Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek - 17 Days

Trip Facts
  • Duration:17 Days
  • Difficulty Level: Strenuous
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Max. Altitude: 5545 Meters
  • Start at: Kathmandu
  • End at: Kathmandu
  • Group Size: 1 - 12
  • Best Season: Spring - Autumn

Highlights

  • Visit the vantage point of Kalapatthar from where panoramic views of the entire Mount Everest massif are seen in a spectacular fashion
  • Visit many ethnic Sherpa villages along the journey, like Lukla, Namche Bazaar and Pangboche
  • Trek through the Sagarmatha National Park and enjoy the region's verdant woodlands
  • Enjoy serration of Himalayan sights along the journey through the river valleys of Imja Khola and Dudh Koshi
  • Cross the Cho La Mountain Pass; views of the river valleys and the Himalayan peaks of Everest from the summit of the pass are unforgettable
  • Visit the holy Gokyo Lake and the vantage point of Gokyo RI

Overview

The Everest Himalayan region of Nepal is known across the globe as the home of the brave Sherpa and the world’s highest Mount Everest. Apart from these two iconic renowned attractions, there are other numerous splendors of high-altitude outdoor activities. The Everest base camp and Gokyo lake trek are some of those daring explorations that take you beyond the regular trekking route in the heart of Khumbu.

The Himalayan trip is lade with thrilling mountain pass-crossing and new exciting sites and destinations that are generally not included in the Everest base camp trek. Hike to Everest base camp and Gokyo lake is one of the most amazing long-distance adventures in the world. The high mountain trip is filled with unforgettable mountain sights, ethnic Sherpa culture, and natural wonders that remain as otherworldly as their reputation describes them to be.

The itinerary to the Everest base camp and Gokyo lake trek begins with a short flight to Lukla- the most famous trekking destination in the Everest region of Nepal. After your arrival in Lukla, you have an opportunity to know your rest trekking crew. If the weather gets clear, you will be able to see the few stunning snow-capped mountains. On that day you must take a 3-hour hike to Phakding where you are going to spend your first night in the mountain.

On the second day, hiking is not easy as the first one because you will have to ascend over 700 meters to reach Namche Bazar (3440 meters). The trekking route follows many famed Sherpa villages and the spiritual hub of Khumbu- Tengboche Monastery. The mount Everest view and some Sherpa settlements from Thyangboche are breathtaking. Walking through the valley that is surrounded by the white Himalayas and looking at the colorful Rhododendron Forest is an extraordinary experience.

Moreover, the trip includes visiting the mount Everest base camp, passing through ethnic settlements like the village Dingboche and Pheriche, Memories wall (dedicated to mountaineers who died in mountains), and walking through the glacier to reach one of the major highlights of the endeavor. Similarly, the trip also includes visiting the vantage point of Kalapatthar from where panoramic views of the entire Mount Everest massif are many other mountains.

In addition to the popular hallmarks of the region, The Everest base camp and Gokyo lake Trek then divert away from the main base camp route and instead veers towards the rather obscure villages of Khumbu's western front. Trekkers will have to walk towards the Cho La Mountain Pass to reach and explore the mesmerizing Gokyo lake as well as the vantage point of Gokyo – Ri, which is popular for its panoramic views of Mount Everest (8848m), Makalu (8463m), Cho-Oyu (8188), Ama Dablam (6812m) Peak and many other peaks. From the top wide-open views of the lakes and river valley below, flanked by the enormous Himalayas on the horizon is simply outstanding.

Experience the High Mountain Adventure of a Lifetime with Green Society Adventure

The Outdoor adventure around the Everest region is the top must-destination for every adventure searcher. The rich cultural and natural diversity provide an amazing experience. Book the Everest base camp and Gokyo Lake trek and feel the mini mountaineering adventure in Nepal. Reliable and experienced trekking crew members and a highly competitive price structure would contrive to make your walking holiday in Nepal a mesmerizing memory. Green Society Adventure urges all aspiring trekkers to trek wisely and choose EBC (5364m) and Gokyo lake trek for a complete outdoor experience.

