Overview

Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp trek in the Everest Region is a 19-days adventure in the Himalayas. This epic takes you to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and the Everest Base Camp, via Cho La Pass. 

Known as one of the most scenic treks in Nepal, this trek unfolds breathtaking landscapes, picturesque valleys, and stunning mountain vistas. As you cross the Cho La Pass and stand at Everest Base Camp, you will experience an incredible sense of accomplishment. The ultimate Himalayan trekking experience you will bag on Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp trek goes beyond your imagination, making it a bucket-list adventure for trekkers worldwide.

Highlights

Off the beaten Path

The less trodden path of Gokyo valley is a feat. Being in one of the greatest trekking areas, Gokyo Valley still has managed to remain quiet.

Gokyo Lakes

The trail walks past three of five Gokyo lakes. Two nights with the meals next to serene Gokyo Lake is an incredible experience.

Gokyo Ri

The sunrise hike to Gokyo Ri is one of the main highlights of the trek, as you will spot five of the fourteen eight thousand meter peaks in one frame. 

The less trodden path of Gokyo valley is a feat. Being in one of the greatest trekking areas, Gokyo Valley still has managed to remain quiet.

Cho La Pass

An ascent to Cho La Pass tests your fitness and endurance with its sheer and long climb.

Everest Base Camp

A walk along the Khumbu glacier to reach Everest Base Camp is another challenging yet beautiful day that will be treasured in your memory. Discover the ancient Sherpa culture en route. Embrace the peace in the ancient monasteries.

Rich Culture

Buddhist prayer flags strung on the ridgelines and across the suspension bridges help you stay positive and keep your thoughts high. Embrace the peace in the ancient monastery.

Route

Our Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp trek starts from Kathmandu, followed by a drive to Ramechhap the next day, as the flights to Lukla typically operate from there in trekking season. While many trekking operators drive to Ramechhap on the same day as their flight to Lukla, leaving Kathmandu around midnight, we drive there a day before the flight and spend a night because we prioritize road safety. From Lukla we follow the route to Everest Base Camp Trek  to Namche. Unlike other operators, our itinerary to Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp trek goes to Gokyo Valley first as it offers a better window for acclimatization. Namche. 

From Namche Ascend north to Gokyo valley, following Dudh Koshi River upstream. Stay overnight in the village of Dole and Macchermo, before reaching the Gokyo village. The hike to Gokyo Ri involves sheer up and downhill, but panoramic Himalayan vistas are worth a climb. 

Leaving the Gokyo valley, the trail crosses the Ngozumpa Glacier, navigating rolling flat. Recover your body and mind at Thangnak village, before approaching Cho La Pass. 

After crossing the Cho La Pass, you will rejoin the Everest Base Camp trek route near Thugla, then veer north onto more rugged terrain to reach Everest Base Camp.

Once you make it to the Everest Base Camp, return to Namche with one overnight in Pangboche. From Namche, the trail retraces to Lukla. 

Trip Facts

Included

• Ground Transportation.
• Accommodation in Kathmandu.
• Accommodation during trekking.
• Breakfasts and welcome dinner in Kathmandu.
• Lukla flights.
• A guide and supporting crew.
• National Park Fees and Trekking Permit

Excluded

• International Flights
• Visa Fees
• Meals
• Personal Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Tipping and gratitude
• Extra Expenses due to unforeseen situation

Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu

Welcome to Kathmandu, the valley of gods. Upon arrival, complete the visa process and proceed to the arrival terminal from where our staff will drive to your hotel. At the hotel, meet our team  and get the information about the group meeting and dinner that will follow.

Day 02: Ramechhap

After breakfast, we will begin our journey by driving through small towns and river valleys to reach Ramechhap. The roads we travel on are generally well-surfaced, although there may be some unsurfaced areas at times. Once we arrive in Ramechhap, we will stay at a campsite that is located near the airport.

Day 03: Lukla-Phakding

Early in the morning you head to the airport for your flight to Lukla. This is an approximately 30 minutes flight with incredible mountain views north to the Himalayan Range. After meeting the crew in Lukla, hand over your bedding to them and head up the Dudh Koshi River Valley on a well-marked trail to Phakding, crossing a few suspension bridges. 

Day 04: Namche Bazar

Continue following the Dudh Koshi river upstream. Walk past the entry point to Sagarmatha National Park located in Monjo. Cross Dudh Koshi river a couple of times, including the famous twin suspension bridge at Dobhan. Ascend steeply for about 2 hrs up to Namche Bazaar, which is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading center with a weekly Saturday market.

Day 05: Namche Bazar

After breakfast, we walk above the Namche Bazar, following the less crowded path. The path ascends gently through pine forests, mane walls, and sparse settlements. To your left, you will have an impressive view of Kongde Peak. Arrive at Thamo village by lunchtime. Explore Thamo village  and return to Namche. 

Day 06: Mong La

Leaving Namche before breakfast, steeply the Syangboche. Have breakfast with the magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kang Tenga. After breakfast, walk down comfortably to Khumjung village for lunch. Then descend gently before beginning a steady climb above the valley to Mong La. 

