Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley Trek

Trip Overview

Embark on an extraordinary journey that amalgamates the best of the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley treks, offering an unparalleled circular route through the Khumbu region’s breathtaking landscapes. This adventure promises daily challenges and rewards with ever-changing vistas, making it one of the most exhilarating treks in the Himalayas. The adventure starts with a thrilling flight to Lukla leading to the heart of the Sherpa homeland, weaving through vibrant villages adorned with fluttering Buddhist prayer flags, sacred Mani walls, and ancient monasteries. Following the Dudh Koshi River, the trek immerses into Sherpa culture, traditions, and hospitality. Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu, serves as your first acclimatization stop, offering local markets, shops, and panoramic views of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam. The trek leads to the historic Tengboche Monastery offering a spiritual pause amidst the towering peaks. Beyond Tengboche, the ascent becomes steeper, leading to Dingboche for further acclimatization before reaching to Gorak Shep. Crossing the formidable Cho La Pass (5,420m), the trek transitions from the Khumbu Valley to the beautiful Gokyo Valley. Along the way, the Ngozumpa Glacier adds a surreal touch, while Gokyo Lakes, with their vivid turquoise hues, provide an idyllic setting amidst the Himalayas. Climbing Gokyo Ri offers a spectacular vantage point, with panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, and other Himalayan giants. The trail descends gracefully through the Gokyo Valley passing through alpine flora and fauna and scattered Sherpa villages. This trek offers an we-inspiring experience to Mt. Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake through nature, culture.

Total Duration

19 Nights / 20 Days

Trek Duration

16 Days

Max Elevation

5550m

Grading

Moderate to Strenuous

Trek Style

Lodge-to-Lodge

Trek Start / Ends

Lukla

Suggested Season

Feb – May, Oct – Nov

Accomodation

In Kathmandu: Hotels on a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) basis.
During the Trek: Lodges and Tea Houses BLD

Trip Highlights

Scenic Flight to Lukla
Explore Namche Bazaar
Immersive Sherpa Culture
Excursion to Sagarmatha National Park
Khumbu Icefall
Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Gokyo Valley & Cho La Pass (5,420m)
Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
Views of Eight-Thousanders

Detail Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Hotel Transfer
Overnight in Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Refreshment / Breakfast

Day 2

Explore Cultural Heritage of Kathmandu

Explore World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Cultural City:
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Pashupatinath
- Boudhanath
Overnight in Kathmandu
Trek Briefing and Preparation
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3

Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,620m/8,593ft)

Heli Flight Kathmandu-Lukla (40-45 minutes)
Trek Lukla- Phakding
Overnight in Phakding
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: BLD
Trek Distance: 7.8km
Duration: 4 Hours
Elevation Change: Up 240m / Down 398m

Day 4

Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,418ft)

Trek Phakding-Namche Bazaar
Overnight in Namche Bazar
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: BLD
Trek Distance: 7.8km
Duration: 6 hours
Elevation Change: Up 1,000m / Down 100m

Day 5

Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
Optional: Short Hike to Syangboche (3,790 m), Khunde Village
Optional Trek Namche Bazaar- Khumjung village and Monastery for Natural and Cultural Exploration
Overnight in Namche Bazar
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: BLD
Trek Distance: Regular 1.6km/ Optional 2.9km
Duration: 1 Hour / 4 Hours
Elevation Change: Up 500m / Down 500m

Day 6

Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m) and onto Deboche (3,820m)

Trek Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Deboche
Pass through Sonasa (Small Sherpa village)
Panoramic View of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kantega, and Thamserku
Overnight in Deboche
Accommodation: Lodge/Tea House in Deboche
Meals Included: BLD
Distance: 3km
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Elevation Gain: +831m
Elevation Loss: -729m

Day 7

Trek from Deboche to Dingboche (4,410m)

Trek Deboche – Dingboche
Explore Pangboche, Sherpa village
View of Mt. Ama Dablam and Lhotse
Overnight in Dingboche
Accommodation: Lodge/Tea House in Dingboche
Meals Included: BLD
Distance: 9.9km
Trek Duration: 4 hours
Elevation Gain: +669m
Elevation Loss: -70m

Day 8

Acclimatization Day with a Short Trek to Chhukung Valley (4,730m) and Return to Dingboche (4,410m)

Acclimatization at Dingboche
Acclimatization Short Hike to Chhukung Valley
Overnight in Dingboche
Accommodation: Lodge/Tea House in Dingboche
Meals Included: BLD
Distance: 4.5 km
Trek Duration: 1 hour (One Way)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up Hill: +404m / Down Hill: -404m

