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Home , Gokyo, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Khumbu Glacier, Khumjung, Machhermo

Everest Base Camp, Lakes & The A Challenging Exploration of The Everest Region

Highlights:  Arguably the best view of Everest from (5483m).  Experiencing the rich and welcoming Sherpa culture in the Solu region.  Crossing the challenging Cho La Pass (5420m) into the Khumbu valley.  Reaching Everest Base Camp and your view of the Khumbu Ice Fall.  The breathtaking views of Everest, , , & from Gokyo.  The sense of achievement as you stand atop Kala Pattar at dawn looking up at Everest.

 22 Days in , 17 Days Trekking

 Independent Treks for Individuals and Small Groups, starting on any day of your choice with your own guide and porters.

 Small Group Treks Available on Scheduled Dates.

 Teahouse Trekking with all meals on trek included.

 One of the World’s Great Treks.

 Prices from £1150pp. (Land Only)

Everest Base, & The Cho La Pass Introduction Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes and the Cho La pass offers a challenging 17 day trek for experienced trekkers looking for a real insight into the majesty of the Everest region. The Gokyo Lakes trek offers an alternative to the traditional trek to Everest Base Camp and from Gokyo Ri the views of Everest are arguably the best on offer and the panorama includes views of four 8000m peaks and the largest glacier in Nepal. Additionally the circular nature of the trek adds immensely to your trekking experience.

Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Kathmandu where you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour. Your trek starts the following day with a short flight to Lukla and your first day’s trek to Phakding. After the first couple of days on the main Everest Trail you branch left into the spectacular Gokyo Valley and after a thorough exploration of this spectacular valley you cross the Cho La Pass (5330m) to rejoin the main route to Everest Base Camp where you will will visit both the site of Everest Base Camp and summit Kala Patter (5545m).

The highlights of your trek will surely include thee panoramic views from Gokyo Ri, the challenging crossing the Cho La Pass, your visit to Everest base Camp and the dawn view of Everest from the summit of Kala Pattar. The descent from Everest Base Camp is considerably quicker and after 17 days of trekking you will be looking forward to the short hop back to Kathmandu and the relative luxury that it offers.

Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass Dossier – To Book Call 0141 530 8886 or Visit www.macsadventure.com Why choose Macs Adventure? Macs Adventure offers a range of independent and self- guided walking holidays in Nepal, Europe and the UK. Our holidays are for individuals and small groups so your holiday is perfectly suited to your needs. All our holidays in Nepal are operated in partnership with our local partner who has over 15 years experience of organising trekking adventures in Nepal and are fully licensed and recognised as one of the leading agencies in Nepal.

