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Iryna
Sagarmatha National Park is an extraordinary place in the Himalayas. Here is one of the most panoramic mountain treks in the world, namely the Trek to Everest Base Camp through the Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes.
During the program you will have the opportunity to see with your own eyes four world-famous eight-thousanders - Cho Oyu (8,261 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485) and, of course, the world's largest mountain Everest or as the locals say - Sagarmatha (8,848 m).
You will climb Gokyo Ri (5,330 m) and Kala Pattar (5,645 m). For many, these peaks become the first in the life of the five-thousanders. By the way, they offer fabulous panoramas of the Khumbu Glacier and Everest!
You can do the trek only with a local Nepali guide, without the accompanying Kuluar team leader. It will be cheaper, and you will also be able to choose the dates to suit you. You need to have good travel experience, be organized and of course speak enough English to communicate with the locals.
If you doubt your experience or just don't want to be bothered with any organizational issues, join the trek with our team leader: - Trekking to Everest via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes.
Our Nepalese partner will meet you at Kathmandu airport on the first day of the program, take you to the hotel, help you change your money, buy equipment if necessary, choose a cafe and give you a tour of the city. All partners are proven by years of cooperation.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
We have a list of checked lodges and we try to book only the best ones. Where possible - with amenities in the room. In Lobuche we stay overnight at the Pyramid Hotel - with hot showers and unlimited tea. At this altitude - it really is a luxury!
In Kathmandu we stay in a good hotel, understanding that you will want maximum comfort after the trek.
Our Nepalese partner will meet you at the airport on the first day of the program and take you directly to the hotel. The guide will tell you and show you where to change money, buy souvenirs and equipment, what and where to eat.
The manager, who will advise you before the trip, has been to Nepal herself and will tell you the details from personal experience!
More than 12,000 participants have already been with Kuluar and 98.7% were satisfied. We're sure you will, too!
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and it is a must-see. Whoever is coming to Asia for the first time will definitely be shocked and surprised at the same time. After all, it is not just a city. This is a separate world with its own unique culture and history.
At the exit of the airport you will be met by our Nepalese partner, who will have a nameplate. He will take you to the hotel and orient you to the basic arrangements, and there are sure to be some. The hotel is in the heart of the tourist heart of the city, Thamel. You will have plenty of time to check in and relax. If necessary, you can buy more equipment in town.
We have an early rise today. After all, the plan is to get to Kathmandu airport and try to fly to Lukla on the same day. Due to the weather, departures and flights are often delayed for hours or even days. We hope we are lucky and will land in Lukla today.
Upon arrival in Lukla, we have a snack and then a hike to Phakding. This is more than enough for a comfortable acclimatization. Many may feel the first manifestations of being at new heights.
Travel time: 4-5 hours
At first, our path will be quite simple. In the first part we have smooth drops in altitude, which will be accompanied by deep gorges, as well as dense coniferous forests. Very soon we will discover the luxurious six-thousand meter peak Tamserku (6,608 m). After that we will reach the village of Monjo. This is where the main gate to Sagarmathi Park is located. After the village we will drop altitude quite a bit, and after that a steep climb awaits us. At the top is Namche Bazar, the local district center. We will stay here for two whole nights, which is necessary for good acclimatization. The center has banks, a colorful market where locals sell different stuff, and even a post office.
Travel time: 6-7 hours
As noted earlier, we will stay in Namche for two nights. This is because the altitude is high and the body needs more time to get used to the new conditions. Many participants may have the first symptoms of mountain sickness. It is normal. The main thing is if something bothers you - tell the guide about it in time.
We are not going to have a special rest. We will walk to Kumjung village and visit one of the local museums, where the scalp of the snowman is kept. And if the museum itself is simple and not that interesting on its own, the views on the way to it are incredible. If the weather is good, we will see Everest and Lhotse. We have lunch and after admiring the sights of the eight-thousand meter peaks we start descending to Namche.
We had good acclimatization today, so it will be much easier tomorrow.
Hiking time 8 hours
Today we will take an even higher altitude - we will overcome the 4000 m mark! The gradual ascent will be easier because on the way we will see great views of the snowy peaks of Tamserku (6,608 m), Nuptse (7,861 m) and Ama Dablan (6,814 m). Mount Ama Dablan is very, very beautiful! You will see it with your own eyes.
On our way we will meet yaks with heavy loads on their hump.