Day 9

Trek from Dingboche (4,410m) to Lobuche (4,950m)

Trek Dingboche – Lobuche
Panoramic View of Mt. Pumori (7,161m) and Mt. Nuptse (7,861m)
Overnight in Lobuche
Accommodation: Lodge/Tea House in Lobuche
Meals Included: BLD
Distance: 3km
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up Hill: +1,081m / Down Hill: -489m

Day 10

Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,180m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Returning to Gorakshep

Trek Lobuche- Gorak Shep-Everest Base Camp-Gorak Shep
Panoramic View of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, and Mt. Pumori
Immersion at Everest Base Camp (EBC)
Overnight in Gorak Shep
Accommodation: Lodge/Tea House in Gorak Shep
Meals Included: BLD
Distance: 10.2km (Round Trip)
Trek Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up Hill: +542m / Down Hill: -309m

Day 11

Early Morning Trek to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Trek to Lobuche (4,930m)

Trek Gorak Shep – Kalla Patthar – Lobuche
Panoramic View of Mt. Nuptse, and Mt. Pumori
Overnight in Lobuche
Accommodation: Lodge in Lobuche
Meals Included: BLD
Distance:2km
Trek Duration:5 hours (approx.)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up Hill: +763m / Down Hill: -763m

Day 12

Downhill Trek to Dzongla (4,830m) – The Gateway to Cho La Pass

Trek Lobuche – Dzongla
Explore Cultural Sherpa Village
View of Cholatse (6,440m) and Taboche (6,542m)
Overnight in Dzongla
Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge in Dzongla
Meals Included: BLD
Distance: 3km (total for the day)
Trek Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up Hill: +130m / Down Hill: -229m

Day 13

Dzongla to Dragnag via Cho La Pass (5,420m)

Trek Dzongla – Dragnag
Cross Cho La Pass
Overnight in Dragnag
Accommodation: Lodge in Dragnag
Meals Included: BLD
Distance: 8km
Trek Duration: 8 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up Hill: +642m / Down Hill: -784m

Day 14

Dragnag to Gokyo (4,800m) and Excursion to the Fifth Lake

Trek Dragnag – Gokyo
Exploration of Third, Fourth and Fifth Gokyo Lake
View of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), and Mt. Makalu (8,485m)
Overnight in Gokyo
Accommodation: Lodge in Gokyo
Meals Included: BLD
Distance: 2.7km to Gokyo (+ optional distance to Fifth Lake)
Trek Duration: 3 hours to Gokyo (+ optional 3-4 hours for Fifth Lake excursion)
Elevation Gain: Up Hill: +83m

Day 15

Climb to Gokyo Ri (5,360m) and Descend to Dole (4,200m)

Trek Gokyo-Gokyo Ri-Dole
Climb Gokyo Ri
Panoramic View of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Cho-Oyu, and Mt. Gyachung Kang and Ngozumpa Glacier
Overnight in Dole
Accommodation: Lodge in Dole
Meals Included: BLD
Distance:14km
Trek Duration:8 hours
Elevation Gain Loss: Up Hill: +717m / Down Hill: -1,421m

Day 16

Dole to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Trek Dole-Namche Bazaar
Sherpa Heritage Trail
Sherpa Cultural Exploration
Overnight in Namche Bazaar
Accommodation: Lodge in Namche Bazaar
Meals Included: BLD
Distance: 8km
Trek Duration: 8 hours
Elevation Gain/ Loss: Up Hill: +642m / Down Hill: -784m

Day 17

Namche to Phakding (2,610m)

Trek Namche Bazaar – Phakding
Overnight in Phakding
Accommodation: Lodge in Phakding
Meals Included: BLD
Distance:8km
Trek Duration:6 hours
Elevation Gain/ Loss: Up Hill: +100m / Down Hill: -1,000m

Day 18

Phakding to Lukla (2,850m)

Trek Phakding – Lukla
Overnight in Lukla
Accommodation: Lodge in Lukla
Meals Included: BLD
Distance:8km
Trek Duration:6 hours
Elevation Gain: Up Hill: +250m / Down Hill: -950m

Day 19

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (Return to Kathmandu)

Flight Lukla – Kathmandu (40-45 min)
Overnight in Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals Included: BLD

Day 20

Trip Concludes

Airport Transfer
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Tour Cost

USD ……. per person

Cost Includes:

All ground transportation, including airport pick-up and transfers.
Double occupancy hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu, including all entry fees.
English-speaking trekking guide to ensure a smooth and informative trek.
Best available local lodge accommodation during the trek (in the case of a lodge-to-lodge trek).
Meals as per itinerary to fuel your trekking adventure.
Conservation fee for protected area entry.
Flight fare: Kathmandu to Lukla and return to Kathmandu.
Well-equipped and insured supporting staff to ensure your safety and comfort.