Macs Adventure is a small, energetic owner/operated company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We are passionate about delivering outstanding trekking holidays where every last detail is taken care of. The trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La pass is a far more challenging and rewarding trek to All our treks are researched on the ground by a member of Everest Base Camp than the standard trek to base camp. our team and we understand what makes for an The trek is challenging and the walking strenuous because unforgettable adventure: great trails, breathtaking of the high altitude so a good level of fitness and previous scenery, professional & experienced leaders, hand-picked experience of multi day trekking (and preferably at altitude accommodation and a warm welcome all backed up by above 3000m) is recommended. The accommodation is outstanding customer service. fairly basic but comfortable and the food simple but nutritious and tasty. From your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately. So if you relish a challenge, are physically fit, are happy to They will help you to make the most of your time in Nepal forgo a few of life’s luxuries and want the experience of a with their in-depth knowledge of the route, lifetime then this trek is for you. accommodation and must-see attractions on the way. Detailed Itinerary: Why Choose an Independent Trek in Nepal? Our Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass Independent treks are for individuals, couples or small Itinerary includes 17 days of trekking in the high Himalaya groups and the trek is tailored to your needs and interests. and several days in the vibrant city of Kathmandu to give You don’t join a scheduled group but rather have your own a total of 22 days in Nepal. The trekking itinerary includes guide and porter(s) so your trek can be tailored to your acclimatisation days and gradual height gain to ensure needs and interests. Independent treks are a wonderful that the effects of altitude are minimised and to give you relaxed way to discover the magic of Nepal’s mountain the greatest chance of a successful trek to Gokyo Lakes, areas for individuals, couples or small groups. the Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp. You are free to start on any date, travel at your own pace and wander off the beaten track you will discover the Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. beauty of the landscape, the warmth of her people and the Our local representative will meet you at Kathmandu rich culture of this spectacular land. Airport and transfer you to your Kathmandu Hotel. If time permits you will meet your guide and have some time to We will supply you a comprehensive pre-departure relax and explore Kathmandu. information pack and your qualified and an experienced local guide will coordinate and guide your trek. Day 2: Full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, a vibrant, exciting and culturally fascinating city. Your local guide will Why Choose a Small Group Adventure Trek in Nepal? help you discover the sights, sounds and smells of We run regular scheduled small group departures for those Kathmandu during an exciting full day tour of Kathmandu. who wish to join the friendly and social atmosphere of our small groups. Day 3: Flight to Lukla (2804m) and trek to Phakding (2610m). Group departures are perfect for those trekking solo or An early start and private transfer to the airport and then friends and couples who prefer to trek in a small group a spectacular 30 minute flight over foothills of the with likeminded individuals. Groups run with a minimum of Himalaya to your hoping off point of Lukla has to be one of two and a maximum of ten trekkers. This ensures a the most spectacular starts to any walk. You will meet cohesive, friendly and supportive atmosphere on the trek. your porters in Lukla and then after all the build up it is great to be on the trail and on your way to base camp. A Our small group treks are led by qualified and experienced three hour walk brings you to your first overnight tea Nepalese guides who will ensure your trek is the house in the village of Phakding. experience of a lifetime. Day 4: Phakding to (3535m) Is this trek for me? The green slopes around Phakding are intensively terraced

Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass Dossier – To Book Call 0141 530 8886 or Visit www.macsadventure.com and farmed and offer a fascinating insight into the village life of the . The snow capped mountains Day 10: Trekking in the Upper Gokyo Valley (4998m). tower around you as you crisscross the valley bottom on To aid acclimatisation and explore this mountain paradise nerve jangling suspension bridges on your way to Namche fully you will enjoy a challenging trek to the fourth and Bazaar and a final sustained climb brings the welcome fifth Gokyo Lakes which are close to Cho-Oyo base camp. sight of Namche Bazaar. Day 11: Trek to Thangna (4700m) Day 5: Namche Bazaar acclimatization Day A relatively short days trek to the foot of the Cho La Pass Regular acclimatisation days are crucial to a successful at Thangna (Dragna) means that you will be fully trek to in the Everest region and minimising the effects of acclimatised and fighting fit for the Cho La crossing the altitude and also offer a great excuse to explore the following day. Sherpa villages in the area. Generally you will trek to and the Everest View Hotel but other options Day 12: Cho La (5330m) Crossing and descent to Dzongla are available. You will also have time to wander around (4830m) the important market town of Namche Bazaar and enjoy This is probably the most challenging day of your trek and the delicious pastries at the German Bakery. the conditions can be very hard going depending on the time of year and recent weather conditions. Whatever the Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Drengka (3675m) conditions you will enjoy a huge sense of achievement on Your day starts with a steep climb and passes numerous reaching Dzongla. Chortens and buddist paintings as you climb to the top of Day 13: Dzongla to Lobuche (4930m) the ridge at 3973m. You then descend steeply to the Dubh From Dzongla you continue to descend to Duglha which Kosi and your overnight accommodation. Today is a fairly nestes at the base of the moraine. After short day to aid acclimatisation. lunch in this spectacular location you climb steeply to Day 7: Phortse Drengka to Machherma (4470m) Lobuche and the mighty Khumbu Glacier slowly reveals to Dole through the rhododendron, juniper and itself to you. Lobuche is a cold and desolate settlement conifer forests makes for a particularly beautiful mornings and has a real frontier feeling. walk. After lunch at Dole you continue to climb and the Day 14: Everest Base Camp (5364m). landscape gets increasingly barren as you gain altitude. An early start from Lobuche means you should reach is your overnight stop and home to a very Ghorak Shep by mid morning and you will then continue credible sighting so tread carefully. on to Everest Base Camp. Day 8: Machherma to Gokyo (4790m) From Ghorak Shep the round trip to Everest Base Camp Three to four hours of trekking through the magnificent takes about six challenging hours as the ground is very scenery of the high Himalaya bring you to the small village rough and path ever changing as the glacier moves. of Gokyo. It is important to keep a close eye out for the Despite what others may say the round trip to EBC is symtoms of AMS as you have gained significant height worth every minute and it is a simply awe inspiring place over the last couple of days. The sight of the Khumbu Ice Fall is one you will not forget Day 9: Climb Gokyo Ri (5483m) in a hurry. You rise before the dawn for the steep and strenuous climb Day 15: Climb Kala Pattar (5545m – Everest Viewpoint) of Gokyo Ri which is arguably the best viewpoint in the and descend to Pheriche (4280m) Everest Region. There are spectacular views of the An very early morning start for the climb to the summit of stunning Goyko Valley, massive and Kala Pattar will give you the best view of Everest and in four 8000m peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and the thin air you really do feel as if you could reach out and Cho-Oyo. Back in time for a hearty lunch and relaxed touch it. It is definitely a moment to treasure. You return afternoon of acclimatization. to Ghorak Shep for breakfast and then begin the surprisingly quick descent, reaching Periche that afternoon.

