Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek - 15 Days
This classic trail offers a blend of unique stunning landscapes full of adventure in a mesmerizing surrounding.
Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek
Price: USD $1800-
Price per person
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2-4 pax$1800
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5-7 pax$1750
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8-13 pax$1700
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14+ pax$1650
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Nepal
Australia
Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek Facts
Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Short and scenic flight experience to Lukla
- The Sherpa Capital Namche Bazaar
- UNESCO World Heritage Site – Sagarmatha National Park
- Spectacular views of Mt. Everest (8848m)
- Hidden Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lake
- 5 Glacier Lakes in the Gokyo Valley
- Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft)
- Kala Patthar (5555m)
- Edmund Hillary funded schools and hospital
- Sir Edmund Hillary funded schools and hospital
- Khumbu IceFall
Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek Overview
The trek to Gokyo Lake via Everest Base Camp is an extraordinary adventure that blends the two most epic trekking routes of Nepal.
What to expect from the trek to Gokyo Lake via EBC
This trail not only takes you to the Everest Base Camp but also lets you explore the less-visited but equally amazing Gokyo Lake. If you are seeking to trek to challenge your endurance and breathtaking views, and to immerse in rich Sherpa culture, this trekking route is best to hit.
On this journey to the Himalayas, you will experience:
- Classic Himalayan trail with mesmerizing surroundings
- View of the Stunning beauty of Gokyo Lake, as clear as crystal, tucked between the mountains
- Summit incredible viewpoints to watch sunrises and stunning peaks of Everest and other Himalayan ranges; Kala Patthar, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Ri
- Challenge your endurance while passing through Cho La Pass
- Explore the history of the Khumbu region
- Enjoy at the highest Irish pub in the world, the Himalayan town of Namche Bazaar
- Explore Monasteries and enjoy the delicates of the local Sherpas.
- Teahouse Accommodation, Simple but cozy with home-cooked meals that offer a glimpse of local life
- Breathtaking views of the Himalayas, Panoramic vistas of Lhotse, Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
Trek Overview
Prepare yourself for a challenging and adventurous trek in the Khumbu Region—the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake is not just a trek, it’s an opportunity to step into the heart of the Nepali Himalayas. For those who seek to push their limits and experience some unforgettable moments in 15 days, this trek is the one which is physically demanding than the standard EBC trek due to the higher altitude while passing through Cho La Pass (5420m/ 17,782ft) and is circular so you do not need to retrace your trail and explore more.
Since the Gokyo Lake with EBC trek is on a circular path, not only we don’t need to return through the same path but we can also accomplish your trek either clockwise or anticlockwise. In both paths, you can encounter pristine lakes, high rugged mountains, glaciers, and the base of the Everest and admire the beautiful scenery from the top, and sense the feeling of achieving something.
The trek starts basically following the classic trail of the base camp of the EBC trek, including small hikes for acclimatization and capturing mesmerizing sunrise from the peaks like Kala Patthar (5560m/18241.46ft). This high-altitude trek passes through Cho La Pass (5420m/17782.15ft), the longest glacier in the world Ngozumpa Glacier (36km/22.36miles), Gokyo Lake, and summit Mt. Gokyo Ri (5357m/17575.46ft).
On our trail to EBC, we will pass through many villages with Sherpa residences where you will experience their way of living, delicacies, and culture. It is possible to encounter several flora and fauna also on our way ahead,we can capture Snow Leopard and Yak grazing in high altitude pastures.
Leaving Kathmandu, our trek begins with the short 40-minute flight to Lukla. On arrival, we start trekking from Lukla to the Phakding and spend the night. Then, from Phakding along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River to the historic town of Namche Bazaar, which can also be said to be the second Thamel of Nepal. At Namche Bazaar, some short hikes will help you acclimatize for further trek. Then the trek continues through dense rhododendron forests to Tengboche where we will spend the night and explore the magnificent monastery. From Tenboche, the day starts with waking up early in the morning to get a splendid sunrise and follow the curve of the Imja River to Dingboche.
