GOKYO AND EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK 13 DAYS
GOKYO AND EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK 13 DAYS
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek is a 13-day adventure that takes trekkers through the heart of the Everest region, combining stunning Himalayan landscapes, serene lakes, and a chance to reach two of the world’s most iconic trekking destinations. This trek is ideal for those seeking to experience the grandeur of Mount Everest, explore the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, and conquer high-altitude passes.
Your journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek to Phakding. From there, you'll trek to Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town, where you'll take an acclimatization day to prepare for the higher altitudes. The trek continues as you head towards Dole, and then to Gokyo, a beautiful village near the Gokyo Lakes, where you can witness breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
One of the trek's highlights is Gokyo Ri, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Everest massif, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. You will also cross the challenging Chola Pass, hike to Everest Base Camp, and ascend to Kala Patthar for stunning views of the world's tallest mountain. The trek then retraces its steps, passing through Namche Bazaar and finally returning to Lukla before flying back to Kathmandu.
This trek offers an unforgettable combination of adventure, culture, and spectacular views, providing an extraordinary Himalayan experience.
Highlights
- 🏔️ Everest Base Camp: Visit the iconic Everest Base Camp, surrounded by stunning peaks.
- 🌅 Kala Patthar Sunrise: Hike to Kala Patthar for a majestic view of Mount Everest at sunrise.
- 💧 Gokyo Lakes: Explore the serene and turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes.
- 🏞️ Gokyo Ri: Reach the summit of Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Everest and other Himalayan giants.
- 🏞️ Chola Pass: Cross the challenging Chola Pass with breathtaking mountain views.
- 🏡 Sherpa Villages: Experience the unique culture and hospitality of the Sherpa people in villages like Namche Bazaar and Phakding.
- 🌲 Scenic Trails: Trek through lush forests, alpine meadows, and alpine landscapes, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Your adventure begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Lukla, you will start your trek, descending toward Phakding, a picturesque village nestled along the Dudh Koshi River. The trek is relatively easy, providing the perfect start to your journey.
Day 2 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today’s trek is a bit more challenging as you make your way toward Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital. The trail passes through dense forests and over several suspension bridges. As you approach Namche, the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam gradually become more spectacular. Overnight at Namche Bazaar, where you’ll experience the vibrant Sherpa culture.
Day 3 : Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar.
To aid acclimatization, you will spend the day in Namche Bazaar. This rest day is crucial for adjusting to the higher altitude. You can hike to Syangboche for panoramic views of Everest and other peaks, or visit the Everest View Hotel for more stunning vistas. The day allows you to rest and prepare for the upcoming trek.
Day 4 : Trek to Dole (4,200 m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Leaving Namche Bazaar, you will trek to Dole. The route takes you through rhododendron forests and provides stunning views of Kantega and Thamserku. The climb is steady, offering a mix of uphill and downhill sections, and you’ll reach Dole by late afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 5 : Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today, you’ll trek to Gokyo, a serene village located near the Gokyo Lakes. The trail offers stunning views of the Ngozumpa Glacier and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival in Gokyo, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of Mount Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, as well as the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes.
Day 6 : Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) and Back to Gokyo via Trek to Thangnak (4,500 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Start early for your hike to Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint offering one of the best panoramic views of the Everest region. From the summit, you can see Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. After soaking in the incredible views, you will trek down to Thangnak for a short break before returning to Gokyo.
Day 7 : Cross Chola Pass (5,368 m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830 m) Duration: 6-9 hours.
Today is one of the most challenging days of the trek as you will cross Chola Pass, located at 5,368 meters. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. After crossing the pass, you will descend to Dzongla, where you can rest and enjoy the beauty of the alpine landscape.
Day 8 : Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
After a challenging day, today’s trek to Lobuche is a bit easier. The route offers stunning views of Pumori and Nuptse as you head towards Lobuche, a small settlement where you will spend the night. From here, you can start feeling the closer proximity to Everest as you prepare for your ascent.
Day 9 : Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m) and Back to Gorak Shep (5,180 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today, the trek takes you to the iconic Everest Base Camp. After walking through the Khumbu Icefall and rocky terrain, you’ll finally arrive at the base camp, where you can enjoy the stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. Afterward, return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.
Day 10 : Hike Up to Kala Patthar (5,555 m) and Trek Down to Pheriche (4,300 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
An early morning hike takes you to the summit of Kala Patthar, one of the best spots to view Mount Everest up close. The sunrise from Kala Patthar is an unforgettable sight. Afterward, descend to Pheriche, a quieter village located at a lower altitude, which helps in the acclimatization process.
