Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes

At a glance

Brief Itinerary


everest base camp via gokyo lakes

See detailed itinerary

Why Go Via The Gokyo Lakes?


We rate this as the best high altitude trek you can do in all of Nepal. Visiting the Gokyo Lakes and ascending Gokyo Ri are fantastic trip highlights and this route is far less crowded than the standard Everest Base Camp trail. This is a moderate to challenging high altitude trek with at least 4 occasions where you’ll ascend above 5000m. We’ve factored in several contingency days to allow you to properly rest and recover from the big days. These days are also very handy to have in the itinerary in the event of delays due to weather, illness or flights into Lukla.

You’ll experience the highest standard of facilities available with an extremely experienced team of guides and porters. The meals we provide are nutritious and plentiful.  #noshortcuts is our mantra and because of this, we have a 100% safety record after almost 20 years in business.

everest base camp gokyo lakes

What People Are Saying


Reputation is everything when it comes to taking care of you in the mountains. Achieving your goal is one thing, but doing it safely and in style is how we roll. Here’s what some of our guests said about their experience with us.

“I had a brilliant time with Trek Climb Ski Nepal hiking the Everest Circuit. The terrain was challenging in places, but the trek was organised to ensure a balance between hard work and enjoyment with a great acclimatisation schedule. My guide, Gyan, was so helpful and the trekking, stunning mountains and experience was amazing. I can’t recommend Trek Climb Ski Nepal’s programme more highly. It’s the trip of a lifetime.”
Nicole Johnston
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes – October 2016

“This was the most exhilarating and motivating life experience challenge we have ever experienced and we thank you for taking us on this journey. We know that Trek Climb Ski Nepal has chosen the best people to guide us through this experience. This is something we will never forget. Thank you again Trek Climb Ski Nepal. We will return some day for another challenge.”
Kevin and Sue Willmann
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes – October 2013

“We couldn’t recommend the Everest Circuit trip with Trek Climb Ski Nepal more highly, we were looked after so well and made to feel as if we were part of the family by Gyan, Tika and the boys. Observing others on shorter treks to Base Camp with less experienced guides showed us the wisdom of a longer trip with Gyan looking after us. The amazing scenery and trekking experiences made it even more worthwhile. We can understand the attraction to a beautiful and very different country. We will definitely be back one day.”
Carl Walters
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes – May 2012

“Trekking Nepal is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Nick, Tika, Gyan, Dil and the boys gave us a magical and unforgettable experience. It will be hard to ever beat. Thanks guys!”
Alison MacRae
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes – April 2010

“Nick, you introduced me to the concept and entranced us with photos and video of your Everest summit. My motivation was to reach Base Camp and everything else has been a bonus… an excellent, patient and understanding response to our individual needs.”
Michael Stillwell
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes – October 2007

Videos

Photos

Itinerary

everest base camp trek

On the trail to Everest Base Camp

Day 1
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and be transferred by our staff to your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks hosted by your Sherpa leaders and guides. Overnight in Kathmandu (1340m).

Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel is followed by a morning sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure. Our staff will be available in the afternoon to assist any guests that may need to make last-minute purchases. Overnight in Kathmandu (1340m).

Day 3
Our staff will meet you very early this morning and you’ll travel by private vehicle to Ramechhap airport (approximately 5 hours). Any luggage or personal possessions you won’t need during your trek will be able to be stored (free of charge) at your hotel. They will be waiting for you when you return. From Ramechhap you’ll enjoy an incredible mountain flight to Lukla. Here your adventure truly begins! You’ll enjoy a hearty Sherpa breakfast at Namaste Lodge then commence your trek to Phakding. Overnight in Phakding (2600m).

everest base camp via gokyo lakes

Day 4
Today is a longer day on the trail as we start early for Namche Bazaar. After crossing the final suspension bridge above the Dudh Kosi (river), we begin up the famous Namche hill. If the weather is clear you’ll get to enjoy some brief views of Mt Everest en route. It’s a solid “up” to Namche but the rewards are great. Here we’ll spend 2 nights at the Namche Hotel which is home to the finest food, hot showers and hospitality in the Khumbu. Our hosts Ang Maya and Dorje Sherpa have been looking after us for years and our time at the Namche Hotel is a real highlight. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3440m).

