Group of 5 or more $2500 Group of 4 $2775

Single Occupancy Kathmandu $200

When all of your concerns have been satisfactorily addressed and you’re ready to commit, you’ll receive an electronic invoice via email, with a secure link to PayPal Business Services for payment by credit or debit card. You'll receive an immediate confirmation of your deposit or balance paid. Checks are also accepted and can be made out to Geofilmworks, LLC, 1200 Camino Consuelo, Unit 93, Santa Fe, NM 87507. Text, call or email, William Maloney, Trek Organizer/Facilitator with questions at (505) 603-1821 or william@geofilmworks.com

EVEREST CIRCUIT TREK VIA GOKYO LAKES & CHO LA PASS ⎹ MAY 1 - 21, 2024 ⎹ 21 DAYS - $2500*

*Group of 8 or more $2500, 6-7 $2750, 5 $2850, 4 $3025, Deposit $500.

COST INCLUDES

Trekking permits, 4 nights Kathmandu hotel, double occupancy, (single supplement $200), trekking guides, transport in Nepal, extensive high altitude wilderness first aid kit, all meals outside Kathmandu, porters to carry personal/group equipment, down jacket, sleeping bag and expedition duffel.

COST EXCLUDES

International flights to Kathmandu, meals in Kathmandu (USD 10-15 per meal), aerated and alcoholic beverages, personal items (e.g. phone calls, laundry), tips, travel insurance (incl. early departure , mountain rescue) and personal trekking gear.

CANCELLATION POLICY*

A refundable deposit of $500** is required at time of booking to secure space. The balance payment of $2000 is required not less than 60 days (3/1/2024) before departure date. If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:

60+ days prior to departure = $0

31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable

0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

**Clients 1-4 receive complimentary National Geographic Everest Base Camp Adventure Map + Lonely Planet Nepal Travel Guide 2018 Edition. Updated 2023 edition will be released on 8/23/2024 and is available for preorder - clients choice.

Clients 5-8 receive complimentary National Geographic Everest Base Camp Adventure Map.

Clients 9-12 no complimentary incentive.

Trekking permits, 4 nights Kathmandu hotel, double occupancy, Single supplement TBD, trekking guides, transport in Nepal, extensive high altitude wilderness first aid kit, all meals outside Kathmandu, porters to carry personal/group equipment, down jacket, sleeping bag and expedition duffel. Maximum group size 8 people, plus 1 coordinator.

international flights to Kathmandu, meals in Kathmandu (USD 10-15 per meal), aerated and alcoholic beverages, personal items (e.g. phone calls, laundry), tips, travel insurance (incl. early departure , mountain rescue) and personal trekking gear.

Our route begins from the gateway airport town of Lukla at 2840m. Following the Dudh Kosi River on the valley floor, the trail first passes through farming villages of mixed Tamang, Rai and Sherpa communities. We then make a sharp ascent up to Namche, the capital of the Khumbu and the traditional trading centre of the Sherpas. We take a less travelled road to Phortse Tenga, which lies a short distance from the traditional Sherpa farming village of Phortse. From here it’s a gradual hike up passing through Dole and Machermo before reaching Goyko. With an early morning start, we climb up to Gokyo Ri to enjoy sunrise views of 4 of Nepal’s 8000m peaks. Another highlight in the Cho La pass (5330m) crossing follows next, before we descend back down the valley toward Lobuche. Then it’s a gentle rocky ascent besides the Khumbu glacier to Everest base camp, and to up close views of the infamous Khumbhu icefall. We return to Gorak Shep to prepare for another early morning summit of Kala Pattar (5550m). This magnificent viewpoint allows the closest and clearest view of Everest.

The return route passes through Pheriche and Tengboche Monastery. The Tengboche monastery is the largest monastery in the region and is open to visitors to share prayer time with monks.

