Everest Base Camp Trek
US$ 1499 per person
Gokyo Lake Trek is a stunning Himalayan adventure that leads trekkers through the pristine beauty of the Everest region, with its breathtaking glacial lakes, iconic viewpoints, and warm Sherpa villages. Located in Sagarmatha National Park, this trek offers an alternative path to the classic Everest Base Camp route, allowing for a more tranquil journey with equally spectacular views. Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with views of the sacred turquoise lakes of Gokyo, which reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, and a challenging ascent to Gokyo Ri, one of the best vantage points to witness panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Rich in both natural beauty and cultural experiences, the Gokyo Lake Trek immerses travelers in local Sherpa traditions and hospitality, making it a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and serenity. This moderate-to-challenging trek is ideal for those seeking less crowded trails and wanting a more serene yet equally inspiring experience in the Everest region.
Our representative will be waiting patiently to guests at the Tribhuban International Airport. When guests will exit from all visa and custom clearance, our staff member will greet them and take them to the required hotel, most likely in Thamel.
After checking-in hotel, we collect together all Gokyo Lake going travelers and take them to Go Trekking Nepal office. The meeting with trekker will be an induction between guide and trekker and trekkers and trekkers. There will be an official paper work and question answer with guide and officials.
If there is time left over, trekker may explore the vibrant touristy Thamel independently or with trek leader.
In evening at 7 pm, Go Trekking Nepal organizes a welcome dinner party with a typical Nepalese cuisine at a restaurant.
After having breakfast at hotel, our Tour Guide will escort guests to explore Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Boudhanath Stupa: As per tour schedule, tour starts from Bouddhanath Stupa. We explore one of the largest stupas in the world, a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Spinning prayer wheels, observing monks in prayer, and soaking in the serene atmosphere are a major attraction of this site.
Pashupatinath Temple: We will visit the revered Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River, where we will witness traditional rituals and ceremonies. From the view point across the Bagmati River, we enjoy the view of the temple and see holy men.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Our tour guide will takes travelers to discover the historic site, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The site located in the heart of Kathmandu, home to ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples. Learn about the rich history and culture of the Malla dynasty.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): This UNESCO listed site will be our last, not the least, visiting site for today. We enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu city from this ancient hilltop sputa, one of Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist sites.
The assigned tour leader will drop you at hotel.
After refreshing in hotel, guests will have free time for shopping if they need to buys something for Gokyo Lake Trekking.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Our trek leader escorts guest to Tribhuban International Airport in order to catch flight in early morning at 6:00 AM.
After boarding a scenic flight to Lukla, a journey that offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan ranges and lush valleys below.
The flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, often considered one of the most thrilling air routes in the world, takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Once touch down the runway at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, the trek starts from here.
We meet porters and finalize any last minute preparations at Lukla.
The Gokyo Lake Trek begins here. The trail descends through the bustling village, which are filled with shops, trekking gear stores, and teahouses.
The path goes through beautiful pine, juniper and rhododendron forests. It is easy to navigate trail as it well-marked.
Alongside trail, we cross suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags, each offering spectacular views of the Dudh Koshi River.
By late afternoon, we arrive in the charming village, Phakding, located along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River.
Trekker will enjoy a hearty lunch, first lunch in Himalaya, typically featuring Nepalese or Western cuisine.
Check into a teahouse or lodge and we take some time to relax and refresh.
Exploring Phakding and its surroundings in the afternoon with our trek leader will be a fantastic experience. Visiting local monasteries and interacting with the friendly villagers will provide us with additional insights and information
Overnight stay in Phakding, where the sounds of the river will lull you to sleep, preparing you for the adventures that lie ahead.
Having finish, delicious breakfast in teahouse, our journey begins at 8:00 am. We set off from Phakding, heading towards the renowned Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crosses suspension bridges with prayer flags festooned on both side cables.
We pass through beautiful villages like Monjo and Jorsalle, where we stop for a short rest and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
The path to Everest and Gokyo are not only for trekkers. It is also for Mules who carry heavy load of merchandizes and supplies. We often cross with these caravans. Trekkers are advised to be careful when crossing with caravan in the narrow path. We better to give them first priority.
After a few hours of trekking, we reach the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, a thrilling experience as we cross high above the river gorge. From here, the trail climbs steeply, and it’s important to pace yourself to acclimatize properly.