Itinerary
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You may land at Tribhuban international airport, Kathmandu at any time. When you exit the arrivals hall, you will be greeted by one of our airport representatives. He will help you get transferred to your hotel. Staying at the hotel in Kathmandu for one night.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Welcome Dinner

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lukla early in the morning. The 30-minute flight to Lukla is quite an exciting trip. You can get good views of the mountain peaks from the plane. From Lukla, you will then begin your relatively short trek to Phakding, passing through the narrow ridgeline of tall hills that form the baseline for the peaks. Overnight at Phakding.

  • Max. Altitude:2800m/9184ft
  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will embark on a longer trek from Phakding to Namche. Following the pathway towards the Dudh Koshi River, you will have to cross some suspension bridges and trek along the woodlands until you reach Monjo. Here, you will enter the Sagarmatha National Park office and get your permit. From there, you must cross a few more suspension bridges and hike uphill through the thick canopy of pine and cedar trees toward Namche Bazaar.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11284ft
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is set aside for acclimatization. The Namche Bazaar offers a wide variety of activities. The town serves as Khumbu's business center. From Namche, you can see the amazing views of mount Everest and many of its neighboring Himalayan peaks, like the Thamserku, the Kongdi RI, and the Ama Dablam among others. You can visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, as well as pay a visit to the Everest Photo Gallery. additionally, you can hike up to the Syangboche Airstrip which is situated above Namche. From Syangboche, you can catch amazing views of the town below, as well as the distant Himalayan peaks that surround the town. Likewise, you can also pay a visit to the Everest View Hotel. stay the night in the Namche Bazar.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11284ft
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, after breakfast at hotel Namche, you will need to hike about 20 minutes uphill and another hour's gradual walk to Kanjuma. From this small Sherpa settlement, the trail descends to Imja Khola through the woodlands. Passing Imja Khola, you will be trekking through rhododendron-laden hamlets and vast green pastures towards Tengboche- the spiritual hub of the region. Along the way, views of peaks like the Ama Dablam and the Everest Himal decorate the horizon. In the village, you can also visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. Overnight stay in Tengboche

  • Max. Altitude:3790m/12694ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, the first part of the hike takes us through the pine and rhododendron forests until Dibuche. The trail ascends to Pangboche village after crossing the suspension bridge over Imsa Khola. The scenic views of Ama-Dablam, Lhotse, Everest, and numerous other mountain vistas are truly breathtaking as you trek to Dingboche. Along the trip, you will pass by numerous smaller towns like Pangboche and Orsho and continue a trail that occasionally has Mani stone walls. As soon as you arrive in Dingboche, often known as "the summer valley," you can unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Everest peaks that tower over the community. 

  • Max. Altitude:4410m/14664ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Dingboche to Thukla (Dhukla), 3-Hour

From Dingboche, you will follow the steadily elevating trail toward the settlement of Thukla. It is a steady uphill climb, and the views of the mountain peaks get better as you cross the tree line. Eventually, you will reach Thukla.

Optional: We can spend this day in Dingboche and hike uphill to acclimatize our bodies and the next day trek direct to Lobuche. 

  • Max. Altitude:4620m/15154
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our trek today takes us to the small settlement of Lobuche. Following a 30-minute uphill walk, we arrive at the mountaineer's memories wall point, where you can see many memorials of the people who died on the mountain. The hike takes you past Himalayan pastures, the last green landscape before the snowy fields. You will also notice that the terrain changes from lush scrubland to sparsely dotted meadows with snowy acres as you make your way up the elevation. The Lobuche Peaks tower is above a small settlement called Lobuche. Along the way, you can also get some views of peaks like the Lingtern, the Pumori, and the Khumbutse Himalayan peak. Overnight stay in Lobuche.

  • Max. Altitude:4930m/16172ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is one of the anticipated days of the trekking journey. From Lobuche, you will make your way towards Gorekshep- one of the last settlements before the Everest Base Camp. Gorekshep is a very sparsely populated little settlement that was the original base campsite before the site was moved. From Gorekshep, you will finally hike alongside the Khumbu glacier moraine towards the base camp. You can see the Khumbu glacier, as well as the Khumbu Ice Fall from the camp. After spending some time at the base camp of Everest, you will return to Gorekshep. Overnights stay at Gorekshep.