Day 11 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today, you’ll retrace your steps to Namche Bazaar. The descent is easier but still offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through several Sherpa villages and lush forests. Once back in Namche, you can enjoy the amenities of the bustling town after days in more remote areas.
Day 12 : Trek to Lukla (2,804 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Your final trekking day takes you to Lukla, where the trek began. The descent is relatively easy as you pass through beautiful forests and Sherpa villages. Once you arrive in Lukla, take time to relax and reflect on your amazing journey through the Himalayas.
Day 13 : Morning Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu Duration: 30 minutes flight.
After breakfast, take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. The 30-minute flight offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range, and you’ll arrive in Kathmandu, where your unforgettable trekking adventure comes to an end.
SERVICES
What's Included in Your Trekking Package:
- Airport Transfers: Domestic airport pick-up and drop-off by private car/jeep.
- Meals: Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trek.
- Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit provided every evening after dinner.
- Accommodation: Stay in trekking lodges (Tea Houses) during the trek.
- Permits: All necessary paperwork including Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
- Flights: Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (Ramechhap-Lukla-Ramechhap) flights with private airport transfer and domestic airport taxes.
- Guides and Staff:
- A highly experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed guide, covering their salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters (one porter per two trekkers), with their salary, food, accommodation, and insurance, along with proper safety and walking equipment.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more.
- Medical Support: Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit) and arrangements for emergency helicopter services (paid by your travel insurance).
- Equipment: Use of a sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (to be returned at the end of the trek).
- T-Shirt: A Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt.
- Government Taxes & Official Fees: All applicable government taxes and official expenses.
- Trip Achievement Certificate: Certificate awarded upon successful completion of the trek.
- Health Monitoring: Oxygen meter to monitor your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice daily, ensuring your health and well-being during the trek.
What's Not Included in Your Trekking Package:
- Meals in Kathmandu: Lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu.
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu: Costs for hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek.
- Nepal Entry Visa: The visa fee for Nepal, which is easy to obtain on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu:
- $30 USD for a 15-day visa
- $50 USD for a 30-day visa
- $125 USD for a 90-day visa
- Personal Travel and Medical Insurance: Travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip (highly recommended for coverage).
- International Airfare: Your international flights to and from Nepal.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal purchases such as souvenirs, snacks, or items not specified in the package.
- Beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, and any extra food or drinks you choose to purchase along the trek and in the tea houses.
- Desserts and Sweets: Items like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding, and other sweet treats.
- Hot Showers and Battery Charging: Charges for hot showers and battery charging at the tea houses along the trek.
- Tips: Tipping for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected in Nepal).
- Excess Baggage: Any baggage weight exceeding the 10 kg limit for the Lukla flight.
Note: If you return early from the trek due to sickness or other issues, the fees for flights, hotels, mountain rooms, food, etc., are nonrefundable. You will need to bear any additional expenses for hotel stays, food, etc., in Kathmandu on your own.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
🏔️ Overview of the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal, offering a combination of stunning mountain scenery, cultural experiences, and physical challenge. The trek leads you through the Khumbu region, taking you to two incredible destinations: Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp.
🥾 Difficulty Level and Physical Requirements
This trek is considered moderate to challenging. The trek involves steep ascents, high-altitude terrain, and long trekking days, so you should be in good physical condition. A good level of fitness and prior trekking experience will help you prepare for the challenges posed by the high altitude and demanding terrain.
🏨 Accommodation During the Trek
The trek offers a variety of teahouses and lodges along the route, with basic but comfortable facilities. Expect a mix of twin-share rooms, communal bathrooms, and hearty meals. Higher up the trail, the accommodations are more rustic.
🍲 Food and Water Supply
Food along the trek ranges from local Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice) to international options such as pasta and pizza. Make sure to drink boiled or treated water to avoid altitude sickness.
🌄 Highlights of the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek
- Gokyo Lakes: A stunning collection of turquoise lakes nestled in the mountains.
- Mount Everest Views: Get up close to the world’s tallest mountain from both Gokyo Ri and Everest Base Camp.
- Tengboche Monastery: Visit one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region.
- Namche Bazaar: The bustling gateway to the Everest region and a great place for acclimatization.
- Kala Patthar: The best viewpoint for Everest at sunrise.
🏞️ Altitude Considerations and Acclimatization
With high-altitude trekking comes the risk of altitude sickness. It’s important to acclimatize properly. Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters) and Dingboche (4,410 meters) offer good spots to adjust to the altitude before proceeding further. It is recommended to follow the "climb high, sleep low" rule to avoid altitude sickness.
