Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Trek

Duration

19 Days

Difficulty

Strenuous

Max. altitude

5550 M

Group Size

1-15

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & Group

Best season

March-May/September- November

Overview and Highlights

The Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the best ways to experience the splendors of the mighty Everest region, which combines the route of the high-altitude alpine lakes of Gokyo and Everest Base Camp through the Cho La Pass (5420 M).

The 19-day Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Trek takes you to the foot of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, from the less-traveled side of the tranquil Gokyo Lakes by crossing the thrilling Cho La Pass at an altitude of 5420 meters above sea level. The trek offers a beautiful opportunity to experience the richness of two routes in the same region.

The stunning mountain scenery, glaciers, high-altitude lakes, Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, beautiful settlements, rich culture and tradition, and diverse flora and fauna make this trek exceptional. This is an excellent alternative for trekkers wishing to trek to the Everest Base Camp in a more challenging and adventurous way. The wonderful views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Nuptse, Changtse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and Lobuche, including many others, can be seen during the trek.

Like the other treks of the Everest region, our Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek Itinerary starts and ends at the same place, Lukla, which is a short, electrifying flight from Kathmandu. All of our itineraries are customizable as per your preferences, time frame, physical fitness, etc. Just leave us a message, and we will help you create the perfect one.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

One of the members of our company will welcome you at the international airport terminal gate and take you to the hotel. You will have a few hours to rest. Later, in the evening, you will meet with the tour guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on the day tour program.

Accomodation: Hotel

Day 2: Drive to Manthali, fly to Lukla (2840 M) & trek to Phakding (2610 M)

The morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas: Langtang, Gauri Shankar, Numbur, and finally Everest appear during this spectacular 35-minute flight. Upon arrival in Lukla (2,800 m), after breakfast or a packed breakfast, we begin our trip throght Lukla village end of the village we take our trekking Permits than continues via Chhoplung, Thado kashi.

Flight Options:

Kathmandu – Lukla 35 minutes.

Or:

Transfer to Ramechhap (4–5 hours by road)

Flight Ramechhap – Lukla 20 minutes.

This scenic flight only operates in good weather conditions. Depending on the weather or congestion at Kathmandu Airport (which handles both international and domestic flights), the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) may decide to operate all Lukla flights either from Kathmandu or from Ramechhap. In the latter case, departure from Kathmandu is very early, between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. Breakfast is served on the road.

Flight time: 20 minutes

Walking time: 4 hours

Elevation gain: 600 m

Elevation loss: 600 m

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazar (3440 M)

After having breakfast, you will head towards Namche Bazar. On the way, you will pass by several villages like Jorsale and Monjo. From here, you will trek through the national park, crossing several small streams, rivers, alpine forests, and small settlements. Upon reaching Namche Bazar, you will be welcomed with excellent views of Mt. Thamserku (6623 m) and Kongde Ri Himal (5115 M)

walk: 5-6 hours

Elevation gain: 950 m

Elevation loss: 200 m

Accomodation: Lodge

Day 4: Acclimatization day and explore around Namche Bazar

It is the day of acclimatization. You will spend the day exploring the village and its nearby areas. We will go on a hike to Syangboche Airstrip or Everest View Hotel for a stunning view of Mt. Everest (8848 M) and the surrounding mountains. Later in the day, you will visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery.

Day 5: Trek to Dhole (4050 M)

You will leave Namche Bazaar following a trail with gradual ups and downs. On the way, you will likely spot Himalayan Pheasants, Musk deer, and Himalayan Thars, among many wild animals. From Sansa, you will ascend to Mong La Pass, where you will take lunch. You can glimpse Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche, and many mountains. Then, the trail will descend to Phortse Tanga on the edge of Dudhkoshi Khola, and after it will be an uphill climb through rhododendron forests before reaching Dole.

Walking Duration: 6–7 hours

Elevation Gain: 610 m

Elevation Loss: 350 m

Accomodation: Lodge

Day 6: Trek to Machhermo (4410 M)

After breakfast, you will follow a gradual ascent through alpine terrain with excellent opportunities to see Himalayan pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. The trail passes through Luza and offers spectacular views of Cho Oyu, Kangtega, and Thamserku. Crossing yak pastures and alpine meadows, you will arrive at Machhermo.

Walking Duration: 4–5 hours

Elevation Gain: 380 m

Elevation Loss: 50 m

Accomodation: Lodge

Day 7: Trek to Gokyo (4790 M)

After a short climb, you will enjoy views of the Dudh Koshi valley and the majestic mountains. You will continue on a straight trail leading to Phangga. A little farther from here, you will take a rocky trail uphill to the 1st lake,’ Longpongo’. You will then continue walking on a rocky trail all the way to Gokyo via passing by the 2nd lake,’ Taujung Tsho’and the Ngozumba Glacier on the right side of the trail. Gokyo is located on the edge of the pristine 3rd lake, ‘Gokyo Tsho’.

Walking Duration: 4–5 hours

Elevation Gain: 380 m

Elevation Loss: 20 m

Accomodation: Lodge

Day 8: Explore around Gokyo and hike to Gokyo Ri (5360 M)

Today will be your rest day. You will start the ascent of Gokyo Ri early in the morning to view the amazing sunrise over the majestic snow-capped peaks. The stunning views of Everest (8848 M), Lhotse (8516 M), Makalu (8481 M), Nuptse (7861 M), Cho Oyu (8201 M), Pumori (7161 M), Ama Dablam (6856 M), and other peaks. After the hike to Gokyo, you will hike to the fourth lake.

