Overview
- Duration 17 days
- Max Altitude 5540m/18,176ft
- Group Size 02-10
- Best Season Mar-May, Aug-Nov
- Per Day Walk 06-07 hrs
- Accomodation Hotel / Teahouse
- Start/End KTM / KTM
- Difficulty Challenging
- Trip Type Solo / Group /
The 17 days challenging trek of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake delivers the utmost adventure experience in Nepal. It is a perfect trek for those who seek an adventurous holiday.
This trek offers a great mix of cultural sights, stunning scenery, and wildlife encounters. This trek takes you to the deep valley of the Khumbu region, the home of the Sherpa people.
The adventure starts as soon as you fly from Tribhuvan international airport to Lukla airport. It is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. You can notice the entire Himalayan range through the windows during the domestic flight. The experience of flying over the Himalayas and watching them in front is unusual.
Upon landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, we meet our team to start the journey. The trail takes you through the beautiful Sherpa villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche.
The trek also takes you to the Gokyo Lakes, a beautiful collection of high-altitude lakes. The lakes are surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offer stunning views.
Start and End of the Trek
Treading through the rocky trails, the trek toward Phakding from Lukla provides a unique experience. The breeze brushing through your face and the freshness and nature around you exhilarate your senses.
You cross trek through the Dudh Koshi valley and Khumbu Valley during the trek. Likewise, you follow the Dudh Koshi river on most trekking trails. We pass through the moraines of the Khumbu glacier before we reach Everest Base Camp on the ninth day.
You conclude the trek once you return to Namche Bazaar, trekking through the glowing turquoise lakes of Gokyo. You then return to Kathmandu airport from Lukla.
What to expect during the trek
This trek offers some of the most breathtaking views in the world. It takes place in the Khumbu region of Nepal, which is home to Mount Everest (8848m) and its surrounding peaks. However, this trek requires a lot of preparation before embarking on the journey.
First of all, this trek requires a lot of physical effort and stamina. This trek demands a good fitness level as you ascend to a higher altitude. Also, you should be fit enough to handle the extreme weather conditions. It is usually not recommended for beginners due to its high altitude climb and extreme weather conditions.
In addition, you should ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, permits, and clothing required for this trip. Finally, you visit the ancient monasteries of Khumjung and Namche Bazaar, where you can shop for local goods and explore the culture of this remote region.
Once Namche Bazar, you almost leave your comfort zone and enjoy nature’s wilderness.
There are tea houses as well as luxurious lodges on the trail.
Trekkers will enjoy delicious Nepalese cuisine at the lodges along the way. The food is simple but filling. There are plenty of options available, from high tea to Western-style meals. All accommodation is comfortable and clean.
Because the electricity in the Himalayan region is scarce, the use of a freezer is non-existent. Instead, yaks or porters carry food items to high-altitude destinations, which take several days. Hence, we suggest opt-out from eating meat items.
Best Time to Trek Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek
The best time to visit Gokyo Lakes is from August through November. While March, April, and May are popular months but can be pretty busy because of the expedition groups visiting the region.
Trekking in the spring(Mid- March to Mid-May) is exciting due to the blossoming flowers and the freshness of the air. In the autumn(Mid- September to Mid- November), colorful foliage is abundant and breathtaking scenery.
But the winter trekking season is the most challenging since the temperature drops to minus 15 degrees Celsius. As well as June and July
We do not suggest trek, especially during the monsoon(June and July) and the winter, as the weather gets difficult. Besides, there are flight cancellations, and you might be locked inside teahouses.
Includes
- Airport Pickup and Drop off
- 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
- Domestic Flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu)
- Accommodation in Teahouse during trekking
- All Standard Meals (B, L, D) during the trek.
- Government License holder English Speaking guide)
- Porter to help with luggage. (2:1)
- Coverage of Guides and Porters, Their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, flight and other necessary equipment.
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee
- Local Municipality fees.
