The 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.
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
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.
Service includes on trip cost
Service excludes on trip cost;
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: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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