Everest/Gokyo Lake Adventure

 

Everest/Gokyo Lake Adventure – 17 days

Many trekkers feel a journey to Everest is incomplete without experiencing the cultural and natural treasures of the Gokyo Valley. Visit Sherpa villages, Namche Bazaar and Buddhist retreats bedecked with colourful prayer flags. The valley is also home to some of the most unspoilt natural wonders in the Himalayas:

  • Shimmering lakes and colossal glaciers
  • Everest’s finest viewpoints with 360˚ panoramas of majestic ranges and 8,000m massifs
  • Dudh Koshi River
  • Ngojumba Glacier
  • Cho La pass
  • Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar view points
  • Sagarmatha National Park
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu

This 17-day trek is designed for adventurous trekkers looking for a more remote route to Everest Base Camp. You may also be interest in our 14-day Everest Base Camp Adventure, which can be tailored to inexperienced trekkers with average physical fitness, or young, physically fit trekkers with limited time.

 

Everest/Gokyo Lakes Adventure – 17 days

DAY 01 Kathmandu Arrival (1,300m/4,264ft)
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport (KTM), you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Adventures. After completing your customs formalities (visa, etc), collect your luggage and look for our representative holding a Himalayan Adventures display board at the arrival gate. You will then be transferred to the Hotel Shanker or a similar category hotel.

After checking in, you can take a rest, hang around in the city or visit our office – whatever takes your fancy. In the evening we will organise a welcome dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural programme as well as a fine meal. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(D).

 

DAY 02 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast, we begin a guided tour of several of the most historic and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. 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 (Boudhanath), which is one of the largest stupas in the world.

In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip briefing where you can meet the trek leader and other team members. Himalayan Adventures will tell you about the trek and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the upcoming adventure. In the evening, you might like to do any last-minute shopping for gear for the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(B)

 

DAY 03: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3–4 hrs
After breakfast, we are transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early-morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination where our trek starts. After an exciting 40-minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary airport at Lukla.

This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world, culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountain peaks. At the airport we meet the other crew members and, after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek from the prosperous village of Lukla to Phakding. To assist in acclimatisation, we only have a short hike today. However, if you are interested in additional activities, you can take an optional trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,280ft): 5–6 hrs
Our trek starts in the morning after breakfast. The walk today is pleasant, with a few short uphill and downhill sections. The trail crisscrosses the Dudh Koshi river and offers a magnificent view of Mt Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the village of Benkar. We cross more bridges and reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked in order to keep track of both trekkers and local trekking staff. A descent, followed by a gentle walk, brings us to Jorsale, the last village before Namche Bazaar.

The walk along the river bed is enjoyable and we reach the Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up towards Namche Bazaar, we get a magnificent view of Kwangde Peak and its sister peaks, Khusum Kangru, Mt Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains. We stop at Chautara to admire the view. Finally, we reach the colourful village of Namche Bazaar, the main gateway of the Khumbu region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 05: Acclimatisation Day – Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft)
This is the scheduled ‘acclimatisation’ day for this trek. Health experts always recommend that we keep active on the rest day too, rather than lazing about. We can spend the day taking a hike to Thame, visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself.

Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colourful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If you trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help you to acclimatise properly.

Our guides take us to the visitor centre near the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first ascent of Everest, and learn about Sherpa culture and the plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting trip up to Khumjung.

We climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a luxury hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, which hosts a well-known monastery containing a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School, which is at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 06: Namche Bazaar – Dole (4,110m/13,152ft): 5–6 hrs
We climb steeply out of Namche Bazaar up to the village of Kyangjuma, where we can enjoy outstanding views of Thamserku, Katenga, and Ama Dablam. The most strenuous ascent of the day is obviously to Mong La, a delightful place perched on the spur of Mt Khumbila. An ancient chorten stands at the centre of the settlement.

We stop at the top of Mong La to admire the spectacular views of surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while we have our lunch. The most outstanding feature of the trail today is the abundance of animals and plants, including wild flowers and rhododendrons. It is not unusual to spot wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer as we walk.  Our route takes us through forests, past waterfalls and over bridges to Dole, a small place with a few teahouses. Overnight in Dole.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 07: Dole – Machherma (4,470m/14,663ft): 4–5 hrs
We begin by climbing steadily up a scenic ridge above Dole, then up a steep path through thorn bushes to Lhabarma at 4,220m/13,842ft. Offering us good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku, the trail takes us through many summer settlements and the charming hamlet of Luza (4,360m/14,300ft). As we continue up from Luza, we see the Dudh Koshi valley, now a deep canyon with sheer sides.