Hours of ascending uphill, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park, where permits will be checked at the entrance. As we ascend uphill trail it goes steeper and challenging, but the exhilarating views of surrounding mountains provide ample motivation.
Upon arrival of Namche Bazaar, a vibrant hub of Khumbu eegion, we check into a lodge. After taking rest and refreshment, we explore town and beautiful scenery around.
Namche Bazaar used to be a hub for traders between Tibetan and Nepalese merchants. They used to exchange their good, product in barter system.
Now, the town offer bakeries, cafes, trekking and mountaineering gears, etc. Namche Bazaar offers a unique blend of traditional Sherpa culture and modern influences, making it a fascinating place to spend the night.
Having town explore, we return to lodge and have dinner and prepare tomorrow’s acclimatization tour.
Overnight Stay in Phakding
Today is an acclimatization day for Gokyo Lake Trek goers in Namche Bazaar. It is necessary to help our bodies adjust to the high altitude. Proper acclimatization is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. So, we take this day to balance rest and active exploration.
After breakfast, we begin a scenic hike to the Everest View Hotel, situated at an altitude of 3,880 meters. Gradually, we ascent uphill that help us acclimatized by taking us to higher elevation before returning to rest at lower altitude.
Along the trail to the Everest view hotel, we enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. The panoramic vistas from the hotel premise are breathtaking, making this hike both rewarding and beneficial for acclimatization.
On our way back from the Everest View Hotel, we make a detour to Khumjung Village, because we do not want to miss to visit one of the largest Sherpa settlements. We visit the Khumjung Monastery where we see a claimed Yeti scalp kept. The Khumjung village also has the Edmund Hillary School which was established by the legendary mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, who first summited Everest.
We explore the Everest Photo Gallery and the Sherpa Culture Museum in the afternoon after making our way back to Namche Bazaar. The museum offers an in-depth look at the Sherpa people’s rich cultural legacy, customs, and way of life in the challenging Himalayan climate. Stunning images of the area’s scenery, climbing ascents, and iconic mountaineering events may be seen in the Everest Photo Gallery.
We get together at our lodge in the evening for a group supper. This is a wonderful chance for us to talk about our day-tour.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar
The day begins in morning with a hearty breakfast in Namche Bazaar. We prepare our gears and backpack to the Gokyo lake trek ahead. Leaving the bustling hub, Namche, of the Khumbu region, we set off the scenic trail that offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and the surrounding landscape.
Starting with a gradual incline from Namche, the trail leads through stunning pine and rhododendron forests. As we ascend further, the scenery transforms, providing breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including iconic peaks such as Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and the majestic Everest.
On the route, we cross several settlements, tea houses, lodges. We reach a small village, Mongla where we take short break. From here, the trail descends to Phortse Tenga intersection. The intersection located at the bank of Dhudhkoshi River.
From Phortse Tenga, the trail goes a steep climb through dense forests of pine, fir, and juniper, etc. As we climb higher, we occasionally catch sight of animals like pheasants, mountain goats, and perhaps even the rare musk deer. The air becomes colder and sharper as we go higher up.
After some hour’s strenuous climbing, we reach Dole. Dole is a quaint village situated at an altitude of 4,110 meters. Dole has pictures settlement with few teahouses, surrounded by towering peaks and luch greenery. We will check into a tea house and have relaxed and recover from day’s trek.
After several hours of climbing, we finally arrive in Dole, a small village located at 4,110 meters. Dole is a picturesque settlement with a few teahouses and lodges, surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery. Upon arrival, we check into our teahouse and take some time to relax and recover from the day’s trek.
In evening, we gather in a big dining hall of the teahouse to enjoy hot dinner and share stories of adventure and more.
Overnight Stay in Dole
Relatively today’s journey is shorter than previous as the altitude get higher and higher. The air goes thinner so we pace ourselves to adjust to be increasing elevation.
After departing from Dole, the path ascends consistently alongside the valley, providing stunning vistas of the snow-covered summits that encircle us.
After trekking couple of hours, we will arrive at Luza (4,360m). Luza is a small village with some teahouses. We stop here for short rest and drink tea, coffee, etc. From here, we will enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the nearby mountains, such as Cho Oyu (8,201m) and other majestic peaks of the Himalayas.
From Luza, the trail gradually ascends following the contours of the hillside.
We reach Machhermo (4,470m) by late morning, a small settlement set in a broad valley with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Machhermo is renowned for its fabled yeti sightings, which lends an air of mystique to this tranquil setting. After arriving at our resort, we rest and get used to the surroundings.
In the afternoon, after lunch, we will explore the village and its surroundings. Also we will visit the Machhermo Porter Shelter and Rescue Post, where we can learn about altitude sickness and its prevention. The center often holds informative talks, which can be very useful for trekkers.
In the evening, we gather in the communal dining area of the lodge for a hearty dinner.
Overnight at Machhermo
Climbing up the ridge, passing through stunning landscapes and enjoying views of Cho Oyu and other peaks are great experiences of mountain to trekkers.
We will cross the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas.
After our trekking efforts, we will arrive at the stunning Gokyo Lakes, a series of turquoise glacial lakes.
Overnight Stay in Gokyo Village
We start our journey at early dawn to the Gokyo Ri (5,357m). This early morning hike will take early to catch scenic views and the sunrise on the Himalaya.
The trail ascents steep that zigzags up the hillside. So, carefully stepping is required. The path is rugged and demands effort, but it promises of breathtaking vistas.
After some hours of strenuous climbing efforts, we reach the summit of Gokyo Ri. Explorers and seasoned mountaineers often claim that the view from Gokyo Ri surpasses that of Kalapatthar (5,644 m), another renowned vantage point on the Everest Base Camp Trail.
The Gokyo Ri reward us with a 360-degree panorama of some of the world’s highest mountains, including Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), and Cho Oyu (8,201m). The sight of these towering giants, set against the backdrop of the vast Himalayan landscape, is a moment to treasure.
At the peak, we spent ample time, enjoying breathtaking scenery, taking pictures, and simply soaking in the magnificence of the surroundings. The sense of achievement and the sheer beauty of the scene make the climb more than worthwhile.
After Gokyo Ri exploration, we carefully descent back to Gokyo village. Descending is much easier and quicker, allowing us to enjoy the landscape from a different perspective.
Back in Gokyo, we will have breakfast and take some time to rest and recuperate from the morning’s exertion. The village, with its serene lakes and peaceful ambiance, provides the perfect setting for relaxation.
In the afternoon, we set out to explore the Gokyo Lakes. These high-altitude lakes are renowned for their stunning turquoise waters, which reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks. We visit the series of lakes, each one more beautiful than the last. The third lake, Dudh Pokhari, is particularly striking, with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque setting.
Walking along the shores of the lakes, we have the opportunity to observe the local wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the area. The Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists, adding a spiritual dimension to our visit.
Overnight Stay in Gokyo village
We start retrace trek from Gokyo Lake to Dole, after breakfast, quite early in the morning. Early departure’s advantages clear weather and maximize daylight.
The trail starts by descending from Gokyo (4,800m) along the same trail we used for the ascent.
The trail passes several Sherpa villages, offering a glimpse into the local lifestyle and culture. Trekkers may have time to Interact with villagers and learn about their daily activities.
We will reach Dole (4,038m) by late afternoon and check into a teahouse. We will and relax and unwind the days trek. Trekker group will enjoy a hearty dinner at the teahouse and get a good night’s sleep
Overnight in Dole.
Early morning, Gokyo Lake Trek group will begin trek back to Namche Bazar. The trail descends up to Phortse Tenga and from here the trail ascends. We will cross several small villages alongside the tail.
On the way to Namche, the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and rivers.
We stop for lunch one of the teahouse to refuel with warm meal.
After 6 hours great efforts, arrive in Namche Bazaar (3,440m) by late afternoon. Trekker will check into a lodge, relaxed and freshenup.
We will enjoy a hearty dinner at our lodge and get a good night’s sleep to recover from the day’s trek and prepare for the final leg of your journey back to Lukla.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar
Today is our last day of Trekking in Himalaya. We begin our journey early in the morning.
Trail starts with a steep descent from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) down. Carefully stepping on the rocky trails with no hurry is the best idea.
We cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Take time to enjoy the picturesque scenery If you are interested capture some final photos.
Trekkers will walk through familiar villages such as Monjo and Phakding which we cross and stayed on our first day trekking.
We will stop for Lunch in a teahouse on the way back to Lukla.
