Everest & Gokyo Lakes Circuit

Traveler Reviews

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  Ivan2.0•November 2013
  The weather is always a risk factor, beware the extra costs, which could include a helicopter charter or an aborted...
  The weather is always a risk factor, beware the extra costs, which could include a helicopter charter or an aborted or severely curtailed trip. Don't assume October will be fine - which it mostly is btw. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Rounding a corner to see Ama Dablam and Everest for the first time. What did you think of your group leader? A very experienced guide, which was extremely important because of the events of our trip (cyclone Phailin in India caused snowfall and avalanches which placed us with tough decisions to make). Other groups with less experienced guides felt it necessary to tag along at one point. His English was not great but nowhere near as poor as he felt it to be. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Ensure you have several hundred dollars worth of local currency, which is easy to get in Kathmandu. Take more than required if you can, especially if you have gadgets you want to charge regularly, cameras being the most common. It often costs 3 USD per hour per item to get charged. Water is expensive so a UV system and filter might save you money, although it costs time and up-front cost. Boiled water was barely cheaper than bottled, up to 5 USD per litre. I carried little water because we stopped for tea and lunch so liquid was available almost all the time. tea costs the same as water and tastes better (to me) - not carrying it made it taste even better! I used a (good) cell phone camera which required little charging and, most usefully, took along charging blocks (essentially large batteries with USB charging) so I didn't use any charging services. This paid for the charging blocks. I kept my kit bag below 10kg, difficult with my cheaper sleeping bag. Thus I didn't take some kit I would have liked to. However, many people on my trip seemed to think that the system was volume-based, using compression bags to cram amazing amounts of stuff into their bags. Many were at 13-15 kgs, only one kept below 10. The general vies was that it was ok "Because it is just a couple of USDs per kilo charged on the plane".Needless-to-say, this conveniently ignored the fact that the porters had to carry the bags. On previous trips, Peru for instance, each bag was weighed and rejected locally if the weight was too high, causing people to leave stuff behind or put it in their day bags. None of this happened to us, my bag was crushed and squashed to compensate for the unsquashable bag that it was carried with. This was mostly ok but it did break my shaver and cause things to get wetter when it snowed. On this last point, USE a waterproof kit bag or carefully put things in good plastic bags, the porters took the plastic covering for the kit bags and used it on themselves when the bad weather hit.If you get hungry more than most, take a lot of power bars or beef jerky to supplement meals, this will fill gaps and save a fortune, it often 20 USD per day to eat.   Is there anything else you would like to add? Overall, the experience was poor value for money, the helicopter we were almost obliged to hire, cost 600 USD per person, with 100 USD returned to us for the unused plane flight to Lukla at the start of the trip. This was considered well worth it by the group in general but, ironically, despite the continuous "Lucky we took the helicopter", it was more of an insurance policy because the flights continued the next day and we may well have flown in 1 or 2 days later. It may also have cost us the goal we sought, Everest base camp.Because we started a day late, our schedule was almost the original schedule (Note: the extra day at the end was maintained, not for us but just in case the return flight was also delayed and we may have missed our flights home, which would impact Exodus).This compression of the schedule meant less acclimatisation, which, for one person and her husband at least may have cost them the trip since she got serious altitude sickness and had to be helicoptered out.When the cyclone hit, we were forced to go down the mountain. Has we started later, we would have skipped Gokyo, which would have made everyone unhappy at the time, but we would have, very probably, made it to Kala Pattar, the finest viewpoint for Everest, and possible even Base Camp. This may have had it's own issues of course. Added to this that several people were ill from stomach problems, including me for the only time on any trek. Everyone obviously took precautions but the food is all provided by third parties and there is a lot of trust placed in their hygiene.As pessimistic as the above may sound, I am happy to remember the beautiful sunny weather we had for the early part of the trip, the amazing views and scenery in general. I will still look back and be happy I went. Show more
  Traveled in October 2013
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  Richard5.0•January 2012
  The trek from beginning to end was an amazing experience made all the better for Exedus's usual attention to detail...
