EBC Trekking via Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass – 18 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Highlighting your arrival hour at Tribhuwan International Airport, our association representatives will be there for your warm welcome with greetings and to shift you towards fine tourist standard hotel. Forward, we plan for a short meeting to discuss instructions and regulations of upcoming trek.

Day 2: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Being Kathmandu valley itself rich in cultural and historical sites, we step out today for sightseeing some major attractions aiming Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) listed in UNESCO World’s Heritage Site. After inspecting amazing spots holding different facts, we return back for our bag packs and arrangements for upcoming trek and stay in the same hotel.

Day 3: Kathmandu – Lukla to Phakding
After having early morning breakfast, our private vehicle transfers you towards Tribhuwan International Airport to catch a flight to Lukla. After (30 to 35 minutes) scenic flight over snow-capped mountains, we reach Tenzing Hillary Airport and meet our crew members there. Introduction with them along arrangements for walk consumes little time and 3 to 4 hours hike from Lukla reaches Phakding for stay overnight. 

Day 4: Phakding – Namche Bazaar
The fourth day, triggering our trek forward crossing through few suspension bridge and small settlements, we step Monjo (Gateway of Sagarmatha National Park). Finally there, we also meet check post and our guide will handle all the formalities along at that time you can enjoy the sweet hour at tea shops. From there, we pass a vertical drop crossing suspension bridges along walk uphill to reach Namche Bazaar that offers the first view of Mount Everest to you. This night we stay at lodge Namche Bazaar. 

Day 5: Namche Bazaar: (Acclimatization day)
Focusing on high altitude sickness acclimatization is very important so we have separated this day for proper acclimatization but we stay active for whole the day. We plan to visit nearby Sherpa settlements or hike up to old Sherpa village in Thame. On remaining time, Namche bazaar offers head office of the national park, Museum, Monasteries and internet cafes for relaxing. We spend this night at the same hotel in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Namche Bazaar – Dole
Today without any delay after having quick breakfast, our trial heads us towards Sansa passing through mini-settlements, rhododendron forests with amazing view of high mountains. Following Gokyo valley trial, we step the stone steps and walk towards Mong. After a small descend, following the bank of Dudh Koshi River and Sherpa settlements, we hike up to Tenga. Now, leaving the bank and walking through rhododendron forest offers Dole for stay overnight. 

Day 7: Dole – Machherma
Leaving Dole after our morning breakfast, we cross scenic rigid towards north observing the magnificent view of close peaks to step Luza. Then steep climb takes us to the terminal moraine of Ngozumba glacier (largest glacier of the Himalayan region). Continuing the trial, passing through rhododendron forests and enjoying the mountain views, we move towards Machherma. After stepping Machherma, we spend our night at Lodge. 

Day 8: Machherma – Gokyo
Leaving Machherma and climbing up the rigid along following easy flat walk will slide us to the bottom of the small rocky mountain. From there developing short climb crossing the bridge, we get first Gokyo Lake along continuous walk offers second Gokyo Lake and following the west bank of the glacier takes to third Gokyo Lake. Focusing time, we spend some hours to explore beautiful lakes and after the short walk, we find lodges to stay overnight in Gokyo. 

Day 9: Gokyo valley: (Acclimatization day)
As we are now height above 4,700 m so before ascending additional height, we have separated this second acclimatization day and we don’t develop our trek forward but we stay active. This day we spent our day by exploring the valley or climbing up to Gokyo RI to view the face of magnificent mountains. Hiking throughout glacier is also another option for the day and this night we spend the night at the lodge in the same hotel.

Day 10: Gokyo valley – Dragnak
Today quitting Gokyo valley, we develop our early morning trek forward to cross Ngozumba glacier before the sun goes stronger because sunny day melts ice and makes the trial more slippery and difficult to hike forward. After crossing the glacier, we catch its east bank and slightly descend to step Dragnak and leisure hours can be spent by hiking nearby hills. This night we stay at the lodge in Dragnak.

Day 11: Dragnak – High Chola pass to Dzonglha
This day is marvelous, we trek vertical uphill trial crossing through the small stream to reach the bottom of Chola pass. Struggling through icy, slippery and rocky spot on some area takes you to top of the Chola pass which offers a stunning view of wonderful Gokyo Lake and many flattered praying flags. After spending some hours on the top and experiencing a little difficult, we follow the icy and rocky trail to reach Dzongla for stay overnight.

