Better than Base Camp

Journey to the rarely-visited upper reaches

The Mt Everest region in Nepal is famous for being one of the best high altitude trekking destinations in the World; and rightly so. Famous for views of Mt Everest (known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet), the highest mountain on Earth at 8848m and other stunning peaks, challenging trails, serene alpine forests, and the friendly Sherpa people with their rich Buddhist culture; this is trekking nirvana.

The pick of the Everest region is the Gokyo Valley. Along the valley are high altitude lakes that are sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. These sacred lakes are the destination of hundreds of pilgrims who visit the Gokyo Valley in August for the Janai Purnima festival.

from $5,870 per person, twin share

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Itinerary

Day 1

KATHMANDU 1355m

If arriving in Kathmandu today, a Back Track representative will greet and transfer you to the International Guest House. (D)

Day 2

KATHMANDU 1355m

This morning we will escort you on a private guided tour of the Hindu Pashupatinath Temple and the Buddhist Boudhanath Stupa for a fascinating glimpse of the rich religious traditions of the local inhabitants. In the early afternoon, Back Track will conduct a pre-trek briefing in our hotel. This evening we invite you to be our guest for a welcome dinner. (BD)

Day 3

RAMECHHAP 474m (6-7hrs driving time)

This morning, at a time to be advised, depart Kathmandu for the drive to Ramechhap. We will be accommodated in a hotel close to the airport. (BLD)

Day 4

PHAKDINGMA 2640m (15mins flying time, 3hrs walking)

Begin the trek with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla (2860m). After landing, we’ll meet our crew and porters before setting off on the first of two easy, leisurely days on a wide, level trail along the Dudh Kosi Valley. Our lodge is in the large Sherpa village of Phakdingma. (BLD)

Day 5

MONDZO 2815m (3hrs)

A half day walk to assist in essential acclimatisation. We pass many porters, donkeys and yaks carrying local trade goods and expedition equipment. The pine and rhododendron forests that surround the trail provide cooling shade. After lunch we do an acclimatisation walk from our lodge. (BLD)

Day 6

NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440m (3hrs)

We reach the fascinating and legendary village of Namche Bazaar, the largest village in the Khumbu area. Our lodge is a short walk from the National Park headquarters and museum. (BLD)

Day 7

REST & ACCLIMATISATION IN NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440m

We take a rest day in Namche to acclimatise to the higher altitudes. A number of impressive side treks are available. One favourite is to visit the Everest View Hotel (3880m), set high on a ridge, for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and a host of Himalayan peaks. (BLD)

Day 8

PHORTSE TENGA 3680m (4hrs)

As part of our gradual acclimatisation, today’s walk is short with minimal altitude gain but the mountain scenery, particularly in the morning, is simply stunning! From Namche Bazaar the route follows a level trail then ascends to our lunch spot at Mong La. From here the trail descends to our lodge near the Dudh Kosi River. (BLD)

Day 9

DOLE 4038m (3hrs)

Another short day to assist in acclimatisation. The trail climbs through impressive rhododendron forests before reaching yak grazing pastures and the small settlement of Dole in time for lunch. In the afternoon there will be a short walk to assist acclimatisation. (BLD)

Day 10

MACHHERMO 4470m (2.5hrs)

The trail proceeds up the Gokyo Valley with stunning scenery on both sides of the valley. Machhermo Village is reached late in the morning. In the afternoon there will be a short walk to assist acclimatisation. (BLD)

Day 11

GOKYO 4750m (4hrs)

The valley widens as we approach the snout of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. The trail levels out as we pass three lakes to reach our lodge on the shore of the third lake, called Dudh Pokhari. (BLD)

Day 12

EXPLORATION DAY IN THE GOKYO VALLEY (6-7hrs)

After an early breakfast we will head north up beside the Ngozumba Glacier. Our aim is to reach the fifth lake (4975m). There are outstanding views of Mt Everest and other peaks from here. We will take a packed lunch today and return to Gokyo by mid-afternoon. (BLD)

Day 13

GOKYO 4750m (2.5hrs)

We take an optional pre-breakfast trek up to Gokyo Ri (5357m), a small peak. The views from here rank with any that trekkers may encounter in Nepal. We get memorable views of four 8,000m peaks – Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu plus the 3 sacred lakes to the south. We return to our lodge for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax. (BLD)

Day 14

MARULUNG 4210m, via RENJO LA 5417m (7.5hrs)

We’ll make another early start due to the long day ahead. The trail skirts the northern edge of Dudh Pokhari then ascends steeply over gullies and past rock cairns. It will take about 3 hours to reach Renjo La (5417m). The glorious views from the pass include Mt Everest. Descend on stone steps to a lake before coming to a wide trail that heads south down the Bhote Kosi Valley. Pass yak grazing areas and small settlements to reach our lodge at Marulung. (BLD) Note: Crossing Renjo La will only be attempted if weather and trail conditions are ideal. There is an alternative trail available if necessary.

