Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes is a less popular alternative to the traditional route that offers more glacial lakes, breathtaking views from Gokyo Ri, and the exciting Cho La Pass crossing. It's a continuous adventure through breathtaking Himalayan scenery, rich culture, and unmatched natural beauty.
An rewarding journey through the breathtaking Everest Himalayan scenery awaits you on the Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek, also called the Everest Circuit Trek. This challenging trek in the Everest area goes via Cho La Pass. The Cho-La pass links the Everest Base Camp to the five frozen lakes of Gokyo along this path.
This trip provides a good balance of well-known trails and peaceful, quiet paths. You will see all of the highlights as well as discover new hidden valleys where you may enjoy the night away from the hustle and bustle of town.
A scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the first stop on the 16-day EBC Trek that passes through Gokyo Cho La Pass. The thrilling climb to 5,483-meter Gokyo Ri, which offers a stunning vista of Cho Oyu, Everest, and Makalu, is a high point of this adventure.
Namche Bazaar and Khumjung are two examples of traditional Sherpa villages that offer a window into the vibrant Sherpa culture. Adding cultural depth to the natural beauty are the ancient monasteries, mani stones, and colorful prayer flags.
You will also spend the night in the valleys of Khumjung and Phortse so that you can completely immerse yourself in the local culture. This itinerary will enhance the flavor of your package.
Countless peaks of the Himalayas, such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu, will be towering in front of your eyes during the trek.
Mount Everest is situated midway between Tibet and Nepal. Its height of 8,848.86 meters (29,032 feet) makes it the highest point in the world. Not only is it naturally beautiful, but it also has a lot of history, mystery, and cultural significance.
Mount Everest, also known as "Sagarmatha" in Nepal and "Chomolungma" in Tibet, has a rich names reflecting the region's geographical and cultural uniqueness.
It was in the context of British colonial rule that the name "Everest" was first used. The Himalayas were thoroughly measured and mapped during the Great Trigonometric Survey of India, which Sir George Everest headed in the middle of the nineteenth century. The mountain was named after Everest in honor of his contributions.
Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal, led the first successful ascent on May 29, 1953, which is undeniably the turning point of this history. May 29th is celebrated as Everest Day, a yearly recognition of the historical importance of this victory.
The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Ri is an incredible challenge due to its high elevation, lengthy trekking days, steep climbs along with downhills, and high-altitude mountain passes.
There is a high risk of altitude sickness on the entire trek, which is why preparation is crucial. The trek begins at an altitude of over 3,000 meters and reaches its peak at 5,555 meters.
Also, you'll need to be in good physcial condition because the terrain is rough in spots, with uneven and rocky surfaces and steep climbs and descents that will test your knees.
The trail can be dangerous at times, and there is a significant chance of injury based on the season you are trekking. So, make sure you are ready by working on your core strength, balance, and endurance.
You need to be able to walk for long periods of time every day (at least 5 to 7 hours), so you should be in good shape. It will also be hard on your mental strength.
Trekkers require specific permits to complete the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes, which is situated within the Sagarmatha National Park. We can obtain the permits in Kathmandu and are verified at multiple points throughout the trek.
The Gokyo–EBC Trek requires the following permits:
All permits will be arranged by Hidden Trek Nepal for your convenience, and you should not face any concerns regarding them.
| Day | Route | Altitude (m) | Duration | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu to Lukla, then Phakding | 2610 | 30m flight + 3-4h trek | Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding |
| 2 | Phakding to Namche Bazar | 3440 | 6-7 hours trek | Trek to Namche Bazar |
| 3 | Acclimatization & hike | 3780 | 3-4 hours trek | Acclimatization hike to Everest View Point, visit Khunjung village |
| 4 | Khunjung village to Phortse | 3810 | 5-6 hours trek | Trek to Phortse |
| 5 | Phortse to Dingboche | 4410 | 6-7 hours trek | Trek to Dingboche |
| 6 | Acclimatization in Dingboche | 4410 | - | Hike to Nangkar Tshang hill, panoramic mountain views |
| 7 | Dingboche to Lobuche | 5050 | 5-6 hours trek | Trek to Lobuche |
| 8 | Lobuche to Gorakshep via EBC | 5160 | 7-8 hours trek | Trek to Gorakshep, visit Everest Base Camp |
| 9 | Kalapatthar to Dzongla | 4830 | 7 hours trek | Hike Kalapatthar for sunrise, trek to Dzongla |
| 10 | Dzongla to Thangnak via Cho La | 4800 | 6-7 hours trek | Cross Cho La Pass, trek to Thangnak |
| 11 | Thangnak to Gokyo | 4790 | 2-3 hours trek | Trek to Gokyo, explore the lakes |
| 12 | Acclimatization in Gokyo | 4790 | 5-6 hours trek | Hike to Gokyo Ri for panoramic views |
| 13 | Gokyo to Dhole | 4200 | 5-6 hours trek | Trek to Dhole |
| 14 | Dhole to Namche Bazar | 3440 | 5-6 hours trek | Trek to Namche Bazar |
| 15 | Namche Bazar to Lukla | 2840 | 7-8 hours trek | Trek to Lukla |
| 16 | Lukla to Kathmandu | 1340 | 30 minutes flight | Fly back to Kathmandu |
The Government of Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has made it mandatory to hire a professional guide for the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake. We also strongly advise it to help to reduce the pressure on these difficult paths.
