EVEREST CIRCUIT TREK
Description
Everest Circuit Trek is an ultimate 18-day adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Khumbu region in Nepal. You’ll explore traditional Sherpa villages and immerse yourself in the rich Sherpa culture, enjoying local food and discovering unique flora and fauna along the way.
Starting with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the trek takes you through the stunning Dudh Koshi river, known for its crystal-clear water and dramatic gorges. You’ll hike towards the serene turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes, passing through the traditional Sherpa villages of Dole and Machhermo. Along the way, you’ll have panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Everest. You’ll also explore the unique flora and fauna of the region, including rhododendron forests, juniper trees, and a variety of Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and snow leopards.
After exploring the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, you’ll cross the challenging Chola Pass and reach the Khumbu Valley. Here, you’ll trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp, the starting point for many mountaineers attempting to climb the highest peak in the world. You’ll also hike to the top of Kala Patthar for a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas, including the majestic Everest. The trek also includes a visit to the Tengboche Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in the region, which provides a glimpse into the spiritual life of the Sherpa people.
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Itinerary
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city and soaking in its rich cultural and historical landmarks.
You’ll start the day with a visit to the historic Pashupatinath Temple. Next, you’ll visit the impressive Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world. In the afternoon, you’ll have free day for last minute shipping in city.
After will do trek briefing and welcome dinner in typical Nepalis restaurant with cultural program.
After an early morning flight to Lukla, you’ll begin your trek by walking downhill towards Phakding. You’ll cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and enjoy views of the surrounding hills.
Today, you’ll trek to Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town that is the gateway to the Khumbu region. Along the way, you’ll hike through lush forests and cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge over the Dudh Koshi River.
Today is a rest day in Namche Bazaar to help you acclimatize to the high altitude. You can explore the town and visit the local market, which is known for its traditional handicrafts and textiles. You can also hike to the nearby Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Mount Everest.
You will trek through forests of birch, juniper, and rhododendron, with breathtaking views of the mountains. You will pass through traditional Sherpa villages and reach Dole, a small village nestled in a valley.
Flora and fauna: The forests in this area are home to the Himalayan musk deer and the elusive snow leopard. You may also spot birds like the Himalayan monal and the snow cock.
Today, you’ll continue your trek towards Machhermo. The trail leads you through the valley with stunning views of the mountains. You’ll pass through several small villages and cross the Dudh Koshi River before reaching Machhermo. This village is located at an altitude of 4,470m and is known for its yak farms. You can spend the evening exploring the village and enjoying the local cuisine.
You’ll begin your trek towards Gokyo after breakfast. The trail takes you through the scenic landscape with magnificent views of mountains and valleys. You’ll pass through several small villages and cross the Ngozumpa Glacier before reaching Gokyo, a small village located at an altitude of 4,790m. Gokyo is situated on the shore of the beautiful Gokyo Lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can spend the evening exploring the village and enjoying the local food.
Today is an acclimatization day in Gokyo, and you’ll hike to Gokyo Ri, located at an altitude of 5,360m. This hike will take you around 3-4 hours, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. After returning to Gokyo, you can spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
The trek from Gokyo Lake to Thangnak is an incredible experience that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the Khumbu region. After exploring the picturesque Gokyo lakes, we set out on our journey towards Thangnak, crossing the Nagyamba glacier, the largest glacier in the region. The trail is challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to spot the Himalayan thar, a majestic mountain goat that calls the region home. Our campsite in Thangnak is warm and cozy, providing a comfortable place to rest and recharge after a day of trekking.
It’s another early day as we set out for a challenging climb to the top of Chola Pass. We ascend slightly along the valley and the trail steepens as we approach the pass. It is an exquisite glacial pass that is covered with blue ice most of the time and the walk across the icy glacier is phenomenal. We will descend steeply down through the rock face trail all the way to Dzongla – another beautiful place with an impressive view of Cholatse as the backdrop. Overnight stay in the Tea house.
After yesterday’s difficult climb, today’s trial is a fairly manageable one. An easy 3 to 4 hours walk will take us to Lobuche – a small village situated nearby the stream and from here, you will get to see the sunset upon Nuptse which is an unforgettable sight. Along the way, be prepared to be awed by the sensational panorama view of the Himalayas. Overnight stay in the Tea house.
Another day of starting our trek extremely early! At the crack of dawn, we will leave Lobuche and along the way we’ll be able to catch the amazing view of the sun rising upon the summits of the Himalayan peaks. We’ll traverse the Khumbu Glacier on our way to Gorakshep; a dry, sandy lake bed. After a quick lunch, we’ll climb along the Khumbu Glacier at a slow but steady pace to reach Everest Base Camp. The trail is after all on a glacier and snow capped rocks hence it is harder, involving rocky dunes and moraine, formed accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris.
At the Base Camp, during the Spring Everest Expedition season, you’ll have the chance to meet climbers attempting to scale the mountain’s summit. After taking some time to admire your surroundings, we’ll make our way back down to Gorakshep, where you’ll spend the night. Overnight stay in the Tea house.
Inclusion
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (2 nights) and during the trek (7 nights).
- Round trip flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- All necessary permits and fees (National Park fees, Local Government tax, TIMS card, etc.).
- English-speaking local guide and porter(s).
- Transportation (airport transfer, trek transfer).
- All camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, and mattress).
- First aid kit and oxygen cylinder.
- Insurance for guide and porter.
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
- Visa fee for Nepal.
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, drinks, phone calls, etc.).
- Tips for guide and porter.
- Emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue).
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the included list.