Day 5
Today is an important acclimatisation day for us in and around Namche Bazaar given we’ve now crossed the 3000m mark. We’ll set off for an early morning walk up to the Everest View Hotel for stunning traditional views of Mt Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. An hour or so here at 3800m will really help us with our acclimatisation to come. We’ll also visit the Namche Bazaar Monastery and receive a blessing from the Buddhist Lama. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the local markets, bakeries and shops in Namche which is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3440m).

buddhist monk

Day 6
Today we separate from the traditional Everest Base Camp trail as we trek up to Khumjung. Khumjung is home to the Sir Edmund Hillary School which is well worth a visit. The local monastery is home to the famous Yeti’s head which can be viewed for a small donation. Khumjung is beautifully located in a small valley and from here, Ama Dablam dominates the skyline to the east. The small village of Khunde is a short walk to the west and is a pleasant way to round out the day after lunch. Overnight in Khumjung (3780m).

Day 7
We aim for an early start today as we weave our way out of Khumjung en route to Dole. The trail begins with a constant up to the small hillside village of Mong at 3973m. There are beautiful views in all directions from Mong and it’s the ideal place for morning tea. From here we begin a long descent down to the river and we arrive at Phortse Tenga which sits at around 3650m. Depending on how we’re travelling timewise, we may stop for lunch at Phortse Tenga or opt to continue on to Dole. We arrive at Dole with plenty of time to enjoy lunch and rest up before a short afternoon acclimatisation walk. Overnight at Dole (4200m).

Day 8
The valley opens up today as we gradually ascend from Dole to Machhermo. The world’s 6th highest mountain – Cho Oyu at 8201m – now comes into clear view to the north and will stay in our sights all the way to Gokyo. Machhermo at 4410m is home to medical centre staffed by a western doctor and they regularly conduct seminars to passing trekkers on how to prevent altitude illness. Another enjoyable acclimatisation walk after lunch to the ridge-line above Machhermo provides us with stunning views of Cho Oyu. Overnight at Machhermo (4410m).

everest base camp via gokyo lakes

Day 9
This would have to be one of this authors favourite trekking days. The gradually ascending trail heads out of Machhermo though fields, tiny villages and small yak pastures. The scenery all day is nothing short of breathtaking with Cho Oyu constantly looming above. At the end of the valley we reach the mouth of the Ngozumpa glacier – the longest glacier in Nepal. Here we climb a short but steep staircase and emerge at the beginning of another valley and right beside First Lake of the sacred Gokyo Lakes. With the Gokyo Lakes coming into view on your left, the Ngozumpa glacier on your right and Cho Oyu towering above, trekking in Nepal doesn’t get better than this. We stay in Gokyo tonight and begin preparations for our climb of Gokyo Ri tomorrow morning. Overnight at Gokyo (4790m).

Day 10
It’s not every morning we’re up at 4 a.m. but today it’s well worth it. We begin our ascent of Gokyo Ri (5350m) in the dark and by torchlight. As we get higher the sun rises and we begin to appreciate where we are. Across the valley standing tall above everything else is Mt Everest. Makalu is not far away and Cho Oyu continues to tower above us.  Gokyo Ri is an unforgettable highlight of the Everest Circuit Trek and this is a day you’ll tell friends about for years. We don’t rush to leave the summit of Gokyo Ri, especially when the weather is good. We finally head back down to Gokyo and enjoy a well-deserved breakfast. Today is a day to relax by the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and take it all in. Overnight at Gokyo (4790m).

