Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, Gokyo Peak and Kala Pattar.

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  France - Kathmandu

  

  Flight Paris/Kathmandu. Welcome at the airport by our team, then transfer and check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day free in Kathmandu, final preparations for the trek, then first immersion in the city of the famous pagoda-roofed temples. Meals not included. Transfer: private vehicle (about 1 hour). Accommodation: hotel***. For some time now, "luggage porters" have been putting pressure at the exit of Kathmandu airport; they are becoming more and more insistent, even with our guides. The "normal" tip for this service is 100 Rps (1 €) per person.

• day 2

  Kathmandu - Lukla (2,850 m) - Phakding (2,600 m)

  

  Departure at dawn to reach the national airport. The check-in hall offers a unique atmosphere where a friendly spirit, administrative rigor, and the excitement of upcoming departures mingle, amid luggage piled up on either side of the counters. The flight to Lukla (subject to weather conditions) is one of the most beautiful you can imagine! The small plane flies along a multitude of snow-capped peaks and hills sculpted with terraced fields. From afar, you soon spot Lukla airport, perched on a small plateau. The team of porters awaits us, the loads are distributed, and we begin the trek with a gentle descent on a balcony path overlooking the Dudh Kosi. The landscape is shaped by man: villages surrounded by rice fields, chortens and stones engraved with prayers (the manis), suspension bridges over the rivers. Majestic old cedars line the route. We reach the bottom of the valley and arrive at Phakding. Walking time: about 2 to 3 hours. Elevation gain: + 100 m. Elevation loss: - 300 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 3

  Phakding - Namche Bazar (3,440 m)

  

  We appreciate the softness and greenery of the Dudh Kosi gorges. At this moderate altitude, the vegetation is still abundant; pine forests cover the steep slopes. Along the path, we discover hamlets nestled in clearings, perched above the riverbanks, or perched on small terraces. After the village of Monjo, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park ("The Mother Goddess of the Sky," the Nepali name given to Mount Everest). Created in 1976 and listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, the park covers the entire Dudh Kosi watershed, within which our route lies. By a wide path winding through the pines, we climb 500 meters above the confluence with the Bhote Kosi. Around 3100 meters, a short stop is a must to catch a glimpse of Everest in the distance. Namche, the capital of the Sherpa country, is set in a large amphitheater overlooking the gorges, facing the peaks of the Lumding Himal. The town is significant: nearly 2500 inhabitants live in well-built houses. The markets, traditional shops, and Sherpa boutiques offer a lively atmosphere. Namche Bazar has something mythical, with a unique ambiance. If the weather is clear, just before climbing up to Namche Bazar, you may catch a glimpse of Everest. Walking time: about 5 to 6 hours. Positive elevation gain: + 820 m. Negative elevation gain: - 40 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 4

  Namche Bazar - Khumjung (3,790 m)

  

  The stage is short in order to start our acclimatization to the altitude well. We will contemplate Everest by climbing a panoramic ridge above Namche Bazar. The twin walls of Thamserku and Kangtega, the slender tower of Ama Dablam (6856 m, nicknamed the Matterhorn of the Himalayas), the great south wall of Lhotse (8501 m), and the pyramid of Everest (8848 m) rise behind the silhouettes of majestic Himalayan pines. We tour the traditional villages of Khunde and Khumjung, which stretch out on a welcoming plateau nestled against the slopes of Khumbi Yul Lah (5761 m). Walking time: about 3 hours. Ascent: + 570 m. Descent: - 220 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 5

  Khumjung - Dole (4100 m)

  

  The morning begins with a magnificent traverse along a balcony path, perched 500 meters above the river. The vegetation is sparse, nothing obstructs the view of the Khumbu valley which opens up in front of us: you can clearly make out the Tengboche monastery, perched on a shoulder, behind which rises the slender prism of Ama Dablam. Further on, the horizon is closed off by the great south face of Lhotse. That is where we will arrive in a few days, but for now, we are heading towards the neighboring valley, to the west, which descends from Cho Oyu. After passing the Mong La spur (3973 m), we descend facing the village of Phortse to the stream where we find the cover of Himalayan pines again. A climb along the slope, through a sparse forest, leads to the Dole plateau. From the alpine hamlet, we enjoy a perfect view of the ice walls of Thamserku and Kangtega, overlooking the houses and fields of the village of Phortse. Walking time: about 4 hours 30 minutes. Positive elevation gain: + 510 m. Negative elevation loss: - 200 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 6

