How to Plan Your 9 Days Everest Gorak Shep Trek

Looking for an adventurous and challenging trekking experience? Look no further than the 9 days Everest Gorak Shep Trek. This trek takes you through some of the most stunning and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world, culminating in the unforgettable sight of Mount Everest.

In this how-to guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the planning process to ensure that your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Overview of the Trek

The trek starts and ends in Kathmandu and takes you through the Khumbu region, passing through quaint villages, lush forests, and rugged mountain terrain. The highlight of the trek is reaching Gorak Shep, a small settlement at the base of Kala Patthar from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest.

What’s Included

The trek includes the following:

– Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle
– Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast
– Guided city tour in Kathmandu valley by a private tourist vehicle
– Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
– Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation

Please note that international airfare and airport departure tax are not included in the price.

Meeting and Pickup

Upon your arrival at the airport, our airport representative will receive you and take you to your hotel. Your guide will then meet you and brief you on the trip.

What to Expect

This trek is considered moderately difficult, so it’s important that you have a moderate level of physical fitness. The trek covers a distance of approximately 62 km and involves climbing to a maximum altitude of 5,545m.

The trek is also subject to weather conditions. While the best time to do the trek is from March to May and September to November when the weather is dry and clear, you may encounter unexpected rain, snow, or other weather conditions that could impact the trek.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: City tour of Kathmandu
Day 3: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 5: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Gorak Shep, visit to Everest Base Camp
Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar, back to Gorak Shep, and fly back to Kathmandu

Booking Your Tour

To book your 9 days Everest Gorak Shep Trek, visit the following link: book the tour here.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure that will challenge you physically and mentally, the 9 days Everest Gorak Shep Trek is the perfect choice. With the right planning and preparation, you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

An Insider’s Guide to Planning Your 9 Days Everest Gorak Shep Trek

Planning a trip to Nepal and the Everest region can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. From selecting the right trekking route to ensuring you have the proper gear and permits, there are a lot of factors to consider. However, with the right planning and preparation, you can have an unforgettable experience trekking through the Himalayas to the iconic Everest Base Camp and Gorak Shep. In this insider’s guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your 9-day trek to the Everest Gorak Shep.

Overview of the Everest Gorak Shep Trek

Everest Gorak Shep trek is a 9-day trek that takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region, offering a jaw-dropping view of the Himalayas. It starts from Lukla, a relatively small town located in northeastern Nepal and ends at the iconic EBC, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and glaciers. Along the way, you’ll encounter Buddhist monasteries, beautiful Sherpa villages, and glacial moraines, making this trek a true Himalayan Odyssey.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Everest region for trekking is during the months of September to November or March to May, as the weather is dry, and the visibility is excellent, allowing some of the most magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayan range.

How to Get There

The nearest airport to the Everest region is Lukla Airport, which is accessible only by a 30-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu. The other option is to take a private helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla.

Permits and Fees

You’ll require two permits for the Everest Gorak Shep Trek: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. The Sagarmatha National Park Permit costs around NPR 3,000 ($25), and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs NPR 2,000 ($17).

Trekking Route

Day 1: Lukla to Phakding (2,610m)
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Day 3: Namche Bazaar Rest Day
Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m)
Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m)
Day 6: Dingboche Rest Day
Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930m)
Day 8: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m), and Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Day 9: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Pheriche (4,240m)

Attractions and Activities

The Everest Gorak Shep trek offers a heady mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are some places to visit and activities to pursue during your 9-day trek:

• Namche Bazaar: Known as the ‘Gateway to Everest,’ this town is bustling with energy and markets selling handicrafts, trekking gear, and food. You’ll find a Sherpa Culture Museum here that provides insights into the Sherpa way of life.
• Tengboche Monastery: This Buddhist monastery is perched on a hill and provides a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and other peaks.
• Dingboche: A quaint Sherpa village that offers a close-up view of the towering Ama Dablam peak.
• Everest Base Camp: The endpoint of your 9-day trek, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Khumbu Icefall and the glacier.
• Kala Patthar: The best vantage point for stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range.

Dining Spots

The food choices at the Everest Gorak Shep trek are relatively limited, and you’ll mostly find typical Nepali and Tibetan cuisine. Here are some dining spots where you can rest your weary feet and indulge in some warm, hearty meals:

• Near Lukla: Himalayan Coffee House for excellent coffee and sandwiches
• Namche Bazaar: Tashi Delek Lodge & Restaurant, unique for its traditional Sherpa cuisine and lemon tea.
• Tengboche: Hotel Himalayan Lodge and Restaurant, located near the monastery, offers an excellent view of Ama Dablam peak and serves delicious Yak steak and momos.

Cultural Experiences

The Everest Gorak Shep trek offers an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the Sherpa culture and traditions. Here are some cultural experiences you can indulge in during your trek:

• Sherpa Lifestyle: Visit the Sherpa homes and interact with the locals, learning about their daily lives.
• Buddhist monasteries and Stupas: The region is dotted with ancient Buddhist monasteries and mountain stupas, where you can learn about the local religious traditions and catch a glimpse of the monks’ daily rituals.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those looking to explore beyond the standard itinerary, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

• Khunde Hospital: This hospital, started by Sir Edmund Hillary and Dr. Harka Gurung, serves the local community with medical services.
• Thame Village: This quaint Sherpa Village, located off the main trekking route, offers beautiful views of the Thame Valley and offers a glimpse into traditional Sherpa lifestyle and culture.

Conclusion

The 9-day Everest Gorak Shep trek is undoubtedly a journey of a lifetime filled with natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and unparalleled mountain views. By following the guide above, you can plan your trip and enjoy as much as possible during your trek in one of the most beautiful places on earth.