GOKYO AND EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK 14 DAYS
GOKYO AND EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK 14 DAYS
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek is a thrilling 14-day adventure that offers an extraordinary journey through the heart of the Everest region, combining stunning high-altitude landscapes, Sherpa culture, and panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks. This trek is perfect for trekkers seeking to explore Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp, offering a unique perspective of the Everest region while crossing challenging passes and trekking up to Kala Patthar for breathtaking mountain views.
Your journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek through the lush forests and Sherpa villages to Phakding. The next days are spent trekking toward Namche Bazaar, where you will spend an acclimatization day. As you continue the trek, you will reach Dole and Gokyo, passing through serene lakes, glaciers, and captivating mountain scenery. One of the trek’s highlights is the ascent to Gokyo Ri, offering panoramic views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding peaks.
The trek continues with the challenging Chola Pass, before heading to Everest Base Camp, where you will stand at the foot of Mount Everest itself. You’ll also trek up to Kala Patthar for an unforgettable view of Everest at sunrise. The return journey retraces your steps, passing through Namche Bazaar, and eventually back to Lukla for your flight back to Kathmandu.
This trek offers a mix of adventure, high-altitude trekking, and cultural immersion, making it one of the most memorable experiences in the Himalayas.
Highlights
- 🏔️ Everest Base Camp: Stand at the foot of Mount Everest and witness its majesty.
- 🌅 Kala Patthar Sunrise: Hike to Kala Patthar for the best views of Everest.
- 💧 Gokyo Lakes: Explore the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, surrounded by towering peaks.
- 🏞️ Gokyo Ri: Enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.
- 🏔️ Chola Pass: Cross the challenging Chola Pass, offering incredible mountain vistas.
- 🏡 Sherpa Culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Sherpa villages and culture.
- 🌲 Scenic Trails: Trek through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrains.
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 scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where you'll be greeted with panoramic views of the Himalayas. After landing, you’ll begin your trek towards Phakding, a quaint village along the Dudh Koshi River. The trek is relatively easy and allows you to adjust to the trekking pace.
Day 2 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today’s trek will take you to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu region. You’ll pass through lush forests, cross several suspension bridges, and gradually ascend to Namche. The views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam will begin to unfold, giving you a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Day 3 : Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar.
To help with acclimatization, today is a rest day in Namche Bazaar. You can either relax or take a short hike to Syangboche or the Everest View Hotel, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Everest and other nearby peaks. This rest day is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
Day 4 : Trek to Dole (4,200 m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Leaving Namche, you’ll trek towards Dole, passing through forests of rhododendron and magnolia. The trail ascends steadily, providing wonderful views of Kantega and Thamserku. Upon reaching Dole, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the alpine surroundings.
Day 5 : Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m) Duration: 3-4 hours.
Today's trek is relatively short as you make your way to Machhermo. The route takes you through alpine meadows and pastures with views of towering peaks like Cho Oyu. Machhermo is a peaceful settlement where you’ll spend the night before continuing to Gokyo.
Day 6 : Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today’s trek will take you to Gokyo, a serene village nestled near the stunning Gokyo Lakes. The trail offers spectacular views of Ngozumpa Glacier and surrounding peaks. Once in Gokyo, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of Mount Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Day 7 : Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) and Back to Gokyo via Thangnak (4,500 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
An early morning hike to Gokyo Ri provides one of the most incredible views in the Everest region, with panoramic vistas of Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. Afterward, descend back to Gokyo for a break before trekking to Thangnak for a short visit, followed by your return to Gokyo.
Day 8 : Cross Chola Pass (5,368 m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830 m) Duration: 6-9 hours.
Today is one of the toughest days as you’ll cross Chola Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the region at 5,368 meters. The pass offers magnificent views of glaciers and the surrounding peaks. After crossing the pass, descend towards Dzongla, where you will rest after a challenging day.
Day 9 : Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today, you’ll continue your trek towards Lobuche. The route passes through rocky terrain, providing spectacular views of Pumori and Nuptse. Lobuche is a small settlement where you’ll spend the night and rest for the final push toward Everest Base Camp.
