Kala Patthar & Gokyo Trek

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1300m/4265ft: 
Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area.  Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 02: Trek briefing in the morning and sightseeing tour of world heritage sites:
After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 03: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2610m/8560ft), 4 hrs:
Take the morning flight a thrilling experience to the dramatic airfield at Lukla (2,860m) where we are immediately in amongst the peaks. The sudden change in altitude can leave some of us quite breathless, but we descend to Chaplung (2680m) before lunch to let ourselves adapt more gradually. The afternoon is an easy introduction to the trek up the beautiful Dudh Kosi river valley, passing huge carved mane stones and prayer wheel shrines, to our night lodge at Phakding. The lodges on the first half of the trek are good: twin rooms with comfortable mattresses and nice glazed dining rooms with stoves for cold weather days.  The menus include all sorts of wholesome favorites: pasta, noodle and rice dishes with remarkably fresh vegetables, puddings and every variety of hot drinks. The lodges have the same pattern all the way up, but understandably they become a bit more simple right at the top of the trek - though still remarkably good for the location. We always select the best of the standard lodges in each night stop. O/N at Lodge in Phakding

Day 04: Trek to Namche (3440m/11283ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
Through blue pine and Rhododendron forests we continue gradually upriver to reach Monzo at the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Just beyond, after crossing the river on one of the excellent new pedestrian suspension bridges, we take lunch at one of the tea houses that line the banks at Jorsale (2775m). So far our gain in height has been barely perceptible, but the afternoon sets us a fairly tough challenge, exaggerated by the early stage of our acclimatization. Rising first to cross a marvelous bridge high above the Imja Khola, we then gradually ascend the ridge opposite. And halfway up, we should be able to look out for our first view of Everest ahead. We must also look out for pack-yaks which we will see from now on; generally good natured, we should still keep up-side of these huge beasts - avoiding a playful nudge! We arrive at Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu district capital, built within a natural amphitheatre setting surrounded by peaks, and now a thriving lodge town. O/N at Lodge in Namche

Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche:
The first of our carefully planned days to allow us to adapt naturally to gain in altitude. There is plenty to do and explore around Namche, including the Sherpa museum above the village, there is small fee, hike up to Thyamboche etc. O/N at Lodge in Namche

Day 06: Namche to Dole (4200m/13776ft), 7 hrs:
After stroll around the Namche area, today we refreshed and fairly easy to walk further on. Our walk follows on the gradual trail with few short up and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great giant snow peaks from Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde peak after a pleasant walk of two hours to a small place at Shanasa, from here and trek ascents the left side to Mongla hill and continue down to Phortse Thanga. Enjoy the walking and further few hours walk ascending will reach at Dole for overnight. A small place with few teahouses and enjoy your night at Dole. O/N at Lodge in Dole

Day 07: Dole to Machharmo (4470m/14662ft), 4 – 5 hrs:
Firstly we climb to the scenic ridge above the Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma at 4220m to Luza at 4360m. The path is steep in most places as it climbs through scrub to Lhabarma. The trail continues to climb along the side of the valley high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to reach Machharmo at 4410m. It was in Machharmo in 1974 that one of the first Yeti sightings was reported in Khumbu. There are few good condition hotels and good mountain views from Machharmo. O/N at Lodge in Machharmo

Day 08: Machharmo to Gokyo: (4790m/15711ft), 6 hrs:
Today, we climb up to the ridge and can be seen excellent view both down the valley to Khangtega and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangram at 4390m. We descend to the river bank before beginning the climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. Afterwards the trail levels out as it follows the valley past a second lake, known as Longponga at 4690m, where you'll have chance to find the Lama Foot prints on a stone. Enjoy the lake view and after an hour walk will reaches at Gokyo valley, on the edge of third lake. There are some few teahouses with comfortable bed room and after lunch explore around the nameless Lakeside, we return to Gokyo. O/N at Lodge in Gokyo

Day 09: Hike to Gokyo RI and trek to Dragnak (4700m/15416ft), 7 hrs:
This morning hike up the to Gokyo Ri for the breathtaking view of splash a sunrise top of the mountain including Mt. Everest view and many more nameless peaks. This will be unforgettable life time memories and enjoy around the top. We have a great memories and stroll back an hours to Gokyo for breakfast. We trek down to Dragnak for the overnight passing through the second lake and walk on the glacier and will reaches at Dragnak. O/N at Lodge in Dragnak