  The trek from beginning to end was an amazing experience made all the better for Exedus's usual attention to detail and superb organisation. This is a challenging but really superb trek which anyone with a willingness to stretch themself can do. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Almost too many to list but seeing Everest for the first time, the sun breaking through at Gokyo after a day walking in a blizzard, the views from Gokyo Ri and Cho La and making it to Base Camp will stay with me for many years to come. What did you think of your group leader? Lapka was an excellent leader. He was friendly, approachable and totally professional. His sense of fun made even the hardest of days enjoyable as did the rest of his team. They were all so encouraging and enthusiastic there was never any doubt we would all make the trip. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you want to see Everest and trek to Base Camp then I would recommend Gokyo as a more challenging but satifying alternative to the straight Base Camp trek. The route to Gokyo is quieter and the views from Gokyo Ri and the climb over Cho La are a never to be forgotten experience. Get yourself reasonably fit before you go, follow the advice of the Exodus guides, drink plenty, keep the pace steady and have a great time.  Is there anything else you would like to add? Age is no barrier.Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Anne4.0•January 2012
  Owing to bad weather we lost 4 days of the trek because we were unable to get to Lukla and this meant that the Goyko...
  Owing to bad weather we lost 4 days of the trek because we were unable to get to Lukla and this meant that the Goyko Lakes and Cho La section was cancelled. Exodus did in the end organise helicopters so we were able to make it to Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Pattar. I am still disappointed at missing Gokyo and the Cho la pass but the trek was fantastic and the helicopter journey was a great experience. I was on my own and the only female in the group, but it worked out really well. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It was inspirational just being close to all those wonderful Himalayan peaks. Walking on the lateral moraine alongside the icing of the Khumbu glacier to base camp was amazing. The weather on the trek could not have been better, so the views were excellent.One advantage of the bad weather was that there were few trekkers ahead of us, so not only did we have the lodges mostly to ourselves, but it was the same at base camp and the top of Kala Pattar. Such freedom.Constant reminders of the Everest Expeditions, such as the work done by Sir Edmund Hillary in the Khumbu Region and knowing that we were trekking on the same paths to Base Camp taken by mountaineers determined to reach the summit of Everest.  What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was young, energetic, enthusiastic and he did his best for all of us.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just bear in mind that if your trek relies on a flight to Lukla, bad weather can mess things up, so be prepared for a changed itinerary. Take your credit card in case you do have to contribute towards a helicopter flight.Don't worry about being a solo traveller and the only female. You can probably put up with more discomforts than men!Take a pack of cards. Is there anything else you would like to add? You do get very cold at night, the food is a bit boring. you go for days without a shower, the loos smell, you may get the odd headache, but I just can't wait to trek at high altitude again. Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Jennifer5.0•November 2011
  Truely the hardest but the most amazing trip I've ever done...the wonderful memories will stay with me forever. What...