After Phakding, we prepare for the final uphill sections toward Lukla. Also the trail becomes a mix of ascents and descents, requiring steady pacing.
Upon arrival at Lukla, we will check into a tea house rest, relax and get refres.
Trekkers will celebrate the successful completion of their trek with their fellow trekkers, guides and porters. They will also share experiences over a hearty dinner.
After dinner they will enjoy a good night’s sleep in Lukla, knowing they have completed an incredible adventure in Gokyo Lake Trek,
Overnight at Lukla
Traveler will wake up early morning as per the flight schedule that was already informed by guide. We will pack our bag pack and gears properly.
Having our last, not the least, breakfast in Himalaya at our teahouse, we will proceed to airport terminal center.
Going through the necessary security procedures and wait in the departure area, we will board in a small aircraft forour flight back to Kathmandu. The planes are typically (Twin Otter) twin engine propeller aircraft, which are well suited for the short runway at Lukla.
Enjoy the scenic 35 to 40 minute flight that provides breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and rivers below.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will collect luggage and drive to the hotel. Check in the hotel and refresh and have a rest for a while.
Travelers have free time to find restaurant as per their choice in Thamel and if they want to explore leftover heritage sites they will be escorted by our tour leader.
In the Evening, Go Trekking Nepal will organize a dinner program for Gokyo Lake Trek group including trek leader in a restaurant. In celebration, we will share our interesting stories which we have experience during Gokyo Lake Trek.
After finishing Dinner celebration, travelers have to time to hang out or go back to hotel and have a good night sleep.
Today is our last, not the least, day of Nepal travel. We can use this day to visit another heritage site Bhaktapur and more Narayan Hiti Roayal palace, etc.
We can buy souvenir at Thamel or Asan Bazaar. You better to by local handicraft from the charitable shops as some of fund will go for cause. We suggest you to purchase items such as prayer flags, singing bowls, pashmina shawls, and traditional Nepali artwork.
To kill time you can take a part day meditation or Yoga course that helps you to relax and rejuvenate.
If you love cooking then there are courses of Nepali recipes in restaurant around Thamel. One day cooking class will educate you with cooking Daal Bhaat, Momos and more dishes which you have already tested in trekking or while you were in Kathmandu.
Treat yourself to a spa day, indulging in a massage, facial, or Ayurvedic treatment to ease your muscles and refresh your mind.
For dinner you can visit to a restaurant in Thamel, Durbar Marga or Jhamsi khel.
Reflect on the incredible journey you’ve had, from the breathtaking landscapes of the Gokyo Lakes Trek to the vibrant culture of Kathmandu, and rest well before your departure.
This marks the final day of your Gokyo Lake Trekking Tour. You will start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel reflecting on the incredible you have had.
Go Trekking Nepal will organize a small farewell ceremony to celebrate the completion of your trek and to thank you for choosing their services.
You will receive a certificate or memento as a token of your adventure in the Himalayas.
Depending on your flight schedule, Go Trekking Nepal will arrange for your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative will ensure you reach the airport with ample time to complete check-in and security procedures.
We hope you had an unforgettable trekking experience with us and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the Himalayas. Safe travels!
The best time for the Gokyo Lake Trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally clear, and the temperatures are moderate, providing the best views of the mountains and lakes.
The Gokyo Lake Trek is considered moderately difficult. It involves trekking at high altitudes, with some steep ascents, particularly when climbing Gokyo Ri and crossing the Renjo La Pass. Previous trekking experience is beneficial, but with proper acclimatization and a reasonable level of fitness, most trekkers can complete it successfully.
The trek typically takes around 12 to 14 days, depending on the itinerary, acclimatization days, and the pace of the trekker. Some itineraries include crossing the Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass which can add 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you need two permits for the Gokyo Lake Trek:
Accommodation on the Gokyo Lake Trek is typically in teahouses, which are simple lodges offering basic amenities. Rooms are usually twin-sharing with shared bathrooms. Hot showers and Wi-Fi are available in some teahouses for an extra charge.
Yes, acclimatization is crucial as the trek involves going above 5,000 meters. It is recommended to include at least two acclimatization days, one in Namche Bazaar and another in Gokyo village, to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Due to the high altitude, it’s essential to monitor for symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Staying hydrated, ascending gradually, and taking rest days for acclimatization are key. It’s also recommended to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.