- All government taxes
- Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of emergency
- Mountain Routes T-Shirt
- Farewell Dinner at the end of the trek
Excludes
- International flight airfare
- Visa fee
- Travel Insurance ( High altitude rescue and evacuation)
- Excess baggage charges(Limit is 9kg per Person)
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking.
- Personal expense (snacks, boil bottle water, hot and cold drinks, hot shower, Alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge )
- Personal clothing and gear
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to natural calamities
EBC and Gokyo Trek Map
- Day 1 :
Arrival at Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft)
- Day 2 :
Lukla ( 2,840 m 9,318 feet) to Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 feet)
Distance: 8.2 km / 5.1 miles
Duration: 30 min flight / 03-04 hrs walk - Day 3 :
Phakding to Namche Bazaar ( 3,440 m / 11,286 ft)
Distance: 10.9 km / 6.8 miles
Duration: 06-07 hrs walk - Day 4 :
Namche Bazaar Acclimatization walk to Everest view hotel ( 3,880 m / 12,730 ft)
Distance: 5.4 km / 3.4 miles
Duration: 03 hrs walk round trip - Day 5 :
Namche Bazaar to Phortse 3680 m / 12,074 ft
Distance: 5.7 km / 3.5 miles
Duration: 05-06 hrs - Day 6 :
Phortse to Dingboche (4,410 m / 14, 469 ft)
Distance: 9.5 km / 6 miles
Duration: 06-07 hrs walk - Day 7 :
Dingboche Acclimatization walk to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m / 16,667 ft)
Distance: 5.1 km / 3.2 miles ( round trip)
Duration: 04-05 hrs walk - Day 8 :
Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m 16,109 ft)
Distance: 7.9 km / 4.9 miles
Duration: 04-05 hrs walk - Day 9 :
Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,125 m / 16,814 ft) and EBC 5,364 m/ 17,598 ft)
Distance: 4.5 km / 2.8 miles and 7.2 km / 4.5 miles
Duration: 03 hrs walk and 04 hrs walk round trip - Day 10 :
Gorakh Shep to Kalapathar ( 5,540m / 18,176 ft) and Gorakh Shep to Dzongla (4830m / 15,846 ft)
Distance: 3.7 km / 2.3 miles ( round trip) and 10 km / 6.21 miles
Duration: 03 hrs walk ( round trip) and 04 hrs walk - Day 11 :
Dzongla to Thaknak (4700m / 15,420ft) via Cho La Pass (5,420m / 17,782 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Duration: 08-09 hrs - Day 12 :
Thanknak to Gokyo (4750 m / 15,584 ft)
Distance: 4 km / 2.48 miles
Duration: 03-04 hrs walk - Day 13 :
Gokyo Valley Side Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575ft) and to Macchermo (4,470 m /14665 ft)
Distance: 3.8 km / 2.36 miles and 5.7 km / 3.54 miles
Duration: 03 hrs walk and 4 hrs walk - Day 14 :
Macchermo to Namche Bazaar ( 3,440 m / 11,286 ft)
Distance: 10.8 km / 6.71 miles
Duration: 07-08 hrs - Day 15 :
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 m 9,318 ft)
Distance: 19.1 km / 11.86 miles
Duration: 06-07 hrs - Day 16 :
Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft)
Duration: 35 min flight - Day 17 :
Depart Kathmandu
EBC and Gokyo lake Trek Itinerary
Day 1 : Arriving at the capital-Kathmandu (1400m)
The very first day of the trek begins with you arriving at the capital of Nepal – Kathmandu. Our representatives will receive you at the airport. They will help you get to your respective hotels and understand the trekking route and schedules. After reaching your hotel, you can rest for a while, then explore the beautiful city of Kathmandu.
Day 2 : Fly to Lukl and Trek to Phakding (2610m) Trip Duration: 03-04 hrs
On our second day of the trip, we will have an early breakfast and then head to the airport. Today, we fly about 35 minutes to Lukla. After landing at Lukla, we meet our team. It consists of our guides and the potters who help us throughout the trek.