Highlights

Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama dablam, Makalu and Cho Oyu

Colourful Buddhist culture and spirited Sherpa people

Crossing Cho La pass

Ascents of Kala Pattar and Gokyo Ri

Tengboche Monastery

DAY 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

A Himalayan Ascent representative will collect you from the airport. It’s a free day to recover from your international flight. Later in the evening, there will be a group briefing and welcome group dinner.

DAY 2: In Kathmandu

This is a free day for you to explore the crazy, yet wondrously beautiful city of Kathmandu. Home to 5 World Heritage sites, Kathmandu is a stunning landscape of handcrafted wooden palaces (durbar or palace squares of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur) and glorious Buddhist stupas (Swayambu and Boudhanath). It’s a city that stimulates all senses, so be prepared because Kathmandu is a city that demands attention.

DAY 3: Fly to Lukla (2840m), trek to Monjo (2840m) ~5 hrs

Our trip begins with an early morning 30 min flight to Lukla, that flies over endless rolling hills covered with green terraces. Once in Lukla, we have a short break to organise porters and gear before starting our day’s walk, descending and ascending to Monjo. We pass green villages and colourful mani walls as we follow the Dudh Kosi river upstream. This region is Buddhist so remember to walk clockwise or to the right of mani walls and prayer flag poles. Monjo is an apple farming village situated near the base of the hill up to Namche. Note, if we leave on a mid morning flight, we may stop earlier along the trail at Phakding (2640m) instead of Monjo.

DAY 4: Trek Monjo (2840m) to Namche (3440m) ~5 hrs

Before leaving Monjo, we’ll drop into the Khumbu National Park Information Centre where you can trace our trail from a 3D model of the region. The route crosses several steel suspension bridges covered with katas, white well-wishing scarves, and prayer flags. From the last bridge, it’s a 2-3 hr hike up to Namche. On a clear day, you can catch your first view of Everest from a lookout about mid-way up the hill. Once in Namche, you have the afternoon to rest, do last minute gear shopping or catch locals enjoying the Saturday market.

DAY 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche ~ 5 hrs

We spend an extra day in Namche before trekking higher to allow our bodies to adjust to the lower levels of oxygen in the air. In the morning, we will walk up to the Everest View Hotel to enjoy a panoramic view of Everest, Ama dablam and Thamserku. It’s just a taster for the spectacular scenery to come! From here, you can explore the villages of Khunde and Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary opened a hospital and school, respectively. Or the afternoon is free for wandering around Namche, emailing friends/family or relaxing over coffee and cakes in the bakery.

DAY 6: Trek Namche (3440m) to Phortse Tenga (3950m) ~ 4.5 hr

The trail behind Namche is a gentle track that traverses high above the Imja river with overlooking views of Thamserku and Ama dablam. We pass a chorten in memory of Tenzing Norgay, Sir Edmund Hillary’s climbing partner, before reaching Kyangjuma to break for morning tea. We split from the regular traffic of trekkers heading to Everest base camp by taking the higher road up to Mong for lunch. Phortse Tenga is a short descent from Mong on the valley floor alongside the Dudh Kosi river. If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike the short distance up to the farming village of Phortse for the afternoon. Many villagers still depend on potato and buckwheat farming here, but Phortse is also known for producing many climbing Sherpas to supplement their incomes. Since 2003, the Khumbu Climbing School which operates in Phortse has trained many keen young men and women. Every winter, renowned international climbers and local guides work together to run climbing courses. The partnership has not only increased climbing enthusiasm amongst locals, but has also improved general climbing safety.

DAY 7: Trek Phortse Tenga (3950m) to Dole (4200m) ~2.5 hrs

We have a relatively short day climbing up to Dole from Phortse Tenga. The trail follows the Dudi Kosi river northwards with stunning views of Tabouche and Cholatse across the valley.