Day 16: Pheriche to (3867m) As you continue to descend the air feels positively thick and you really do feel great. A lovely day of walking brings you to the village of Tengboche for your overnight stop. Tengboche is the largest and most active monastery in Nepal. If time permits you will visit the monastery and witness a prayer ceremony.

Day 17: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3750m) A cracking day of walking through Rhododrendron forests on the steep sided slopes that descend to the churning

Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass Dossier – To Book Call 0141 530 8886 or Visit www.macsadventure.com Dubh Kosi brings you back to the hussle and bustle of for trekking in the Everest Region is from early October to Namche. late May. The most popular months for trekking are October/November and March/April/May although the Day 18: Namche Bazaar to Phakding (2610m) trails can be busy at times and the colder periods in A relaxed descent to Phakding for your penultimate nights the middle of winter do reward you with clear crisp skies, stay in a Nepalese Tea House. although night time temperatures do get very cold at altitude. Day 19: Phakding to Lukla The relatively short three hour trek to Lukla allows you to Most days start clear and dry and even in the middle of reflect on the challenges and highlights of your trek and all winter the warm sunshine makes for very pleasant too soon you find yourself among the hustle and bustle of trekking weather. Often the afternoons will cloud over and Lukla and the relative luxury that it offers. You will say as soon as the sun sets the temperature does drop rapidly. goodbye to your porters and enjoy the comforts available At altitude the temperature regularly reaches -10C and in and perhaps even enjoy a celebration with your fellow the middle of winter may reach -20C at night. trekkers. Accommodation: Day 20: Morning flight back to Kathmandu. While on trek you will stay in traditional Nepali Teahouses The early morning is the best time for flying back to (Guesthouses), these are traditional mountain lodges Kathmandu and after a short transfer to your hotel you operated by local people (17 Nights). The lodges have a can enjoy a day of rest and relaxation as well as that treat comfortable central living and eating room which is heated you have been craving for two weeks. and individual twin share bedrooms. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and hot showers may be available at Day 21: Leisure day in Kathmandu (Spare day in case of an additional charge at some lodges. While in Kathmandu day weather disrupting flight from Lukla). you will stay at the 5 star Hotel de l’ Annapurna or Flights from Lukla are occasionally disrupted due to bad Shanker which are opposite the Royal Palace within 5 weather so it is important to have a spare day in case of minutes walk of the busy tourist area of Thamel. (4 nights) delays and there is plenty to do in Kathmandu. Single Rooms: Day 22: Transfer to airport and Travel Home. This independent trekking holiday is available to solo walkers and you will have a single room throughout your Recommendations: trip, but as all our holidays are priced per person based on Extensions: two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover Trekking Extensions: Our independent Everest Base Camp the additional costs we incur. treks are tailor made for you so if you wish to add trekking days this is no problem and they can be added at any Single rooms are generally not available whilst on trek. If point along the trek. you are an individual joining a small group departure we Nepal Extensions: While you are in Nepal you may wish to will room you with another group member of the same sex experience some of the other delights this wonderful but if this is not possible a single room supplement will be country has to offer. We would suggest the following: payable. Single rooms are available in Kathmandu but there is a supplement payable. Chitwan Jungle Safari: (4 Days/ 3 Nights) Experience the other side of Nepal in the jungle of the . The park offers protection to 56 species of mammals including the one horned rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena, Gangetic dolphin and wild bison. There are an estimated species of birds, 126 species of fish, 590 species of butterflies and 47 species of reptiles in the park. Your visit will include canoeing, an elephant back safari, visit to an elephant breeding centre and cultural shows