Day 10: Trek to Dzongla via Cho-la Pass (4820m/15842ft), 7 hrs:
Today, we walk in the high passes and one of the tough days to cross the Cho-la. The pass is not difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. After crossing the Cho-la pass we reach at Dzongla for overnight stop at teahouse. It has a very basic dorm room with cozy dining. Enjoy the fantastic view around the high above. O/N at Lodge in Dzongla

Day 11: Dzongla to Lobuche (4910m/16105ft), 4 hrs:
An easy half day today after the pass. The morning is short and level, contouring toward the Khumbu valley, with the amazing view of Ama Dablam to the south. Round the corner, the Khumbu glacier stretches away in front of us. We continue on the level as it comes up to meet us, and after crossing a side valley, we reach our lodge at Lobuche. Rest up in the afternoon ready for another exciting day tomorrow.  O/N at Lodge in Lobuche

Day 12: Trek to Gorakshep (5140m/16895ft) and day trip to EBC (5364m/17594ft) 6 – 7 hrs: 
Early morning walk from Lobuche alongside the view of Khumbu Glacier leads us to Gorakshep (5140m), a calm place with some lodges. We have breakfast in Gorakshep and continue ascends to the top of the edge on a steep and icy trail, finally reaching Everest Base Camp.  The view of the Khumbu Icefall and the sight of the mighty Everest (8848m) and other snow-capped peaks of the Khumbu region are wonderful to look at. After spending some time at the base camp, relishing the landscape and the atmosphere, our guide will organise a prayer and offer Lungta (Prayer flag) for good health and happiness for all the members. Later you return back to Gorakshep.
Note: Offer Lungta or prayers flag (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flag in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.
If weather is clear, we should take our chance and go up to Kalapathar for excellent closed up view of Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Sunset on Everest from here is pure magic, gold to pink catching the tips of the peaks, subtly fading with the light - worth every effort. It turns very cold after losing the sun - wrap up in everything you brought, down jacket and all. Don't forget your head-torch for the descent. O/N at Lodge in Gorakshep (EP)

Day 13: Gorakshep to Dinboche: (4410m/14465ft), 5 – 6 hrs:
After breakfast trek down to Dhugla then go straight up the hill from the bridge to reach an upper trail. Staying high above the valley floor, we pass the yak pasture at Dusa to a chorten at the head of the Imja valley. Dingboche is the only place in Khumbu where barley is grown, enjoy the scenery. O/N at Lodge in Dingboche

Day 14: Trek to Kyangjuma: (3550m/11644ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
The walk today will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation from Dingboche the walk is pleasant all the way to Kyangjuma. After the bridge our route descends following the stream towards Pangboche village, and further down to Kyangjuma is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalaya. O/N at Lodge in Kyangjuma

Day 15: Trek to Phakding (2610m/8560ft), 5 – 6 hrs:
Trek down to Phungithanka a small settlement with couple of teahouses. The trail leads downhill through the forested path of silver fir, blue Pines, Rhododendron and some few Magnolia and Birch trees. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, trek onwards to the Sanasa and trek further down to Phakding. O/N at Lodge in Phakding

Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2840m/9315ft), 3 hrs:
We trek back enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. Arrival in Lukla and you'll have time to stroll around the areas and Guide will re-confirm your flight ticket. This will be the last night with our trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s a customary), an impromptus little ceremony and always enormous Sherpa smiles. Then something of a party is inevitable. You may want to try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware; it does not taste good and is very strong. O/N at Lodge in Lukla (EP)

Day 17: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu:
The flight time to Kathmandu, are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond our command. Anyway we will fly back to Kathmandu. We will be met by representative of Basanta Adventure and transferred to hotel. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, any hire gears will be collected and your international flight tickets will be distributed. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)

Day 18: Day at leisure:
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel or explore Kathmandu city, shopping etc. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 19: Holiday extension or final departure:
Today holiday extension for another tour or transfer  to the airport for final departure. Tour concludes.