Everest Gokyo Photography Expedition - 18 Days

Following breakfast, you will be introduced to the Places Nepal team and professional photography mentor for your trip. Today we will try to cover every nook and gullies of this ancient city starting with temples and stupas. We will adjust our lighting and move into the Palace Squares where we will find fine detailed architectural masterpieces, carved on stones and wood, even in the most unexpected places.

You can choose where to have lunch and we will continue to capture as much of this magical land as possible before heading for trek briefings.

Get an early breakfast and prepare to fly to Lukla (2850 m). Places Nepal guide & mentors will pick you up from the hotel for a mountain flight to Luka, the first gateway to the Everest/Khumbu Region. During the peak season, we will have to drive to Manthali, Ramechhap which takes about 5 hours to drive from Kathmandu and catch a flight to Lukla. The 45-minute flight is a great introduction to the Himalayas of Nepal. 

Once we land in Lukla, we will prepare for our trek to Phakding. Phakding is a small town north of Lukla, situated at an altitude of 2,610m above sea level. The hilly town is filled with hotels and lodges that provide necessary accommodation to mountaineers and trekkers on their way to Mt. Everest. 

Along the way, we will pass through the villages of Chheplung, Nachipang, Koshigaun, and Ghat until finally we reach Pkhading. Throughout the trial, you will see many Maane stones, prayer flags and other Buddhist monuments. We will also cross a suspension bridge, which is great On a clear day, we will be blessed by a view of Mt. Kusum Kanguru, and Mount Kongde among a few other peaks.

It will take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours to reach Pkhading and it will serve as our stop for the night.

The fourth day of our trek starts with an early breakfast. Today we will be travelling to Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa village at an altitude of 3,440m above sea level and taking some pictures along the way.

We will cross the village of Thulo Gumela, Tok Tok, Benkar, Manjo (entry point of Sagarmatha National Park), and another place called Phakding, Jorsalle, from where we will cross the famous Hillary Bridge (suspension) to reach Mt. Everest View Point. Here will get our first glimpse of the giant Mt. Everest, standing tall at 8848m. Dudhkoshi River will always be on our side and many suspension bridges we cross over it will provide perfect ridges for landscape photography.

We will have photo sessions on the places figured out by our mentor during the briefing sessions along with other picturesque landscapes. Following another photo session at the Everest viewpoint, we will finally see Namche Bazaar, where we will call it a day.

As always we will grab an early breakfast at Namche and start making our way to Hotel Everest View. The Hotel Everest View is situated at an altitude of 3880m above sea level with the most exciting view of Mt Everest.

The hike to Hotel Everest View from Namche takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the pace and stoppage we make. For us, we will stick with the latter as we will be taking some picture breaks. The path is filled with diverse floras and natural diversity. During the grazing seasons, we will spot Wild Yaks, Himalayan sheep, and Himalayan Tahr throughout the way.

We can also visit the National Park Museum and learn the history of the Sagarmatha National Park. The place is a perfect off-beat hike for a rest and amazing landscape pictures. In this museum, visitors can explore captivating exhibits showcasing the Himalayas, traditional Sherpa practices, and the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Additionally, the nearby View Point near the Nepal Army camp offers a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains, providing an ideal location for capturing memorable photographs.

While the Hotel Everest View, established in 1971 by Japanese adventurer Takashi Miyahara, is a popular breakfast place in the Khumbu region, we will be staying there for the night and exploring.

The following breakfast we will make our way today to Tengboche. Tengboche (3860m), a small village is one of the most revered places for local people and travellers alike as here lies the largest monastery in the Khumbu Region. Tengboche Monastery was built in 1923 and since then has seen a lot of reconstruction and served as a place of serenity for many.

As we make our way to Tengboche, we will have the option of choosing our route. We can go back to Namche and make our way from there or start directly from HEV. Whichever route we choose, we will have a picturesque setting all along the way.

As we move we will pass through the villages of Sanasa, Lami Schyasa, Phungi Thenga, & finally Tengboche. These villages will us a perfect setting for capturing life in the Himalayas and the original way of indigenous people of Nepal in the trekking region. Today we will have a chance to capture the ‘folding of hills’ with Everest serving as the crown jewel. In the morning & evening, the Dudh Koshi River will reflect the sun and it looks like gold flowing a top of milky waters.

