Gokyo Lake Trek via EBC
Journey through dramatic Himalayan landscapes to Gokyo Lakes and Everest base camp
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is the perfect Himalayan adventure for trekkers with previous high altitude hiking experience!
On this awesome circular trek you'll to see the fascinating Gokyo Lakes, hike to the top of Goyko Ri, cross a high altitude Himalayan pass, and visit famous sites like Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Tengboche Monastery and Namche Bazaar.
The trek is challenging and you will need to be in good health with a good level of fitness.
Please Note: This is a teahouse trek. Teahouses are Nepalese mountain lodges that provide basic dorm-like rooms and communal eating spaces. The itinerary builds in a contingency day for bad weather at Lukla airport. It is not uncommon for bad weather to restrict flights, and without a contingency day the risk of missing your international flight back home is quite high.
Summary
DURATION
19 days
LOCATION
Nepal
START & ENDS
Kathmandu, Kathmandu
DIFFICULTY
Easy Moderate Challenge Hard
Highlights
Itinerary
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse lodge
ACTIVITY
30 minute flight. 3-4 hours hiking
ELEVATION GAIN
Kathmandu (1,310m) to Lukla (2,860m) to Phakding (2,610m)

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas on your flight to Lukla. It’s one of the most adventurous flights in World. The flight takes approximately 30 minutes.
Try to get your seat on the left side of the plane as the Himalayas are best viewed from this vantage point.
On arrival in Lukla we will meet our porters and commence our trek Phakding, where we will overnight at a teahouse.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 6-7 hours
ELEVATION
Phakding (2,610m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

We start the day with a gentle climb before reaching Monjo. For lunch we stop in Jorsalle and then continue through a beautiful pine forest to Hilary Bridge. We then follow the trail as it passes through a steep ascent towards Namche Bazaar.
Namche is considered as the gateway of the Khumbu / Everest region. It is a beautiful town with numerous amenities available for trekkers. These include a laundry, equipment shops, internet, banks etc.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Rest and acclimatization hikes
ELEVATION
Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Today is our rest and acclimatization day.
Depending on weather conditions we will do one of the following acclimatization: Khumjung and Khunde hike, Everest View Hotel hike or Thame Hike.
The evening will be free for exploring Namche Bazaar.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 6 - 7 hours
ELEVATION
Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Dole (3,980m)

Today we begin with a steep hike to the National Park headquarters after which we follow a gentle ascent to Kyanjuma where we stop for a tea break. From here you'll see the beautiful Amadablam Peak.
The trail to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes separates from here. We will start our ascent towards Mongla and then begin our descent to Phortse Tenga for lunch.
After lunch we ascend through stunning pine forests that lead us to Dole where we will spend the night.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 4 - 5 hours
ELEVATION
Dole (3,980m) to Machhermo (4,410m)

From Dole to Machhermo we have a comfortable short day hike. The route is a gentle climb towards our destination.
We pass through the villages of Lhabarma and Luza village before reaching Machhermo which is our last stop before heading to the Gokyo valley.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Rest and acclimatization
ELEVATION
Machhermo (4,410m)

This is our second rest and acclimatization day on this trek.
We will have a late breakfast and do a short acclimatization hike to a magnificent view point of the Himalayas including the famous Mount Everest.
In the afternoon we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association aid post to attend an altitude sickness lecture.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 5 - 6 hours
ELEVATION
Machhermo (4,410m) to Gokyo Lakes (4,760m)

Gokyo valley is known for it's several high altitude lakes. These lakes are also the origin of the Dudh Koshi river that goes all the way to Lukla and further.
The trail starts with an almost flat hike and then heads up a steep ascent to Gokyo lakes.
There are 5 lakes in the Gokyo valley. It’s an excellent place to spend the night!
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 3 - 5 hours
Exploration of Gokyo
ELEVATION
Gokyo Lakes (4,760m) to Gokyo Ri (5,403m) and Gokyo (4,760m)

Gokyo Ri is known for its amazing views of some of the most famous mountains in the Everest region. We hike to this viewpoint to begin the day with a magnificent sunset!
Gokyo Ri is without doubt unforgettable, and you'll see so many peaks that you will lose count.
After our descent we have lunch and there is the option to visit the 4th and 5th lakes. However, it is also a good idea to use this time to rest before we take off again tomorrow.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 4 - 5 hours
ELEVATION
Gokyo (4,760m) to Thaknak (4,700m)

Today we can take it easy. We start with a late breakfast and make our way to Thaknak, a small settlement in the Himalayas.
The trail is gentle and is a pleasurable hike. We spend most our our hike moving around or in the glaciers.
Once reaching Thaknak, we have a free afternoon. Prepare for an early morning!
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 8 - 9 hours
ELEVATION
Thaknak (4,700m) to Dzongla (4,830m)

Cho La is one of the highest and most popular passes in this region. We begin with a steep climb towards the pass before descending into Dzongla where we stay overnight.
It is a strenous hike and you will need to be careful along the path. Some of the path is very narrow and there are occasional rock falls.
The views from Dzongla of Cholatse and Tabuche are incredible, combined with the epic views from the pass, make this trail worth the extra effort!
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 4 - 5 hours
ELEVATION
Dzongla (4,830m) to Lobuche (4,910m)

