Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp Trek
Trip at a Glance
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Country: Nepal
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Trip grade: Strenuous
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Destination: Everest region
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Activities: Trekking/Hiking
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Accommodation: Hotels/Lodges
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Meals: Full-board on trek
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Transportation: Private vehicle/Plane
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Maximum altitude: Kala Patthar (5550m)
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Group size: 2 pax min
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Best Season: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp Trek is an amazing trek in the Everest region that combines a trek to Gokyo Lake, attending the Everest Base Camp and crossing over one of the important high mountain passes in Everest, Cho La Pass at 5,350 meters.
A scenic flight from Kathmandu will take you to Lukla from where the trek starts followed by Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest. Onwards Namche, the trek proceeds to Gokyo Valley passing through beautiful Sherpa villages, alpine forests, and suspension bridges.
The turquoise Gokyo Lakes, which are home to breathtaking glaciers and expansive views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, are the main attractions of Gokyo Valley. To sum it all up, there is Gokyo-Ri at 5,357 meters, the popular Himalayan viewpoint which provides different and stunning views of Mt. Everest as well as Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
After Gokyo, the trek further continues, crossing over one of the important passes in Khumbu, the Cho-La pass at 5,350 meters. Though challenging, crossing Cho-La pass is a rewarding part of the trek. It involves steep ascents and descents, and trekkers are rewarded with spectacular views and a sense of achievement.
The trek then joins the Everest Base Camp route after Cho-La Pass, where you get to visit Everest Base Camp and hike to Kalapather 5,550 meters, another most popular Himalayan viewpoint of Khumbu. The trail then descends to Namche Bazaar and to Lukla for the return flight to Kathmandu.
Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp Trek is a unique trek and an adventurous experience in the Everest region. Trekkers will get to witness the beauty of Gokyo Valley, crossing over one of the high passes in Everest – the Chola Pass and attending the base camp of the world’s highest peak – Everest Base Camp.
Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Discover the unique culture & tradition of the “Sherpas”.
- Explore Namche Bazaar, the central hub of the Khumbu region.
- Witness the tallest mountains in the world with the dazzling turquoise lakes of Gokyo.
- Experience a thrilling hike to Kalapathar offering stunning views of Everest, Cho Oyu & Makalu.
- Enjoy spectacular panoramas from the summit of Gokyo Ri, showcasing the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.
- Witness the captivating Ngozumpa Glacier in all its glory.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m/40min) and trek to Phakding (2610m/ 3-4 hrs)
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/5 - 6hrs)
Day 04: In Namche Bazaar - Rest/Acclimatization Day & Hike to Hotel Everest View (3880m/3-4 hrs)
Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4038m/4-5 hrs)
Day 06: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4470m/3-4 hrs)
Day 07: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake (4750m/5-6 hrs)
Day 08: Excursion day at Gokyo; ascent to the Gokyo Ri (5357m/5-6 hrs)
Day 09: Trek from Gokyo to Thangna (4700m/4-5 hrs)
Day 10: Trek from Thangna to Lobuche (4910m) via Cho La Pass (5350m/6-7 hrs)
Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5140m) / Hike to to Everest Base Camp (5364 m) & back to Gorakshep (8-9 hrs)
Day 12: Trek from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5550m) to Pheriche (4240 m/8-9 hrs)
Day 13: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3440m/6-7 hrs)
Day 14: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840m/5-6 hrs)
Day 15: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1400m/40min)
Day 16: Final departure
Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you need to accomplish your entry/visa formalities. You will then be received by a representative from Marron Treks and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Welcome drinks will be served at the hotel, followed by a quick pre-trip meeting. You can then spend the remaining time resting or as you please. In the evening you can stroll around the vicinity of your hotel just to get the feel of this wonderful city.
We take an early morning flight Lukla after breakfast. In about 45 minutes, we land at the Tenjing Hillary airport in Lukla, picturesquely surrounded by mountains. These 45 minutes on board is going to be the best aerial journey you have had so far. We now meet up with our trekking crew and get acquainted to each other. After some unpacking and arrangements, we then proceed for our trek through the village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. Chaurikharka School, Chablung, Tharo Koshi, Ghat etc are some of the sites that entice you along the trail. On reaching Phakding, we have our lunch and then if interested, can go on a short hike to the nearby monastery. This could help getting acclimatized to the high elevation.
