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Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake trek is a popular and challenging trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. This trek offers breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, and takes you through stunning landscapes, remote villages, and pristine lakes.

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This iconic journey blends the classic EBC route with a visit to the breathtaking Gokyo Lakes, creating a truly unforgettable experience. From the heart-pounding flight into Lukla to the bustling Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, each step on this trek is an opportunity to connect with the resilient people who call this remote corner of the world home. The cultural encounters, whether with monks in ancient monasteries or fellow trekkers from across the globe, add depth to the experience.Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake trek is a popular and challenging trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. This trek offers breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, and takes you through stunning landscapes, remote villages, and pristine lakes.

The journey’s unique twist, the detour to the Gokyo Lake Trek, reveals a hidden gem of the region. These deep blue lakes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, are a shelter of natural beauty and tranquility. Climbing Gokyo Ri provides breathtaking panoramas that complement other viewpoints in the Himalayas.

The Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes is more than just a physical journey; it’s a transformative quest that leaves an unforgettable mark on your spirit. Whether you seek adventure, self-discovery, or simply the sheer beauty of the Himalayas, this trek delivers an experience that will resonate with you long after you’ve returned from the roof of the world.

Join us while we take you to the land of the Himalayas, a remarkable journey to the purest and tallest wonders of the world via Himalayan 360.

Permits required for Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake trek

Trekking under the Everest region requires several permits and documents. Here are the permits that are required.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

This permit is mandatory for entering Sagarmatha National Park, where both Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes are located.

Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit

This permit helps to manage and support the local communities in the Khumbu area, which includes popular trekking destinations like Everest Base Camp and the surrounding villages. The permit is not available in Kathmandu. It can only be obtained in Lukla or Monjo.

Here are some key points about the Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit:

Purpose

The permit fee goes towards supporting local development and infrastructure projects in the Khumbu region. It helps fund initiatives such as trail maintenance, waste management, and other community programs.

Cost

The cost of the permit varies from season to season and your nationality. For foreign trekkers, the fee typically ranges from NPR 2,000 to NPR 3,000 (approximately $20 to $30 USD).

Issuance

The Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit can be obtained in Lukla, the main gateway to the Everest region, as well as in Kathmandu through authorized agencies.

Duration

The permit is typically valid for a single entry into the Khumbu region and has a specific duration. If your trek includes multiple entries into the region (for example, if you are doing a circuit trek), you might need multiple permits.

Checkpoints

There are various checkpoints along the trekking route where officials may check for your Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit. It’s essential to carry it with you at all times during your trek.

Best season for Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Trek

The best seasons for trekking to Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes are typically Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These two seasons offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions in the Everest region of Nepal. The weather is stable, with clear skies and mild to warm daytime temperatures. Nights are cooler at higher altitudes.

While spring and autumn are the best seasons for the EBC with Gokyo trek, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences and priorities when choosing the timing for your trek. Keep in mind that these seasons are also the most popular, so accommodations can fill up quickly, and the trails can be busy. If you prefer quieter trails and don’t mind cooler temperatures, you can consider trekking in late autumn or early spring, just before or after the peak seasons.

Overview

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake trek is a perfect way to know the Himalayan heart of Nepal with what lies in it. This trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and high-altitude adventure. The typical duration for this trek is around 16 to 20 days, allowing for acclimatization and exploration of key attractions. The trek starts from Lukla, which is also known as the gateway to the Everest region. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Tengboche Monastery, a serene Buddhist monastery with stunning mountain views. A hike to Kala Patthar, a viewpoint near Gorak Shep, provides one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After reaching Everest Base Camp, the trek diverges toward the Gokyo Valley, which is home to a chain of turquoise glacial lakes, including the main Gokyo Lake. The landscape here is mesmerizing, with towering peaks reflected in the pristine waters. It is an adventure that combines the majesty of the Himalayan peaks with the warmth of Sherpa culture, creating memories that will resonate with you for a lifetime.

