Source of Image: Google
Duration
18 Days
Difficulty Level
Challenging & Technical
Destination
Nepal
Max. Altitude
5,545 m
The Everest Circuit Trekking is an adventure-packed and challenging route that takes you through OVERVIEW Everest Circuit Trekking is one of the daring, tough routes, goes through three high passes Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,340 m). Trek to Everest Circuit, takes us to the Everest Base Camp, Kalapatthar, Gokyo Valley and its sparkling blue lakes, and Gokyo Ri for awesome views of the landscapes. This route introduces trekkers to the virgin Nangpa La Valley, the Sherpa village of Marlung, and the ornately decorated monastery village of Thame. The prime attractions of this route are: Mt. Everest, and Sagarmatha National Park, designated as a World Heritage Site in 1979, much of the 1148 sq. km lies above 3000 m. The park is full of deep gorges, glaciers, huge rocks, and many different species of flora and fauna. It is the home to two other eight thousand-meter high mountains Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Cho-Oyu and prominent peaks above 6,000 m high.
After we landed at Lukla, we proceeded on our trek via the Dudh Koshi River to its source, the Gokyo Lake which is to the west of Everest Base Camp. We reach Namche Bazar, a delightful village nestled in a horseshoe-shaped valley, a trading center where the weekly market is held on Saturday, colorful and well worth seeing. It is a good place to rejuvenate after the rigors of the heights. After Namche Bazaar, we trek above the tree line and the rhododendron forests, and after a while a clear of trees, the mountains offer “gee whiz” sights in all directions, we pass herds of yaks grazing the mountain pastures with their bells chiming in the distance. We take a less-traveled road to Phortse Tenga, which lies a short distance from the traditional Sherpa village of Phortse. Then we hike up passing through Dole and Machermo before reaching Gokyo. We climb up to Gokyo Ri for the sunrise. As we cross Cho-La pass, we descend the valley toward Lobuche then gently ascend to Khumbu glacier to Everest Base Camp, up to closeup views of the Khumbu Icefall, and return to Gorakshep for another summit of Kalapattar. Thus, the magnificent viewpoint allows the closest and clearest view of Everest. Finally, this Everest Circuit Trekking is a combination of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake linked by the climb over the challenging Cho La pass. So, get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime as you explore the beautiful and rugged terrain of the Everest Circuit Trekking.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: sightseeing & cultural tour of Kathmandu
Day 3: Fly to Lukla, (altitude of 2800 m) then Trek to Phakding
Day 4: trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar at an altitude of 3,440 m
Day 5: acclimatize to the altitude and explore the delightful village of Namche,
Day 6: trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Tenga at an altitude of 3,680 m
Day 7: trek from Phortse Tenga to Machhermo at an altitude of 4,470 m,
Day 8: trek from Machhermo to Gokyo at an altitude of 4,790 m
Day 9: Gokyo – Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) Then back to Gokyo – 5 hours
Day 10 – Gokyo – Thangna (4,500 m) – 4 hours
Day 11 – Tangna – Cross Cho La Pass (5,300 m) and Trek to Dzong La (4,710 m) – 7 hours
Day 12 – Dzong La – Lobuche (4,910 m) – 4 hours
Day 13 – Lobuche – Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m) Then Back to Gorak Shep (5,170 m) – 7 hours
- Pick up and drop off at the airport.
- A tour of Kathmandu city.
- A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back.
- A hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (the hotel category will be based on your preference).
- Accommodations in lodges during the trek.
- Full board meals during the trek.
- An English-speaking trekking guide.
- Food, accommodations, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for the guide and porter.
- Trekking permits and fees for the National Park.
- All government taxes.
- A farewell dinner.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottled or boiled water, shower, etc.
- Tips for the guide and porter.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Any other expenses that aren’t mentioned in the Cost Includes section.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01, where you will arrive in Kathmandu at an altitude of 1,350 m. Upon arrival, you will be greeted warmly by the Himkala representatives, who will transfer you to your hotel. You can spend the remainder of the day resting, or if you prefer, you can visit the local market at Thamel, which is a popular tourist spot.
On Day 02, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, where you will explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and learn about the local culture, history, rituals, medieval periods’ arts, and architecture. After the city tour, you will return to your hotel in the evening for a briefing about the upcoming trekking adventure.
Day 03 starts with a flight to Lukla at an altitude of 2,800 m. The 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is a heart-stopping experience, as the small plane takes you into the Dudh Koshi Gorge. Upon arrival, you will begin the trek and reach Phakding within 3 hours. The trail will take you through the steep-sided Dudh Koshi Valley, where you will cross many streams and meander through forests of blue pine, fir, juniper, rhododendron, birch, and oak. Along the way, you will also pass mani walls, prayer wheels, and colorful prayer flags. The little farms and hamlets that you pass by are a delight, with their terraced fields separated by stone walls covered with colorful ferns and moss. You will spend the night in Phakding.
