Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp Trek

This stunning Gokyo Lakes Trek also takes you to Everest Base Camp and is a great choice for people who want to experience the magnificence of Everest combined with the beauty of these remote lakes. This trek is one of the most spectacular hiking trails in Nepal—it takes you to the attractive Gokyo Valley where tranquil turquoise lakes are surrounded by snowy peaks and Nepal’s biggest glacier. The views of Everest from Gokyo are exceptional.

Begin your journey in Kathmandu where there is time for sightseeing before flying to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. Follow the Dudh Koshi River to the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, before continuing to Tengboche and Dingboche. From Gorak Shep ascend to Everest Base Camp (5,380 m.), and the next day enjoy sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,643 m.). Cross the Chola Pass to Dzongla, and cross the Ngozumba Glacier – the largest in Nepal - to reach Gokyo Lakes. The small herding settlement of Gokyo (4,750 m.) lies on the banks of the third lake.

On the ridge above Gokyo rise four peaks above 8,000 metres: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. If that is not enough have a look at the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung (7,922 m.), considered one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu region. Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m.) for unparalleled mountain views before returning to Gokyo and back down to Namche Bazaar. The return trail descends through picturesque Sherpa villages to Namche and onwards to Lukla for your flight back to Kathmandu.

US$2,325*

18 NIGHT TOUR WITH 14 NIGHT TREK
DEPARTS: KATHMANDU

Maximum elevation: 5,643 m.
Level of difficulty: Medium to hard
Availability: March to May & September to November

* Price based on twin share accommodation. Single room supplement available subject to availability
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here

DAY 1

Kathmandu: Arrive in Nepal.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 2

Kathmandu: Explore the sights of colourful Kathmandu.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 3

Fly Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding. The flight is spectacular, make sure you have your camera handy! From Lukla, the trail descends before following the Dudh Koshi River through forests and spectacular waterfalls. Passing through the village of Ghat, the trail continues to climb to Phakding.
Walking time: 4 hrs
Overnight: Phakding
Altitude: 2,610 m.

DAY 4

Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Climbing from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the first couple of hours climbs uphill and crosses suspension bridges, while gradually moving uphill towards the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park, the official entrance to the Everest Region.
Walking time: ~6 hrs
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440 m.

DAY 5 

Rest day in Namche Bazaar. It is recommended to go on a day hike to higher altitude, as well as explore Namche, which has lots of little shops and cafes.
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440 m.

DAY 6

Trek from Namche to Tengboche. The trail first takes you above Namche to a viewpoint offering spectacular views of Thamserku and Amadablam. Descend to a river valley for lunch, before climbing through thick forest to Tengboche, which has the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region.
Walking time: 5 hrs
Overnight: Tengboche
Altitude: 3,860 m.

DAY 7

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche. The sunrise over Everest and Amadablam from Tengboche is worth getting up early for! The day’s hike starts with a short descent through birch and rhododendron forest, and passing numerous mani walls as the scenery changes to more dry and rocky. Walk through the typical Sherpa village of Pangboche before reaching Dingboche.
Waking time: 6 hrs
Overnight: Dingboche
Altitude: 4,410 m.

DAY 8

Acclimatisation day in Dingboche. Go on an acclimatisation hike and return to Dingboche.
Overnight: Dingboche
Altitude: 4,410 m.

DAY 9

Dingboche to Lobuche The trail from Dingboche climbs gradually to the villages of Dusa and Palrung Kharka, to a junction in the trail to Pheriche. There are superb views from here of Amadablam and other mountains. The path then descends to Dughla where you hike on the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to reach the ridge. Pass the memorial to lost climbers and Sherpas, from where there are also incredible views of Pumori.
Walking time: 6 hrs
Overnight: Lobuche
Altitude: 4,925 m.

DAY 10

Lobuche to Gorak Shep & Everest Base Camp. Today’s hike begins with a walk along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here there are great views of Pumori, Nuptse and the tip of Everest. A short ascent leads to Thangma Riju where there are panoramic views. The trail becomes steep as you ascend to the top of Changri Glacier.  The trail to Everest Base Camp (5,380 m.) passes rocks, moraines and streams. From here there are excellent views of Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori. Return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Overnight: Gorak Shep
Altitude: 5,165 m.

DAY 11

Gorak Shep to Dzongla via Kala Patthar. Climb Kala Patthar (5,643 m.) in time for the sunrise (2 hours). You will enjoy incredible views of Pumori, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku—and of course Everest itself! Looking down you can also see Everest Base Camp, the Khumbu Ice Fall and Glacier. Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast before retracing your steps to Lobuche following the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Finish the day with a climb to the village of Dzongla for your overnight stay.
Walking time: 6-8 hrs
Overnight: Dzongla
Altitude: 4,830 m.

DAY 12

Dzongla to Thagnak. Starting early in the morning, there is a steep climb towards the Cho La Pass (5,420 m.). After Cholatse, cross streams and climb over rocks to a ridge from where you can see the Cho La glacier ahead. Walk across the icefall and ascend to the pass on a rocky and icy slope. The top of the pass is adorned with prayer flags. There are excellent views of Amadablam and the Ngozumpa Glacier. This is one of the three high passes in the Everest Region, so enjoy the views before descending on the other side. The trail winds down past stone cairns and soon becomes easier before reaching Thagnak.
Walking time: 6-8 hrs
Overnight: Thagnak
Altitude: 4,700 m.

DAY 13

Thagnak to Gokyo and climb Gokyo Ri. The trek to Gokyo crosses the Ngozumba Glacier, the largest in Nepal. The trail then heads north on the far side to Gokyo village. After a rest, climb Gokyo Ri (2 hrs), which offers amazing views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche.
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Overnight: Gokyo Village
Altitude: 4,750 m.

DAY 14

Gokyo to Dole. This easy day takes you on a trail that descends along the Dudh Koshi River and past the first Gokyo Lake. The trail then climbs again, offering views of Amadablam and Thamserku. Continue through Machermo and Luza villages before reaching Dole.
Walking time: 4-6 hrs
Overnight: Dole
Altitude: 4,200 m.

DAY 15

Dole to Namche Bazaar. The trail descends to Phortse Thanga and there are rhododendrons, waterfalls and flowers as well as mountain goats and musk deer. From the village of Mong there are views of Khumbila Peak and then further on we can see Amadablam and Thamserku. The trail then winds through forest before descending into Namche.

Walking time: 4-5 hrs
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440 m.

DAY 16

Namche Bazaar to Lukla. Retrace your steps, following the steep path down from Namche to Lukla. It’s a long walk today, but mostly downhill!
Walking time: 6 hrs
Overnight: Lukla
Altitude: 2,860 m.

DAY 17

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 18

Kathmandu: relax, sightsee, and do any last-minute souvenir shopping.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400 m.

DAY 19

Depart Kathmandu.