Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake - 16 Days

Clockwise Gokyo Trek to EBC(5.0)9 reviews
Know before you go
  • Duration 16 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Best Season March - May and Sep - Nov
  • Trip Area Everest Region
  • Maximum Altitude 5,545m.|18,192ft.

Highlights

  • Striking views of the Himalayas from the flight to Lukla
  • The cultural and tourism privilege of Namche Bazar
  • Impressing and captivating views of Khumbu IceFall
  • Stunning sightseeing of the Himalayas throughout the journey
  • World Heritage Site- Sagarmatha National Park
  • Explore through the hidden valley of Gokyo and Gokyo Lakes
  • Exploration of the world’s highest mountain base camp-Everest Base Camp.
  • Stunning views of mountains over 8000 metres like Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse
  • Religious places, prayer wheels, monasteries of Buddhists.

Out of many ways to get to the Everest Base Camp, which is also the most famous trekking destination among tourists, the clockwise trail via the hidden valley of Gokyo is one of the most designated and fascinating trekking trails in Nepal. Nepal Nirvana Trails offer a 16-day Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake. The trail offers the most ravishing views and unerasable memories of the delightful landscape and snowy mountains all over the journey. 

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake is an enchanting, amusing, and adventurous journey to the most iconic and highest base camp in the world. This trail does not follow the regular route from Namche to EBC but follows the alternative pathway, which includes the most adventurous experiences waiting to thrive. Since this trail does not follow a regular path, this route will be less crowded and more peaceful. 

The trek starts from the usual point of Lukla to Namche Bazaar, but rather than going to Tengboche, we will head towards the diverse routes consisting of two small towns Dole and Mochhermo, that ultimately lead you towards the Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri. 

There are various viewpoints between Namche to Dole which offer spectacular views of different mountains like Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Khumbi La also known as the gateway of the supreme beauty of Solukhumbu and Everest region. The viewpoints are covered by pine and rhododendron trees, through which you will be passing.

After reaching Dole, you will follow the route of Machhermo. The way is quite gentle and easy to walk, and on the way, you will see the spectacular views of Mt. Cho Oyu, the sixth tallest mountain in the world. The view of Mt. Cho Oyu will make you forget the tiredness of your whole day's walk. Machhermo is pastureland and temporary summer residence of Sherpas surrounded by mountains. 

Before reaching Gokyo lake, you will pass by the hills of Machhermo, partially covered by pine and rhododendron trees. There are lakes in between the journey. There are a total of five small and large lakes which stay partially frozen even in March and April. 

Gokyo lake is one of the major attractions of this trek as Gokyo Lakes is the highest lake resource of fresh water in the world, comprising six lakes. These lakes are at 4790 meters above sea level. These lakes provide you the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful views of frozen lakes from a closer view. 

After ascending and walking for a few days, you will reach your main destination, Everest Base Camp. To reach EBC, you pass through Chola Pass, Lobuche, Khumbu glacier, and Gorak Shep. Cho La Pass is one of the most iconic and staggering adventures you will reach on the trail of Everest Base Camp. It allows you to walk through the frozen glacier and it is a physically and mentally demanding trekking pass on the route to Everest Base Camp. When we get to Gorak Shep point, we will have to hike for a few hours to reach EBC. Reaching Everest Base Camp is a lifetime experience for those who are eager for adventurous trekking and tourism. This trial will make you mentally strong and more confident in your upcoming endeavors. 

Lukla and Namche Bazaar

Lukla is the entry point of Everest Base Camp. Most of the tourists have their entry and exit point from Tenzing-Hilary Airport at Lukla. Lukla has different kinds of luxury hotels, restaurants, and lodges that offer accommodation for hundreds of tourists every day. 
Namche Bazar is the historic trading hub of Nepal, proudly famous for yak and cheese. Namche offers a homely environment alongside the views, which add more beauty to the town. Namche Bazaar has been resting hundreds of tourists every day with blooming and well-equipped hotels and lodges. Namche Bazar is widely famous for its Saturday market which serves the ancient and local goods that can be the essentials for the locals as well as tourists. Saturday market is typically run by the Tibetan traders who profoundly sell their goods in exchange for the Nepalese and Indian goods and products bought by the traders from the lowlands of Nepal. You may get the chance to visit the Saturday market during your trek time. To show a glimpse of the history and tradition of ancient Namche, three museums in the city offer knowledge and recreation for the visitors under the same roof. 

Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri

The sparkling cold fresh water of Gokyo lakes are the lake resources of the highest altitude in the world, at the height of 4700-5000 meters from sea level. They offer fantastic views of the Himalayas peaks around them. Once the ice melts from the frozen lake in the summer or the month of April-may, many migratory birds like Brahminy ducks, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Woodsnipe, and Eurasian Woodcock migrate from different places in Tibet and China to add more beauty to this mystic naturally beautiful place.
Gokyo Ri is one of the best viewpoints of this trekking region located at an altitude of 5357 meters from sea level. The viewpoint will provide a view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, which are above 8000 meters, and many other peaks in a wide range. 

Chola Pass

Chola Pass is one of the most challenging passes during the trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo. It is situated at an elevation of 5420 meters above sea level. It connects Dzongla village to the east and the village of Thangnak to the west of Solukhumbu. It can get physically and mentally challenging as you will be walking on the actual snowy glacier and to cross through this pass, and you may require crampons to cross this pass during. If there is high snowfall in November and December, you have to take the alternative route to reach Everest Base Camp. 

Gorakshep and Kala Patthar

Gorak Shep is another tiny settlement at a high altitude of 5164 meters. Gorak Shep is a stopping point for most trekkers to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. It is also known as the “steps of heaven” since it is the nearest stoppage point from the center of EBC.
Kala Patthar is at 5545 meters above sea level. It is the highest viewpoint in the world from where you can see a closer view of Mt. Everest. The views of Everest, Nuptse, and Changste are majestic and unforgettable from this point. You will visit Kalapathar for the sunrise during your Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake Trek. 

Everest Base Camp

The ultimate goal of the trek, Everest Base Camp, is a lifetime trekking experience that takes a lot of courage, dedication, and patience to get here. The feeling of success and the dream of reaching Everest Base Camp is unreal. This is right behind the pinnacle of the world, Mt. Everest’s shadow, and the ultimate goal of many people.

Local Festivals

Lhosar, Dumje, and Mani Rimdu are the major festivals celebrated in the Khumbu region. Lhosar is the most celebrated festival which falls in February and is celebrated to mark the beginning of the new year in the Tibetan calendar. 

Dumje is a festival that is celebrated for the prosperity and happiness of the Sherpa people. It falls in July. It is celebrated for seven days to mark the happiness of the successful cultivation of agricultural products like potatoes, paddy, and barley. The locals visit monasteries and offer prayers for their respective gods. 

Mani Rimdu is the longest-running festival in the Everest trail region. It is celebrated for 19 long days and generally falls in October and November. The first 16 days are celebrated within the family by offering prayers and pujas to the gods and the last three days are celebrated in public by feasting on food, and drinks, dancing, singing, and doing mass parties. If you travel to the Khumbu region during this festival you can closely participate in this festival with the locals.  

What Makes Nepal Nirvana Trails Unique?

Nepal Nirvana Trails has the most experienced government license-holder trekking guides to help you throughout your trip and guide you most efficiently and smoothly possible. You will get as much information as you want throughout the journey. Nepal Nirvana Trails make your journey reliable and trustworthy with us as your travel partner. 

We can organize your Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake Trek according to your choice in your suitable time frame. You can contact us via email at info@nepalnirvanatrails.com or WhatsApp at +9779841380469.

You can also check the information about Kanchenjunga Budget Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, and many more other packages.

Itinerary

Day to Day Details

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One of our team representatives will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. After the refreshment at the hotel, you can visit the vibrant Thamel. We will meet at 5:00 pm at the Nepal Nirvana Trails office for a brief meeting about the trek.

  • Hotel
  • 1400m.|4593ft.

You'll fly for 30 minutes to Lukla, where you'll meet your mountain guide. After having an introduction with a guide and lunch at Lukla, you will walk together to Phakding. Passing through the mani walls, prayer wheels, and encountering local peoples, you will reach Pakhding, where you can see the majestic view of Konge Ri.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2651m.|8700ft.

