About THE EBC + Gokyo Lakes Extension SPECIAL EDITION Trek
At a glance...
Country: Nepal
Group size: Minimum of five (5)
Duration: 20 days/ 19 nights (including three days in Kathmandu)
Distance: Roughly 80 miles round trip
Activity: Trekking
Travel style: Guided
Difficulty grade: Intermediate (See details below)
Comfort: Various (tea house lodges, hotels)
This Everest Base Camp + Gokyo Lakes Extension Special Edition trek offers a remarkable and poignant twist on the standard (and incredible) EBC/Gokyo itinerary for one particular reason:
Your guide.
For this EBC trek, you will be guided by Thubten Sherpa, a former monk from the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar who studied at the Tengboche Monastery, which, at 12,687 feet, is the world’s highest. (You will spend a night in Tengboche.)
Thubten is one of the greatest, most experienced guides in all the Himalayas. In 1999, he began leading Everest Base Camp trips for REI Adventures and was named the company’s top adventure guide in 2005. Today, he limits his guiding only to very special occasions and groups — including us!
Make no mistake — ALL of our Sherpa guides are fantastic, but Thubten has an unmatched depth of knowledge and experience. Imagine receiving his immense grasp on the Sherpa cultural and Buddhist philosophies as you trek to Everest Base Camp through the mystical Khumbu!
Trekking and mountaineering runs in Thubten’s family. His father, Ila Tsering Sherpa, was a member of the famous 1963 Everest expedition that put the first American, Jim Whittaker, on the summit. (Read a CNN story about that epic — and tragic — expedition HERE.)
As a former Buddhist monk, Thubten is also a great thanka artist, a Tibetan Buddhist painting method that involves the application of paints on cotton, silk applique, usually depicting a Buddhist deity or mythological scene.
Now, about the trek itsel. This adventure takes you to Everest Base Camp, but makes that already awesome EBC Classic trek even more awesome by adding a three-day extension that incorporates the stunning Gokyo Lakes, the world’s highest freshwater lake system. You will travel alongside the massive Ngozumpa glacier and enjoy unparalleled views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from 17,583-foot Gokyo Ri.
If you are planning on EBC and can work the extra days into your schedule, don’t even hesitate to choose this trek over the classic version. The Gokyo Valley is spectacular and the aforementioned view from Gokyo Ri is unlike anything you’ll get elsewhere.
A message from Thubten
Gallery
EBC + Gokyo Lakes Extension SPECIAL EDITION
- This departure will proceed with a group of five (5) or more.
March 4-23, 2025
- NOTE: If the minimum (5) trekkers are not reached by the booking deadline of Jan 4, 2025, this departure will proceed with at least two (2) trekkers, but with one of our other fabulous guides. In that case, final invoices will be adjusted to reflect a price of $4,905.
EBC + GOKYO LAKES SPECIAL EDITION TREK Details
- Highlights
- What's included
- What's not included
- Activity levels
- Kathmandu tours
- Travel insurance
- What we ask of you
- After you book...
GUIDED BY TENGBOCHE MONK
This special edition trek will be guided by Thubten Sherpa, one of the most renowned monk guides in the Himalayas.
LUKLA FLIGHT
Enjoy the short flight from Ramechhap to Lukla, where you will begin your hike. Landing at and departing from Lukla’s world-famous uphill airstrip will provide you with story fodder for many dinner parties to come. Let the adventure begin!
NAMCHE BAZAAR
As the main trading center of the Sherpa people, this village is both beautiful and fascinating. Take plenty of time to shop and enjoy Namche’s amazing bakeries, restaurants, and even an Irish pub! (But we recommend waiting until your way DOWN for this.)
THE LAKES THEMSELVES
The Gokyo Lakes are a sight to behold. Located between 15,400 and 16,400 feet above sea level, they are the highest freshwater lake system in the world. Amazingly, the entire system is considered “naturally vulnerable,” meaning that it is lying in an ecologically unstable zone and might not be around 1,000 years from now. The lakes are also considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists and are part of the Janai Purnima festival that occurs in August.
CLIMBER MEMORIALS
You’ll most likely encounter the memorials on the 12th day of your trek, on the way to Lobuche. Located at the end of the Khumbu Glacier and above the village of Thukla, this collection of dozens of memorials to fallen Everest climbers provides a poignant look at the cost exacted by the world’s tallest peak over the past 100 years. Memorials include that of Scott Fischer, an American guide tragically killed in the Everest disaster of 1996.
