Gokyo Lakes Everest Base Camp Trek

Gokyo Lakes Everest Base Camp Trek, via the Cho La (Pass), is a rugged and adventurous alternative to the popular EBC. You get the best of both worlds: a wilderness experience, plus the unmissable attractions of the classic EBC trek.

Highlights of the Gokyo Lakes–Everest Base Camp Trek

Enjoy the classic EBC trek while adding extra attractions to the experience
Feel the sense of achievement after passing the high Cho La (Pass)
Marvel at the highest freshwater lake system in the world, the Gokyo Lakes
Be amazed by unobstructed views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu

This route avoids many of the busy paths, which can get very crowded in peak season, and explores the higher valleys of the Khumbu region.

The Gokyo Lakes are a major attraction in themselves, with their pristine turquoise waters. The views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and the Everest Massif from Gokyo-Ri, a peak above the lakes, are also some of the best in the Khumbu region.

While parts of this trek are demanding (especially the pass at 5330m), there is also more time to acclimatize to the altitude. There will also be fewer nights spent at very high altitude than on the standard EBC trek. This means you will likely feel more physically prepared for the challenges of the trail.

The Route Followed

Gokyo Lakes Everest Base Camp Trek starts with an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to Everest. While this airport is notorious, you will probably forget any fears amid the excitement of the approach and the Spectacular Mountain and hill scenery.

After two days’ walk to Namche Bazaar, the heartland of Sherpa culture, the trail veers off from the EBC route and enters the Gokyo Valley.

Spend a day at Machermo (4440m) to aid acclimatization. And perhaps even see a Yeti! (According to legend, this is where the Yeti was last spotted).

The trail continues down the valley, towards the beautiful, turquoise glacial-fed Gokyo lakes. There are 19 lakes in the system, although there are six main lakes accessible to visitors. The main lake is called DudhPokhari (the milk lake), and the town of Gokyo sits on its shore.

A couple of hours’ hike above the lakes is Gokyo-Ri (5360m), which is actually at about the same altitude as Everest Base Camp. The viewpoint at the summit provides one of the best views in the region, including Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m) and Cho Oyu (8201m), three of the top ten highest mountains in the world. From there you can also see the longest glacier in Nepal, the Ngozumpa Glacier.

From the Gokyo Lakes, the trail heads towards another valley to reach the Cho La (5330m). This high pass must be crossed to reach Everest Base Camp from this direction.

After this point, the route rejoins the main EBC trail at Lobuche (4900m). The return route to Lukla descends into the main valley and passes through Pheriche (4200m), Pangboche (3900m) and Namche (3440m).

Accommodation

Gokyo Lakes Everest Base Camp Trek can be done as a teahouse trek, so you will stay in lodges along the way. In Lukla, Namche Bazaar and along the EBC route, the variety and quality of teahouses are especially good. Luxury lodges are even available! We can match your lodging to your budget and tastes.

Gokyo Lakes Everest Base Camp Trek Short Itinerary;

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters)
Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2810 meters) and trek to Phakding. (2610 meters)
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 meters)
Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Trek to Dole. (4200 meters)
Day 07: Trek to Machhermo. (4440 meters)
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Machhermo.
Day 09: Trek to Gokyo (4790 meters)
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Gokyo.
Day 11: Climb Gokyo Ri (5360 meters) and trek to Dragnag. (4700 meters)
Day 12: Cross Cho La (5330 meters) and trek to Dzong Lha. (4830 meters)
Day 13: Trek to Lobuche. (4900 meters)
Day 14: Trek to Gorakshep (5180 meters)
Day 15: Climb Kala Patter (5545 meters) and trek to Lobuche. (4900 meters)
Day 16: Trek to Dingboche. (4400 meters)
Day 17: Trek to Thyangboche. (3860 meters)
Day 18: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 meters)
Day 19: Trek to Lukla. (2810 meters)
Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 21: Free day at Kathmandu.
Day 22: Departure.

Detail Itinenary

Day 01

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters)

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks with the company’s display board will greet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your Hotel. (Overnight at Hotel)

Day 02

Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.

