Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek

18 Days  |  Maximum Altitude: 5,545 m  |  Challenging

Introduction

The Gokyo Valley is the quieter, less-visited side of the Khumbu region, and many experienced trekkers consider it the most beautiful. The Gokyo Lakes are a series of six sacred glacial lakes at altitudes between 4,700 and 5,000 meters, their water an intense turquoise-blue against the grey moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal. The climb to Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters gives a panoramic view of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu all at the same time, four of the world's fourteen eight-thousanders in a single frame. Many experienced trekkers rate this view above the one from Kala Patthar. The Gokyo Valley has a different quality from the main Everest Base Camp trail. It is quieter, the landscape is wider, and the glacier and lake combination is something that the standard route does not offer.

Combined with the Everest Base Camp route via the Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters, this trek covers the full breadth of the Khumbu and is the most comprehensive trekking experience available in the Everest area of Nepal. The Cho La is a high mountain pass crossing that involves a short glacier section and requires care and good footwear, but it is well within the capability of any fit and acclimatized trekker. The Khumbu region is home to the Sherpa people, whose culture is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. Prayer flags line every trail. Ancient gompas at Tengboche, Pangboche, and Khumjung are active religious centres. The Sherpa guides who lead this trek have grown up in these valleys and know every stone of the trail. This is a serious and rewarding high-altitude adventure and Friendship Trekking takes every step of its preparation carefully.

Trip Details

Duration:  18 Days

Maximum Altitude:  5,545 m (Kala Patthar)

High Pass:  Cho La Pass at 5,420 m

Difficulty Level:  Challenging

Best Season:  March to May and September to November

Start Point:  Kathmandu

End Point:  Kathmandu

Trek Style:  Tea House Trek

Average Walking Hours:  5 to 8 hours per day

Trek Region:  Khumbu, Solukhumbu District

Major Highlights

• Gokyo Ri and the Sacred Gokyo Lakes: Standing on Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters above the turquoise Gokyo lakes with Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu all visible at the same time is one of the finest mountain panoramas available to any trekker in Nepal. The Gokyo Lakes themselves, sacred in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, are among the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas.

• Crossing the Cho La Pass: The Cho La at 5,420 meters is a high mountain pass with a short glacier crossing that adds a genuine adventure element to the route. Crossing from the Gokyo Valley into the Khumbu glacier moraine on the far side is one of the most dramatic trail transitions anywhere on a Nepal trekking route.

• Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar: The combination of standing at Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters and watching the sun rise over the south face of Everest from Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters on the same trip makes this trek the most complete high-altitude trekking experience in the Khumbu region.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrival in Kathmandu  (1,400 m)

You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and our team meets you at the gate. After the transfer to your hotel in Thamel, the evening is free. This is a long and demanding trek and the best start is a proper rest. Thamel has excellent restaurants and is a pleasant place to spend a first evening in Nepal.

Day 2:  Briefing and Trip Preparation in Kathmandu   (1,400 m)

Full trek briefing at the Friendship Trekking office. Your lead guide will take you through the complete 18-day route with particular attention to the Cho La Pass crossing and acclimatization plan. Permits are sorted and gear is checked. The afternoon is free for Kathmandu sightseeing.

Day 3:  Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding   (2,610 m)

The early morning flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is one of the most dramatic short flights in the world. From the airstrip the trail drops gently through pine forest and over several suspension bridges to Phakding. It is a three to four hour walk and a gentle introduction to the Khumbu.

Day 4:  Phakding to Namche Bazaar  (3,440 m)

The trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley north, enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, and makes the steep final climb to Namche Bazaar. The moment Everest appears above the ridgeline before Namche is one of the great views on the trek.

Day 5:  Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar   (3,440 m)

A morning hike to the Everest View Hotel ridge at around 3,880 meters gives outstanding panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and the full Khumbu range. The afternoon is free to explore Namche and its market, museum, and restaurants.

Day 6:  Namche Bazaar to Dole   (4,030 m)

You leave the main Everest Base Camp trail today and head northwest into the Gokyo Valley. The trail climbs to a high ridge with wide mountain views and then descends through Mong Danda to Dole. The Gokyo Valley is noticeably quieter than the main trail. The landscape opens up and the air feels different.

