Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Trek

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8 reviews

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Duration

17 Days

Trip Grade

Strenuous

Country

Nepal

Activities

Trekking

Gokyo Lakes is a system of 19 high-altitude glacial lakes situated at an altitude of 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters. The largest and deepest lake, Lake Thonak, which is photographed the most, and is the unmistakable icon of the region. Gokyo Valley lies in Solukhumbu district. The whole valley is protected within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A trek to Gokyo Valley is the perfect getaway when you feel like experiencing the beauty of mountains and mountain ecosystems.

The focal point of fascination of Gokyo Valley is Tengboche Monastery and four mountains exceeding more than 8,000 metres. Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho-Oyu and Mt. Makalu are seen from Gokyo Ri which is sufficient to entice the trekkers. Towards the western piece of Ngozumpa Glacier lies Gokyo Peak, the best viewpoint of the snowcapped peaks in the Everest region. Gokyo Ri it is the biggest ice sheet in the entire Himalayas and the major attraction of the Gokyo Valley.

It is a sort of complete trek from where you will get genuine picture of Nepal from mountain perspective. The other part of the trek is that you will inspire opportunity to witness delightful and quiet pockets of this region. You feel as though the lakes were sitting and waiting impatiently just for you since long time back. The dark blue lake will inundate in you for rest of your life as a lifelong reminiscent you would love to secure. Rough-cut stone houses of Gokyo villages and town are some of the highest elevation human settlement areas of the world.

Gokyo Valley trek is one of the most popular tourist destinations around Everest Base Camp and other areas of the Khumbu region. The major centre, Gokyo Village at the altitude of 4,790m and Gokyo Peak climbing are the major attractions of this trek. Gokyo Lakes are the sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists that they visit this region for religious purpose. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims flock to the lakes for taking holy bath at Janai Purnima festival which falls in August.

Cho La Pass Everest Base Camp trek gives you an incredible opporyunity of crossing one of the three high passes of Everest region. Climbing up Cho La Pass (5,420m) is th emost adventurous experience of the entire Gokyo Lakes Everest Base Camp trek. You may require crampons, to cross the pass but rewards you with the breathtaking view of the eight-thousanders and other peaks. The glimpses of the rare species of animals and birds protected in Sagarmatha National Park are also important assets of this trek.

This epic trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes starts from and ends at Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airstrip). Lukla, situated at the elevation of 2,860m, is a small Sherpa village and also the gateway to Everest region trekking. You explore the main trade center of the Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar having all the modern facilities ot the trekkers. During acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar, you can visit the Sherpa Museum (also called Hillary Museum) and Everest View Hotel.

The Sherpa Museum informs you all about the expeditions to Mt. Everest and the invaluable photographs of Hillary and Tenzing. You can see the authentic Sherpa lifestyle, culture and tradition including the Sherpa art and artifacts in the museum. Everest View Hotel which is one of the highest altitude hotels in the world, gives you the picturesque view of Everest region. Just imagine having breakfast or lunch sitting in front of the highest peak of the world, Mount Everest!

Each perspective that you get from Gokyo Ri is precious that you find the worth of every last minute spent here. Gokyo Valley trek makes you realize the magnificence of common white dividers of Nepal-Tibet and adoration of its astounding beauty. For your fulfilment, Orbit Alpine allots best aides for Gokyo Valley Trek who have inside and out information of Gokyo zone. Additionally, the professional team of this agency is rich in local learning about the mountains and society of Sherpa.

Highlights

Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back to Kathmandu
Visit the Sherpa Museum and Hotel Everest View during the Namche acclimatization
Exploration of the group of six glacial lakes (Gokyo Lakes) having turquoise water and religious significance
Incredible view of the eight-thousanders: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu
Captivating sight of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas
Experience of crossing Cho La Pass, one of the three high passes of Everest region
Reach the base camp of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest
Kala Patthar view point for the 360-degree panoramic view of Mount Everest and other snowcapped peaks
Capturing photographs by keeping the mountain giants on the background
Visit Tengboche Monastery, the largest and oldest monastery in the Khumbu region
Sherpa cultural villages, thier lifestyle, rites and rituals plus cuisines and hospitality
Diverse species of wildlife and vegetation in Sagarmatha National Park

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Trek Itinerary

Day-to-DayExpand all

Day 10:

Gokyo Ri Climbing (5,357m/17,575ft) and Trek to Thaknak (4,750m/15,584ft) -5 Hours

As it is the acclimatization day at Gokyo, you have many things to explore from snowcapped peaks to the emerald waters of the Gokyo Lakes. You can hike up to the fifth lake, Thonak Cho and the sixth lake, Ngozumpa Tsho to relish the mesmerizing vistas. You can enjoy the four eight-thousanders: Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu plus other snow-clad peaks from the ridge of the hill. If you move a little further from this lake, you can reach the base camp of Cho Oyu. Similarly, you can have the beautiful scenery of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas. If you want to cover more distance, you can even to the sixth lake to complete the Six Glacial Lakes.

