Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan Escape Adventure will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the vibrant Thamel area. This is a rest day, giving you time to relax and recover from your journey. You will be briefed about the trek and what to expect over the next few weeks. Enjoy a delicious Nepali dinner and rest up for the upcoming adventure.
After breakfast, explore on a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. These spiritual landmarks will provide you with an insight into Nepal’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Afterward, return to your hotel for a trek briefing and gear check. The evening is free for you to explore Kathmandu or buy any last-minute trekking gear.
In the early morning, you’ll catch a scenic flight to Lukla (2,800m), known as the gateway to the Everest region. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Lukla, you’ll meet your porters and begin your trek. The trail descends through lush pine forests and follows the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding (2,610m). This is a short day to help you acclimatize. Overnight stay in Phakding.
Today's trek takes you through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fir. Crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge, you'll reach the village of Monjo, where the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park is located. The trail then ascends steeply to Namche Bazaar, the largest town in the Khumbu region, which offers spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Rest and explore the vibrant market town.
Acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness, and today is a rest day. You can take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest and other peaks, or visit the local museum to learn about Sherpa culture and mountaineering history. Namche Bazaar also has cafes, shops, and ATMs, providing a chance to rest and prepare for the days ahead.
Leaving Namche, the trail takes you to Mong La (3,970m), offering amazing views of the surrounding peaks. From here, you descend into the Dudh Koshi Valley and cross the river before ascending to Dole. The route is picturesque, with views of Thamserku and Kantega. Dole is a small village offering basic teahouse accommodation.
Today’s trek is a moderate climb with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Cho Oyu and Kantega. As you ascend, you’ll pass through the villages of Lhabarma and Luza before reaching Machhermo, a village situated at the foot of the Cho La Pass. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the high Himalayas from here. Rest and acclimatize before heading higher.
Today’s trek takes you through the serene Gokyo Valley. The route is a gradual ascent with incredible views of the surrounding peaks. As you arrive in Gokyo (4,800m), you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Gokyo Lakes and the snowy peaks that surround them. The village of Gokyo is a peaceful spot for relaxation and acclimatization.
Take a rest day in Gokyo to acclimatize. For those who feel strong, you can take an optional hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), a summit that provides panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding peaks. The turquoise Gokyo Lakes below are equally stunning. Afterward, return to Gokyo for a well-deserved rest.
Leaving Gokyo, the trail ascends gently along the side of the valley. You’ll pass through beautiful meadows and yak pastures before arriving at Thagnak, a small settlement with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Thagnak will be your stop for the night before your trek to the Cho La Pass.
Today is a challenging day as you cross the Cho La Pass (5,420m). The pass is steep and often covered in snow, so it requires caution. Once you’ve crossed, you’ll descend into the Dzongla Valley, where you’ll be greeted with views of the mighty Himalayas. Dzongla is a remote village, and the teahouses here offer a great place to rest after a long day.
Today’s trek is relatively short but beautiful, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll pass by the memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest before reaching Lobuche, a small village situated on a glacial moraine. The scenery here is stunning, with Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori towering above.
Today's trek is an exciting highlight of your journey. From Lobuche, you’ll follow the rocky moraine to Gorak Shep (5,164m), the last village before Everest Base Camp. After a short rest, continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), where you’ll have the chance to experience the iconic landmark of mountaineering. After soaking in the views and the achievement, return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Early in the morning, hike up to Kala Patthar (5,545m), a famous viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Mount Everest and other surrounding peaks. The sunrise view from here is unforgettable. After descending back to Gorak Shep, you’ll trek down to Pheriche, where the air is slightly thicker, providing better conditions for your body to acclimatize.
Descend through the beautiful valleys and forests back to Namche Bazaar. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through several villages. Namche Bazaar will be a welcome sight as it marks your return to civilization after several days in the high Himalayas. You can relax and celebrate your journey with the local Sherpas and fellow trekkers.
On the final day of your trek, you’ll retrace your steps back to Lukla. As you descend through the lush forests and cross the Dudh Koshi River, you’ll reflect on the incredible adventure you've just completed. Upon arrival in Lukla, enjoy a farewell dinner with your trekking crew and porters.
After a short flight back to Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city, shop for souvenirs, or relax after the trek. You may also want to visit the local restaurants to celebrate your successful journey.
