Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes – 16 Days
16 Days
Challenging
5,545
Hotels in Kathmandu + Lodges/Teahouses on trek
Return flights: Kathmandu ↔ Lukla
2 – 12 people (Private groups available)
Spring (Mar – May) & Autumn (Sept – Nov)
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes – 16 Days Introduction
Where Ice Meets Sky and Lakes Speak to the Clouds
“There are stone paths, and silence paths, paths of reflection and snowmelt– this is one of those.”
This is not just a trek, but a path of solitude and grandeur. Crossing passes in the high alpine; drinking in the glassy silence of Gokyo’s sacred lakes, gazing into the intimidating wall of Everest, waking to a sunrise at Kalapatthar that will be remembered.
The 16-day Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes takes a poetic diversion from traditional routes—a route that is not just walked upon, but has been laid down in spirit and in silence. It enters a unique world, seeing the sparkling sapphire blue of Gokyo Lakes, crossing the vertiginous ice-folds of Cho La Pass, and entering the homestead of Everest.
This trek is perfect for trekkers searching for a much more meditative hike—tranquil trails, vacant lakes, and unbroken reflections of the mountains. So this trek is hugely suitable for trekkers looking to not only look at the Himalaya, but feel the Himalaya—trekking everyday masterpieces where Gokyo Ri gives you 360 degrees of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The Valleys of the sacred Chhu Khola echo the sound of long-lost monasteries. The 1st magical morning of sunrise on Kalapathar, as golden light pours over Everest, reveals you haven’t arrived, you have been shown.
This trip is ideal for those who wish to absorb variety, solitude, and altitude, and is an obsessive blend of all the views and sites of Everest Base Camp with the contemplative splendour of Gokyo.
Highlights
“Where glaciers breathe, and sacred lakes collect the light of the sky — this is the long way home to the heart of Everest.”
- Trek through the quieter Gokyo Valley, giving you a sense of isolation along with amazing views of the high Himalaya.
- Visit the unique glacial and azure Gokyo Lakes, a sacred system of lakes at 4700 m+.
- Climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for an unforgettable 360° view to see four 8000m peaks–Everest, Lhotse, Makalu & Cho Oyu.
- Walk over the high Cho La Pass (5,420m) through an exciting, glaciated route between Gokyo and EBC.
- Arrive at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and feel the heartbeat of the world’s highest mountain.
- Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) at sunrise for the best close-up version of the Mt. Everest summit.
- Experience real Sherpa culture in the true home of the Sherpa people in good villages like Phortse, Pangboche & Dingboche.
- Walking through the spiritual heart of the Khumbu contains many ancient monasteries, including Tengboche.
- Both flights in and out of Lukla are often beautiful mountain flights into and out of the Everest region.
- Amazing mix of adventure and acclimatization–great for walkers looking for both a challenge and beauty.
Gallery
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
- Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m) Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
- Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
- Day 4: Acclimatization day in Namche
- Day 5: Trek to Dole (4,040m)
- Day 6: Trek to Machhermo (4,470m)
- Day 7: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,790m)
- Day 8: Gokyo Ri (5,357m) & Exploration Day
- Day 9: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) to Dzongla (4,830m)
- Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4,940m)
- Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Return to Gorakshep (5,164m)
- Day 12: Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m), Trek to Pheriche (4,280m)
- Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Day 14: Trek to Lukla
- Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
- Day 16: Departure Day
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Welcome to Nepal — a land of ancient temples and timeless mountains. A representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, where you will get your first taste of Himalayan life among the cobbled alleys and colorful prayer flags.
Overnight: Kathmandu Hotel Meals: Welcome dinner.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m) Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
A spectacular 35-minute flight will take you from Kathmandu to Lukla. At Lukla, your trek will begin gently with a walk through pine forests and charming Sherpa villages along the Dudh Koshi River.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours Overnight: Teahouse in Phakding Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
You will cross several suspension bridges, ascend through forests, and then start reaching higher elevations to Namche – the bustling heart of the Khumbu. You will get your first glimpse of Everest on this day, offering a glimpse of what lies ahead!
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours Overnight: Teahouse in Namche Meals: B, L, D.
Day 4: Acclimatization day in Namche
During your acclimatization day, take a rest day from trekking, hydrate, and explore. You can trek to the Everest View Hotel for a 360-degree view of the mountains or the Sherpa museum, or local gompas. Your active rest day will help your body acclimate to the little bit of thinning air.
Optional Hike: Khumjung village or Everest View Hotel.
Day 5: Trek to Dole (4,040m)
Today we will branch off the main EBC trail and climb toward Dole through beautiful groves of birch and rhododendron. As we start to gain elevation, we will be treated to awe-inspiring views of Thamserku and Kangtega, almost like they are guardians of the trail.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Dole
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Trek to Machhermo (4,470m)
We continue the ascent into alpine terrain, where the subalpine forest transitions to yak pastures, and we get beautiful views of the glacial valley systems. Machhermo is a small, quaint village well known for its tragic yet legendary story of the yeti. The views in the distance of Cho Oyu are magnificent!
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Machhermo
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,790m)
Today will be one of the most magical days of the trek. We will ascend above the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, and we will ultimately arrive at the Gokyo Lakes, a sacred chain of turquoise water cupped beneath the snowy ridges!
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Gokyo
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Gokyo Ri (5,357m) & Exploration Day
Get up before dawn and climb Gokyo Ri in the dark by headlamp for a breathtaking morning view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Once down from Gokyo Ri, you can walk around the lakes or relax in the village.