Day 12: Dzongla – Lobuche
Leaving Dzongla, we step forward catching our trail and crossing Chola up to the junction where Everest base camp route meets. Continuing trial with great views of mountains and glaciers finally takes us to Lobuche. After stopping there, we hike for short distance to explore famous Khumbu glacier and after inspecting the views, we will be back to Lobuche for stay overnight.

Day 13: Lobuche – Everest base camp to Gokarshep
The thirteenth day of trip catching west bank of Khumbu Glacier, we reach junction point of two famous glaciers of Khumbu region. Walking forward ignoring the route of Kalapathar offers Everest base camp within some hours and 360° view throughout high mountains is its best offer from top elevation. We spent some hours there and descend our trek towards Gokarshep along after steeping Gokarshep, the remaining time will be spent by resting at the lodge. 

Day 14: Gokarshep – Kalapathar to Pheriche
Today early morning, we start our hike up to the viewpoint of Kalapathar aiming to reach before sunrise leaving Gokarshep. We enjoy sunrays striking on the mountains and notice that Kalapathar changing its color into golden by morning sunrays along it comes back to its original color slowly. After wasting some hours on capturing and viewing wonderful spots, we follow the same route that we had developed earlier till Pheriche and this night we stay at the lodge in Pheriche.

Day 15: Pheriche – Namche Bazaar
This day we develop our walk from vertical and flat trials, viewing yak grazing area along crossing the village of Tengboche and Dingboche to step Tengboche. We explore Tengboche monastery for short time and passing rhododendron forest with suspension bridge across Dudh Koshi River along upward hike takes to Kyangjuma crossing Sansa. Finally after that fair and easy downhill walk offers Namche Bazaar. This night will be spent at Lodge in Namche Bazaar. 

Day 16: Namche Bazaar – Lukla
We establish our morning trek through downhill towards the bridge at the junction point of Dudh Koshi River and Bhote Koshi River to descend Monjo. As before, the guide takes care of all the exit formalities on the official checkpoint and we start our walk through the bank of the river crossing several suspension bridges and pine forest to reach Phakding along after 3 to 4 hours of walk, we step Lukla. This night will be spent at the lodge in Lukla. 

Day 17: Lukla – Kathmandu
This morning is our last moment in the Himalayas. The guide takes care of all the formalities and considerations on airport and porters are there to handle your bag and luggage. Catching our flight, it holds 30 to 35 minutes to land on Tribhuwan International Airport. Our private vehicle will be there awaiting your flight to pick you up and to shift towards the fine hotel. This last night of our trip, we host special dinner in Nepalese restaurant enjoying ethnic dance and music with Nepalese dishes.

Day 18: Departure day
Last day of our trekking trip, focusing and managing flight time, you can go for shopping to buy some special gifts for your special one. Our comfort private vehicle will be there to shift you towards airport highlighting your flight time along our representatives greets you with respect and well wishes for your further steps and safe journey.  

Visa Information

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and you can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Official Papers

Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal.

Weather Information

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict.  Nights are generally cooler and days are warm.  Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February and December in Himalayan areas.

Best time to travel

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

Physical Fitness

Even though the physical fitness plays an important role in trekking you don’t have to be super athletes or a marathon runner to trek in Nepal.  Many people of good fitness for their age can complete the trek. You can prepare yourself before hand by doing some yoga which will prepare you in your breathing as you will be going to the higher altitude. Running or hiking to hills, going for a long walk will also help you. And if you live in urban area running in the stairs of a tall building will also work better in keeping you fit for trekking. All though these preparations aren’t strictly compulsory, you can do well even when the preparations you do aren’t rigorous like that of some ultra-athletic person. Do these things in moderate pace for two months or even less.  And you are set to complete any trekking to Nepal.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking is Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you to bring you travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your home land. We do not arrange or sell insurance so you can find your local travel insurance for this.

