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Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek Overview
The Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek, also known as the Everest Circuit Trek, is a thrilling adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Everest Himalayas.
This iconic route leads trekkers to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass, a high mountain pass at 5,330 meters, offering a gateway to the majestic Everest Base Camp.
Begin your journey in Lukla, trekking towards the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar. From there, traverse the Dudh Koshi River valley, surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests, before reaching the tranquil Gokyo Lakes, renowned for their serene beauty and reflective turquoise waters.
Challenge yourself with the ascent of Cho La Pass, a demanding crossing rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Continue your trek towards Everest Base Camp, where you’ll stand in awe at the foot of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters).
A highlight of this trek is the exhilarating ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,483 meters), offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, and Makalu.
Throughout the Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek, you will be treated to breathtaking views of Everest and its neighboring peaks. This trek is an all-in-one adventure, offering a combination of adventure, culture, and spirituality.
Venture off the beaten track with this 17-day Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake trek, which includes the beautiful high-altitude lakes surrounded by towering mountains. This trek is more physically demanding than the standard EBC trek due to the higher altitudes, especially when crossing Cho La Pass (5,420 meters) in the Khumbu Everest region. The trail takes you west towards the Gokyo Lakes, crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest glacier in the world at 36 km). To the east, the trail joins the Everest Base Camp trek, offering mesmerizing views of the Himalayas.
The path passes through many Sherpa villages, where you will experience their warm hospitality and Buddhist culture. This high-altitude trek will take you to Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), Cho La Pass (5,367 meters), Kala Patthar (5,550 meters), and Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters). Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of flora and fauna, including the possibility of spotting a Snow Leopard, as well as yaks grazing in the high-altitude pastures.
At Everest Base Camp, you’ll be reminded of the great mountaineers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa, who passed through here on their way to summit Mount Everest. An added highlight of this trek is the stunning emerald green Gokyo Lake.
Day 1:
Flight from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla Trek to Phakding
Maximum Altitude: (2,850m / 9,350ft)
Trekking duration: (1,400 m)
Day 2:
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: (3,440m / 11,285ft)
Trekking duration: 3-5 hours
Day 3:
Trek to Namche Bazaar from Phakding
Maximum Altitude: (3,440m / 11,285ft)
Trekking duration: Relax and Rest
Day 4:
Acclimatization Day at Namche
Maximum Altitude: (3,440 m / 3,880ft )
Trekking Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Day 5:
Trek to Tengboche from Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: (3,870m / 12,697ft)
Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 6:
Trek to Dingboche from Tengboche
Maximum Altitude: (4,360 m / 14,305ft)
Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 7:
Dingboche Acclimatization day Hike to Nangkartsang Peak
Maximum Altitude: (4,360m / 14,305ft)
Trekking Duration: 3 to 4 hours
DAY 8:
Dingboche to Lobuche
Maximum Altitude: (4,940m / 16,208ft)
Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 9:
Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp
Maximum Altitude: (5,364m / 17,599ft)
Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 hours
DAY 10:
Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar to Pheriche
Maximum Altitude: (5,545m / 18,193ft)
Trekking Duration: 7 to 8 hours
DAY 11:
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Maximum Altitude: (3,438m / 11,280ft)
Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 hours
DAY 12:
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Maximum Altitude: (2,800m / 9,187ft)
Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 hours
DAY 13:
Fly back to Kathmandu or Manthali/Ramechhap
Maximum Altitude: (1,350m / 4,429ft)
Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
DAY 14:
Final departure
Maximum Altitude: (1,350m / 4,429ft)
Trekking Duration:
The journey begins early in the morning. During peak trekking seasons (March, April, May, September, October, and November), flights to Lukla from Kathmandu may be rerouted to Manthali Airport. If this occurs, we will wake you up around 12:30 AM at your hotel for a 5-hour drive to Manthali Airport. The flight from Manthali to Lukla takes approximately 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can bypass the long drive by booking a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which costs around 550 USD, assuming five people share the expense.
During the off-season (December, January, February, June, July, and August), you will fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla. After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for an exciting 40-minute flight to Lukla’s Tenzing Hillary Airport.
Once in Lukla, we’ll begin our trek to Phakding. Today’s hike will be short and relatively easy, allowing ample time for acclimatization. You’ll also have free time to explore the local monasteries and the charming village of Phakding.
Trek Distance: 6.2 km / 3.8 miles
Flight Hours: 40 minutes (Kathmandu to Lukla) / 20 minutes (Manthali to Lukla)
Highest Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Your trek begins early in the morning as you follow the northern banks of the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you’ll cross several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. Shortly after, you’ll reach the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint, where your permits will be registered. From there, the trail ascends through dense forests, offering your first view of the majestic Mt. Everest. The journey continues to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant gateway to Everest Base Camp.
Trek Distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,285 ft
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Today is dedicated to acclimatization. Take the time to explore Namche Bazaar, a vibrant hub with Wi-Fi-connected cafes, restaurants, souvenir and gear shops, clubs, and bars. For those who want to venture further, consider hiking to the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center or trekking to the nearby Sherpa villages of Khunde and Khumjung, just an hour away.
Another highlight of the day is a hike to the Everest View Hotel, where you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Mt. Everest. After soaking in the scenery and exploring, return to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay.
The trek from Namche to Tengboche begins with breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trail includes a series of challenging ascents and descents, but the stunning vistas make every step worthwhile. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including musk deer, pheasants, and Himalayan tahr.
