Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
A high-altitude Himalayan trek combining the turquoise Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp via the Cho La Pass, plus sunrise views from Kala Patthar in Nepal's Khumbu region.
Price
1,875 USD per person
Total time
17 days total
Highlights
Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, EBC, Kala Patthar
Meetup
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Nepal
Requirements
Passport + visa, permits, fitness, and travel insurance
Season
March to May, and September to November
Things to know before you book
- Route highlight: Gokyo Lakes plus Everest Base Camp via the Cho La Pass (5,420m).
- Trek duration is typically 17 days from Kathmandu, including acclimatization days.
- Highest point is Kala Patthar (5,545m) for sunrise views of Mount Everest.
- Cho La Pass can be icy and challenging; good fitness is important and crampons may be needed.
- Acclimatization is essential at places like Namche Bazaar and Gokyo to reduce altitude sickness risk.
- Teahouse accommodation is available throughout the route, with more basic conditions at higher elevations.
- Permits required: Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
- Expect cold nights and strong winds at altitude; bring layers, warm gear, and sun protection.
Location
Meetup point
- Meet at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal unless you receive alternate instructions after booking.
- Your guide will confirm the next steps, including the Lukla flight timing and pre-trek briefing.
Additional Information
The Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most scenic and rewarding trekking routes in the Everest region of Nepal, offering a blend of natural beauty, high-altitude adventure, and Himalayan culture. This route goes beyond the classic Everest Base Camp trek, leading you to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, and panoramic viewpoints across the Khumbu region.
The journey begins with a flight to Lukla, followed by a gradual ascent through Sherpa villages including Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, and Machhermo. Along the way you experience Sherpa hospitality, monasteries, prayer flags, and sweeping mountain views, before reaching the Gokyo Valley and its sacred glacial lakes.
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A major highlight is the climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier. From Gokyo, the trail crosses the Cho La Pass (5,420m) before joining the classic Everest Base Camp route. You then continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and finish with an early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for sunrise views of Mount Everest.
This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a more adventurous and less crowded alternative to the standard EBC trek. With alpine lakes, high passes, glaciers, and legendary viewpoints, it delivers a memorable Himalayan experience and a deeper exploration of Nepal's Everest region.
Short itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 02: Kathmandu city tour and preparation
- Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m), trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Day 04: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche (hike to Everest View Hotel)
- Day 06: Trek Namche to Dole (4,110m)
- Day 07: Trek Dole to Machhermo (4,470m)
- Day 08: Trek Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m)
- Day 09: Hike Gokyo Ri (5,357m), explore Gokyo Lakes
- Day 10: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m), trek to Dzongla (4,830m)
- Day 11: Trek Dzongla to Lobuche (4,940m)
- Day 12: Trek Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), then to Gorak Shep (5,164m)
- Day 13: Hike Kala Patthar (5,545m), trek to Pheriche (4,280m)
- Day 14: Trek Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
- Day 15: Trek Namche to Lukla
- Day 16: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
- Day 17: Departure
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and a Nepal tourist visa.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
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- Good physical fitness for 5 to 7 hours of walking per day at high altitude.
- Proper acclimatization days to help prevent altitude sickness.
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking (up to 5,500m) and emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Suitable trekking gear: warm layers, down jacket, trekking boots, sleeping bag, and rain protection.
- Awareness of altitude sickness symptoms and preventive measures.
- Mental readiness for basic teahouse accommodation and changing weather conditions.
- Experienced guide is recommended for safety, navigation, and altitude management.
- Operated by Your trekking team includes experienced guides and support staff, with local knowledge of the Khumbu region and altitude safety (guide and porter services are typically available).
- Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation for a full refund if you cancel 60 days or more before the trek start date. If you cancel 30 to 59 days before the start date, you receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 29 days of the start date are nonrefundable. If the operator cancels the trek due to safety, operational, or regulatory reasons, you can choose a full refund or reschedule (subject to availability). Some third-party costs like permits or flights may be nonrefundable if already issued.
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- Permits required Trekkers need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Both are mandatory and checked at various points along the trail.
- Accommodation and meals Accommodation is mainly teahouses and lodges with simple twin-share rooms. Meals include dal bhat, noodles, soups, potatoes, pasta, eggs, and seasonal vegetables, with choices becoming more limited at higher elevations.
- Drinking water and facilities Use a reusable bottle with purification tablets or a filter to reduce plastic waste. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging are usually available for an extra cost, especially at higher villages.
- Communication and internet Mobile coverage is available in many areas via Ncell and NTC but can be weak in remote sections. Wi-Fi is commonly offered via Everest Link in lodges for an additional fee.
- Altitude and acclimatization The trek reaches very high altitude, including Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m). Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and follow guide advice to reduce AMS risk.
- Best time to trek Best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for clearer skies and stable weather. Winter is colder with snow on trails and monsoon brings rain and cloud cover.
- Safety and emergency services Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is essential. Helicopter rescue is available weather permitting from areas such as Gokyo, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.
- Responsible trekking Follow Leave No Trace principles, respect local culture, minimize plastic use, and support local communities by staying in local lodges and purchasing local products.
