Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes

Day 1

Arrive Kathmandu

Arrive early at Kathmandu International Airport and be met by your Trek Climb Ski Nepal staff, who will escort you through the bustle of arrivals and into the heart of the city. After settling into your hotel, your trip leader will personally welcome you and organise the issue of your down jacket, sleeping bag, and Trek Climb Ski Nepal kit bag. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, freshen up, or explore the vibrant streets around your accommodation.

In the evening, gather with your expedition leader and Sherpa guides for a welcome dinner and drinks. This first night together is always a memorable one – full of introductions, stories, laughter, and excitement for the journey ahead. It is the perfect way to ease into Nepal, meet your team, and begin the adventure that will carry you deep into the Himalayas.

Radisson Hotel (or equivalent) in Kathmandu

Dinner

1350m (Kathmandu)

Day 2

Kathmandu

After a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, we set off on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s cultural highlights. We begin at Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu site, where sadhus, pilgrims and rituals line the banks of the Bagmati River.

Next is the serene Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. Surrounded by prayer flags and spinning wheels, it’s a peaceful contrast to the bustle of the city.

We finish at Durbar Square, the historic heart of Kathmandu, home to centuries-old temples, courtyards and royal palaces.

After the tour, the afternoon is at leisure, with our team available to assist anyone needing last-minute gear or supplies. The evening is free to relax, explore or enjoy one of the city’s many great restaurants.

Radisson Hotel (or equivalent) in Kathmandu

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

1350m (Kathmandu)

Day 3

To Lukla and Phakding

Our staff will meet you very early this morning for the scenic drive to Ramechhap Airport, a journey of around five hours through small villages, terraced fields, and rolling countryside. Any luggage you won’t need during the trek will be securely stored at your Kathmandu hotel, ready for your return. From Ramechhap, you’ll board an incredible mountain flight to Lukla (2800 metres), where dramatic ridgelines and sheer valleys reveal the full scale of the Himalayas below.

Touching down in Lukla marks the true beginning of your Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes adventure. After a Sherpa breakfast at our long-time partner Namaste Lodge, you’ll meet your trekking crew and ease into the rhythm of the trail as we begin our hike to Phakding. The walk is gentle, scenic, and perfect for warming up the legs on your first day in the Khumbu. Overnight in Phakding.

Kongde Peak Guest House, Phakding

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

2600m (Phakding)

Day 4

Namche Bazaar

Today is a longer day on the trail, so we set off early for the famous Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. The path follows the Dudh Kosi River before we cross the final high suspension bridge and begin the steady climb up the well-known Namche hill. It is a solid ascent, but with each switchback the views grow wider and more impressive. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy your very first glimpse of Mt Everest along the way—a moment that always brings a surge of excitement.

Reaching Namche is a reward in itself. We’ll settle into the Namche Hotel, where we spend two nights enjoying the finest food, hot showers, and warm Sherpa hospitality in the Khumbu. Our long-time hosts, Ang Maya and Dorje Sherpa, take exceptional care of our groups and make this stop one of the real highlights of the trek. The next 48 hours provide the perfect balance of rest, acclimatisation, and immersion into the vibrant heart of the Khumbu. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Namche Hotel

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

3440m (Namche Bazaar)

Day 5

Namche Bazaar (Acclimatisation Day)

Today is an essential acclimatisation day in and around Namche Bazaar now that we’ve crossed the 3000m mark. We set off early for a rewarding walk up to the Hotel Everest View, where traditional panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam rise magnificently across the valley. Spending an hour or more here at 3800m provides a valuable boost to our acclimatisation and prepares us well for the higher altitudes ahead. Afterwards, we visit the Namche Bazaar Monastery to receive a blessing from the Buddhist Lama – an experience that adds a special cultural richness to the journey.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Namche is the thriving heart of the Khumbu, filled with markets, cafés, bakeries, and small shops that are perfect for browsing and soaking up the mountain atmosphere. Whether you’re tasting fresh pastries, picking up souvenirs, or simply taking in village life, it’s an ideal way to spend the afternoon while your body adapts to the altitude. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Namche Hotel

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

3440m (Namche Bazaar)

Day 6

Khumjung

Today we leave the traditional Everest Base Camp trail and make our way up to the beautiful Sherpa village of Khumjung. This is one of the most culturally significant villages in the Khumbu and home to the Sir Edmund Hillary School, established as part of the Hillary Foundation’s long-standing support of the region. A visit to the local monastery is also well worth your time, where the famous “Yeti’s head” can be viewed for a small donation—an iconic and entertaining stop for many trekkers.