Walking along the hillside above the thundering Dudh Koshi, we pass through some small hamlets and along sandy spurs to reach Machherma. This is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of the village before flowing into the Dudh Koshi. Machherma is where Khumbu people first sighted a yeti in 1974.

We visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital here for a lecture on altitude sickness, its prevention and treatment. It is vital to take precautions against altitude sickness while trekking at high altitudes – however, our guides are quite knowledgeable about this. Overnight in Machherma.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 08: Machharma – Gokyo (4,800m/15,744ft): 3–4 hrs
Today, we climb past a ridge chorten where we get fabulous views both down the valley and up towards Mt Kangtega, Thamserku, and north to Cho-Oyu (8,153m/26,742ft). Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes a chorten and a gentle walk brings us to Pangka (4,480m/14,694ft)), where avalanche killed 40 people in 1995.

We descend to the riverbank before beginning a steep climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba glacier. After crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo, at 4,690m/15,383ft, where we get a chance to observe the footprints of a famous lama on a stone.

At the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we become mesmerised by the shimmering sheet of turquoise blue water sparkling in the sun. Shortly afterwards, we reach the third lake; the two are linked by a surging stream. The village of Gokyo lies by the third lake, with Cho-Oyu as a mountain backdrop – a truly spectacular setting. After lunch, we explore the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. We spend the night in a teahouse with comfortable bedrooms. Overnight in Gokyo.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 09: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatisation Day
Today is a full day’s rest or an acclimatisation day but we know we should not laze about. If the weather is good, we might seize the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak) today instead of tomorrow, to enjoy the scenery from the best viewpoint of the Everest region. As we know, Gokyo is not only popular for the magnificent view from Gokyo Peak but also for its six lakes. We definitely should not miss the chance to see the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and the fifth lake (Ngozumba Tsho). About 3 km north of Gokyo is the fourth lake, with high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues to the fifth lake.

You can climb a hill at the edge of the lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. This spot is called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. Beyond the fifth lake is the Cho Oyu Base Camp. The scenery here is breathtaking – Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang seem only a stone’s throw away. From the northern end of the fifth lake there are fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and the biggest glacier of the world – the Ngozumba glacier. You may feel inspired to visit the sixth lake too, if time permits. Back to Gokyo village. Overnight at Gokyo.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 10: Hike: Gokyo Ri (5,330m/17,483ft) – Thaknak (4,750m/15,580ft): 5–6 hrs
If we did not visit Gokyo Ri yesterday, we do so today. Gokyo Ri is the highlight of this trip. Early in the morning, we hike up to Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak). It’s a steep, strenuous climb and takes 3–4 hours to reach the top, but even from the trail, the views of Gokyo village on the edge of the third lake, overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Ngozumba glacier, are mind-blowing. We are surrounded a mountain panorama which embraces Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori.

The view of the sun’s rays kissing Everest as it towers over all the surrounding peaks is different from the view at Kala Patthar, where Nuptse seems taller. Our trip to Gokyo Ri will remain with us for a lifetime. We trek down to Gokyo and after breakfast we trek to Thaknak for an overnight stop by the second lake and the Ngozumba glacier. Overnight in Thaknak.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 11: Thaknak – Cho-la Pass (5,367m/17,604 ft) – Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft):
7–8 hrs
Cho La pass is also another highlight of this trip. Today is going to be one of the tough days: the pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice make it slippery. The rocky trail runs through a ravine and climbs continuously upwards from Phedi. As we gain height, the view before us becomes increasingly captivating. We trek beside a frozen lake at the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. Notable mountains seen on the way include Kyajo Ri, Tengkangpoche, Numbur, Kangchung etc.

The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south, even as Cholatse soars on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rise sharply to our right. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt Cholatse, Mt Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the village of Pheriche far below.

Depending on how we feel, we might stop overnight at Dzongla or simply go ahead to Lobuche for the night. However, it is better to go up to Lobuche today to make our Everest Base Camp ascent easier tomorrow. Also, the lodges are better in Lobuche than in Dzongla. If we decide to continue, we climb down from Dzongla, cross a bridge and follow a grassy trail. Enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak, we eventually come to a ridge. Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku Taboche are seen looming prominently. Curving round through the wide gravelly river bed, the trail brings us to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 12: Lobuche – Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) – Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,961ft): 6–7 hrs
We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come to the Indian Army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be confusing, so we follow the lead Sherpa: every year the trail changes as a result of the movements of the glacier. The walk is quite strenuous due to the thin air at high altitude. The trail passes through boulders, moraine and streams to the base camp.