Ascending above 5000 meters at Dingboche, we start to hike to Nagarjuna Hill to acclimatize, while trying local cuisine. The next day, while capturing the amazing scenery of Nuptse, Lhotse, and many other Himalayas we reach Lobuche and then to Everest Base Camp and rest at GorakShep for that day. Another day will be your best sunrise ever as you step your feet to the top of the Kala Patthar to capture the picturesque sunrise.
Now our trail separates from the classical Everest Base Camp trek and heads toward Gokyo Lake through the Cho La Pass and captures another typical sunshine from the Gokyou Ri viewpoint. After this adventurous and mesmerizing trail, the trek comes near the end and back to Namche Bazaar through the village of Dole and to Lukla then Kathmandu.
Clockwise Trail for Gokyo Lake trek
Gokyo Lake Trek with Everest Base Camp Trek can be done both clockwise and anticlockwise; however, the majestic scenery is the same. This fascinating and adventurous trek in another anticlockwise trail begins similarly from the short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, where we will start our trek to enter Phakding to Namche Bazaar.
Namche at 3,440 meters, is where we will hike to Hotel Everest View to capture the beauty of the surroundings and acclimatize for the further trek ahead. The trail passes through pine and rhododendron forests towards Dole Town. The very next day, we make our way while capturing heavenly views of Mt. Cho Oyu (the fifth tallest mountain in the world) to Macchermo, a summer village and a pasture surrounded by snowy mountains.
Leaving the sherpa village Macchermo, we continue walking towards the key highlight of this trek, the turquoise Gokyo Lake. Moving ahead to reach Gokyo Ri, the most famous viewpoint of this region, you will catch the most beautiful sunrise from this point which you won't forget in your whole life.
After further acclimatizing, and ascending a little more, the view of the Gokyo Valley will stun you for a moment, this is the place where you hope for another night to stay. Further steps will take us through the Ngozumpa Glacier and yak pastures to Thangnak.
This is the point where our trek gets even more challenging. We head towards Cho La Pass, which connects the Gokyo region with the Everest Base Camp route. After arrival at Dzongla, Lobuche gets closer, rejoining the classic Everest Base Camp route. On our eleventh day, we step into the Everest Base Camp through the Khumbu Glacier lateral moraine. This is a remarkable achievement after such physical and mental efforts.
After those golden unforgettable moments in the Everest Base Camp, you will head towards Gorak Shep to spend the night and climb Kala Patthar to catch another mesmerizing sunrise at this viewpoint at 5555 meters. Soon, we descend to Gorak Shep, have breakfast, rest, and head to Pheriche.
Now, every step will make us lose elevation, making our trail substantially easier. In the morning, we will be leaving Pheriche to return to Namche Bazaar near the end of the trek. You get to admire the last sights of Mt Everest and shop for souvenirs. With lots of unforgettable memories after breakfast, you will board the scenic flight to Kathmandu again.
Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Your adventure to Everest Base Camp starts with a scenic flight to Lukla. But here's a twist: during the busy trekking months (March to May and September to November), flights might get redirected to Manthali Airport. If that happens, we'll pick you up from your hotel around midnight and drive for about 5 hours to Manthali. From there, you'll take a short 20-minute flight to Lukla.
Want to skip the Manthali detour? You can book a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. It's a bit pricier, around $550 per person if you're sharing with five others.
If you're trekking during the off-peak months (December to February, June to August), the flight path is direct from Kathmandu to Lukla. We'll pick you up after breakfast, and you'll be on a 40-minute flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla.
Once you land in Lukla, the trek begins! Since it's your first day, we'll take it easy to help your body adjust to the altitude. We'll hike through Chaurikharka Village, down to Dudhkoshi, and then to Phakding, where we'll spend the night. You can use the extra time to explore Phakding, like visiting the Rimishung Monastery.
We’ll continue our trek north, following the Dudh Koshi River. You’ll have stunning views of snow-capped mountains on both sides. We’ll also cross several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge.