Max Altitude: 4,750m/15,584ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5 Hours

Day 18:

Departure Transfer.

Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 17:

Return Flight to Kathmandu – 35 Minutes

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu taking an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Free day in Kathmandu on your own.

Max Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft Meals: Breakfast, Farewell DinnerAccommodation: Three Star HotelDuration: 35 Minutes

Day 16:

Trek down to Lukla – 7 Hours

In a few hours you will reach Lukla (2,886m) where you need to reconfirm your flight tickets for the next morning. This last evening in the mountains is an ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the Sherpa guides and porters, where you can sample some Chhang, try Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable trekking experience.

Max Altitude: 2,860m/9,383ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 7 Hours

Day 15:

Trek down to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft) – 6 Hours

Walking past some Sherpa cultural villages like Somare, Pangboche, you trek down to Namche Bazaar for the night. You can find Mt. Ama Dablam on the left side accompanying you further down up to Deboche. As soon as you arrive Tengboche village, take a quick look of Tengboche Monastery to see the Tibetan Buddhist art and artifacts. Also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, it is the oldest and largest monastery of the Khumbu region as a tourist attraction.

Then, the trail descends along dense rhododendron and juniper forests that look colourful during spring season due to rhododendron flowers. Not leaving the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, the trail leads you to Namche Bazaar, the main trade centre of the entire Khumbu region. You can find all types of modern amenities here at Namche Bazaar from shopping mall to ATM booths. There is a five star hotel Everest View Hotel which is also the highest altitude hotel in the world nearby Namche Bazaar. Spend the night by celebrating with your people to commemorate the success of Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes.

Max Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 6 Hours

Day 14:

Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m/18,209ft) and Trek to Periche (4,240m/13,911ft) – 7 Hours

Now, the limitation of your patience to have the close view of Mt. Everest is over, so wake up as early as you can! The sooner, the better! Start your journey to Kala Patthar, the best natural viewpoint of the Everest region before the sun rises. Ascending continuously for about three hours, you reach Kala Patthar to have the sunrise view of the highest peak of the world. During the stay on top of Kala Patthar, every second is valuable as you see Mt. Everest unveiling its majestic beauty in the sunrays! The first ray reflecting on the Mountain Giant and lighting the world, is really difficult to express in any words, perhaps!

You can take as many photos as your camera can capture to store this lifetime achievement you have made by being in the Everest premises. You find the worth of every cent you have invested to get this yield right this moment! After saving the rarest moments around the world’s highest mountain, you walk down to Gorak Shep. Having breakfast at Gorak Shep, you descend further towards Periche for the night station walking past Thukla village.

Max Altitude: 4,240m/13,911ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 7 Hours

Day 13:

Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140m/16,864ft) and Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft) and – 8 Hours

Following the moderately steep trail from Lobuche, you reach a foothill called Thangma Riju which shows you the whole Khumbu Glacier. You also see the stunning view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori and Mt. Nuptse on the way. Moving ahead, you come to have the very first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a black mountain below Mt. Pumori. Once you are in Gorak Shep, you find all the snowy peaks of the Khumbu Himalayan Range interrogating you.

By leaving the backpack at the hotel where you will spend the night, you take a hike to Everest Base Camp. You go past the Gorak Shep Lake, a glacial lake which used to be once a vast glacier mass. Crossing the frozen lakes and snow-covered rocks, you reach the dreamland you were craving to reach once in lifetime! You can have a majestic vista of the snowcapped peaks of the Everest surrounding except Mt. Everest itself from Everest Base Camp. Actually, Mt. Everest hides behind Mt. Lhotse to give you thrilling experience of its close view from another place! Wait patiently until next morning to have the 360-degree panoramic view of the world’s highest peak! After you are done with the amazing rewards from Everest Base Camp, you return to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

Max Altitude: 5,364m/17,598ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 8 Hours

Day 12:

Trek to Lobuche (4,940m/ 16,207ft)- 3 Hours

As it is the shortest trekking day, you can leisurely enjoy the sunrise view of the snowcapped peaks and landscapes around Dzongla. As soon as you have breakfast, you follow the trail that descends to the grassy path after crossing a bridge. During the journey, you can have the glimpse of the snowy peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Pumori and Lobuche Peak. Walking past the gravelled banks of a stream, you finally reach Lobuche for the night rest at a teahouse. Situated on the banks of a stream, Lobuche is a small villages with some teahouses for the trekkers’ accommodation. The sunset view of Nuptse from Lobuche is the major attraction for the trekkers spending night here.