Kathmandu Extra Nights: Additional nights can be arranged in Kathmandu at reasonable rates.

River Rafting: Nepal has some of the best rafting in the world and several multi day trips are available. Prices start from £30pp per day Meals: In Kathmandu your accommodation includes breakfast and Holiday Information other meals are not included so you should allow £10- 15 Climate & Weather: per day for lunch and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Nepal has a two season monsoon climate. The rainy are included while on trek as well as tea and coffee at monsoon dominates from June to September while the dry meals. Food while on trek is good but does get more basic season lasts from late September to May. The best season the higher you climb as fewer ingredients become Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass Dossier – To Book Call 0141 530 8886 or Visit www.macsadventure.com available. Pancakes, bread and cereal forms the basis for breakfast, lunch is normally a warming noodle soup at a convenient tea house on the trail and the evening staple dish while trekking is dal bhaat, which is a filling dish of lentil soup, rice and curried vegetables.

Baggage Transfer: While trekking you will only have to carry a day bag with water, snacks, spare clothes and your camera. Your main bag will be moved by a porter. Each porter carries 2 clients’ bags which must be of a duffle bag or backpack design and weigh a maximum of 15kg. Hard cases are not suitable for this trek.

Your Guide: Our Nepalese guides are fully qualified and trained according to Nepalese law and all have many years We run several small group treks to Everest Base Camp, experience of guiding trekkers in Nepal. All speak fluent Goyko Lakes and the Cho La each season. Please check English and they will add hugely to your experience of our website for available dates. trekking in Nepal. As well as guiding you on the trail they bring a wealth of knowledge to your journey and Price: coordinate all your porters, accommodation and meals. Up to date prices are available on our website Nepalese guides are fully trained and experienced in http://www.macsadventure.com/everest-base- dealing with cases of Altitude Sickness. camp-gokyo-lakes/prices.php

