This trek to Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes is more adventurous than the main trail. Here you will cross the Renjo La pass and the Cho La Pass. These passes are not on the standard Everest trek, so you hike secluded from the masses. The passes and the Kala Patthar peak offer superb views of Everest and the entire Khumbu mountain range.
The adventure begins with the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla Airport, it is a short hike to Phakding. A good start to get used to the high mountainous air. From here, you trek to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. In Namche, you will take a resting day to acclimatize. An optional day hike is possible to the Everest View hotel.
From Namche Bazaar you walk the trail into the remote Nangpa Valley towards Thame. The tough climb towards the Renjo La pass is long and steep, but rewarding. The wide panoramic views are stunning. You can see Everest and Cho Oyu, the entire Khumbu region, and even Makalu.
The descent to the idyllic Gokyo Lakes is quite leisurely. At the Gokyo Lakes, you can enjoy a resting day or climb to the high peak of Gokyo Ri (5483 meters) for another stunning view of the mountains.
After Gokyo, you continue the trek over a glacier and climb towards the Cho La Pass. Once you have crossed the pass, you will enter the main trail to the Everest Base Camp. From Gorakshep, you will make a day hike to the base camp on the Khumbu Glacier.
While you are taking in this highlight, you will immediately be treated to another spectacular view. It is an easy climb to Kala Patar peak, and from this viewpoint, the Khumbu Mountains are very close. You can almost touch Pumori Mountain. After this viewpoint, you will descend to Lukla via Tengboche with its impressive monastery. A flight back to Kathmandu ends the Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes trek.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 3: Flight Kathmandu/ Ramechpa to Lukla, and trek to Phakding (2640 m – flight 1 hr. – 3 hrs.)
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 5: Resting day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. Optional day hike to the Everest View hotel
Day 6: Trek to Thame (4200 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Lungdhen (4380 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 8: Cross Renjo La pass (5344 m) and decend to Gokyo Lakes (4800 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 9: Resting day or optional climb to Gokyo Ri (5483 m)
Day 10: Trek to Thangnang (4750 m – 2 hrs.)
Day 11: Cross Cho La pass (5367 m) and descend to Lobuche (4930 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 12: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364 m), overnight in Gorakshep (5170 m – 3-5 hrs.)
Day 13: Climb up to Kala Patthar (5554 m), overnight in Lobuche (4930 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 14: Trek to Dingboche (4290 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 15: Trek via Tengboche Monastery to Sangnasa (4250 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 16: Trek to Monjo (2860 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 17: Trek to Lukla (2840 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 18: Flight Lukla to Kathmandu/ Ramechap (0,5 hrs.)
Day 19: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 20: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and, if applicable, the cost of the local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to the hotel
– 4 nights hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Return flight Kathmandu/ Ramechap to Lukla and transfer to and from the domestic airport
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/dinner
– Free use of a waterproof bag
– Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
– All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary, like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for the guide and porters
