Trip Overview
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek is a high-altitude adventure that combines the classic Everest Base Camp route with the stunning beauty of the Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lakes, offering the most scenic and comprehensive trekking experience in the Everest region.
This circuit begins with a flight to Lukla and follows the traditional path to Namche Bazaar, where the route diverges toward the remote Gokyo Valley. After visiting the mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes and summiting Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for world-class Himalayan views, trekkers cross the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 m) to rejoin the EBC trail. From here, the trek continues through Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for iconic views of Mount Everest.
This trek is ideal for experienced hikers looking for both a challenge and variety—glaciers, lakes, mountain passes, and iconic cultural villages. It also offers more acclimatization days and quieter trails compared to the standard EBC trek.
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Combine two major trekking destinations: Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp
Climb both Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for unmatched Himalayan panoramas
Cross the adventurous and icy Cho La Pass (5,420 m) linking Gokyo to the EBC trail
Visit the mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes and see the massive Ngozumpa Glacier
Explore iconic Sherpa settlements including Namche Bazaar, Gorak Shep, and Lobuche
Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and view the Khumbu Icefall up close
Rich blend of scenic diversity, altitude challenge, and cultural immersion
Itinerary
Day 1Kathmandu: Arrival in Kathmandu
At an arrival at the international airport we will be picked up and then transferred to the hotel. Check in at the hotel and stay Overnight.
Day 2Phakding: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla & Trek to Phakding [35 Minutes; / 2610 Meters, 8562 Ft]
Set off from Kathmandu in the early morning to catch the flight to Lukla. After short flight to Lukla we will trek down to Phakding. We fly from Kathmandu to Lukla a small airstrip high above the Dudh Kosi valley. After meeting our trekking crew and sorting out our gear we then begin the trek by descending to Chaunrikharka and heading up the Dudh Kosi valley to Phakding. Overnight stay will be at the Lodge in Phakding.
Day 3Namche: Trek Phakding to Namche [5-6 Hrs. Trek; 10 Km / 3440 Meters, 11286 Ft.]
From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond the Monjo lies the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. We then ascend up to Namche and along the way when the weather is clear we catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market – a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. Overnight will be at the lodge in Namche.
Day 4Namche: Namche Acclimatization Day [3440 Meters, 11286 Ft.]
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. It has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Gokyo. Options for acclimatization walks include a visit to Khunde Hospital that was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary. Around an hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche. From there we can watch the sunset over Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the village. Overnight will be at the lodge in Namche.
Day 5Trek Namche to Dole [5-6 Hrs. Trek; 11 Km / 4084 Meters, 13399 Ft.]
The fourth day is a spectacular day in terms of scenery as we follow the main trail north out of Namche. A short climb to a crest reveals a wonderful view towards Everest and Lhotse. We follow this main trail for a while by passing many traders selling Tibetan handicrafts to a crossroads high above the Dudh Kosi. The trail to Everest drops down the hill but we turn off here and climb to cross the Mon La before reaching Phortse Tenga. From Phortse Tenga, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. Overnight stay will be at Lodge in Dole.
Day 6Machhermo: Trek Dole to Machhermo [4-5 Hrs. Trek; 6 Km / 4410 Meters, 14468 Ft.]
From Dole then we climb steadily along the side of the valley where the rhododendron forests give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements that are used when Yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of us are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while at the rear are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. We will arrive at Machermo in time for lunch. Overnight stay will be at Lodge in Machermo.
Day 7Gokyo: Trek Machhermo to Gokyo [4-5 Hrs. Trek; 7 Km / 4750 Meters, 15583 Ft.]
We head for the lakes at Gokyo and then we follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. We soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La – our route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is breathtaking with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters. Overnight night stay will be at Lodge in Gokyo.
Day 8 Dragnag: Trek Gokyo to Dragnag [trek; 3 Hrs, 4 Km / 4690 Meters, 15387 Ft.]
Fit and acclimatized we then leave to Gokyo to cross the Ngozumpa Glacier. We descend to the second lake and dropdown onto the glacier. The route across the glacier is marked by cairns and is generally quite well defined. We climb off the glacier by a small dwelling known as Dragnag and follow a shallow valley to our camp by a small Kharka. Overnight stay will be at Lodge.