DAY 8: Trek Dole (4200m) to Machhermo (4410m) ~4 hrs

Another short uphill day will take us up to Machhermo for lunch. We relax during the afternoon to allow our bodies to properly acclimatise. This area has a history of Yeti sightings and attacks. In 1974, it is claimed that a 19-year old Sherpani yak herder and her brother were assaulted by a 4 foot Yeti, who also killed 5 of theiryaks. Local police confirmed the Yeti in the case. The existence of Yetis are yet to be scientifically proven, but in the Khumbhu, belief of their existence is strong with many local stories of their sighting.

DAY 9: Trek Machhermo (4410m) to Gokyo (4790m) ~5 hrs

Continuing northwards, we walk up the rocky moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier and then alongside it to reach Gokyo village. We pass 3 of the Gokyo lakes (First lake, 4710m, Taboche lake, 4740m and Dudh Pokhari, 4750m), pausing to admire their serene blue water. These lakes are sacred to Hindus who come to wash in their icy waters in August during the Janaipurnima festival.

DAY 10: Summit Goyko Ri (5360m) ~5 hrs

It’s an early start if you want to catch sunrise from the summit of Gokyo Ri (approx. 2hr). A first in a series of brilliant panoramas to come, the stunning view from GokyoRi captures Nepal’s major 8000m peaks, Everest (8848m), Cho Oyu (8188m), Lhotse (8414m), Shishapangma (8013m) and Makalu (8475m). The summit also offers a glimpse down the Ngozumba glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, and an encompassing view of the Gokyo lakes. You have a well deserved rest in the afternoon after your first summit success over 5000m!

DAY 11: Trek Gokyo (4790m) to Thangnak (4700m) ~2 hrs

We have an easy day following the route back down past the Gokyo lakes to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. We cross the glacier on a rocky trail leading to Thangnak where we stay for the night. Our next day will be long as we cross Cho La pass, so we rest for the remainder of the day to prepare for this challenge.

DAY 12: Trek Thangnak (4700m) to Dzongla (4830m) via Cho La pass (5330m) ~6-7 hrs

This is a strenuous day that starts early up rocky boulders and up a steep stretch before reaching our snow covered pass of Cho La. You’ll need good waterproof boots and poles as we traverse across the glacier and then gradually down towards the Khumbu valley. Despite the difficulty, you won’t regret the effort as the views from the pass are breathtaking. Cho La pass offers an expansive view of Everest alongside its neighbouring giants.

DAY 13: Trek Dzongla (4830m) to Lobuche (4910m) ~2 hrs

Leaving behind views of Ama dablam from Dzongla, we take a relaxing day to trek to Lobuche after yesterday’s massive effort. The trail to Lobuche follows up from the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier, that primarily runs off Everest and Lhotse.

DAY 14: Trek Lobuche (4910m) to Gorak Shep (5140m) and Everest Base camp (5364m) ~7 hrs

Gorak Shep is the last settlement before reaching Everest base camp. From Lobuche, it’s a short walk of a couple of hours across glacier moraine to reach there around mid morning. After a quick refreshment, we will walk further along the rocky terrain alongside the Khumbu glacier to reach base camp. This pile of rocks sitting at the foot of the infamous Khumbu ice fall in Spring is home to some 30 teams (hundreds of climbers and support staff) aspiring to climb Everest. After inspecting the Khumbu ice fall, we trek back to Gorak Shep for the night to ready for an early start for our own summit ambitions the next day.

DAY 15: Trek Gorak Shep (5140m) and Kala Pattar (5550m) to Pheriche (4270m) ~7 hrs

From Gorak Shep and base camp, Pumo Ri (7165m), Lingtren (6749m) and Nuptse (7861m) are clearly visible. However, Everest and Lhotse are largely blocked by the face of Nuptse. To see these mountains, we must climb another vantage point behind Gorak Shep known as Kala Pattar or “Black Rock”. For a sunrise viewing of Everest, it’s a 5am wake up and 5.30am start for 2 hr to reach Kala Pattar summit. At 5550m, this is the highest point on our trek! The summit provides a close and unobstructed view of Everest and Lhotse, undoubtebly a worthy reward for making the strenuous climb to the summit. We drop back to Gorak Shep for breakfast before making the descent to Pheriche. Make sure you drop into the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic and learn about the amazing volunteer work they do to provide medical assistance to locals, trekkers and climbers alike.