We will spend the night in the cozy village of Dole. Before resting we will do acclimatization hike again. Although it's not easy after a full day of trekking, but we advise you not to neglect such days, as your well-being at high altitudes depends on it. Stick to the golden rule: walk higher, sleep lower, and this way you will successfully acclimatize to new heights.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
We did a good job yesterday, so it's not much of a hike today. It's about 6 km and it will take us no more than 4 hours. So, already in the afternoon we will check in to one of the lodges and the second half of the day we are free. We advise to take a radial walk in the settlement or go to one of the lectures about mountain sickness. There are many of them read here, in English.
If you get bored, you can just bask in the sun and enjoy the unique scenery around you.
Once the sun goes down, it gets noticeably colder. Therefore, for the evening you will need warm clothes such as a down jacket and a hat.
Hiking time 4 hours
A rich and interesting day ahead of us. We will reach the lower 3 lakes of Gokyo - Longpong (4650 m), Taujun (4710 m), Dudh Pokhara (4750 m).
We will see 2 more upper lakes tomorrow. We will spend the night in Gokyo village.
On the shore of the latter there is Gokyo village, where we will spend the night. But that's all in the second half of the day. In the first half of the day we will have views of Cho Oyu and huge Ngozumpa glacier, which melt water fills the lakes.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Today we will visit the picturesque valley on the way to the fourth lake of Gokyo - Tonak Tsho (4,840 m).
We will definitely stop here for a photo and then continue to the fifth lake Ngozumpa Tsho (4,980 m). From here we have extraordinary views of such peaks as Everest and Cho Oyu. Near the lake we will spend some time, someone can just enjoy the unforgettable scenery, someone can meditate.
Further on we plan to go down to the village and rest.
It is not an easy day, but adaptation to the new heights is much better and easier.
Hiking time: 7-9 hours
Today is an unforgettable day for all of us. After all, we have to climb one of the local peaks, Gokyo Ri, 5,330 meters high. Yes, it's not that high compared to other Himalayan mountains, but for many, even it will be difficult. It will take a lot of effort to climb it. Technically, it is not difficult. But early awakening and going up the mountain at 5 am, lack of oxygen in the blood.
On the mountain itself we will spend almost an hour, and then go down to the lodge, have breakfast and go on. Our next stop is going to be Dragnak.
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
After climbing to the first summit with a marker over 5000m, we have the challenging Cho-La Pass to plan. Today everyone will feel what real trekking in the Himalayas is like. At the beginning the ascent to the pass will be smooth, and very soon it will go uphill sharply. And when you look at this ascent from afar, it seems unreal for ordinary man to climb it. But it only seems so. Gradually we are going to get up to the pass. And it will take about four hours. Yes, it is not easy. But this is what we came to Nepal for, right?
At the pass we are going to have a rest, lunch and start dropping altitude, and it's 500 m. It's a pity, remembering how difficult it was for us to gain altitude. But what can we do. We are going to spend the night in a small village of Dzongla in the gorge. If there is no room in the lodges here, we have to hike about 6 km to the next village Lobuche.
Hiking time is 8 hours.
We continue to gain altitude. Today we reach the valley of the Khumbu Glacier. Yes, that glacier, which is the first serious obstacle, when climbing Everest. It will be a gentle, short ascent, but when we get up, we will have fantastic views of the valley.
We will go further, and stay overnight at Pyramid Hotel. There are luxurious accommodations, hot showers, internet, and free hot tea.
The day will be easy, but interesting with new discoveries and beautiful views.
Hiking time is 8 hours
Early rise and exit to the nearest village of Gorak Shep. Another climb. Now it's a rocky trail that keeps trying to climb up and down. We were acclimatized well already, so we were not afraid of such altitude differences.
Lunch at the lodge, then we go to Everest Base Camp. We should not rest for a long time during lunch, because the weather often changes in the afternoon. It is better to get out early.
And finally we come to the Everest BC. It seems like it is very close. But we have to go down to it. Not much, only 50 m. But for the sake of the memorable photo with the plate we go down and walk there a little. At the same time we take a closer look at Khumbu glacier.
We try not to stay long, because tomorrow we have a difficult day and go to the mountain Kala-Pathar radially.
The trekking will take about 5-6 hours.
Early rise and go to the mountains as early as 3 or 4 in the morning. All in order to meet the sunrise in the mountains. It will be very cool to walk, especially frozen extremities. Therefore warm gloves, hats and down jackets are must to take. The ascent will not take long. Approximately 2 hours. We will meet the dawn on the summit at 5,645 m! Unforgettable experience is guaranteed for everyone!
As soon as the sun rises, it will be much warmer. But we are not going to stay on the mountain for a long time. We take a photo and start descending.