As we keep going, we’ll enter Sagarmatha National Park. We’ll register our permits there and hike through a dense forest. From the forest, you’ll get your first glimpse of Mount Everest! But we won’t stop there. We’ll keep trekking until we reach Namche Bazaar.
We’ll spend our first full day here to acclimatize. There are lots of things to do in Namche Bazaar! You can check out the many cafes, restaurants, and hotels with Wi-Fi. There are also souvenir shops and gear stores if you need anything.
If you’re interested in exploring more, you can visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center, traditional Sherpa villages, the Hillary School, yak farms, and Buddhist monasteries.
It’s time to leave Namche behind! On clear days, you’ll have amazing views of Everest and the other mountains around it. You might even see some high-altitude wildlife if you’re lucky. The trail will take you down to the Dudh Koshi River and then climb up steeply to Tengboche, famous for its monastery, the biggest in the Khumbu region. You’ll have great views of Ama Dablam from Tengboche.
In the morning, you can choose to watch the prayers at Tengboche Monastery. Then, we’ll hike through a peaceful forest and reach Pangboche. We’ll have lunch at Somare and continue our trek to Dingboche. As we get higher, you’ll notice the land becomes drier and less green. Before reaching Dingboche, you’ll see farmlands surrounded by stone walls. These walls protect the crops from the cold wind and wild animals.
Today is all about getting ready for the next part of the trek. We’ll start by having breakfast and then going on an acclimatization hike to Chhukung Valley. It takes about 2-3 hours. When you get there, you might see other climbers preparing to climb Island Peak or do the Three Passes trek. The hike to Chhukung is a great way to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
We'll rest for a while and have lunch before returning to Dingboche. It takes about 2 hours to get back. Today will be full of exploring and getting used to the altitude.
We’ll start our trek with a short uphill climb near a ridge and then follow a wide valley path to the glacial moraine, where there are a few lodges. As you climb higher, you’ll have a better view. On the way to Lobuche, you’ll pass a memorial for people who didn’t survive this harsh environment. Lobuche has more shops and hotels than the places we’ve been to recently.
Today will be a day you’ll never forget. From Lobuche, you’ll follow the glacial moraine uphill until you reach Gorak Shep. Leave your stuff at Gorak Shep and head to Everest Base Camp.
At Everest Base Camp, you’ll have amazing views of the Khumbu Icefall and other tall mountains nearby. Take your time, enjoy the views, and take lots of pictures. Then, you’ll go back to Gorak Shep for the night.
We’ll need to wake up early this morning to climb Kala Patthar, a snowless peak with the best views of Mount Everest at sunrise. It’s one of the most amazing views you can get from 5,555 meters high.
After that incredible experience, we’ll go back to Gorak Shep for breakfast and then leave for Dzongla. Instead of going back the same way, we’ll take a different route to the northeast. Dzongla is a peaceful village where we’ll spend the night.
Today, you’ll test your endurance by climbing Cho La Pass. We’ll start in Zonglha and hike through rocky terrain. As we go higher, it will get more challenging.
Once we reach Cho La Pass, you’ll have amazing views of the Everest region. It’s a great place to take photos. After a short break, we’ll start going downhill towards Phedi. The path is icy, so be careful. We’ll continue down to Dragnag (Thangna), our camp for the night.
Today, we have a shorter trek. We’ll be walking along the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
As we walk, we’ll pass the small villages of Nha and Machhermo. We’ll also see a fork in the trail at Tanjung Pokhari. We’ll take the path towards Gokyo Valley.
You’ll be amazed by the beautiful views of the Gokyo Lakes, Dudh Pokhari, and Cho Oyu Peak. The peaceful turquoise waters of Pokhari will welcome you. We’ll spend the night in this beautiful alpine village.
To see another fantastic sunrise, we’ll wake up early and climb to the top of Gokyo Ri viewpoint. From there, you’ll have incredible views of the giant 8,000-meter peaks like Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.
After enjoying the views, we'll go back to Gokyo Village. Then, we’ll follow the Dudh Koshi River to the peaceful village of Dole, where we’ll spend the night and rest.
