Gokyo Trek via Everest Base Camp

ratingbased on 3 reviews
  • Duration19 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 5555 m.
  • Group Size 1-20
  • Best Season March to May & September to November
Group Discount Prices
  
1 paxUS$1490
2 - 6 paxUS$1290
7 - 10 paxUS$1245
11 - 15 paxUS$1199
16 - 20 paxUS$1145
Gokyo Trek via Everest Base Camp Highlights
  • Direct views of iconic Mt. Everest and its historic base camp, Lhotse and Khumbu Glacier
  • The multi-faceted wilderness of Sagarmatha National Park
  • The Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and historic Tengboche Monastery
  • High points of Kala Patthar, Cho La and Gokyo Ri
  • The legendary Sherpas and their famed culture, hospitality, and peaceful Buddhist faith
  • Mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes and its stunning valley

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Trek Overview

If you have the soul of an adventurer and the desire for a demanding and scenically rewarding hike then the Everest Gokyo Trek may be the ideal choice for you. It's the perfect route through the Everest region, with every single day offering up dramatic landscapes and solitary valleys, formidable glaciers, and picturesque villages, yak herders living in peaceful isolation amidst the lakes of Gokyo, the hospitality and pristine culture of the Sherpas, and the near matchless variety of flora and fauna of UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park.

The trip commences with a dramatic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu that provides tantalizing glimpses of the journey's distant pathways through the region. From there the trek proper begins with a short hike to the village of Phakding, after which the trail leads on through rhododendron and conifer forests to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar (3440m), where the town's famed weekend market might well be on the show if the timing's favorable — the allotted rest day there to help acclimate to the altitude increases the chances. The legendary monastery of Tengboche (3860m) looms up on the following day, with its serene perspective on the distant peaks of the Himalayas and its long association with the mountain-climbing community's travels through the region.

The next destination on the trek is Dingboche (4410m), where another rest day for acclimation purposes allows for a climb to Chhukung Ri and its scenic outlook (5550m). Our final tea house stay is at Gorakshep (5140m), and from there, the trail leads to the trek's legendary goal of Everest Base Camp and the roll call of famous climbers who've called it home temporarily, from Hillary and Tenzing Norgay through to the likes of Haston, Messner, and Steck. Kala Patthar (5550m) nearby offers astonishing panoramic views of the entire region, from Everest and Lhotse to Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and a host of other Himalayan giants piercing the skies.

Cho La (5420m) is the last challenge on the route, offering up its impressive views of the Himalayas before the trail descends to the natural splendor of Gokyo Valley and its string of beautiful high-altitude lakes. The climb to nearby Gokyo Ri (5360m) offers further views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu that are comparable to those from Kala Patthar, with hypnotic sunsets that have to be seen to be believed. The final leg leads down through the villages of Mechharmo, Dole, and Mong Danda back to Namche and on to Lukla for the return flight to Kathmandu.

If you're looking for the memories of a lifetime and the best all-round experience of the Everest region you can't go past the Everest Gokyo Trek, and if you'll allow us Nepal Trekking Experts can open the door to making the journey a reality for you. If you have further queries and prefer to customize the trek to suit your preferences please feel free to contact us to see what we can arrange.

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trekking Permit Cost

When trekking with Nepal Trekking Experts, the permit fees are included in your package. Your guide will require your passport to obtain the required permits on your behalf. You need to have two different types of trekking permits, such as:

  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit - The local government of Khumbu charges NPR 2000 per person, which must be paid in person in Lukla; this permit is not available in Kathmandu.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit - This permit can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board Office or in Monjo at the Park Entrance Gate. It costs NPR 3000 per person.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flights

Just for your information, normally Lukla’s flight will be operated from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport) in peak seasons like October/November and March/April. If the airlines are too busy, then they might operate from mid-September in the fall and in May in the spring. It depends on air traffic and the rules of aviation. Ramechhap is located 132 kilometers east of Kathmandu, which takes 4-5 hours by car or van. Most people begin to drive at 2.00 am to get the earliest flight. Our package already includes the road transfer along with the flight.