FIRST VIEWS OF EVEREST
As early as your 4th day on trek, you may get your first glimpse of Mount Everest. To see the mountain in person for the first time is exhilarating, to say the least.
EVEREST BASE CAMP
Although every mile and location on the trek will provide life-changing memories, walking into EBC is something special. It’s the culmination of months of planning, training, and dreaming, and it is always an emotional experience. Well done, you!
KALA PATTHAR
Climbing the “Black Rock” — Kala Patthar — at Gorak Shep isn’t for the faint of heart but provides your very best views of the summit of Everest and is where the most impressive photos of Everest are often made. Those who summit Kala Patthar will top out at 18,209 feet, the highest point of the traditional EBC trek and the maximum elevation allowed without a Nepali climbing permit.
- Hobnail Trekking Co. long-sleeve trekking shirt and ball cap, while supplies last
- Custom Hobnail mobile app
- Lots of freebies
- Opportunities to get to know your fellow trekkers include an invitation to a private Facebook group for your trek, group training hikes if trekkers live in proximity to each other, and other local social gatherings
- Regular comprehensive Trek Planners that provide all of the details about your trek – what you need to know, when you need to know it, plus a lot more really fun stuff
- Custom Hobnail duffel bag sent to you before your trek!
- Three nights double occupancy at a 3* hotel in Kathmandu (one night prior to trek, two nights after trek), including breakfast
- Welcome dinner or farewell dinner (depends on group timing), not including drinks
- Luggage storage in Kathmandu
- Guided city tour of Kathmandu prior to trek and full day of Kathmandu guided city tour upon return from the trek (English-speaking guide, private vehicle, and entrance fees included)
- Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back to Kathmandu OR from Ramechap to Lukla and back to Ramechap (includes drive to Ramechap), including airport taxes
- 16 nights in tea houses or lodges while on trek (double occupancy unless single occupancy is selected at time of registration)
- Local, English-speaking trek leaders and guides who are licensed, experienced, and trained in wilderness first aid
- Porter service, or yak or dzo (a mix between a yak and a cow) service*
- Salary, insurance, food/lodging/travel for trek leader, sherpas, and porters
- All permits and fees while on trek
- All three daily meals on trek (day 2 lunch through day 18 breakfast) – main course only
- Tea or regular instant coffee during meals and at breaks
- Boiled water on trek from the lodges
- All required local and government taxes
- All airport transfers in Nepal via private vehicle
- Pre-trek meeting to go over final details in Kathmandu the night before the trek begins
- Group first aid kit
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service
- Trekking map and certificate
- The company of new friends and the experience of a lifetime
- Travel insurance (see the Travel Insurance section on this page for details)
- International flights
- Nepal visa ($50 at airport in Kathmandu)
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (other than welcome or farewell dinner)
- Entry fees for sightseeing attractions in Kathmandu and surrounding areas, unless part of included tour
- Appetizers and desserts at meals
- Drinks (including bottled water, canned juice, soft drinks, alcohol)
- Specialty drinks like hot chocolate, fancy coffee drinks
- Meat and fried food while on trek
- Showers while on trek
- WiFi while on trek
- Snacks while on trek
- Charging station for electronics while on trek
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone, or internet
- Personal trekking equipment like hiking boots, clothing, etc.
- Tips for leaders, guides, and porters (we’ll give you guidance on this)
- Tips for tour guides (we’ll give you guidance on this, too)
- Other tips in Kathmandu
- Any expenses incurred during rescue or evacuation
- Extra expenses such as hiring a horse during the trek
- Extra expenses incurred if separating from the group due to illness/health (trekker would cover accommodation and food)
- Photography or movie fees on trek
- Spending money
Trekking in Nepal is usually graded according to several factors including: gain in altitude, terrain conditions, duration of daily activity, and recommended fitness level. These are general guidelines only, but will give you an idea of what to expect on the trek. It’s up to you to judge your own ability, as well as physical and mental stamina. The pace of the trek can vary depending on the fitness and age range of the trekkers.