Max Altitude: 4,940m/ 16,207ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 3 Hours

Day 11:

to Dzongla (4,843m/15,889ft) via Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft) -8 Hours

Today is the most interesting day of the entire Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes. After breakfast, the journey starts and takes you to Thaknak, an optional stopover during Gokyo Lakes Everest Base Camp trek. Following the steep and quite tricky trail, you ascend towards the challenging Cho La Pass, one of the three high passes of Everest region. As the trail may be slippery due to moisture, you need to be quite careful to reach the top of the pass. Cho La Pass which is decorated with prayer flags by the previous trekkers is another vantage point of the Solukhumbu Region. Enjoying the captivating vistas from the top, you begin to descend towards Dzongla for the night station. From Dzongla, you can have the 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche Peak and Mt. Baruntse. At the distance, you also see Periche village where the trekkers returning from Everest Base Camp spend the night.

Max Altitude: 5,420m/17,782ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 8 Hours

Day 01:

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft)

On arrival at Kathmandu Airport, we receive you and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, take tour briefing and meeting your guide and helper. Clear the dues amount before trek departure. You are free to relax or explore around the city in the very first day.

Max Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft Meals: welcome dinnerAccommodation: Three Star Hotel

Day 09:

Rest Day at Gokyo Valley

As it is the acclimatization day at Gokyo, you have many things to explore from snowcapped peaks to the emerald waters of the Gokyo Lakes. Early in the morning after breakfast, if the weather is fine, you can go to climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m). Gokyo Peak is the best natural viewpoint to enjoy the sunrise view of the Everest region. From the top, you can capture the amazing sight of the snowy peaks and glacial lakes which is beyond description!

As an option, you can hike up to the fifth Gokyo Lake that rewards you with the mesmerizing vistas. You can enjoy the four eight-thousanders: Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu plus other snow-clad peaks from the lake. If you move a little further from this lake, you can reach the base camp of Cho Oyu. Similarly, you can have the beautiful scenery of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas. If you want to cover more distance, you can even to the sixth lake to complete the Six Glacial Lakes.

Max Altitude: 4,790m/15,715ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 6 Hours

Day 08:

Trek to Gokyo (4,790m/15,715ft) -5 Hours

Today, you trek to Gokyo Vally by leaving the Dudh Koshi River Valley far behind as soon as you take breakfast. You enjoy the astonishing view of Mt. Kantega and Mt. Cho Oyu, the 6th highest peak in the world. Then, you move further across Pangka (4,480m) which is the place where an avalanche had killed 40 people in 1995. Crossing the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, you reach the valley of the first Gokyo Lake, called Longpongo (4,690m). Enjoying the turquoise water of the Second Lake, you walk up to Gokyo Village, the major center of the Gokyo Lakes trek. Gokyo Village is a Sherpa cultural village that stands at the foot of Mt. Cho Oyu (which means ‘Turquoise Goddess’ in Tibetan dialect). You spend the night at a local teahouse or home stay of the Sherpa people by relishing their typical organic cuisines.

Max Altitude: 4,790m/15,715ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5 Hours

Day 07:

Trek to Machchhermo (4,470m/14,665ft) – 5 Hours

The trekking trail takes a gradual ascent through juniper forests along the Dudh Koshi River Valley. On the way, you can see some seasonal yak-sheds and meadows gifted by nature for the yaks and other animals. You enjoy the stunning view of Cho Oyu (8,210m), Kantega (6,783m) and Thamserku (6,623m) during the journey to Machchhermo. You will find two more villages: Lhabarma (4,330m) and Luza (4,340m) walking across alpine bushes and finally reach Machchhermo. Machchhermo is a beautiful village divided by a Himalayan river into two parts and the last Sherpa village before reaching Gokyo. Here, you can visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital to get the important information about altitude sickness, its precautions and cure. Overnight stay at a local teahouse by tasting the local cuisines served with the sincere hospitality.

Max Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5 Hours

Day 06:

Trek to Dole (4,200m/13,780ft) -5 Hours

Today, you start the journey right after having breakfast following the trail moving uphill and downhill to Kyangjuma (3,550m). During the trekking to Dole, you will enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and other peaks. Walking past rhododendron and juniper forests, you reach Dole for the night station at a teahouse.

Max Altitude: 4,200m/13,780ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5 Hours

Day 05:

Acclimatize day.

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. For acclimatizing trekking, you can trek to Everest view hotel and Kumjung village. If you feel tired, walk on to the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town if not hiking to Everest view hotel.

