Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Trek overview

This trek joins the two great destinations of the Khumbu — the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp — into a single sixteen-day circuit linked by the Cho La pass (5,420 m). Instead of walking the same trail in and out, you ascend the quiet Gokyo Valley, climb Gokyo Ri for its famous four-eight-thousander panorama, cross the pass into the Khumbu Valley, and finish at Base Camp and Kala Patthar before descending the classic route past Tengboche Monastery. The circuit works with the mountain, not against it: the gradual ascent through Dole and Machhermo produces better acclimatization than the standard Base Camp approach, so by the time you cross Cho La you are well adapted to the altitude. Along the way you take in the highest freshwater lakes in the world, cross the Ngozumpa Glacier — Nepal's longest — and stand beneath the Khumbu Icefall at Base Camp itself. This is a challenging trek, a clear step up from the standard Base Camp route: the Cho La day is long and rough, with a short glacier crossing, and you spend several consecutive nights near or above 4,800 metres. Solid fitness and some previous hill-walking experience are strongly recommended. In return you get the two best viewpoints in the region — Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar — and new scenery every single day.

Country

Nepal

Duration

16 Days

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Max. altitude

5,545 m (Kala Patthar)

Best season

Mar–May / Sep–Nov

Difficulty level

Challenging

Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, meet our team, and transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Evening trek briefing and gear check, with time for last-minute rentals or purchases.

Altitude: 1,400 m

Price includes

Airport transfers and hotel pick-up/drop-off in Kathmandu
Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla flights including airport taxes
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Teahouse/lodge accommodation for the duration of the trek
Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service (one porter per two trekkers, 15 kg limit per trekker)
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
Microspikes and safety equipment for the Cho La glacier crossing
Staff wages, insurance, meals, and accommodation
Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide, including pulse oximeter
Arrangement of emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by your travel insurance)
Trek completion certificate

What's not included

International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Nepal entry visa fee
Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
Travel and rescue insurance with coverage up to 6,000 m (mandatory)
Personal trekking gear including sleeping bag and down jacket (rentals available)
Bottled and boiled drinking water, hot showers, and battery charging at lodges
Wi-Fi and personal communication costs on the trail
Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
Tips for guide and porters (customary)

Packing tips

Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.

Clothing & Layers

Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)

Footwear

Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
Waterproof gaiters for snow sections

Gear & Equipment

30–40 L daypack with rain cover
Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
Sunglasses with UV400 protection
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
Water purification tablets or a portable filter

Health & Safety

Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
Insect repellent (lower elevations)
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes

Frequently asked questions

The classic route walks the same Khumbu Valley trail in and out. This circuit ascends the quieter Gokyo Valley first, adds the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, then crosses the Cho La pass to join the Base Camp trail — so you see new scenery every day and get two summit viewpoints instead of one. It is two days longer and a step harder because of the pass.