  Dole - Machhermo (4410 m)

  

  We take advantage of a short and easy stage to perfect our adaptation to the altitude. Walking slowly, taking our time, focusing on our steps and breathing are the keys to high mountain trekking. The trail rises gently through the alpine pastures, on the sunny side of the valley, facing the glacial wall of Cho Oyu (8,153 m), the border with Tibet. We cross several summer hamlets, fields, and stone-enclosed pens before stopping at Machhermo, nestled between the two moraines of a glacier that once descended from the elegant Kyajo Ri (6,186 m), towering above the lodge. Walking time: about 3 hours 30 minutes. Ascent: +320 m. Descent: -10 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 7

  Machhermo - Gokyo Lakes - Gokyo (4,790 m)

  

  From the moment we wake up, the light reflected by the glaciers and the persistent snowfields brings that unique brightness which gives altitude its charm and magic. As we leave the Machhermo valley, we can already see the moraine front of the Ngozumpa glacier, with a thickness of 300 m. We reach the small valley that borders the great river of ice on the left and continue to the Gokyo lakes, nestled against the natural dam of the moraine. In the background rise the lofty peaks of Lobuche, Cholatse, and Taboche. We settle in the village of Gokyo, on the banks of the larger of the two lakes, in the heart of an enchanting mountain setting. Walking time: about 4 to 5 hours. Elevation gain: +340 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 8

  Gokyo - Gokyo Peak (5,280 m) - Dragnak (4,690 m)

  

  In the morning, we cross the 5000-meter mark as we climb above the lake towards Gokyo Peak. From its summit, after 2 hours 30 to 3 hours of ascent, the Himalayas reveal no less than four giants of the planet: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. The south face of Cho Oyu, very close, is dripping with seracs that collapse onto the Ngozumpa glacier. The latter, 17 km long, fills the entire valley. Back in Gokyo, we enjoy a break for lunch before heading off again towards Dragnak, a hamlet located on the other side of the glacier. We descend to the marked cairn passage that allows us to safely cross a 1.5 km wide chaos of stones. Well-deserved rest at the lodge. Walking time: about 6 to 7 hours. Ascent: +630 m. Descent: -700 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 9

  Dragnak - Cho La Pass (5,420 m) - Dzongla (4,830 m)

  

  The ascent to Cho La Pass takes place in two former glacial valleys, now bare, separated by a moraine ridge. The pass, a small gap wedged between the sharp peaks of Lobuche and Cholatse, is guarded by 300 meters of steep scree, fortunately marked by a good trail. We emerge from the shadow of the west slope to come out into full light in a high mountain environment. A glacier occupies the east side of the pass; we cross it easily, pass over some polished slabs before reaching the top of the Chola Khola cirque. The view opens onto the fantastic pyramid of Ama Dablam, which will remain in sight throughout the descent to the Dzongla pastures. The lodge is beautifully located on a panoramic plateau overlooking the valley. Walking time: about 7 to 8 hours. Elevation gain: + 730 m. Elevation loss: - 590 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 10

  Dzongla - Lobuche (5018 m)

  

  Along the majestic and famous Khumbu glacier, arrival at the hamlet of Lobuche (5018 m); a short stage that allows you to recover from the previous day's ascent. Walking time: about 4 hours. Positive elevation gain: +300 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 11

  Lobuche - Everest Base Camp - Gorakshep (5,160 m)

  

  Still along the moraines of the Khumbu glacier, a chaotic path leads us to the true Everest base camp. We are at the foot of the famous "Ice Fall" that climbers use to access the much-coveted summit... Perhaps we will be lucky enough to spot a few of them. Serac falls, the grandeur of the peaks surrounding this legendary place! There is a unique atmosphere here in these fantastic landscapes. Then return by the path that descends to Gorakshep (5160 m). Walking time: about 5 hours 30 minutes. Positive elevation gain: + 400 m. Negative elevation gain: - 350 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 12

  Gorakshep - Kala Pattar (5,545 m) - Dingboche (4,530 m)