Khumjung is nestled in a sheltered valley beneath sweeping Himalayan ridges, with Ama Dablam dominating the skyline to the east in one of its finest viewpoints. After lunch, a short and pleasant walk leads to the neighbouring village of Khunde, where traditional homes, stone walls, and potato fields create a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. This is a wonderfully scenic and slower-paced day that offers deep insight into Sherpa life. Overnight in Khumjung.

Sherpa Altitude Lodge

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

3780m (Khumjung)

Day 7

Dole

We set off early this morning, leaving Khumjung behind as we follow a scenic trail towards Dole. The day begins with a steady climb to the small hillside village of Mong at 3973m, a perfect spot to pause for morning tea while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. From Mong, the path descends steadily through forested slopes until we reach Phortse Tenga at around 3650m, where the river rushes past prayer wheels and stone steps. Depending on our timing, we may stop here for lunch or continue a little further before settling in for the afternoon.

The final stretch to Dole is gentle and beautifully quiet, passing through rhododendron and birch forests before emerging into open high-country terrain. We arrive at Dole with ample time to enjoy lunch, relax, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this small mountain village. Later, a short acclimatisation walk helps prepare us for the higher altitudes ahead and offers lovely views back down the valley. Overnight at Dole.

Dole Resort

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

4200m (Dole)

Day 8

Machhermo

The valley opens up beautifully today as we gradually ascend from Dole to Machhermo. As the trail rises, the world’s sixth highest mountain, Cho Oyu (8201 metres), comes sharply into view to the north and remains a constant companion all the way toward Gokyo. The scenery becomes more expansive and dramatic with every step, offering a real sense of moving higher into the Himalayas. Machhermo at 4410 metres is also home to a medical centre staffed by a western doctor, where passing trekkers often stop to learn about preventing altitude illness.

After lunch, we take an enjoyable acclimatisation walk to the ridge-line above Machhermo. The short climb rewards you with impressive views straight up towards Cho Oyu and the surrounding peaks. This gentle outing prepares your body for the altitudes to come on the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes journey. Overnight at Machhermo.

Yeti Lodge

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

4410m (Machhermo)

Day 9

Gokyo & The Gokyo lakes

Today is a spectacular day as we trek from Machhermo up the valley toward the sacred Gokyo Lakes. The trail climbs gradually past yak pastures and stone-walled summer settlements, with Cho Oyu towering at the head of the valley. As we gain height, the landscape becomes more rugged and glacial, with small streams, frozen pools, and cairns marking the way. Before long we reach the first of the Gokyo Lakes, its turquoise water hinting at what lies ahead.

Continuing gently upwards, we pass the second lake and finally arrive at the main lake beside the village of Gokyo. Snow-capped peaks rise directly above the water, and on calm days the reflections are absolutely breathtaking. Gokyo feels peaceful and otherworldly, a place where trekkers often pause and let the altitude, scenery, and silence really sink in. Overnight at Gokyo.

Gokyo Resort

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

4790m (Gokyo)

Day 10

gokyo RI

It’s not every morning we’re up at 4am 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 Base Camp Gokyo Lakes 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.

Gokyo Resort

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

4790m (Gokyo)

Day 11

dragnag

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)

Hotel Khumbi-La

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

4700m (Dragnag)

Day 12

dzongla

Today is the biggest day on our Everest Circuit Trek itinerary. We’re up at around 4.30am 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.

Maison Sherpa Lodge

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

4830m (Dzongla)

Day 13

lobuche

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 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.

Himalayan Eco Lodge

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

4910m (Lobuche)

Day 14

Gorak Shep

We continue alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the landscape becomes stark, immense, and utterly captivating. The trail leads us to Gorak Shep at 5140 metres, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. By now the energy of the high Himalayas is unmistakable, and anticipation builds for the iconic viewpoints just ahead. Weather permitting, we climb Kala Pattar at sunset to witness Everest glowing gold and crimson as the light fades.

Standing on Kala Pattar is a defining moment on the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes trek. The panorama of Everest, Nuptse, the Khumbu Glacier, and the surrounding giants is one you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Snowland Inn

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

5140m (Gorak Shep)

Day 15

Everest Base Camp

Today we enjoy a slightly later start, giving everyone a welcome chance to rest after the efforts of the previous days. After breakfast, we collect our packed lunches and begin the steady, scenic walk to Everest Base Camp. The route winds over rocky moraines beside the Khumbu Glacier, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and to absorb the atmosphere of this legendary valley. The excitement grows as the Khumbu Icefall comes into view – stunning, intimidating, and endlessly fascinating.