EASY (ONE BOOT): Easy treks may be undertaken by most age groups and fitness levels. These treks are marked by total altitude gains of no more than 3,000 meters (or about 10,000 feet) on mostly flat terrain. Daily activity duration is typically no more than 3 hours, and the total trek likely won’t exceed 10 days. There is very little chance of altitude sickness in an easy trek.
MODERATE (TWO BOOTS): Moderate treks are more active, and requires at least an average fitness level to accomplish. Daily activity duration is typically between 3 and 6 hours, and the total length of the trek may be up to two weeks. Total elevation may reach 4,000 meters (or about 13,000 feet) on moderate, uneven terrain. The chances of experiencing altitude sickness are fairly low in a moderate trek.
STRENUOUS (THREE BOOTS): Strenuous treks demand some preparation or training to ensure a comfortable but challenging trek. Typical daily activity duration is about 6 to 8 hours, and may include elevations of 5,000 – 5,500 meters (approximately 16,500 – 18,000 feet). The terrain has some steep ascents/descents, and the trails will most likely be uneven or rocky. Mental stamina is important for strenuous treks. Altitude sickness of varying degrees is common in strenuous treks; your guide or trek leader will work hard to minimize these affects.
CHALLENGING (FOUR BOOTS): Challenging treks typically go “off the beaten path” to remote areas where landscapes are wild and untamed. These treks are physically quite challenging and definitely not for beginners. Daily activity duration will approach 12 hours – often on remote, mountainous, exposed terrain with very steep ascents/descent and uneven trails. Elevation of 5,500 meters (approximately 18,000 feet) is common, and climbing and/or mountaineering skills may be required. Altitude sickness of varying degrees is common in challenging treks.
Your trip to Nepal wouldn’t be complete without spending some time getting to know the famous landmarks of Kathmandu. Your city tour guide will lead you through these really fascinating sites:
TEMPLES TOUR
Spend part of the day visiting the three major temples and cultural centers of Kathmandu, including Boudhanath (the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal), Pashupatinath (the famous Hindu temple where daily cremations occur), and Swaymbhunath (a Hindu and Buddhist temple better known as the Monkey Temple). Meals and tips are not included.
DURBAR SQUARE TOUR
Spend the other part of the day visiting these two historic squares filled with temples and amazing architecture. “Durbar” means royal palace, and these beautiful squares are definitely fit for royalty. Meals and tips are not included.
OK, here’s where we get serious. Hobnail requires that all trekkers purchase travel/medical insurance that covers them properly for all trekking activities.
There are a lot more details you need to know about travel insurance than we want to put in this limited space — including stuff about trip cancellations and what company we recommend — so when you’re ready, pop over to our Travel Insurance page.
We consider our treks to be adventures, not vacations. We’re not Hobnail Vacation Company, after all! Don’t get us wrong; we like vacations as much as the next person, but with our treks, you need to be physically and mentally ready. Here’s what we ask of you:
- You thoroughly read all the information we send you prior to departure.
- You get yourself an accountability partner and train properly. This doesn’t mean doing a few squats two weeks before departure.
- You familiarize yourself with your gear prior to leaving. Practice adjusting your backpack, filtering water if necessary, etc.
- If you purchase new boots, they are broken in well in advance of departure.
- When on trek, you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE. His or her only concern is helping you achieve your goal safely and in good health, but this won’t happen unless you follow their advice. This includes – but is not limited to – food recommendations, speed of pace, when to sleep and when not to, when to walk and when to rest, when to turn around due to illness, etc.
- When on trek, you treat your guide and the locals you encounter with the utmost respect. We are guests in their country and very grateful to be there.
All of these things may seem like common sense — and they are — but we feel that we must mention them. Hobnail’s goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, and you have an important role in achieving that goal.
A few days after registering for a trek (with at least a $500 deposit), we will give you a call (if you’re available) to say hello and answer any initial questions you may have. If you have a Facebook presence, we will also invite you to join a private group page just for your trek. This is a great way to interact with your fellow trekkers, and possibly your guide, before departure. You can post questions in the group anytime you’d like, talk about the cool gear you’re planning to take with you, organize group hikes if you live near each other, and generally just get to know those who will be sharing this incredible experience with you.
Within the first weeks after your trek is confirmed, you will receive a Welcome Box from us. It contains stuff that you can use during training as well as on the trek itself, and some other just fun things to get you (even more) excited about your trip.