Today, we’ll have a more relaxing day as we go downhill from Dole. The trail will be flat and then go downhill gradually. We’ll pass through the Sherpa villages of Samde and Thamte and end up in the lively Namche Bazaar.
When you get to Namche Bazaar, you can explore the town. You can shop for souvenirs at the market and relax. You can even visit the world’s highest Irish pub and have a drink to remember your trek.
As we reach the end of your trek, we’ll walk downhill from Namche to the Hillary Bridge. You can think about all your unique experiences on the trek. We’ll have a flat hike through the villages of Monjo and Phakding and arrive in Lukla for the night. Celebrate your success with your guide and friends!
If everything goes as planned, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning. The flight route depends on the trekking season. If you trekked from March to May or September to November, you’ll probably fly to Manthali and then drive to Kathmandu. During the other months (December to February, June to August), you’ll fly directly from Lukla to Kathmandu.
You can book a helicopter if you want to avoid the Lukla-Manthali-Kathmandu route. It will cost about $550 extra per person if you’re sharing with five others.
We hope your journey back to Kathmandu is relaxing. You might think about your Everest Base Camp adventure and feel excited to see your loved ones again. Discovery World Trekking will arrange a farewell dinner for you in Kathmandu later that day.
Includes
- Private transport for pick-up and drop-off from the airport
- All three meals; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
- Comfortable accommodations on the trail
- Domestic flights to and from Lukla
- Expert Guide during the trek
- Porters (1 porter per two trekkers- Max. 25 kg)
- Staff food, shelter, salary, and equipment
- Accident insurance for all staff
- Essential gear such as; maps, trekking hat, duffel bag, and trekking pole
- A certificate to make your successful trek memorable
- A first aid kit and an oximeter to monitor your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate at higher altitudes
- Entry Permits for Sagarmatha National Park and TIMS Card
- Local Government tax of $20
- Assistance in arranging rescue and evacuation procedures (evacuation insurance is mandatory)
- · Walkie-talkies for group trekkers
At Places Nepal, we prioritize your safety and comfort by vetting our hotel, travel, and accommodation. Moreover, our treks are operated by well-experienced guides, and we suggest world-class mountaineering equipment to ensure the highest safety standards.
Excluded
We care almost everything about you and your safety while you are with us on the trek but still, some things are what you need to take care of by yourself.
- Individual travel insurance
- International Airfare
- Visa fees upon arrival at TIA in Kathmandu
- Personal expenditure
- Additional porter services, $25 per day
- Hot shower service
- Personal trekking equipment
- Internet and telephone charges
- Gratuity for the trekking team members
- Anything that is not mentioned in the “Included?" section
Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek Map
Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek Dates
Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek - Useful Information
The Gokyo Lake via Everest Base Camp trek is demanding, with steep ascents, high altitudes, and unpredictable weather due to which it requires proper preparation to ensure both physical readiness and mental resilience. Moreover, with a lack of preparation, you can encounter physical exhaustion, lack of gear, altitude sickness, and weather changes.
How do I prepare for the Gokyo Lake trekking?
In these rugged terrains, walking for hours is not easy, so building physical stamina is key. Exercises that focuses on cardiovascular endurance through activities like running, cycling, or walking will prepare your heart and lungs at higher altitudes. Similarly, strength training is also a must to handle the strain of carrying and tackling steep mountain trails.
Apart from physical fitness, hiking on varied terrain will simulate the conditions you’ll face during the trek. Similarly, using your hiking boots, and trekking poles, and ensuring your backpack fits comfortably will prevent any discomfort and gear failure during the actual trek.
Finally, packing smart is a must for the trek. You should create a balance between enough layers and essential gears for varying weather conditions without overpacking. Thin but layering clothing, proper trekking boots, and lightweight but durable gear are your essentials. Carrying unnecessary items will just become a burden and make you regret over long trekking days.
To conclude everything, with the right fitness level, gear, and mental readiness, your trek to Gokyo Lake will be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