Note: Flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa may be rerouted to Manthali during the peak trekking seasons of March, April, May, September, October, and November due to increased air traffic congestion. Manthali is 5 hours drive from Kathmandu and we need to start at 12.30am for Kathmandu/Manthali drive to catch the flight to Lukla from Manthali. During December, January, February, June, July, or August, you will experience a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa.
The trail leads us along the Dudh Koshi river, through the pine forests and many suspension bridges, including the very famous, Hillary Suspension Bridge. The route then ascends straight up beyond a waterfall, from where we get a breathtaking view of Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Advancing further, we come to a check post which also happens to be the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. As we continue our ascent through the forests and bridges, we approach the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers. Trudging up further for about 2 hours brings us to Chautari (resting place), wherefrom we can relish the splendid sight of the Mt. Everest, almost belittling the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Passing through one last settlement, the Jorsale village, we ultimately reach Namche Baazar in about 2 hours. Namche Bazaar is the administrative center of the Khumbu region and is also the gateway to the Mount Everest.
Today is the rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and to cope with the rising elevation. You can go for a side excursion to Hotel Everest View (3880m) which is considered the hotel located at the highest point on earth. From its balcony, you can have the first glimpse of Mt. Everest and other world’s highest peaks sipping tea/coffee. Then it’s back to your hotel in Namche Bazaar. In the evening, you can explore Namche, talk with the locals, and meet many other trekkers and mountaineers from around the world.
We take the uphill path via Khumjung and arrive at Sansa. As we continue on the level trail above the Sansa junction, the path then crosses the lower slopes of Mt. Khumbila (5765m), which seems to hood up imposingly above Namche. Initially the path climbs up a ridge and the later contours around it taking us towards a trivial looking “Mong La” pass (3975m). Withstanding the piercing mountain winds, we descend towards the Dudh Koshi River and arrive at Phortse Thenga. From here, Dole just a pleasant hike away through the dense clusters of pines and rhododendrons.
From Dole, the trek resumes with a steep ascent out of the forest to a barren hillside and continues past a chorten. The trail takes us past a seasonal village of Lhabarma and then climbs gently past a large chorten to the settlement of Luza. The ascent continues over a series of hummocks along the side of valley until we eventually arrive at another chorten and the fluttering prayer flags at Machermo, a small settlement beautifully tucked into the wide bottomed valley below the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier.
Kissing goodbye to the foothills of Machermo, we enter the bleak tundra of the high mountains and then immediately make a steep ascent up a scrubby slope to reach a hilltop with a cluster of chortens. Our walk now continues along a ridge, enjoying the views of Mt. Kantega (6685m) and Cho Oyu (8201m) until we arrive at a tiny settlement of Pangka. From here, the trail first drops and then climbs along the stone steps to a rocky cleft, releasing us to the lateral moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier. Within the confinement of this crumbling hummock of sand- gravel and the mountain wall, there are six sacred lakes. We cross a bridge and then pass by one of the six lakes- Longponga Tso. The trail stretches across a barren landscape with imposing boulders outgrown by lichens. However, the sight of the funky rhododendrons will be a good retreat. We then pass by the second lake “Taboche Thso” and eventually arrive at the picturesque village of Gokyo, boisterously poised on the shores of the third lake called “Dudh Pokhari”. The village offers some of the best excursions in the Everest region. We will have an extra day halt here just to make sure that we don’t miss out anything.