Highlights

  • The trek usually begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain airstrip, which is the gateway to the Everest region.
  • You’ll pass through this bustling Sherpa town, which serves as the central hub for trekkers and climbers in the region.
  • Mount Everest, the ultimate destination of the trek, offers a panoramic view from Everest base camp.
  • The freshwater lakes of Gokyo, including the main Gokyo Lake, which is the highest freshwater lake system in the world, provide a wide range of natural beauty situated within the mountains.
  • Renjo La Pass, a high mountain pass offering spectacular views and connecting the Gokyo Valley with the Everest Base Camp trail, can be experienced.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival

Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Day 03: Trek to Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Day 04: Rest day and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

Day 05: Trek from Namche to Dole

Day 06: Trek from Dole to Machhermo

Day 07: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Gokyo / Gokyo Ri Viewpoint

Day 09: Trek from Gokyo to Thangnak

Day 10: Trek from Thangnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass

Day 11: Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche

Day 12: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp

Day 13: Hike to Kala Patthar viewpoint, Trek to Gorak Shep and then to Pheriche

Day 14: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Day 15: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla

Day 17: Departure

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival

Welcome to Kathmandu. Our representative from Himalayan 360 will be there to receive and escort you to your hotel. On the way you will get a short briefing about the trip. You will be having welcome dinner hosted by our team. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 6.2km / 3.8miles
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Flight Hours: 40 minutes
Highest Altitude: 2,850m / 9,350ft

Our journey to Everest Base Camp starts from a flight to Lukla filled with beautiful scenery. After landing at the Tenzing Hillary Airport, we will immediately start our trek. Today’s trek will not cover a lot of distance as it is the first day of the trek. It will also help us in acclimatization. The path will take us through Chaurikharka Village and down to Dudhkoshi and then to Phakding, the destination for the day. We will use our extra time exploring places in Phakding – Rimishung Monastery in particular.

Day 03: Trek to Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 7.4km / 4.6miles
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,440m / 11,285ft

We will move north along the banks of Dudh Koshi River that leads us to the majestic views of snow-capped mountains. There are several suspension bridges to cross- including the famous – Hillary Suspension Bridge.

As we move forward, we will reach Sagarmatha National Park, where we will register our permit and then climb up through a dense forest until we see the view of Mount Everest standing tall and glorious. We will continue trekking until we reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight.

Day 04: Rest day and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

This will be the day when we fully acclimatize and do various activities such as visiting Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center, traditional Sherpa settlements, Hillary School, yak farms, and Buddhist monasteries. Overnight.

Day 05: Trek from Namche to Dole

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 5 hours
Trek Duration: 11km / 6.8miles
Highest Altitude: 4,200m / 13,270ft

On this day, we will trek towards Dole. This is where our path separates from the classic Everest Base Camp hike. Classic EBC trek continues towards Tengboche instead of Dole.

The path to Dole is rocky and has many ups and downs. After about two hours of trek, we will reach Mong La Pass(3957m / 12982ft).

From here, we can get amazing views of Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812m) and Mt. Khumbila (5,761m). As we move forward, our trail takes us downhill through pine and rhododendron forests and then at Phortse Tenga, a riverside village. However, we will move ahead until we reach our destination for the day at Dole.

Day 06: Trek from Dole to Machhermo

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 7km / 4.3miles
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Highest Altitude: 4,470m / 14,450ft

We climb high leaving Dole behind which takes us to beautiful meadows that serve as yak pastures. During the summer months, these pastures are green, and you can see yaks grazing. But, during winter, the area is barren, and even the locals move down to avoid harsh winter.

As you look ahead, you can see the stunning Mt. Cho Oyu, the fifth tallest mountain in the world. The trail then leads us to Lapahrma village and then Luja before finally reaching our destination Machhermo.

Day 07: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 5.7km / 3.5miles
Trek Duration: 4 hrs
Highest Altitude: 4,790m / 15,584ft

Today, we will go for Gokyo Lakes sightseeing day. After an hour trek, we will be crossing the elevated grazing lands and reach Phanga. As our journey elevates, the paths become narrower, and we will reach the outlet of the first Gokyo Lake, which also happens to be the smallest among the five major Gokyo lakes. The Gokyo village itself lies a short walk ahead from the third Gokyo lake, and it is one of the highest settlements in Nepal. In the middle of the Gokyo Valley, we will be able to see an uphill, which is the famous Gokyo Ri viewpoint.

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Gokyo. Gokyo Ri viewpoint

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 1.5km / 0.9miles
Trek Duration: 1 and half hour
Highest Altitude: 5,400m / 17,814ft

This day, we will explore the Gokyo valley. However, we will not miss stepping at the famous viewpoint of Gokyo RI (5,430m). From here, you can see four among the six highest mountains of the world – Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m). We will also be visiting other Gokyo lakes. Overnight.

Day 09: Trek to Gokyo to Thanknak

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 3.7 km / 2.3miles
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,790m / 15,584ft

After acclimatizing for a day at Gokyo village, we continue our trek to 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). Overnight.