In order to control all other trek-related expenses on your own, Hidden Trek Nepal now provides a "guide only" service whereby you can hire a licensed guide and pay just for the guide's price. With this service, we provide you with a government-licensed, experienced trekking guide who knows the Everest region inside and out.
We understand that many travellers today prefer a more flexible and cost-effective approach to adventure. That is why this service especially targets budget-conscious tourists looking for a real Himalayan adventure. It lets you manage your own logistics like transportation, accommodation, and meals along the route, thus welcoming different tastes and budgets.
Trekkers can start an unforgettable trip among some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes with the freedom to personalize travel, food, and accommodation combined with an expert local path.
We get up early today, and our staff will pick you up and we will drive to Kathmandu domestic airport terminal, where you'll catch a 35-minute flight to Lukla. During busy times (Spring and Fall), the flight to Lukla might leave from Ramechhap or Manthali because of more air traffic.
For that, we get up between 1:00 to 3:00 AM and take a shared tourist shuttle to Manthali Airport. From there, we take a 20-minute flight to Lukla. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to drive from Kathmandu to the Manthali/Ramechhap airport.
We will trek toward Phakding today. The trail is easy to follow. We leave Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi River back down. The path leads to the Namche Bazaar trail. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Namche is the largest town along the Everest trail. Many fine eateries, lodging, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes, and bakeries are located in Namche Bazaar, which is known as the Gateway to Everest.
As we continue our trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, we cross the majestic river on numerous thrilling suspension bridges that are decorated with prayer flags. The trail ascends steeply with amazing vistas upon crossing the Sagarmatha National Park. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Namche Bazar is a lively market town and a well-known acclimatisation stop at Everest Base Camp trail. Once we're done visiting Namche Bazaar, we'll leave the town behind and stay in Khumjung to get a more in-depth cultural experience of the area.
On the day of acclimatisation, it's also very important to move around. We stick to this rule and hike to Everest View Point, where we spend the night in Khumjung. The hike takes a total of 3-4 hours.
The Sherpa culture is known for being spiritual, and respectful of nature. Khumjung is a lovely village that shows these traits. In addition, we will be visiting the renowned Khumjung Monastery. While we take the opportunity to look into the region, we will spend the night in the village. The village is expected to be peaceful and calm due to its distance from the traditional trekking route. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Today we leave for Phortes. On the way, we get our first glimpses of Lhotse Shar (8393m), Ama Dablam (6812m), Khangtega (6782m), Thamserku (6623m), and Taboche (6495m).
Even though today's trek is shorter than the others, we'll stop at Phortse Thanga to make sure we get used to the altitude.
Phortes is a smaller and less crowded village, providing a more relaxing experience. Visitors who go to Phortse are able to experience the gorgeous scenery of the Khumbu region, learn about the Sherpa culture, and see stunning views of the mountains at sunrise and sunset. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Take a trip down through rhododendron forests and then cross the Imja Khola before climbing up to the village of Dingboche, which is located in the Himalayas. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Today, we will acclimatize at Dingboche and explore the best view of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Island Peak, Lhotse, Lhotse sar and other peaks. Our bodies will need time to get used to the altitude, so we will mostly rest. But we will keep moving, which is good for them. We rest for the day when we get back to Dingboche. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
We will leave Dingboche after breakfast and proceed on the EBC trail to reach Lobuche today. The trail crosses the Pheriche valley in a parallel way passing by numerous mountain streams and small yak pastures. The initial section of the trek provides a close-up view of Cholaste and Ama Dablam Peak. After that, the trail goes up steeply to reach the Thokla Pass.
