Everest Base Camp Trek Via Gokyo Lake
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes is a fascinating, adventurous trek that does not follow the classic Everest Base Camp trails. The trek is quite challenging and circular so you do not need to return through the same path.
Since this particular trek does not follow the usual route to the Everest Base Camp, it is quiet and serene, allowing you to enjoy nature unhindered.
Though the trek starts from Lukla to Namche just as in the case of the classical Everest Base Camp trek, from Namche Bazaar, the path diverges. Instead of heading to Syangboche, it turns towards two small towns - Dole and Machhermo, ultimately leading to Gokyo Lakes in the northwest.
But before reaching Dole, you will walk over to Mong La Pass (3957m / 12982ft), which provides you the chance to catch spectacular views of Mt Amadablam and Mt. Khumbila. The path progresses through pine and rhododendron forests.
After spending the night at Dole Town, the next day, we will be heading to Machhermo. The way is quite gentle, and on the way, we get to enjoy the majestic views of Mt Cho you- the fifth tallest mountain in the world. Macchermo is a pasture and summer village for Sherpas that sits surrounded by snowy mountains.
The next day we will leave Machhermo and continue on our path to reach Gokyo Lake. Altogether there are five lakes, and these lakes are partially frozen even in March or April. Gokyo Lakes also hosts golden Brahminy ducks adding beauty to an already fabulous place.
There is also a village in Gokyo Valley, and as you head up, you come across Gokyo Ri - one of the most famous viewpoints in the region. For the best views, you need to get to the Gokyo Ri early in the morning to catch the dawn.
We have allocated the seventh day as an acclimatization day, as we will have ascended a remarkable height. Moreover, the Gokyo Valley looks stunning, and you need more than one day to enjoy the scenery and explore this peaceful area.
On our eighth day, we will be heading to Thangnak, and we have to cover a distance of 3.7 kilometers. The path is rocky, uneven and you will be passing through several ups and downs. As you head further, you will pass through the Ngozumpa Glacier and several yak pastures. We will eventually arrive at Thangnak, where we will stay for the night.
Early next morning, we will leave Thangnak and head towards Cho La Pass. This pass connects the Gokyo region with the Everest Base Camp route. A portion of this trail requires you to walk on the glacier itself! By reaching Cho La Pass, you will have acquired more than 2000 feet in elevation, but then the way to our destination for the day Dzongla is downhill so, easier.
The next trek begins from Dzongla, with Lobuche as the day's destination. The journey is easy, and it leaves behind remote parts of the trek, rejoining with the main Everest Base Camp route. The Khumbu Glacier accompanies us alongside the undulating trails for a while. Our paths will also take us to a memorial constructed to honor those who succumbed to this harsh terrain.
The eleventh day will be special because, on this day, you will set your foot on Everest Base Camp, but to reach EBC, you need to trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep through the Khumbu Glacier lateral moraine. When we reach Gorak Shep, we will leave our belongings at a lodge and climb to the Everest Base Camp. This is probably the nearest you will get to the world's highest peak - Mt. Everest - assuming that you will not climb Everest Peak.
Reaching Everest Base Camp is a remarkable achievement as it requires strong physical and mental effort. The whole experience you gained by coming this far will probably change you as you become more determined and ambitious.
We will spend some of the most memorable moments at the Everest Base Camp, then descend to Gorak Shep to spend our night. However, you will get another chance to see the glorious Mt. Everest the following morning. You will wake up early in the morning at Gorak Shep and head to Kala Pathhar viewpoint to witness the early sun rays hitting Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks.
The scenery looks surreal, and it transports you to a whole new world. It is a perfect place to click as many pictures as you want.
After spending time on Kala Patthar, we descend to Gorak Shep, have breakfast, and head to Pheriche. As you will be losing elevation, the path is substantially easy, and the trek should last about five hours. We will spend the night at Pheriche, itself.
We leave Pheriche the following morning and head to Namche Bazaar. Though Namche Bazaar has a lower elevation still, the trail is not direct, and you need to pass through several ups and downs. This marks the second last day on the treks, and you get to enjoy the last views of Mt Everest. We will spend the night at Namche Bazaar.
On our fourteenth day, we will wake up at Namche Bazaar and hike to Lukla. The path covers a lot of distance, almost 14 km. Mostly, you will be walking through Dudh Koshi River Valley, crossing several suspension bridges and high-altitude forests. We will be resting at Lukla for the night. It will probably be your last night in the Khumbu region.
