EVEREST BC & GOKYO LAKES TREK

Your first full day begins with a welcome briefing led by your Mountain Tribe guides. You’ll finalise gear, connect with fellow trekkers, and explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, we come together for a group dinner along with our Nepalese support crew - setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

The day begins with a guided walking tour through two of Kathmandu’s cultural treasures. You’ll hike to the sacred Swayambhunath stupa (aka Monkey Temple) - perched above the city with sweeping views and explore the history-rich Durbar Square. The afternoon is yours to relax or grab any final trek essentials.

We begin with a stunning 45-minute private helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The views of the Himalayas as you fly in by choppa are amazing! After breakfast, we gear up and commence the trek. It will be a fairly gentle first day, following the milk-white Dudh Kosi River for 3-4 hours to Phakding (2610m).

A big day through forested valleys and over suspension bridges. We follow the Dudh Kosi upstream and begin a steep ascent into Namche Bazaar (3440m) - the legendary Sherpa village where we’ll get our first glimpse of Everest. You’ll feel the elevation shift, but the sense of arrival is unforgettable.

To support acclimatisation, we stay another night in Namche. Today includes a hike to higher ground, with incredible views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and neighbouring peaks. You'll visit the national park museum and Sherpa culture centre, then spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the village.

We descend through rhododendron forests before climbing to Tengboche (3870m), a spiritual heart of the Khumbu. Along the way, expect sweeping views of Everest and its towering neighbours. At the top, we visit Tengboche Monastery - serene, sacred, and set against the vastness of the Himalayas.

We cross alpine rivers and pass through Pangboche, the oldest Sherpa village in the valley. The trail climbs steadily through the Imja Valley, with Ama Dablam rising beside us. At 4410m, Dingboche welcomes us with stone-walled fields and a panorama of Himalayan giants.

We move through a high glacial valley toward Dughla, then climb steeply to Chupki Lhara - home to moving memorials for climbers lost on Everest. From there, we continue past the Khumbu Glacier, surrounded by dramatic peaks, and arrive at Lobuche (4900m) for the night - one step closer to base camp.

We begin with a 3-hour trek to Gorakshep (5140m), our base for the day. After a short rest, we continue to Everest Base Camp (5364m), crossing rocky terrain and glacial moraine. Standing at the base of the world’s highest peak is a moment few forget. After photos and celebration, we return to Gorakshep to rest.

A pre-dawn start takes us up Kala Patar (5550m) for the most iconic close-up view of Everest. Watching the sunrise behind Everest often brings up tears – a very special moment. We return to Gorakshep for a well deserved hot drink and brekky, before the 3-4 hour trek back down to Lobuche.

We are resting on our feet today…meaning a relatively easy walk with a gentle downhill gradient. We leave the Khumbu valley, heading west and past Lobuche East base camp, continuing to Dzongla (4830m) – the last village before Chola high mountain pass. We sleep slightly lower again tonight, which will feel good!

We again venture above 5000m today, this time crossing the impressive Chola pass (5420m). Brace yourself for an exciting and big day. The trek follows a long steep track to the pass, where you’ll experience exceptional views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse. After the crossing it’s a very steep descent  to Dragnag (4700m).

This mornings trek is relatively short and easy going. A gradual ascent as we make the complex crossing of Ngozumba Glacier, reaching the beautiful lake-side village of Gokyo (4790m) in time for lunch. After a brief rest we summit Gokyo Ri (5380m), a peak that delivers unforgettable panorama of Everest and more.

You will enjoy a much needed rest day today, after what has been a big two weeks in the mountains. This is your last day above 4500m, and you can use it to explore Gokyo village, read, call with family back home, or if you have some extra energy, go for a hike north to explore the 4th and 5th lakes.

The descent begins – over the next few days we cover longer distances than earlier in the trek, however, with the move to lower altitudes and the level of acclimatisation the group will have, the walking will feel light and easy. We pass the 1st and 2nd lakes today, Macchermo village, and on to Dhole (4200m) to stay the night.

The landscape changes again today as we move out of the high altitude region and below 4000m for the first time in 10 days. The air will feel thick and warm, your daypack will feel light and your likes fast. Trees and birds will be a pleasure to see, and you will feel a million bucks as you march into Namche.

The last day of trekking is a pretty big one, covering the most distance out of any single day on the trek. Crossing known terrain we descend below Namche, crossing epic bridges to reach Phakding for lunch. The path then steepens somewhat, as we make the final climb into Lukla (2840m), to celebrate like its 1999!

We say goodbye to the tough local porters who have been carrying our gear, and also make our final goodbyes to the Himalayas. We board our helicopter for the flight back to civilisation, 5-star comfort, city food, and lots of R&R. Emotions will be running high today as we reminisce the last few weeks.

No alarms. Just rest, recovery, and celebration. Book a massage, dip in the pool, or visit your favourite café. That evening, we reunite for a heartfelt farewell dinner with our Nepalese guides - —reflecting on the mountains we’ve explored together.

A final free day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. Pick up souvenirs, visit a hidden temple, or just enjoy one last rooftop coffee with a view. Optional day tours available for those who want to explore more of the valley.

Your adventure may be ending, but the mountains and the tribe you shared them with stay with you. A private transfer takes you to the airport at your preferred time. You came seeking adventure. You leave with perspective, purpose, a story that’s yours - and your tribe for life.