From Lukla, we trek to Phakding. The trek is a gradual descent till Phakding via Chheplung and Ghat village. Then, it follows a gentle climb up the mountainside of the Dudh Koshi river. The whole hike takes us about 3 hours and is pretty straightforward. Upon reaching Phakding, we explore nearby places and then rest there for the night to continue our trek the next day.
Day 3 : Phakding to namche Bazar (3440m) Trip Duration: 06-07 hrs
On our 3rd day of the trek, the day begins with an early breakfast. Then, we hike from Phakding to Namche Bazar, where we reach the confluence of two glacial rivers on the trail: Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. While continuing our trek further, we have an excellent view of Mt. Everest (8848 m) and Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), finally reaching Namche Bazar.
The trek traverses through beautiful pine forests and crosses many suspension bridges and Sherpa villages. Surrounded on three sides by mountains, Namche Bazar is the region’s central hub for food and other essential items needed for the trekker and people living there.
Day 4 : Acclimatization at Namche Bazar
On day 4 of our trek, we stay at Namche Bazar to adapt and adjust to the region’s climatic conditions. An extra day at Namche helps to acclimatize and tackle high altitude sickness. We will adequately utilize this time by exploring the town and visiting nearby places. The town of Namche Bazar offers a variety of cyber cafes and restaurants, and we can also get insight into the culture and tradition of the native Sherpas.
The excursion outside the town of Namche Bazar includes visiting places such as the Sherpa Culture museum, Sagarmatha National Park, Namche monastery and, Tenzing Norgay memorial museum, Everest view hotel. This extra day at Namche allows diving deep into the Sherpas’ culture, religion, and beliefs. In addition, one can also enjoy the magnificent sunrise view over the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kongde, and so on.
Day 5 : Namche Bazar to Phortse (3680 m) Trip Duration: 05-06 hrs
The trek from Namche Bazar to Phortse is a relatively straightforward trek passing through Mong La. From Mong La, the trek heads downhill to Phortse Tenga. We then cross the Dudh Koshi river and start a steep uphill climb to the Phortse village. Phortse village is an alternative path to the Everest Base Camp. The breathtaking views of the Himalayas – Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kwangde, will serve as our push while trekking. Phortse is also known as one of the most beautiful places in the Everest region trek.
Day 6 : Phortse to Dingboche (4410m) Trip Duration: 06-07 hrs
On day 6 of our Everest trekking, we trek from beautiful Phortse village to the tea-house settlement of Dingboche. The trail leads parallelly with the canyon on the Imja Khola river. Then, we follow a gradual climb up towards the village of Tengboche, followed by a visit to the Tengboche monastery – one of the oldest in the region. Trek becomes tricky in the afternoon, as the trail gives way to dry, deserted mountains. Finally, following the trail, we reach Dingboche.
Day 7 : Acclimatization at Dingboche
On the 7th day of our trek, we acclimatize at Dingboche to adapt to the region’s climate. The best way to do this is to hike higher and sleep lower. Therefore, we will utilize this day by hiking to Nangartshang hill. Due to the high altitude of Nangartshang hill, it is recommended to spend at least six days acclimatizing, in the Everest region, before climbing it.
The hike to Nangartshang hill is one of a kind, as it gives us a magnificent view of Mt. Makalu (8463 m) and Mt. Ama Dablam. We can enjoy the beautiful sunset from the hill and then return to the village to stroll around and enjoy our stay there. We stay at Dingboche.
Day 8 : Trek to Lobuche (4910m) Trip Duration: 04-05 hrs
After two nights at Dingboche, we finally head out to Lobuche. The trek begins with a gentle climb towards the Pheriche valley. Mountains Tawoch and Cholotse greet us on our way there.
