The approach follows the "Everest B.C. and Gokyo lakes" itinerary, one of Nepal's most famous treks, through the Khumbu mountains - Sherpa country. After a magnificent mountain flight to Lukla we follow the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche Bazaar. The trail to Gokyo is a gradual ascent up the valley passing through patches of birch and rhododendron forest where the elusive musk deer can sometimes be seen. Through small yak-grazing settlements we reach the Gokyo lakes where we climb the Gokyo Peak (5480 m) and enjoy stunning summit mountain scenery including Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyo. After the Cho La pass, we reach Dzongla and further up the base camp. The climb includes some technical difficulties on quite steep (45 - 50 degree) snow/ice slopes and requires the use of fixed ropes. The views of Ama Dablam and Taweche are spectacular. After the Lobuche Peak ascent, we continue towards Gorak Shep and climb to Kala Pattar (5545 m) from where we enjoy an impressive up-close view of Everest. Our return route passes through Tengboche, a magnificent location with a fascinating monastery, where we rest and savor the incredible scenery, including magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6809m), Kwangde (6194m), Nuptse (7879m), and Lhotse (8511m), to name but a few.
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