Trek Gokyo and Kala Patthar
1 420,00 €
The Lukla flight that takes us to the Gateway to Everest is in itself an adventure. We then venture up the Khumbu to reach the amazingly beautiful and pristine Gokyo Lakes before climbing further up to Kala Patthar for the best views of Everest and the other eight thousanders.
Gokyo Lakes and Kala Patthar via the Cho La Pass
After a spectacular 45-minute flight gazing at the Himalayan peaks, we land at the world-famous Lukla Airport. We are now in Khumbu in the Everest region, ready to start the trek. The trek takes us to another well-known destination, Namche Bazaar (3,440m), a trading village between Tibet and the Sherpa country. We take a one-day break for acclimatisation. Then we climb up the Dudh Koshi to reach the Gokyo lakes at the foot of Cho Oyu and its glaciers. We hike up to the Cho La Pass close to the peaks. The journey is marked by beautiful villages of dry-stone houses, countless manis (stone inscriptions), stupas, and monasteries that seem suspended in the air blessed by three 8000m peaks: Everest (8,848 m.), Makalu (8,475 m.), Lhotse (8,383 m.) besides the lesser peaks of Pumori (7,145m.), Nuptse (7,879m.), Ama Dablam (6,856m.) and others.
- Nepal Country
- Hiking and trekking Thématique
- Difficult Difficulté
- 18 days Duration
- 14 days Hiking days
- 5 545 m Max. altitude
- Yes Guide
- Hôtel, Lodge Hébergement
- Kathmandu. Welcome and transfer to the hotel → Ramechhap, Drive to Kathmandu Departure / Arrival
- Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu Domestic flights
Scheduled departures
- 20 Mar. 4 Apr. 2027 Planned 1 420 € per person
- 11 Apr. 28 Apr. 2027 Planned 1 420 € per person
- 25 Apr. 12 May 2027 Planned 1 420 € per person
- 10 Oct. 27 Oct. 2027 Planned 1 420 € per person
- 17 Oct. 2027 Planned 1 420 € per person
- 31 Oct. 17 Nov. 2027 Planned 1 420 € per person
Itinerary
Welcome at Kathmandu airport and transfer to the Holy Himalaya hotel. Meet the team and prepare for the trek.
Free meals
After having been able to rest and make the last preparations, we will leave at the end of the morning for Ramecchap, the airport from which all flights to Lukla airport are now made. Since the bad weather at the end of September 2024, this road having been badly damaged (12 km were washed away) we can no longer get there at night in 4 hours but we have to drive during the day for about 6-7 hours
Free meals
The early morning flight to Lukla offers a panoramic view of the eastern part of the Himalayas; Langtang, Gauri, Shanker, Numbur, Manglungtse, and finally Everest appear during this 45-minute flight. At Lukla (2700 m), the Sherpas are waiting for us with the equipment. The trek begins with a short descent to the Dudh Khosi valley. From the village of Chaunrikarka (2621 m), the trail heads north through Sherpa villages where wheat, potatoes, corn and vegetables are grown. We cross the Dudh Khosi on a suspended wooden bridge.
This day begins with a walk along the DudhKosi. The path climbs gently. Several times, we cross the river, pass the village of Jorsale (2805 m) and then begin a steep climb to Namche Bazar. Half an hour later, we can see Everest. We arrive in Namche early enough to discover this famous Sherpa village and its inhabitants. Some Tibetan shops and traders sell jewelry and handicrafts from Tibet. Every week, a large market is held in Namche where the farmers from the surrounding area sell their harvests of wheat, corn, millet, etc.
Acclimatization and rest day in Namche (3440 m). The opportunity for us to go on an excursion to the beautiful Sherpa village of Khumjung and discover its monastery.
We climb above Namche Bazar by a gently sloping path on the mountainside to the Mong Pass, with views of Ama Dablam and Kantega, two of the most spectacular peaks in Nepal. We then descend to Phortse-Tenga at 3600 m on the banks of the Milky River (Dudh – Koshi).
We climb steeply through rhododendrons, junipers, then conifers. We pass through the alpine villages of Tongba (3960 m), Gyele (3960 m), and Lhabarma (4220 m). The view of Khumbila and Tawoché is magnificent throughout the day.
Gradual climb to a sumptuous view of Cho Oyu, which peaks at 8135 m, a fortress of snow and ice. We pass Pangka at 4390 m, then begin the descent towards the river before going up the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. We reach a first turquoise lake located at 4720 m. A few minutes later, discovery of a second lake at 4690 m, then we arrive at Lake Gokyo at 4750 m, impressive by its beauty (photo on the first page).
This morning, we discover the most beautiful panorama of the entire Everest region from the Gokyo Ri. From the summit, the spectacle is unforgettable, the highest peaks of the Earth are there: Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cholaste and Tawachee. We descend to Thagnak (4,700 m).