🏞️ Best Time to Go
The best months for the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer clear skies, stable weather, and pleasant temperatures, making the trek both enjoyable and safe.
✈️ How to Get There
- Arrival in Kathmandu: The capital city of Nepal is your starting point.
- Flight to Lukla: A 30-35 minute flight from Kathmandu takes you to Lukla, the gateway to the trek.
- Trekking: From Lukla, you'll begin the journey on foot through beautiful Sherpa villages and scenic mountain landscapes.
🧑🤝🧑 Guides and Porters
Hiring a guide or porter is highly recommended for a smooth and safe trek. Guides provide insights into local culture, assist with navigation, and ensure safety. Porters carry your heavy gear, so you can focus on the trek.
💰 Cost of the Trek
The total cost for the 13-day trek can vary depending on factors such as travel dates, services used, and your level of comfort. On average, the trek can cost between $1,500 - $2,500 USD per person, including permits, flights, guide/porter fees, food, and accommodation.
⚠️ Safety Tips
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and smoking at higher altitudes.
- Slow and steady is key—don’t rush the trek.
- Always carry a headlamp and extra batteries.
- Listen to your body and rest if needed.
🏅 Conclusion
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines the thrill of Everest’s base camp with the serene beauty of Gokyo Lakes. If you’re prepared physically, mentally, and with the right gear, you’ll have an unforgettable trekking experience!
MAP
PHOTOS/Videos
Departures
Select a departure month
Fill out the form below and a Travel Expert will reach out to create your perfect tour.
FAQS
What is the best time to do the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek?
The best times are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is clear and stable, providing ideal trekking conditions.
How difficult is the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek?
The trek is moderately difficult to challenging due to high altitudes, long trekking days, and steep ascents. Physical fitness and previous trekking experience are recommended.
What is the maximum altitude on the trek?
The highest point is Kala Patthar, at 5,555 meters (18,192 feet), offering stunning views of Mount Everest and other surrounding peaks.
Do I need a guide and porter for the trek?
Yes, a guide is recommended for navigation, safety, and cultural insights, and a porter can help carry your luggage, making the trek more comfortable.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
Yes, altitude sickness is a risk at higher elevations. Acclimatization days, such as in Namche Bazaar, are crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
How long does the trek take?
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek takes 13 days, including acclimatization days and time for rest, exploration, and travel to and from Kathmandu.
What kind of food can I expect during the trek?
The food includes a mix of local Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat (lentils and rice), momos (dumplings), pasta, noodles, and fried rice, offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
How can I prepare for the trek?
Training for endurance and strength, particularly for uphill trekking, as well as acclimatizing before the trek, is essential. Be sure to pack the right gear and consult with a trekking agency for advice.
What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?
Accommodation is in teahouses or lodges along the route. The facilities are basic, but they provide a warm bed, meals, and a chance to rest each night.
Is there internet or mobile reception during the trek?
Limited internet and mobile reception are available in major villages like Namche Bazaar and Gorak Shep, but it's best to disconnect and enjoy the trek without distractions.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 6 Reviews
Benjamin Roberts
Australia
Breathtaking Views and Expert Support
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek was simply amazing. Kaji Sherpa’s guidance was perfect—he knew the trail like the back of his hand and made sure we were always on track. The views of the Himalayas, including Everest and Gokyo Lakes, were awe-inspiring. The trek was challenging, but with Kaji’s support, we pushed through and made it to the top. A huge thank you to the Sherpa Expedition team for making it all so memorable!
Henry Davis
Switzerland
Stunning Scenery and Excellent Guidance
The trek to Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Nawang Sherpa was a fantastic guide, always ensuring I was safe, well-fed, and hydrated. His extensive knowledge of the region and its culture made the journey even more enriching. The scenery along the way was unparalleled, and reaching Everest Base Camp was an emotional highlight.
Ava Thompson
Romania
An Incredible Trek with a Knowledgeable Guide
I can’t recommend the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek enough. Lobsang Sherpa was an amazing guide—he knew the mountains inside and out and provided excellent support and guidance throughout the trek. Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp were both breathtaking, and I’ll never forget the sense of accomplishment when I reached my destination. The Sherpa Expedition team made everything run smoothly, and I felt well taken care of the entire time.
Write Your Review
Average Customer Ratings
How The Travellers Have Rated This Package
6
0
0
0
0
People Considering This Package Right Now Check availability