As we reach Everest Base Camp, we cannot help but admire the Everest climbers who take the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Everest Base Camp is lively and bustling during the height of the expedition season. Mountaineers’ tents stand out in bright colours against all the dull grey surroundings (especially in spring).

Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori can be seen from Base Camp but Everest itself is not visible from here. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. However, the view from Kala Patthar is more spectacular at sunset than at sunrise: as the setting sun’s rays strike the snow-capped mountains, the resulting scene is indescribable. For those trekkers who wish to continue, our guides and Sherpas arrange a hike to Kala Patthar for an amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until tomorrow. Overnight in Gorak Shep.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 10: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192 ft) – Pheriche (4,280m/14,070ft):
7–8 hrs
Today is the climax of our trip. We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar as the first light of day shines on Mt Everest. However, we need to be prepared for an early start, in the dark and cold (-10° to -14° C). Plus there is always the potential for chilly winds, which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself, emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse.

During the ascent to Kala Patthar, we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding viewpoints to take photographs. After several hours’ ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. Here we scramble up the rocky outcrop near the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. At the top, we sit on the rocks of Kala Patthar, taking in the unbelievable Himalayan panorama, our gaze wandering from one mighty massif to another.

We take as many photographs as we can and and fix the view in our mind’s eye for the rest of our lifetime. Back at Gorak Shep, we have breakfast, followed by a gradual descent down to Pheriche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Pheriche.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 14: Pheriche – Pangboche – Tengboche – Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft):
5– 6 hrs
Today is a much easier walk down to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back to the terminal moraines at Dughla and the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages of Pheriche, Orsho and Shomare. We might take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche or follow the regular trial to reach Pangboche. From Pangboche we retrace our footsteps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Debuche. We might visit the nuns at the Debuche nunnery, if that is of interest.

If we are trekking at the time of the full moon in November or December, we might get an opportunity to witness the Mani Rimdu festival in the monastery at Tengboche. Lunch is either eaten in Pangboche or later in Phunki Tenga. We continue along the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees – in springtime, the display of pink and red rhododendron flowers is dazzling. After crossing the prayer flag-festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi river, the trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge, descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colourful pheasants, etc., as we pass through the forest.

After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at of Namche Bazaar. From here, we will want to take a final, lingering look (and picture!) back towards Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. On reaching our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have a good night’s sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 12: Namche Bazaar – Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6–8 hrs
The trail descends steeply so we need to walk slowly and carefully as our shaky legs struggle with the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. Today we start to warm up in the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will soon disappear as we pass through this lovely mountain air.

Although we are travelling down by the same route, we discover completely different views. We photograph a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests and, in the distance, snow-covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages, noticing the Buddhist culture of prayer stones and prayer flags. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch our sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Our fantastic trek ends on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smiles on their faces! Overnight in Lukla.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 16: Fly back to Kathmandu
Flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning because wind can create problems for aircraft flying in the afternoon. However, sometimes flight times can be delayed due to bad weather and other reasons beyond our control. We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. You can spend the rest of the day resting and relaxing in your hotel.

If you wish to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, you can visit some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel with our guides or on your own. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, take the time to do that today! Remember, we will be enjoying a fantastic dinner together this evening to celebrate successfully completing your trek to Everest Base Camp! Overnight in Kathmandu.
(B, D)

 

DAY 17: Final Departure
We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but exchange email addresses with travelling companions and organise your photos. If you have more time, you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Adventures will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
(B)
Occasionally, internal flights to/from Lukla are delayed by a few hours or cancelled for a day or more because of bad weather. This is not especially common, but it could happen even in the best trekking season, as you know how climate change is affecting our planet. Thus, we always recommend that you add an extra night or two in Kathmandu after your trek if possible (just in case).

If everything runs smoothly, you can enjoy other activities like sightseeing, rafting, wildlife watching, shopping, as you wish in those additional days.  However, if you want to be flown out by helicopter in the case of flights being cancelled to/from Lukla, we can organise it. A helicopter costs around US$5,000 and can carry 4 people per flight.

