Some treks leave a lasting imprint on the heart, and the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek is one of those rare journeys. It carries you deep into the Himalayas, through landscapes that feel ancient and immense, and into the culture and rhythm of the Sherpa world. For long-standing Trek Climb Ski Nepal guests Bruce and Alexis, their 2019 adventure along this route became a treasured experience – and their beautifully filmed record of the journey captures the spirit, camaraderie, and quiet transformations that unfold on the Gokyo Lakes trek.
From Lukla to Namche Bazaar
The adventure opens with that unforgettable Himalaya initiation: flying into Lukla. Their footage captures the scenic journey and the moment the wheels touch down on one of the world’s most iconic mountain runways. From here, the trek moves into the Dudh Kosi valley, where the sound of the river follows you through pine forests, stone villages, and the first of many suspension bridges that define this region. Their video includes beautiful scenes of these crossings – especially the Hillary Suspension Bridge, prayer flags fluttering high above the gorge as the team steps confidently into the Khumbu.
As the trail climbs toward Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital, the landscape shifts and widens, offering bigger glimpses of the mountains and a first sense of the scale that awaits. Namche itself sits like an amphitheatre carved into the hillside, and its terraced homes, winding lanes, and bustling market energy make it a memorable milestone for every trekker. Along the way, quiet rituals, like spinning prayer wheels, appear in their film and reflect the deep Buddhist heritage woven through every kilometre of the trail.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek: Snow, Stillness, and Himalayan Beauty
Leaving Namche, the route moves westward into the quieter Gokyo Valley, where sweeping moraines, open glacial plains, and the sheer width of the landscape create a sense of peace and space. Their video captures yaks moving steadily along the trail and moments of solitude that define this beautiful section of the Khumbu. When the group reaches Gokyo, they find the village transformed under a blanket of fresh snow – a rare and stunning sight. The turquoise lakes, dusted rooftops, and the towering presence of Cho Oyu give Gokyo an almost ethereal calm.
One of the signature experiences of the Gokyo Lakes trek is the climb to Gokyo Ri, and the exhilaration on the summit is captured in their video with warmth and authenticity. Standing there above 5,300 metres, surrounded by Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, trekkers often feel a mix of achievement, emotion, and quiet awe. It’s a moment that stays with people long after they return home.
Leaving The Gokyo Lakes and Crossing the Cho La Pass
Beyond Gokyo, the expedition pushes towards the Cho La Pass, a true high-altitude challenge known for its steep sections, glacial ice, and dramatic beauty. Their footage shows the determination of the climb, the crunch of fresh snow on the saddle of the pass, and the calm, almost silent atmosphere at the top. The descent towards Zongla reveals one of the most striking views on the route: the unmistakable silhouette of Ama Dablam, rising like a piece of sculpted granite against the sky. These are moments that define Himalayan trekking – raw, powerful, and humbling.
The Gokyo Lakes trek then continues to Gorak Shep, the final settlement before Everest Base Camp. Their video includes the powerful moment of the entire team standing together beside the famous Base Camp rock, surrounded by ice towers, prayer flags, and the massive sweep of the Khumbu Glacier. It is a shared achievement, made stronger by the camaraderie that clearly shines through between the trekkers and our Sherpa team, who feature prominently in the footage leading the way, offering encouragement, and exemplifying the skill and warmth Sherpas are known for.
A highlight captured in the film is the summit of Kala Pattar. The excitement on the top is tangible, and for good reason: this viewpoint offers the closest and most impressive perspective of Everest’s summit pyramid. Sunrise here is a moment many describe as life changing.
Returning Through the Khumbu
Every journey ends where it begins, and the return through Namche, Phakding, and back to Lukla offers time to reflect on the distance travelled, the friendships formed, and the growth that unfolds naturally on a trek of this scale. Their footage of the team walking through familiar villages, passing yaks on the trail, and finally boarding the aircraft out of Lukla completes the story with a sense of gratitude and accomplishment. And be sure to watch the final out-take after the credits!
A Journey Worth Taking
Bruce and Alexis’ film is a beautiful celebration of what makes the Gokyo Lakes trek such a transformative and deeply rewarding experience. It highlights the landscapes, culture, team spirit, and personal milestones that define this journey – and invites anyone watching to imagine themselves walking these same paths through the heart of the Himalayas.
👉 Learn more about our Everest Base Camp Treks