A half day guided tour to several of historical and spiritual attractions enlisted under the World Heritage Sites. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing on the trek. All the required information regarding the trek would be provided. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)

Day 03

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2810 meters) and trek to Phakding. (2610 meters)

An early morning scenic flight to Lukla (35 minutes) is followed by a leisurely breakfast at Lukla. We meet up with our crew and after a brief introduction and a quick sorting of our daypack and the main bags, our adventure starts. The trail gradually drops into the Dudh Koshi Valley and passes through the lovely Sherpa villages of Chauri Kharka, Cheplung, then undulates through villages of Thado Koshi, Ghat, and finally arrives at Phakding. First views of Kusum Kanguru (6367 meters) can be viewed at Thado Koshi just before a small climb at Thado Koshi. During the day and in most of the other days on the trek, we follow the Dudh Koshi river and pass through couple of suspension bridges and several mani walls, mani stone, chorten, stupas and prayer flags with snow capped mountains in the background. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 04

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 meters)

During the day, we follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross the river several times on the suspension bridges. Views of Thamserku (6608 meters) and the holy mountain Khumbi Yui Lha (5761 meters) shows themselves for the first time as we trek through small villages of Tok Tok, Ghat, Benkar and Monjo. The trail keeps undulating for the whole morning and enters into the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The path drops down to Jorsalle and steadily follows the river for a while until the start of steep climb with a dramatic suspension bridge (situated at more than 50 meters above the river) joining the two different valley. First glimpse of Everest (8848 meters) with the Lohtse face infront of it can be enjoyed on the midway of the climb through the pine forests, on the way to Namche Bazaar. This famous town in the lap of the Himalayas also offers the best views of the Kongde Range. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 05

Day 05: Acclimazation day at Namche Bazaar.

A walk to the twin village of Khunde (3840 meters) and Khumjung (3780 meters) through the Syangboche Airport (3720 meters) is considered as one of the interesting days of the trek. With the benefit of gain in altitude, this day trip also offers a chance to visit a hospital and school started by Sir Edmund Hillary himself. Breathtaking views of Mount Everest (8848 meters), Lohtse (8414 meters) and Ama Dablam (6856 meters) are also an added incentive for the day hike. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 06

Day 06: Trek to Dole. (4200 meters)

The trek continues on a well maintained path in the morning with towering mountains on almost every direction. After passing a couple of teahouses at Kyangjuma, the path climbs to a different valley leaving the traditional Everest Trail and crosses Mong La and drops down to Phortse Tenga. With the disappearing views of Taboche (6367 meters) and Chola Tse (6335 meters), the trail slowly climbs and reaches Dole. (5-6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 07

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo. (4440 meters)

Leaving the tree line behind, a brief climb starts the day and a gradual climb follows for the rest of day. The trail passes through a couple of tea shops at Luza and finally reaches Machhermo with Cho Oyu (8201 meters) appearing to the north. (4 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 08

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Machhermo.

A climb to the ridge above Machhermo rewards with view of Everest and the trail into the valley for the next few days. Lecture on altitude at the nearby health post is an option for the afternoon. According to legends, Machhermo was the last place of sightings of the mythical creature of the Himalayas, the Yeti. (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 09

Day 09: Trek to Gokyo (4790 meters)

The trail moves up into the valley on a easy terrain and starts getting steeper near the lakes of the Gokyo Valley. After passing two smaller lakes, the trail leads to the third lake commonly known as the Gokyo Lake with Cho Oyo towering in the background. (4 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 10

Day 10: Acclimatization day at Gokyo.

A walk further into the valley on an easier terrain leads to the fourth and fifth lakes of the valley. These lakes are considered to be sacred and holy to the people of the Khumbu region. (4 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 11

Day 11: Climb Gokyo Ri (5360 meters) and trek to Dragnag. (4700 meters)

An early morning climb to Gokyo Ri (3 hours) offers stunning views of Cho Oyo (8153 meters), Makalu (8475 meters), Lhotse (8501 meters) and Everest (8848meters); four of the top ten highest point on the planet. Apart from these, many more mountains of the Khumbu region can be enjoyed from Gokyo Ri, making it a popular viewpoint in the region. Breakfast at Gokyo is followed with a return to the first lake and then the trail crosses the longest glacier of Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier. Dragnag is located under a huge rock face, across the Ngozumpa Glacier. (4 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 12

Day 12: Cross Cho La (5330 meters) and trek to Dzong Lha. (4830 meters)

Another early start to the day leads to a steep climb to the top of the pass. A steep drop follows a brief walk on the glacier into a new valley with Chola Tse (6423 meters) towering to the southeast and Ama Dablam (6856 meters) appearing towards east. The terrain starts to get easier and finally reaches Dzong Lha. The day is the toughest and the longest day of the trek and the most basic accommodation of the whole trek at Dzong Lha do not help either. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 13

Day 13: Trek to Lobuche. (4900 meters)

The trail undulates in the morning but slowly starts to get gradually later in the day. The terrain feels easier compared to the previous day and joins the traditional Everest trail near the end of the days trek. Once on the main trail, a short gradual climb leads to Lobuche. (4 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 14

Day 14: Trek to Gorakshep (5180 meters)

An early start leads us into the undulating trail and into the Khumbu Glacier for a while. After getting out of the glacier, the path leads to Gorakhshep (5180 meters). After a brief stop and lunch, the trail again enters the Khumbu Glacier and undulates all the way up to Everest Base Camp. At Base Camp, one can enjoy the close up views of Nuptse (7861 meters), Pumori (7165 meters), Lingtren (6749 meters), Khumbutse (6665 meters), Changtse (7653 meters) and Lho La (6026 meters). We return to Gorakhshep through the same route on the glacier. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 15

Day 15: Climb Kala Patter (5545 meters) and trek to Lobuche. (4900 meters)

A steep climb to Kala Pattar (2 hours) is rewarded with the proper view of the southwest face of Everest. Kala Pattar is also the highest point of the trek. After returning to Gorakhshep, we return to Lobuche via same route. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 16

Day 16: Trek to Dingboche. (4400 meters)

Staying on the main Everest trail, the trail gradually goes down and reaches Thukla Pass (4830 meters). The pass is filled with memorials dedicated to the mountaineers perished in the mountains of Khumbu region. From the pass, the path drops down to Thukla and then continues to drop gradually all the way to Dingboche. (5 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 17

Day 17: Trek to Thyangboche. (3860 meters)

The path drops and then climbs out of a valley in the morning and follows the Dudh Koshi River gradually on a leveled terrain, through the villages of Pangboche and Somare. The path finally returns to go through the forests and a gradual climb leads to Thyangboche. Thyangboche is famous for the Thyangboche Monastery, the biggest and the most important monastery of the region. Thyangboche also offers stunning panoramic views of Everest with the Lohtse face, Ama Dablam, Khangtega (6685 meters) and the Kongde Range. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 18

Day 18: Trek to Namche Bazaar. (3440 meters)

A steep drop through the Rhododendron forest leads to Phunki Tenga and after crossing a river at Phunki Tenga, a steep climb passing through the small villages of Lausasa and Sanasa, finally takes us to Kyangjuma. A gentle walk from Kyangjuma with views of the valleys for the next day leads to Namche Bazaar. (5 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 19

Day 19: Trek to Lukla. (2810 meters)

We trek back to Lukla via same route taken before and end the trek at Lukla. We also bid farewell to our support crew and formally end their trek for them as well. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 20

Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu.

A 25 minute flight to Kathmandu and a whole day to explore the capital. Further adventure activities like rock climbing, hiking, biking around the Kathmandu valley with bungee jumping, rafting near the valleys can be done on this free day. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)

Day 21

Day 21: Free day at Kathmandu.

A leisure day in Kathmandu which can used for an early morning mountain flights to Everest or can extended into further more tours to Chitwan, Lumbini etc. (This is also spare day in case of cancellation of flights) (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)

Day 22

Day 22: Departure.

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future. (Breakfast included)

Gear List

Visit Himalaya Treks has always been keen on safety on the journey. We have prepared Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG. You must bring the following items:

Fleece jacket or warm jumper	Thermal shirts/underwear	Nightwear thermals
Fleece/sweatpants	Day-wear shirt/rain pants	Trekking pants
Wind pants	Warm hat/balaclava	Neck gaiter
Sunhat	Warm hat	Sunglasses
Mittens/gloves	Water bottle	Torch / Flashlight
Quick drier Towel	Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen 35++
Water purification	A set of Earplugs	Trekking Poles
Hiking Boots	Socks	First aid kit
Antiseptics	Camera and video camera

Medical

Betadine / Dettol.	Hand-plaster	Bandage
Eye drop.	Eardrop	Sinex.
Gauge	Cotton	Move / Spray
Digene	Diamox	D-Cold
Vicks	Paracetamol	Medicine for diarrhea
Medicine for a toothache