Amadablam Base Camp and Gokyo: The Amadablam Base Camp and Gokyo Trek is a remarkable journey that combines two of the most scenic and iconic trekking routes in the Everest region of Nepal. This trek offers adventurers a unique blend of cultural immersion, awe-inspiring landscapes, and the thrill of walking in the shadows of some of the world’s highest peaks. Starting with the ascent to Amadablam Base Camp, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of the majestic Amadablam, often hailed as the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas,” and the surrounding snow-clad mountains. The route then connects to the Gokyo Valley, a region renowned for its pristine glacial lakes, stunning panoramas of Everest, Cho Oyu, and other towering giants, as well as the challenging yet rewarding ascent of Gokyo Ri. This trek is a perfect choice for those seeking both adventure and the serene beauty of the Himalayas, offering an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Nepal’s trekking wonders.
Entry Permits and Requirements:
The Trek requires two permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and
- Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.
The Nepal Tourism Boards office in Kathmandu or the park’s entrance gate in Monjo can provide you with Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for NRS 3000.
- The fee for citizens of SAARC nations is NRS 1500.
- You must complete the permit application and present your passport or a copy of your passport.
You must be in Lukla to obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. The permission costs NRS 2000 and may be acquired at the rural municipality counter on the outskirts of the settlement.
You won’t have to worry about waiting for permits since the company or our guides will take care of everything.
You must submit the following documents and data to get these permits:
- Copy of your passport
- 2 Passport-sized photos
- Dates when your trek starts and ends
- Itinerary/routeEntry and exit points
- Emergency Contact Information (local and home country’s)
- Travel Insurance Details
Meals and Drinking Water:
In popular trekking areas like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu have a menu system with different ethnic cuisines foods as well as western meals, but some places provide you with
typical Nepali meals which are different from international meals, these meals are prepared by the local supplement, every tourist lodge and tea house have a well-trained cook basically attention to clean, hygienic, fresh, and delicious foods, every lodge has safe drinking water or mineral water. If you buy water purification tablet from Kathmandu, you can take water from the tap and purify it by yourself, this will be cheaper and control plastic pollution as well.
Accommodation:
You will find local accommodations in the form of trekking lodges and teahouses, which are situated every hour or so along the trail. These accommodations provide basic facilities such as food, electricity, and clean rooms. The rooms generally have twin sharing beds and a single bed, with good quality mattresses that reduce the weight of your backpack. You can expect a hygienic and comfortable atmosphere at these accommodations. The dining rooms usually have a central heating system that uses firewood to keep you warm and cozy during your stay. This is also a great place to rest and connect with other travelers by sharing your stories. Additionally, campsites are available along the trail for those who want to experience camping in the outdoors.
Best Time to Visit?
The best time to go on Everest trek is during autumn and spring. The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit as the weather conditions are better for exploring the high mountain terrain with good visibility.
During autumn, the weather is clear and warm, making it perfect for trekking on high Himalayan terrains. In spring, from March to May, the landscape changes with blooming trees of
Rhododendron, mixed with Confers, Oaks, Orchids, and ferns, along with colorful wildflowers, making the region look stunning.
The monsoon season, with harsh weather conditions, is usually avoided by trekkers. The winter season, with heavy snowfall, covers most of the trail, making it challenging to access higher grounds in the region.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a complete insurance plan from reputable insurance.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Equipment list:
- Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
- Down jacket (rental available)
- Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
- Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses
- Headlamp, and torchlight, power bank, and extra batteries Ear-muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- Pair of liner gloves thin wool and synthetic.
- Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirt.
- Long-sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
- Soft-shell jacket water & wind resist.
- Swimming costume.
- Inner clothes as your requirement.
- Liner socks, woolen socks.
- Proper trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
- One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands.
- Anti-infection ointments, muscle relief ointments.
Important Note:
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Female Guide Holiday. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full cooperation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Female Guide Holiday. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Itinerary
The flight into Kathmandu Valley is spectacular, with a panoramic view of the Himalayan
mountains and the valley below. Our agent will greet and welcome you at the Tribhuvan
International Airport, drive you to your hotel, and assist you with all of your travel equirements. You will have time to visit the city after you have checked in (depending on your arrival time).