DAY 16: Trek Pheriche (4270m) to Tengboche (3860m) ~4 hrs

As we descend to lower altitudes, every step you take from here to Lukla, you will feel rejuvenated with increasing oxygen in the air. We have lunch at Pangboche, cross the river and pass through Deboche to reach our destination of Tengboche for the night. Tengboche monastery is famous for hosting the major Buddhist festival, Mani Rimdu, in November. The monastery itself was rebuilt after a fire in 1989. Visitors are allowed to observe prayer time with the monks at mid morning/mid afternoon. This is not to be missed! Also enjoy a cake at the bakery.

DAY 17: Trek Tengboche (3860m) to Monjo (2840m) ~ 5 hrs

It’s a big descent from Tengboche to the Dudh kosi river crossing, followed by a 45 min hike up the otherside heading back to Namche. The trail from here is an easy traverse with familiar sights of Thamserku and the Kongde range. We pause in Namche for lunch before making another big descent back to the valley floor. Crossing over the many suspension bridges in warmer temperatures again, we eventutally break in Monjo for the night.

DAY 18: Trek Monjo (2840m) to Lukla (2840m) ~ 3 hrs

Enjoy the sights of the mani walls around Ghat and other villages, as we make our way back to Lukla. This is our last opportunity to take in the Buddhist culture that has prevailed throughout the trek before returning to the melting pot of cultures found in Kathmandu.

DAY 19: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu, stay in Kathmandu

Another early morning flight out of Lukla back to Kathmandu. You have the rest of the day to rest from the trek. A massage is highly recommended!

DAY 20: In Kathmandu

Our last day to catch in some sight seeing, shop, relax and prepare for departure. If you didn’t make it to Bhaktapur or the other durbar squares in Patan/Kathmandu, make sure you don’t miss these world hertitage sites. They provide another viewpoint of Nepal’s diverse culture and ancient architectural talents.

Day 21: depart Kathmandu

We bid Kathmandu and Nepal farewell....until next time.

Note: daily walking hours include a lunch break.

WHY HIMALAYAN ASCENT?

Himalayan Ascent is owned and managed by local Nepalese guides Sumit Joshi and Lakpa Sherpa. With more than 40 years of guiding experience between the pair across the Himalayas in Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan and Bhutan, Himalayan Ascent know the Himalayas, its challenges, people and mountains.

As avid rock climbers with a passion for the mountains, Sumit and Lakpa have led numerous expeditions to Everest, K2, Broad Peak, Cho Oyu, Manaslu and Ama Dablam. Raised in the outdoor wonderland of the Solukhumbu, the Himalayan Ascent difference is a guiding and support team of personnel who are intimately familiar with the Himalayas, who actively enjoy the outdoors and love sharing the experience with others. With a growing reputation for providing affordable, international standard complete guiding service for challenging treks in remote areas or demanding 8000m expeditions, Himalayan Ascent has the experience to deliver the type of service that’s desired by international outdoor adventurers.

Tourist visas can be obtained directly at the immigration department of Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Bring at least 2 passport sized photos, a copy of your passport and USD 40 cash for a 30-day tourist visa. You can also prearrange a visa from your nearest Nepalese consulate.

You will be woken up with a knock on your door around 6am by a staff member. You’ll get dressed and packed for the day’s walk, and have your duffel ready for your porter before breakfast ~7am. The aim will be to leave the teahouse and hit the trail by 8am. 

On the trail, you’ll carry a small day pack (20-40L, and up to 5kg) with your personal items, water, warm clothing and wet weather gear. Generally lunch is at the rest stop for the night, which leaves the afternoon free to rest and soak in the views. 

Dinner is at 7pm, and most trekkers then either read, play cards or head to bed early around 8 - 9 pm to prepare for the next day’s adventure.