Useful Information

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek Accommodation

Tea house hotels are plentiful within the infamous Everest Region of Nepal, with a range of quality available to you depending on your preference and needs. At lower elevations, you can choose more fully equipped tea houses with electricity, wifi, and en suite bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets. There are also more rustic, basic tea houses available, especially at higher elevations, that have simple rooms (a room will have two beds) and basic services. Bathrooms might be shared and have a squat-style toilet. If you are solo and trekking in peak season, you may need to share a room as per availability in the higher altitude areas. At these tea houses, you can pay a small fee for services such as wifi and hot showers. We provide you with a clean, -20°C sleeping bag to keep you cozy and warm.

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Valley Trekking Food

Food in the Everest Region of Nepal is delicious and plentiful. Along the well-loved and well-traveled route to Everest Base Camp, there are many tea houses offering a range of options to suit your preferences.

  • Breakfast: You can enjoy local chapati bread or Tibetan bread with curry or go for more familiar eggs, porridge, muesli, or pancakes. This trek is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, but if you have any other dietary restrictions, you can let us know, and your guide will communicate with the kitchen staff.
  • Lunch & Dinner: You can choose from a variety of local dishes, including Dal Bhat (rice, vegetable curry, and lentil soup with unlimited refills!), fried rice or noodles, Mo Mo (local dumplings), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), spring rolls, or western dishes like burgers, pasta, pizza, and potatoes.

Your package with Nepal Trekking Experts includes dinner in Kathmandu before you leave for your trek and three meals a day (with tea or coffee) every day of the trek, including travel days. If you'd like, you can purchase extra snacks, desserts, or fancy coffees when they're available.

Telephone Service in Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley

Most tea houses have phone service and mobile reception; however, due to the nature of being in the mountains, it can be unpredictable. If you would like, you can purchase a data SIM card in Kathmandu before you depart. NCELL is a recommended provider that offers 3G internet services in the Everest region.

Internet Service in EBC with Gokyo Valley

Many tea houses have wifi to purchase for around 3-5 dollars per hour, which is paid in local Nepali rupees. Please be aware that internet services may not be completely reliable due to weather and other issues.

Battery Charging

Despite trekking deep into the Himalayas, most of the tea houses have either electricity or solar power. Depending on the tea house, you might be able to charge your devices in your rooms. Otherwise, you can pay a few dollars (paid in local rupees) to charge your battery in the main dining hall. Carrying a power bank is recommended during your trek in the Everest region.

Transportation

All transportation fees and arrangements are included in your trekking package when you book with Nepal Trekking Experts. To commence your journey, you will catch a stunningly scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (30 minutes). This is likely where you will begin and end your Everest journey. If you are interested in shortening your on-foot trekking time or adding on a new experience, we can arrange for a helicopter to pick you up from Gorakshep/Gokyo and take you back either to Lukla for $500 or to Kathmandu for $1000 per person by sharing.

Porter

Our tailor-made packages do not include a porter, so you can make the decision based on your own needs and preferences. Although not necessary, having a porter can make a massive difference in the enjoyment of your trek. If you are new to trekking at high altitudes, then we would recommend having a porter in the Everest region carry your bag. One porter carries the bags of two people (around 20kg) so that you can carry a small daypack. If you are undecided, we would be happy to discuss porters in more detail when you book your trek.

Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel. An introduction to your trekking program then the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the sights, sounds, and culture of Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Free day for final trekking preparation and exploring the Kathmandu valley.

  • Max. Altitude:2610m/8563ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A magical scenic flight takes us to Lukla in the morning, and from there we begin our trek with a hike to the day's first destination, Phakding.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11286ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Our day starts by following the Dudh Koshi River and crossing over the Edmund Hillary suspension bridge, then heading towards Sagarmatha National Park and the checkpoint at Monjo. The path ascends markedly until it eventually leads us into Namche Bazaar, the regional capital of the Sherpa district.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11286ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A rest day to allow the body to acclimate to the high altitude conditions. Namche is perfect for the situation, as there's plenty to do in the scenic town including visiting Khunde Hospital, the local medical facility set up through Edmund Hillary's charitable work in the area, taking in the panoramas from Everest View Hotel, visiting the Sherpa Cultural Museum, or hiking up to Khumjung Valley and its monastery, complete with the display of its famous Yeti scalp.

