
Trek from Lukla
by Chris P.
The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake and Cho La, is an amazing adventure in the Everest Region. It stitches two great treks together. With this route, you get to cross the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier and the high mountain pass of Cho La (5420m).
During the trek, you will have an amazing view of the massive peaks of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makkalu, Cholatse and Taboche. Also, from Gokyo Ri, you will have the best view of Mount Everest. Something that is normally reserved for balloonists and mountaineers. Yet, compared to the regular Everest Base Camp Trek, this route is more quiet and peaceful.
Gokyo is a small village behind the blue lake of Dudh Pokhari. The lake, the source of the river you have followed since Lukla, is regarded as sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. During Janai Purnima, hundreds of lowland Nepalis make the pilgrimage to Gokyo to ritually immerse themselves in the icy waters. This festival usually falls in August.
On the other side of the lake is a 5360m-high hill, named Gokyo Ri. This is an epic vantage point, offering the kind views over Everest that is normally reserved for balloonists or mountaineers. The path to the peak is a two hours climb to a cat’s cradle of prayer flags at the top of the hill. From the summit, you can have panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makkalu, Cholatse and Taboche, with the Ngozumpa Glacier cutting across in front like a massive tear in the landscape.
The best views are just after dawn, and the clouds tend to roll in by mid-morning. The prevailing wisdom is to start up the mountain at first light, even if it looks cloudy. You’ll often beat the fog to the top of the hill and have a perfect view over the top of the cloud banks.
Everest Base Camp is actually one of the two base camps on opposite sides of the mountain. This base camp in Nepal is on the southern side and at an altitude of 5364m. The northern base camp is in Tibet at 5150m. The camps are rudimentary campsites, used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. Climbers in South Base Camp climb the Everest via the southeast ridge. However, it is a fascinating place to see, you bring a visit to base camp during the day and sleep in a village downhill.
If you’re looking for a shorter trek in the Everest region, you might want to consider doing a part of this trek. You can do the 11-days Gokyo Lakes Trek in 11 days or the 12-days Everest Base Camp Trek.
There’s also a challenging and exciting 18-days alternative in the Everest region. With this trek, you’ll trek to the Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp and cross the three high Everest passes of Kongma La (5535m), Cho La (5330m) and Renjo La (5445m). By crossing these three passes, you trek through the five major valleys of the Everest region. Go for more info about this adventure to the Everest Region Trek [three passes].
by Chris P.
by Akunamatata
by Valcker
by Ihan K.
In Kathmandu, before and after your EBC trek, you will be staying at a 3-star hotel with a private bathroom and wifi. The hotel has a prime location, in the travellers neighbourhood Thamel. This are nearby many restaurants, trekking gear shops and supermarkets.
During your EBC trek, you will be staying at mountain lodges. North of Lukla, the lodges are broadly identical stone houses. They have small, double rooms and mostly shared bathrooms.
A hot shower and wifi are also available, for an additional fee.