Tibetans call her Chomolangna, Goddess Mother of the Snow. In Nepali, she’s Sagarmatha, Mother of the Universe. The rest of the world knows this mother of all mountains as Everest. At a soaring 29,028’, Mount Everest has long inspired awe and reverence, as well as for some, the ardent desire to set foot on the world’s highest summit.
Since Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary first summited Everest in 1953, countless mountaineers and trekkers have made the journey to the legendary South Base Camp hoping to summit or simply to bask in this mountain’s unequaled majesty.
Taking place largely within Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park, this 22-day trek follows the classic approach to Everest Base Camp up the Khumbu Valley and returns down the quieter Gokyo Valley via Cho La Pass. For nearly 400 years, this area, also known as the Solukhumbu District, has mainly been inhabited by the Sherpa people. While generally associated with those guiding or carrying heavy loads for Himalayan expeditions, Sherpa is an ethnic group that has migrated from Tibet. In the Sherpa language, Shyar means “east” and Pa, “people,” hence “people from the east.”
This trip is both about experiencing a celebrated Himalayan trek among the world’s highest peaks and learning about the ancient and evolving Sherpa culture. While the route up the Khumbu Valley has developed an infrastructure almost exclusively in support of a steady stream of international trekkers, the Gokyo Valley is less traveled with its small settlements surrounded by summer yak grazing pastures remaining relatively untouched by the outside world.
This is a trip of high mountain trails, remote settlements, mystical monasteries, highflying prayer flags, and mighty vistas. It’s a window into an ancient way of life forged by the sheer enormity of these mountains and an experience in the curious confluence of East and West in the high Himalayas.
For every experienced hiker who appreciates the challenge and camaraderie of life on the trail and is contemplating that next adventure, Everest awaits!
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu.
Arrive Kathmandu, individual private transfer to the hotel. We may have time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durbar Square. With its beautiful Newari architecture, it's considered the heart of Kathmandu. After exploring the bustling area of Thamel, we'll return to our hotel for our welcome dinner.
Lodging: Hotel
Day 2: Visit Boudhanath Buddhist
In the morning, we'll visit majestic Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The stupa, a huge white dome crowned with "all-seeing" eyes and set atop a terraced base, was fully restored in 2016 following the 2015 earthquake. A thriving and bustling center of Tibetan Buddhist culture, the myriad of monasteries and shops surrounding the stupa make for intriguing meandering.
You’ll have the afternoon, free to explore the Thamel. A cluster of neighborhoods that primary carter to foreign travelers, the Thamel is a lively, colorful chaos of budget shops and restaurants as well as upscale hotels.
Lodging: Hotel
Day 3: Lukla 2,840m/9,316’ - Monjo 2,835m/9,301’
Today will start early with a morning departure to Kathmandu’s domestic airport, followed by a thrilling 45min flight to Lukla (9,317’), the gateway to the Everest (Khumbu) region. After meeting our support team and organizing our gear, the trek begins following the Dudh Kosi river valley. ‘Dudh’ meaning 'milk,' referring to the color of the glacial river waters. Initially, our route descends in elevation, passing through several small Sherpa settlements, including Chheplung and Phakding, before arriving at the village of Monjo (9,301’) where we spend our first night. Elevation gain: 800’; loss: 816’; Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 4: Monjo 2,835m/9,301’ - Namche Bazar 3,440m/11,286’
Today’s destination is Namche Bazaar, the largest settlement in the Khumbu and the traditional trading center of the region. Leaving Monjo, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal's first national park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1976, with the help of the New Zealand government, the park encompasses 1,148 square kilometers of uniquely diverse ecosystems given elevation as well as mountain cultures. After crossing the Dudh Kosi River on a spectacular suspension bridge, we’ll begin our steady and steep ascent through a series of switchbacks to the busy village of Namche Bazar (11,286’). Despite having no road access, Namche is a bustling, terraced settlement of cobbled walkways lined with shops, cafes, and teahouses. Elevation gain: 1,985’; Hiking Time: 5 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 5: Namche Bazar 3,440m/11,286’ - Acclimatization Day
Today is an acclimatization day. There is plenty to see and do in the village, however, in keeping with the adage of "Climb high, sleep low," group members are encouraged to participate in an acclimatization hike up to Sherpa settlement of Thamo. Those feeling strong enough may be interested in continuing to Thame. Thame is the childhood home of Tenzing Norgay, the first person to summit Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary, and was until recently the last ‘all year’ settlement on the salt trading route between Tibet and Nepal. Options hike to Thamo (11,286’) and Thame (12,467’). Elevation gain: 1,181’; loss: 1,181’; Hiking Time: 4 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 6: Namche Bazar 3,440m/11,286’ - Tengboche 3,860m/12,664’
Hiking out of Namche beneath of peaks Thamserku (Goldern Figure) and Kantega(Snow Horse Saddle), we initially ascend before descending through the rhododendron and conifer forest to the village of Phungi Thanga at (10,662’). There are ever-present reminders of the prevalence of Buddhist culture, as our route is punctuated by stupa adorned, prayer flags, mantra inscribed mani stones, and water fed prayer wheels. Crossing another suspension bridge over Dudh Kosi River, we end with a climb up to Tengboche (12,664’).