  • Max. Altitude:3870m/12697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trail leads away from Namche Bazaar through a series of small villages and a suspension bridge en route to Phunki Tenga and then climbs through a series of switchbacks and dense rhododendron forests to Tengboche. The village is famous for its monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region, and justly known for its long association with mountaineering expeditions to the area.

  • Max. Altitude:4410m/14469ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The day begins by descending gradually through more woodland until we cross another suspension bridge and climb steadily towards Pangboche and Sumare, the formidable presence of Ama Dablam keeping us company all the way. Mani walls and a monastery greet our arrival in Dingboche, Lhotse, Island Peak, and other mountains adding their stunning profiles to the view.

  • Max. Altitude:4410m/14469ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Another mandatory rest day, with hikes to Chhukung Ri, Nangar Dzong, or Dolma Ri providing ample opportunities to bask in the glorious panoramas of each viewpoint.

  • Max. Altitude:4940m/16207ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

With plenty of rest from the previous day, our bodies are fully prepared for the next stretch towards Thugla, where we pass numerous cairns and monuments dedicated to the many Sherpas and climbers who have perished on Everest's slopes.  Further along on the trail through the barren terrain, we come to Khumbu glacier at the foot of the famous mountain and marvel at the terrible beauty and chaos of the inexorable mass of ice. The day finishes with our arrival at the jumble of buildings that make up the remote outpost of Lobuche.

  • Max. Altitude:5140m/16864ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Our trek reaches its climax today with the much-anticipated arrival at Everest Base Camp, truly one of the most memorable experiences in Nepal. The morning is spent traversing Khumbu Glacier and heading to Gorak Shep, where we typically pause for a well-deserved meal and the extraordinary views before heading out again for the journey's reward, our arrival at the historic base camp, a temporary home through the decades to some of the most legendary figures in the annals of mountaineering. After pausing to drink in the astonishing spectacle, and perhaps view the latest expeditions mounting their challenge, we reluctantly turn around and make our way back to Gorak Shep for our night's rest.

  • Max. Altitude:4830m/15846ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

 Everest may not be within our reach but Kala Patthar is on hand to give added meaning to the visit via unmatched views of the entire Khumbu basin and a sense of accomplishment in scaling the peak. After returning for breakfast and retrieving our trekking gear we hit the trail once more for the hike to Dzongla.

  • Max. Altitude:4700m/15420ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The occasionally icy stretch atop Cho La makes the ascent to the pass along a deep ravine a notable achievement, more difficult than Annapurna's famed Thorong La, which is about the same height. The striking views of Ama Dablam, Baruntse, and Cholatse alone make the climb to the pass worthwhile. The descent can be a tricky one if icy, and if conditions merit it we will be carrying crampons and ice-axes to facilitate our passage over the pass and down to Dragnag.

  • Max. Altitude:4790m/15715ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The hike begins along a ridgeline with glorious panoramas of the Himalayas, then trails by Ngozumpa Glacier towards Gokyo and the magical view of Dudh Kunda's turquoise waters set amidst the stunning backdrop of the surrounding peaks — truly one of nature's most spectacular scenes.

  • Max. Altitude:4790m/15715ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

We rise early to make the climb up to Gokyo Ri, with even more astonishing panoramas of the surrounding Himalayan giants such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

  • Max. Altitude:4200m/13780ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trail takes us back past the lakes of Gokyo and on towards Dole, with magnificent views of Cho Oyu and other major peaks in the area keeping us company on our steady route downhill through a series of small human settlements high in the mountains.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11286ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The alpine regions give way to the temperate climate of the lower valley as we continue downhill to Phortse Thanga, the wooded slopes of rhododendron broken in places by the tumbling waters from high on the surrounding mountains. The intersection with Sanasa takes us on along a winding trail through a more dense forest until we finally reach our day's destination of Namche Bazaar.