Cost Does Not Include:

Nepal entry visa fee, which must be obtained upon arrival or in advance.
International flight fares to and from Nepal.
Airport departure tax for international flights.
Travel insurance, which is essential for coverage in case of emergencies.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, unless specified in the itinerary.
Rescue charges, should evacuation be required.
Medical expenses if treatment is needed during the trek.
Personal equipment, such as trekking shoes, clothing, and gear.
Any personal expenses, such as souvenirs, drinks, and snacks.
Any other expenses not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions.

Request Detail Itinerary

Resources

Download Preparation Guide
Recommended Readings

Recommended Readings

01.

Into Thin Air
by Jon Krakauer

03.

Everest, A Trekkers’ Guide
by Kev Reynolds

05.

Nepal Himalayas
by Shirahata Shiro

07.

Frommer’s Nepal by Karl Samson

09.

Nepal: An Essential Handbook for Trekkers
by Amy R. Kaplan, Michael Keller

11.

The Pocket Doctor
by Stephen Bezruchka

13.

Pocket First Aid and Wilderness Medicine
by Dr. Jim Duff & Dr. Peter Gormly

15.

Lonely Planet Nepal
by Lonely Planet

02.

Trekking in the Everest
by Jamie Mc Guinness

04.

Sagarmatha, Mother of the Universe: The story of Mt.Everest National Park
by Jefferies & Clarbrough Margaret

06.

The Rough Guide to Nepal by David Reed

08.

Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya by Stan Armington

10.

Trekking in Nepal by Antoine d’ Abbundo

12.

Mountain Sickness by Peter Hackett

14.

Rough Guide to Nepal by Rough Guides

16.

Nepal (Insight Guides) by Insight Guides

Trip Extension

Chitwan National Park (2 Nights/3 Days)

Experience an exhilarating jungle safari inside Chitwan National Park.
Encounter one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, and gharial.
Immerse in authentic Tharu culture and their performative arts.

Bardiya National Park (2 Days/3 Nights OR 3 Nights/4 Days)

Explore one of Nepal’s most pristine wilderness areas, home to tigers, elephants, and rich biodiversity.
Experience guided jungle walks, jeep safaris, and tranquil Karnali River.
Immerse in Tharu culture with authentic village visits and traditional hospitality.

Lumbini Cultural Tour (2 Days)

Visit the Maya Devi Temple and sacred Marker Stone at the birthplace of Buddha.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Several Buddhist monasteries.
Discover ancient archaeological sites of Tilaurakot and Ramagrama.
Meditate in the sacred garden and pond of Lumbini.
Gain deep cultural and historical insight with expert-guided tours across the Greater Lumbini Region.

Bhotekoshi Rafting (2 Days)

Experience thrilling Class III–IV rapids on one of Nepal’s steepest and most exciting rafting rivers.
Enjoy dramatic mountain scenery and pristine river gorges throughout the adventure.
Stay overnight in a comfortable riverside camp with great food and expert rafting guides.

Trishuli Rafting (Day Tour)

Enjoy a fun-filled rafting experience with moderate rapids.
Glide through scenic valleys, terraced hillsides, and impressive rock formations along the Trishuli River.
Benefit from expert safety instruction and a well-coordinated day trip with professional rafting guides.

Himalayan Panorama Flight

Experience breathtaking aerial views of the world’s highest Himalayan peaks, including Everest and Annapurna.
Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and scenic Himalayan flight.
Capture stunning close view photographs of snow-capped ranges, glaciers and diverse landscape.

Breakfast Gazing Everest

Enjoy delightful breakfast with uninterrupted panoramic views of Mt. Everest.
Enjoy a serene, exclusive experience at a scenic viewpoint.
Capture unforgettable memory of the world’s highest peak.

Authentic Nepal Cultural Tour: Barahakshetra, Janakpurdham, Chitwan & Lumbini

Explore the sacred heritage of Barahakshetra and Kaushiki Region.
Discover the cultural and religious significance of Janakpurdham, the birthplace of Sita.
Immerse in the rich biodiversity and wildlife of Chitwan National Park.
Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, with its monasteries and stupas.
Experience authentic Nepali culture through local traditions, cuisine, and colorful lifestyles.

Bhutan Kora Tour (5 Days)