Day 9Dzongla: Trek Dragnag to Dzongla [7-8 Hrs. Trek; 8 Km / 4830 Meters, 15846 Ft.]ft.]
We have to cross Cho La pass and make the long descent to Lobuche. Continuing up the valley we cross a ridge and an old lateral moraine before beginning the rocky scramble to the pass. From the pass there are excellent views, across to the Rolwaling Valley in the west and Ama Dablam to the south east. The descent from the pass involves the crossing of a small glacier which is fairly straightforward. There are more excellent views of Ama Dablam and the forbidding north face of Cholatse as we descend to the pastures below. Overnight stay will be at Lodge in Dzongla on full board.
Day 10Gorakshep Trek Dzongla to Gorakshep [trek; 6-7 Hrs. 11 Km / 5164 Meters, 16942 Ft.]
We have to cross Cho La pass and make the long descent to Lobuche. Continuing up the valley we cross a ridge and an old lateral moraine before beginning the rocky scramble to the pass. From the pass there are excellent views, across to the Rolwaling Valley in the west and Ama Dablam to the south east. The descent from the pass involves the crossing of a small glacier which is fairly straightforward. There are more excellent views of Ama Dablam and the forbidding north face of Cholatse as we descend to the pastures below. Overnight stay will be at Lodge in Dzongla on full board.
Day 11Gorakshep Trek Dzongla to Gorakshep [trek; 6-7 Hrs. 11 Km / 5164 Meters, 16942 Ft.]
For the trek to Everest Base Camp, a very early start is required. It takes several hours on a trail across the Khumbu Glacier which weaves its way along translucent ice pinnacles and past seemingly bottomless crevasses. At Base Camp (5364 meters, 17598 Ft.) there will hopefully be an expedition ‘in residence’ and there are great views up into the Khumbu Icefall where there is often some climbing activity. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the south Col. We then return to Gorak Shep. It is downhill most of the way today, past Lobuche to Duglha and Pheriche. The Himalayan Rescue Association has trekkers’ aid post here which is interesting to visit.
Day 12Trek Pheriche to Namche [trek; 6 Hrs, 19 Km / 3440 Meters, 11286 Ft.]
We continue to follow the river and after crossing it we then climb up through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche and its famous monastery. There are magnificent views from here and Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserku are just a few of the Himalayan giants which can be seen. From Tengboche we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki Tenga, where there are water driven prayer wheels, before making our way back to Namche. Overnight stay will be at Lodge in Namche on full board.
Day 13Lukla: Trek Namche to Lukla [trek; 6-7 Hrs. 18 Km / 2860 Meters, 9383 Ft.]
Our final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. Overnight stay will be at the Lodge in Lukla on full board.
Day 14 Kathmandu: Flight Lukla to Kathmandu [flight; 35 Minutes]
After completion of our Everest Base Camp trek we will then head to Kathmandu. We will take a short flight back to Kathmandu and stay overnight. You can use the free time on this day on your disposal for personal activities.
Day 15Kathmandu: Flight Lukla to Kathmandu [flight; 35 Minutes]
It is a contingency day in Kathmandu as a precaution to the Lukla Kathmandu sector flight. As the flight to High Mountain regions are highly dependent on weather conditions there might cancellation in flights due to bad weather. So contingency day helps us to ensure we don’t miss the international flight. This day can be used for personal activities, shopping and also some sightseeing around the monument sites of Kathmandu valley.
Day 16Departure
Our airport representative will help you with checkout procedure and then escort you to the airport for final departure from Nepal for your onward journey.
Route Map
What’s Included
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Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on BB Meal Plan (pre- and post-trek)
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Accommodation in local tea houses/lodges during the trek
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All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
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Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
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Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
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Necessary Trekking Staffs
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All necessary trekking permits (Everest National Park Entry Fee and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Fee)
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Private ground transportation as per itinerary (including to/from trek trail head)
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Domestic Flights as per the itinerary
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Insurance for guide, porter and trekking staffs involved.
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Farewell dinner at a local Nepali restaurant
What’s Not Included
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International flights and Nepal visa fees -
Personal trekking gear and equipment
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Travel and medical insurance (including emergency evacuation)
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
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Tips for guide, porter, and drivers
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Personal expenses: beverages, snacks, laundry, phone/internet, etc.
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Additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather delays, landslides, political strikes)