  • Max. Altitude:2860m/9383ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:tea house

Our final day on the trail, easing back to Lukla along the Dudhi Koshi and its suspension bridges. Once at Lukla we can finally throw off our backpacks, take a relaxing shower, and sit back to savor the heady accomplishment of making it to the foot of Everest.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast

After breakfast, we take a flight to Kathmandu where you'll have enough time to savor the city's treasure's one last time before getting together for a farewell dinner with friends before departure.

    Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.

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    Note

    The above itinerary is a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.

    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • Complimentary airport picks up and drops off
    • Complimentary welcome dinner
    • Two-night stay on arrival in Kathmandu with breakfast included (twin share basis)
    • All necessary trekking permits for Sagarmatha National Park, TIMS card, etc.
    • All accommodations during the trek
    • Three meals a day during the trek
    • A cup of tea or coffee with the meal
    • Fresh fruit each day if and when available
    • Complimentary duffel bag, agency t-shirt, trekking map, sleeping bag
    • Return flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
    • Government-registered and first-aid-trained professional local guide who speaks English
    • First-aid kit
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • Rescue arrangements if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government tax/VAT
    • Certificate of achievement if needed
    Cost Excludes
    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu 
    • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
    • Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft, etc.
    • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries entrance fee, etc.)
    • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, Wifi, etc.
    • Tip to staff
    Route MapDownload Map
    Gokyo Trek via Everest Base Camp map
    Dates & Availability
    Start:MondayMar 25, 2024
    End:FridayApr 12, 2024
    PriceUS$1490
    StatusGuaranteed

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the group departure dates? Aside from that, we organize private trips or any special dates you prefer. Let's talk to our local specialist now.

    Photos & Videos
    3Travelers' Reviews
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      2 fantastic adventures

      May 2023

      We did a trek with Nepal Trekking Experts in April/May 2023 2x 12 days, Langtang
      /Gosainkund and Basecamp over Gokyo Lake/Chola Pass. It was 2 fantastic tours with magnificent views. Ganesh accompanied us on both treks. He looked after us reliably, competently and very caringly. Even with a critical eye on weather conditions and our well-being, he carefully weighed up whether passes, for example, would be passable or not! Our porters have also done an excellent Job, Gokul on Langtang and Bijaya on basecamp trek. They not only took care of the luggage, but also took care of us attentively. We would like to thank the entire team of Nepal Trekking Experts!!! From arrival to departure everything was optimally organized. We can absolutely recommend the company! Michael and Jana from Germany

      M
      MichaelMay 21, 2023Germany
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Gokyo Trek via Everest Base Camp

      Mar 2023 • Friends

      Two friends and I just completed the Gokyo Trek via Everest Base Camp. It was an amazing experience that would not have been possible without Nepal Trekking Experts. I was very happy with the whole trip and experience and would highly recommend Nepal Trekking Expert, Rajesh, and Dinesh, our guide, to anyone looking on doing a trek or travelling to Nepal.

      Rajesh was very helpful, friendly, informative and responded very quickly. He organized my trip to Chitwan and a day tour of Kathmandu ahead of our trek. Everything was well organized and I felt well supported the whole time. Rajesh is always there to help you have the best experience in Nepal. I really appreciated having someone pick us up at the airport and organize our stay and travel. In addition, Rajesh was very helpful in locating and getting my lost luggage.

      Our trek was fantastic. Dinesh was a fabulous guide and added a lot to the trip. He was so friendly, informative, and positive. I had some great conversations with Dinesh, he answered many of my questions, it enriched my experience and understanding of Nepal. I really appreciated not just seeing the beauty but learning about the culture and country. I appreciated the flexibility and the ability to deliver a great experience even when the weather impacted our plans. Due to snow making the pass unsafe to cross, Dinesh worked with us to find an alternative route that met our needs and ensured a fantastic experience. We stayed in good hotels, had good foods, and had a surprise fruit plate every night, which was delicious. The porters were great. I was impressed with their speed and endurance. I was very happy to not have to carry my luggage!

      All the members of the group had the greatest time on this trip and are already thinking of our next trekking trip in Nepal. Without question I will book my next trek with Rajesh and his team at “Nepal Trekking Experts” and so will all those on our trek.

      S
      Sara EApr 09, 2023Canada
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