From Pheriche, we follow the trail through Thokla Pass. The central point of attraction of Thokla Pass is the extensive collection of tombstones and memorials to lost climbers and Sherpas. Along the way, another fantastic encounter is the Khumbu glacier. The magnificent view of the Khumbu glacier keeps us cruising with overwhelming energy and excitement. After walking along the trail, we finally reach Lobuche. We will stay the night there.
Day 9 : Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,125 m) – Everest Base Camp (5,364) Trip Duration: 07-08 hrs
Today is the day; we will finally be reaching our long-awaited destination – Everest Base Camp or EBC. With an early breakfast at Lobuche, we hit the road and trek to EBC via Gorakshep. It is one of the most rewarding sections of our whole journey.
First, we will head out to Gorakshep. At Gorakshep, there is a small settlement where we eat our lunch for the day. Gorakshep is the last tea-house settlement on this trekking trail. After lunch at Gorakshep, we start the trek to Everest Base Camp.
The trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp is exhausting, as it requires us to pass through the moraine of the Khumbu glacier. But, it provides trekkers with a magnificent view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, and others. It is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After enjoying the view closely, we head back towards Gorakshep and stay the night there.
Day 10 : Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthaar (5,545m) to Dzongla (4,830m) Trip Duration: 07-08 hrs
Day 10 of the journey marks the day we travel to Kala Patthar to view the golden sunrise. Kala Patthar is the best vantage point to view sunrise and sunset. The hike to Kalapatthar takes us about 3 hours.
Kala Patthar offers the best view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, and many more during the sunrise and the sunset
Golden sun rays kissing the mountain tips are astounding scenery that leaves most travelers mum.
After enjoying the epic sunrise from Kala Patthar, we return to Gorakshep. After lunch at Gorakshep, we trek to Dzongla. From Gorakshep, we follow the trail to Lobuche. Nearby the Lobuche Base Camp, we have two ways ahead of us, one leading us to Pheriche and the other reaching Dzongla. It is an uphill climb and will take around 2 hours to reach Dzongla. We will be staying at a lodge there and start our trek early the following day.
Day 11 : Dzongla to Thagnak (4700m) Trip Duration: 08-09 hrs
With an early breakfast at Dzongla, we head out to Thagna, crossing the Cho La pass (5340 m). Heading out early in the morning gives you an advantage of a nice view before the unpredictable afternoon weather kicks in.
Today’s trek is a bit stretchy, but having already trekked to Everest Base Camp, it will not be that difficult. However, crossing the Cho La pass can be difficult, especially if the weather is not favorable. The climb to the top is challenging, but the fantastic view will make up for it. After reaching Thagnak, we rest there for a night.
Day 12 : Trek from Thagnak to Gokyo (5,750m) Trip Duration: 07 hrs
On day 12 of our journey, we start from Thagna to Gokyo.
First, we cross the moraines of the Ngozumpa glacier. Then, the magnificent view of the turquoise lakes of Gokyo leaves us stunned. Next, we traverse through the second Gokyo lake, which is just as beautiful. Just a short distance from the third Gokyo lake lies the small settlement of Gokyo village, where we will be staying the night.
An afternoon sidewalk to the 5th Gokyo lake – Ngozumpa Tsho, is completed during the afternoon. It is to free us some time tomorrow when we trek to Machhermo.
Day 13 : Gokyo to Gokyo Ri, and Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m ) Trip Duration: 07 hrs
On day 13 of our trek, we ascend the Gokyo Ri peak to view the astonishing sunrise.
After breakfast, we climb the Gokyo Ri peak and enjoy the beautiful sunrise. The peak allows us to see the panoramic view, of the mountains, from all sides. The Himalayan range includes Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Gyachung, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Nuptse, as the sun’s rays slowly bring warmth to these cold mountains.
After watching the sunrise, we descend to Gokyo village, have our lunch, then head out to Machhermo. The trek from Gokyo lakes to Machhermo takes us about 4 hours. Up on reaching Machhermo, we will be staying the night there.
