General trip description

Trek route: Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazar, Gokyo, Cho la, Everest BC, Kongma la, Chukung, Namche Bazar, Lukla, Kathmandu

In this trip you start with a spectacular flight to an altitude of 2800m in a small STOL aircraft. You trek across very good trails, though little mountain villages, deep, green valley’s, across suspension bridges and wild rivers up to cold alpine area’s. From Namche Bazar, the main trade center with all tourist facilities, you trek through wide valleys to Gokyo, still across good trails. Gokyo is build next to Gokyo Ri and several lakes. Behind Gokyo the scenery becomes wilder where the trails may not be visible anymore. Ngozumpa-Tse is a short but rough climb across rocks and perhaps snow. By crossing a moraine glacier and you will reach the base of Cho La. This is a steep climb across rocks and perhaps snow. The rocky descent ends in a wide, grassy valley from where good trails lead to Gorak Shep. The last part to Kala Patthar and Mt Everest BC may be a tiring walk across unstable moraines with many different paths and many ups and downs. Mt Everest base camp is built on a rocky glacier just near the Khumbu Ice Fall. Kongma La is a last steep climb across small sandy trails and big rocks. From here you will descent to Chukung valley and further down to Namche Bazar across good, sandy and grassy trails. The slopes in this trip can be steep so now and then. Landslides and falling rocks are possible at certain stages.

Team composition

This trek is organized in classic expedition style only or in combination with lodge style. Classic expedition style means that camps will be established (at camp sites) along the trails. Simple guesthouses may be available and used, too.

Within our full trekking service - package, the trek is led by an experienced Nepalese trekking leader, supported by a team of Sherpa’s, cooks and porters or yaks. The trekking leader has managed many treks & expeditions and knows the route very well. The trekking leader and the Sherpa’s lead the way and establish al camps. A strong team of porters or yaks carries all equipment & food. Check the different, available service packages to see what is included and not included.

Well developed and proven trekking and acclimatization schedules with sufficient rest & acclimatization days guarantee the safety and the highest chance to reach the different goals in this trek. The strategy and all options will be discussed on the way.

Minimum / maximum group size:
- Private treks: no limit
- Fixed departure treks: minimum 3 members / maximum:12 members

Experience & skills

This trek does not require specific experience or skills, although you should feel comfortable walking on steep, rocky, slippery and unstable terrain. Crossing high passes may involve some scrambling across rock and snow sections.

This trek is open for anybody who is fit. View the trip’s difficulty for more details. However, as you’re part of a group during demanding activities, you must prepare yourself for working and living in and with a group of people who share the same, common goal! An easy going, flexible attitude is a must.

Equipment list

After booking all members will receive a final equipment list detailing all necessary clothing and (climbing) equipment to be individually provided. You may download an example list on this page (right top).

Best season, climate, temperatures

Indication of best seasons to make this trip (stable weather and clear views):
- Spring: March, April, May
- Autumn: October, November, December

Indication of temperatures: (depending on weather conditions)
- Below 5000m varying from: Day time: +10ºC / +30ºC. Night time: -5ºC / +15ºC
- Above 5000m varying from: Day time: -5ºC / +10ºC. Night time: -8ºC / -15ºC

Rain may be expected in the lower areas from Lukla to Namche Bazar. Mountain storms are unpredictable and can arise quickly, changing trekking conditions dramatically. Rain, snow and strong winds are always possible.