Everest Trek + Gokyo Lakes & Cho La

Season

October to November, March to May

Duration

17 days trekking (24 days total including travel from UK & time in Kathmandu)

Grade

Strenuous

Type

Teahouse

Guide Book

Trekking in the Everest Region by Jamie McGuinness (Trailblazer)

Suggested Map

Khumbu Himal, Map No. 02 (1:50000) by Schneider Nepal Maps

Summary

A teahouse trek to the base camp of Everest including a circuit route via the intensely scenic Gokyo Lakes and crossing the Cho La pass. Starts and ends at Lukla airport, reached by a single flight from Kathmandu. Gains & maintains high altitude quickly so risk of AMS if not acclimatising properly.

Highlights

Big & famous mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu & Ama Dablam.
Gokyo lakes & the less crowded Ngozumpa valley
Ascending the 5500+m peaks of Kala Pattar & Gokyo Ri for Himalayan views
Crossing the Cho La pass
Khumbu Icefall & Everest Base Camp
Sherpa people & culture

Challenges

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) caused by low oxygen at higher altitude
Cold weather - extra clothing can be bought at Namche Bazaar if short
Snow & Ice, esp. over Cho La pass, may need crampons (can be hired in K'du)
Flight cancellations due to bad weather (offset by many flights per day)
More touristy than some other treks (although quieter in Gokyo valley)
Dysentery - a common affliction in Nepal!

Maximum Altitude

5600m (Kala Pattar)

Max Sleeping Altitude

5170m (Gorak Shep)

AMS Prevention

Ways to reduce risk of suffering from AMS:
Ascend slowly, approx 300m per day above 3000m
Take strategic “rest” days
Take Diamox to aid acclimatisation (buy in Kathmandu)
Be honest about symptoms and don't mask with painkillers
Split into smaller groups & travel at different rates if required

Domestic Flights

Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu (1 way on Yeti Airlines = $95)

Taxis/Buses

Taxi between hotel & Kathmandu airport (approx $4 per taxi 1 way)

Permits

Sagarmartha National Park fee in 2005 was 1000 Rs ($14). Paid at the park entrance

Spending (2005)

Visa: $30
Park Fee: $14
Lodging & food while on trek: min $10 per day
Kathmandu cost (depends on hotel quality, booze etc.): c. $30 - $50 per day
Domestic flights: $190
Taxis: $10
Departure tax: 1695 NRs ($24)
Approx spending for trip (excluding gifts & contingency): $650