You will encounter many local people and yaks on your way to Namche. Following the pathway of the Dudhkoshi River, passing through the pine forests and several mani walls, and registering our permits at Monjo, we will head toward Namche. The trail then passes through Jorsale and gradually moves up to Namche Bazaar. From Namche Bazaar, we get our first sneak peek of Mt. Everest.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 3438m.|11280ft.

Today we will not move forward on the Everest Trail. We enjoy breakfast at our guest house and then explore the beautiful Namche Bazaar. The trade center Namche holds a market every Saturday where we can purchase the goods at a low cost. We can go on a hike to Everest View Hotel, which offers stunning views of the mountains of the Khumbu region.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We will trek to Dole, where our route diverges from the Everest Trail.  The pathway to Dole has several ups and downs. We will arrive at Mong La Pass (3957m.|12982ft.) after around two hours of trekking. We can see Mt. Ama Dablam (6812m.|22349ft.) and Mt. Khumbi La (5761m.|18901ft.) from here. Our path leads us downhill through pine and rhododendron forests, eventually arriving at Phortse Tenga. From Phortse Tenga, we will head towards Dole.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 4200m.|13776ft.

We will walk past the summer camps of yak herders as Kantega, Thamserku, and Cho Oyu rise in the backdrops. The path ascends above the Dudh Koshi River. After walking up the hill, you will arrive at the small settlement of Macchermo. Aside from the teahouses and the villager's homes, the village has a health post staffed by medical personnel.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 4470m.|14662ft.

We will follow the trail ascending steeply to a crest with spectacular views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. We then walk through Pangka and continue on a pathway until we reach the moraine of the longest glacier in Nepal, Nzogumpa Glacier. We will reach the access point of the first Gokyo Lake, the smallest of the five major Gokyo lakes. The Gokyo village is a short walk from the third Gokyo lake and is one of Nepal's highest settlements. 

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 4790m.|15711ft.

Today, we will hike to one of the best viewpoints of the Khumbu region, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest and the Tibetan peaks. Spending some time at Gokyo Ri, we will return to our guest house. We will proceed along the trail to our destination for the day, Thangnak.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5360m.|17580ft.

We will climb up through rough terrain and glacial moraines to the pinnacle of Cho La Pass (5368m|17611ft). After a few hours of hiking, we will arrive at Cho La Pass, which will award us with breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. The trail becomes slippery as we descend. This trek provides us with spectacular landscapes. After several hours of trekking, we will arrive at Dzongla.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5368m.|17611ft.

Today, we will leave Dzongla behind and descend following the moraine. We will then trek through the Khumbu Glacier. On our way, we can see the remembrance statues of climbers who passed away in this area. Before arriving in Lobuche, we will follow Imja Khola. After almost four hours of trekking, we will arrive at Lobuche, where we will join the Everest Trail.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 4940m.|16207ft.

The trek to the ultimate destination, Everest Base Camp, begins in Lobuche and will gradually ascend as we attempt to reach Gorak Shep. We will leave our backpacks in Gorak Shep and proceed to the Everest Base Camp. When we reach Everest Base Camp (EBC), we will experience a sense of satisfaction. The views from EBC are impressive, and you will see a glimpse of Khumbu Glacier. We will head back to Gorak Shep.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5364m.|17594ft.

Kalapathar is the best and highest viewpoint in the Khumbu Region that offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range. We will trek to Kala Patthar for the sunrise views. After returning from Kala Patthar, we will descend following the Everest trail to Pheriche.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5545 m.|18192ft.

Leaving the mountains behind, we will gradually walk downhill to Namche Bazaar. We can get the chance to encounter the Himalayan yaks, mountain goats, musk deer, etc., on our way to Namche. We walk through the Sherpa settlements Tengboche and Pangboche before we reach Namche Bazaar.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 3438m.|11280ft.

Crossing the Hillary Bridge, passing through several villages and streams of Dudhkoshi river, we will head toward Lukla. The last day at the mountain and with the mountain guide. You can show your gratitude towards the guides and porter by tipping them before leaving Lukla.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2840m.|9318ft.

You will catch the early flight to Kathmandu. At the airport, transport is waiting for you, which will drop you to your hotel. We, the NNT team, offer you a farewell dinner at 6:00 pm, where we can get to know your feedback on our service and trek experience.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
  • 1400m.|4593ft.