A lodge in Tengboche will serve us hot meals and a bed to sleep on, of course, charging ports for our adventure the next day.

It’s day seven and we are just getting started. Waking up in Tengboche is an adventure in itself. The monastery and the mountains appear as if they grew a little overnight. Also, let’s not forget about the clear, crisp weather for a picture.

Following a strong breakfast we will continue on our journey and today to Dingboche. Dingboche, situated above an altitude of 4400m, is a small Sherpa town north of Tengboche. With the towering embrace of Mt Ama Dablam (6812m), today we will pass the villages of Deboche, cross the Imja River, Milinggo, Pengbochhe, Shomare, and Worshyo and finally reach Dingboche.

Hike today will get a little tougher but as we are treading very slowly we have nothing to worry about. We will pass many suspension bridges hike some up and down terrain and finally enter the rocky terrain of the mountain. We will have lunch at one of the most picturesque places in the region and continue. This walk to Dingboche is a great place to capture some Himalayan tahr, Danphe, Munals and fingers crossed, Snow Leopard.

Once we reach Dingboche, we will rest there for the night to recharge ourselves with healthy meals and batteries for tomorrow.

Today, we don’t have to have an early breakfast as we will be having an acclimation day in Dingboche. 

Dingboche, situated 9.1 kilometres away from Tengboche Monastery, marks the final village in the Everest region. As it is an acclimatisation day, we will be going on a hike to the summit of Nangkartshang Peak or Chhukung Ri Peak. 

Nangkartshang Peak stands at an impressive elevation of 5,083 meters and is a popular acclimatisation point. The hike to the top typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, rewarding you with breathtaking panoramic views of prominent peaks such as Mt. Tawache, Mt. Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Everest, and Mt. Pumori.

Alternatively, we can opt to explore Chhukung Ri, a popular trekking peak in the Khumbu Valley, with an altitude of 5546 meters. The lower of its two summits is positioned to the left of the saddle, while the main summit occupies the centre of the vista. In the lower right corner, you'll notice the path leading to the saddle. From a ridge just 10 minutes south of Chhukung, your gaze will be drawn to the majestic Nuptse mountain in the background.

Great location for 360 views of the majestic Himalayas and panoramic pictures, an Ansel Adams dream location.

Back to the early breakfast! Following breakfast we will wave goodbye to Dingboche and start making our way to Lobuche. With rest day and acclimatisation over it is somewhat exciting to start hiking again in the Khumbu Region. We will start by heading northwest of Dingboche passing many well-situated Manes and Stupas (shrines). One of the Stupa on the way offers a breathtaking view of your previous journey and a glimpse of your upcoming destination.

On the way, we will pass the village of Pheriche & Dugla. While we are on an EBC trek, Mt. Ama Dablam is the most prominent mountain embracing us throughout the journey and this section of the trail offers the most magnificent view of the massif.

As we walk up and down, passing a small settlement of Yak herders, we will reach up to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. It is a tough hike and the altitude can make it worse. Following the climb, we will reach Thokla Pass. This part of the trail is filled with memorials of people who lost their lives climbing Mt. Everest.

We will reach Lobuche after a short hike of about an hour or so. Lobuche, situated above the altitude of 4900m above sea level, is a small settlement set to provide mountaineers and trekkers with a night of comfort before reaching Everest Base Camp. Lobuche is also a great place for capturing the giant Mt Nuptse and Lobuche peak (6119m) itself.

We will spend a night here.

Another tough day but a rewarding hike today. We will set on a hike to Gorekshep. Gorekshep, situated at an altitude of  5,164m, is the last human settlement before Everest Base Camp and only settled during the mountaineering and trekking season. Gorekshep is also used as the base camp for Kalapathar Peak (5,550 metres.) 

Following breakfast we will hike northeast of Loobuche following a rough, narrow mountain path. The path ascends, descends, and winds around the glacial moraine lumps. Weather will be crisp but windy and we have to be aware of blocking traffic for the Yak caravans, technically called Dzopkyos.

