Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek

The first day of your Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek will begin at Tribhuvan International Airport. As your flight gets closer to landing, our staff will be ready to greet you with open arms. When you arrive at the airport, we will treat you with the greatest respect before transporting you to your hotel by private car.

Duration

20 minutes drive to hotel

Max Altitude

1,300 m

Meals

Excluded

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Today is the day we start our amazing journey on the Gokyo lakes and Everest base camp trek. The final thing we do is leave the hotel and go to the airport. Several airlines fly directly from Manthali to Lukla, however they have a bad record of being late.

Finally, after this fun and exciting flight, we will only get off at Lukla. The walk to Phakding will begin here. The initial hike from Lukla to Phakding is simple and takes around 3–4 hours. It is roughly 5.6 km long.

The mountain scenery, Sherpa Village, and the suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River are some of the most popular places to stop along the way. As you come to the Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Main Gate, our guide will request your Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasanga Lamu Rural Municipality payment and keep it in safe custody.

There are a lot of tea shops and lodges along the Gokyo lakes and everest base camp trek where you can sleep and eat. Some of these places serve food, and for a few additional rupees, you may even get beds, blankets, and even hot water for showers.

From here, we go on to Phakding, where we will stop for the night. You will be given a cozy lodge to stay in for the night. You can get hot coffee and a hot shower here, and you can also use the internet to stay in touch with the outside world.

Attention

If the direct aircraft from Kathmandu to Lukla is diverted to Ramechhap/Manthali Airport, we will probably drive for four hours in a private car to Ramechhap about midnight. After that, we’ll fly to Lukla. The flight diversion usually happens in the spring and fall.

Duration

3 hours

Max Altitude

2,650 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

We will begin our trip from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, one of the Sherpas’ rich communities. Along the route, we’ll cross a few swinging suspension bridges and see a lot of pine and fir trees and rhododendrons.

You also need a hiking permit to travel into Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. Lukla is the most famous village of this region and falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the same. One can obtain the permits here. Another place that we are going to witness altogether during the hike and before the hike is Kongde Ri.

We will hike along the way and cross a few suspension bridges, including the Suspension Hillary Bridge. We will see Taboche Peak (6,419 m) as we walk across it. It will take us an hour of walking to arrive at Top Danda where we are going to view Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. One is our lunch on the way, what we had in the town of Jorsale.

While walking toward Phakding, you will see Mt. Khumbila, which is home to Sherpa people. The hikers get to see Khusum Khangru, which is thought to be the tallest and most picturesque peak in the world.

After a few hours of walking, you’ll get to Namche Bazaar, which is a very pretty village. This is where we will leave for this nice resort. On the condition we have another day tomorrow we will be able to visit other areas.

Duration

5-6 hurs

Max Altitude

3,445 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Today is good day on Gokyo lakes and everest base camp initiation. You may find out how bodies incorporate as altitude increases. If you go up and down in height above sea level every day, you need to modify your body to be healthy; otherwise, it could be deadly.

We will have breakfast and then go on a tour of the area to get used to it. We shall go to the Everest View Hotel (3780 m) after that. It is at the highest point in the world and has views of other tall mountains like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Mount Everest.

On our way up to the hotel, we are also treated with the sight of the Kongde Ri, Khangtega, Pachermo Peak, Tangerito Peak and Samdur Peak. This lovely hotel is where we’re going today. We’ll be able to drink our coffee on the terrace while taking in the stunning views of the Great Himalayas, especially Everest, Ama Dablam, and other stunning mountains.

We must return part way down and back up to Namche so our lodge can acclimatize to altitude. The more you hike the more the chances of encountering altitude sickness at a rate of 3000metres and above. The altitude sickness causes trekking in the Himalayer to be very dangerous. Because of low density, there is no oxygen for you to breathe. This can lead to problems that may have an effect on the Gokyo Lake Trek in some way.

So, to avoid any complications that could come up later, we will take a day to get used to the new place. Today is an optional day. You can either walk around Namche Bazaar or take a break. You can do light exercises in your accommodation or walk to adjacent villages from Namche Bazar. If you start to feel the symptoms of altitude sickness on the next climb, you need to tell your fellow trekkers and the guide.