While on the trail, you’ll sleep in local friendly teahouses. These provide basic accommodation (twin-share), common toilets and a large common dining hall. Teahouse kitchens cater for international and local tastes, from pizzas/pastas to typical Nepali favorites. Other facilities including showers, internet, battery charging and laundry are sometimes available for an extra cost.

Known as “Eastern People” in Tibet, Sherpas were nomads who migrated and settled in the Solukhumbu region around 500 years ago from Tibet. Their dialect, dress and food is very similar to Tibetans, more than the Hindu majority ethnic groups in Nepal. With a culture deeply rooted in Buddhism, Sherpas have a strong respect for the mountains and its spirits. First employed as high altitude porters on early Himalayan mountaineering expeditions, Sherpas are now by their own rights, well regarded accomplished climbers

This is a trek and requires no prior trekking experience. Good fitness is required as most days will involve 2-6 hr of trekking carrying a 5kg daypack. The trail is non-technical but will reach a maximum altitude of 5550m.

Consider that the porters are human beings, so to be kind, pack light.

20-40L day pack

Trekking clothes (2 t- shirts, 2 pants, etc)

1 set windproof/waterproof shell

1 fleece (mid-heavy weight)

1 mid layer shirt or fleece

1 fleece pants

2 sets thermal underwear (top/bottom)

1 pair of insulating gloves

5 pairs of trekking socks

2 pairs of liner socks

1 pair of waterproof trekking boots

1 pair of sandals (e.g. Crocs)

1 set of trekking poles

1 warm hat (wool/fleece)

2 sets of buff/scarf

1 sunglasses (category 3)

1 sunhat

2 One litre water bottles (e.g. Nalgene)

1 head torch (plus batteries)

Personal toiletries (including sunscreen, hand sanitiser, body wipes, etc)

Passport, travel insurance (including mountain rescue) and copies of passport

Entertainment (e.g. books, notebook, camera, cards)

Sleeping bag/mat, down jacket, tents and duffel will be provided by Himalayan Ascent.

The dates we've selected are perfect for trekking, near the close of peak season the weather is still very stable with far less people on the trails. Spring and autumn (before and after monsoon) are both dry seasons. In winter, the skies are brilliantly blue but cold, sometimes with snowfall. Below Namche, temperatures can reach 75º (24℃) in the day. While, above 4000m, day temperatures can range 59º - 68º (15℃-20℃) Nights are cool and may drop to as low as 14º (10℃). Prepare cool and warm attire as suggested in the packing list.

This trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5550m at Kala Pattar. As such, you may experience some affects of high altitude (e.g. headaches, increased breathing, disturbed sleep) as your body adapts. The trek schedule has been designed to allow for proper acclimatisation. However, everyone responds to high altitude differently, so the best advice is to walk slow, drink plenty of water (~4L/day), listen to your body and alert your guide if you are feeling unwell.

Nepal is a developing country so some travel vaccines are advised. Obtain these at least 2-6 months before arrival to ensure good immunity. Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Japanese Encephalitis are recommended. Ensure that you are up to date with routine immunisation (MMR, DPT). Malaria tablets are not needed.

Your guide will be carrying a well stocked first aid kit along the trail. It will contain commonly used medication including ibufropen and general antibiotics. It is easy to stay healthy and avoid bacterial/ parasitic infections by eating from hygienic venues, and avoiding salad (raw) and unpeeled fruits.

Sumit Joshi is the founder of our partner organization, Himalayan Ascent. Born and raised in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sumit moved to Australia in his early twenties for new adventures where he discovered a love of rock climbing. For over a decade he guided for Australia’s pre-eminent Himalayan guiding company and led numerous trekking and mountaineering trips to Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, Bhutan and India.