  

  Early morning departure to climb (optional) the slopes of the south face leading to the summit of Kala Pattar (5545 m). Surrounded by the highest mountains in the world, at the foot of the impressive pyramid of Pumori, fantastic views of the south col, the mandatory passage for mountaineers attempting the ascent of Everest. From the summit of Kala Pattar, we have a view of almost the entire ascent route of the highest peak in the world! We then retrace our steps to Thokla and branch off towards Dingboche, entering one of the wildest valleys of the Khumbu. Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and further away, Makalu, offer a magnificent spectacle. Steeper descent to reach Dingboche. Breathtaking view of Nupse, Pumori, and Langtren. Walking time: about 5 hours. Positive elevation gain: + 400 m. Negative elevation loss: - 1455 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening. Contrary to what one might think, it is from the summit of Kala Pattar that the view of Everest is the most beautiful; from Everest Base Camp, you cannot see the summit. Everest Base Camp remains a mythical place nonetheless.

• day 13

  Dingboche - Tengboche (3860 m)

  

  We are losing altitude and returning to more populated lands. The descent takes place on the sunny side of the valley, facing Ama Dablam and the Thamserku and Kangtega duo. Mani walls and chortens once again punctuate the path. We pass through two important villages, Pheriche and Pangboche. In the latter, nestled among pines and junipers, a monastery houses a curiosity: the scalp of a yeti! We continue our descent towards the bottom of the valley, carpeted with pines and rhododendrons, a haven for a small Himalayan ungulate, the musk deer, before climbing back up to the Tengboche monastery. Founded in 1919, it is perched on a spur, a perfect viewpoint over Ama Dablam and the great wall of Nuptse and Lhotse. Night in the lodge near the monastery. Walking time: about 4 hours. Elevation gain: + 360 m. Elevation loss: - 700 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 14

  Tengboche - Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

  The switchback trail plunges through the rhododendrons towards the gorges of the Dudh Kosi, before climbing up opposite under the Khumjung plateau, where thars (a type of Himalayan chamois) sometimes frolic among the scattered boulders on the slopes. A pleasant balcony traverse leads us to the heights above Namche Bazar, where we find the lively atmosphere of the Sherpa capital. Walking time: about 4 hours 30 minutes. Elevation gain: +450 m. Elevation loss: -870 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 15

  Namche Bazar - Lukla (2,850 m)

  

  We soon taste the gentle warmth of the lower valleys as we descend the wooded gorges of the Dudh Kosi, passing through the villages of Monjo and Phakding, before climbing back up to Lukla where we thank the team of porters. We spend our last evening in the heart of the Khumbu. Walking time: about 6 hours. Ascent: + 400 m. Descent: - 940 m. Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning - noon - evening.

• day 16

  Lukla - Kathmandu

  

  Early in the morning, the atmosphere at Lukla airport is often bustling. A small plane takes us back to Kathmandu (subject to weather conditions), where we return to our hotel in the city center. Free time for everyone to explore the city as they wish. Meals not included. Flight time: approximately 45 minutes. Accommodation: hotel***. Included meals: breakfast.

• day 17

  Kathmandu

  

  Today, if the Lukla/Kathmandu flight was able to take place the day before, you will set out to discover the Kathmandu valley accompanied by a French-speaking Nepalese guide. Visit Bhaktapur, often considered the most extraordinary "museum-city" in the entire Kathmandu valley. The most beautiful examples of civil or religious architecture can be seen around vast squares spread across different neighborhoods. Every alley, every corner preserves delicately carved brick and wooden buildings, characteristic of Nepalese art. Next, visit Boddnath, where a monumental stupa (a hemispherical-shaped building), the largest in Nepal, stands. The top of its dome is surmounted by a quadrangular tower, each face of which bears a pair of Buddha's eyes. Many monks of Tibetan origin live nearby. Lunch is free, and in the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant. Accommodation: hotel***. Meals included: morning - evening.

• day 18

  Kathmandu - return flight to France

  

  If the flight times allow, free day in Kathmandu, where we can do some last shopping or visit a few monuments. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to France. Meals not included. Accommodation: plane (meals on board). Included meals: morning.

• day 19

  France

  Arrival in France.