The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake offers a unique adventure in the Himalayas, combining the classic Everest route with a detour to the pristine turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes. This trek takes you through picturesque Sherpa villages, lush rhododendron forests, and challenging high-altitude passes, including the famous Cho La Pass. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, providing an unforgettable experience for avid trekkers.
Ideal for adventure seekers, this trek not only reaches Everest Base Camp but also includes a hike to the panoramic viewpoint of Gokyo Ri. The itinerary ensures proper acclimatization with stops at Namche Bazaar and Pheriche, while exploring the cultural richness of the Khumbu region. Whether you’re witnessing sunrise over Everest from Kala Patthar or crossing glacial terrains, every moment of the journey is filled with awe-inspiring beauty.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits. You’ll be greeted by prime himalayas team and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Take time to rest and recover from your journey, enjoying some leisure time to explore the city. Prepare for the trek ahead with a relaxing evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Max Altitude:1,400m (4,600ft)
Accommodation: Divine Kathmandu Hotel or similar
Begin the day with a guided tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), known for its panoramic views of the city and sacred atmosphere. Explore Pashupatinath Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. In the evening, attend a detailed briefing on the trek, covering important information and safety measures. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Max Altitude:1,400m (4,600ft)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Divine Kathmandu Hotel or similar
Option 1: Board a 35-minute scenic flight to Lukla.
Option 2: If flights are operating from Ramechhap, take a private vehicle for a 5-6 hour drive to Manthali/Ramechhap (475 m), followed by a 20-minute flight to Lukla.
We begin the 3-4 hour trek to Phakding, following the Dudh Koshi River through pine forests and passing Sherpa villages. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Max Altitude: 2610m
Flight Duration: 35 min
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
The trek to Namche Bazaar involves a gradual ascent along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. You’ll cross several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Bridge, draped with prayer flags. Ascend through forested hills and rhododendron groves before reaching the bustling town of Namche Bazaar, the central trading hub in the Khumbu region.
Max Altitude: 3440m
Hiking Duration: 6-7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Take this day to acclimatize and adjust to the higher altitude. Explore the vibrant streets of Namche Bazaar, where you can find local shops, bakeries, cafes, and a traditional marketplace. Hike up to the nearby Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. This hike helps with acclimatization while allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty. Return to Namche for relaxation.
Max Altitude: 3440m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
The serene beauty of the Himalayas accompanies you on your journey as you make your way to Deboche. It’s a day to embrace tranquility and rejuvenate at a lodge that offers respite and peace.
Max Altitude: 3,680m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Continue the journey with a 5-6 hour trek to Machherma. The trail ascends gradually, providing incredible views of the Dudh Koshi Valley and Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest peak. Upon reaching Machherma, you can visit the local aid post to learn about altitude sickness and prevention tips. Enjoy the mountain views and prepare for higher elevations.
Max Altitude: 4,470m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Trek for 5-6 hours along the valley, gradually climbing alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas. Pass the first two Gokyo Lakes before arriving at the settlement near the third lake, with its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. This serene setting is one of the trek’s highlights.
Max Altitude: 4,800m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Start early for a 5-6 hour trek to Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint offering one of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas. Enjoy 360-degree vistas, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Descend back to Gokyo for the remainder of the day, with time for further exploration or rest by the lakeside.
Max Altitude: 5,483 m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Depart Gokyo and follow the trail for 4-5 hours to Thangna, a small settlement situated at the base of the Cho La Pass. The trail offers captivating views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks, with occasional glimpses of the mighty Everest.
Max Altitude: 4,500 m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Start the day early for the 7-8 hour challenging trek across Cho La Pass, a high mountain pass that links the Gokyo Valley to the Everest Base Camp trail. The ascent is steep, with rocky and icy sections, requiring careful navigation. The rewards are stunning views of towering peaks and distant glaciers. After crossing the pass, descend to Dzongla.
Max Altitude: 5,368m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Continue the journey with a 4-5 hour trek to Lobuche. The trail offers relatively easy walking, surrounded by breathtaking views of Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. As you near Lobuche, the landscape becomes more rugged and the air thinner, signaling your proximity to Everest Base Camp.
Max Altitude: 4,910m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Set out early for a 7-8 hour trek to Everest Base Camp, passing the Khumbu Glacier and following a rugged path. Enjoy the experience of reaching this iconic location, with views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks. After spending some time at the base camp, return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Max Altitude: 5,364m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Start before dawn for a hike to Kala Patthar, offering the most spectacular sunrise views over Everest and the surrounding peaks. The vantage point provides a close-up perspective of the highest mountain in the world. Descend for 7-8 hours to Pheriche, a village known for its mountain medicine clinic.
Max Altitude: 5,545m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar, with a 6-7 hour trek that passes through charming villages and beautiful scenery. This descent allows you to enjoy the landscapes at a more relaxed pace.
Max Altitude: 3,440m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
On the final day of trekking, walk for 6-7 hours through lush forests, Sherpa villages, and along the Dudh Koshi River, completing the loop back to Lukla. Celebrate your successful trek in the evening.
Max Altitude: 2,840m
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Take a 35-minute flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, or alternatively, fly to Manthali/Ramechhap and drive 5-6 hours to reach the city. After arriving, enjoy a farewell dinner to commemorate the adventure.
Max Altitude:1,400m (4,600ft)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Divine Kathmandu Hotel or similar
A Prime Himalayas representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure, marking the end of your Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake. Treasure the memories of this unforgettable journey through the Himalayas.
Meals: Breakfast
In Kathmandu, you’ll start your day with a hearty breakfast included at the hotel, providing a mix of continental and local options. During the trek, three daily meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are served at tea house lodges along the route. These meals feature a variety of nourishing dishes, from traditional Nepali cuisine like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) to popular international choices such as pasta, noodles, and pancakes. Designed to fuel your journey at high altitudes, the meals also offer a taste of local culture. Special dietary needs can often be accommodated with advance notice.
Accommodation includes stays at the Divine Kathmandu Hotel or a similar property in Kathmandu, providing comfort and convenience with twin-sharing or double rooms. During the trek, you’ll stay in mountain lodges. For those seeking more privacy, a single room supplement is available for USD 350, covering the entire trip, including the hotel in Kathmandu and lodges along the trekking route.
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake, offering stable weather and clear mountain views.
While you don’t need to be a super athlete, good physical fitness is important for this trek, as you’ll be walking in varying terrain and at high altitudes. Training and cardiovascular conditioning can help prepare your body.
You can charge your devices at these lodges, but be aware that the costs may rise with altitude, and Wi-Fi can be slow and expensive at higher elevations. To ensure your devices remain powered throughout the trek, it’s a good idea to carry a power bank for added convenience.
Altitude sickness is a concern as you ascend to higher altitudes. Proper acclimatization, staying hydrated, and recognizing symptoms are crucial. If you experience severe symptoms, it’s important to descend to lower elevations.
twin sharing basis