Holiday Grading & Suitability Included: This holiday is graded strenuous and you should be in  Airport pickup and transfers by private vehicle. good physical fitness and have experience of multi day  4 Nights deluxe hotel accommodation in trekking or walking trips prior to undertaking an Everest Kathmandu, including breakfast. Base Camp Trek. Although the distances are short the  17 Nights Twin sharing accommodation in affect of altitude should not be underestimated and you traditional Tea Houses during the trek. should be in good physical fitness. The trails are the roads  Breakfast, lunch & dinner with tea & coffee during of the area and are generally well maintained and a good the trek walking surface. The Cho La Pass is rough going and steep  1 highly experienced, qualified, helpful and friendly and scrambly in places whilst the main path to base camp guide per group. gets very rough once you reach the Khumbu Glacier.  Porters (1 porter between 2 people)  Food, accommodation, salary, insurance and Equipment: equipment for your guide and porters. The equipment you require will vary depending on the  Return Internal flight from Kathmandu to Lukla time of year and the altitude that you are trekking in. Your including domestic airport taxes. pre-departure information pack has a detailed section on  Permit & TIMS equipment but the main things you will require are a down sleeping bag, down jacket, day pack (30-40L), duffle bag, trekking clothes, thermal base layers, trekking boots (3 Excluded: season), fleece layers, hats and gloves, sunglasses and  International flights to/from Nepal. first aid kit with personal medication. Down sleeping bags  Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu. and jackets are available to hire in Kathmandu.  Travel Insurance.  Personal Equipment. Pre-Departure Information Pack:  Nepal Visa (US$30) Your pre-departure information pack includes full details of  Disembarkation Airport Tax (Approx US$24) your trek will be sent to you before departure.  Personal items such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, extra hot drinks, bottled water, laundry, Independent Trekking Availability: hot showers. This trek is best enjoyed between mid-September and late  Tips for your trekking crew. (Expected but not May although the optimal conditions for crossing the Cho mandatory). La Pass are in October/November and March/April. If you have chosen an independent trekking holiday you can start Financial Security: “Total Payment Protection your trek on any day that you prefer subject to availability. (topp) Policy cover: In compliance with the UK It is best to book as far in advance as possible and a Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours minimum of four weeks prior to arrival in Kathmandu. Regulations 1992 an insurance policy has been arranged with Travel & General Insurance Company plc to protect Small Group Trekking Departures: customers’ prepayments paid in respect of Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass Dossier – To Book Call 0141 530 8886 or Visit www.macsadventure.com -non-flight inclusive packages commencing and returning to the UK -the ground handling aspects of packages where the customer is responsible for arranging travel to the destination offered in this brochure/literature/document/on this website (subject to the terms of the insurance policy), for: [delete as appropriate] -a refund of such prepayments if customers have not yet travelled -making arrangements to enable the holiday to continue if customers have already travelled or in the unlikely event of our financial failure.”

Travel Insurance recommended: hepatitis A; typhoid; diphtheria; tetanus; Travel insurance which includes evacuation cover and poliomyelitis. covers trekking to the altitude of Everest Base Camp For detailed advice on travel health visit the Fit For Travel (5545m) is a requirement for this holiday and we will Website: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk require proof of cover and the insurance companies emergency number prior to your departure. Acute Mountain Sickness: Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness is a major Macs Adventure does not sell travel insurance but we concern on the trek to Everest Base Camp and although recommend Sports Cover Direct whose Venture Guard our itinerary is designed to minimise the chances of you Policy is well suited to this trek. The cost for single trip suffering from AMS each individual is affected differently insurance to cover an adult for this trek is in the region of by altitude. Our pre-departure information pack has £90. Phone: 0845 345 2487 detailed information on minimising the risks of AMS and Web: www.sportscoverdirect.com recognising the signs of AMS and the appropriate course of Phone: +448451206400 action. Your leaders are all fully trained in dealing with AMS. If you have any pre-existing health conditions that Recommended Reading: you think may make you more susceptible to AMS we Nepal - Lonely Planet Guides recommend you consult your doctor before booking this Himalaya – Michael Palin trip. – Jon Krakauer The Ghosts of Everest – Jochen Hemmleb Currency, Money & Local Costs: Everest Region Maps – There are several excellent Everest The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee and 1 GBP will Region Maps available in Kathmandu. buy you 133 Nepalese Rupees (June 08). The best way to carry money is a combination of cash is GB pound sterling Practical Information: (which can be changed at the airport and in Kathmandu), Flights to Kathmandu pound sterling traveller’s cheques and credit/debit cards Flights to Kathmandu are available daily from London and although there are no ATMS outside Kathmandu. major regional airports in the UK via the Gulf. Airlines include Emirates, Gulf Air, and Qatar Airways & Etihad You will need some money to pay for your visa on arrival, Airways. Flights start at about £500 and during the peak departure tax, meals in Kathmandu, sundries such as hot trekking period may increase to about £1200. showers, toilet paper, extra hot/cold drinks, alcoholic We do not sell flights as we cannot compete with the drinks, snacks, souvenirs and trekking crew tips. experts on price and availability but would recommend both Opodo and Expedia for competitive flights. Macs Adventure Testimonials: “We're back from our walk and I just wanted to thank you Passport & Visas: for your help and for all of the wonderful places you found All nationalities require a full passport valid for at least six for us to stay. The walks couldn't have been more lovely months after your intended departure from Nepal. Most (and we were helped by the marvellous weather). And nationalities require an entry visa for Nepal which can be each of the towns and each of the inns and hotels you put obtained in advance or at the airport on entry to Nepal. us into had something special going for it--and all of them The current cost is US$30 which must be paid in hard were spotless and comfortable. If you ever need a currency and you will need two passport photos. Passport recommendation from an American, I'd be happy to give and visa requirements do change so although this you one. ” information is supplied in good faith it is your responsibility Best wishes,Sheila McMillen, USA to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation. We were really pleased with all the organisation, Health & Vaccinations: information pack, guide book and in particular, delighted In addition to those vaccinations and boosters required for with the accommodation booked for us which suited us life in Britain the following vaccinations/boosters are perfectly. Our luggage was always there when we arrived

Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass Dossier – To Book Call 0141 530 8886 or Visit www.macsadventure.com and a welcome sight when tired and perhaps rather wet. This is the first time I have done a long distance walk with the support of a company and luggage carrier and I would recommend Macs Adventure to others who I know are planning a similar trip. So very many thanks!”

“Just wanted to say, what an amazing walk and holiday we all had. Still speechless really. Absolutely amazing. Thanks for all the information and assistance.” Pauline Roenisch, London

Responsible Tourism Tourism is one of Nepal’s most important industries and trekking in remote areas can deliver huge benefits to the local community if done in a responsible manner. Our treks in Nepal are designed to maximise positive impact and minimise negative impact. We operate in an environmentally and socially aware and sustainable manner.

We do this by

 Working in true partnership with and paying fair prices to our local partner in Nepal so the majority of your trip cost stays in Nepal.  Employing guides and porters from the communities you visit and staying and eating in locally owned and operated accommodation while trekking so the communities you visit benefit directly.  Our guides and porters are fully insured and equipped to a minimum standard by our Nepalese partner.  Supplying detailed pre-departure information to How to Book: you on environmentally and socially responsible Once you have read all the information in this dossier or practice while on trek in Nepal. our website and decided on your trek visit our website or  We operate small group adventures which give us a call to confirm availability. You can then book by minimizes the impact on the environment and any of the following methods: other trail users.  We encourage the use of Carbon Offsetting. Travel Book Securely online: www.macsadventure.com does have a hidden cost. Air Travel produces an Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886 inordinate amount of Carbon Dioxide emissions Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form and post which contribute to climate change. Help to it to Macs Adventure, Unit 510, 355 Byres Road, Glasgow, minimise the impact of your journey by offsetting G12 8QZ, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 527 5688 your carbon emissions. Visit The Carbon Neutral Company for further details. Web: Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on +44 (0) www.carbonneutral.com 141 530 8886 or email [email protected] if you have any queries and one of our expert customer service team will be happy to help.

Book with Confidence: Macs Adventure has arranged an insurance policy with Travel & General Insurance Plc to ensure that all monies you pay for a trip are fully protected.

Macs Adventure has arranged public and professional liability insurance policy though Vantage Insurance Services which has limit of liability of £2.5 Million.

Macs Adventure has been operating since 2003 and operates according to the highest professional standards.

Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass Dossier – To Book Call 0141 530 8886 or Visit www.macsadventure.com