We will have breakfast in the lodge, then we will have a break and start our way back. So, we have already reached the key point of our route, so now it's time to go back. We will try to go as far as Pangboche, because there are a lot more benefits of civilization, which many people missed already.
Our travel time is eight hours.
Today will also be a busy and interesting day. Although the trail is familiar to us, it does not mean that we will not see something new. On the way we can look at one of the monasteries in Tyangboche, which is rightfully one of the highest in the world. There is also a popular pastry shop here. Those who want to eat delicious pastries can buy something sweet.
Overnight in Namche Bazar. The road to the settlement will be long, but interesting and fascinating. The scenery around is extraordinary!
Travel time: 9 hours.
We say goodbye to the highest peaks of the world, and soon they will be behind us. We are leaving Sagarmatha National Park again, today. It's only been a couple of weeks since we've been here, but it feels like an eternity. Because the Himalayas have conquered our hearts once and for all.
So many new discoveries and achievements! Our goal for today is Lukla. Along the way we will often meet tourists and yaks who are just discovering their way to Everest's BT, as we did 2 weeks ago. On arrival at the loggia we rest and wait for tomorrow's weather to allow us to fly to Kathmandu.
We will fly to Kathmandu today or another day, it depends on the weather. We hope that we are lucky and we will get on a plane today and will spend the night in Kathmandu.
But it can also happen that the weather will be unfavorable and we have to wait for the weather window in Lukla.
The mountain part of the trek is behind us, it's time to get to know the bustling capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. There are a lot of interesting places here. We should definitely visit the stupa of Swayambunath, or as the locals say, the Monkey Temple. You have to be vigilant here, because there are a lot of cheeky monkeys around, who are eager to steal something delicious and not only from the tourists. We will try to get to the famous temple complex Pashupatinath, where daily cremation of the remains of the dead.
If we can't fly out of Lukla the day before, that day can also be used as a backup in case of inclement weather.
This day, the previous day and the next day of the program can be used as a backup in case there is no flight from Lukla. The weather in Nepal is often unfavorable and flights are often postponed or cancelled altogether. If you don't have much time, you can use the helicopter service. Yes, it is not cheap, about $300-500. Sometimes it is the only way to get out of Lukla and make your flight home.
We recommend that you buy tickets only for evening and night flights home from Kathmandu. That way you'll have a better chance of catching it.
And for those who have more time, you can continue your journey and go to Chitwan.
Additionally after the trek you have the opportunity to go to Chitwan National Park to ride elephants through the jungle, take narrow boats on the river with crocodiles, see the dances of the local natives and much more. Allow +3 days for this at the end of the program. Our guide will help with tour arrangements. See more about Chitwan in the video:
The manager will advise you on equipment, help you choose the best flight, share information on hotels and excursions. You make payments and purchases yourself. If you want the manager to buy a ticket for you, then this is possible, but for extra money, because this is a big responsibility. More in the article: additional services and service fee
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the guide has the right to make changes to the route.
Visa to Nepal is issued directly at the border, the cost of visa for 30 days of stay - $50. Detailed instructions on how to apply here >>. To get a visa you need only a valid passport, valid for more than 6 months from the date of return flight.
To participate in the trekking you must be free of diseases incompatible with active tourism: the list here.
After trekking to Everest via the Gokyo Lakes with a local guide, we recommend the following routes:
You must buy your tickets in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the trek. It is often more convenient to fly AirArabia and FlyDubai, the cost of the flight is $500-700. Also fly Turkish Airlines, Qatar, etc., with more convenient connections, but ticket prices start at $1000 and up. Note that luggage may not be included in the original price and you will need to order an extra 20 kg at the time of purchase, or take a package at once, including 1 luggage piece. At check-in at the airport you may be asked to show your card, which was used to pay for the tickets - don't forget it!
You need to be in Kathmandu on the first day of the program during the day, time is not important. If you take the morning flight then you will have time to have a rest from the road, if necessary, go to the market to buy some equipment, change currency. Next day at about 6 am we fly to Lukla.
We recommend to take return tickets for evening flights on the 18th or the next day, as there is a possibility of delays or postponement of domestic flights.
If you plan to visit Chitwan National Park (elephant safari through the jungle, canoeing on the river with crocodiles...), add +3 days.
After purchasing tickets, send the details of your arrival/departure flights to your manager.
Use the form below to find the best flight options:
As always, we take care of all the organization and reservations, and our consultants will help with the preparation for the program, selection of air tickets and equipment.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be met at the exit of the airport by our Nepalese representative (with a nameplate or a Kuluar flag), take you to the hotel and help with check-in. If necessary, will organize a tour of the capital, will advise where to eat or buy normal equipment at the local market.