Today marks the end of your Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Take with you unforgettable memories of the majestic Himalayas and the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people. Safe travels from Himalayan Escape Adventure!
The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake is a spectacular and alternative route to the famous Everest Base Camp trek. Instead of taking the traditional route, this trek goes through the stunning Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, offering breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other towering peaks. You will explore the serene Gokyo Lakes, a series of high-altitude glacial lakes, and enjoy panoramic views from the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters). This trek combines the adventure of reaching Everest Base Camp with the additional beauty and solitude of the Gokyo region, making it a truly remarkable experience.
Himalayan Escape Adventure is committed to providing safe, memorable, and exceptional trekking experiences in Nepal. We offer highly professional and experienced guides, porters, and support staff who are dedicated to ensuring your comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout the trek. Our itineraries are designed to balance the need for proper acclimatization and scenic exploration, and we prioritize responsible trekking practices to support local communities and environmental sustainability.
The trek typically takes 14 to 19 days, depending on the specific itinerary. This duration allows for adequate acclimatization and provides ample time to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Gokyo region, the Everest Base Camp, and the surrounding peaks. The trek includes several acclimatization days in key locations like Namche Bazaar, Gokyo, and Dingboche, which help prevent altitude sickness.
The best time to embark on the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season, from March to May, and the post-monsoon (autumn) season, from September to November. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for trekking in the Everest region. While trekking is possible during other months, the weather conditions can be more challenging, and the higher altitudes may be more difficult to manage due to cold temperatures.
The Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake is a moderate to challenging trek, requiring a good level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable with long days of walking (typically 5-7 hours) on varied terrain, including steep ascents and descents. While the trek does not require technical mountaineering skills, it is recommended to engage in regular aerobic exercises, such as walking, hiking, and cardio workouts, in the months leading up to the trek. It’s also essential to prepare for the altitude, so gradual acclimatization is built into the itinerary.
The highest point of the trek is Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters (17,575 feet), and Everest Base Camp itself is located at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). Although the trek follows a carefully planned route with acclimatization days to minimize the risk of altitude sickness, it's still important to understand that altitude sickness can affect anyone. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. It is crucial to ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and rest when needed. Our experienced guides are trained to identify symptoms early and ensure your safety at all times.
During the trek, you will stay in teahouses, which are basic lodges located in the trekking villages. These teahouses provide a comfortable place to rest, eat, and sleep. The rooms are typically simple with shared bathrooms, and the meals are traditional Nepali cuisine, including dal bhat, momos, and a variety of international dishes. While the teahouses are basic, they are generally clean, warm, and welcoming. In larger villages like Namche Bazaar and Gokyo, there may be more comfortable lodgings with modern amenities.
Proper gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable trek. Key items include a warm sleeping bag, sturdy trekking boots, layered clothing (including fleece, waterproof jacket, and down jacket), a trekking pole, sunglasses, sunblock, and a good quality backpack. We recommend packing light but ensuring you have all the necessary clothing and equipment to stay warm and comfortable at high altitudes. Our team will provide you with a detailed packing list before departure, and we also offer rental options for certain items.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all trekkers. Your insurance should cover emergency medical evacuation, altitude sickness, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance that includes coverage for high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation in case of an emergency. Please ensure that your insurance policy meets these requirements before departure.
During the trek, you will be able to enjoy a variety of local and international meals at the teahouses. Traditional Nepali food such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) is a staple, providing a good source of energy. You can also find a range of dishes including pasta, noodles, pancakes, soups, and even some Western options like sandwiches and fried eggs. Although the food choices can be limited in more remote areas, our guides will help you find the best options available. It’s important to avoid heavy meals that could upset your stomach and to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
The trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain airport. The flight offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range. Upon landing in Lukla, your trekking adventure begins, and from there, you will trek through the beautiful Sherpa villages towards Everest Base Camp, passing through iconic places like Namche Bazaar, Gokyo, and Dingboche.
Yes, there are several ways to extend your adventure after reaching Everest Base Camp. You can choose to explore additional trekking routes in the Khumbu region, such as hiking to the summit of Kala Patthar for incredible views of Mount Everest or even extending your trek to areas like the Imja Valley or the Arun Valley. If you wish to explore more, our team can assist in customizing the itinerary according to your preferences.