  Truely the hardest but the most amazing trip I've ever done...the wonderful memories will stay with me forever. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were many but to list a few....the amazing flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and seeing the Himalayas above the clouds at sunrise; my first view of amazing Everest; trekking past the beautiful Gokyo lakes during snowfall; reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri with amazing Himalayan views (so tough but so worth it); meeting successful Everest summitters, a real honour; the wonderful snapshots of Himalayan life along the way. What did you think of your group leader? 10/10! Lhakpa was attentive, informative, caring and supportive, a fantastic team leader. Him and our other guides, Kaji, Kami and Nima, were all wonderful and all brought different strengths to the group.They worked together as a fantastic team to allow us all to achieve our dreams and goals, always friendly, kind and optimistic along the way. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? First of all, if you are reading these reviews wondering if you should book this trip then...yes! Do it! Now! And, definitely, if you can, book the Gokyo lakes trip as opposed to basic base camp as the lakes are stunning and you get to see more of this wonderful region. If you are comparing Exodus to other companies then all I can say is I could not fault them, would heartily recommend them to friends and definitely book with them again. I was pleased I stayed in teahouses as opposed to camping and it was good that we were able to choose our meals as opposed to getting set meals cooked for us. The sleeping bag I hired through Exodus was fab and I wasn't at all cold at night (and I really feel the cold)...I had the sleeping bag, a silk liner and also a metal water bottle which I could get filled with boiling water every night and put in a sock to act as a brilliant hot water bottle. It is really worth taking a camelbak/platypus for easy hydration on the go.  I would recommend Icebreaker (or other merino wool) thermal baselayers to keep you toasty warm and to take multiple base layers as well as a good fleece and down jacket as the temperatures vary a lot. Take a good thin pair of liner gloves so you don't need to have bare hands and don't have to take your gloves off every time to do something. Take lots of hand gel and over-use it, we all did and none of us got tummy bugs. People who had UK mobiles found they worked better than those who had Nepalese sims and we got reception some of the time when trekking so we could call and text home, even at base camp! Be aware of the weight restrictions for the Lukla flight - 12kg for hold luggage and 3kg for hand luggage so weigh and prioritise before you go (and you can leave some changes of clothes and other bits safely at the hotel in Kathmandu). Read as much about Everest and the region before you go to fully appreciate the wonder of the region. Is there anything else you would like to add? Just ask questions, take photos and soak in every moment (and start a kitty for the next trip as, as soon as you get home, you'll want to go straight back to the mountains again!)Show more
  Traveled in October 2011
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  Katharine5.0•April 2011
  A fantastic holiday, with a mix of short days and relaxation and more challenging climbs. A real holiday of a...
  A fantastic holiday, with a mix of short days and relaxation and more challenging climbs. A real holiday of a lifetime! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the summit of the Cho La pass and looking down on the Glacier, then turning the corner and looking down the valley to Ama Dablam - the thrill of reaching the top of the pass and then the views were truly inspirational. What did you think of your group leader? Sukman was excellent and very attentive.  He was continuously checking with us for signs of AMS and advising us so that we stayed healthy. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Remember that this trip is at high altitude, drink the recommended about of water / liquid (I topped up on hot drinks in the teahouses), the recommended ascent is 400m a day - this means that some days you will be in the teahouses by 11.00am - if you are expecting to be walking for full days then this is not the trip for you.  Allow yourself time to rest when you reach altitude. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was a fantastic and well-organised holiday - the trip notes are accurate and make sure you read them before you go.  The climb of Cho La pass is a tough one and undulating terrain in Nepal is not quite the same as in the UK.Show more
  Traveled in March 2011
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  Matthew4.0•January 2011
  This spectacular trip is well within the grasp of most reasonably fit individuals whatever the age. Got the time? Go...
