16 nights
Superb scenery in one of the world's most beautiful places
NEPAL TRIP GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERSEAS COURSES HOME
PLEASE EMAIL US IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, EITHER TO BOOK OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
The Gokyo /Gokyo Ri trek starts from Lukla airstrip after a 45 minute flight from Kathmandu. We trek up the Dudh Koshi valley towards Namche Bazaar, and a little higher we branch off from the main busy trail towards the village of Phortse Tenga, finally reaching our ultimate destination at Gokyo. Gokyo, a one time yak pasture, is blessed with two beautiful high lakes. The mountain views are simply spectacular, and from a ridge above Gokyo a number of 8000 metre peaks (Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu) are visible at once as are many lesser peaks. The view of the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang (7922m) is one of the most dramatic panoramas in Khumbu.
Leaving Gokyo, we will folow a trail silimar to that used in ascent, until we reach Lukla and our return flight to Kathmandu.
THE ITINERARY
The following itinerary is for guidance only, as things are subject to change at the last minute. We will, however, endeavour to keep as close to this as possible.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet our staff and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing about the trek/tour. "D"
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing. Optional (price included) sightseeing trip to Bouddhanath, the biggest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, and then to Pashupatinath, the biggest Hindu Temple and finally to Bhaktapur, a typical Newar village where the culture has remained unchanged for many years. "B"
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,640m). Transfer to Tribhuvan airport for the flight to Lukla. The trekking starts by passing through Chaurikharka village, and makes a descent towards the Dudh Kosi Ghat (2,530m). The trail follows the right bank of the Dudh Kosi River until a tea house at Phakding is reached. This first day is short to allow for acclimatization. "B,L,D"
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). After breakfast, the trail winds along the river, crossing it at a number of points by means of wooden bridges at Benkar (2,713m), Jorsale (2,804m) and two Hillary bridges at the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi Rivers. After lunch, it is an uphill climb towards Namche Bazaar. In this important village, you will find shops, a health clinic, banks, and telephone services. "B,L,D"
Day 05: Acclimatisation day in Namche. Acclimatisation is important before trekking higher, and this is the first of two scheduled stops which allows us to gradually become used to the effects of altitude. We can spend the day taking a side trip to Thami or Khumjung, visiting the National Park Visitor Centre on the hill above Namche or resting and browsing in the shops in the town. Namche is a fascinating place simply to 'hang out' and take in the culture of the mountains, from the trading of visiting Tibetans to the stories of departing mountaineers. "B,L,D"
Day 06: Trek to Dole (4,040m). From Namche Bazaar, you will continue gradually gaining altitude. You will walk past a small airstrip at Syangboche, and then down to the villages of Khumjung and Khunde. Sir Edmund Hillary has built a school here, and in Khunde there is a hospital run by voluntary western doctors. From here, we walk down a little further, and turn left to climb stairs and then walk through the forest of birch and junipers. We will reach Phortse Tenga, a tiny village made up of only a few teahouses. It is very pleaseant looking across the valley towards the village of Phortse beautifully settled on a plateau with some farmlands. Rest at this viewpoint for a while before walking further along to the village of Dole where your tea house awaits you. "B,L,D"
Day 07: Trek to Machermo (4,410m). From Dole, the trail climbs to Labharma and Luza. The trail is steep as it ascends through scrub junipers. There are yak pastures wherever there is a flat area, but there is little or no hint of water anywhere. However, the village of Luza is situated on the riverbank and has no water problem. The trail continues to climb along side of the valley high above the river and then crosses the sandy slopes before finally reaching the village of Machermo. This is the village where it is believed that a Yeti killed several yaks and attacked Sherpa women. "B,L,D"
Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4,750m). From Machermo, it is a steep climb up the moraine and alongside a stream before arriving at a small lake. Now the valley widens as the trail passes through the Fangka settlement, and then descends to the river bank before beginning the climb on to the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa glacier. The trail levels off as it follows the valley past the second lake and finally up the jumble of rocks and boulders to reach the lovely and isolated Gokyo Lake. "B,L,D"
Day 09: Day hike to Gokyo Ri (5,480m). You have the opportunity to ascend Gokyo Ri, and have a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy stunning Himalayan scenery from the summit. Alternatiely, you may wish to spend time just exploring around the area, taking in the magnificent vews from a variety of vantage points. "B,L,D"
Day 10: Gokyo- Phortse Village (3,680m). After exploring in the Gokyo region you now walk to Phortse. The route to Phortse retraces the upward journey to Pangka, then turns east and climbs across the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier to Na (4,400m), the only year-round settlement in the valley. The trail eventually entering Phortse Village (3,680m) for the overnight stay. "B,L,D"
Day 11: Phortse Village -Tengboche (3,870m). The trail slightly descends to Dudh Kosi River then a steep ascent brings you to the world famous Tengboche monastery. From here, there are tremendous views of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest and other equally impressive snow-clad peaks. "B,L,D"
Day 12: Trek to Monjo. Walking down from the monastery you reach Phunki Tenga. The trail now climbs a little, and once you are out of the forest you will be walking along a ridge from where you can see some of the deepest gorges in Nepal. You pass though Namche Bazaar and trek further down for about an hour to reach Monjo. "B,L,D"
Day 13: Trek to Lukla. The trek back to Lukla takes about 5-6 hours, and as ever the scenery is constantly changing. This will be the last true 'trekking' night, so a farewell dinner party will be arranged where, should you wish (and if you haven't already!), you can also try two local alcoholic beverages 'Chang' and 'Rakshi.' "B,L,D"
Day 14: Flight to Kathmandu. After breakfast, your trekking crews will help you carry your duffel bags to the airport and bid adieu for the last time. Our representative in Lukla will make all the arrangements for your flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. "B"
Day 15: Kathmandu at leisure. Free day to spend as you wish. This day is also a useful back-up in case our flight from Luka is delayed due to bad weather."B"
Day 16: Kathmandu at leisure. Free day. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner. "B,D"
Day 17: Depart Kathmandu. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure from Kathmandu. "B"
PRE-TRIP MEETING.
We wll be offering at least one informal pre-trip meeting, at a date and location to suit group members. This will be so that everyone can get together and meet prior to the trip, at a place where we can walk or climb, as well as having a meal and a beer or two in the evening.
FLIGHTS
This trip is priced excluding international flights. This is to allow a flexible approach for anyone wishing to travel out early, stay on later, or join from another country. We will, however, give you full help and guidance in booking an appropriate flight, and this often means that many of the team will travel together. Further details will be supplied with your booking confirmation, but as a guideline you should allow a cost of around £600 for a return flight from the UK.
COST
The cost for the trip KTM-KTM is £1050.
To book, enquire about availability or for further information, please email Pete or call 01340 871071.
START DATES:
2008: September 14th.
2009: March 1st, September 13th.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off.
Welcome and farewell dinners.
3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Sightseeing with English speaking guide.
Sightseeing entry fee and transport.
Return internal flights to Lukla.
Tea House accommodation during the trek.
Highly experienced and first-aid trained English speaking trekking guide.
Transport by private coach.
Meals as detailed above (B,L,D).
Conservation permit.
Trekking registration certificate.
Required numbers of porters including insurance and equipment.
Meals/accommodation/salary/insurance/equipment for guide/cook/porters.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights.
Personal trekking equipment.
Meals other than mentioned above.
Drinks and bar bill.
Tipping.
Personal insurance, emergency evacuation insurance and visas.
Airport departure taxes.
Any other things that are not mentioned in 'included'.