The journey continues with a descent to the Dudh Koshi River, which you’ll cross before ascending through dense alpine forests. Soon, you’ll arrive at the charming settlement of Phunki Thenga, followed by Deboche, located just a short distance further.
A highlight of the route is the Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. Once in Deboche, you’ll have free time to explore nearby monasteries and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.
Trek Distance: 9.2km / 5.7miles
Today is a second acclimatization day in Dingboche, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude. Though we take it easy, the day offers a chance for exploration.
You’ll hike up the ridge above Dingboche, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of majestic snow-capped peaks, including Lhotse, the rear face of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. The hike also provides stunning vistas of the Himalayan peaks surrounding the Khumbu Khola Valley to the north, creating an unforgettable experience.
The trek to Lobuche is both captivating and rewarding, with breathtaking mountain views throughout the journey. The trail begins with a short uphill climb near a ridge crowned by a shrine, followed by a path through a wide valley.
As we continue, we’ll cross a glacial moraine and pass a small cluster of lodges. The trek gradually ascends, offering ever-improving views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks. Along the way, you’ll encounter memorial statues honoring climbers who lost their lives in this challenging terrain, serving as a poignant reminder of the mountain’s power.
Upon reaching Lobuche, you’ll find a relatively large settlement with several hotels and shops, providing a comfortable base for the night.
Trek Distance: 8.5 km / 5.2 miles
Highest Altitude: 4,930 m / 16,175 ft
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Today is the highlight of your journey as you reach Everest Base Camp. The trek begins from Lobuche, and we head toward Everest Base Camp, trekking through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The path leads us to Gorak Shep, a mesmerizing settlement surrounded by stunning mountain peaks.
We leave our luggage at Gorak Shep and continue the final stretch to Everest Base Camp. This is the moment you’ve worked so hard for — standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak. As you take in the incredible views of Everest, memories of your journey and struggles to get here will flood your mind.
This is the closest you’ll ever be to Everest, unless you decide to climb it. With pride in your hearts and a celebratory mood, you can enjoy the views, take plenty of pictures, and relish the achievement. Afterward, we return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Trek Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles
Highest Altitude: 5,364 m / 17,598 ft
Trek Duration: 6-8 hours
Today marks the pinnacle of your journey. Kala Patthar, a renowned viewpoint, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. We’ll start early in the morning, hiking to Kala Patthar to witness the sunrise over Everest and its neighboring mountains.
After soaking in the awe-inspiring views, we’ll return to Gorak Shep for breakfast and a brief rest. From there, we’ll continue our trek through dense forests and meadows, heading toward Pheriche, a charming village. Along the way, you’ll have time to reflect on the unforgettable memories made at both Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Trek Distance: 9.6 km / 6 miles
Highest Altitude: 5,555 m / 18,208 ft
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Today, you’ll trek down hillside trails surrounded by rhododendron trees. In spring, the landscape bursts with color as the rhododendrons bloom. The trail will take you across a bridge over the Imja Khola, leading you into a Juniper forest before arriving at Dingboche.
After a final steep climb, you’ll reach the renowned Tengboche Monastery, where you will stop for the night. This is a perfect place to unwind and reflect on the day’s journey.
Trek Distance: 8.5 km / 5.2 miles
Highest Altitude: 4,250 m / 13,945 ft
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
The trail to Namche Bazaar meanders through dense forests, home to wildlife such as pheasants, musk deer, mountain goats, and, on rare occasions, snow leopards. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures along the way. As you trek back, take time to capture photos and enjoy the stunning views of Everest’s summit and the rear face of Lhotse.
Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, you can head to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Trek Distance: 9.2 km / 5.7 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,855 m / 12,850 ft
Trek Duration: 5 hours
As we begin our return journey, the path descends alongside the Dudh Koshi River. You’ll cross several suspension bridges along the way. After trekking through lush forests and passing small villages, you’ll arrive at Phakding, just beyond Benkar.
Trek Distance: 7.4 km / 4.5 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,285 ft
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
This day marks the final stretch of our trek as we descend along the Dudh Koshi Valley. From the Kusum stream, the trail gently ascends toward Lukla. Just before reaching Lukla, the path steepens to the west. After the initial climb, we pass through the small village of Toktok, offering a fresh perspective of the surrounding landscape. Continuing onward, we’ll eventually reach the bustling town of Lukla, where we’ll rest before catching our flight back to Kathmandu the following day.
Trek Distance: 6.2 km / 3.8 miles
Highest Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
At the end of your trek, you’ll fly from Lukla to either Manthali or Kathmandu, depending on the trekking season.
To avoid the long drive from Manthali to Kathmandu, you can opt for a helicopter ride at an additional cost of 550 USD (shared with four passengers).
We hope your flight is relaxing, offering you a chance to reflect on the incredible memories made along the trail. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll have the rest of the day free to enjoy at your leisure.
Flight Hours: 40 minutes (Kathmandu to Lukla) / 20 minutes (Manthali to Kathmandu)
Here’s a suggested packing list for your Everest Base Camp trek. Consider this as a starting point, adjusting based on your personal needs and the season. For winter treks, you’ll need additional layers of warm clothing. We’ll provide you with a 75-liter duffel bag for the trek, which you’ll receive during the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag is yours to keep!