Surrounded by a panorama of magnificent peaks, including Ama Dablam (Mother’s Necklace) and Everest, Tengboche is one of the most significant cultural centers of the Khumbu and home to the famous Tengboche monastery. Originally built in 1916 by Lama Gulu, an earthquake in 1934 destroyed it, destroyed again in by fire in 1989, and then fully restored in subsequent years. Visitors are welcome to observe daily ceremonies at the monastery, and more about the daily lives and culture of the Sherpas can be learned at the small eco-center. Elevation gain: 2,001’; loss: 623’; Hiking Time: 5 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 7: Tengboche 3,860m/12,664’ - Pangboche 3,930m/12,894’
After descending through the Rhododendron forest, we’ll pass through the settlements of Deboche and Milinggo. Crossing over the Imja Khola River, our steady climb up to the larger settlement of Pangboche (12,893’) will be accompanied by beguiling views of Ama Dablam. This shorter day affords the time to visit Pangaboche Gompa (monastery) at the top of the village. Not only is the monastery the oldest in the Khumbu, constructed some 300 hundred years ago, it once housed relics which were purported to be the hand and skull of a yeti. Apparently, the relics were stolen in 1991, but replicas are on display. Elevation gain: 590’; loss: 360’; Hiking Time: 2 – 3 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 8: Pangboche 3,920m/12,894’ - Acclimatisation day
Today is another acclimatization day. There will be the option of taking a side trip to the basecamp of Ama Dablam (15,091’), one of the most impressive and distinctive peaks in the region. Similar in profile, Ama Dablam is sometimes called the ‘Matterhorn’ of the Himalayas. Ama meaning “mother” and Dablam meaning “necklace," referring to the hanging glacier draped below the summit that is thought to resemble the traditional double pendant necklace worn by Sherpani women. Ama Dablam was first summited by Edmund Hillary in 1961 and continues to attract a steady stream of climbers. Elevation gain: 2,198’; loss: 2,198’; Hiking Time: 4 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 9: Pangboche 3,920m/12,894’ - Dingboche 4,410m/14,468’
From Pangboche, we’ll diverge slightly from the main route, continuing a gradual climb up to the settlement of Dingboche(14,468’). We’ll have amazing views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse as we gain elevation, leaving taller vegetation behind for high open pastures. Not only have Sherpa communities typically used this area for summer grazing, but Dingboche has also become a traditional acclimatization spot for trekkers and mountaineers en-route to Everest Base Camp. Elevation gain: 1,607’; Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 10: Dingboche 4,410m/14,468’ - Acclimatisation Day
Dingboche’s captivating location makes it obvious why this is a popular layover spot. Today we’ll have the option of heading east up the Imja Valley to visit the small summer settlement of Chhukhung(15,518’). This is the traditional starting point for climbers aspiring to climb the popular peak, Island Peak. The views from Chhukung, and further up the valley toward Island Peak, are nothing short of breathtaking. Towering to the north is the south face of Lhotse, to the south is the high pass of Amphu Lapcha (18,963’) with its flanking ice walls, and to the southwest, we get a new perspective of our old friend, the eastern face of Ama Dablam. Elevation gain: 1,049’; loss: 1,049’; Hiking Time: 4 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 11: Dingboche 4,410m/14,468’ - Lobuche 4,910m/16,108’
Leaving Dingboche, we’ll regain the main route as we approach the tiny cluster of buildings at Dughla. The valley gradually widens as we first climb steeply up the terminal moraine of the mighty Khumbu Glacier and then more easily alongside its lateral moraine. About an hour into our climb, we'll pass a site known as Chukpilhara, a collection of stone memorials to Sherpas and climbers lost in the mountains, most notably on Mount Everest. Poignantly, one of the memorials is dedicated to Scott Fischer, a renowned American guide who died in the disaster recounted in Jon Krakauer’s book, Into Thin Air.