Day 14 : Machhermo to Namche Bazar (3,440 m) Trip Duration: 07-08 hrs
On day 14 of our journey, we head from Machhermo to Namche Bazar. It takes us about 07-08 hours. We then traverse through Dole and Phortse Tenga, passing through Rhododendron forests and reaching Namche Bazar.
The trail descends gently to Dole and then steeply descends to Phortse Tenga. Through the Rhododendron forest, the path immediately escalates steeply to Mongla Danda. We will also enjoy some good views of the peaks all along the way. From Mongla Danda, we follow a gentle descent up to Kyanjoma (3500 m), following short ups and downs to Namche Bazar, where we spend a night at Namche.
Day 15 : Trek from Namche Bazar to Lukla (2,840m) Trip Duration: 06-07 hrs
Today’s trek from Namche Bazar to Lukla will take about 6 hours. The trail leads us slowly to Phakding, crossing suspension bridges. We will also walk through pine and rhododendron forests, admiring nature. Finally, we reach Lukla in the afternoon. Today, we bid farewell to our team, guides, and the porters, who helped us along the way—another night at Lukla.
Day 16 : Lukla to Kathmandu Trip Duration: 35 minutes flight
We fly from Lukla to Kathmandu after finishing an early morning breakfast. It will take us about 35 minutes to reach the capital. Upon reaching Kathmandu, team members from Mountain Routes will receive us at the airport to take us to our respective hotels.
After lunch, you can rest for a while, then head out to explore the beautiful city of Kathmandu. You can also do some shopping today, as this is your last night in Nepal. At night, you can go and explore Thamel’s nightlife. A good night’s sleep is all that is left for the day.
Day 17 : Departure
The final day of your trip, and today you be heading back home. We will have you picked up from your respective hotels and then take you to the airport. We will share goodbyes today and part our ways.
With all the fantastic memories and excellent experiences, you are heading home. Having some part of you moved, you will board your plane in the last two weeks with a fantastic story to pass down through generations.
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake: Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it tough to do the Gokyo Lake valley trek through Everest Base camp?
Gokyo Lake trek is more determined and strenuous, physically challenging, and has several high passes to cross over than the standard EBC trek, requiring a certain degree of robustness. Nevertheless, it’s a more vigorous long walk, and you can catch sight of the extended southwestern side of Mount Everest from Gokyo RI(17,575 ft, 5,357 m), paying back for your effort by nature.
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What is the fitness level needed for the Gokyo Lakes valley trek?
We are elevating at almost 5000m above sea level, so one should be in very sound health and fit to hike at high altitudes and should accustom themself to a vigorous walk about 7-9 hours per day. Previous trekking practice at high altitudes is required. You should start hiking practice and work out for at least two months.
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Is acclimatization required for Gokyo Valley Trek?
There are rest days in the journey, and acclimatization is essential to make your body familiar with the existing environment. The variation of climatic conditions and altitude might lead to altitude sickness. Namche Bazaar at 3440 m will be the perfect destination for acclimatization. Later on, to familiarize more with the existing environment as we move ahead, we have to take one more rest day at around 4800m.
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What are Accommodation and Food be like on the Gokyo Valley trek?
“As you move higher, you have to comfort yourself naturally.”
We start our journey from Lukla and reach different stops. Therefore, you can experience similar accommodation facilities with various price variations.
As you start to elevate, there are no convenient means to carry raw material, so even if you are planning to spend your money extravagantly or pay thousands of dollar bills, we apologize from our end. You will be inside the tea house in the evenings, nights, and every morning when the room temperatures will not be less than 5 degrees Celsius.
How about freshly brewed coffee at the world’s highest bakery cafe? Gokyo offers a beautiful inn service with an extensive food menu.
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What is the minimum temperature in Gokyo Valley?
On cold December nights, the temperature can fall up to -25 degrees Celsius. However, during the Autumn season, the temperature can rise to 20 degrees Celsius on warm sunny days.