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast proceed out to explore the wonders of the Kathmandu valley. The valley is filled with historical wonders. Head on a guided tour to various UNESCO World Heritage Sites around. First head towards Swayambhunath Stupa popularly known as Monkey
temple. Set on a high hill on the western side of the valley, the Stupa is dotted with several temples and ancient landmarks. Also, witness panoramic views of the valley and the rows of snowcapped mountain peaks to the north.
Next, head towards Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath nestled on the ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The massive stupa is the largest in the country and is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for people following Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa complex was established in the 5th century AD and built upon the relics of Kashyap Buddha. This massive stupa is regarded as a powerful meditation tool Mandala.
Then explore the Pashupatinath temple. Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu temple in the country. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and regarded as the head of the deity. The temple complex nestles at the bank of the holy Bagmati River surrounded by several ancient temples and various important landmarks. The Pashupatinath Temple is also known as the protector of the country.
After the tour is completed, you will be dropped at your accommodation. In the evening join in for a brief orientation regarding the trek.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
You’ll flying to Lukla today. An exciting flight to a picturesque mountaintop settlement. Upon landing at Lukla after a brief rest begin your trek. Descend towards the Dudh Koshi River through Chauri Kharka settlement. Along the way pass through the lush woodlands and also witness Khumbila, a holy peak worshipped by the Sherpas and of the few unclimbed summits in the Khumbu area.
Following the enchanting trails of the lush Dudh Koshi Valley, following picturesque path along riverbanks reach Phakding. After a brief rest if you’re not too fatigued, take a stroll around the settlement and interact with the locals.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Following the milky glacial river of Dudh Koshi and traversing along woodlands covered with pines, cider, and verities of rhododendron eventually crossing the river at Benkar. From this section of the trail, you will witness views of snow-capped Kusum Kanguru at an elevation of 6,369 meters and Thamserku at 6,623 meters.
Next traversing across the lush woodlands reach Monjo, a settlement at an elevation of 2,835 meters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast start the trek following the ascending routes on hilltops with inclined sections. Next, cross several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, before approaching the Sagarmatha National Park. At the parks gate make sure your permits are ready for inspection.
Next head towards Jorsale and after crossing a high suspension bridge, begin your ascent towards Namche Bazaar. As you progress on the trail you will reach Tope Danda, from here witness the first glimpse of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Taweche. Upon reaching Namche head towards your tea house, and later head out to explore the region. The area has various pubs, restaurants, and various other attractions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
You will be spending your day acclimatizing at Namche. The village is the economic core of the Khumbu area, featuring cafés, bakeries, mountain lodges, shops, and internet cafes. Take a stroll around the marketplace, talk to some friendly locals and soak in the mountains. Visit the famous Hotel Everest View of Khumjung, as an acclimatization excursion. Ama Dablam, Tawache, Khumbu Himal, Mount Everest, and many more peaks can be seen from the hotel’s terrace. After exploring around head back to your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast head into the trail. The trail today is filled with changing landscapes. Start by traversing across dense woodlands of varieties of pine, rhododendron, and cider with views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other mountain peaks of the Mahalangur range.
Traversing across dense woodlands and alpine grassland you will reach the settlement of Tengboche. Visit the ancient Tengboche Monastery and attend to the monks chanting sacred texts and prayers. The monastery is nestled in the center of the village with views of snowy mountain peaks on the backdrop. After exploring the monastery head towards your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast head out of Tengboche. Along this section witness panorama views of the snowcapped peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Then following across lush cider and rhododendron forest cross a high suspension bridge over the rapids of the Dudh Koshi River followed by an uphill climb. After a brief walk you will reach the village of Pangboche. After a brief refreshment break relax and soak in the pictorious view of Ama Dablam from the porch of your tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast start the adventure towards the isolated section of the Khumbu region. The hike starts following the descending trails towards the Imja Khola and crossing its rapids on a high suspension bridge. Next follow the uphill trails, as you ascend higher witness views of the wide alpine grounds and a small lake.
Next, following the wide trails of the meadows eventually reach Ama Dablam Base Camp. From the base camp witness panoramic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Lobuche, Thamserku, Cholatse, and endless other peaks. After exploring around the base camp retrace your steps bac to Pangboche.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Following the descending trails head out of Pangboche. Along the trail cross lush sections of woodlands, high farmlands, settlements, and monasteries. Next, ascending a steep incline out of the valley, surrounded by the lush wilderness of rhododendron and juniper. As you climb higher, the landscape gradually transforms, showcasing patches of large coniferous trees and shrubs. Along the trail, you'll have the opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Sherpa People, gaining insight into their way of life. As you continue, the trail will lead you through Yak Kharka, a high alpine pastureland, and the location of summer settlement villages. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the splendid views of the magnificent Ama Dablam peak and other snow-capped mountains.