We will arrange the departure transportation service for you. We will bid the final goodbye and escort you to the airport.
Note: If you have days left for departure from Nepal and want to explore Nepal more, we have different trekking and tour packages along with adventure activities. You can contact us for further arrangements.

  • Breakfast

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Route Map

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake - 16 Days map

What's Included

  • Airport transport service during arrival, departure, and local flight schedule
  • 2-night standard hotel in Kathmandu
  • Accommodations during the trek
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) with tea or coffee
  • One experienced trekking guide and his food, accommodation, salary, and insurance
  • All applicable permits
  • Round flight Kathmandu/Manthali - Lukla - Manthali/Kathmandu
  • Sleeping Bag (It's Refundable)
  • Water Purification Tablet
  • Farewell Dinner in a fine restaurant
  • Official Expenses and Government Tax and VAT
  • Souvenir: Trekking Map and Company T-shirt

What's Excluded

  • International airfare and Nepal entry visa fee
  • Lunch, Dinner, and an extra night hotel in Kathmandu
  • Travel Insurance that covers emergency rescues and evacuations
  • We suggest 1 porter between 2 trekkers (1 porter costs $300)
  • Personal Expenses like snacks, hot and bottled water, juice, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, hot showers, Wi-Fi, electric blankets, etc.
  • Tips for trekking guide and porter (it is appreciated)

Upcoming Departures

    
Start DateWednesdayOctober 09, 2024End DateThursdayOctober 24, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateSaturdayOctober 12, 2024End DateSundayOctober 27, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateMondayOctober 14, 2024End DateTuesdayOctober 29, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateWednesdayOctober 16, 2024End DateThursdayOctober 31, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateFridayOctober 18, 2024End DateSaturdayNovember 02, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateSundayOctober 20, 2024End DateMondayNovember 04, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateTuesdayOctober 22, 2024End DateWednesdayNovember 06, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateThursdayOctober 24, 2024End DateFridayNovember 08, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateSaturdayOctober 26, 2024End DateSundayNovember 10, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateMondayOctober 28, 2024End DateTuesdayNovember 12, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateTuesdayOctober 29, 2024End DateWednesdayNovember 13, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199
Start DateThursdayOctober 31, 2024End DateFridayNovember 15, 2024PriceAvailableUS $1199

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is the major issue while ascending heights. Normally, altitude sickness occurs when the person ascends to an altitude over 3500 meters. While trekking to Everest Base Camp many inexperienced trekkers feel the symptoms of altitude sickness like headache, dizziness, nausea, no appetite, etc. If you get any symptoms of altitude sickness inform your guide, and he will give you the basic first aid treatment. If you don't feel well, we can stop at the place or return from the trek.

Extraordinary view during EBC Trek Via Gokyo Lake

It is a well-known fact that eight of the fourteen mountains which are taller than 8000 meters are situated in Nepal. The Everest trekking region offers the most astounding views of snow-filled mountains of five different regions. Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu are frequently seen mountains and other tall peaks are also seen in quite outstanding ways. Those views will make you forget the tiredness of the long trek. 

Permits for EBC Trek Via Gokyo Lake

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit costs: NPR 2000, per person

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs: NPR 3000, per person

Nepal Nirvana Trails will arrange all the permits for your convenience and you shouldn't worry about them at all. 

Accommodation during EBC Trek Via Gokyo Lake

Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo includes 14-day accommodation in the best possible accommodation. You will get the room of your choice in Namche, Phakding, and Lukla but as you acclimatize the range of choices will decline. You have to stay in the twin-sharing rooms during the trek at a higher altitude. There will be no compromise on your comfort and required services. Nepal Nirvana Trails will manage the best service for you during the trek. 

Foods During Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake

You will have a high amount of nutrients during the trek at high altitudes every day. Your health will be our priority so we will manage our best to get you your preferred foods and nutrients. There will be an open menu for you so you can even choose the vegan options and escape some inappropriate ingredients from the meal regarding your diet plan and eating restrictions and the food you are allergic to.