Reaching Everest Base Camp is a moment of pure triumph and one of the great highlights of the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes trek. You will take photos, celebrate with your teammates, and savour the scale and history of this iconic mountaineering site. Afterwards, we trek back to Gorak Shep for a hearty dinner and our final night above 5000 metres. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Snowland Inn

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

5140m (Gorak Shep)

Day 16

Dingboche

Today brings a well-earned, more relaxed trekking day as we descend to Dingboche at 4410 metres. The trail flows smoothly downhill, allowing you to stretch out your legs and really enjoy the mountain scenery. From Dingboche, the views open up dramatically toward Makalu, Lhotse, and Island Peak, while Ama Dablam dominates the skyline directly above. The vistas here are some of the most memorable in the Khumbu.

Dingboche has grown into a vibrant Sherpa community with a welcoming atmosphere. Small shops and bakeries line the village, offering a great chance to pick up souvenirs or simply enjoy a warm drink in the sun. It is an ideal place to unwind and reflect on the high-altitude achievements of the previous days. Overnight at Dingboche.

Bright Star Lodge

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

4410m (Dingboche)

Day 17

Pangboche

The hike from Dingboche to Pangboche is relaxed and wonderfully scenic. Every step brings uninterrupted views of Ama Dablam, which rises gracefully above the valley like a protective guardian. The descent leads us through open hillsides and traditional fields, with chortens and mani walls reminding us of the deep spiritual roots of the region. The approach to Pangboche has a peaceful, timeless feel.

A visit to Pangboche Monastery is highly recommended and offers a fascinating glimpse into Sherpa Buddhist culture. The quiet prayer halls, colourful frescoes, and soft sound of chanting create a powerful sense of place and history. Overnight at Pangboche (3910m).

Ama Dablam View Lodge

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

3910m (Pangboche)

Day 18

Namche Bazaar or Khumjung

Today’s trek takes us through Deboche, where tall rhododendron forests surround the trail with colour and birdsong in the right season. From here we continue to Tengboche, home to the famous monastery, a cultural hub, and a much-loved bakery visited by trekkers from around the world. After exploring this iconic stop, we enjoy a long descent to the river before tackling our final climb to Sanasa. The mix of forest, river, and open ridges makes this a particularly enjoyable day.

From Sanasa, we choose between two wonderful destinations: Khumjung or Namche Bazaar, depending on how the group is feeling. Both offer comfortable lodges, fantastic views, and a chance to reconnect with small luxuries like cafés and well-stocked shops. It is the perfect point in the trek to unwind and start reflecting on the journey as a whole. Overnight at Khumjung or Namche Bazaar.

Namche Hotel

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

3440m (Namche Bazaar)

Day 19

Phakding

Today is a fun and fast-paced downhill walk as we return to the lower elevations. Your acclimatised body makes easy work of the Namche Hill, and the descent feels light and energising. The trail winds through pine forests, past small villages, and alongside the Dudh Kosi River with its familiar turquoise waters. Prayer flags and mani stones guide us back along the route we began on days earlier.

There is plenty of time to stop for photos, enjoy the scenery, and share stories from the high passes and glaciers. Phakding offers comfortable lodges and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to rest before the final walk back to Lukla. Overnight in Phakding.

Kongde Peak Guest House

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

2600m (Phakding)

Day 20

Lukla

Our final trekking day takes us from Phakding back to Lukla, where our Himalayan adventure began. The walk is relaxed and full of nostalgia as we cross suspension bridges, spin prayer wheels, and pass through villages that now feel pleasantly familiar. The sense of achievement grows stronger with every step closer to Lukla.

We stay at Namaste Lodge, where our long-time hosts Kami Sherpa and his family welcome us like old friends. Food, drinks, music, and dancing flow well into the night as we celebrate with our guides and porters. It is a fitting finale to an extraordinary journey through the high Himalayas. Overnight at Lukla.

Namaste Lodge

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

2800m (Lukla)

Day 21

Return to kathmandu

Today we fly from Lukla to Ramechhap and then return to Kathmandu by private vehicle. We give the hot showers a solid workout and enjoy a great final day and evening in Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Radisson Hotel (or equivalent)

Breakfast and lunch

1350m (Kathmandu)

Day 22

kathmandu

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

Radisson Hotel (or equivalent)

Breakfast

1350m (Kathmandu)