If everything goes as planned, on our fifteenth day, after breakfast, we will board the plane for Kathmandu. We hope your flight will be comfortable, and you will be ruminating on the best memories you created during the trek.
Fixed Departure Dates
Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
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September 17 - January 1 | 10 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Arrival Kathmandu (1275m).
Upon Arrival, in Kathmandu Airport you will be expected to complete your custom formalities (Visa etc.) We suggest you look for our representative who will be waiting for you at the arrival gate with the Everest View Treks display board you will then be transferred to hotel manang or another hotel similar category include B/B.
Fly to Lukla (2845 m) Star Trekking to Phakding (2610 m).
We will rise early to be transferred to the domestic airport for an early flight to Lukla. The 30 to 40 minutes scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is an exciting flight filled with a superb view of the eastern Himalayas. We will meet the rest of our crew members in Lukla. After exploring the new atmosphere of the Everest region. We set out on our trail to Phakding. The walking begins through the stone-paved trails towards Bhaisekhark with a few up-downs on the way. We cross a suspension bridge over the Thado Koshi River to reach a settlement a ghat.we have a short and easy walk to Phakding to aid our body to adjust to the sudden rise in altitude. Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3420 m).
After the breakfast at Phakding, we sent out on or trail along the Dudh Koshi River. We walk through a magnificent forest of pine and rhododendron to climb to the village of Monjo. From Monjo, we pass through the entrance or Sagarmatha National Park, Where our trekking Permits will be checked. After the short trekking formalities at the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail takes a steep rocky descent to cross a 120 meters long suspension bridge towards Jorsale. We pass through several caravans of mules and yak on the way. The Trail Crosses Dud Koshi and Bhote Koshi River to open us to the magnificent view of Mt Everest Peeking through Nuptse and Lhotse wall. We Continue to Walk as we enter the town of Namche Bazaar. Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Namche Bazaar, Acclimatization.
We Stay in Namche Bazaar in the second Night to allow us Acclimatization as we gain altitude. This is a Great Opportunity to explore the energetic town of Namche is the most famous trading center in the Everest region with the colorful panoply of houses, restaurants lodges, and shops. We will Visit the Sherpa Museum at the national park headquarter to gain insight about the Sherpa’s culture, lifestyle, and Mountaineering.Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Namche to Dole (4090 m).
From Namche Bazaar Our Trail Climb to pass through a Village Khumjung a Rhododendron forest and beautiful southern slope of Khumbila. We enjoy the outstanding view of the panorama of Mt Amadablam, Mt Kangtaga and Mt Thamserku from the Mongla Pass. Enjoying the peak of Thamserku Looming in the near background. Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Dole to Machhermo(4410 m).
From Dole with an ascent through a scenic offering us splendid views of Cho Oyu and Thamserku.the trail pass through a small settlement at Luza(4340 m) as we continue our walk along the hillside above the roaring Dudh Koshi river.Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m) 4 to 5 Hrs.
We start our trek by climbing a ridge which will reward us with a beautiful view of both down the valley and of Thamserku. Mt Kangetega Cho Oyu (8153m).The Trail Drops Briefly to Climb a Large Cave Known a Nilibuk. We Climb Steep stairs along a narrow trail to cross a wooden bridge which leads us to the first lake Longponga. Gokyo Village is a collection of stone house and walled pastures on the shores of a large lake called Dudh Pokhari. The Gokyo Village sets a Spectacular sight as it stands by the Stunning Lakes and Cho Oyu Mountain in the Background. Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Gokyo Ri- Gokyo (5483 m).
Gokyo is Famous for its marvelous views and Beautiful Shimmering High Altitude Lakes. The Acclimatization at Gokyo is an ideal day to enjoy the outstanding beauty of the Gokyo Valley. We take a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo RI (5483m) Which REWARDS US WITH Stunning Views whole Khumbu Himalayas including the Everest, Lhotse Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Gychung Kang. Gokyo Valley has 6 Beautiful Lakes. After enjoying the views, we will return to Gokyo Village. Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Trek from Gokyo (4,790m / 15,584ft) to Thangnak (4,700m / 15,400ft)
After acclimatizing for a day at Gokyo village, we continue our trek, and the destination for this day is Thangnak. On our way, we will be passing Ngozumpa Glacier. The path itself is full of ups and downs, but it is a shorter trek and you will not be gaining any height.
Thangnak village sits by the side of Ngozumpa Glacier in a serene setting and lies in a perfect place helping trekkers to reach Cho-La high pass (5,330m).