Day 11
We say farewell to Gokyo today and backtrack a short distance past the sacred Gokyo Lakes. We then climb briefly to the top of the short ridge-line above the Ngozumpa glacier. After a quick rest, we descend down onto the Ngozumpa glacier itself. The trail weaves in and around the seracs and many small glacial lakes. It’s a surreal experience crossing the longest glacier in the Himalaya. We complete the glacier crossing and arrive in a beautiful field and the small village of Dragnag. We make it here in plenty of time to relax, unwind and enjoy the afternoon sun. Today is an easy day and everybody is happy to rest. Overnight in Dragnag (4700m).

Day 12
Today is the biggest day on our Everest Circuit Trek itinerary. We’re up at around 4.30 a.m. for a hearty breakfast. Nobody will feel much like eating but we need to fuel up for the big day ahead. We wind our way up the valley and away from Dragnag. It’s a slow gradual up and we don’t need to rush. We pass by yak pastures and numerous small huts but there are no permanent settlements here. We descend then cross a field of boulders and then begin the steep up to the Cho La pass at 5420m. Slow and steady is the order of the day and we are elated when we finally reach the top. The views are spectacular as we step onto the glacier and begin our march down the snow and ice covered trail to Dzongla. Overnight at Dzongla (4830m).

everest base camp via gokyo lakes

Day 13
A much easier trekking day today is just reward on the back of our efforts yesterday. We leave Dzongla with Ama Dablam dominating our view to the east. The trail hugs the hillside and slowly winds to the north. After an hour or so we merge with the main Everest Base Camp trekking route, right opposite the Memorials. The Memorial Cairns pay tribute to the many local and western mountaineers that have lost their lives on the mountains in this region and are a sobering reminder of the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering. We pay our respects and then continue gradually alongside the mighty Khumbu glacier to Lobuche. Overnight at Lobuche (4910m).

Day 14
From Lobuche, we trek alongside the incredible Khumbu glacier on our way to Gorak Shep (5140m). We stay overnight at Gorak Shep, which is actually a frozen lakebed covered with sand. Our goal for today is to arrive at Gorak Shep in plenty of time for lunch. Then, weather permitting, at around 3.30 pm we’ll ascend Kala Pattar to witness a spectacular sunset over Mt Everest and Nuptse. Another highlight of the Everest Circuit Trek not to be missed. Overnight in Gorak Shep (5140m).

everest base camp via gokyo lakes

Day 15
Today we’ll have a slightly later start and everyone will relish the opportunity to sleep in. After breakfast, you’ll receive a pack lunch and we’ll set-off for Everest Base Camp. At a nice casual pace, the trip takes us around 3 hours and you’ll have plenty of time for photos along the way. You’ll marvel at the stunning (and deadly) Khumbu Icefall and feel an overwhelming sense of achievement having reached Everest Base Camp. After the obligatory high-fives, we’ll trek back to Gorak Shep for a big dinner and a final night above 5000m. Overnight in Gorak Shep (5140m).

Day 16
A well-earned cruisy trekking day downhill all the way to Dingboche (4410m). From Dingboche we enjoy views of Makalu, Lhotse and Island Peak to the north and Ama Dablam looms large directly above. Dingboche has become a vibrant Sherpa community and you’ll find plenty of interesting shops and even an internet cafe to keep you busy. Overnight at Dingboche (4410m).

Day 17
From Dingboche to Pangboche (3910m) where the views of Ama Dablam don’t get any better. A visit to the Pangboche Monastery is well worth it. Overnight at Pangboche (3910m).

