Gokyo Everest Base Base Base Trek by land, i.e., from Phaplu, is a historic trekking route that takes trekkers on an exceptional, original route to Everest Base Camp. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made this trekking route famous when they first reached Everest's top in the Everest Expeditions history in May 1953.
The Tham Danda via Phaplu to Gokyo and Everest Base Base Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, following the same route all famous mountaineers took to reach Everest Base Camp before Lukla airport was built. This almost three-week trek to Everest Base Camp was the only option available before the airport at Lukla was completed. One of the delights of the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek is seeing a faraway Everest and other mountains steadily develop into towering giants with each passing day.
Gokyo and Everest Trek Via Land from Phaplu allow you to experience the entire Solukhumbu region while following in the Himalayan mountaineering giants' footsteps. This trek is also known as the Classic Everest Trek as the history with the first ascend to Mt Everest is involved with it.
Given that the trek uses the same trail as the early explorers in the 1950s would have taken, the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trip
Given that it uses the same trails that the early explorers in the 1950s would have taken, the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp trip might be regarded as the "purest" and most authentic trip in the area. The Phaplu or Phaplu version begins with a 7-10 hour bus ride to the village of Phaplu or Phaplu, where the trek starts, rather than the quick flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Before Sir Edmund Hillary and his team constructed the Lukla airport, traveling through the Solu Khumbu region took a week to reach what is now considered the beginning point for most Everest hikes. Before arriving at Everest Base Camp on the mountain's south side, the walk from Lukla travels via Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo, Gokyo Ri, and Cho la Pass.
Before Sir Edmund Hillary and his team built the Lukla airport, traveling through the Solu Khumbu region was a week-long trek to Lukla. This destination is now considered the beginning point for most Everest hikes. Before arriving at Everest Base Camp on the mountain's south side, the walk from Lukla travels via Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo, Gokyo Ri, and Cho la Pass.
The journey is most popular among hikers who are in the Himalayas and want to spend more time here. Similarly, travelers who want to learn more about the Sherpa people's way of life away from the more well-traveled sections of the trail that they will later meet can also choose this trek. The Phaplu variant is the only other option for taking the tense flight into Lukla—not a flight for the easily alarmed.
One of its highlights is the first week of the journey, primarily spent in the Solu Khumbu region among pristine terraced farmlands, woods, and the lovely Dudh Koshi River. Since most Sherpa people reside in this area, you can anticipate experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals as you gradually adjust to the high altitude. You can also expect to learn about sherpas and other locals who reside in the region's culture and customs.
As you ascend the Khumbu Valley towards Gokyo Valley, Chola La pass, and base camp after Lukla, you will be met with breathtaking vistas of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Meet some possible summitters at base camp before climbing Kala Patthar, the region's most popular Viewpoints of the area.
Summary of Gokyo to EBC Trek By Land
Following the high route pass of Cho La Pass (5330m) into the Everest Base Camp, this is one of the more challenging treks in the Everest region of the Himalayas. From the Sherpa homeland to the Gokyo valley, which offers breathtaking views of four 8,000-metre peaks—Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the Ngozumpa glacier—this ascent also follows the Dudh Koshi and Khumbu basins. Following the high route crossing of Cho La (5330m), we stop at the turquoise Gokyo lakes before descending into the Khumbu Valley and Mount Everest's base camp.
A -day trip, of which days are spent walking, is required to complete the Gokyo Lakes trek. There is a quick flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, but this trek by land takes trekkers first to Tham Danda via Phaplu with a short ride and then a hike to Lukla. From Lukla, we travel along the Dudh Koshi river valley to the vibrant hub Namche Bazaar, which has a wonderful ambiance and is ideally situated for taking in the breathtaking alpine landscape.
As you continue into the Khumbu Valley, breathtaking views of some of the tallest mountains in the world provide a dramatic backdrop. The trip back to Lukla from Gokyo passes past Everest Base Camp, Kalar Pattar (for up-close views of Everest), Khumjung Village, Namche Bazaar, and the beautiful Tengboche Monastery. The Gokyo Lakes journey gains a total of 2679 meters from Lukla and 4145 meters from Kathmandu, with Gokyo Ri towering at 5483 meters, the Cho La Pass at 5330 meters, Everest Base Camp at 5360 meters, and Kala Patthar at 5545 meters. Slow elevation gain during the trek provides for excellent acclimatization.
What Do You Expect?
When embarking on a trekking adventure of a lifetime, the journey from Tham Danda via Phaplu to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo is nothing short of spectacular. This unique route offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and the awe-inspiring Himalayas. Here are some things you can do during your trek via land.
Starting from Tham Danda Via Phaplu: The Hidden Gem
Introduction to Phaplu
Nestled in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal, Tham Danda Via Phaplu serves as the gateway to one of the most iconic trekking routes in the world. This quaint town, with its warm hospitality and stunning views of the Himalayas, sets the stage for your adventure. As you begin your trek from Tham Danda, you'll immerse yourself in the heart of nature, surrounded by lush forests and serene landscapes.
The Trail Less Travelled
One of the reasons why the Phaplu to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo trek Nepal stands out is because it is less crowded compared to the traditional Lukla route. This means you can savor the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Himalayas without the hustle and bustle of large crowds.
The Enchanting Gokyo Valley
Gokyo Lakes: Turquoise Jewels
One of the highlights of this trek is undoubtedly the mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes. The trail takes you through six pristine, turquoise lakes that mirror the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Seeing these glacial lakes is a true feast for the eyes and provides ample opportunities for reflection and photography.
Renowned for Its Serenity
Gokyo Valley is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike the busier routes, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Himalayan wilderness, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.
Embracing Sherpa Hospitality
Throughout your journey, you'll be privileged to interact with the Sherpa people, known for their warmth and hospitality. You can immerse yourself in their rich culture, traditions, and way of life, making this trek an adventure and a cultural experience.
Visiting Authentic Villages
As you traverse the trail, you'll come across charming Sherpa villages that glimpse the local lifestyle. From Namche Bazaar to Phakding, each village has its unique charm and traditions waiting to be discovered.
The Ultimate Destination: Everest Base Camp
Reaching New Heights
After days of trekking through the stunning landscapes of the Solu-Khumbu region, you'll finally arrive at the Everest Base Camp. At an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), standing at the base of the world's tallest peak is a surreal experience that words can hardly describe.
Breathtaking Panoramic Views
From the Everest Base Camp, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other towering peaks. The feeling of being so close to these giants of the Earth is an unforgettable moment that will stay with you forever.