Activity: 3–4 hour climb to Gokyo Ri
Overnight: Gokyo
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) to Dzongla (4,830m)
Today is exhilarating, memorable, and challenging. Start early to cross Cho La, a high mountain pass elevation of ice. Be cautious as you climb over the pass; this climb is physically demanding. After safely descending the ice and climbing the hill, you can breathe and relax in Dzongla, a collection of rock, snow, and sky.
Trekking Time: 7–8 hours
Overnight: Dzongla
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4,940m)
Today you will be back on the main trail to EBC. It is just a short walk to Lobuche along the moraines and meadows. Lobuche is the last place before Base Camp you need to stay.
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Overnight: Lobuche
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Return to Gorakshep (5,164m)
Finally, it’s the day you have been dreaming about. On your trek, you will encounter glacial rubble and khaki-colored ice fields before finally arriving at Everest Base Camp. Remember to take your pictures next to the prayer flags if the wind is blowing cold. After a short break, it is back to Gorakshep for your last overnight.
Trekking Time: 7–8 hours
Overnight: Gorakshep
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m), Trek to Pheriche (4,280m)
Start before dawn to climb Kala Patthar, the ultimate Everest viewpoint. Watch the first golden rays hit the peak. Descend through alpine meadows to Pheriche.
Trekking Time: 7–8 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Pheriche
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Retrace your steps through Pangboche and Tengboche, descending past monasteries and blooming forests. Namche feels like a return to civilization.
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Namche
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Trek to Lukla
Cross the final suspension bridges and climb gently to Lukla. A bittersweet farewell to the trail.
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Lukla
Meals: B, L, D
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
An early morning flight brings you back to Kathmandu. Rest, celebrate, or explore the capital’s markets, cafés, and historic temples.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16: Departure Day
With the mountains in your soul, depart from Nepal — or stay for another adventure. Airport transfer included.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes
Before the mountains
- Private airport transfers in Kathmandu (arrival & departure)
- 2 nights’ quality 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin share with breakfast included)
- Welcome dinner and cultural program in an authentic Nepali restaurant
Flights & Local Transfers
- Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla flights (including airport taxes)
- Local/private ground transportation as per the itinerary
During the trek
- 13 nights’ comfortable teahouse/lodges along the trail (twin share)
- All meals on the trek, breakfast, lunch & dinner (made fresh, nutritious)
- Seasonal fruits and hot drinks (tea, coffee) are included with all meals
Guidance & Support
- Female lead trekking guide, English speaking, first-aid certified, licensed guide
- Experienced porters(1 porter between two trekkers, 20kg per porter)
- Staff insurance, food, accommodations, wages, and equipment
Permits & Entry Fees
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
Health & Safety
- Oximeter for daily checks on altitude
- First-aid kit with basic high-altitude medications
- Coordinating emergency evacuation (no helicopter included)
- 24-hour a day, 7 days a week, back-office support in Kathmandu while on trek.
- Trekker Perks
- Himalayan Trek Ventures duffel bag and t-shirt (yours to keep)
- Route map to follow and trekking information pack
- A special farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Excludes
“There are a few things that you will be responsible for carrying yourself — your sense of adventure, your courage, and the incidental extras.”
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee (USD $30 for 15 days, available on arrival)
- Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation)
- Hotel extra night in Kathmandu due to early return, flight delays, or personal reasons
- Your trekking personal gear (i.e., sleeping bag, down jacket, etc. – available to rent on request)
- Bottled drinks, alcohol, or snacking while on trek
- Extra services from teahouses (e.g., hot shower, charging batteries, wifi, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters (it is expected, but voluntary)
- Any costs incurred for flight cancellations, natural calamities, political disturbances, or other unforeseen circumstances
- At the bottom of the doc is the essential gear list as a reference when you’re doing your gear selection.
Trip Map
Gear Selection:
Clothing & Layers
- 1x Insulated down jacket (adequate to -10 degrees Celsius or less)
- 1x Waterproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
- 2x Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- 2–3x Trekking shirts (quick drying)
- 2x Trekking pants
- 1x Fleece jacket or soft-shell mid-layer
- 1x Water-resistant trekking pants
- 1x Warm hat/beanie
- 1x Sunhat/cap
- Gloves (1x inner liner glove + 1x insulated outer glove pair)
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots (well broken-in)
- Lightweight camp shoes or sandals
- Wool and/or synthetic socks (4–5 pairs)
- Equipment
- Sleeping bag (-10 degrees Celsius to -15 degrees Celsius comfort rating)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Water bottles + purification tablets or UV filter
- Daypack (25-35L + waterproof cover)
- Duffle bag (to be carried by porters)
- Personal Items
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm)
- Toiletries & quick-drying towel
- Small first-aid kit (personal medications, altitude pills, etc. )
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
- Camera/GoPro + extra batteries
- Travel insurance (must include evacuation coverage)
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviews
- Culture25106022319
Surya (our guide) alongside Depesh and Chudamani, delivered an excellent Annapurna Circuit trek and we were able to successfully cross Thorung La Pass with no worries which was a very... read more
October 21, 2022 Once in a life time experience - Outstanding service - I believe Nepal Hiking Team is one of the best-value choice for your trek in Nepal. I did EBC trek in Dec 2022 and Nepal Hiking Team provided amazing service... read more
NguyenVietKhoi54
January 3, 2023 Absolutely wonderful experience trekking to Gokyo Lakes! - Absolutely wonderful experience trekking to Gokyo Lakes!
Correspondence and trip planning was made easy with all questions answered with a very fast response time. We were greeted by both owners... read more
H4723MZhelenr
January 1, 2023