Next, you'll reach the settlement of Mong, which is recognizable by a large white Gompa, or monastery. This village holds significance as the birthplace of Lama Sangwan Dorje, a revered figure in the Khumbu region.
After a brief descent from Mong, you'll catch sight of the village of Phortse Thenga, situated across the river. Following the trail, you'll eventually arrive at this riverside settlement, where you can rest and take in the tranquil surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Leave Phortse Thenga and start ascending along a ridge section that offers stunning views down the valley towards Kangtega and up towards Cho Oyu. As you continue, you will find yourself traversing on high alpine terrain, where the trees become sparse. Along the trail, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the Himalayas, a sight that will surely leave you in awe. Next following the high trail reach the settlement of Dole.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast start the trek to Machhermo. Today’s trail takes you on fairly straightforward sections. As you progress on witness the towering view of Cho Oyu, one of the 8,000-meter peaks and the world’s 5th highest at 26,864 feet. Next following the wild pasture lands reach Machhermo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today's you will be heading to Gokyo. Start the trek by following the river network. Along this section witness grand views of the Ngozumpa glacier as well as Khumjung and Khunde peaks. Progressing on the trail the landscapes changes into high alpine grounds with arid landscapes.
Following the dry trails and crossing glacieric streams and river reach the settlement of Gokyo. Upon reaching Gokyo rest and relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Gokyo Ri is the highlight of the Gokyo valley Trek and offers an incredible viewpoint to admire the mountains. To reach the summit, you'll embark on an uphill journey. Start by crossing a stream at the northern end of the village, and then ascend for a couple of hours until you reach the summit. The top is marked by a collection of prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
The climb itself doesn't require any technical skills, but the high altitude may pose a challenge for some. It's important to take your time, proceed slowly, and take frequent breaks to rest and acclimatize. Once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with a splendid panoramic view.
You'll see majestic mountains like Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Taboche.
The Ngozumpa Glacier will be visible, creating a massive tear-like feature across the landscape. You'll also have the opportunity to marvel at a series of emerald, green lakes.
After taking in the breathtaking views and exploring Gokyo Ri, retrace your steps and make your way back to the village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today, get ready to explore the amazing Gokyo region. Wake up early to catch the beautiful sunrise over the Himalayas. After a delicious breakfast, set off to discover the series of Gokyo Lakes.
This region is home to the highest freshwater lake system in the world, consisting of six main lakes and their surrounding wetlands, covering a large area. It has been recognized as an important site for its ecological value. The lakes also hold cultural significance and are visited by followers of Hindu and Buddhist faiths during different festivals.
Take your time to explore these stunning emerald, green lakes and absorb their peaceful energy. Start by visiting the three lakes located close to the tea house. Then, continue your adventure towards the fourth Gokyo Lake, which is about 3 kilometers north of Gokyo Village. Keep trekking to reach the fifth lake.
Once you reach the 'Scoundrel's Viewpoint,' which overlooks the fifth lake, prepare to be amazed by the incredible view. You'll be greeted by the majestic presence of mountains like Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. The impressive Ngozumba Glacier will also be in sight.
After exploring around spend the day leisurely strolling around the lakes, appreciating their beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today enjoy the majestic views of the landscape before dawn. After breakfast traversing across the high alpine grounds, crossing several streams and glacier. Along the way witness views of Cholatse and Cho Oyu peaks. Following the descending trails eventually reach the settlement of Phortse Thanga.
Today from the high alpine ground, you will reach lush woodlands of the region. Along the way witness grand views of the landscapes and the snowy mountain range and cross several villages. Upon reaching Monjo, leave your heavy backpacks and soak in the grand views from the porch of your accommodation relaxing. Later if you are not too tired stroll around the village and start conversations with the locals.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Today’s trek is mostly on a downward section. Cross several bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries. Along the trek, enjoy walking on open plains, through rhododendron and pine forests, and distant views of the snow-covered peaks. Along the trail cross several villages. Upon reaching Lukla, rest for a while. Later celebrate the success of your trek and the last night in the mountains with your team members.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House.
After breakfast board an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. Later head out to explore Thamel a touristic hub of the region
.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Accommodation: Hotel