Day 9: Trek to Dragnag (4700 M)

After breakfast, you will start the trek to Thangnak. You will walk on the icy, moraine and slippery path while crossing the one of the longest Glacier Ngozumba Glacier. preparing for the Cho La Pass. One of the highest pass of this region.

Walking: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 100 m
Elevation Loss: 200 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 10: Trek to Dzongla (4830 M) via Cho La Pass (5365 M)

Cross the famous Cho La Pass, involving rocky trails and a short glacier crossing. Descend to the quiet settlement of Dzongla beneath the magnificent north face of Cholatse.

Walking: 7–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 770 m
Elevation Loss: 600 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 11: Dzongla - Labuche (4900 m)

A shorter trekking day allows recovery after the challenging pass. Join the main Everest Base Camp trail and enjoy impressive views of Pumori and

Walking: 3 hours

Elevation Gain: 250 m
Elevation Loss: 150 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 12: Lobuche - Everest Base Camp (5364 m) Gorak Shep (5130 m)

Reach the legendary Everest Base Camp and stand beside the Khumbu Icefall. After exploring the base camp, return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Walking: 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 500 m
Elevation Loss: 200 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 13: Gorak Shep - Kalapathar (5545 m) Dingbuche (4400 m)

Early morning ascent of Kala Patthar for the finest close-up view of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan giants before descending to Lobuche. For some break after break continue to Dingbuche one of the biggest and highest village in the region

Walking: 6-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 500 m
Elevation Loss: 1200 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 14: Dingbuche - Pongbuche - Tengbuche - Sanasa (3500 m)

Leaving behind the important village of Dingbuche by descending through the easy trail, Then you will cross the River and joint classic trail of Everest Base Camp before reaching Pongbuche through a straight trail. From Pongbuche you will descend Dibuche following the classic trail than visite Tengbuche Monastery after visiting continu to descent crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Than ascent by forest to Sanasa.

Walking: 5–6 hours

Elevation Gain: 300 m
Elevation Loss: 1,200 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 15: Sanasa - Namche - Monju (2800 m)

Today we injoy last view of Everest and other sommets start our easy path throght Namche Bazaar where you will have some rest for last visite than continu to descent by same way.

Walking: 5 hours

Elevation Gain: 300 m
Elevation Loss: 800 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 16: Monju - Lukla (2800 m)

After having our beeakfast Follow the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla, completing the trekking. Last day walk and last Dinner with our local staff

Walking: 6 hours

Elevation Gain: 350 m
Elevation Loss: 350 m
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 17: Flight to Ramechhap and drive Kathmandu (1350 M)

In the morning, you will fly back to Manthali after a delicious breakfast and head back to Kathmandu.

Day 18: Extra day in case of flight cancellation due to bad weather

In the case of flight cancellation or delay due to various unexpected circumstances like bad weather, political strike, or natural calamities, we always keep one extra day as a security/reserve day.

Day 19: Final departure

After having breakfast, one of the members of the company will escort you to the airport for your flight back to your home.

INCLUSIVES

All airport transfers and ground transportation by private vehicle as specified in the itinerary.

Domestic flights as described in the program.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast Bed & Breakfast.
Accommodation during the trek in comfortable teahouses/lodges as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary.
Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Afternoon tea with biscuits is served upon arrival at each lodge whenever available.
An experienced English-speaking or French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide throughout the trip. A French-speaking guide is guaranteed for groups of four or more participants.
A complete trekking team, including a licensed guide, one assistant guide for groups of four or more participants, and one porter for every two trekkers.
Porter or animal services for transporting luggage during the trek where required.
Luggage transport 13 kg meximum per person during the trek.
All necessary trekking permits, national park entry fees, and restricted area permits as applicable.
Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide.
Insurance coverage for all trekking staff.
All local and government taxes.

EXCLUSIVES

International flights.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Personal travel insurance, including medical expenses, emergency rescue, helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, repatriation, trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss.
Personal expenses, including drinks, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, and trekking equipment.
Sleeping bag rental available for approximately USD 1–2 per day if required.
Any services not specifically mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Airport transfers if you have arranged your international flights independently or if you arrive or depart on dates different from the rest of the group.

Personal Expenses at your own cost

Nepal tourist visa fee, payable upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu: approximately USD/EUR 5–10 per meal.
Optional sightseeing entrance fees for temples, monasteries, and monuments in the Kathmandu Valley: approximately USD/EUR 15–25 per person, depending on the sites visited.
Hot showers in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per shower.
Wi-Fi and battery charging in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per use.
Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal drinks.

Tips

Tipping is a long-standing tradition in Nepal and is greatly appreciated by the local trekking team. At the end of the trek, it is customary to offer a collective tip to the guides, assistant guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other support staff as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service.

Our staff receive fair wages, so tipping is entirely voluntary and should reflect your level of satisfaction with the services provided.

As a general guideline, we recommend allowing USD/EUR 40–60 per participant per week for tips. Before your trek begins, your guide will be happy to provide advice on how to distribute gratuities fairly among the team.