He will instruct you on the timing, give you the tickets and the necessary documents, and the next day he will arrange your transfer to the airport and flight to Lukla, where an experienced and reliable local guide (with a nameplate or shouting) will already be waiting for you. Then you begin the trek accompanied by him. He will be sure to monitor your well-being, give advice, and tell you about the route and local culture.
Programs with a local guide are cheaper and possible for virtually any date.
Participants are required to:
In classic programs, all these issues are covered by the team leader Kuluar.
To participate in the program, you need to take good insurance that is valid at altitudes up to 6,000 m, covers mountain hiking, and includes helicopter evacuation. Please do not neglect this point. It has saved some participants thousands of dollars. Our insurance recommendations can be found here: "Insurance for Kuluar ir Hikers".
Mobile communication, 3G - is available on the track up to Pangboche. For some reason, it works poorly in Lukla, but in other places it is good. In Dingboche, Fericha, Dugla, Lobuche - no connection. In Gorak Shep it reappears, weak, but it pulls.
Wi-Fi, Everest link - a system that provides good wi-fi on the entire track. It is sold by cards, is available for 200 MB, costs about 500 rupees. Attention: Internet works for 15 hours after activation, there is a binding to the device. This is a good option, not too expensive and fast. In Namche Bazaar there is free Wi-Fi in cafes.
Electricity is normal only up to Pangboche, then - solar panels. Accordingly, the prices for charging will be high, about 1000 rupees per power bank.
In Kathmandu we will stay at the Hotel Arts 4*. Standard accommodation in 2-bed rooms.
During the trek we live in lodges, which are tourist shelters with a public shower and toilet (sometimes in the room). Food we order in the same lodge where we live. Rooms are very simple, small, for 2-3 people, not heated. Of furniture there are often only beds. Beds are made with linens, but it is recommended to take your sleeping bag and sleep in it. Upon request, you can ask the hosts for a blanket. Electricity is available in almost all the loggias, but in the rooms there are rarely outlets.
There are gas showers along the whole route, but the higher you go, the worse it is. Good showers in Namche Bazaar, Pyramid and Lukla, where we try to stay in rooms with showers in the room. In the other localities, at an altitude of 4,000 m or higher, we do not recommend showers, as you can easily get sick.
On the 11th day of the trek we plan to spend the night in "The Pyramid" at an altitude of 5050m, where you can enjoy comfortable rooms, hot showers, free charging and unlimited tea/coffee and delicious food.
To better understand the living conditions, we highly recommend watching some examples of lodges from our tracks. Click on the name: a nice lodge in Namche Bazar with a shower in the room, a basic lodge in Dole - no shower and with ice in the sink, cool rooms at the Eco Resort in Gokyo, a standard lodge in Chukung, a mug of tea after a night in a room in Gorak Shep. Even if you sleep in other localities, the lodges will be about the same level.
Individual accommodations are possible for the entire program, it costs +$250. Be sure to notify the manager in advance.
The menu at all lodges is extremely varied (different types of eggs, pasta, soups, potatoes, pizza, rice). An interesting feature is that the same dishes in different lodges may be cooked differently and taste completely different! Food prices increase proportionally with altitude. On average, it will take $15-$25 per day to get a decent meal.
For an example, we recommend looking at some of the most expensive prices on the route in the village of Gokyo, and here is a folder with photos of menus and food from other lodges on the trek to Everest.
Let's face it, some people like Nepalese food a lot, but there are also those who "don't get it". Meat is usually scarce on the trek, so you can take some lard and a stick of sausage with you.
These people are porters who carry your things for money. One porter can carry no more than 24 kg. The cost of this service is about $ 20 per day, but you can take one porter for two - it will be twice cheaper! It is not customary to feel sorry for porters, no matter how much they might unload on themselves. Nor is it customary to invite them to your table. Porters have their own room in the lodges where they eat and sleep with their friends. The best thanks on your part would be a tip equal to the porter's daily wage. So prepare an extra $20-30 to tip the porter and the Nepali guide. For more details about the porter's work, see the article "Porter on the trek - to take or not to take".
