Everest Base Camp Trek Via Gokyo Lake

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will complete customs and visa formalities. Our representative will be waiting at the arrival gate holding an Everest View Treks display board. You will then be transferred to Hotel Manang or a similar category hotel for your overnight stay with breakfast included.

After breakfast in Phakding (2,610 m), we set out on our trail along the Dudh Koshi River. We walk through a magnificent forest of pine and rhododendron to reach the village of Monjo (2,835 m). From Monjo, we enter Sagarmatha National Park where our trekking permits will be checked. After completing the short trekking formalities at the park, the trail descends steeply to cross a 120-meter suspension bridge toward Jorsale (2,780 m). Along the way, we pass caravans of mules and yak transporting goods. The trail crosses the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers, offering magnificent views of Mt Everest peeking between Nuptse and Lhotse. We continue trekking until we enter the town of Namche Bazaar (3,420 m). Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).

We stay in Namche Bazaar (3,420 m) for the second night to allow our bodies to acclimatize to the altitude. This is a great opportunity to explore the energetic town, the most famous trading center in the Everest region with colorful houses, restaurants, lodges and shops. We will visit the Sherpa Museum at the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters to learn about Sherpa culture, lifestyle and mountaineering heritage. Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).

From Dole (4,090 m), we trek to Machhermo (4,410 m) with an ascent through a scenic trail offering splendid views of Cho Oyu and Thamserku. The trail passes through a small settlement at Luza (4,340 m) as we continue our walk along the hillside above the roaring Dudh Koshi River. Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).

We start our trek by climbing a ridge which rewards us with beautiful views down the valley and of Thamserku, Mt Kangtenga and Cho Oyu (8,153 m). The trail drops briefly before climbing a large cave known as Nilibuk. We climb steep stairs along a narrow trail to cross a wooden bridge which leads us to the first lake, Longponga. Gokyo Village is a collection of stone houses and walled pastures on the shores of a large lake called Dudh Pokhari. The village sets a spectacular sight as it stands by the stunning lakes and Cho Oyu mountain in the background. Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).

Gokyo is famous for its marvelous views and beautiful high-altitude lakes. Our acclimatization day in Gokyo is ideal for enjoying the outstanding beauty of the valley. We take a steep climb to the top of Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) which rewards us with stunning panoramic views of the entire Khumbu Himalayas including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. Gokyo Valley has six beautiful lakes. After enjoying the views, we return to Gokyo Village (4,750 m). Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).

After acclimatizing for a day at Gokyo Village, we continue our trek to Thangnak (4,700 m / 15,400 ft). On the way, we pass Ngozumpa Glacier. The path has several ups and downs but is a shorter trek without significant gain in altitude. Thangnak Village sits beside Ngozumpa Glacier in a serene setting and is perfectly located for trekkers preparing to cross Cho La Pass (5,330 m). Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).

Today, we trek to Cho La Pass, one of the highlights of the journey. This is one of the toughest days of the trek. The pass itself is not technically difficult but is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. The trail is vertical in sections and ice-covered rocks make it slippery, so caution is required. We climb continuously from Phedi through a ravine and along a rocky trail. We pass the side of a frozen lake before reaching the top of the pass, decorated with prayer flags. After crossing some crevasses, we descend to Dzongla (4,830 m / 15,840 ft), a beautiful location with panoramic views of Mt Cholatse, Mt Ama Dablam, Lobuche Peak and Pheriche Village in the distance. Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).

Today, we trek to Lobuche (4,940 m / 16,207 ft). We descend from Dzongla (4,830 m) and after crossing a bridge, the trail continues through grassy terrain. We enjoy views of Lobuche Peak as we gradually climb a ridge. Mountains such as Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku and Taboche loom prominently along the way. Curving through a wide gravelly riverbed, we finally reach Lobuche. Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).

Today, we trek from Lobuche (4,940 m / 16,207 ft) to Gorak Shep (5,164 m / 16,961 ft) through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Along the trail, we pass the pyramid signpost and see the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with Mt Pumori, Mt Mahalangur, Mt Lingtren, Mt Khumbutse and Mt Nuptse. A small ascent takes us to Thangma Ri from where we enjoy a 360-degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply through the Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath Mt Pumori.

Upon reaching Gorak Shep, snow-capped mountains surround us, including the top of the world, Mt Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,594 ft) via the former Gorak Shep Lake. Along the way, we pass Indian army mountaineers' memorials and see colorful mountaineers' tents standing out against the gray terrain. From Everest Base Camp, we can view Nuptse, Khumbutse and Pumori. Everest itself is not visible from the base camp.

For the best experience, sunset at Kala Patthar offers more stunning views than sunrise. The setting sun casts golden light on the snowcapped peaks, creating a breathtaking panorama. Trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar can do so today for the sunset view with the support of guides and Sherpas. Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).

We start early in the morning to witness the dramatic sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft) with the first light shining on Mt Everest. Trekkers should be prepared for a dark and cold departure with temperatures ranging from -10 to -14°C and potential chilly winds. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse and Changtse tower to the east as Everest gradually emerges between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse.

During the ascent, we pause at several outstanding viewpoints to catch our breath and take photographs. After several hours of climbing, we reach Kala Patthar where we scramble to the rocky outcrop near the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. From the top, we enjoy an unbelievable Himalayan panorama, wandering visually from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as possible and capture the view in our minds to last a lifetime.

After descending back to Gorak Shep for breakfast, we continue trekking down to Dingboche (4,350 m) for a well-deserved rest. Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).

After breakfast, we trek toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge and pass through several local villages on the way. Arrival in Lukla (2,845 m) marks the end of the trek. This evening can be spent relaxing in a proper hotel and celebrating with your trekking crew. Thanks to great teamwork and perseverance, you have accomplished a physical feat of which many only dream. This is your last night on the mountain. Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse with all meals included (B/L/D).