Duration

2-3 hours

Max Altitude

3,880 m

Activity

hiking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

After breakfast, we’ll go to Dole, our destination for the day, where we’ll spend the night. As we go down the trail to Sanasa village, then Danda, Phortse Tanga hamlet, and the Dudh Koshi River, you will learn more about the landforms and see some amazing views.

We will finally get to Dole, a little, picturesque village with colorful flags and inns, after 5–6 hours of hiking. We will spend an uphill 2-hours hike to Mongla Danda and a downslope 3-hours hike to Phortse Tanga. We will stay at these inns at night and then move on the next day. We will see a lot of Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and little waterfalls along the way. We will go down toward forests of pine, fir, and rhododendron trees.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

4,110 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

We will descent with Dole to fantastic hills, small woodlands, and much suspension bridges. We will hike 4 to 5 hours and observe a lot of animals consuming food in the bushes and meadows. This will be an entirely different experience to you.

We continue going up where we pass through more villages such as Dole, Labarma and the Luza village which are all very beautiful views of the Himalayas, and the areas around them.

Duration

4-5 hours

Max Altitude

4,470 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The usual time it takes to get from Machhermo to Gokyo, which is 4800 m (15,744 ft.) high, is between 4 and 5 hours. The path from Machhermo travels through Sherpa settlements and slowly starts to rise through rhododendron trees and along mountain rivers. Longpongo (4690 m), Taboche Tsho, and Dudh Pokhari are the Three Ring lakes whose images we so much looked at while trekking.

We will finally get to the picturesque village of Gokyo, which is on the beaches of Gokyo Lake, after following the trail and taking in the sights. There are things that you have to see for yourself, and the natural grandeur of the Himalayas and the vibrant culture of the Sherpas are two of them.

Duration

4 hours

Max Altitude

4,750 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

When we are accustomed to Gokyo Valley, we will climb the Gokyo Ri which is 5, 330 meters (17, 483 feet). The trip begins off quickly and goes through hilly terrain with Himalayan mountains and glacier lakes that shine brightly.

As you hike through the Gokyo Valley, you’ll get beautiful views of the great mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Lobuche, Ama Dablam, and many more, as well as lakes and glaciers. After a few hours of hiking, we will finally get to Gokyo Ri, which is one of the most beautiful and popular places in the world. It shows off the amazing panorama of snow giants.

Upon a successful expedition we will rest the entire day to restore our energy levels to the trek up to Thagnak and Chola Pass to EBC.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

4,750 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Today will be a short trek where we will reach the 4 th Gokyo lake, or say the vantage point to view the lake. Moving on, across the glacier and rocks that are in the way, can reach Thagnak; there are just few teahouses here and everybody has pre-intended to cross Chola Pass to-morrow.

Max Altitude

4700 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

We are to wake up early in the morning, and start Chola Pass climb, which is 5,330 meters above the sea level. This pass connects the major EBC trek to Gokyo Valley. Also, the hardest part of our hike will be when we leave Thaknak, when we have to walk over rocky routes.

We will be walking on a glacier at various points on this pass, therefore we need crampons. Of course, the scenery along this route make up for a hard day. But be careful as we go through snow cracks, because it could be a little dangerous for us.

We will eventually get to Lobuche, a lively village full of kind people, after going through a lot of trouble and seeing the stunning and spectacular Himalayas. We will spend the night here and then continue on our trail the next day.

Duration

7-8 hours

Max Altitude

4,910 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

We’ll start Lobuche early, cross over EBC moraine and other side Khumbu Glacier moraine in the morning. The hard climb will be worth it when you see the beautiful views of Everest’s northern slope, Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and many more before you get to Goraksherp.

Then the trail goes up for a while till we reach the Thangma Riju or Lobuche Pass, which gives us a 360-degree vista of lofty peaks covered in snow.