As in other regions of Nepal, there are two seasons for trekking in the Himalayas, spring (mid-March to late May) and fall (mid-October to mid-December). If you go in early spring, you should be prepared for the fact that there is still a lot of snow on the pass and the approaches to the lakes, and the lakes themselves are hidden under the ice. Closer to the middle of April the first lakes will melt, the snow on the trail will remain only on the approach to the base camp. A big plus during this period is the blooming rhododendron forests, which against the background of snow-white mountains create incredible contrasting pictures. In the afternoon in spring the sky is often covered with clouds and at about 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon it may rain or snow. But by this time we usually arrive at the boat house. Also, spring is the active season for climbers of Everest and Lhotse, so the sections of the classic trail will be oooh-full of people and cargo animals. But there is an upside to this - April and May are the base camp full of life, with lots of tents and would-be climbers. Autumn is warmer, there are hardly any clouds, the snow is already melted everywhere; base camp is empty.
Most of the trek is at moderate altitudes. Temperatures will be around +20 degrees during the day and can drop to freezing at night. At the highest overnights the temperature can drop to -15 outside, and to 0...-2 in the rooms. Rains are not frequent. Characteristic weather for the mountain regions is clear mornings and cloudy evenings.
The currency of the country is the Nepalese rupee. The exchange rate is approximately 100 rupees to one dollar. It is noteworthy that Nepalis are very careless about paper money - it is quite normal to puncture a bundle of rupees with a stapler. All expenses along the route are in rupees only. Exchange about $400-500 for them before the trek. Bank cards are only accepted at some points in Kathmandu, so be sure to take cash. Also, ATM cash withdrawals are heavily restricted and charge a fee. You should buy souvenirs at the stalls in Thamel (the tourist district of Kathmandu) rather than on sightseeing tours. Always bargain with Nepalis; sometimes the price can be reduced by several times.
If you want to see the top of the world - Everest, want to spend maximum days among the Himalayan mountains, enjoy the views of Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu and other beautiful peaks - this program is for you. Also this trek will be interesting for those who want to climb higher than Elbrus - to the top of Kala Patkhar (5645 m). We will have only a couple of days on the route. Most of the time we spend among the majestic mountains and Himalayan plateaus. Take into account that this is a classic track to Everest, which is followed not only by tourists, but also by porters, yaks, the entire local population, as well as climbers to Everest, Lhotse, Island Peak. Therefore, be prepared to constantly warm up with them on the trail, especially in the spring. If you are more looking for solitude with nature, pay attention to the trek to Everest via Gokyo, trek around Annapurna or Manaslu, Langtang, Mardi Himal trek.
Due to the fact that we sleep and eat in lodges, backpacks on the route will be relatively light. In addition, there is always the possibility to hire a porter, which we strongly recommend to all participants. He will carry the main part of your things (up to 12 kg), and you will go with a small backpack, in which you will carry a warm jacket, water, documents and money. The trek to Everest base camp is not the easiest, but not the most difficult by the standards of Nepal. To participate in the program, it is desirable to have experience of previous treks or good physical fitness, so often even beginners sign up for this track. The best way to prepare for the mountain track is running (about 6-8 km 2-3 times a week), squats, cardio exercises, which will not only increase your endurance, but also train your legs for daily transitions. The better your physical shape is, the easier you will tolerate the altitude, acclimatize and enjoy the track and the landscapes around you more.
Read more about physical preparation for the hike in the article "Training before hiking in the mountains".
Everyone probably knows that Nepal is famous for extremely cheap travel gear. Well, it really is! You can buy a flicer for $5, a down jacket from $30, trekking poles from $10. But you have to understand that despite the tag - it's not branded equipment, but made somewhere in the local basements. There are stores with the original, but prices are the same as ours. In general, do not necessarily carry a whole pile of equipment from home, most you can buy cheap already on the spot. Tourist stores simply unreal number. Read more about equipment in a separate article =>>.
Total mandatory expenses not included in the price will be about $500 + airfare to Nepal ($500-700) + domestic flight ($350) It is desirable to have about $500 to spare.
WE RECOMMENDED: For 140$ you can book a porter (12 kg of luggage) for the whole trek. Those who have little hiking experience, we strongly advise ordering a porter at once and not to spoil the experience of the trek with a heavy backpack.
*Please, pay your attention: it's not the manager's task to choose a flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations, based on his experience and shares the flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airfare. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, read the terms and conditions on the page: additional services.
To reserve a place in a group, you need to pay a $300 deposit. This money is needed to make passes and hotel reservations. Methods of payment and conditions of return in case of cancellation or leaving the route here. The rest of the payment you are to give to teamleader at the first day of the program.
Friends! We kindly ask you to pick up dollar bills of 2003 and newer. Dollars from the 90's are not accepted in many countries and we sometimes have problems with local partners. Thank you for your understanding and new dollars to all:)