Day 18
Today we trek through Deboche which is located in the midst of beautiful rhododendron forests. From Deboche we continue on past Tengboche and we spend some time exploring the famous monastery, the cultural centre and of course the local bakery. From Tengboche, we enjoy the long descent down to the river before climbing one last time up to the small village Sanasa. From Sanasa we continue on to Khumjung, or depending on how the group is feeling, we may elect to continue on a little further to Namche Bazaar. Both Namche Bazaar and Khumjung are great places to unwind after a long day and to begin reflecting on our journey to date. Overnight at Khumjung (3780m) or Namche Bazaar (3440m).

namche bazaar

Day 19
Today is a fantastic downhill day and an early start gets us out before the yak trains start kicking up the dust. With our acclimatised bodies we power on down the Namche Hill and motor alongside the Dudh Kosi river. We notice all the fresh and clean people passing us preparing to head up the Namche Hill and beyond. It feels like only yesterday that that was us. It’s a great day to cruise and the magnitude of our achievement over the past two and a half weeks is beginning to resonate. We enjoy a final day walking with our Sherpa guides and porters that have become our friends. Overnight at Phakding (2600m).

Day 20
Today we trek back to Lukla and enjoy a great celebration to the end of our trip with all our guides and porters. We stay at Namaste Lodge and our hosts – Kami Sherpa and his family – will have the food, drinks and music flowing all night. Our final night parties at Namaste Lodge have become the stuff of legend! Overnight at Lukla (2800m).

Day 21
Fly from Lukla to Ramechhap and then return to Kathmandu by private vehicle. Give the hot showers a solid workout and enjoy a great final day and evening in Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu (1340m).

Day 22
Trip concludes and all guests will be conveyed to Kathmandu International Airport to meet their respective international flights.

 

What's included

radisson hotel kathmandu

3 nights accommodation at The Radisson Hotel (or equivalent standard) in Kathmandu with breakfasts

Welcome dinner and drinks in Kathmandu

All ground transfers in Nepal

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (includes entry fees and guide)

Return fixed-wing flights from Ramechhap to Lukla (includes taxes)

National Park entrance fees and trekking permits

All meals while trekking (19 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 18 dinners)

All lodge accommodation while trekking

Experienced leaders and guides

Porters to carry all personal and group equipment

Porter’s insurance

Emergency medical kit

Down jacket and down sleeping bag

Complimentary Trek Climb Ski Nepal kit bag

All Nepalese tourist taxes and fees

 

Tips for porters and guides are NOT included (allow approximately $200)

Accomm + meals

everest base camp via gokyo lakes

Gokyo Resort Hotel

Our Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes trek includes 3 nights at The Radisson Hotel (or equivalent standard) with breakfasts included in Kathmandu. Trek Climb Ski Nepal also provide a complimentary welcome dinner with drinks in Kathmandu on the first evening of your trip. While trekking in the mountains, you will stay in lodges along the route.

This trip includes 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 18 dinners while you are on trek in the mountains. Morning and afternoon tea is also provided each day you are trekking. Unlimited safe (thoroughly boiled) drinking water is also provided each day you are in the mountains.

Meals in the Everest region of Nepal are not cheap. If you were to purchase your own meals from the lodges we stay at on this trek, your total food cost would be around AUD $1,300.

We proudly employ an all you can eat food and fluids policy on all our trips. Proper food intake and regular hydration are critical to safe altitude acclimatisation. In our opinion, trekking companies that leave food decisions and the purchase of food for their clients to manage (when trekking at altitude) are grossly irresponsible. Trekking companies often do this because it enables them to advertise a much lower (but unrealistic) trip price. Be sure to choose a tour operator that includes all your meals and safe drinking water in your trip price.

Trek Dates

Dates Availability Book
Mar 24 – Apr 14, 2024 Closed
Apr 20 – May 11, 2024 Closed
May 4 – May 25, 2024 Closed
Sep 14 – Oct 5, 2024 Going Book Now »
Oct 12 – Nov 2, 2024 Going Book Now »
Nov 9 – Nov 30, 2024 Going Book Now »
Dec 7 – Dec 28, 2024 Open Register Interest »
Feb 9 – Mar 2, 2025 Open Register Interest »
Mar 9 – Mar 30, 2025 Open Register Interest »
Apr 6 – Apr 27, 2025 Open Register Interest »