Gokyo, Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp as a group
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration20 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationEverest / Gokyo Ri
-
AgeFrom the age of 18
-
CO₂-Emissions335.88 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
In a few words
Discover our treks in Nepal featuring the must-see sights of the Khumbu region: the Gokyo Lakes, the panoramic views of Everest from Kala Patthar, and the legendary Everest Base Camp! From Kathmandu, we fly to Lukla, high in the Solu Khumbu, Sherpa country. We trek up the Dudh Khosi Valley to Namche Bazaar, the region's commercial hub. We soon leave the "classic" Everest Base Camp trail to ascend the Gokyo Valley, with Cho Oyu (8,201 m) as our backdrop. The most adventurous can climb Gokyo Ri, a splendid viewpoint overlooking the massif, offering breathtaking views of the highest peaks on Earth: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu... Crossing the famous Cho La pass (5420 m), between scree slopes and glacier, then leads back to the route to Everest Base Camp, located at the end of the vast Khumbu Valley. The icing on the cake before descending: the ascent of Kala Patthar (5600 m), from where we can enjoy one of the most beautiful mountain panoramas in the world... A must for all mountain hiking enthusiasts!
The highlights
-
The breathtaking panoramas of Kala Pattar and Gokyo Ri
-
Balanced stages for a successful ascent to Everest Base Camp
-
The Gokyo lakes, at the foot of Cho Oyu
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average daily elevation gain: 531 m
- Average daily descent: 526 m
Management
French
Program
-
Paris - Kathmandu
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Paris during the day. Flight with a stopover to Kathmandu.Day 1 -
Kathmandu
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Kathmandu. We are met at the airport by our guide who accompanies us to the hotel. Free afternoon to rest and prepare our belongings for the trek. In the late afternoon, briefing and welcome dinner.Day 2 -
Kathmandu - Lukla (2860 m) - Phakding (2610 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 630 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Domestic flight Kathmandu – Lukla (45 min) or transfer to Ramechhap by road (4-5 hours) then flight to Lukla (20 min)
This flight, which skirts the Himalayas with magnificent views of its peaks, is only operated in good weather conditions. Therefore, depending on the weather or due to congestion at Kathmandu airport (it shares the same runway for international and domestic flights), the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) may decide to operate all flights to Lukla from Kathmandu airport, or from Ramechhap airport (in which case, departure from Kathmandu between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., with breakfast served en route).
Upon arrival in Lukla we meet the local team who will accompany us on this trek and begin the walk to reach Phakding, the first stage.
Day 3 -
Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1350 m
- Negative elevation 540 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We travel up the Dudh Koshi valley from one bank to the other and enter Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale. We continue upstream to its confluence with the Bhote Koshi before tackling a fairly steep climb that leads to Namche Bazaar, the capital of Sherpa country. This former trading post has become a veritable city thanks to tourism revenue, particularly from Everest expeditions.Day 4 -
Namche Bazaar - Khumjung - Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Acclimatization day in the Sherpa capital. We set off for a half-day trek in the highlands above Namche Bazaar towards the villages of Khunde or Khumjung (3780 m), alpine meadows offering our first glimpses of the Himalayan range. We take the opportunity to visit the clinic and school founded by Hillary. Free afternoon in Namche Bazaar. At the end of the day, for those who wish, we can hike to the Namche ridges to watch the sunset over Ama Dablam and Everest.Day 5 -
Namche Bazaar - Dole (4110 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 670 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We follow the right bank of the Dudh Koshi valley, discovering the longest "mani" (rock walls engraved with prayers) in the Khumbu region. We then climb to the village of Mong before returning to the right bank of the river. A final ascent takes us to Dhole.Day 6 -
Dole - Machermo (4470 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 420 m
- Negative elevation 40 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We follow the valley flowing from Cho Oyu towards the Gokyo Lakes, encountering numerous yaks along the way. For better acclimatization, we can climb a small promontory above Machermo, from where we have a fabulous view of Everest.Day 7 -
Machermo - Gokyo (4790 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A steady climb leads to the Gokyo Lakes valley, offering splendid views of the mountains surrounding the Ngozumba Glacier, one of the largest in the Himalayas. We can now see Cho Oyu (8,135 m). We pass Pangka and descend to the river before reaching the glacier's moraine. We pass the first lakes before arriving at Gokyo Lake, at an altitude of 4,750 m. We settle into the lodge. In the afternoon, we can climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), from which it is possible to admire four 8,000-meter peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu!Day 8 -
