kongma La pass at an elevation of 5,535 meters.

From the top witness picturesque Mountains, glaciers, icefalls, and lakes. The white mountains of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Island peak, Makalu, Cho you, Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, and Lhotse stands tall. After a brief rest descent towards the Chhukung. Traversing along the moraine you will eventually reach the village of Chhukung, with a few teahouses.

Today’s trek is entirely on a downward section. Cross several bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries. Along the trek, enjoy walking on open plains, through rhododendron and pine forests, and distant views of the snow-covered peaks. Along the trail cross several villages.

Upon reaching Lukla, rest for a while. Later celebrate the success of your trek and the last night in the mountains with your team members.