You’ll also receive a login to our Hobnail app, which is full of great information including a day-by-day schedule, nearby points of interest, beautiful photography, and yet another way to contact us – through its messaging service. As your trip gets closer, we will load your flights and other more specific information into the app so you’ll feel even more secure in knowing where you’ll be staying and even how to get around the airports you’ll travel through.
About six months before your trek, you’ll begin receiving Trek Planners from us. These planners, which you’ll get each month until you leave, contain all kinds of great information about the villages you’ll encounter, cultural norms in Nepal, guidance on food, gear, and photography – and a whole lot of other interesting tidbits, too.
The closer you get to your trek, the more you’ll hear from us — but of course, you can reach out any time you have a question.
Our Mobile App
When you book, we send you the login credentials to your own, customized app. By departure, your app will contain your flight info, passport, travel insurance docs, and COVID info, as well as your full itinerary, points of interest, and other amazing stuff. Click the image for a closer look.
TREK ITINERARY
Please note that the itinerary may change slightly based on the weather and the needs and desires of the group. Our world-class Sherpa guides are able to adjust as needed. This is another thing that sets Hobnail apart.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
You made it!
After navigating the Immigration Lounge at Tribhuvan International Airport (we’ll help you with this process), your Hobnail guide will meet you immediately outside the airport entrance. From this point on, all you have to do is have fun.
You will be transported via a comfortable vehicle to your hotel where you’ll probably enjoy a well-deserved nap, after which you will have a wonderful meal followed by a briefing by your guide. Here we go!
Day 2: Drive to Ramechap, flight to Lukla (9,390 ft), trek to Phakding (8,570 ft)
After an early-morning wake-up, you’ll be driven roughly three hours on a scenic journey to Ramechhap and catch a flight to Lukla from there.
Lukla is spectacular and the landing is an exciting beginning to the trek – one end of the runway is 60m (197 ft) higher than the other. The flight is on a small Dornier/Twin Otter aircraft and the duration is generally around 30-45 minutes from Kathmandu and much shorter from Ramechhap.
In Lukla, meet up with additional Sherpa guides and porters and pick up any last-minute necessities before heading off on the trail toward Phakding. You will follow the Dudh Kosi, the river that flows down from the Himalayas, crossing hanging bridges along the way. Keep an eye out for mani stones, the boulders carved with Buddhist inscriptions. The hike is approximately 4 hours; you will descend gradually to Thado Koshi for about two hours before the first ascent of the trek, which is a gradual uphill to Phakding (another two hours).
Enjoy a hearty meal after your first day of hiking!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,290 ft)
This is a big day of hiking. After a great breakfast, you will head through the pine and cedar forests and along the Dudh Kosi on your way to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. Stop for lunch in Monzo before attacking the most challenging section of the hike.
After passing through the ornate entrance of Sagarmatha National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will walk along the river before climbing up to the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. After crossing, expect a long, steep hike up Namche Hill before reaching the village and a well-deserved hot meal.
Depending on the cloud cover, there is a spot on the climb up Namche Hill where you MAY catch a glimpse of Everest.
You will end up at around 11,290 ft.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Today will be both challenging and super fun. After an early breakfast, you will climb the steps out of Namche for your acclimatization hike. The trail will eventually level off slightly and, after a couple of hours, you will turn a bend and be treated with what will most likely be your first good view of Big E herself: Mt. Everest. You will never forget this moment!
At about the same time, expect to reach either the Everest View Hotel or another fine tea house, depending on how many people are on the trail. You will then descend into the quaint village of Khumjung, have a hot lunch, and visit the monastery where, among other things, the famous Yeti’s Scalp is displayed. After a wonderful stay in Khumjung, you will hike back over the ridge, past the world’s highest airstrip, and down into Namche for another great meal and a good night’s sleep.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Dole (13,250 ft.)
After a brief climb out of Namche that starts off the same as yesterday, we will hike for 2 to 2.5 hours before stopping at the village of Kyangjuma for tea and snack break before continuing on. The narrow trail eventually widens and flattens out before coming to a steep staircase with some pretty serious cliffs to the right. After a couple of hours, you’ll reach Mong, a lovely (and tiny) little village with incredible scenery. You may even be able to see all the way to Tengboche from here, but if not, no worries; you’ll be there in person on day 15.