The Gokyo Ri is often reckoned as the “Kala Patthar of Gokyo” in terms of its fame. This imposing stony monticule, located at the north of the Dudh Pokhari is an exclusive vantage point that offers jaw-dropping panorama of the Everest milieu. Reaching the summit necessitates a two hours’ nerve racking climb. But once you are at the top, holy guacamole!!…..you will be spellbound to witness all the bigwigs of the Everest region, viz. Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cholatse and of course, the mightiest of them all-the Mt. Everest, as intimidating and immortal as ever. While the village appears like a tiny dot on the moraine, the massive “Dudh Pokhari “ lake radiates its turquoise blue spectrum, almost putting you in some kind of hypnotic trance. After this indulgence in the grandeur of Gokyo, we meticulously descend the ridge and walk back to our teahouse.
The two days of rejuvenating excursions at the fascinating vicinity of Gokyo, we now advance to accomplish one of the most desired ventures of this trip, crossing the very famed Cho La Pass. But for that we have to first get to Thangna. We head on for about 3-4 hours’ walk towards the south-east from Gokyo across the Ngozumpa Glacier. Since our tomorrow’s trek constitutes a long walk coupled with crossing the Cho La, we limit today’s walk up to Thangna.
With high spirits we begin the mission towards the Cho La Pass. The high elevated trail could make any one breathless. On conducive weather conditions you don’t have to be specially equipped to cross the pass, but yes, warm clothes are imponderable. Most often than not, the pass seems to be covered with snow, so mountaineering gears and equipments like ice-axe and ice-hammer are necessary. The pass is not suitable for heavily loaded yaks or porters. From the top of the pass, our trail skirts around the ridge and then drops to the village of Dzongla. By now we will already have walked about 5 hours. A downhill walk for another 2 hours will eventually bring us to Lobuche.
Today is the big day as you will be attending Everest Base Camp, the foot of Mt. Everest. You will start first with 3 hours hike to the small village of Gorekshep passing over boulders and rough terrain.
Then hike to Everest Base Camp and upon arrival feel the majesty of the base camp, walk over the Khumbu Glacier from where Everest summiters start their journey to the top. Celebrate your achievement with your trek guide and other members at the base camp. From the base camp enjoy views of Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and a little bit of Everest. Afterwards, back to Gorekshep for the overnight stay.
Start early today to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas from Kala Patthar which is the most popular Himalayan viewpoint in Khumbu providing 360-degree Himalayan panorama including Mt. Everest.
The hike up to Kala Patthar is not that long but steep, rocky, and very challenging. Upon reaching its top you will be rewarded with the most spectacular Himalayan panorama of the peaks like Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Pumori, and more.
Afterwards, retrace your way back to Gorekshep for breakfast then descend to Pheriche. It’s a rugged trail to Pheriche and passes along Lobuche and Thukla Pass. As you descend the ridge of Thukla Pass, you will cross a short bridge over a glacial stream to arrive at Pheriche.
Pheriche is a small village with hotels, teahouses, and yak pastures. Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic is also at Pheriche. This voluntary non-profit clinic serves as a rescue station for trekkers and mountaineers in the Himalayas
We make our way back to Sherpa Town in Namche, which involves a lengthy trial. However, the breathtaking views of the mountains persist, so make sure to pause at intervals and soak in the beauty of the Everest region.
Relishing the majestic mountains, we descend gradually through various communities, such as Orsho, Somare, Pangboche, and Tengboche, until we reach Namche.
Upon reaching Namche, indulge in a refreshing hot shower and unwind for the day. If you desire, you can ask your guide to take you to local cafes, where you can relish delicious baked cookies or savour your favourite coffee.
Tonight, enjoy a cosy night at a guesthouse, reminiscing about the base camp as you browse through your photos and videos.
As you make your way down from the breathtaking mountain views behind you, you will descend to Lukla. The journey takes you through Jorsale, Monjo, and Phakding, showcasing the lush forests and magnificent mountainous terrain that will keep you captivated throughout the trek. Make sure to savour the final moments of gazing at the massive peaks and cherish the end of your Everest hike.
In the evening, it’s time to celebrate the successful completion of your Himalayan adventure with your crew and teammates. Take this opportunity to express gratitude to everyone, especially the porters who tirelessly carried your belongings. A festive atmosphere will envelop the hiking crew as you join the porters and guides in singing, dancing, and enjoying local brews. Before the night ends, consider offering tips as a gesture of appreciation to your porter, guides, and assistant guides, as you bid farewell to most of the porters and assistant guides in Lukla.