There are numerous mountains over 7000 meters, such as Nuptse, Lhotse, and Lhotse Shar, that can be observed from the summit of Thukla. You will ascend the pass and begin on an easy hike along a rocky path in the direction of the tiny settlement of Lobuche. Spend the night at a teahouse in Lobuche. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Today is the most significant day of our 16-day Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Valley. Your trail to Gorakshep follows the side of the Khumbu Glacier. The pyramid signpost is passed through on your journey.
A reasonable ascent would lead you to the Thangma Riju, from which you can observe a 360-degree panorama of snow-capped mountains. Upon your arrival in Gorakshep, you are greeted by the snow-capped mountains that surround you, including the highest peak in the world.
You will start a trek to Everest Base Camp from Gorakshep. You will return to Gorakshep, where you will spend the night, after enjoying the breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
The two to three-hour climb from behind the village to Kala Patthar very early in the morning gives you a great view of the Himalayas rising up. Once you get to the top of Kalapathar, you'll have a clear view of Everest and other tall mountains. From this spot, the beautiful pictures of Everest that you see on the internet were taken.
After that, you keep going along the trail toward Dzongla. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
We begin our journey at 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. in order to arrive at the pass by 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. and avoid severe weather at noon.
We will cross at an altitude of 5,300 m, where we may be facing strong winds if we cross too late. The trail that is frequently traveled and easy to navigate begins with a steep ascent.
As you ascend to the summit, you are rewarded with breathtaking vistas. Following that, we trek down to the Thangnak at noon. Accommodation in Thangnak will be highly basic and in dormitory-style rooms due to its remote location. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Gokyo (4,790 m) is the second of our primary destinations, and today's trek will lead us there. The paths become narrow as we ascend, and you will ultimately arrive at the outlet of the first Gokyo Lake, the smallest of the five major Gokyo lakes.
A brief walk from the third Gokyo lake, the Gokyo village is one of Nepal's highest settlements. The renowned Gokyo Ri viewpoint is visible from the center of the Gokyo Valley. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
The 12th day is an acclimatisation day at Gokyo, and we will explore the Gokyo valley on this day. Nevertheless, we will not neglect to visit the renowned Gokyo RI viewpoint (5,360m). From this location, one can observe four of the world's six highest mountains: Cho Oyu (8,188m), Makalu (8,485), Lhotse (8,516m), and Everest (8,848m). Additionally, we will be visiting additional lakes in the Gokyo region.
We will trek all the way from Gokyo in order to visit ruined stupas and meadows surrounded by stone walls in Dole. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
In order to arrive at Namche Bazar, we will once more cross the beautiful settlements of Syangboche, Sanasa, and Phortse Thanga. This will be the final location where you can sneak up Mount Everest for the final time. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Like all good things, this must come to an end. Today is the final day on the trails. We will walk down a steep path, pass the Hillary Suspension Bridge, and go through a few local villages after breakfast. The Dudh Koshi River Valley and its surroundings will be where most of our trek takes place. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
If all goes as planned, we will take flight back to Kathmandu in the morning. The trekking season affects the flight route from Lukla, as was said before.
There are two choices: we can either fly all the way back to Kathmandu or fly back to Manthali airport and then drive back to Kathmandu. If you don't want to take the Lukla - Manthali - Kathmandu route, you can also book a helicopter. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Early spring (March–May) and late autumn (September–November) are the best times to go trekking. These times have pleasant weather, blue skies, and the best views of the peaks nearby. Some high elevations experience temperatures ranging from 20 °C during the day to -5 °C at night in the spring. In the autumn, the temperatures are a little higher.
It is possible to go trekking in the winter, but the paths are hard to use because of the heavy snow at higher elevations. In lower trek regions, the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain and bad trail conditions. High up in the winter, it can get as cold as -20 °C, and in the summer, it can get as hot as 27 °C during the day and 5 °C at night.
Due to the steep climb and high altitude, the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake is an actual concern for altitude sickness. It is very important to know the signs, take steps to avoid them, and know when to descend.
The Hidden Trek Nepal itinerary is made by professionals and experienced guides. In order to help your body get used to the thin air in the mountains, a few extra days have been added to the plan. You can ease your body into the low oxygen air in the mountains by hiking at a steady pace.