After leaving Mong, it’s a steep downhill to the river before climbing again. In the spring, you’ll be able to see some pretty amazing frozen waterfalls that climbers sometimes use to train for the ice climbing on Everest, and in the fall, you’ll just see some pretty amazing flowing waterfalls instead. Oh darn.
More stairs and a few more hours and you’ll emerge from the forest into the scenic, and often windswept, village of Dole (pronounced DOE-lay), an otherwise nondescript village with incredible views.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Dole to Machermo (14,670 ft)
A short walk today. Leaving Dole, the trail is steep in places as it passes through Lhabarma and Luza along the side of the valley, high above the river and through scrub junipers, until you cross the sandy spurs to Machermo. It was here in 1974 that a yeti was reported to have attacked a Sherpa and killed three yaks. Be sure to get CLEAR video if you see one while you’re here.
You should get to Machermo by lunchtime and in the afternoon there is time for an acclimatization walk up onto the ridge behind the lodge for amazing views of Thamserku.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: Machermo to Gokyo (15,590 ft)
Your day begins by climbing the ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and Thamserku, and up the valley towards Cho Oyu (26,749 ft). The trail widens as it passes through Pangkha and descends to the riverbank before narrowing again as you make a steep climb onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You’ll pass the first of the five lakes at Gokyo before continuing on the almost level trail past the second lake and on to the third lake and the walled meadows and lodges of Gokyo (15,590 ft).
You’ll have lunch in Gokyo and in the afternoon you can walk up the hill behind camp for incredible views of the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Gokyo is a small settlement on the shores of a gorgeous, clear blue lake. Look out for Brahminy Ducks swimming in the lake. Fight the urge, however, to join them for a dip as both Hindus and Buddhists consider these Gokyo lakes sacred.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8: Hike to Gokyo Ri (17,583 ft), trek back to Machermo (14,670 ft)
Get up early for a couple hours’ climb up Gokyo Peak, which has one of the best panoramas in the Khumbu region. It’s a straightforward but steep climb, and it can be tiring due to the altitude. View four 26,500+ foot peaks – Everest (29,029 ft), Cho Oyu (26,749 ft), Lhotse (27,923 ft), and Makalu (27,825 ft) – and spot countless other towering peaks including Gyachung Kang (25,991 ft) to the east of Cho Oyu, Cholatse (21,129 ft), Taweche (21,463 ft), and Kangchung (20,023 ft). There’s also a bird’s eye view of the Gokyo lakes and the huge creaking Ngozumpa Glacier, now cutting halfway across the world and snaking its way down the valley far below.
You’ll descend back to Gokyo for a late breakfast and then retrace your steps back to the snout of the glacier and continue down the valley back to Machermo. You might be surprised how quickly and easily you’ll handle the return route – that’s acclimatization!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9: Machermo to Phortse (12,960 ft)
Today we’ve got something special to share with you. Not many groups stop in Phortse, a traditional village that offers an insight into Sherpa life and culture. Phortse is known as the “Climber’s Village” because most of the Sherpa who accompany Everest climbers come from this village. It truly is an amazing place.
A leisurely start to the day will wind you down the valley to Dole, where you’ll enter the forest to continue the descent to Phortse Bridge. Keep an eye open for musk deer, which are often seen on this section of the trail.
After stopping for lunch, you will branch off the main trail to Namche, crossing the Dudh Kosi and ascending to the village of Phortse, where few trekkers pass on their Everest trek. Here you’ll be almost completely above the tree line, so the sunsets make for perfect pictures. The dramatic mountain views and peace and quiet of this village make this one of the highlights of the trek.
Let’s keep it our little secret.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10: Phortse to Dingboche (14,470 ft)
This morning’s walk will take you across a ridge before descending onto an exposed trail to the Imja Khola. Keep watch for Himalayan tahr, often seen perched precariously on the crags high above the trail.
Join the trail coming from Tengboche via the suspension bridge, then gradually climb to the village of Pangboche, where the peak of Ama Dablam dominates the skyline. Have lunch here and then, if it is open, take the opportunity to see the beautiful monastery that once housed the hand and scalp of a yeti.
After lunch, follow the trail high above the Imja Khola, passing the tea houses at Orsho before again crossing the Imja Khola and old glacial moraines to a lodge in Dingboche. Here you’ll find a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls. These walls protect crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds.