Day 07: Dole

Enjoy breakfast with stunning views of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, and Cho Oyu. Then descend to Phortse Thanga, situated by the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Should you desire, we can take a tea break here, or continue ascending through a Rhododendron and Birch forest. As we navigate steep climbs and cross small streams, we eventually walk above the treeline. We’ll reach Dole by lunchtime, with an optional short hike to a nearby ridge later in the day.

Day 08: Machhermo

Walk above the village and through pastures, where we may have the opportunity to spot grazing yaks dotting the landscape (depending on the season). Then the trail levels out till Machhermo, except for the last section. Enjoy the well-deserved lunch and hike to the nearest hill to enjoy the view of Cho Oyu, Tabuche, and Lobuche.

Day 09: Gokyo Lake

Trace the path through pasture, which later on climbs steeply up the cliff near the snout of Ngozumpa Glacier. Cross the river fed by Gokyo lakes on an iron bridge and ascend gradually along the first and second of Gokyo lakes. As we near the Gokyo Lake, the terrain becomes more rugged. Enjoy the well-deserved lunch and relax or explore the village. 

Day 10: Gokyo Lake

Hike up to Gokyo Ri (5,347m/17570ft) before the sunrise to see the Ngozumpa Glacier Stretching across vast distances, and some of the loftiest peaks in the Himalayas, including the mighty Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.The hike involves almost vertical ascent till the top taking 2.5 to 3 hrs. After being fed by the magnificent view, walk down to the valley again.

Day 11: Thangnak

A short ascent takes us above the Gokyo village, followed by a short descent to the Ngozumpa glacier. Trace the undulating path above the glacier, while navigating through cairns, rock deposits and moraine. After crossing the glacier, we arrive in Thangnak, which serves as an ideal overnight place before crossing the mighty Cho La Pass.

Day 12: Dzong La via Cho La

Start very early (5 am), using a headlamp to begin the climb through the gully towards the ridge. Savor the views of Chola Tse and Tabuche, with the pass visible in distance. The path descends to the valley, followed by an ascent over rocky terrain. Approach the main section of the pass with a vertical ascent, where you may need to scramble at times. In early spring and late autumn, snow and ice may cover the landscape, making it difficult or even impossible to cross the pass. On the other side of the pass, slow and careful descent awaits, lasting about 20 minutes. Then a moderate downhill path (approx 3 hrs) brings you to Dzongla. Congratulations, you have survived the first challenge of the trek. 

Day 13: Lobuche

From Dzongla, traverse the trail amidst alpine meadows, ascending above Chola Tse (lake). As you continue along the trail, it gradually veers northward and embarks on a gentle climb towards Loboche. As we ascend gradually, Mt. Nuptse dominates the northern skyline, hiding Mt. Everest behind it.  This small village finds itself nestled between the Khumbu and Lobuche glaciers. You have plenty of time to rest up so recover and enjoy the views and remoteness.

Day 14: Everest Base Camp-Gorakshep

Today you will walk 3/4 hours to Gorak Shep along the Khumbu Glacier, for lunch then continue walking to Everest Base Camp. The walk to base camp and back would require about 5-6 hours, following the Khumbu glacier, sometimes on moraine and sometimes on the glacier itself. On reaching the base camp, enjoy this crowning moment, before returning down the long trail back to Gorak Shep.

Day 15: Pangboche

Hiking up to Kalapathar is optional. If you want to hike there, let the guide know in advance i.e. a day before, and he will be happy to guide you there. Stand in front of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse and enjoy that moment. Have breakfast at the tea house and retrace to Lobuche and continue towards Pangboche.

Day 16: Namche Bazar

Walk down to Suspension bridge with a magnificent view of Ama Dablam and cross Imja Khola on it. Walk through the beautiful forest of birch to Tengboche monastery and grab a cup of coffee or tea at the tea house by the Monastery, and descend to Phungi Thanga. Cross river and ascend to Kaynjguma, where the trail levels out towards Namche.

Day 17: Lukla

Retrace the path through the Dudh Koshi River valley to Lukla. It is customary to tip and host a farewell dinner to porters as a gratitude in Lukla. 

Day 18: Kathmandu

An early morning flight from Lukla takes us back to Kathmandu. Drive back to the hotel and see how everything changes just in a matter of 30 minutes. Freshen up at the hotel and find a good restaurant to eat the food you missed the most in the mountains. 

Day 17: Departure

Your default trip ends here. We will drive you to the airport according to your flight time. If you have a couple of hours left before you fly home. Visit local bazaars and markets and buy some gifts for your family and loved ones. 

How to get there?

The trip starts and ends in Kathmandu so make sure to book the flight accordingly. You can book any flight you want that fits your trip’s start and end date. However, it is good to arrive before 3 pm local time so that you can make it to the group meeting and welcome dinner.

How to get the visa?

