Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek
- 19 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–December)
We lead a 19-day traverse through the Khumbu region, combining the turquoise Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our 19-day itinerary combines the quieter trails of the Gokyo Valley with the classic route to Everest Base Camp. We begin our journey after a mountain flight to Lukla, following the Dudh Koshi river upstream through forests of cedar and Himalayan pine before reaching the historic trading hub of Namche Bazaar.
Rather than crossing the glaciated Cho La pass, our route swings north toward the alpine pastures of Dole and Machhermo, leading us to the sacred turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes. We climb Gokyo Ri at 5,360 m for views across the Ngozumpa Glacier, before descending toward Phorste and rejoining the main Everest trail toward Lobuche and Gorakshep.
We stand beneath the Khumbu Icefall at Everest Base Camp and summit Kala Patthar at 5,545 m for panoramic views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. This itinerary is designed with built-in acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar to help our team adapt safely to the rising altitude.
This trek suits experienced hikers comfortable with multi-day alpine walking and basic teahouse accommodation. We provide government-licensed guides, porter support, and all necessary local permits to ensure a well-supported journey through the Khumbu.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Gokyo Ri Summit
We climb to 5,360 m for sweeping views of Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Kala Patthar Sunrise
We hike early to 5,545 m to catch the morning light on Mount Everest.
Everest Base Camp
We walk to the foot of the Khumbu Icefall at 5,364 m.
Sagarmatha National Park
We trek through protected pine and fir forests beneath high Himalayan peaks.
Sherpa Heritage
We pass through traditional high-altitude villages like Namche, Phorste, and Pheriche.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
We welcome you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Take time to settle in and rest after your journey.
Day 2
Trek preparation and rest day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Trek preparation and rest day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Our lead guide conducts a formal briefing regarding the route, safety protocols, and gear checks. Use the remaining day to rest or independently explore the city.
Day 3
Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning flight to Lukla and meet our porter team. The trail descends gently alongside the Dudh Koshi river, passing small settlements and green hillsides to reach Phakding.
Day 4
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We follow the river, crossing suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags before beginning the long, steep climb up to Namche Bazaar through pine forests.
Day 5
Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We take a rest day to help our bodies adjust to the elevation. We hike up toward the Everest View Hotel for our first clear sightings of Ama Dablam and Everest.
Day 6
Trek from Namche to Dole
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek from Namche to Dole
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the main Everest trail and contour along a high, scenic path above the Dudh Koshi, passing small herder settlements before climbing to Dole.
Day 7
Trek from Dole to Machhermo
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Trek from Dole to Machhermo
Meals: B / L / D
The trail climbs steadily past scrub juniper and summer yak pastures, offering broadening views of Taboche and Cho Oyu as we approach Machhermo valley.
Day 8
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake
Meals: B / L / D
We walk along the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, passing the first and second holy lakes before reaching the main Gokyo settlement beside the third lake.
Day 9
Hike to Gokyo Ri and return to Gokyo
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Hike to Gokyo Ri and return to Gokyo
Meals: B / L / D
We start our pre-dawn climb up the steep switchbacks of Gokyo Ri to watch the sun rise over Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Everest before descending back to the lodge.
Day 10
Trek from Gokyo to Phorste Village
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Trek from Gokyo to Phorste Village
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our steps down the valley, eventually branching off toward the hillside village of Phorste, known for its terraced fields and active mountaineering community.
Day 11
Trek from Phorste to Pheriche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Trek from Phorste to Pheriche
Meals: B / L / D
We cross the Imja Khola and climb steadily past Pangboche, entering the wide, wind-swept valley of Pheriche framed by soaring granite walls.
Day 12
Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche
Meals: B / L / D
We ascend past the memorial stones at Dughla, climbing the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to reach the small cluster of stone lodges at Lobuche.
Day 13
Trek to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Trek to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We walk across glacial rubble to reach Gorakshep, then continue along the rocky ridges of the Khumbu Glacier to stand at Everest Base Camp before returning to Gorakshep for the night.
Day 14
Hike to Kala Patthar and trek to Pheriche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Hike to Kala Patthar and trek to Pheriche
Meals: B / L / D
We climb early to the rocky summit of Kala Patthar for clear morning views of Mount Everest's face, then descend past Gorakshep and Lobuche down to Pheriche.
Day 15
Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
We descend through Pangboche and Tengboche, crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi before making the final uphill stretch back into Namche Bazaar.
Day 16
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
Day 16
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
We make a long, continuous descent down the stone steps and suspension bridges, following the river valley back to Lukla to conclude our trek.
Day 17
Fly back to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 17
Fly back to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap, where our transport awaits to drive us to the hotel.
Day 18
Leisure day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 18
Leisure day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to relax, catch up on trip notes, or explore the historic squares at your own pace.
Day 19
Farewell and departure
Meals: B
Day 19
Farewell and departure
Meals: B
We transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your international flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Twin-share hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and local municipality fees
- Round-trip domestic flights to and from Lukla
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide and porter support
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- First-aid kit and pulse oximeter for daily health checks
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation up to 5,545 m
- Personal expenses such as Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging, and bottled drinks
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
This trek ascends well above 5,000 m, where the risk of altitude sickness is real. We build rest and acclimatisation days into our schedule at Namche Bazaar, Gokyo, and Pheriche, and our guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor your daily blood oxygen levels.
Teahouse accommodation
We stay in family-run mountain lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic and unheated twin-share setups with communal bathrooms. Hot showers and device-charging facilities are available in most lower villages for an extra fee.
Mountain weather & flights
Flights between Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) and Lukla are weather-dependent and subject to delays or cancellations. We advise adding buffer days to your international travel schedule to account for potential flight rescheduling.
Physical preparation
You should build solid cardiovascular endurance and leg strength several months prior to departure. Expect 5 to 8 hours of walking each day over uneven stone staircases, steep moraines, and high-altitude passes.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy waterproof hiking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken-in prior to the trip.
Down jacket rated for sub-zero temperaturesEssential
Clothing
Essential for cold evenings and high camps.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Moisture-wicking merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bag rated to -15°CEssential
Camping
For cold teahouse rooms.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Useful for stability on steep descents and moraine paths.
Valid passport and travel insurance policy detailsEssential
Documents
Must include emergency evacuation coverage up to 6,000 m.
UV-protection glacier glassesEssential
Safety
Necessary for snow glare at high altitudes.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for pre-dawn starts to Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entry into the protected national park area.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
PermitLocal government fee supporting regional infrastructure.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Why choose the Gokyo route instead of the standard Everest Base Camp trek?
This route allows us to visit the sacred Gokyo Lakes and climb Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of the Ngozumpa Glacier before joining the classic trail to Everest Base Camp, all without crossing the difficult Cho La pass.
What is the highest point on this trek?
The highest elevation we reach is Kala Patthar at 5,545 m, while Gokyo Ri stands at 5,360 m and Everest Base Camp sits at 5,364 m.
How heavy is the porter load limit?
Each porter carries up to 25 kg total for two trekkers, meaning you can hand over a duffel bag weighing up to 12-13 kg to be carried on the trail.
What happens if our Lukla flight is delayed?
Mountain flights are susceptible to weather changes. We monitor forecasts closely and will work to get you on the earliest possible flight once conditions clear, which is why buffer days in your travel plan are essential.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Yes, previous multi-day hiking experience in mountainous terrain is strongly recommended due to the consecutive days of sustained walking at high altitudes.
Are vegetarian meal options available on the trek?
Teahouses serve a variety of dal bhat, noodle dishes, soups, and vegetable momos. We advise eating freshly prepared vegetarian options while at higher elevations.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 19 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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