Deepak began his career with Australia's largest expedition outfitter, World Expeditions. He's been working as a trek leader with Himalayan Ascent for seven years. In 2016 and 2018 he managed Himalayan Ascent's Everest Base Camp. He is a native of the central south eastern agricultural region and lives in Kathmandu

ACTIVITY AND ASSOCIATED RISKS: I have chosen to participate in 2023 Everest Base Camp Circuit Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Chola Pass in Nepal (hereinafter referred to as “the Activity”), which is organized by Geofilmworks, LLC. (hereinafter referred to as “GFX”). I understand that: the Activity is inherently hazardous, and I may be exposed to dangers and hazards, including some of the following (depending on the nature of the Activity): falls, falling rocks, fractures, concussions, dangerous weather, overexertion, overheating, injuries from my lack of fitness or conditioning, unpredictable ocean and river currents, hypothermia, avalanches, drowning, death, equipment failures, and negligence of others; and as a consequence of these risks, I may be seriously hurt or disabled or may die from resulting injuries; and hospital facilities, medical care, and emergency medical evacuation may be limited or unavailable; and GFX assumes no responsibility for providing medical care during the Activity, and I will have to pay for any medical care and/or evacuation that I incur. In consideration of the permission to participate in the Activity, I agree to the terms contained in this document.

ASSUMPTION OF THE RISKS: I freely assume the above-mentioned risks as well as other risks not listed that are part of this activity, and any harm, injury or loss that may occur to me or my property as a result of my participation in the Activity—including any injury or loss caused by the negligence of GFX, its contractors, and other Activity participants. I also understand that any equipment that I provide or may borrow or rent from GFX or any other provider I use at my own risk and that any such equipment is provided without any warranty.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY: I hereby RELEASE GFX, its contractors, the providers of any equipment used in the Activity, (“the Released Parties”) FROM ALL LIABILITIES, CAUSES OF ACTION, CLAIMS AND DEMANDS that arise in any way from any injury, death, loss or harm that occur to me or to any other person or to any property during the Activity or in any way related to the Activity. This RELEASE includes claims for the negligence of the Released Parties and claims for strict liability for abnormally dangerous activities. This RELEASE does not extend to claims for gross negligence, intentional or reckless misconduct, or any other liabilities that New Mexico law does not permit to be excluded by agreement. I also agree NOT TO SUE or make a claim against the Released Parties for death, injuries, loss or harm that occur during the Activity or are related in any way to the Activity.

INDEMNIFICATION HOLD HARMLESS AND DEFENSE: I promise to INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS AND DEFEND the Released Parties (defined in Section 3) against any and all claims to which Section 3 of this agreement applies, including claims for their own negligence. I also promise to INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS AND DEFEND the Released Parties against any and all claims for my own negligence, and any other claim arising from my conduct during the Activity. In accordance with these promises, I will reimburse the Released Parties for any damages, reasonable settlements and defense costs, including attorney’s fees, that they incur because of any such claims made against them. I agree that in the event of my death or disability, the terms of this agreement, including the indemnification obligation in this Section, will be binding on my estate, and my personal representative, executor, administrator or guardian will be obligated to respect and enforce them.

SEVERABILITY: I agree that the purpose of this agreement is that it shall be an enforceable RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY as broad and inclusive as is permitted by New Mexico law. I agree that if any portion or provision of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then the remainder will continue in full force and effect. I also agree that any invalid provision will be modified or partially enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law to carry out the purpose of the agreement.

APPLICABLE LAW, FORUM & ATTORNEY’S FEES: This agreement is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New Mexico, without any reference to its choice of law rules. I agree that any dispute arising from this Agreement or in any way associated with the Activity shall be brought only in the First Judicial District Court, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or in the U.S. District Court in Santa Fe, NM, and I agree to the jurisdiction and venue of those courts for any such dispute.

I HAVE FULLY INFORMED MYSELF OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS AGREEMENT BY READING IT BEFORE SIGNING IT. NO ORAL REPRESENTATIONS, STATEMENTS, OR OTHER INDUCEMENTS TO SIGN THIS RELEASE HAVE BEEN MADE APART FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A CONTRACT THAT AFFECTS MY LEGAL RIGHTS AND I SIGN IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL.