| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 5 | $6,200 |
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Explore Holiday Treks will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and resting, you have the afternoon free to explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu or simply relax in your comfortable hotel. In the evening, you will attend a pre-trek briefing at the hotel where you’ll meet your trekking guide and fellow trekkers, ensuring that you’re fully prepared for your adventure ahead.
After an early breakfast, we head to the domestic terminal for a short, scenic flight to Lukla. The flight itself is a thrilling experience, offering panoramic views of the mountains as you approach Lukla’s famous runway. Once we land in Lukla, we begin our trek by descending gently towards Phakding. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through small Sherpa villages and lush pine forests. After a 4-hour trek, we arrive at Phakding, a picturesque village where we will stay overnight in a comfortable lodge.
Today, the trail gradually ascends towards Namche Bazaar, the bustling hub of the Everest region. We cross the Dudh Koshi River via several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge, and ascend through dense forests of rhododendron and pine. As we approach Namche, the view of Everest and neighboring peaks begins to unfold. Namche Bazaar is a lively Sherpa town with shops, restaurants, and guesthouses, making it the perfect place to rest and acclimatize. We’ll stay in a comfortable lodge here and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
An important day for acclimatization, today we rest in Namche Bazaar but take a short scenic hike to help our bodies adjust to the higher altitude. We will hike to the Everest View Hotel for breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and other surrounding peaks. This hike is not strenuous, and it also offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about Sherpa culture and traditions. After the hike, you can explore the bustling streets of Namche Bazaar, visit the local monastery, or relax at your lodge.
After a good night’s rest in Namche, we continue our trek towards Dole. The trail leaves the main valley and ascends through the forest, providing excellent views of the surrounding peaks. As we move higher, we begin to see alpine meadows and yak pastures. The walk is gradual but steady, with several ups and downs along the way. After 6 hours of trekking, we arrive at Dole, a small settlement with a few lodges. We’ll rest here for the night, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Today, the trek from Dole to Machermo is relatively short but involves a steady ascent as we continue to gain altitude. The route offers beautiful views of Cho Oyu, and we pass through alpine meadows with wildflowers and grazing yaks. The scenery is spectacular, with snow-capped peaks becoming more prominent as we approach Machermo. We’ll spend the night at a simple lodge in Machermo, one of the higher villages along the Gokyo Valley.
Today, we make our way to the stunning Gokyo Lake, a series of crystal-clear glacial lakes nestled at the base of towering peaks. The trek takes us through rocky terrain and across a moraine before arriving at the first of the Gokyo Lakes. As we continue, we are greeted by the magnificent Gokyo Lake, surrounded by mountains, with views of Everest and Cho Oyu in the distance. The area is serene and peaceful, and we’ll overnight in a lodge overlooking the lake, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty of the area.
In the morning, we’ll climb Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint that offers one of the best panoramic views in the Everest region. From the summit, you’ll have a stunning view of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and other Himalayan giants. After spending some time soaking in the view and taking photos, we descend back to Gokyo Lake for breakfast before continuing our trek to Thangnak. The hike to Thangnak takes about 3-4 hours, and we’ll settle into a simple lodge for the night.
Today, we continue on to Dzongla, a small settlement located near the base of the Chola Pass. The trek involves a steady ascent and takes us through rocky terrain and high-altitude meadows. Along the way, we’ll have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Dzongla is a quiet place where we can rest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. We’ll stay in a basic lodge here, preparing for the challenging days ahead.
From Dzongla, we head towards Lobuche, passing through high-altitude terrain with incredible views of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks. The trail is relatively straightforward, but the altitude begins to take its toll, so we’ll take it slow. Upon arrival in Lobuche, we’ll rest in a lodge and enjoy the majestic views of Mount Pumori and the surrounding peaks.
Today is a major highlight of the trek: we make our way to Everest Base Camp! From Lobuche, we first trek to Gorak Shep, a small settlement near the base of Mount Everest. After a quick rest, we continue on the final leg to Everest Base Camp itself, crossing rocky moraines and glacier terrain. At Base Camp, we’ll enjoy the spectacular views of the Khumbu Icefall, and you’ll have the chance to reflect on your journey. After spending some time at Base Camp, we return to Gorak Shep for the night.
This morning, we rise early to make the ascent to Kala Patthar, one of the best viewpoints for Mount Everest. From the summit of Kala Patthar, you’ll have a 360-degree view of Everest and the surrounding peaks — an unforgettable sight. After spending some time at the summit, we descend back to Gorak Shep, have breakfast, and then continue trekking downhill to Pheriche or Pangboche, depending on time and availability. Both villages offer stunning views of the mountains and provide a comfortable place to rest after the strenuous morning.
From Pheriche or Pangboche, we continue our descent back to Namche Bazaar. The trek takes us through the picturesque villages of Tengboche and Khumjung, passing monasteries and forests filled with rhododendron. The trek is mostly downhill, but still offers beautiful views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Once we arrive in Namche Bazaar, we’ll spend the night in a comfortable lodge, enjoying a well-deserved rest.
The final day of trekking takes us from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla. The trail descends through the same scenic route, passing forests and Sherpa villages, and crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. After several hours of trekking, we reach Lukla, where we’ll celebrate the end of our trek. We’ll stay in a simple lodge in Lukla, preparing for our flight back to Kathmandu the following day.
Today, we take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. The scenic flight offers one last opportunity to admire the Himalayan peaks from the air. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to explore Kathmandu further, shop for souvenirs, or simply unwind after your epic trek.
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. If you have time, we can assist with any last-minute shopping or sightseeing before you leave. We bid you farewell and wish you safe travels, hoping that your memories of the Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek with Explore Holiday Treks will stay with you forever.
The Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging and scenic trek in Nepal that combines two of the most iconic destinations in the Everest region: Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes. The trek allows trekkers to experience the beauty of the Everest region while avoiding the more crowded routes typically taken to reach Everest Base Camp. It offers stunning views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and other surrounding peaks, as well as the serene Gokyo Lakes, situated at a higher elevation. The trek also includes a climb up Gokyo Ri, which provides one of the best panoramic views of the Everest Himalayas.
The Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek typically takes around 14 to 18 days to complete, depending on your pace and the specific itinerary. This includes travel time to and from the trailhead (Lukla), acclimatization days, and rest periods. The trek is generally broken up into manageable daily hiking distances to help you adjust to the altitude, with extra days in key locations for proper acclimatization.
The Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek is considered moderately challenging to difficult, especially due to the high altitudes and the long days of trekking. The route involves considerable elevation gain, reaching altitudes of over 5,300 meters (17,400 feet) at Gokyo Ri and 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) at Everest Base Camp. As such, trekkers need to be physically fit, prepared for strenuous hiking, and willing to take the time to acclimatize to prevent altitude sickness. If you're used to hiking at moderate altitudes, this trek will be demanding but manageable with proper preparation.
The best times to undertake the Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, providing optimal trekking conditions. The views of the mountains are stunning, and the trail is less likely to be affected by snow or heavy rainfall, making it ideal for trekking. The summer monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain to the region, while winter (December to February) can be very cold and challenging due to snow and ice.
Yes, you will need several permits to trek in the Everest region. These include:
Sagarmatha National Park Permit: Required to enter the park and trek in the Everest region.
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System):This is a mandatory registration card for all trekkers in Nepal.
Gokyo Lakes Special Permit: If your itinerary includes Gokyo Lakes, you may need a special permit, which is typically arranged through a trekking agency.
These permits can be obtained through your trekking agency or at the Nepal Tourism Board.
Accommodation on the Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek is generally in teahouses (basic lodges) along the trail. While the standard of accommodation improves in more developed areas like Namche Bazaar and Lukla, in the higher, more remote regions, the lodges are simpler. Rooms are basic, with twin beds, blankets, and sometimes a shared bathroom. The luxury and comfort of teahouses improve as you descend, but expect simpler conditions in the higher altitudes.
If you prefer more comfort, some trekking agencies offer luxury trekking packages where you stay in higher-end lodges with en-suite bathrooms and other amenities.
The highest point on the Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek is Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters or 17,575 feet). You will also reach Everest Base Camp at around 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). The high altitude increases the risk of altitude sickness (AMS), which can be dangerous if not properly managed.
To mitigate the risks, it’s essential to:
Take rest days for acclimatization at key locations like Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Gokyo.
Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.
Climb high, sleep low: Try to hike to a higher altitude during the day and return to a lower altitude to sleep.
If you start feeling symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness), descend immediately and seek medical attention.
The Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek is physically demanding, requiring a moderate to high level of fitness. You don’t need to be an expert mountaineer, but you should be in good cardiovascular shape and accustomed to long days of trekking (typically 5-7 hours per day). Training for the trek should focus on building stamina through cardio exercises like hiking, running, and cycling, as well as strength training for your legs and core.
Acclimatization is also crucial, so be prepared to take it slow and allow your body time to adjust to the altitude.
The trek offers some of the most stunning mountain views in the world. Highlights include:
Mount Everest (8,848 meters), the highest peak in the world, which you’ll see from multiple viewpoints.
The Gokyo Lakes, a series of glacial lakes surrounded by towering peaks.
Cho Oyu (8,188 meters), Makalu (8,485 meters), and Lhotse (8,516 meters), all visible from various points along the trek.
The Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp, where climbers begin their ascent of Mount Everest.
Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa town that serves as the gateway to the Everest region.
The picturesque villages of Phakding, Tengboche, and Dingboche, where you can experience Sherpa culture and hospitality.
While it’s technically possible to do the Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek without a guide, it is strongly recommended to hire a licensed guide and possibly a porter. The route is well-marked, but a guide will provide valuable insights into the region’s culture, history, and geography. They will also help with navigation, ensure safety, and provide assistance in case of any medical issues.
A porter will carry your heavy luggage, allowing you to focus on the trek itself and enjoy the stunning scenery. Plus, it’s a great way to support the local economy and reduce your physical load.
Preparation for the Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek should focus on fitness and acclimatization. It’s also important to make sure you have the proper gear, including trekking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, and a good-quality backpack. Additionally:
Train your body: Focus on building endurance through hiking and cardio exercises, and do some hill training if possible.
Pack wisely: Make sure you have essential items like a first aid kit, water purification tablets, sunscreen, and proper cold-weather gear.
Consult a doctor: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, make sure to check with a healthcare professional before embarking on the trek.
The Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek is a life-changing adventure that combines the best of the Everest region, stunning mountain vistas, and unique cultural experiences. With proper preparation, guidance, and acclimatization, it’s an unforgettable journey to some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth.