Gokyo - Gokyo Ri (5357 m) - Dragnag (4690 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For the most motivated, an early start is in order to climb Gokyo Ri and witness the sunrise from the roof of the world. Afterwards, a short day is perfect for recovering before tackling Cho La. We cross the beautiful moraine of Gokyo, which offers a superb view of the north face of Cho Oyu.Day 9 -
Dragnag - Cho La (5350 m) - Dzongla (4840 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 770 m
- Negative elevation 640 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A gradual climb, then steep, leads to Cho La in 4 hours. The pass offers a beautiful glacial atmosphere at the foot of the Lobuche peaks. After a 30-minute descent on almost flat terrain (often snow-covered), the panorama is phenomenal. The descent to Dzongla is steep for the first 200 meters. Arrival at Dzongla is quick.Day 10 -
Dzongla - Lobuche (4940 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 220 m
- Negative elevation 140 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful day offering lovely views. We descend the Chola Khola before gently climbing back up to the last pastures at the foot of the Khumbu glacier.Day 11 -
Lobuche - Everest Base Camp (5300 m) - Gorak Shep (5164 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 265 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We've now crossed the 5,000-meter mark! We follow the moraine along a relatively easy path, where slow walking is now the only option given the high altitude. Beyond Gorak Shep, the trail continues to 5,300 meters, where the legendary Everest Base Camp is located! After soaking up the unique atmosphere of this place, we retrace our steps back to Gorak Shep, where we'll spend the night. Note: The round trip to Everest Base Camp is optional. For those who wish, it's possible to end the day at Gorak Shep.Day 12 -
Gorak Shep – Kala Pattar (5600 m) – Dingboche (4410 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early start to the morning for the ascent of Kala Pattar, the "hill" overlooking Gorak Shep. The trail is steep but not difficult, although the altitude necessitates a very slow pace... A definite effort, but well worth it upon reaching the summit: before our eyes, one of the most famous mountain panoramas in the world, with the most beautiful view imaginable of Sagarmatha, the queen of all mountains! We then return to Gorak Shep for a short rest before continuing our descent down the valley on the left bank. We finally enter the Imja Khola valley, which leads to Chhukung and, higher up, the popular Imja Tse, better known as "Island Peak." The day ends in Dingboche, one of the most authentic villages in the region.Day 13 -
Dingboche - Pangboche (3980 m) - Tengboche (3860 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We follow the Imja Khola valley, facing the magnificent Ama Dablam, until we reach the Khumbu valley. After the confluence, the trail plunges into the forest, and at the end of the day, we climb a short ascent to Tengboche, famous for its monastery. We visit the monastery and then have the rest of the day free to admire the sunset over the Everest massif, a truly magnificent sight from this vantage point.Day 14 -
Tengboche - Namche Bazaar - Monjo (2835 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We descend through rhododendron forests to reach the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, then walk along a balcony trail that climbs to the heights of the right bank. Rounding a ridge, we arrive at Namche Bazaar, where we stop for lunch before continuing the descent to Monjo.Day 15 -
Monjo - Lukla
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Last day of walking to reach Lukla. Free evening in Lukla.Day 16 -
Lukla - Ramechhap - Kathmandu
- Transportation Plane - 05h - 135km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Ramechhap airport, then drive to Kathmandu. Arrival in the evening.
Note: The Lukla-Ramechhap flight is subject to weather conditions. It may be delayed or cancelled. To mitigate this possibility, we have scheduled a day of free time in Kathmandu the following day.
Day 17 -
Kathmandu
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A free day in the Nepalese capital. From the hotel, you can explore the Thamel tourist district, the old city, and Durbar Square, with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical monuments, on foot. The historical sites of the Kathmandu Valley are also accessible by taxi.
- "Kathmandu Valley Tour" option (to be paid upon registration): Today we offer a guided tour of the main sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath, and Bodnath. (See 'Options' section.) Note: This day can be used as a contingency day in case the Lukla-Kathmandu flight is canceled the previous day (flights do not depart in bad weather). Those who have chosen the "Kathmandu Valley Tour" option will receive a full refund.
Day 18 -
Kathmandu - Return flight
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last morning at leisure in Kathmandu. For those with a night flight, transfer to Kathmandu airport and return flight to France. Overnight stay in a hotel for those departing the following day, and airport transfer the next morning.
