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The Everest Gokyo Lakes and Base Camp Trek is one of the best alternate options for treks in the Khumbu. The trip presents you the opportunity to trek through one of the most visited trekking destinations in Nepal and experience its many natural and cultural facets. It is a journey of a lifetime where Himalayan views of the Everest peaks tower over the valleys spectacularly at every turn of the trekking trail. With a well-trodden pathway that coruscates through the Dudh Koshi and Imja River valleys, a trip is an unforgettable event that you simply must try at least once in life!
The Everest Gokyo Lakes and Base Camp Trek begins with a short flight to Lukla. From there, you will be following the path to many of Khumbu's ethic Sherpa villages and settlements, like Namche Bazaar, Phakding, and Lobuche among others. In many ways, this trip is similar to the regular base camp trekking trip, except in the fact that this trip also includes a visit to the holy sapphire Himalayan lakes of Gokyo in the high Himalayas of Khumbu.
Taking an alternate route from Dole and Machhermo villages, you will be traversing deep into the foothills and ascending through the glacial moraines and ravines to reach Gokyo. The turquoise lakes of the Everest peaks present one of the most serene and beautiful sights in the world. The lake is embedded in the Himalayan sediments of silts and clay, shimmering blue and green in the sun that reflects the lake's deep glacial debris. Although devoid of fish due to the extreme temperatures, the lake harbors rich Himalayan vegetation much like a beguiling desert oasis, except that the lake is rather surrounded by ice and snow than the dunes.
Moreover, the Everest Gokyo Lakes and Base Camp trek also includes many other attributes of the Khumbu, like a visit to the famous Himalayan town of Namche Bazaar among other settlements where Sherpa culture is vibrant and lively. Namche Bazaar presents amazing views of the Everest peaks, like the Ama Dablam, the Lhotse, the Nuptse, the Thamserku, the Kongdi RI, and the Kusum Kanguru among many others from its amphitheater-like terrain.
Likewise, you will also cross the Cho La Mountain Pass and visit hidden gems of the region like Dragnak and Dzongla. Finally, the trip concludes at the base camp of Mount Everest, but not before you visit the vantage point of Kalapatthar- one of the best vantage points in the region that presents panoramic views of the entire Everest massif in a thrilling display of serrated peaks.
In addition to the natural and cultural features, you will also be presented with the best services at all times with regards to meals, accommodation, transportation, and guidance. It is truly a trip that you do not want to miss out on! Book your trip with us today!
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft.)Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley and Trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft.)
Day 03: Fly to Lukla and head to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft) 3-4 hours
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280ft) 5-6 hours
Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft)
Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,200m/13,779ft)6-7 hours
Day 07: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470m/14,665ft)4-5 hours
Day 08: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m/15,715ft)3-4 hours
Day 09: Acclimatization day at Gokyo Lakes
Day 10: Trek from Gokyo Lakes to Dragnak (4,700m/15,419ft)3-4 hours
Day 11: Trek from Dragnak to Dzongla (4,830m/15,846ft) via Chola Pass (5,420m/17,782ft)7-8 hours
Day 12: Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910m/16,108ft)4-5 hours
Day 13: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep - Everest Base Camp - Gorak Shep (5,140m/16,863ft)8-9 hours
Day 14: Hike to Kala Patthar & trek to Pheriche (4,240m/13,910ft)8-9 hours
Day 15: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)7-8 hours
Day 16: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,652m/8,700ft)6-7 hours
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 18: Departure day
What's included
- 1 hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.
- 3 star accommodations in Kathmandu
- A porter and his entire expenses.
- Airport pickup and drop facility.
- All monument entrance fees.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
- Beautifully illustrated souvenir map
- Breakfast,Lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Company duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.
- First aid medical kit
- Fresh seasonal fruits after the dinner (while on the trek).
- Full day guided city tour in Kathmandu (Day 2) by a private vehicle.
- Insurance of guide and porter.
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight tickets
- Licensed, experienced and English speaking trekking guide
- Lodge expenses during the trek.
- Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.
- Airfare for international flights.
- Cost for additional trips.
- Extra night accommodations in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trip(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.
- Nepal arrival visa.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
- Day 10
- Day 11
- Day 12
- Day 13
- Day 14
- Day 15
- Day 16
- Day 17
- Day 18
Arrival at Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
You may arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport by one of our airport representatives. He will help you get transferred to your hotel. There are no planned activities for the day, thus you may check into your Hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264ft)
This day is reserved for a sightseeing tour of the city's major UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the Bouddhanath Stupa, the Swayambhunath Stupa, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Each of the sites presents a good insight into Nepal's religious and historical context and also present amazing art and architecture as each is built in a traditional architectural style with ornamentations done on the wood, the metal framings, and the stones. After the tour, you will be dropped back to your Hotel. Overnights stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Fly to Lukla and head to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft), 3-4 hours
You will be transferred to the airport early in the morning for your Lukla flight. The short flight to Lukla is quite exciting as you can get your first glimpse of the mountain peaks. Upon landing at Lukla, you will then begin your trek following the path towards Phakding. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Phakding.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), 5-6 hours
From Phakding, you will be trekking through the Dudh Koshi River valley, ascending and descending on occasions to reach Monjo. This is where the entrance to the Sagarmatha
national Park lies. You will be trekking through the woodlands of the park, past smaller
settlements and pastures to reach Namche Bazaar. Along the way, you will get amazing views of the Everest Peaks as well as many of its neighboring peaks, like Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and the Kongdi RI among others. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Namche.