Tonight, as you lay down to sleep, let the memories of Everest fill your dreams, knowing that you accomplished an incredible feat.
Bid farewell to the Everest region and the mountain, and take again the trans-Himalayan flight back to Kathmandu to Lukla. The Himalayas slowly fade from your plane window screen and finally land at the airport in Kathmandu. Then drive to a hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the time is free to explore or simply rest at your hotel.
Unless you would want to extend your trip and try out some of our other adventurous packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc., this will be your last day in Nepal. A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the airport for the final departure to your homeland. Have a safe flight back home. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu round airfare.
- All trekking accommodations with Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at local lodges.
- Four seasonal sleeping bag & Duffel bag (to be returned after trip completion),
- A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).
- Experienced Government licensed English Speaking Guide & Porter (1 porter for two people) including their food, accommodation, salary & insurance.
- Permits for Everest National Park and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.
- All government and local taxes.
What is not included?
- International airfares.
- Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (USD30 for 15 days)
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
- Excess baggage charges (luggage allowance for domestic airlines in Nepal is 15 kgs.).
- Other expenses of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower etc.)
- Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
- Tips to the guide, porter, driver, hotel and tea-house staff (Tipping is expected)
Route Map
Trip Info
Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 4- or 5-star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (4-star), Hotel Manaslu (4-star), Radisson (5-star), Yak & Yeti (5-star), or similar. During the trek, you will be accommodated in a local mountain lodge, better known as Tea House. These lodges and teahouses provide good services and are equipped with basic amenities. We will endeavor to provide you with the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.
Meals
We never compromise the quality of food or the health of the trekkers as well as the crew members. Generally, we opt for the fresh and nutritional local community food available. You could make your delicious pick from an array of traditional foods like Sweet potatoes, buckwheat barley, etc. This way, you could not only get a real sense of the local culture and life patterns but also contribute to promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads, Masala curry, etc. are also available in the restaurants for your retreat.
Acclimatization
Altitude sickness is a serious risk while trekking in the Himalayas. It's important to acclimatize properly by spending a few days at lower altitudes before heading higher. By spending time at lower altitudes before pushing higher, your body has time to adjust. Our trekking packages have enough acclimatization days planned where you'll be spending a day or two at lower altitudes, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Electricity & drinking water
For an additional cost, you can use the electricity in all tea houses and lodges to recharge your batteries. The lodges have packaged mineral water for sale, or you can fill your bottle with boiling water. To make water drinkable, you can use water purification tablets too. But, due to hygienic issues, you should avoid drinking water from taps, rivers, or wells in trekking areas.
Communication
At lodges, restaurants, and hotels, Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee in the most popular trek regions, like Everest, and Annapurna. However, at high elevations, phone calls are the only means of connection. Our office in Kathmandu is in constant communication with your trek guide. In Kathmandu, you can purchase a local sim card for communication purposes. At high elevations, the mobile signal might not be as strong, though.
Luggage
Our porters are paired with one trekker for every two hikers, and one porter can safely carry 30 kg maximum weight. Therefore, we advise you to fill your duffle bag not more than 15 kg with your belongings. You may carry a small backpack with your valuables and informational documents. The things you are not taking along on the trek can be stored in a hotel in Kathmandu free of cost.
Typical Trek Day
Mostly your trek day starts with breakfast at 7-8 am, followed by a 3-4 hour morning trek. Lunch break is around an hour, then you continue trekking to your destination for the day. After reaching the teahouse lodge, you can relax, explore nearby areas, and enjoy dinner at 6-7 pm. Evenings involve socializing, a trek briefing, and leisure activities before bed.
Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical and evacuation costs. Having travel insurance with you makes your trip secure and hassle-free.
Our Guides
Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you can actually connect with nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides who are very well-versed in the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the trek region you are traveling in. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining but also equally informative.
Porter and Staff Care
When it comes to high-altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitudes are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. All our field staff are covered by insurance.