It will take about 3 hours of slow hiking with picture breaks to reach Gorakshep. We will be walking slowly, making sure we are fully hydrated as going over 5000m is tough for everybody. 

Gorak Shep offers many peaceful spots to relax, enjoy the views, and soak in the ambience. An evening stroll around the village is highly recommended to wind down after the day's hike. The trek from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on weather conditions, acclimatization, and individual physical fitness.

We will make our camp at Gorekshep for the night and get as much rest as possible because we will be waking up early to catch the sunrise from Kalapathhar Peak.

We will rise today before the sun does as we are catching it paint over the Himalayas from Kalapathar Peak. We will have our breakfast at 4:00 am and embark on our trek no later than 4:30 am.

The hike to Kalapathar from Gorekshep is just about 1.3 kilometres. While it is a short ascent, it will be chilly and windy, so wear warm clothes and protect your batteries as they drain quickly in the cold. The 3-hour hike will be tough but once the sun rays glimmer on the mountain it will all be worth it. Kalapathar Summit offers breathtaking views of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Changtse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Taweche, Mt. Kantega and mighty Mt Everest.

Once we take in as much of the mountains and great landscape shots, we will start heading towards Zhong la, 4,830 metres (15,850 ft). The way to Zhong la takes anywhere from 4 to 5 hours of some ascent and mostly descent. We will take shelter at a lodge here for the night.

Another day of rigorous walking waits today with yet another feat to accomplish. Today we will complete one of the three passes of the Khumbu region, Cho La Pass, a tough walk and a lot of ground to cover, so we will keep our photography sessions to a minimum.

Following another early breakfast we will start walking northwest from Zhong La to Chola Pass. Chola Pass is one of the most popular passes in the region. Following an ascend of around 600 metres, we will reach the highest point of the pass and start descending towards Gokyo.

It will be a windy walk towards Gokyo but the views of Gokyo Lakes reminds us why we are here. We will make Dragnag village our lunch stop and start walking towards Gokyo. 

Situated on the eastern banks of Dudh Pokhari, the third Gokyo Lake, Gokyo village stands at the foot of Gokyo Ri. To the southeast lies the village of Chharchung, forming a harmonious picture amidst the Himalayas.

We will make our camp at Gokyo for the night.

Another early morning breakfast (It is the last one). Following breakfast, dress warm and get ready for a climb to Gokyo Peak. It takes anywhere from 2-4 hours to reach to the peak. From Gokyo Peak, we have the most amazing views of mountains such as Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu.

Not only the mountains but the view of Gokyo lakes are even more mesmerising. It will be as if they are waiting and posing for some pictures. 

After spending some time at the peak we will descend back to Gokyo and rest for the night.

It will be our last days in the mountains but not in the Himalayas as we will be descending from now on. Following breakfast we will say goodbye to Gokyo (4,750 metres) and start our trek to Dole. Today we will hike downwards with Dudh Koshi River and get to see trees and some forests along the way, a reminder that hills are coming. 

We will pass Macchermo, a small sherpa village, and finally reach Dole. We will not be making many photography stops today.

We will spend our night at Dole (4,038 metres). 

Another day of downhill walking awaits as we depart from Dole. Today we will hike to Manjo.

Walking downhill from Dole, we will make our lunch stop at Lukla and continue towards Manjo. On the way, we will have to check ourselves out at the office of Sagarmatha National Park, get some congratulations and continue.

Manjo (2835m) is a small mountain town, north of Phakding and south of Jorsale. We will spend a night at a lodge in Manjo. 

All good things, including great adventure, must come to an end. Today we will say goodbye to the Mountainous region of Nepal and enter the Hilly region.

As we walk towards Lukla (2860m), we will retrace our path through the villages of Chumoa, Benkar, Phakding, Chuthuwa and many others. With Dudh Koshi River by our side, we will reach Lukla where we will spend the night.

As the trail is easy we will also conduct some farewell photography sessions along the way.

Following an early breakfast we will take a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. The flight will give us the last glimpses of the Khumbu region that we just conquered. Once we get to Kathmandu you will be dropped at your hotel.

A Places Nepal representative will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at Tribhuwan International Airport. Thank you for trusting Places Nepal with your adventures.