Thaknak-Cho La-Dzongla [4830m/15840ft]: 7 - 8 hrs.
Today, we trek to the Cho La Pass. ChoLa pass is also another show up of this trip. Today is going to be one of the toughest days. The pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice add trouble to the trekkers making the trail slippery. Our trail climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail. So, we climb up continuously up from Phedi. We trek through the side of a frozen lake while we come to the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Dzongla to Lobuche [4940 m/16,207 ft]: 4 - 5 hrs.
Today, we head for Lobuche. We climb down from Dzongla. Upon crossing a bridge, we transverse through grassy trail. Enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak we stretch up eventually through a ridge. The mountains of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku Taboche are seen looming prominently. Curving round through the wide gravelly river bed, we reach Lobuche. Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D
Lobuche to Gorak Shep [5170 m/ Ebc.
16,961ft] - Everest Base Camp [5364 m/17,594 ft] - Gorak Shep: 8 - 9 hrs The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world - Mt. Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the Spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here. By now we have met the ultimate objective of our trip.However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view, so it is suggested to visit Kala Patthar today during sunset. As the setting sun's rays strike the snowcapped mountains the resulting scenery is indescribable. For those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar, our guides and Sherpas coordinate in hiking to Kala Patthar for amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until the next day. Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar [5545 m/18,192 ft] - dingboche[4350 m m): 7 - 8 hrs.
We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Further, there is always the potential of chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding viewpoints to snap pictures. After several hours of ascent, we will be Kala Patthar. From this juncture, we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar where our eyes rook taking in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we can and take the in view with our mind's eye to last lifetime. On being back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast then we will trek to Descend down to Dingboche for a good night's rest. Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Dingboche to Namche bazar Altitude: 3440m/11283ft Walking Distance: 14 km (5 to 6 hours)
We retrace the original steps of our ascent as we make our way back down the mountain again. The fascinating culture of the Sherpa’s is on display once more - don't miss a peak at the yak-herding namche mainly downhill, although it does, counter intuitively, require an hour scaling a hill. We'll be in Namche by late afternoon and off to bed before our second last day on the mountain Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Namche to Phakding and Lukla Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft Walking Distance: 16 km (6-8 hours)
After breakfast, we trek toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then pass through several local villages. Our arrival in Lukla brings an evening in a proper hotel and, traditionally, a party with your trekking crew: you made it! Thanks to great teamwork and perseverance, you've accomplished a physical feat of which others only dream. This is your last night on the mountain, which can be bittersweet Overnight at Guest house Include meal B/L/D.
Fly back Lukla to Kathmandu
In the morning, you'll hop a brief flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, where your journey both began and ends. You'll transfer to your hotel upon landing for some much-needed solo rest and reflection after your trek conquering the Himalayas. We'll reunite in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants in town, where we'll be eager to hear your feedback on the trip. Include B/B.
Fly home farewell friend.
You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey to Nepal. Comes to an end today we hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you will be back in your trip somewhere in the Himalayan again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from EVT will transfer you to the airport on your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next Adventure in the wonderful Country of Nepal.
Includes/Excludes
- All Hotel airports transfer by Private Tourist Vehichle as per itinerary.
- Kathmandu Hotel two nights with bed and breakfast plan
- Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu flight tickets for clients & guide only 15 kg luggage allowed.(10 kg big bag and 5 kg hand bag)
- .Best available lodge and tea house accommodation during the trek
- Full Board Meals(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)&3x(Tea or Coffee)
- A trekking or hiking leader - Fluent English speaking, experienced, knowledgeable with assistant trek guide (4 hikkers:1 assistant guide) and needed Sherpa porters (2 trekkers:1 porter) together with their payments, assurance, gears, foods and accommodations.
- All necessary national park fees, permits and paper works (Sagarmatha national park permits and TIMS) ,Entire administration and local Taxes.
- Guide and porter salary , food insurance&Gov taxes.
- Fresh Fruit after dinner &1 pcs Snicker or Mars Chocolate each person Everyday
- Trek Completion certificate
- .Complimentary Trekking Kit bag& Sleeping bag (Return after Trek)
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- Everest Region Trekking Map
- First Aid -Kit
- Nepal Visa fees on your airport arrival (You should bring accurate USD cash and two passport size picture)
- Personal expenses (Shopping, Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water or boiled water, Phone calls, hot shower etc)
- Your Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu (This apply also early come back from trek then the fixed itinerary)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu than above itinerary.
- Tips for guides and porters (Expected)
- Rescue incase emergency.