Vaccination for Nepal

All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

Booking Process

While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Marg, Kathmandu Nepal by email or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Safety Guidelines

• Do proper research about the company that you are planning to trek with and make sure they are legally registered travel agency.
• You should be well acquainted about the travel health and travel insurance before travelling.
• Have idea about the climate, geography, temperature and environment of Nepal before starting your trip.
• Using credit cards instead of cash is a wiser idea.
• Majority of the Nepalese people are nicer but there are few scammers you will come meet on your way and need to avoid them, for example ‘holy men’ who will try to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead demanding a payment for it on streets.
• Be careful while buying the medicinal herbs as some may be illegal for you t take home and also be aware of duplicate products.
• Never get yourself involve in doing drugs, trafficking and sexual relations with children as there is a strict rules for these cases and might get yourself into a big problem.
• Take copies of your passport, visa, air ticket and trekking permits and keep them separately from the originals.
• Prepare yourself for altitude sickness and be familiar with its symptoms so that you can follow the guidelines for safe acclimatization.

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country located in Southern part of Asia sharing the border with China form north and India from the south, east and west. It is especially known for its multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic diversity in unity. It is a small country with many world's most beautiful mountain ranges, art, culture, and wildlife, no wonder it is the paradise for the trekkers from all around the world. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is also known for its most unique culture and heritages which directly grabs the attention and takes you to the time of old civilization from 12th century.

What is Nepal known for?     

Nepal is mostly known for Mt.Everest, highest peak in the world. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of the Buddhist religion. Eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders are located in the country, either in whole or shared across a border with China or India. Besides that, it is also known as multi-ethnic, multiracial, multicultural, multi-religious and multilingual country. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality as there is a saying in Sanskrit  “Atithi Debo Bhaba”. (Guest are god).

How can I obtain a Visa?

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

Is the country politically safe and stable?

Nepal is one of the newly democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies, and leaders. Now Nepal has the communist government elected with 2/3 of the majority so, now it has the fully stable government it does not affect the daily life of the residents and the tourist. Life moves on, as usual, unperturbed.

When Is The Best Time To Travel?

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

What kind of weather (how cold does it get) can we expect during trekking?

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February, and December in Himalayan areas.

Are Vaccinations Required?

Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the vaccines for polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, Influenza (Flu), Japanese encephalitis, and Tuberculosis. Meantime, it is better to consult your professional doctor about your travel and he/s might recommend you properly. You can also take the suggestion of local travelers who have traveled Nepal before and know more about the required precautions. Please note that the protection that can be gained from vaccines varies from 50% to almost 100%. So remember that even if you have taken a vaccine you might still get the disease, although you will have greatly reduced your chances of getting ill.

How fit do I need to be for the trek?

You don’t have to be a super athletic person but despite the ages should be moderately fit. We recommend to running, hiking to hills and long walk as a preparation.

Are ATM booths easily available?

Yes, ATM booths are easily available around the major city area where you can use both credit and debit cards. But there are only few ATM booths on the way to your trek, so it’s better you withdraw your cash before to trek.

What type of food to expect during the trek? 

Nepal is rich in cultural diversity. Meal habits of the Nepalese vary with the ethnicity and the geographical differences. Normally, the local has a habit of taking milk/black tea in the morning, before noon take lunch after mid-day take light snacks as Khaja and Dinner in the evening. The lunch and dinner comprise Dhido (short of porridge), Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Achar (Lentil, Rice, Curry, and Pickles). However, you can have a choice of Indian/Continental/Italian/ Chinese food even in some trekking regions.

Is drinking water safe while trekking? 

Drinking water should be treated by boiling and water purification by medicine or with filtered. We suggest carrying a water purifier while trekking to be on a safe side.

Are there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course, there is tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board's Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport, Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel and so many other places. Tourist police are specially trained in English and have the detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. For security and travel related assistance, you can reach any of the officers from telephone 4-247041, 4-4268969 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?

Absolutely Nepal is safe for the traveler. Firstly, Nepal is considered as one of the peaceful countries in the world (chances are it's safer here than your home-country). Secondly, while you're on one of our trips, we take personal responsibility for your well-being, a responsibility we commit very seriously.

What about Time in Nepal?

Nepal is +5 hours 45 minutes ahead to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT: +0545). For example, when it is noon in Kathmandu, the standard time of London is 6.15am, 4.15am in Sydney, 1.15am in New York and 10.15 pm the previous night in San Francisco. The strange 15-minute difference is said to be a reflection of the exact time at the summit of Mt. Gaurishankar.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so we suggest you to do a research on the company and do the travel insurance.