Max Altitude: 3,440m/10,958ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Day 04:

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/10,958ft) -6 Hours

The trail ascends gradually towards Jorsalle, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudhkoshi River before arriving at the entrance point of Everest national park. After crossing three more bridges, the trail ascends through the alpine and rhododendron forest. Here it is possible to see deer and wild birds on the way to Namche Bazaar.

Max Altitude: 3,440m/10,958ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 6 Hours

Day 03:

Fly to Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,563ft) -4 Hours

Fly to Lukla where the Gokyo Everest base camp trek starts. Initially the trail descends steadily along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, passing Sherpa villages and Mani stones before reaching Phakding.

Max Altitude: 2,610m/8,563ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 4 Hours

Day 02:

Kathmandu sightseeing.

Guided Tour of world heritage sites of Kathmandu valley includes Swayambhunath stupa and Kathmandu durbar square.

Max Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Three Star Hotel

Cost Details

Includes

Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle will be done by Orbit Alpine Adventure free of cost
3 star hotel or similar accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Tea-house accommodation during the trekking
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trekking is included
Welcome and farewell dinner is included
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
Domestic flight (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu)
An experience English speaking and government licensed trekking guide as well there will be assistance guide if group size is more than 6 person
Potter service (2 trekkers: 1 potter)
Trekking equipment like down jacket, trekking poles, sleeping bag and duffel bag is given by Orbit Alpine Adventure at the end of trekking client have to return back to company
Ice Axes and Crampon if necessary can hair here in Kathmandu
Salary, insurance, equipment, domestic air fare, food and accommodation of guide and potters is included
All necessary paper work and trekking permit (national park permit, TIMS) will arrange by Orbit Alpine Adventure
Medical kit (carried by our trekking guide)
All government and local taxes

Excludes

Nepalese Visa fee
Excess baggage charges
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain or need extra day in mountain (due to any reason) than scheduled itinerary will have to bear by client.
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
Travel and rescue insurance (during adventure trip is compulsory)
Personal expenses (phone calls, extra battery, bar bills, battery charge, extra potter, bottle or boiled water, shower etc.)
Tips for guides, potters, and drivers

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Trek FAQs

Q1How difficult is it to cross Cho La Pass?

You need to be a little cautious to cross Cho La Pass one of the challenging high passes of Everest region. As the route is to Cho La Pass is quite steep and slippery, the precaution should be taken during the ascent. Cho La Pass trek is strenuous during winter season as the route is covered with the thick layer of snow. Doing Gokyo Lakes Cho La Pass trek in summer is a bit more challenging due to strong wind. We highly recommend you to bring some crampons to successfully do this trek.

Q2Can I see Mt. Everest from Lukla?

No, you cannot completely see Mount Everest from Lukla, the gateway to Everest region trekking. However, you can see other named and unnamed peaks of the Everest region from here.

Q3Can I see Mt. Everest from the base camp?

No, you can’t see Mt. Everest from the base camp as Mt. Lhotse, the fourth highest peak blocks it. But, on the way to and back from Everest Base Camp, you can see it.

Q4Which is the best viewpoint of Mt. Everest?

Kala Patthar (5,550m) is the best viewpoint of Mt. Everest which looks just a few yards away from you. You can capture the photographs by keeping the mountain giants of the Everest region on the backdrop. Gokyo Ri is another best viewpoint that shows you the 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Everest.

Q5What is Gokyo Ri elevation?

Gokyo Ri elevation is 5,357 meters and it is the 78th highest peak in Nepal.

Q6What can I see from Gokyo Ri?

Gokyo Ri (5,357m) is the best view point of Everest region. You can have the splendid view of the four eight-thousanders: Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Cho Oyu. Similarly, you can also have the astounding panorama of the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Valley and the Ngozumpa Glacier.

Q7Which Gokyo Lake offers the best view of the Everest region?

The fifth Gokyo Lake offers the best view of Yachung Kang, Nuptse and the four eight-thousanders of the Everest region including Mt. Makalu.

Q8What are the Gokyo Lakes?

Gokyo Lakes are the group of 19 glacial lakes situated above 4,500m elevation in Solukhumbu district. The glacial lakes’ network made of snow deposit from Mt. Cho Oyu, covers the area of 485 acres. It is the origin point of the Dudh Koshi River that irrigates the fertile land of the eastern Nepal.

Q9Which is the deepest and largest Gokyo Lake?

The fourth lake, Thonak Cho is the deepest and largest lake having 160.8 acres of area and 62.4 metres depth.

Why Our Guests Recommend Us?

Everest Base Camp trek returning by the Gokyo Valley

Matthias Rolland- Canada

July 16, 2016

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