Day 04 begins with a trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar at an altitude of 3,440 m, which will take approximately 6 hours. Phakding is a small village with many lodges, usually of dormitory style: one large room with many simple wooden beds. After fueling up on an early breakfast, you will begin your trek around narrow bench lands cultivated in wheat, potatoes, radishes, and onions. The trail climbs and falls repeatedly then crosses to the other side climbing up a cleft in the canyon wall to reach Monjo (2,835 m). The trail continues to gradually climb toward the next village Jorsale (2,774 m). You can catch a glimpse of the towering ridge ahead, the Namche Bazaar in between two villages. Descending a natural stone staircase, you will pass a huge rock and drop down to cross the suspension bridge below. Continuing up the west bank through forests, the trail finally reaches the confluence of the Bhote Koshi and the Dudh Koshi. It is the west fork we follow the Swiss-funded suspension bridge, and the climb begins to Namche Bazaar. After the grueling ascent, it will be the first time you view the first sight of Mt. Everest and Lhotse. You will spend the night in Namche Bazaar.
Day 05 is a rest day, where you can acclimatize to the altitude and explore the delightful village of Namche, nestled in a hhorseshoe–shaped valley. Sherpa culture thrives in this town, and many trekkers hike up to the Sagarmatha National Park Museum to keep their legs and lungs strong. You can also visit Kunde (3,850 m), which is famous for the hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary. You will spend the night in Namche Bazaar.
Day 06 begins with a trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Tenga at an altitude of 3,680 m, which will take approximately 5 hours. Early in the morning, with renewed spirit and strength, you will set out toward the small saddle that rises to the east of town toward the Sagarmatha National Park Museum. Take the trail that contours around the ridge, high above the Dudh Koshi. You can enjoy the stunning snow peak views that emerge around every corner turn, and you may be able to spot musk deer grazing nearby. The trail drops down the ridge toward the river and continues through the forest and small villages. There is a small settlement called Pungo Tenga or Phortse Tenga, which has many water mills and a series of water-driven prayer wheels. You will spend the night in Phortse Tenga.
On day 9, we begin our trek towards Gokyo Ri, which is situated at an altitude of 5,483 meters. We will rest at Gokyo for a while and then head to Gokyo Ri if the weather conditions permit. Gokyo is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Nepal, owing to its grandeur and beauty and six beautiful lakes. While trekking towards the fifth lake, we will have a chance to capture a grand view of the mountains such as Cho-Oyu, Ghyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. We will also get to see Cho-Oyu Base Camp and the biggest Ngozumpa Glacier beyond the fifth Lake. After the great hike, we will get back to Gokyo for an overnight stay.
On day 10, we trek down to Thangna from Gokyo after capturing the great view of Gokyo. The descent will offer awesome mountain scenes and valley views. Thangna is situated at the shore of the Ngozumpa glacier and is considered the base of the Cho LaPasss. We will have an overnight stay at Thangna.
On day 11, we head towards the Cho La Pass after breakfast, ascending slightly along the valley. The rocky and precipitous region covered by ice will make you feel solitary in the wild adventurous journey, but at the same time, the panoramic view of the mountains will overlap your anxiety and revitalize you. From here, the trail further descends abruptly for an hour to Dzongla. We will have an overnight stay at Dzongla.
On day 12, the trail fluctuates gently above the glaciated lake from Dzongla and passes through the Cholatse, Taboche, and other beautiful peaks and the Chola glacier. Following the hill trail, while seizing the view of Ama Dablam, we turn towards the north and go down to the valley, which is the end of Khumbu glacier,r and reach Lobuche after a while. Lobuche may not be your ideal place to stay, but another three-hour trek to Gorakshep may exhaust you, so it is better to compromise for the night stay. We will have an overnight stay at Lobuche.
On day 17, we will fly from Lukla to Kathmandu in the early morning’s flight. Sometimes due to the vagaries of weather, the flight can be canceled or delayed. The peak scenery through the small plane’s window seems fabulous. After we land at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are transferred to the hotel. It’s now time to spend as you wish. Himkala has arranged the dinner in the Nepalese restaurant with the Nepali Cultural Show. We will have an overnight stay in Kathmandu.
On day 18, we will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport, 3 hours before you fly to your next destination.to the HotelYou are welcomed genially at the airport by Himkala representatives and transferred to the hotel. You can rest for the next day’s city tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you like to walk around, you can visit the local market, a tourist place at Thamel. Overnight at Kathmandu