  • Max. Altitude:5364m/17593ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning, you will trek towards the vantage point of Kalapatthar from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Mount Everest massif. The sunrise view amidst the mountain peaks from Kalapatthar is utterly gorgeous. After the vantage point, you will then make your way toward the village of Dzongla.

  • Max. Altitude:5560m/18236ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Dzongla, you will make your way toward the base of the Cho La Mountain Pass. You will have to start trekking early in the morning to make it past the mountain pass as starting later in the day can lead to encountering bad weather at the summit. With a slow and gradual ascent, you will make your way to the top of the mountain pass from here you can get good views of the mountain peaks and the valley below. Likewise, you will then descend the pass towards Thangna. Overnights stay in Thangna. 

  • Max. Altitude:5365m/ 17598ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will trek to Gokyo Lake today, crossing over the Ngozumpa Glacier (the large glacier in the Himalayas. It is 36 Kilometers in length). The Gokyo village is situated by the third Himalayan Lake in the lake basin and has the Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop set up at the juncture. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

  • Max. Altitude:4110m/13584ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gokyo RI is one of the highlights of this trip. Early in the morning, you will hike up to the Gokyo RI (Gokyo Peak). Climbing to Gokyo RI is strenuous as it is a steep uphill climb and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach. However, it is worth the effort as the scenery of the Gokyo village on the edge of the third lake, flanked by the Cholatse Peak and the Ngozumpa Glacier is quite mesmerizing. From Gokyo RI, you can enjoy panoramic Mountain Views of the Kusum Kanguru Peak, Thamserku, the K-43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. The sight of the towering peaks is even better than Kalapatthar. You will trek down to Gokyo from where you will make your way to Dole. Overnights stay in Dole

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11284ft
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Dole to Namche, 6 Hours

From Dole, you will descend to Phorste Tenga, and follow a completely steep climb to Mong-La Danda. From there, you will descend to the settlement of Kyangjuma. It is an easy follow of the trail to Namche from there. Overnight stay in Namche.

 

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11284ft
  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail back to Lukla from Namche follows the same path as before. It is ornamented with prayer flags, Chortens, Mani walls, and Gompas. The gushing of the Dudh Koshi River will once again ring through the air as you cross it over suspension bridges. After gradually ascending from Cheplung, you'll reach Lukla. 

  • Max. Altitude:2800m/9184ft
  • Accommodation:Guest House
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Lukla, you will bid the Everest mountains goodbye for the last time and have a flight back to the city. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred back to your Hotel. You can spend the day as you please in the city, shopping or visiting the city's many restaurants and places of significance. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Farewell Dinner and Breakfast

Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be dropped off at the airport for your departure.

  • Meals:Breakfast
Cost Details
Includes
  • Free airport - hotel - airport pick up and drop off as per itinerary in private vehicle
  • Two-night deluxe hotel in Kathmandu on twin-sharing basic with breakfast.
  • Round trip flight Kathmandu – Lukla– Kathmandu including departure taxes
  • Full board meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek.
  • Teahouse or Lodges accommodation during the trek.
  • Seasonal fresh fruits as dessert every evening after dinner during the trek.  
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
  • All salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, drinks, and accommodation for the guide and porter. 
  • Assistance guide for the group of 6 or above. 
  • Trekking equipment: such as a Down jacket, and sleeping bag (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • Green Society Adventure's complimentary free T-shirt, route map, and duffle bag (if needed)
  • All necessary paperwork and National Park permits and TIMS
  • Khumbu-Pasang community entry fee. 
  • Farewell dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant with traditional performances. 
  • A comprehensive medical kit/ First-aid kit and oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse level during the trek. 
  • All government and local taxes
Excludes
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • All bar bills along the trek.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc
  • Tips for guides and porters.
Client Reviews
  • T
    TatinaRussian FederationAugust 25, 2016

    Amazing Gokyo and EBC treks

    I trekked with Green Society Adventure twice to Gokyo and EBC. Both treks were great and very affordable. Raj is a really very nice guide, always kind, helpful and sincere. He arranged both of our treks. The overall experience was just amazing :) Many thanks to Green Society Adventure and Raj!
    I'm planning to arrange my next trip to Upper Mustang with them too.

    TripAdvisor
Useful Information

Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek Difficulty: Is This Trip Suitable for You?

The trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo lake is a high degree of troublesome journey. Individuals who have an early encounter of hiking and carry some load (5-6 kilogram) can encounter it and take up the task on condition. If you are physically fit and do not suffer from any serious illness, then you can prepare yourself for this Himalayan journey.

As a preparation, you must do some exercise and at least one hour of hiking a day with some load months before the trip starts. This training will make you feel easier to accomplish the trip. We advise you to learn more about the Himalayan adventure and decide for yourself.

Checklist: What Should You Pack for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek?

Preparation is essential when you plan for an amazing adventure in the Himalayas. For ease and comfort of Trekking to Everest base camp and Gokyo lake, do get prepared as early as you can. Some of the equipment can hire when you arrive here in Nepal. So, keep in mind that you don’t have to buy all the equipment, which is very expensive and not usable after the trip.

Basically, you need a comfortably fitted day backpack since you are carrying it every day for 5 to 6 hours. Make sure your backpack is waterproof, or it has a special cover. Check this link for the trekking equipment list and pick up all the essential needs for yourself. And if you need to discuss more the equipment, please feel free to ask us.

How to Prepare Yourself for The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek

On this Everest base camp and Gokyo lake trek, you will have to hike on up and down on an uneven trail for 12 days with your 5-6 kilos load day backpack. Soon after you confirm the trip, start building yourself to make your journey to the high mountains easier. A month before the trip starting date, plan for 4-5 days of training a week. The oxygen level is less at the higher altitude and your lung can’t provide enough amount to your body, so exercise and hiking with some load are very important for this EBC and Gokyo lake trek. The more you exercise and hike with some load your legs and muscle get stronger.

At the same time, mental preparation is a very important part of the trip plan. And prepare yourself for basic conditions and rapidly changing weather as well as chances of altitude sickness.

Best Season for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek

Basically, there are two best seasons for the Everest base camp and the Gokyo lake trek. One is from early March to May. At this time weather normally get clear and the view of the Mountains is breathtaking. Walking through the valley that is surrounded by white-capped mountains and mesmerizing colorful forest of Rhododendrons will be a wonderful experience. Temperature is expected to be 25°C to -5°Cduring this season pretty much warm.

September to November is another best time for the EBC trek. During this time, we can expect some rain and snow, but the weather normally gets clear & cooler. Temperature is expected to be 20°C to -20°C during this season and the view of the mountains is spectacular.

Flight to Lukla

An exciting flight to Lukla is the least demanding way to reach Lukla and is your Everest base camp and Gokyo lake trek. Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla is one of the highest and most extraordinary in the world and it has its claim challenges. The Topmost among them is the weather. Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world, the weather in Lukla is unpredictable and changes often. It would be clear and sunny one minute, and soon after can be cloudy, and everything will turn hazy. Flights work as they were when the climate is steady and permeability clear.

The chances of getting canceled the Lukla flight are dependent on weather conditions. Which happens frequently. If so, your EBC Trekking may get extended by a day or two. So please be prepared and keep barrier days so that you may not miss your international flight.

If there is a long delay due to bad weather, we will secure a space for you on a helicopter flight. The cost for the Heli flight is not included in the trip price and should be taken by you.

Due to overcrowding at the Kathmandu airport during the high season (Spring- March, April, Autumn - October, November), flights to and from Lukla operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. The airport lies 132km (4hrs drive) from Kathmandu. If you book your trip early, we can try to secure a place for you on the direct flight to or from Lukla. It will be easier and more comfortable

Drinking Water

Drinking enough purified water and keeping your body dihydride is very important while you are on the trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo lake. During the trek, one should drink 3-4 liters of water every day.

On this trek buying bottled water is expensive (starting from $1 to $5) and a water bottle adds up to the thrashing problem in the mountain, so we highly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle with you. You can fill the water bottle in lodges and can use an inbuilt filtration system like Life Straw or Steripen. You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water.

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