Early in the morning, we leave for the ascent of Cho La, the most difficult day of the trek. But the reward at the top of the pass is worth all the difficulties in the world: the view is breathtaking! We descend to Dzonghla.
Easy day of walking to reach Lobuche (rest day and buffer)
Easy day walk to reach Gorakshep and for those who wish to go to the historic Everest base camp along the Khumbhu glacier
Departure very early in the morning to enjoy the view. The climb is quite steep up to KalaPattar. We are in the heart of a huge amphitheater surrounded by the highest and most prestigious peaks in the world. Mineral universe of the high mountains. Then we begin the long descent to go to sleep in Pheriche
Long day of walking following the Imja Khola via Pangboche before going back up to Namche We go down to Phungi Tenga through a forest of pines, firs, rhododendrons etc. Afterwards, the climb is gradual.
Descent to the Imja Tse Khola bridge and arrival in Monjo. Throughout the day, we enjoy a breathtaking view of all the surrounding mountains.
On a clear day, the view of the Himalayan range is superb. Transfer to the hotel from Ramechhap (5 to 7 hours depending on road conditions).
Free meals.
Safety day, kept in reserve in case of delayed Lukla flights. If not needed, sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley with a French-speaking cultural guide and private vehicle.
Meals not included.
Transfer to Kathmandu international airport for your return flight.
Practical Info
– Walking times are approximate because they depend on the groups, photos and stops. As for the elevation differences, they are also general indications and not GPS readings. – Depending on the weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
What is included
- All transfers by private vehicle according to itinerary including bus/car to Ramechhap
- 1 night in Guest House in Ramechap on half-board
- 3 nights at the Holy Himalaya hotel or similar in Kathmandu on BB
- Full-board trek in Lodge
- English-Speaking guide for the trekking + flights
- One day of guided tours in Kathmandu with vehicle.
- Trekking team: assistant (from 4), porters for the entire trek.
- Luggage carrying up to 12 kg/person during the trek
- Sagarmatha & Khumbu Villages Community Tax trek permit
- Tourist taxes per room at Khumbhu
- Staff insurance
What is not included
- Meals in Kathmandu, excluding breakfast
- Entrance fees to sites during visits
- Nepal visa to be obtained at the airport ($50 + photo).
- International flight
- Repatriation insurance + rescue and search required
- Tips, personal expenses, equipment, drinks, etc.
- Carrying baggage exceeding 13 kg & cargo of the domestic flight over 15 kg (hold + hand luggage), $1 per additional kg
- Supplement for Ramechhap
- Lukla – Ramechhap flights 510 $ / person
- Helicopter supplement in case of domestic flight cancellation (approximately $350 extra)/person one way
- Supplement per single room for 3 nights in a hotel: 88$
FAQ
From the very first days the atmosphere changes: crisp air, majestic peaks, perched villages, everything reminds you that you are in one of the world’s finest high-mountain settings. This trek offers continuous immersion in the Himalayan world, with no significant descent, reinforcing the feeling of moving through a vertical world. The highlight of the route is crossing the Cho La pass at 5,300 m, a true gateway between the Gokyo valley and the Everest valley. This glacier crossing, spectacular without being too technical, is one of the finest passes in Nepal, surrounded by walls of ice and sharp peaks. An unforgettable high crossing for fit hikers.
Stage after stage, Sherpa culture reveals all its richness. Namche Bazaar, the informal capital of Sherpa country, offers a snapshot of life at altitude, with colourful markets and dry-stone houses. Further on, Khumjung is a preserved village nestled against the mountain, while Tengboche and its monastery perched at 3,860 m immerse walkers in a rare spiritual atmosphere. These stops are opportunities to discover life at altitude, Tibetan customs and the warmth of the inhabitants, between sincere hospitality and Buddhist rituals. The trek becomes as much a human experience as a sporting one, with each village a step towards the essential.
This circuit combines two major Himalayan objectives in a single two-week trek: the approach to Everest Base Camp and the ascent of Kala Patthar, a viewpoint renowned as the best place to see Everest and its iconic black pyramid. Reaching these legendary places on foot, following in the footsteps of the great expeditions, is a unique emotion. From Gorakshep, the last stop before the summit, the early-morning climb of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) brings an unforgettable reward: sunrise over Everest, Nuptse and Pumori, in a suspended silence. A rare, powerful moment that stays with every hiker.
At the heart of the Khumbu massif, the Gokyo lakes are one of Nepal’s natural jewels. Perched at over 4,700 metres, these intensely blue lakes sparkle at the foot of the Cho Oyu glaciers. But it is from the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) that the magic truly happens: a 360° panorama over the highest peaks of the Himalaya, from Everest to Makalu, via Lhotse and Cho Oyu. This viewpoint is often cited as the most beautiful in Nepal, embracing the entire Himalayan range in one clear sweep. For many, Gokyo Ri even surpasses Kala Patthar in visual intensity – a suspended moment, both physical and contemplative.
