From the Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp

This spare day gives some leeway if your international flight is late, if the permits need extra time, or if weather delays the flights to Lukla. If nothing goes wrong, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the valley — Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath or the old city of Patan — or simply rest before this demanding trek. Night in Kathmandu (1,400 m).

Your Himalayan adventure begins with the journey to the trek's starting point. The flight to Lukla leaves from either Kathmandu or Ramechhap, depending on availability, which is known at booking. From Ramechhap, allow 4 to 5 hours by road followed by a 15-minute flight; if a flight is available from Kathmandu, it is a direct flight of about thirty minutes. Having arrived in Lukla, you begin the trek with a gentle descent through fragrant pine forests, along the Dudh Koshi River, to Phakding. It is a gradual introduction to the trail, allowing your body to begin adjusting to the mountain air. Night in Phakding (2,610 m).

Today's stage to Namche Bazaar is the first real test of the trek, a walk that introduces you to the rhythm of Himalayan climbs. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing it several times on high suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags, including the spectacular Hillary Bridge. After passing through the gates of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, the path begins a long, steady climb. The guides lead this climb at a measured pace and remind you to walk bistari, bistari (slowly, slowly). The first glimpse of Everest through the trees during the climb is a profound reward for your efforts. Night in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).

This is not a rest day, but an essential one for adjusting to the altitude, following the "climb high, sleep low" principle. After breakfast, the guides take you on a hike up to the Everest View Hotel. The panorama is your first great reward: a superb view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and the magnificent Ama Dablam. The afternoon is free to explore Namche's remarkable market, where you will find bakeries among other things, or simply to settle in around a pot of tea and watch the world go by. Night in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).

Leaving the main trail, you head west into the more peaceful Gokyo valley. The path winds along a balcony above the valley, with spectacular views, before dropping steeply to the river at Phortse Tenga, a descent that feels as though it gives back hard-won height. After lunch by the river, a steady climb through rhododendron and pine forests awaits you, leading to the small hamlet of Dole, where the air is cool and the sense of having left the crowds behind is immediate. Night in Dole (4,038 m).

A shorter but steep day that continues the climb up the valley. The landscape becomes more rugged and alpine, with superb views of peaks such as Cho Oyu and Kangtega revealing themselves at every turn. You pass through the village of Luza and follow cascading streams before reaching Machhermo, a picturesque spot from where you can see the high peaks of the rest of the trek. Night in Machhermo (4,470 m).

Today, you are rewarded with your first glimpse of the legendary Gokyo lakes. The trail climbs a ridge to reveal the first lake, then follows the second before reaching the third, on whose shore the village of Gokyo lies. The turquoise waters set against a backdrop of imposing peaks, offer an unforgettable sight, a place to spend the next two nights. Night in Gokyo (4,790 m).

This is a key day for acclimatisation. You go up Gokyo Ri, a steep climb with no technical difficulty. From the summit, the 360-degree view is sublime: a panorama over Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, reflected in the lakes below. Many consider this the finest viewpoint in the region. The afternoon is devoted to resting and exploring around the lakes. Night in Gokyo (4,790 m).

A short but spectacular day, in preparation for the Cho La pass. You cross the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, a huge undulating landscape of rock and ice. The route calls for a sure foot, and the guides lead the way through this terrain to the small, basic lodges of Thangnak (Dragnag), where you rest ahead of the early start. Night in Thangnak (4,700 m).

This is one of the most demanding and most rewarding days of the trek. An early start is essential. The climb to the Cho La pass (5,420 m) is steep and rocky, leading to a glacier crossing that may require microspikes. The top, adorned with prayer flags, offers impressive views of Ama Dablam before a steep descent to the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The trail then levels off, following the moraine to Lobuche, where the nights are truly cold. Night in Lobuche (4,910 m).

The goal is in sight. You make your way along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, the highest stage of the trek. After a quick lunch, you make the return trip to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). The trail is rough, but the destination is legendary. Standing among the expedition tents at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, you cannot see the summit, but you feel its immense and powerful presence. Night in Gorak Shep (5,164 m).

You rise before dawn for the climb to the summit of Kala Patthar (5,644 m). In the icy stillness, you watch the sun light up the summit of Everest in a golden glow, the iconic view you have worked so hard to see. After descending for a well-deserved breakfast, you begin the long walk back to the warmer, denser air of Dingboche, a journey that seems remarkably easier with every breath of oxygen-rich air. Night in Dingboche (4,410 m).

This day is a safety margin in case of unforeseen delays, in particular weather-related problems at high altitude or minor health issues. If all goes to plan, it becomes an extra day of exploration, a longer lunch, or simply a chance to enjoy the mountain atmosphere without rushing. Night in Dingboche (4,410 m).

A long descent. You drop to the river at Phunki Tenga, then make the final climb to the iconic Tengboche Monastery, a spiritual haven that you will appreciate even more on the way back. From there, a fine balcony trail above the valley brings you back to the bright lights and hot showers of Namche Bazaar. Night in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).

The last day on the trail is a long, celebratory walk, mostly downhill. You descend the Namche hill, leave the national park and follow the familiar path along the Dudh Koshi River to Lukla. The evening is spent with your whole team, a chance to thank the guides and porters who made your journey safe and successful. Night in Lukla (2,860 m).

An early flight is taken from Lukla, subject to the schedule. Depending on availability, known at booking, the flight from Lukla lands in either Kathmandu or Ramechhap. At Ramechhap, our vehicle is waiting for the 4 to 5-hour road journey to your hotel in Kathmandu. A well-earned rest and a hot shower await you at the hotel. In the evening, a farewell dinner celebrates the success of your trek. Night in Kathmandu (1,400 m).

This day is a necessary margin in case of flight delays out of Lukla. Delays are common, and a contingency day is a wise precaution. If you return on the planned schedule, the day is free for sightseeing or shopping on your own. Night in Kathmandu (1,400 m).

A representative of our local partner accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Your journey in Nepal ends today. We hope the turquoise Gokyo lakes, the Cho La pass and the view from Kala Patthar will stay with you for a long time. We will be glad to see you again in these mountains soon.