*Check-out from your room is at 12pm.
Day 19 -
Return flight
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrived in France during the day
Day 20
Note
Accommodation
- In Kathmandu, you will stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel (local standards) located near the city center. You will be in a twin or double room with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and hot water.
- Lodges during the trek: Nepalese houses adapted to accommodate hikers. Most often, you'll find twin rooms (two single beds per room) with 5-6 cm thick mattresses and pillows. In some high-altitude lodges, rooms are sometimes replaced by dormitories with 3 to 6 beds. The rooms are not heated: bring a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, and potentially even freezing temperatures above 5,000 meters (-15°C)! Bathrooms are shared, and hot showers, when available, cost extra (around €2 per person).
- In Kathmandu, you will stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel (local standards) located near the city center. You will be in a twin or double room with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and hot water.
- Lodges during the trek: Nepalese houses adapted to accommodate hikers. Most often, you'll find twin rooms (two single beds per room) with 5-6 cm thick mattresses and pillows. In some high-altitude lodges, rooms are sometimes replaced by dormitories with 3 to 6 beds. The rooms are not heated: bring a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, and potentially even freezing temperatures above 5,000 meters (-15°C)! Bathrooms are shared, and hot showers, when available, cost extra (around €2 per person).
Access
Price details
The price includes
- Return flights Paris / Kathmandu
- Registration fees (from age 12): €18 per person
- Supervision by a local French-speaking guide throughout the stay
- Land and air transport in Nepal
- The permits required for this trek
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Full board except for meals listed as "free" in the daily itinerary
- Safety equipment needed during the trek: first aid kit, hyperbaric chamber, and satellite phone
- Access to a specialist altitude medical service 24/7 (in case of emergency only)
The price does not include
- Visa fees
- Drinks and mineral water during the stay
- Meals listed as "free" in the daily itinerary (budget approximately €10 per meal)
- Showers in the lodges (price varies, from €2 to €8 depending on the lodge)
- Tips for local teams
Options
- Excursion to the Kathmandu Valley : CHF123.50 / unit
- Additional night in Kathmandu in a single room with breakfast : CHF91.48 / unit
- Additional night in Kathmandu in a double room with breakfast : CHF54.89 / unit
- Single room supplement for hotel-only nights during your stay : CHF141.79 / unit
- Hotel/Airport transfer in Kathmandu: price per transfer for 1 to 2 people, one way : CHF18.30 / unit
- Hotel/Airport transfer in Kathmandu, price per transfer for 3 to 5 people, one way : CHF22.87 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- A hyperbaric chamber accompanies all tours involving one or more nights spent above 4000 m
- A satellite phone (in case of emergency)
- A first aid kit
Equipment to bring
- Lightweight crampons are recommended at the beginning of the spring season (March-April).
- Gaiters (optional, potentially useful in spring)
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Sleeping bag (comfort temperature -5/-10°C)
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- One 1.5 litre water bottle or two equivalent ones (camel bag or rigid water bottles)
- Water filter or tablets for water treatment
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Quick-drying towel
- Biodegradable cleaning wipes
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- High protection sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Books, card games... to keep busy at the end of the day
Note: Some equipment can be rented on-site (sleeping bag, down jacket, crampons, etc.). Expect to pay around €35 per item for a 2-week trip and €50 for 3 weeks (payable locally). If you wish to rent one or more items before your departure, please let us know so our local team can ensure everything is available upon your arrival. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Clothing to bring
Appropriate mountain trekking gear is essential for this trip. Temperatures can vary from +30°C at the base to -20°C at the summit...
Recommended trekking equipment:
- Cap or hat
- Cap
- Neck warmer or scarf
- T-shirt or shirt made of synthetic material (quick-drying)
- Thermal underwear (t-shirt and tights) for the night
- Warm fleece jacket
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket
- Warm down jacket for breaks or evenings
- Comfortable walking pants
- Waterproof and sturdy walking shoes with a grippy sole
- Lightweight shoes for evenings and travel days
- Sandals (useful after days of walking)
- Walking socks
- A pair of lightweight gloves and a warm pair
Warning: the high mountain stages can be particularly cold, especially in the evenings and at night, including in the lodges (depending on the season, it can be -20°C outside, and the rooms are not heated...). Please bring appropriate clothing for these conditions.
They traveled with us