Day 7:  Dole to Machhermo  (4,470 m)

A steady climb through increasingly high-alpine terrain. The Ngozumpa Glacier becomes visible on the western side of the valley. Machhermo is a small, remote-feeling settlement with basic lodges and a very clear sky at night. Sleep well and drink plenty of water.

Day 8:  Machhermo to Gokyo   (4,750 m)

The trail passes the first two Gokyo lakes before reaching Gokyo village beside the third and largest lake, Dudh Pokhari. The water is an intense turquoise blue against the grey of the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine. Gokyo is a genuinely beautiful place. The Gokyo peaks rise sharply on the far side of the valley and the light in the late afternoon is extraordinary.

Day 9:  Acclimatization Day in Gokyo, Optional Gokyo Ri Hike   (4,750 m / 5,357 m)

The optional hike to Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters is one of the finest high-altitude viewpoints available to any trekker in Nepal. The climb takes two to three hours and the view from the top takes in Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Gyachung Kang, and the full length of the Ngozumpa Glacier below. Very few places on earth offer a comparable mountain panorama. The afternoon in Gokyo is yours to rest, explore the upper lakes, or simply sit with the view.

Day 10:  Gokyo to Thangnak   (4,700 m)

A short day to prepare for the Cho La crossing tomorrow. The trail continues up the valley past the fourth lake before crossing the moraine to Thangnak, a small settlement at the foot of the pass. Three to four hours of walking, a big dinner, and an early night.

Day 11:  Thangnak over Cho La Pass to Dzongla   (5,420 m / 4,830 m)

The Cho La crossing is the most technical day of the trek. You leave Thangnak early and follow the valley to the base of the pass. The final approach involves steep rocky terrain and a short glacier crossing which requires care and good footwear. Ice axes and crampons are sometimes necessary depending on conditions, which your guide will assess in the morning. At the top of the Cho La at 5,420 meters the views are wide and the sense of achievement is strong. The descent on the far side is steep but manageable once the sun is on the rock. Dzongla is a small cluster of lodges at the base of the far side, and the celebratory feeling of having crossed the pass fills the evening.

Day 12:  Dzongla to Lobuche   (4,910 m)

A shorter walking day crossing the Khumbu glacier moraine to Lobuche. You pass the memorial chortens at Thukla, dedicated to Sherpas and mountaineers who have lost their lives on Everest. The landscape is raw and stark. Lobuche is basic accommodation in an extraordinary location.

Day 13:  Lobuche to Everest Base Camp, Back to Gorak Shep   (5,364 m / 5,164 m)

The day you have been working toward. From Lobuche you walk to Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Base Camp, leave your bags, and push on across the Khumbu glacier moraine. Base Camp at 5,364 meters, with the Khumbu Icefall rising above you and the full Everest south face in front, carries a weight and silence that is unique. Take your time here before returning to Gorak Shep.

Day 14:  Kala Patthar Hike, Trek to Pheriche  (5,545 m / 4,371 m)

Before dawn you climb to Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters for the finest above-glacier view of Everest on the entire trek. Sunrise from Kala Patthar is one of the great mountain experiences in the Himalayas. The long descent to Pheriche follows, a satisfying end to the highest days of the trek.

Day 15:  Pheriche to Namche Bazaar   (3,440 m)

A long descent through the Khumbu valley, retracing familiar ground. The body recovers quickly as altitude drops and the familiar landmarks of Tengboche and Pangboche pass by with a new warmth. Namche on return is always a celebration.

Day 16:  Namche Bazaar to Lukla   (2,860 m)

The final full day of walking. The trail drops back through forest and over the prayer-flag bridges to Lukla. It is a sentimental walk. The guides and porters celebrate. The shared experience of 16 days in the Khumbu sits between everyone in the group and the last hours on the trail have a quality that is hard to find anywhere else.

Day 17:  Lukla to Kathmandu Flight   (1,400 m)

The short flight back to Kathmandu. Afternoon free for rest and reflection. Farewell dinner in the evening with the Friendship Trekking team.

Day 18:  International Departure   (1,400 m)

Transfer to the airport and safe travels. You have crossed the Cho La, stood at Everest Base Camp, climbed Kala Patthar, and seen the Gokyo Lakes. This is the most complete trekking experience in the Khumbu and one of the finest in the world. Thank you for walking it with Friendship Trekking.

 # Itinerary of  Everest Base Camp, Cho La passes + Gokyo Ri Trekking

Thank you for visiting Nepal…….!