Visas are available upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. When you arrive, you will fill out a form first at a kiosk and then proceed to a banking desk where you will pay the Visa fee (USD 50 for 30 days US$30 for 15 days). You might be able to pay with a credit card, but bringing cash (USD) with you expedites the process. With that receipt and the form you filled out, you will proceed to the immigration officer who will issue you a visa. During the peak tourist season, the immigration desk can get congested, which can be a hassle. 

Do I need the photo for my visa and permit? 

No, you don’t

Airport Pick Up

Look out for our airport representative holding your name and Junkiri sign at the end of the terminal hall. He will then drive you to the hotel. 

What type of transportation is provided?

We will provide private vehicles for all the ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary. 

Supporting Crew

If there are experienced guides or support staff accompanying the trek, highlight their expertise and their role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

What should I do if my luggage did not arrive on my flight?

File a report: Report it to the airline’s baggage service office at the airport. 

Get a tracking number: Ask for a tracking number so that you can check the status of your luggage. 

Provide contact information: Provide the airline with your contact information and the name and address of the hotel you are staying at. Keep the form: Make sure to keep a copy of the report you filed at the airline’s office in the airport. To be on the safe side it is advisable to pack essential trekking gear in your hand luggage on an international flight.

How much do I need to budget?

The cost for Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp depends on your personal preferences and appetite. As a general guideline, each meal typically costs around US$ 8-10. The cost for meals tends to increase as you ascend and decrease as you descend. But your appetite works the other way around, decreasing at higher altitude and decreasing when you descend. So we would suggest allocating around US$8-10 per meal, per day. Similarly, tea, coffee, hot shower and internet would cost you an extra U$10. So we suggest you budget anywhere between US$35-40 per day for the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp trek. Accommodations, internal flights, staff and their wages, national park fees are covered. For the tip and gratitude, please follow the guideline on the FAQ section. 

Permits Required for Trekking in the Everest Region

Planning a trek in the breathtaking Everest Region? Make sure you have the necessary permits! You’ll need two key permits:

1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
2. Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Your guide will handle the process of obtaining these permits, which can be arranged either in Lukla or Monjo. The cost for each permit is NPR 3,000.

What to Expect from the Weather on Your Trek?

If you’re doing Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp trek during the peak season, you can expect favorable weather conditions. However, it’s important to be prepared for unexpected changes, including rain, clouds, and even snow, even during the peak season.

Unpredictable weather patterns, influenced by global warming, have made it harder to predict conditions in recent years. To ensure a smooth trekking experience, pack accordingly and stay flexible with your schedule.

A typcial day in the mountains. 

A typical day begins between 8-9 am depending on the length you are to cover. After walking for a couple of hours, there is a tea break, followed by a lunch break at another place. Upon reaching the overnight lodge, check in your room, freshen up, and gather in the dining hall. Sit around the warm chimney, and order dinner, served between 6 and 7 pm. After dinner, you will get the briefing about the next day and play cards, riddles, and other fun games.

Atmosphere of the Trek

As you hit the trail, the tapestry of the mule train, prayer flags, suspension bridge, and mane walls bring you lots of energy and excitement. Morning offers stunning views and fresh air while evening provides the opportunity to be social, by the fire talking to your fellow trekkers, playing cards, riddles, or other fun games. But as you go high, the terrain becomes rugged, dry, and hostile, testing your body and mind. Even a backpack you have been carrying starts bothering you. Now you have ten reasons to quit but you must propel yourself. Don’t lose hope and follow your dream. Let your mental and physical resilience guide you. Believe in yourself and try to get the best out of what is before you, and you will have the experience of a lifetime.  

Gearlist for Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek

Body

• 1 set of Base/Thermal Layer (Merino is ideal)
• 1 mid-layer/Hoody (fleece or similar).
• 1 Set of outer layer 
• 2 sets of Merino Top.
• Waterproof trousers and top (gore-tex is ideal)
• 1 pair of lightweight trekking trousers or zip-off pants.
• Fleece trouser
  Hiking shorts
• 2 trekking t-shirts/shirts-merino is ideal
• Four Season Sleeping bag.
• Four Season Down Jacket.
• 1 pair of liner gloves.
• 1 warm wool hat.
• 1 buff or similar.
• Sleeping bag liner
• Underwear.

Feet

• 1 pair of trekking boots (must be worn in).
• Sandals or hut shoes.
• 3 pairs thick walking socks / 3 pairs lighter walking socks.
• Running Shoes or sneakers.

Toiletries

• Travel towel.
• Sun cream.
• Hand gel.
• Moisturizer.
• Lip Balm.
• Face Wash.
• Listerine mouthwash.
• Toilet Paper.
• Soap
• Shampoo

Optional

• Trekking poles.
• Personal medication and first aid kit.
• Power bank.
• Playing Cards.
• Book.
• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit.
• 1 small folding knife.
• Maps.
• Note and pen.
• Thermal Flask 
• Permanent Marker 
• Adhesive Hand or toe warmer 
• Warm scarf 
• Fleece Pants

FAQ

Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket