“An Epic Journey through the Himalayas”
The Gokyo Lake with Everest Base Camp trek, a mesmerizing journey through the heart of the Khumbu region in Nepal. This expedition offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the world’s highest peaks, including the iconic Mount Everest, while immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Sherpa communities.
The Gokyo Lake with Everest Base Camp trek is a 17-day odyssey that combines two of the most renowned trekking routes in the Khumbu region. It offers a diverse and awe-inspiring landscape, from lush forests and serene lakes to towering glaciers and majestic mountain vistas. This trek is designed for adventurers seeking a comprehensive experience, encompassing the famed Gokyo Lakes, the vantage point of Gokyo-Ri, and the historic Everest Base Camp.
The Gokyo Lake with Everest Base Camp trek is a transformative adventure that combines natural wonders with cultural richness. It is an opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas up close and experience the indomitable spirit of the Sherpa people. Join us for an expedition that promises not only awe-inspiring vistas but also a deep connection to the heart of the Everest region.
Breathtaking Scenery: Traverse through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and glacial moraines. Gaze upon the tranquil Gokyo Lakes, reflecting the surrounding peaks in their crystal-clear waters.
Sherpa Culture: Engage with warm-hearted Sherpa communities, visit ancient monasteries, and gain insights into their centuries-old traditions and way of life.
Panoramic Views: Ascend Gokyo-Ri (5360m) for a 360-degree view of the Mahalangur Himalayan range. Witness the majesty of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other towering peaks.
Everest Base Camp: Stand at the historic base camp, where mountaineering legends have embarked on their conquests of the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest.
Kalapattar Sunrise: Catch an awe-inspiring sunrise from Kalapattar (5545m), offering an unrivaled view of Everest and the surrounding peaks.
Strategic Acclimatization: Rest days in Namche Bazaar and Gokyo ensure proper adjustment to high altitudes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trek.
Route Description:
Day 1-4: Lukla to Namche Bazaar
The journey kicks off with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a thrilling landing on one of the world’s highest airstrips. From there, the trek leads to Phakding, a charming village nestled alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Ascending further, you’ll reach Namche Bazaar, a historic trading hub perched in the heart of the Himalayas. The trail winds through rhododendron forests and offers glimpses of the towering peaks, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.
Day 5-6: Namche Bazaar to Machhermo
After a day of exploration and acclimatization in Namche, the journey continues towards the celebrated Everest View Hotel. The path meanders through picturesque settlements, each offering a unique perspective of life in the Himalayas. Moving forward, you’ll arrive in Dole, surrounded by stunning views of Khumbila and Tawache. The trek then takes you to Machhermo, a place steeped in intriguing Yeti folklore.
Day 7-9: Machhermo to Gokyo Lakes
Leaving Machhermo behind, the trail ascends to unveil the jewel of the Khumbu region – the Gokyo Lakes. These pristine, turquoise bodies of water are nestled amidst towering peaks, creating a surreal setting. The trek also includes a hike to Gokyo-Ri, a vantage point that offers an unrivaled panorama of the Mahalangur Himalayan range.
Day 10-12: Everest Base Camp and Kalapattar
Descending through Phorste village, the journey heads towards Pheriche, a landscape offering breathtaking views of Mt. Amadablam. The trail then leads to Lobuche, a high-altitude pasture land. The climax of the journey arrives as you step onto the hallowed grounds of Everest Base Camp, the launching pad for countless mountaineering triumphs. Ascend Kalapattar for a sunrise spectacle that unveils Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks in all their glory.
Day 13-14: Return Journey to Lukla
The trek retraces its steps through Dingbuche, descending to Namche Bazaar, and finally returning to Lukla. Here, you’ll catch your flight back to Kathmandu, bringing to a close an unforgettable expedition.
Fitness Level and Preparation:
This trek demands a moderate to high level of physical fitness. Regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises are recommended prior to the journey. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to ensure proper adjustment to high altitudes.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Himalayan Experience:
The Gokyo Lake with Everest Base Camp trek is a transformative adventure that combines natural wonders with cultural richness. It’s an opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas up close and experience the indomitable spirit of the Sherpa people. Join us for an expedition that promises not only awe-inspiring vistas but also a deep connection to the heart of the Everest region.
Trek Difficulty:
Concerns about the trek’s difficulty may arise, but rest assured, we’re here to address them. The Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek is rated as a moderate-level journey. While it entails long walking hours, steep ascents, and descents, the trek can be undertaken by individuals with good physical fitness. Our experienced guides will accompany you, offering guidance on breathing techniques, walking pace, and acclimatization strategies to ensure a successful hike. The trek is thoughtfully designed with acclimatization days to make your journey smoother.
Recommended Time to Trek:
For the optimal trekking experience, consider the Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) seasons. Spring ushers in warmer weather, bringing life to Nepal with the blooming of rhododendron forests and lush landscapes. Walking in the spring sunshine adds a touch of bliss to your trek.
Autumn, on the other hand, treats you to a symphony of nature’s colors. With mild temperatures and a cool autumn breeze, the journey is a harmonious experience under clear blue skies.
However, the trek is accessible year-round, with varying weather conditions to suit your preferences.
Explore Alternative Treks:
If you’re ready to explore alternative trekking options, we’ve got you covered. In addition to the Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek, we offer two alternative packages.
Everest Cho La Pass Trek: Experience the best of the Khumbu Valley while challenging your trekking spirit by crossing the Cho La Pass.
15-Day Everest Base Camp Trek with Cho La Pass and Renjo La Pass: For the ultimate adventure, this trek combines the Everest Base Camp journey with two of the highest passes in the Khumbu region, delivering a test of your hiking mettle.
Whichever trekking package you choose, rest assured that our team is dedicated to ensuring you have the best trekking experience, filled with unforgettable memories
This trek is tailored for adventurers seeking a comprehensive experience, combining the natural wonders of the Gokyo Lakes with the historic significance of Everest Base Camp. It’s a journey that promises not only breathtaking vistas but also a profound connection to the heart of the Everest region and the indomitable spirit of the Sherpa people. Join us for an odyssey that transcends ordinary travel, offering an experience that will be etched in memory forever.
, Drive: 30 Minutes
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, the bustling capital city of Nepal, you will be warmly welcomed by our team. After settling into your hotel and refreshing yourself, you have the option to explore some of the city’s cultural landmarks, such as ancient temples, stupas, and vibrant markets. This will be a day to relax, acclimatize to the altitude, and prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.
Duration: 30 Minutes fly , Drive: 20 Minutes drive , Walking Distance: 3-4 hours Trekking
In the early morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Lukla. The flight to Lukla is an extraordinary experience in itself. The airstrip is at a high elevation and the gap between the two ends of the runway is about an impressive 60 meters only. Embark on a trek to Phakding, surrounded by captivating, lush scenery with a view of Kusum Kangraru. Spend the night at a guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Follow the Dudh Koshi River, ascending through Himalayan pine and cedar forests, to the renowned village of Namche Bazaar. Namche is a historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders swap salt, dried meat, and textiles. Aside from being an excellent place to shop for traditional crafts, Namche remains the central trading hub in the Khumbu region, attracting merchants from the Himalayas and lowlands. Spend two days in Namche for acclimatization, exploring local markets, and bonding with your team. During the hike, catch your first glimpses of Everest and neighboring peaks. Stay overnight at a guesthouse with meals included.
Duration: 5-6 hours
This day is dedicated to acclimatization. Hike to Syangboche Airport (3700m), said to be the highest airport in the world, and then continue to ascend to Everest View Hotel for breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Tawache, and more. On the way back, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery. Spend the night at a guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
Duration: 5-6 hours Trekking
The trail starts easy until Kyangjuma, and then climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests, which transition to fragrant stands of juniper and large conifers as the altitude rises. This trek is particularly enchanting in spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom. The trail passes many summer settlements known as Kharkas, where Sherpas bring herds of yaks to graze in these high pastures. The route takes you through the settlements of Tongba (3950m) and Gayle (3960m) before reaching Dole, where there are a few hotels. Enjoy incredible views of Khumbila and Tawache (6542m) throughout the day! Stay overnight at a guesthouse with meals included.
Duration: 5-6 hours
The trail ascends to Lambara at (4220m) and Luza at (4360m). The paths are steep in most places as they wind through brush junipers. Kharkas appear whenever there is a flat spot and a hint of water. Continue to ascend along the side of the valley, high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to reach Machhermo at (4410m). It was here in Machhermo in 1974 that a Yeti allegedly killed three yaks and attacked a Sherpa woman. This is the most widely reported Yeti incident ever. Stay overnight at a guesthouse with meals included.
Duration: 5-6 hours trekking
Climb a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kantega and up towards Cho-Oyu (8201m). Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangka at (4390m) before descending to the riverbank, marking the beginning of the climb onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It’s a steep ascent up the moraine, zigzagging alongside the stream, leading to the first small lake at (4650m), where a family of green Brainy ducks resides. Stay overnight at a guesthouse with meals included.
Duration: 4 hours
Rise early and make your way up to Gokyo-Ri for a panoramic view of the Mahalangur Himalayan range. The climb takes about 2 hours to reach the peak, offering a sweeping vista of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Tawache, along with a stunning view of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. Spend the night at a guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Duration: 7-8 hours
Descend along the same trail through Phorste Thanga, then embark on a short climb to Phorste. Stay overnight at a guesthouse with meals provided.
Duration: 6-7 hours Trek
Today’s trek is particularly interesting, as you will not lose altitude like on previous days, allowing you to enjoy views of Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Lhotse, and other peaks. The route continues through pastures to Pheriche. Stay overnight at a guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Duration: 5-6 hours trek
Trek along a wide valley floor to Dughla, and continue ascending, gaining altitude. Exit the valley to descend to the yak pastures of Lobuche. Stay overnight at a guesthouse with meals provided.
Duration: 7-8 hours Trekking
After a brief climb through meadows, gaze down at the Khumbu Glacier. Straight ahead lies Kalahari – the best vantage point to view the entire south face of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. After a couple of hours, you will reach Gorekshep. Continue your journey to Everest Base Camp. While there isn’t much elevation gain, there are numerous ups and downs, which combined with the altitude, can be tiring. However, the journey is immensely rewarding. After about 3 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Base Camp and enjoy views of the Khumbu Glacier and icefall, where Everest expeditions begin. Stay overnight at a guesthouse with meals included.
Duration: 7-8 hours Trek
Start the day with a hike up to Kalapattar (5545m), the prime viewpoint to witness Mount Everest in all its glory and the spectacular Himalayan range. Then, trek back to Gorekshep for breakfast before descending to Dingbuche. Stay overnight at a guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
Duration: 5-6 hours Trekking
Enjoy an easy walk along the Imja Khola, followed by a short climb to Tengboche. Descend to Pungki Thanka and then tackle a steep climb to Kyangjuma. The trail becomes easier from here as you make your way to Namche. Stay overnight at a guesthouse with meals included.
Duration: 5-6 hours Trek
Continue the trek along the Dudh Kosi River to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla, from where you will catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at a guesthouse with meals included.
Duration: 30 minutes flight
In the early morning, you’ll bid farewell to the Everest region as you take the scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you can use the remainder of the day to rest, do some souvenir shopping, or explore any sites you may have missed before. Overnight at kathmandu.
, Drive: 20 minutes hotel to airport
As your memorable Everest Panorama Trek concludes, our team will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. With cherished memories and newfound appreciation for the Himalayas, you’ll depart from Nepal with a sense of fulfillment and the desire to return for more adventures in the future.
The easiest way to reach Lukla (2840m), the trailhead of your Everest Base Camp Trek is via a flight. One of the highest and most extreme airports in the world, flying to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla has its own challenges. The chief among them is the weather.
The airport is built on a narrow plateau, over a steep cliff. Navigating the plane along the short and narrow runway is difficult when strong winds whip across the mountains. Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world, the weather here is unpredictable and changes frequently. It would be clear and sunny one minute, and the next moment the clouds will appear and everything will turn hazy. Flights operate only when the weather is stable and visibility clear.
The chances of your Lukla flight getting canceled cannot be ruled out. If this happens your EBC Trek may get extended by a day or two. So come prepared and keep buffer days so that you may not miss your international flight.
If there is a long delay due to bad weather, we will try to secure a space for you on a helicopter flight. The cost for the heli flight [USD 500 one way per person] is not included in the trip price and should be borne by you.
Due to congestion at the Kathmandu airport during high season (Spring- March, April, autumn – October, November), flights to and from Lukla now operates from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. The airport lies 132km (4hrs 30mins drive) from Kathmandu.
However, airline companies operate their first and last flights directly from Kathmandu and Lukla (KTM-LUKLA-KTM). 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 to fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa, instead of making that additional journey to Ramechhap.
Helicopter Flights to Everest Region will operate from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
For this trek there will be one leader, assistant leader (10 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for carrying luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group get sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the trek for groups of any size but we after years of experience we have found a maximum of twelve people to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to book this trip for a larger group then that can be arranged too.
Accommodations
We will be accommodated in Three Star Base Hotel in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 300. Corporate Adventure treks rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
Meals
During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners for guests
Remember you will be trekking to the world’s highest trekking destination, Everest Base Camp which lies well above 5000 meters beyond the sea level. Here there is less oxygen in the atmosphere which will make breathing a bit difficult.
To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly, steadily, and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2000 meters. Usually, these symptoms occur once you reach Namche or beyond Namche.
Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may work for mild cases. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help to keep the sickness at bay. One should take the necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help.
There are clinics at Lukla, Namche, and Pheriche which offer basic care for minor ailments. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored can take your life.
On a high altitude trek like the trek to EBC, acclimatization is very important. Your body needs time to get used to thin air which can be done by resting at a lower altitude before reaching a higher level of elevation.
Our experts have included two days in the itinerary for acclimatization. During your trek, you will be spending extra days at Namche (3440m) and Dingboche (4410m) to acclimatize successfully before trekking further.
It is important to keep your body hydrated on the trail as dehydration also causes AMS. One should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluids daily.
We dissuade you from buying bottled water as it adds up to the thrashing problem in the mountains. Moreover like everything else, bottled water is also expensive in the mountains.
We highly recommend you to carry a reusable water bottle with you, one that can hold hot water. You can use one with a steri pen or an inbuilt filtration system like LifeStraw. You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.
Using chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste. You can add flavored electrolyte powder (which readily available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter chemical taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.
Teahouses offer boiled drinking water at an additional cost. It can cost anywhere between 1 USD to 4 USD. Up to Namche, you may have to pay around 1 USD per liter or pot (every teahouse use a different sized pot). The price increases gradually as you climb higher. You pay the highest for boiled water at Gorak Shep, ie, 4USD. While cold water is provided free of charge, it is not advisable to drink untreated tap water.
Despite being the world’s highest trekking trail, internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Everest Region.
You can connect with your loved ones while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. Wi-fi is available at all teahouses up to Gorak Shep. While it is free at some cafes in Lukla and Namche, most teahouses will charge you extra for using their Wi-Fi hotspot.
It will be cheaper and easier to get an Ncell (a private telecom company) sim card in Kathmandu and purchase internet data that could last you for your entire trip. The company offers 3G connectivity up to Everest Base Camp (5364m).
Everest Link, another local internet provider also offers paid internet access on the trail. You can purchase the username and password at any of the teahouses or shops along the trail.
Note: company will be provide limited data every lodge. If you need more date you can purchase direct.
As opposed to popular belief, you don’t need a lot of complicated gear and equipment for an Everest Base Camp adventure. Here’s a basic checklist of the most essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your Gokyo with EBC Trek:
These are only some of the essential items. Check a more detailed packing list for trekking. Most of the trekking equipment are available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the most essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made
Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the highest trekking trail in the world. Having an experienced local guide accompanying you will enrich your trip in so many ways. Trekking with a person who has in-depth knowledge of the mountain will also keep you safe and secure.
When you book an EBC Trek with us, we pair you up with one of our local guides. All our guides have an experience of more than 10 years and have a vast knowledge of the area you are visiting. They have completed the trekking guide course and have the required government license to work as a mountain guide. They can communicate in English and have received training on wilderness first aid and crisis management.
The trek will be led by a chief guide or trek leader. For every 8 trekkers, there will be an assistant guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Make sure that your luggage does not exceed 12/13 kg, as the porter can only carry a weight of 25/30 kg.
We believe in the ethical treatment of our staff. All our Guides and Porters are provided with weather-appropriate gear and clothing to battle the harsh weather in the mountains. Before the start of a trek, we ensure that our mountain guides are fully insured. They are given fair wages and treated with respect.
We seriously follow the guidelines set by IPPG (International Porter Protection Group) and offer assistance to porters to develop other skills. A portion from the booking fee goes to fund the education of our field staffs’ kids.
We ensure the safety of our clients by following all safety protocols during the trip. The Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary has been designed by travel experts and veteran guides who have guided several groups to Everest Base Camp innumerable times.
To prevent AMS, the required number of rest days has been added to the itinerary. Our guides always carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen level in your blood) with them. The guides assigned to you have more than 10 years’ experience and know what steps to take during an emergency. They are well-trained in wilderness first aid and crisis management.
If a client shows symptoms of AMS and needs to descend to a lower elevation, an assistant guide will escort him/her and will follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and will take the required steps needed for the well-being of the client.
If he/she feels alright after a night’s rest, the guide will escort the client back to join the group. But if the condition worsens, the client will be escorted down to Lukla or get airlifted to Kathmandu for expert medical aid.
The permits you need for the Everest Base Camp trek are – 1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and 2) Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. Unlike other treks in the Nepal Himalaya, you won’t be needing a TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s Office in Kathmandu or at the park’s entrance gate in Monjo by paying NRS 3000. For citizens of SAARC countries, the fee is NRS 1500. You need to fill out the permit form and show your passport or a copy of your passport. This will be including on our package.
To get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, you need to be in Lukla. You have to pay NRS 2000 for the permit at the rural municipality counter which lies at the edge of the village.
You won’t have to worry about queuing up to get the permits as the company or our guides will arrange all the permits for you.
For Everest Base Camp Trek, you need a good travel insurance policy that offers you coverage for all activities and altitudes included in your itinerary. The highest altitude you reach is 5,550 meters and your travel insurance should offer you suitable coverage up to this elevation.
Though we take your safety as our number one priority, we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies that may occur at this altitude. There is less oxygen in the environment and trekkers usually suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness, which could prove to be fatal if not treated on time. Walking on a treacherous mountain environment also exposes you to physical injuries. Therefore make sure that your insurance covers the cost of all injuries and emergencies that you can possibly face during this trekking adventure. Your insurance policy should especially cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization in case of an accident or medical emergency as these happen to be quite expensive. Check for vaccination requirements as some travel insurance policies makes it mandatory to immunize yourself before you leave your country.
Before you decide on a policy, be mindful and don’t forget to read the fine print. It would be advantageous for you also to choose a company that offers insurance cover on both domestic as well as international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.