Our day will end in Lobuche (16,108’), another popular stopover along the trek. Elevation gain: 1,640’; Hiking Time: 7 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 12: Lobuche 4,910m/16,108’ - Gorak Shep 5,140m/16,863’
Today is another relatively short day as we climb higher toward Everest Base Camp, our destination for the day being the small settlement of Gorak Shep(16,863’). Following the left side of the Khumbu Valley, our route ascends gradually at first and then more steeply over rugged side moraines. Before descending to Gorak Shep, we'll have views of the conical peak of Pumori, with its lower slopes and ridgeline extending out to the smaller peak of Kala Patthar. Despite the short distance of our trek today, as we climb through the 5,000m/16,404’ mark, we’ll definitely be feeling the altitude.
Surrounded by a flat, sandy expanse, Gorak Shep was the basecamp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. Today the small settlement is a bustling hub for trekkers coming and going to Everest Base Camp, as well as making the side trek to summit Kala Patthar. Elevation gain: 754’; Hiking Time: 2 – 3 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 13: Gorak Shep 5,140m/16,863’ - Everest Base Camp (EBC) 5,364m/17,598 - Gorak Shep 5,140m/16,863’
Today is the start of our “Big 3”, the three highest points of our expedition, Everest base camp, Kala Patthar, and the Cho La pass. Getting an early start, we’ll continue our gradual ascent over the enormous glacial moraines of the Khumbu Glacier that lead to Everest Base Camp (17,598’). Since the season for summiting Everest is generally April through May, there may be little activity at the Base Camp, and Everest itself is not visible. However, we will be able to see the incredible Western Cym, more famously known as the Khumbu Icefall, which leads climbers to Camp One and upwards. We’ll make our return descent to Gorak Shep with our views dominated by the formidable peak of Pumori (Mountain Daughter), another popular climbing destination. Elevation gain: 735’; loss: 735’; Hiking Time: 6 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 14: Gorak Shep 5,140m/16,863’ - Kala Patthar 5,550m/18,209’ - Dzonglha 4,830m/15,846’
Setting out for the second of our Big 3, we'll be leaving Gorak Shep before dawn starting the steady climb up to Kala Patthar 18208’, the high point of the trip. ‘Kala’ meaning ‘black’ in Nepalese refers to the black rock we’ll scramble over to reach the summit. We aim to stand on the summit at just over 18000’ as the sun rises, witnessing the unequaled panorama of Everest, Changtse, and Nuptse.
From here, we’ll begin our trek back to Lukla via the Gokyo Valley. Descending from Kala Patthar, we retrace our steps back to Gorak Shep and then to Lobuche. Heading down the Chola Valley with views of Ama Dablam to the west, our final destination for the day is the tiny outpost of Dzonglha(15846’). Elevation gain: 1,345’; loss: 2,362’; Hiking Time: 8 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 15: Dzonglha 4,830m15,846’ - Cho La pass 5,368m - Dragnag 4,700m/15,419’
The Cho La pass at 17611’ is our high point today. This will be a significant and challenging crossing with amazing views making it all worthwhile. Our route is somewhat gentle and rolling to start but eventually becomes very steep and rocky, requiring some scrambling over boulder sections. The route becomes more level for a short section, then crosses a gently sloping glacier and last bit of rock scrambling before arriving at the pass. Strewn with brightly colored prayer flags, Cho La Pass can have a festive feel with trekkers crossing from both sides of the pass, stop for a break and to soak in the amazing views.
Our descent from the pass in again quite steep and rocky, but eventually takes on a more gentle grade. We have one more rocky moraine to traverse and short climb before descending to the impressive Gokyo valley and the settlement of Dragnag(15,419’). Elevation gain: 1,765’; loss: 2,192’; Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 16: Dragnag 4,700m/15,419’ - Gokyo 4,790m/15,715’
Today is a shorter day, allowing us to relax a little after the previous two challenging days. The Ngozumber Glacier lies between Dragnag and the lakeside settlement of Gokyo. Our route takes us across this rock and boulder-strewn glacier and pasted the lakes of Longponga and Taujung Tsho. With a length of 36 km or 22 miles. Ngozumber is the longest glacier in Nepal. As elsewhere, the warming trend in the Himalayas as increased glacier melt, which has, in turn, has produced these lakes. We end our day on Gokyo(15,715’) alongside the lake of Dudh Pokari, set in a superbly beautiful valley. Elevation gain: 296’; Hiking Time: 3 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 17: Gokyo 4,790m/15,715’ - Gokyo Ri 5,357m/17,575’ - Machherma 4,470m/14,665’
Our trek today begins predawn as we set out for our ascent of Gokyo Ri (17,574’). Much like Kala Patthar, the views from Gokyo Ri are expansive and stunning, taking in Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, all above 8,000m / 26,250’. This one of the most phenomenal panoramas anywhere. From Gokyo Ri, we retrace our steps and continue down the Gokyo Valley, passing the turquoise blue lakes of Taboche Tshe and Longpongo. After crossing an iron bridge, our route descends more steeply as it follows the terminal moraine of the Ngozumber Glacier. After crossing the broader, more level stretches of Pankga, our final descent is followed by a short climb to the settlement of Machherma (14,665’). Elevation gain: 1,859’; loss: 2,908’; Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 18: Machherma 4,470m/14,665 - Khumjung 3,780m/12,401’
From Machherma, our route continues down the Koshi Valley, passing through summer settlements of yak herders. As we descend, the vegetation turns from scrub pine to forests of birch and rhododendron. We'll have great views of Cho Oyu behind us, while ahead, we can see the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. We’ll pass through the hamlets of Luza, Dole, and Phortse Tenga before climbing steeply to the Mong La Pass. Crown by a stupa and adorned with prayer flags from Mong La, again, the views are outstanding and include our old friend Ama Dablam. Mong La is thought to be the birthplace of Lama Sange Dorje, who is said to have brought Buddhism to the Khumbu region.