Day 15

NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440m (6hrs)

The trail continues to descend the Bhote Kosi Valley. After spending the previous 8 days at altitudes exceeding 4000m, we’ll appreciate the warmer conditions and increased oxygen. After reaching the picturesque village of Thame we stop in a comfortable lodge for an early lunch. After lunch we follow the Bhote Kosi down through Sherpa settlements on a well-used trail. Reach Namche by mid-afternoon. (BLD)

Day 16

SPARE DAY

A spare day is always included in our Everest itineraries in case of delays. If the trek goes according to plan, we will take a rest day in Namche. If you have the energy, a side trek to the Sherpa Villages of Kunde and Khumjung is highly recommended. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous Kunde Hospital, built and funded by the Himalayan Trust, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. In Namche itself there are numerous things to do - shopping, visiting the bakery for delicious cakes and pastries, visiting the Sherpa Museum and National Park HQ, or just relaxing. (BLD)

Day 17

PHAKDINGMA 2640m (4.5hrs)

The trekking is easier and more relaxed as we enter the lower altitudes. From Namche the trail descends rapidly to the floor of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Cross swaying suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi before reaching our lodge at Phakdingma. (BLD)

Day 18

LUKLA 2860m (3.5hrs)

Our last trekking day and it’s quite easy. Follow a trail through villages and fields before a gradual climb to Lukla. In the evening there’s a special celebration dinner followed by a ceremony to farewell our Nepali trekking crew. (BLD)

DAY 19

KATHMANDU (15mins flying time, 6-7hrs driving)

Depart early morning on the short flight to Ramechhap. If the skies are clear above the Himalaya, the views from the flight are unequalled anywhere else in the world. After landing at Ramechhap, we board our bus for the drive to Kathmandu. (BL)

Day 20

KATHMANDU

This is a free day to explore Kathmandu. This exciting, vibrant city is a favourite destination of travellers from all over the world. Kathmandu is a giant, living museum of Hindu and Buddhist art with more shrines and temples than anywhere else in the world. Our hotel is located a short walk from the narrow, winding streets of the old city. Tonight, we will dine in a nearby restaurant for a farewell dinner. (BD)

Day 21

KATHMANDU

The trip ends today after breakfast. If you are leaving Kathmandu today, you will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Pricing

From $5,870 per person, twin share

Single supplement: $140 (Kathmandu hotel nights only)

This journey has a minimum group size of 6 and a maximum group size of 14

Inclusions

Australian leader
3 hearty meals per day on the trek
Twin share, comfortable lodge accommodation throughout the trek
Note: Single rooms are not available at trekking lodges
Experienced local guides
Porterage of your gear and equipment during the trek – you only carry a day pack containing items necessary for the day
All trek crew tips
Loan of a sleeping bag, kit bag and mini crampons
4 nights B&B hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
1 night B&B hotel accommodation in Ramechhap
All National Park entry fees and trek permit fees
All local flights and road transportation within the itinerary
Arrival & departure transfers* – Kathmandu airport/tour hotel
*Included for arrival/departure up to 1-day pre-/post-tour
Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
24-hour emergency contact while on holiday

Exclusions

International flights
Passport and any visa expenses
Personal clothing and expenses
Medical expenses
Travel Insurance
Bottled water and other beverages not included with meals
Off-itinerary transfers
Additional pre-/post-tour accommodation

Team

You will be accompanied by Ray Baker, a Back Track founding Director and trek leader. For over 40 years, Ray has researched and led treks to Everest and other Himalayan regions. You’ll also be supported by an experienced team of local guides and porters. Our team is dedicated, hardworking and super friendly. They provide not only a safe trekking experience, but a fun-filled cultural interaction.

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Everest and the Sacred Lakes of Gokyo

25 March - 14 April 2025 (21 days)

Journey to the rarely-visited upper reaches

Itinerary

KATHMANDU 1355m

KATHMANDU 1355m

RAMECHHAP 474m (6-7hrs driving time)

PHAKDINGMA 2640m (15mins flying time, 3hrs walking)

MONDZO 2815m (3hrs)

NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440m (3hrs)

REST & ACCLIMATISATION IN NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440m

PHORTSE TENGA 3680m (4hrs)

DOLE 4038m (3hrs)

MACHHERMO 4470m (2.5hrs)

GOKYO 4750m (4hrs)

EXPLORATION DAY IN THE GOKYO VALLEY (6-7hrs)

GOKYO 4750m (2.5hrs)

MARULUNG 4210m, via RENJO LA 5417m (7.5hrs)

NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440m (6hrs)

SPARE DAY

PHAKDINGMA 2640m (4.5hrs)

LUKLA 2860m (3.5hrs)

KATHMANDU (15mins flying time, 6-7hrs driving)

KATHMANDU

KATHMANDU

Pricing

Inclusions

Exclusions

Team

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