  This spectacular trip is well within the grasp of most reasonably fit individuals whatever the age. Got the time? Go for it. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? My most inspirational moment was reaching the top of Kala Pattar on my own soaking up the view leading up the Western Cwm to the summit of Everest. I made it just before sun-up and had the great mountain to myself (EBC had closed for business so noone was summiting either), shortly before the rest of the group brought a violoent catabatic wind with them which nearly tore us all from the ridge. Very exciting! What did you think of your group leader? Superb. That'll do. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I will just add a few tips – they may seem obvious but easily forgotten. - You are trekking at altitude – it’s going to be cold. - You are trekking at altitude – its going to be exhausting. - You are trekking every day, that’s right, EVERY DAY. Get used to the idea. - You are trekking in a very poor country – the toilet facilities are likely not to be up to your high standards. Also if you are very fit and used to carrying your own gear on your own, you may well find the pace frustrating, constantly walking in single file annoying and the fact that porter is carrying your stuff difficult to stomach. It can feel that, rather than trekking to the Himalayas, you are being taken there. But just remember it is often the very fit who succumb to AMS because they attack the climb too fast. Be grateful for being held back. Bistari, bistari my friend. With these caveats in mind, it is still a once in a lifetime experience and so very well worth it. Is there anything else you would like to add? I joined my Exodus group after trekking up independently from Jiri so was quite well acclimatised to both altitude and culture. It must be pretty tough to fly straight into Lukla, a reasonable altitude of 2680m and get trekking straight away. It’s not as easy as some make out. When you reach Kathmandu, it is easy to consider the trek up to EBC to be ‘a walk in the park’. Well I suppose literally it is, but that’s not the point.  By-and-large our group coped admirably with the gradually intensifying physical demands. I think we were also lucky to have a great collection of folks who all had something to contribute. In a tight and claustrophobic social environment it’s easy for tempers to fray and resentments to fester but I don’t think there was really a crossed word. On the whole the group embraced each challenge and supported each other through the tough bits. We were even more lucky to be led by Gum, Bena, Gopal and Lakpa (I hope i spelled their names correctly). Patient, professional and always cheerful. It was a great pleasure to trek with them.Show more
  Traveled in December 2010
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  Claire5.0•November 2010
  We were 4 days late starting our itinerary because of bad weather at Lukla and the result was a seriously hardcore...
  We were 4 days late starting our itinerary because of bad weather at Lukla and the result was a seriously hardcore trek. I totally underestimated how hard it would be, but we had a fantastic group, wonderful leader and guides and many many laughs (plus a few tears!) What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Personally, it was reaching the top of Gokyo Ri and sitting with walkers from all round the world looking at Everest.  I didn't make it to Base Camp or Kallar Pattar but the views from Gokyi Ri are spectacular What did you think of your group leader? Pasang is an absolute sweetheart - incredibly knowledgeable, but caring as well.  We had a lot of laughs with Pasang (he tells terrible jokes) and he mopped up a few tears as well.  It was emotional!  This was my first Exodus experience and I was so impressed by Pasang and his team.  They added to the experience and were a pleasure to be with. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? 1. Learn how to use a squat toilet before you go - stomach upsets are common and it seems many people are unable to aim at such times2. Be kind to your group - don't discuss your bowel movements or the number of times you have been sick over dinner or breakfast3. Embrace your toilet habits - everyone is going to want to talk about them4. Money-wise: budget for at least £20 per day in the lodges (you WILL want a shower, even if right now you think you won't), plus tips, plus spending money in Kathmandu5. Make sure you're fit enough.  It's tough even without the altitude. Is there anything else you would like to add? This is a fantastic and challenging trip.  I feel privileged to have been able to share the experience and would recommend it in a heart beat.  We bumped in to lots of Exodus groups while we were there, which resulted in camaraderie.  The company is well represented on the mountain and appears to have close networks with the lodges and tea houses.Show more
  Traveled in October 2010
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  Kulraj4.0•December 2008
  A fantastic trek. Anyone who is considering doing the classic Everest Base Camp trek, with a little bit more time,...