We will now have to ascend a difficult slope across the Changri glacier. From there, we will be able to see the world-famous Kala Patthar for the first time, which is at the foot of the beautiful Pumori summit.

We will soon reach Gorakshep, the last settlement on the Everest Base Camp trek. We’ll rest in the lodge before our hot supper, and then we’ll leave our backpacks and head to Everest Base Camp.

We will cross glacial rivers and snowy pathways along the way to reach the ridge that will take us to the famous base camp. Don’t expect to see Everest from here. Instead, you can enjoy the amazing views of the Khumbu region, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbutse, and Pumori, as well as the stunning Khumbu icefall and glacier.

After taking in the view and talking to the campers, we’ll head back to our hotel in Gorakshep.

Duration

7-8 hours

Max Altitude

5,180 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

It is the day we have been all waiting and something has finally happened. We will climb Kala Patthar, the most beautiful and famous peak, which is also the best place in the world to see Everest and other stunning Himalayan peaks.

Around 4 a.m., we will start our march toward Kala Patthar. It will take us around two to three hours to reach the top by climbing over icy and steep ground. We can stop and collect our breath as we look at the lovely Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse peaks.

In the morning sun, you can see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, Lobuche, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, and many more gleaming.

After taking some pictures, Instagram reels, and videos, we will climb down to our lodge at Goarkshep, where we will have a nice breakfast to celebrate. After that, we will pack our luggage and head down to Lobuche and Dughla to get to Pheriche.

Duration

8-9 hours

Max Altitude

4,260 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

At Pheriche, after breakfast we continue on our way down to Pangboche. We will find another route that we have avoided in our early phase of our Everest Base Camp trek. We will hike the path which will take us to Tengboche which is famous owing to its ancient monastery. We will now take a break and watch in action the monks of the locality as they perform their daily ritual.

This will take us to Namche Bazaar through Sherpa village of Phungi Thanga.

Duration

6-7 hours

Max Altitude

3,445 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

It takes about 6 to 7 hours of downhill hiking to reach our destination of Lukla after following a very familiar route on the way. On the way, we will pass through Sherpa towns of Jorsalle, Monjo, Benkar, Phakding, Thadokoshi, Chaurikhark and Chheplung to finally reach the pleasant surrounds of Lukla.

Duration

6-7 hours

Max Altitude

2,800

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Return Flight Options: From Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla

Lukla to Manthali flight: March to May, September to October, and November to November
During the busiest times for trekking, planes from Lukla go to Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport. After this quick 20-minute trip, you’ll have a beautiful 5- to 6-hour journey back to Kathmandu. Please be aware that the time it takes to drive can change based on how busy the highways are. When you get there, a shared tourist van will take you pleasantly to your accommodation in Kathmandu.

Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu: January and February, June through July, August, and December
In the off-season, there are direct flights from Lukla to Kathmandu that take around 35 minutes. When you get to Tribhuvan International Airport, a shared tourist van will take you to your accommodation in Kathmandu.
Note: Flight paths may alter depending on air traffic control, the weather, and the airline’s policy based on how many people are flying at that time of year.

Helicopter Transfer Choice

There is also a direct helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu for an extra $500 to $600 per person (depending on how many people are in the group). This is faster and more convenient. The most convenient alternative during peak season so as to avoid the long drive to Manthali. Perfect for those who don’t have much time or want to add a touch of luxury to their Himalayan trip.

Hill Sherpa Trek: Extend Your Adventure

If you’re not ready to leave Nepal yet, we have some great things to do after your walk that will take you to the country’s most popular places

• Pokhara is calm and beautiful lakes, panoramic mountains and adventure activities.
• Visits made in Hitwan national park include jungle safaris to see uncommon animals like elephant back safari.
• Cultural Tours to Kathmandu Valley, Ancient Temple, palace, World Heritage sites UNESCO.

Internationally? In addition, we longer cross-border travels to the Tibetan, Indian and Mongolian states. These expeditions are well designed in order to offer you more cultural experience than on the mountains.

Duration

35 minutes fly

Max Altitude

1,300 m

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Local Teahouse