 

What we’ve included

  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (the Hotel Shanker or another of a similar standard) with breakfast
  • 13 nights in standard lodges/teahouses in the mountains
  • Welcome and farewell dinner
  • All accommodation and meals during the trek
  • Domestic flights and airport departure taxes
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter). Their wages, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging are included.
  • Down jacket, 4 seasons sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map
  • All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS)
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

 

What isn’t included

  • Nepal visa fee (bring the correct money in US$ and two passport photographs)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, earlier return from the mountains (for whatever reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of earlier return from the mountains than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters

 

The trekking group

For the Everest/Gokyo Lakes Adventure, there will be one leader, assistant leaders (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) This arrangement ensures that should anyone in the group become unwell, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Everest/Gokyo Lakes Adventure for a group of any size, but generally have a maximum of 12 people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than 12 people, we can arrange this too

Fitness and experience
This trek in the high-altitude Everest region usually requires a maximum of 6–8 hours’ walking each day. The most challenging sections of your adventure are climbing to the high mountain and crossing Cho La (5,420m/17,782ft) and need long hours of walking. You should be prepared to walk or jog for 14km daily for 6 months before your Everest/Gokyo Lakes Adventure because you will be walking at high altitude. You will also need a positive attitude and strong determination; previous hiking/camping experience is preferred but no technical experience is needed.

 

Accommodation

All accommodation for the Everest/Gokyo Lakes Adventure is in shared twin rooms and costs are calculated on that basis. Accommodation is chosen based on standards of hygiene, service and food, location, etc. Two styles of accommodation are used during the trek. You will spend 3 nights in a 4-star hotel (the Hotel Shanker or a another hotel of a similar standard) in Kathmandu and during your trek you will spend 13 nights in standard teahouses/lodges/hotels which have unheated rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses.

We provide en suite rooms wherever possible, however teahouses/lodges in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. If you are a solo traveller, you will share a room with someone else of the same sex from your group. If you would prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and obtain single rooms on request by paying a single supplement of US$300.

On paying a single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu and single rooms are available up to Namche Bazaar during the trek. Above Namche Bazaar, single accommodation is not always feasible. However, we will do our best to provide you with single rooms wherever we can.

 

Meals

During your Everest/Gokyo Lakes Adventure, you can enjoy typical Nepalese food and different ethnic cuisines, as well as all types of international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) from pizza and chips to apple pie. You can even enjoy hot chocolate, a variety of breads and a range of drinks and snacks.

Breakfast each day will be provided from the menu of the teahouse/lodge where you spent the night. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and breakfast in the teahouse where you will spend the night. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner and breakfasts will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu.

 

Acclimatisation and AMS

Our Everest/Gokyo Lakes Adventure itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (acute mountain sickness). Going up too fast causes a medical condition which can prove fatal. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen is in the air. For example, on the summit of Kala Patthar (5,554m/18,192ft) and Everest Base Camp (5,357m/17,575ft), there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level.

It is absolutely essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatisation because our bodies need a few days to adapt to this lower-oxygen environment. Sensible planning is therefore required to minimise the risk of AMS. Himalayan Adventures assures through an acclimatisation-focused itinerary to protect you from any risk. We also advise guests with known heart, lung or blood conditions to consult their doctor before travelling.

Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Himalayan Adventure’s itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS as much as possible, but it is important to remember that some people can be more vulnerable to AMS than others. Check out “Altitude Illness” by Dr Jim Duff.

 

Your guides

The most significant element that makes your Everest/Gokyo Lakes Adventure successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek leader and the crew members who make your days in the mountain run smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of our trek leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude.

Himalayan Adventures aims to sustain local communities and only employs Nepalese staff who are knowledgeable about the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Our trek leaders also receive training in potential medical problems that may arise during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:

  • Intensive wilderness first aid
  • Trekking guide training
  • Eco trekking workshop & adventure meet
  • English language
  • Conservation and biodiversity
  • Rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering (for expedition leaders)

 

What to pack

For trekking over suspension bridges, climbing along mountain ridges and chilling out at thousands of metres high – check out our list of essential gear.

 

When to go

Autumn (mid-Sept to mid-Dec) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Everest/Gokyo Lakes Adventure. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views but the nights are cold and temperatures can fall to freezing at higher altitudes. Trekking in summer/monsoon (June, July) will be affected by rain but a summer trek could be ideal for a keen botanist. The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy the best nature has to offer.

See our departure dates and prices