Continuing, our trek for the day ends in the village of Khumjung (12,401’) Resting just below Khumblia, one of the most sacred peaks in the Sherpa culture, Khumjung is the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu. While in Khumjung, we may have the opportunity to visit the Edmund Hillary school, part of the Edmund Hillary Foundation, and Khumjung Monastery, where for a donation, it's possible to view what is thought to be the scalp of a yeti. Elevation loss: 2,265’; Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 19: Khumjung 3,780m/12,401’ - Namche Bazar 3,440m/11,286’ - Lukla 2,840m/9,317’
Our final day trekking, we retrace familiar steps hiking through Namche Bazar 11286’, descending via the switchbacks to cross over the Dudh Kosi, and back to Lukla 9317’. On our descent from Namche Bazaar, we may get our final glimpse of Mount Everest. A short ascent at the end of the day leads into the bustle of Lukla for our last night in a teahouse. Elevation gain: 816’; loss: 3937’; Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Day 20: Lukla/9,317’ – Kathmandu
Return flight to Kathmandu. We'll have time for some well-earned relaxation in the comfort of our hotel.
Lodging: Hotel
Day 21: Kathmandu
In the morning, we have the opportunity of visiting the old Newar city of Bhaktapur, the capital of Nepal, during the great 'Malla Kingdom' until the second half of the 15th century. Afternoon free. Last night's celebration meal.
Lodging: Hotel
Day 22: Depart KathmanduDay 17: Depart
Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for international departures.
International airfare, airport departure taxes, 3 lunches, 1 dinner, beverages, expenses of a personal nature(phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, hot shower, etc.), optional sightseeing entrance fees, insurance, optional tipping or gratuities to guides or staff.
Once on the trek, your baggage will be transported by porters. Please ensure you have only one main piece of baggage weighing a maximum of 12kg/25lbs, in addition to a daypack. Additional luggage can be stored in your hotel in Kathmandu and will available on your return from the trek. See our sample packing list.
During the trip, you will be staying at hotels, teahouses, and camps.
The only international airport in Nepal is Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, which is located about 3 miles from Katmandu center. Given the long travel time in getting to Katmandu, it's recommended that you arrive a day to two ahead of the trip start.
Participants will meet on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport for individual transfers to our hotel in Kathmandu. The meeting point for the group will be at the hotel in Kathmandu.
The trip will end after breakfast on the last day, with private transfers back to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport as needed.
This trip provides an exceptional opportunity for anyone who has dreamed of traveling to Nepal and hiking in the Himalayas. It has all the ingredients of a classic trek, from time spent in Kathmandu to staying in teahouses along the legendary Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley routes.
This trip is rated Strenuous/Strenuous plus. While daily elevation gain and losses may seem moderate, much of the trip takes place over 10,000', with the highest elevation being 17,716'. Needless to say, this is a remote and challenging trip with many rewards. It is essential that participants are in excellent health and physical condition. While every active travel trip has inherent risk, when traveling to remote wilderness locations and at high altitudes, participants should understand that in the event of illness or accident they will not be within ready access to medical attention and facilities (and the level of care, once accessed, may not be to Western standards).
All registrations, deposits and payments will be handled solely by Live Breathe Hike, and their Terms and Conditions
will apply.
For more information and supporting details about these amazing trips, to arrange to speak with Tanya and/or to reserve your spot, we invite
you contact Live Breathe Hike.