The scenery is once again spectacular and although Everest will be hidden behind the Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are more than worthy. If the weather’s right, there will be gorgeous sunsets illuminating these peaks – Ama Dablam, the south face of Lhotse to the north, and Island Peak in the center of the valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 11: Day of acclimatization in Dingboche
You will spend the day at Dingboche, continuing to acclimatize. If you’re adapting well to the altitude, you can climb Nangkartshang Peak for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Cholatse, Taweche, and Ama Dablam. If you’re feeling super energetic, you can climb the 3.5 hours to the top – or you can opt to climb halfway to the peak. Either way, it’s a tough and steep climb but well worth the effort for the amazing views.
You’ll return to Dingboche for a late lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free for chilling out and building those red blood cells. You may also be able to catch a showing of the movie “Everest” at a small, bakery house cinema!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 12: Dingboche to Lobuche (16,210 ft)
Today, the trail climbs steeply out of Dingboche and past a chorten before ascending the valley gradually to the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. On this section of the trail, you’ll also pass a quaint little yak herder’s cabin built of stacked stone. This spot is absolutely breathtaking; try to be present in the moment and take it all in.
You’ll stop at Thukla for a tea break (or lunch, depending on the time of day) before the steep climb up to Chukpo Lari, a beautiful, yet poignant place where sits a collection of memorials in tribute to the climbers who have died on Everest. Here you’ll find the memorial to American climber Scott Fischer, whose death on the mountain during the 1996 blizzard was detailed in the movie Everest. From this spot – and depending on cloud cover – there is a beautiful panorama of the peaks lying on the Nepal-Tibet border.
The trail then eases off as you follow the valley to Lobuche, a tiny hamlet with a few tea houses where you’ll stay the night. In the late afternoon, you’ll have the option to walk up onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier for an incredible sunset over Nuptse. It’s definitely worth the effort if you’re feeling good!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 13: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (16,950 ft) to Everest Base Camp (17,600 ft), back to Gorak Shep
It’s EBC day!
Today is a challenging but exciting day as you leave very early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (16,950 ft). The rocky trail undulates up and down the moraine with some short steep sections. It will take you about three hours to reach Gorak Shep, where you will drop your heavy stuff in your room, grab lunch, and head out again. From here to Base Camp and back there are no lodges, so fill your water bottles and take some snacks for the push to EBC. (Be sure to bring yourself a congratulatory Snickers bar, a time-honored tradition once reaching EBC!)
You’ll start by walking across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep to climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before finally descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself. The trail winds up and down through fascinating ice seracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp. The climbing season on Everest is in the spring, when you may see in the distance some of the expedition teams as they prepare to climb the mountain.
You’ll have a fantastic view of the Khumbu Ice Fall and can appreciate just how difficult it is for the climbers to negotiate a route through these huge blocks of ice. Nuptse towers above us and Pumori rears up behind us. After a celebration and quick photo stop by the Base Camp landmark — there may be a huge boulder or a pile of rocks — you’ll retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep.
Celebrate the pinnacle of your trek with a wonderful, steaming-hot meal followed by a deep snuggle into that comfy sleeping bag! Relax, YOU DID IT, and it’s all downhill from here!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 14: Optional hike to Kala Patthar (18,520 ft), then to Pheriche (14,340 ft)
After an especially early wake-up and hot cup of tea, you will ascend the small peak of Kala Patthar (“black rock”) at 18,520 feet for the most magnificent view of the Khumbu glacier and an incredible view of the sun rising over the world’s highest mountain. This hike is optional and you can choose to skip it and sleep in but if you can manage to drag yourself out of your sleeping bag for this steep, two-hour climb to the summit, you’ll be glad you did, as the effort is more than worth it. Seeing the sun rise over Mt. Everest? Yes, please!
After sunrise, you’ll head back down to Gorak Shep, and meet the late sleepers for a hot breakfast. You’ll then leave Gorek Shep, descending past Lobuche to Pheriche (14,340 ft). By this point, you should begin to notice that you feel stronger and the trekking is easier because of the ever-increasing oxygen density combined with your superhuman acclimatization.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 15: Pheriche to Tengboche (12,670 ft)
This morning, you’ll continue your descent along the Imja Khola Valley, which you’ll follow down to Pangboche, with superb views looking back to the great ridge of Lhotse-Nuptse. Pangboche, at 13,074 ft, is the highest permanent settlement on the approach to Everest.