Best time to trek to EBC Trek Via Gokyo Lake

Weather is the determining factor of the trekking experience, so you must choose the season when weather permits you to have the best view of skyscraping mountains and landscape beauty. Unfortunately, the weather conditions are not predictable in this region and unforeseen conditions are possible at any time of the year. However, spring(march-may) and Autumn(September-November) is said to be the best time of the year to visit this destination. 

Spring Season: This season is considered the best to trek around this region. The temperature starts to warm up and the weather is clear. The greenery starts to delight the woods after the dormant winter. You will be able to see the astounding views of the Himalayas in this region. 

Autumn Season: The largest number of tourists visit this region during this season. In Nepal, this is the festive season, so domestic tourists will also be seen in the region. The temperature is favorable for trekking and is typically warm during the daytime. We highly recommend you visit the region during this time as we can get the festive discount offers for some plans during this season. 

Last Minute Booking

Nepal Nirvana trails offer you last-minute booking and pre-booking for the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake Trek. We offer you to book a plan and the full payment at least 48 hours from the scheduled time of the commencement of the trek.

FAQs

  • Cho La pass is one of the challenging routes to pass by during the trek to Everest Base Camp. You might need crampons because you will be walking on frozen glaciers during the time passing this route. You should be listening and responding to your guides to be safe from unforeseen calamities during the Cho La Pass trek.

  • Gokyo Ri offers the top view of Mt. Everest. Not only Mt. Everest, but you can also see the adorable panoramic view ships of Ngozumpa Glacier, Gokyo Lakes and various other peaks.

  • The altitude of this trekking route is very high and the road is very bumpy and full of hard rocks, so you might have difficulty walking. Everest trekking is more challenging than in other regions but the good news is our experienced and well-trained personnel will assist you throughout the journey to make it safe and easy to access.

  • The distance from Lukla to EBC is around 60 kilometres(38 miles). You need to walk for 7-8 days to reach the base camp. Some routes will take you an even longer or shorter period but going via Gokyo will at least take a week for decent walkers.

  • There is a dense population distribution in this region so the basic services of telecommunication are easily accessible and the hotels and lodges provide the internet facility for your convenience in the lower areas like Lukla, Namche Bazar, and Phakding but as soon as you climb to the higher settlements the internet service cannot be available and you have to rely on your telecommunication services to communicate.

  • Everest trekking is situated at the maximum altitude so the temperature will be very low in the absence of direct sun. We recommend you to wear thick woollen clothes and trekking boots along with all the necessary outfits that are useful to prevent you from the cold. You have to cover top to bottom with warm clothes so make sure you will bring all the accessories for yourself.

  • You might want to consume the products which are not listed on your plan so it will be beneficial if you bring some cash with you. Bringing cash with you will allow you to use the extra services like internet, local beverages, customized food plans, etc.

Client Reviews

tptripadvisor
  • E
    EmmaDenmarkApril 14, 2024

    Gokyo - Everest Trek

    Had a wonderful trip with my family doing the Gokyo-Everest trek organized by Nepal Nirvana! Since one of us had been in the area before we decided to go without a guide, and got two amazing porters, Lakpa and Karma. They were extremely helpful and organized everything with lodges on the way in addition to being great at discussing route choices and everything else that occurred during the trip including a last minute change of flight tickets out of Lukla. They made the trip so much more enjoyable and the company in itself are highly recommendable!

    Dear Emma, Namaste!
    Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful trip with your family on the Gokyo-Everest trek with the assistance of our porters Lakpa and Karma. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we truly appreciate your kind words. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you and your family back for another adventure in the future.
    Best Regards,
    Kp Dhital and Nepal Nirvana Trails Team.
    WhatsApp: +977 9841380469

  • B
    BeritDenmarkApril 12, 2024

    Gokyo-Everest trek

    Fantastic company with good communication throughout the trip on our gokyo-Everest trek.
    Flexible and helpful with changes to flights and accommodations. Fantastic porters, Lakpa and Karma, who supported and watched everyone the whole way.
    Can only be highly recommended.❤️

    Dear Berit, Namaste!
    Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review for us via Google. We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience on your Gokyo-Everest trek with our porters Lakpa and Karma. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon.
    Best Regards,
    Kp Dhital and Nepal Nirvana Trails Team.
    WhatsApp: +977 9841380469

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