Everest Gokyo Lakes *Singapore

Day 1 - arrive Kathmandu 1350m

From Singapore the SQ flight leaves 1850 and arrives late, around 2135. This mid-week start means less busy flights and trails during this peak season trek.

2 - fly to Lukla 2850m, trek Phakding 2650m

We plan a direct, sometimes fickle, heli flight from Kathmandu to Lukla but may take an equally fickle a small plane flight, probably from Ramechhap therefore leaving Kathmandu brutally early this morning. Alternatively, arrive a day early to have some sightseeing time ...

3 - trek Namche 3450m

With the altitude, this otherwise straightforward walk feels longer and tougher for the unacclimatized but the reward is reaching this delightful mountain resort.

4 - Namche 3450m

We have a rest-exploration day in Namche. Do visit the gompa and national park headquarters and explore the cafes plus gear shops.

5 - trek Kyangjuma 3600m

Do we trek via scenic Khumjung or take the quicker direct route? Our stay at Tashi's delightful place further aids acclimatisation and offers an incredible Ama Dablam panorama.

6 - trek Phortse 3850m

Heading off the main EBC trail, we stay at this relatively quiet out of the way village. Watch for wildlife, there is plenty around, and the village people pride themselves on this. (Alternatively, we can trek to Dole 4040m).

7 - trek Thare 4350m

Taking our alternative trail, we look across to the main trail and lodge villages on the other side of the valley. (Alternatively, we can trek to Machermo/Luza 4390m, or stay in Phortse and take a day trip to Pangboche along that scenic trail, then skip Pangka tomorrow).

8 - trek Pangka 4480m

Watch for birds and other wildlife along this quiet trail.

9 - trek Gokyo 4750m

A beautiful, shorter trek day. For a not-too-strenuous view, climb the moraine behind Gokyo for a fab view.

10 - Gokyo exploring 4750m

There are plenty of day trips possible from Gokyo - which one do we trek today? This is also a possible contingency day.

11 - Gokyo exploring 4750m

We puff up Gokyo Ri 5340m for Everest views (the top banner photo). (And perhaps then trek down to Machhermo in preparation for tomorrow??)

Day 12 - heli to Lukla

We fly by helicopter charter from Machhermo or Gokyo to Lukla and then perhaps a fixed wing flight to Ramechhap, fingers crossed. Then it is a 5-6 hour drive back to Kathmandu. (If you have flexible flights and everything goes according to schedule, you could fly out on SQ tonight!)

Day 13 - spare / fly Lukla -Kathmandu

This is a contingency day and if we only reached Lukla yesterday then we fly from Lukla to Ramechhap then drive to Kathmandu. Note that rarely the Lukla flight can be delayed by bad weather. (If you have flexible flights, you could fly out on SQ tonight).

Day 14 - depart, fly Singapore

For this shorter trek itinerary that ends with a heli charter flight, we do have both day 13 and today, day 14, for contingencies as the SQ flight is at night. Unless conditions have been quite unusual, we should be in Kathmandu by today.

 

Non-heli exit

If you prefer the standard hiking trek exit, here is the most scenic, slightly adventurous way out. We cross the Renjo La for more mountain views then down to Lukla, which means a 17 day trip. 

12 - trek Lungden via Renjo La 5360m

A spectacular, rewarding although somewhat tough day. We cross the Renjo La with more Everest views and stay at the first lodges on the other side.

13 - trek Thame

After a tough day yesterday, we have a half day walk to the delightful real village of Thame, while suffered a destructive glacial lake outburst (GLOF) in August 2024.

14 - trek Namche

With another half day's trek, this also gives up some flexibility. We are back to the mountain resort town!

15 - trek Lukla

While mostly downhill, this is a longer day's trekking. We can alternatively stay in Cheplung, and tomorrow get up a little earlier for the last 45 minute walk to Lukla. Note that rarely the Lukla flight can be delayed by low visibility and bad weather.

16 - fly Lukla - Kathmandu

We take a morning flight from Lukla to Ramechap then drive to Kathmandu, arriving around dinner time. (Flying conditions are usually good at this time of year however if the flight is cancelled and a heli flight is not readily available then the best option is to walk around 45 minutes to Surkie then take a jeep to Salleri, arriving late.)

17 - depart (late)

This is the more conservative trip end date. (If the flight yesterday didn't work and we ended up in Salleri, we take a bus or van to Kathmandu, taking 9-12 hours, and you should still be able to make your late night flight. Having an additional day's contingency is another option.)

 

Kongde View option

If you have additional time, why not stay at this exclusive lodge with the most incredible mountain panorama. Or a Chitwan jungle safari, trekking out via our special route, and a shorter trek in another region are some of the many alternative options possible. Let's discuss what suits you.