  A fantastic trek. Anyone who is considering doing the classic Everest Base Camp trek, with a little bit more time, and pushing the boat out to cross Cho La, you can trek both the valley leading to Gokyo and that leading to the Everest base camp. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Crossing Cho La was the longest and hardest day but the views are spectacular. Tremendous sense of achievement making it up and over the pass. What did you think of your group leader? Bam Magar is an excellent guide. At all times we were kept briefed on that and the next days' treks. He was always very friendly, fun and professional.  At all times he knew how everyone in the group was doing and clearly a huge amount of management was going on with the assistant guides, sirdar and porters behind the scenes to make sure the trek went smoothly and we could just focus on putting one foot in front of the other. Bam at all times answered our wider questions on trekking in Nepal. He was delighted to share his knowledge of the country and what it had to offer. An amazing set of stories from his trekking and mountaineering experience was shared. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Dust mask highly recommended to help keep the dreaded dry cough at bay in the cold air. Guides will recommend when this is sensible to wear. Trekking poles will help on the decents and the icefield to cross on the Cho La day.  The 'snowfield' to cross on the Cho La day is more like an icefield/glacier. Some of my group and myself felt crampons would have added to the safety/enjoyment of this part of the crossing. It was however understood that adding crampons for a two hour section in context of a 15 day trek perhaps overkill. Trekking poles help a lot, but anyone who gets a bit jittery walking on ice can always bring some cheapo ice spikes that just rubber band over one's boots. Most people make do just going carefully over Cho La, or as the Nepalese do tying rope to one's boots which guides will happily do for you. Is there anything else you would like to add? I appreciate that one of the constraints of these types of holidays is balancing the length of the trek and the amount of time people are ex their home: too much length and people who need to get back to work will be discouraged. However I feel given the length and expense of the trip an extra day in Gokyo I would have appreciated. Many of my group managed to climb Gokyo Ri in the morning and after lunch walk to the 5th lake. This was too much for me, I only managed the former. Doing both in a day is a lot, an extra day would have meant both could have been achieved comfortably.Show more
  Traveled in November 2008
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  Alan4.0•November 2008
  This was a personal ambition fulfilled and we were not disappointed. The organisation was excellent and was only...
  This was a personal ambition fulfilled and we were not disappointed. The organisation was excellent and was only surpassed by the scenery! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? On such a long trip the moments roll off the tongue and they differ each day that passes.  Without doubt the Gokyo Lakes are stunning and the views from the summit of Gokyo Ri are really underestimated.  On the clear day we had, we saw so many of the worlds highest peaks I had to ask the leader to write them down!  In addition the staff and the nepalese people you meet are so wonderful and happy it becomes infectious. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Pasang, guide Nima and assistant guide Lama were excellent.  One member of our small group suffered AMS and was sent back with Lama.  A new itinery was quickly arranged for him and we met up later in the trip with little of the excitement and enjoyment lost to all.  Pasang and Nima were very knowledgable and were always there to assist in every and anything you required.  It is safe to say without them the summit of Kala Pattar would have been a step too far! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The day of the Cho La Pass must not be underestimated.  We consider ourselves to be experienced walkers/trekkers, but nothing could have prepared us for this.  Trip ratings with a D element carry some technical aspect to them.  This trip does not have any technical (ie crampon/climbing skills) requirement but it obviously carries a C/D rating because this day, 1) starts very early (4am) in order to reach the summit before conditions underfoot become difficult, 2) is an exceedingly long day (our group took 9 hours from start to finish), and 3) as the trip notes state, the lodges at each end are basic.  One needs to be absolutely sure of ones fitness to comlete this day.  In addition, not only is strength of body required but strength of character is just as important especially in the dark and cold of the valleys. Is there anything else you would like to add? Go for it !!!Show more
  Traveled in October 2008
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  Siobhan4.0•April 2008
  This trip was great. The scenery was breathtaking, the Exodus team were fantastic and the trekking companions I was...
  This trip was great. The scenery was breathtaking, the Exodus team were fantastic and the trekking companions I was lucky enough to have were really sound. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The best day of the trip was the day spent crossing the Cho La Pass. There was spectacular scenery and a variety of interesting terrain to compensate for the physical challenge. What did you think of your group leader? Lhakpa Tensing was an excellent group leader, competent, experienced and dedicated. He mixed well with the group socially and I felt he went out of his way to accommodate our needs and requests. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you are considering whether to do the classic EBC trip or the Goyko Lakes trip, it is well worth the effort and extra time required to do the latter. It was the days off the main EBC trail that I enjoyed the most. Is there anything else you would like to add? Potential travellers should be forewarned that this trip is as much a psychological challenge as a physical one. Conditions and accommodation in the mountains are, by necessity, basic so be prepared not to have the luxury of running water or hygienic bathroom facilites, etc. Once you know what you're letting yourself in for, this trip is a fantastic experience.Show more
  Traveled in March 2008