Day 10 : Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m) and Back to Gorak Shep (5,180 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today is the day you reach the iconic Everest Base Camp. The trek takes you through the Khumbu Icefall, a dramatic landscape of ice and rocks. Once at base camp, you’ll have time to take in the majesty of Everest. Afterward, head back to Gorak Shep for the night.
Day 11 : Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m) and Trek Down to Pheriche (4,300 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Start early for a hike up to Kala Patthar, one of the best spots for close-up views of Mount Everest. After taking in the breathtaking sunrise, descend back to Gorak Shep and continue your trek down to Pheriche, where you can rest at a lower altitude.
Day 12 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today, you’ll descend through familiar routes back to Namche Bazaar. The trek is much easier, and you’ll pass through lush forests, picturesque villages, and experience a sense of relief at lower altitudes. Enjoy the bustling town of Namche before the final trek down.
Day 13 : Trek to Lukla (2,804 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Your final trek takes you back to Lukla, retracing your steps through villages and forests. Once in Lukla, you can relax and reflect on the epic adventure you’ve just completed, surrounded by the beauty of the Everest region.
Day 14 : Morning Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu Duration: 30-minute flight.
In the morning, take a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the mountains, marking the end of your incredible trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes.
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 14-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!
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FAQS
What is the best time to do the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek?
The best times to trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable, and the skies are clear for excellent mountain views.
How difficult is the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek?
This trek is moderate to challenging. It requires good fitness and stamina due to the long days, steep ascents, and the high-altitude environment.
What is the maximum altitude of the trek?
The highest point on the trek is Kala Patthar, at an altitude of 5,555 meters (18,192 feet), offering incredible views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks.
Do I need to have previous trekking experience?
While previous trekking experience is beneficial, it is not essential. However, you should be in good physical condition to handle long trekking days at high altitudes.
How do I prevent altitude sickness?
Acclimatization days (like in Namche Bazaar) are crucial to prevent altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water, ascend slowly, and listen to your guide’s advice.
Is there mobile phone or internet access during the trek?
Mobile reception and internet are available in some places, like Namche Bazaar and Gorak Shep, but they can be unreliable at higher altitudes.
What type of accommodation can I expect?
The accommodation during the trek is in teahouses or lodges, which provide basic comfort, including a bed, meals, and a place to relax.
What type of food is available on the trek?
The food is a mix of local Nepali dishes, including dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos (dumplings), and noodles. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
How can I prepare for this trek?
Prepare by training for endurance, focusing on strength and cardio. It’s also a good idea to do some high-altitude training and pack properly with appropriate gear.
Is there a risk of bad weather during the trek?
Weather conditions can be unpredictable, especially in the higher regions. However, trekking is safest during the main seasons, and guides are skilled at adapting to changing conditions.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 7 Reviews
Mary Miller
Denmark
A Journey of a Lifetime with a Fantastic Guide
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek was everything I dreamed of and more. Nima Tshering Sherpa was an amazing guide—supportive, kind, and full of knowledge. He made sure we were well-prepared for the challenges of the trek, and the rewards—both Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp—were beyond words. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking provided exceptional service, and I can’t thank them enough for making this dream trip a reality!
Jack Campbell
Canada
An Amazing Trek with Professional Guides
I had the most amazing time trekking to Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp. Pasang Sonam Sherpa was an excellent guide—he was knowledgeable, patient, and always made sure I was prepared for each day. The trek itself was challenging but incredibly rewarding, with views that took my breath away. The Sherpa Expedition team handled everything with professionalism, and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
Zoe Clark
Norway
A Trek That Will Stay With Me Forever
I’ll never forget my Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek, made all the more special by my guide, Dawa Sherpa. His expertise in the mountains was clear, and he made sure we were always safe and comfortable. The scenery was beyond breathtaking, and Everest Base Camp itself was a dream come true. The Sherpa Expedition team did a fantastic job organizing everything, and I felt like I was in the best hands possible.
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