Acclimatization Day (3,440m/11,283ft)
This day is reserved for acclimatization. You can visit the Everest View Hotel, located just outside of town, and even visit the Syangboche airstrip that is situated above Namche on a ridge. Both locations present good views of the mountain peaks, and the airstrip also presents an amazing sprawling sight of the town below. You can also spend the day visiting Namche's Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Namche.
Trek to Dole (4,200m/13,779ft), 6-7 hours
You will leave Namche today and follow the path that winds up and down the valley towards Dole. Along the way, you can also see many Himalayan Pheasants in the woods and can also catch sight of the Musk Deer. Cliffs are great places where you can spot the Himalayan Thar, vicariously climbing the sheer vertical cliff face. Then the trail begins to descend towards Kyangjuma and then eventually towards the Dudh Koshi River. The views of mountain peaks like Khumbila, the Ama Dablam, and the Thamserku are splendid along the journey. Finally, trekking through the rhododendron woods, you will reach Dole. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Dole.
Trek to Machhermo (4,470m/14,665ft), 4-5 hours
Views of the Tawache Peak and the Cholatse Himal from Dole are quite amazing. Crossing the Dudh Koshi River via a suspension bridge, you will be trekking through the alpine juniper woods once again. As you make your way across the valley, you can get soaring sights of the Cho Oyu Peak, the Kangtega Himal, and the Thamserku Peak. The path then descends towards the Luzu village. Passing through, you will then come across sandy trails until finally reaching Machhermo. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Machhermo.
Trek to Gokyo (4,790m/15,715ft), 3-4 hours
From Machhermo, you will ascend the valley to a ridge from where the views of the entire Dudh Koshi Valley and the Kangtega Peak are quite spectacular. Beyond the ridgeline, the trail then branches out towards chortens to reach Phangga. From here, you will trek down the river bank and then climb again towards the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Along the way, you will pass by the small settlements of Longpongo, Raboche and the Tsho and Dudh Pokhari Lakes before finally reaching Gokyo. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Gokyo.
Acclimatization day
This day is reserved for acclimatization. You can enjoy the Lake view and relax or choose to spend the day trekking to Gokyo RI, a natural vantage point that presents amazing views of the Everest peaks. Gokyo RI presents views of peaks like the Makalu, the Gyachung Kang, Cho Oyu, and many Everest peaks, even more so than Kalapatthar. Today, you can also visit the 4th and the 5th lakes of the Gokyo lake system; they are situated about 3 kilometers from the main lake. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Gokyo.
Trek to Dragnak (4,700m/15,419ft), 3-4 hours
Today's trek is comparatively short and easy. You will be trekking to Dragnak today, climbing up the valley and then dropping down again to reach the Ngozumpa Glacier. Further lays the village of Dragnak. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Dragnak.
Trek to Dzongla (4,830m/15,846ft) via Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft), 7-8 hours
This can be a rigorous day of trekking as you will be crossing a mountain pass. Early in the morning before dawn, you will wake up and make your way to the foothill of the Cho La Mountain Pass. Then, with a steady march, you will begin your climb uphill. From the top of the pass, you can get mesmerizing views of the valley and the Everest peaks. Many goat herders also use the pass to get around and you may come across many such herds making their journey along the way. Then, after taking in the views, you will start descending. Finally, as you reach down, you can make out the trekking pathway once again that leads to Dzongla. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Dzongla.
Trek to Lobuche (4,910m/16,108ft), 4-5 hours
Compared to yesterday, today's trek is rather easy and level. You will be trekking through the wide pastures and grasslands towards Lobuche. As you trek, you can notice the change in the terrain as well, as the landscape becomes snowier. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Lobuche.
Trek to Gorekshep - Everest Base Camp - Gorekshep (5,140m/16,863ft), 8-9 hours
From Lobuche, you will steadily make your way uphill towards the slanting slopes of the Himalayas towards Gorekshep. It is a sparsely populated village that used to be the original base camp until it was moved further ahead. From Gorekshep, you will then finally make your way to the base camp from where the Everest expedition begins, passing by the Khumbu glacier moraine. Taking in the views of the Khumbu Icefall and the Khumbu glacier from the base camp, you will make your way back to Gorekshep.
Hike to Kalapatthar and trek to Pheriche (4,240m/13,910ft), 8-9 hours
Early in the morning, you will make your way to Kalapatthar, one of the best vantage points in the region for a sunrise view of the Everest peaks. Kalapatthar presents panoramic views of the entire Mount Everest massif quite spectacularly. Enjoying the views, you will then trek down the valley towards Pheriche, going through the woods and the pastures once again. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Pheriche.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), 7-8 hours
From Pheriche, you will start the descend the valley, through the pine and cedar woods and bamboo groves back towards Namche Bazaar. Along the journey, you will cross many small bridges over rivers and also come across smaller settlements situated along the ravines and the cliff ridgelines. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Namche.
Trek to Lukla (2,652m/8,700ft), 6-7 hours
From Namche, you will be trekking back the pathway you trekked ahead earlier in the trip. You will be passing under the canopies of the alpine woods of the Sagarmatha National Park until Monjo, from where you will then come out into open clearings that present good views of the mountain peaks. Finally, you will reach Lukla, passing by Phakding. Overnights stay at the guesthouse at Lukla.
Fly to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft), 30-35minutes
You will bid the Everest, mountains goodbye for the last time as you take your early flight back to Kathmandu. Upon reaching the city, you will be dropped off at your Hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Departure day
Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be transferred back to the airport for your departure.