Day 10: Trek from Thangnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 16km / 9.9miles
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Highest Altitude: 5420m / 17,783ft

After our night at Thangnak, we will be hiking over the rocky trails and the glacial moraines to the top of the Cho La Pass in the early morning. After few hours of trek, we will step on the top of Cho La Pass, which will reward us with the extremely beautiful views of Cho La Lake and Mt. Cholatse (6440 m).

After trekking for about 7 hours, we will reach our destination for the day, Dzongla. Overnight at the hotel.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Accomodations: Hotel

Day 11: Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 8.36km / 5.2miles
Trek Duration: 4 hrs
Highest Altitude: 4,910m / 16,175ft

This day, we will leave Dzongla, following the moraine, and descend along with Chola Lake. Then we follow the Khumbu Glacier. On our way, we can see the memorial statues of the climbers, who passed away in this region.

We will be passing through Imja Khola and then we reach our destination for the day – Lobuche – after trekking for about four hours. Overnight.

Day 12: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 15km / 9.32miles
Trek Duration: 6-8 hours
Highest Altitude: 5,364m / 17,598ft

On this day we will be heading towards Everest Base Camp. However, the journey will start at Lobuche and elevate significantly as we approach Gorak Shep. Once we reach Gorak Shep, we will leave our belongings there and head up to the Everest Base Camp.

Once you reach the Everest Base Camp, you will feel surreal as you get the sense of achievement. The views from EBC are incredible, and you will get a chance to enjoy the views of Khumbu Glacier. After enjoying the views from EBC, we will trek down to Gorak Shep and spend our night there.

Day 13: Hike to Kala Patthar viewpoint, Trek to Gorak Shep and then to Pheriche

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 9.6km / 6 miles
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Highest Altitude: 5,555m / 18,208ft

We will wake up early in the morning and hike to Kalapatthar to catch the sunrise seen from Everest mountain. It will be worth every second spent there at the viewpoint. After spending a while at the Kala Patthar viewpoint we will descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast and then rest for some time. Then we will head to Pheriche – the destination for the day. Overnight.

Day 14: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 14.3km / 8.8miles
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Highest Altitude: 4,250m / 13,945ft

Today, we wake up Pheriche and lead towards Namche Bazaar. The trail will be leading us through forests where we might spot wildlife like pheasants, musk deer, mountain goats, etc. On the way, you will see numerous prayer flags and chortens, and this day provides you with the last chance to see Mt. Everest. As we trek further, we will reach Namche Bazaar, where we will be spending our night.

Day 15: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Trek Distance: 13.5km / 8.3miles
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Highest Altitude: 3,440m / 11,285ft

This is the last day on our trekking trails. After breakfast, we will hike down a steep trail, cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge, and pass through several local villages. Most of our trek will take place in Dudh Koshi River Valley and its surroundings. It will most probably be our last day at the Khumbu region.

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla

Itinerary Details
Itinerary Fact Details
Highest Altitude: 2850m

We will take a flight back to Kathmandu which will be of about 40 minutes. Take rest and explore the local markets of Kathmandu and buy some souvenirs as memory.

Day 17: Departure

Finally our Everest Base Camp with Gokyo trek comes to an end. Our representative from Himalayan 360 will be there to drop you at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight. We hope you had a good time here. Remember us for your next trip to Nepal.

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COST

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

  • AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP: Airport – Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
  • ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU: Stay at a hotel in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis.
  • WELCOME DINNER: One Welcome or Farewell Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
  • PERMITS: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit (TIMS), Gokyo Lake Trek Permit.
  • STAFF INSURANCE: Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
  • MAP: Trekking map.
  • MEMBER LUGGAGE: Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
  • FOODS & LODGING: 3 meals a day (BDL; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing a twin bedroom at Hotel/Lodge during the trek.
  • PORTER: Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
  • STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE: All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
  • MEDICAL KIT: Comprehensive Medical kit.
  • INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
  • NEPAL VISA FEES: Nepali Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
  • LUNCH & DINNER: Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
  • INSURANCE: Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
  • RESCUE EVACUATION: Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Medication, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization costs.)
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES: Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
  • PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
  • TOILETRIES: Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
  • FILMING: Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
  • INTERNET SERVICE: Internet facility during the trek is not included.
  • EXTRA PORTER: $25 USD for an extra porter per day (If an extra porter is demanded).
  • TIPS: Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.

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