Dropping down to the rushing Imja Khola, you’ll then walk through rhododendron forests to Tengboche. From here, you’ll enjoy a fantastic panorama of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You’ll stay here for the night and visit the famous monastery. If the weather is clear, you can take in both a fantastic sunset AND an equally amazing sunrise.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 16: Tengboche to Monzo (9,200 ft)
Still enjoying all those extra red blood cells and more oxygen, you’ll descend through the forest to the river at Phunki Tenga. After crossing a suspension bridge, you then will climb up to Kyanjuma and spy its great views of Ama Dablam. From here, an easy trail contours around the hillsides back to Namche Bazaar. Time for an amazing lunch!
After lunch, you’ll descend to the river – again, crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge – and retrace your steps back to Monzo.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 17: Monzo to Lukla (9,390 ft)
Enjoy this last day of trekking in the Khumbu!
Today, the trail meanders through the farmland of the lower Everest Region, back through Phakding (remember staying here on Day 2?), and on into Lukla. After a well-deserved hot shower (if you’re lucky enough to get one before the hot water runs out!), you’ll enjoy your evening meal with your teammates, hand out tips (we’ll give you guidance on this) and thanks to your Sherpa staff, and cut a rug with a celebratory dance party!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 18: Flight to Kathmandu (4,600 ft)
You will be at the Lukla airport bright and early to be ready for the first available flight back to Kathmandu. Depending on when you arrive back, the day is yours for relaxing, sightseeing, or shopping – after an incredible hot shower and nap first!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 19: City tour of Kathmandu
No trip to Nepal would be complete without a tour of the amazing city of Kathmandu. Today’s that day!
You’ll have a full day of touring the landmarks that make this capital city so special. Your tour guide speaks English so you won’t miss a thing as you are transported around Kathmandu in a private vehicle. All entrance fees are included so just enjoy it all.
After your long (but exciting) day, you may want to do nothing but drink an Everest Beer on the patio – but it’s your last few hours in Nepal so make the most of it! Use the points of interest in the Hobnail app to discover places to explore, shop, and enjoy Nepali cuisine – maybe even get a post-trek massage! Most of all, enjoy this amazing city!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 20: Final departure
We hate to see you go!
Hobnail staff will transport you to the airport and send you on your way with all of their best wishes and blessings. Take time on the long flights to write down your thoughts and experiences from the trek; you’ll be glad you did.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ABOUT NEPAL
Nepal is one of the safest, most friendly countries you will ever visit. Because of the strong influence of both the Hindu and Buddhist religions, you will find the people to be warm, welcoming, and eager to please, especially in the mountains. The city of Kathmandu is bustling and fascinating, and generally safe for foreign visitors. You will definitely want to visit the temples of Swayambunath, Boudanath, and Pashupatinath, each a gem in its own way. When on trek, you will find the Sherpa culture to be one of warm hospitality and happiness. In the many villages you will pass through, you’ll encounter smiling, singing children, hard-working craftspeople and carpenters, and salt-of-the-earth farmers. After leaving Nepal, we guarantee that the experience will be one that you will cherish forever.
ABOUT TEA HOUSES
Each night on trek, you will stay in a tea house lodge. Tea houses are owned and operated by the resident and usually consist of one (sometimes, two) large gathering/dining room, guest rooms with two single beds, and either en suite bathrooms or a shared bathroom. The beds come equipped with a proper mattress, pillow, and comforter. You will find that socializing in the tea house gathering room will be just as fun and memorable as the trekking itself.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
The trail to Everest Base Camp varies in character depending on the location. It can be so narrow that single file is necessary, or wide enough to accommodate a marching band. For much of the trek, the trail is wide enough for two or three side-by-side, dusty, and rocky. For the first six or seven days, you will meander through river bottoms and pine and cedar forests, up one ridge and down another. From about 14K feet onward, you will be above the tree line and walking across alpine tundra, through occassional snow, and across boulder and scree fields.
EBC + Gokyo Lakes Extension SPECIAL EDITION
- This departure will proceed with a group of five (5) or more.
- March 4-23, 2025
- NOTE: If the minimum (5) trekkers are not reached by the booking deadline of Jan 4, 2025, this departure will proceed with at least two (2) trekkers, but with one of our other fabulous guides. In that case, final invoices will be adjusted to reflect a price of $4,905.