Going back to a lower elevation and getting medical help may be needed if the symptoms get worse. But let your guide know about all the changes in your body so that they can tell you what to do.
Physical fitness and endurance are essential for trekking in high-altitude regions. Therefore, it is recommended that you stick to a suitable training routine that covers physical exercises and cardiovascular activities, including jogging, long walks, swimming, cycling, and climbing stairs, to maintain your physical fitness. Try going on a couple of shorter hikes while carrying a full backpack if you can.
There will be several ups and downs in our one day of walking. The trail is rough, and you have to walk for a long time. As you ascend in elevation, the air becomes thinner, and the cold temperature may have an impact on you. We regret for alerting you of this fact, but Everest Base Camp Trekking via Gokyo Lake is not recommended for individuals who are not in good physical condition.
Since acclimatisation is also essential for high-altitude treks, we made sure to carefully plan the package to fit this requirement.
During your trek to the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes, you will be lodging at the comfortable teahouses currently available. This is a source of income for Sherpa families and is operated by locals.
After Namche, the lodges will only have the most basic necessities like a bed, a shared bathroom, and a common area for eating and sitting. The walls of the rooms are thin and don't keep the heat in. A lot of rooms have two single beds. It will be cleaner to use your sleeping bag and pillow liner. For extra warmth, put the blanket on top of your sleeping bag. At night, it can get pretty cold.
There aren't many toilet paper rolls in tea houses, so bring your own. You will have to pay extra to use the Wi-Fi hotspot and charge your phones and tablets. We recommend you bringing extra batteries / powerbank to save you money.
In Kathmandu, breakfast is included at your hotel. During the trek, you will have option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. People in the Khumbu area eat a lot of potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. In the early 1990s, when the first potato seeds were brought to the area, Sherpas began farming them.
Higher up, there isn't much food to choose from, but there are a lot of potato dishes. Potatoes have a lot of carbs, which are great for getting the energy you need when you're at a high elevation.
General Breakfast Items:
General Lunch and Dinner Items:
Transfers from the hotel to the Kathmandu domestic airport and back are included in the transportation. The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla is also part of the transportation service. Land transportation, except airport pickup is usually not included in the price of the trip, unless you ask for a fun ride around Kathmandu.
Ncell and NTC are the primary providers of mobile network coverage on the Everest Base Camp trek. Wi-Fi connectivity is also available in most tea houses and lodges.
Ncell and NTC provide mobile network bundles that range from 2G to 4G. However, the quality of connectivity weakens and becomes more unreliable as you ascend.
To book the Everest Base Camp Trek, you'll need to work with a registered trekking agency in Nepal like us. Hidden Trek Nepal will handle the necessary permits, guide, and potentially accommodation and transportation.
We are concerned about your safety whenever you book a local company like ours, and we are here to help. Throughout every step of your trip, you will constantly have someone with years of experience to provide you with the best recommendations.
By making the reservations as early as possible, particularly during the peak trekking seasons, you may assure that you will be able to secure your desired accommodation without encountering any difficulties. Given that the majority of the most desirable places to stay in the region are often reserved well in advance, it is always a good idea to begin your planning process as early as possible.
Thamel is Kathmandu’s tourist hub and the most visited part of the city. There are hundreds of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in town; therefore, if you’re a budget traveller or backpacker, you’ll likely stay in this part of town.
You will love spending time in Thamel; It’s a great place to hang out and meet fellow travellers, walk the streets and soak in the atmosphere that only really exists in this area.
It’s also right in the heart of town, close to all of the major things to do in Kathmandu. Thamel is also the perfect place to rent or buy trekking gear.
It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival for individuals from the majority of countries by visiting the online website of the Immigration Department of Nepal. Online forms must be filled out, printed, and brought with you.
The online system can be accessed at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/ from any location and at any time. The Online Application System can keep your application for 15 days in its system, allowing you to apply at your convenience and present it to the Immigration Authority at the time of admission or visa extension.
Visas on arrival are valid for 15, 30, or 3 months and are priced at:
Before the Trek
We recommend hiking before the Everest Base Camp trek, helping your body adjust to higher elevations. Test your gear and break in your hiking boots on these short walks to find and correct any problems while still near city shops and resources.
Some suggestions for hiking places near Kathmandu are: Champa Devi Hiking, Jamacho (Nagarjun Hill) Hiking, Sundarijal Hiking, Chandragiri Hiking, etc.
You can also visit some very popular cultural locations carrying significant histories while in Kathmandu before the trek: Boudhanath (Boudha), the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and three Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur).
After the Everest Base Camp trek, relaxing and enjoying Nepal's splendor is worth it. After the lengthy trek, Nepal is also a great place to relax with views, and cozy cafés. We recommend:
Hidden Trek Nepal is known for having skilled porters and making each tour unique. They know both the history and geography of the area well enough to make sure you have a safe and useful trip.
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Valley is a commercialized route, yet we design treks that explore the beaten path, leading you through hidden valleys far from the usual tourist crowds. Instead, you’ll stay overnight in quiet, beautiful valleys that most tourists don’t visit. We offer a more peaceful, authentic, and immersive experience in nature.
We also provide flexible solutions, such as a "guide only" service for independent trekkers who would rather handle their own logistics with expert advice. With Hidden Trek Nepal, you interact with people, environment, and the desire of adventure at every turn rather than simply travel.
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Footwear
Hands
Backpack and Accessories
Key highlights of the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake include the opportunity to observe Gokyo Lake, explore Tengboche Monastery, visit Kala Patthar for sunrise views, and experience Sherpa culture and hospitality, as well as the incredible panoramas of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks.
While it is technically possible to trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) via Gokyo Lake alone, hiring a guide offers numerous advantages that can enhance the safety and enjoyment of the journey.
The Gokyo Lake trail to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is usually safe for trekkers who are well-prepared and careful. The trekking paths are well-marked and well-kept, with clear paths and essential services like lodges and tea houses along the way. Guides with a lot of experience, who trekkers often hire, know a lot about the terrain, the weather, and the risks that come with being at high altitudes, which makes the trip safer.
Most itineraries include enough time for trekkers to get used to the high altitude gradually, which lowers the risk of getting sick from the altitude. In case of a medical emergency, emergency services are available, including helicopter evacuation if necessary.
Prior to travelling to Nepal for the Everest Base Camp trekking via Gokyo Lake, ensure that you own both medical and evacuation insurance. When going to a Himalayan country like Nepal, you should be careful when picking a policy because some insurance companies may make specific exceptions for adventure travel. Please let us know if you are having trouble with the insurance, and we are happy to assist you. Before you travel, it's usually best to get your insurance in your home country.
Yes! Kathmandu has many shops (Thamel area) selling:
You can hire a guide or porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek in Kathmandu or by contacting trusted trekking agencies, like Hidden Trek Nepal. We clearly communicate your requirements, and provide guide options who can navigate the trails, especially in challenging conditions. We also arrange to meet your guide or porter before your trek (in Kathmandu or Lukla).
Hidden Trek Nepal’s Everest Base Camp Trek set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option.
Yes, you can always join our fixed departure treks at the last minute. For customised treks, please stay in touch with us to check availability and arrangements.
You don't have to mandatorily hire a porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek through Gokyo Lake. We strongly suggest hiring one, though, because it will take care of your luggage and let you fully enjoy the trip. Hidden Trek Nepal has the best porters, and the service is included in our package.
The highest point of our journey is over 5000 meters. Most of the time, we'll be walking 3000 to 5000 meters above sea level. At this altitude, the weather is unpredictable and the temperature is low.
The nighttime temperature varies between 5 degrees Celsius in the summer and -15 degrees Celsius in the winter. Everest region has sunny days and temperatures that range from 15 degrees Celsius in the summer to -5 degrees Celsius in the winter.
When trekking in the mountains, it's better to have cash in Nepalese Rupees than a credit card. It's best to change your money into Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu earlier than the trek starts. You can do this at the airport, at a bank, or at your hotel.
The trek to Everest Base Camp through Gokyo Lake is a little hard because it is high up and takes a long time. It is a long and tiring trip that involves walking for 5 to 8 hours every day.
The Lukla flight has a weight limit of 15 kg (33 lbs), which includes your daypack and duffel bag. You can pay an extra $2 to $5 per kg if your daypack is heavier than the limit. Even though you get paid more, sometimes you don't get the baggage allowance. Because of this, we suggest that you pack within the 15 kg weight limit.
Yes, you can charge your devices while you're on the trek, but it will cost you more. The price will change, but it's usually between $1 and $5 per charge. We strongly suggest using adaptors with two pins (type C) and three pins (type D). You can either bring these adapters with you or buy them in Kathmandu.
We also recommed you to take the powerbank with you.