A nice easy day with a short hike to Lobuche.
The trail is mostly flat and a nice break from the challenging previous day.
We stay in Lobuche for the night. This is the final night before reaching Everest Base Camp.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 8 - 9 hours
ELEVATION
Lobuche (4,910m) to Gorak Shep (5,130m) and Everest base camp (5,364m)

The first part of the trek is fairly easy until we reach the glaciers. We ascend over the glaciers where it becomes more challenging as the effects of low oxygen levels can be felt.
As you cross over the glacier, you will catch a glimpse of Gorak Shep village. Once we reach the village we stop for lunch before continuing the journey to Everest base camp.
It's a 5 hour hike to reach EBC and head back to the village. It truly is a magnificent feeling to be standing in the place that has witnessed many famous climbers take on Everest!
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 10 - 11 hours
ELEVATION
Gorak Shep (5,130m) to Kalapatthar (5,545m) to Pangboche (3,900m)

We will wake up early in the morning to start the hike up Kala Patthar before the sun comes up. The climb is difficult, but worth the views!
Kala Patthar is the most famous viewpoint in the Khumbu and provides amazing panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.
Descending to Gorak Shep, we grab breakfast and descend into Pangboche village. It’s a long day of hiking mostly downhill.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 6 - 7 hours
ELEVATION
Pangboche Village (3,900m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

We will pass through Debuche and Tengboche village before we start a steep descent to Phungi Tenga, which is located on the banks of Dudhkoshi River.
We have some lunch before continuing on to Kyanjuma village and then along a gentle path to Namche Bazaar.
It's been a journey so far so rest up and have a good shower before getting some sleep. Our last day of trekking awaits in the morning!
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Hiking 7 - 8 hours
ELEVATION
Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Lukla (2,860m)

We have reached the last day of trekking!
Today's hike begins with a steep descent to Jorsalle village and then making our way to Phakding where we stop for lunch before heading further to Lukla.
After reaching Lukla we can rest up and prepare for the flight back to Kathmandu in the morning. We will also say goodbye and thank you to our porters here!
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Teahouse Lodge
ACTIVITY
Flight (30 minutes) and hotel transfer (30 minutes)
ELEVATION
Lukla (2,860m) to Kathmandu (1,310m)

We head to Lukla airport in the morning to catch our adventurous flight to Kathmandu.
Once landing in Kathmandu, we collect our luggage and head towards the hotel. You have the afternoon to put your feet up and relax after a long trekking adventure!
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel
ACTIVITY
Rest
ELEVATION
Kathmandu (1,310m)

Today we have a free day to explore Kathmandu. We have this spare day in case of any Lukla flight cancellations or delays due to weather issues.
Go shopping, try some local cuisine and enjoy some time resting in Kathmandu!
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel
ACTIVITY
Airport transfer (30 minutes)
ELEVATION
Kathmandu (1,310m)

You will be transfered to the airport 3 hours before your flight. It's a small airport with only 1 terminal.
From here we say goodbye until next time. We sincerely hope you have enjoyed your Everest adventure!
Dates & Prices
Below are our open group dates for the Gokyo lakes trek. Single supplements apply.
Please note: June, July and August are the monsoon. We don't operate treks during this period.
If the dates below don't suit, please get in touch as we can open a new group on any day as long as you have at least 2 people in your party.
What's Included
Included
Not Included
FAQ
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Got a question?
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Packing List
Clothing
- 6-7 x hiking shirt + 3-2 x long-sleeve hiking shirt
- 2 x hiking shorts and 3 x hiking trousers
- Mid-weight fleece jacket
- Hard shell rain jacket
- Warm insulating down or synthetic jacket / gilet (Down jacket available for free rental)
- Light, but warm gloves
Headwear
- Sun hat + Sunglasses
- Beanie for the nights
- Neck warmer
Footwear
- Mid-weight hiking boots / hiking trainers
- 8-9 x hiking socks
- Trainers for teahouses
Bags
- 20-25L daypack
- 80L Duffel Bag (available for free rental)
- Plastic bags to protect sleeping bag and other gear from rain
Other Essentials
- Four season sleeping bag (available for free rental)
- Hiking Poles
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Snacks
- Water bottle / hydration bladder
- Water treatment tablets
- Camera
- Sun cream
Rental Gear
There are a number of good rental gear shops in Thamel, Kathmandu where one can rent / buy most items listed above. Sleeping bags, a down jacket and a duffel are all included as free rentals.
Accommodation
3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will stay in 3-star hotel accommodation with complimentary breakfast.

Teahouse Accommodation (Day 2-16)
The teahouse lodges on the trek are basic. Most teahouses will have shared bathroom / toilet facilities.

Reviews
We loved it!
I went with my family to visit Everest basecamp. I cannot thank Himalaya Leisure enough for this! Truly something you have to experience for yourself!
Breathtaking Experience!
Every person on the planet has to experience this for themselves, It’s honestly one of the most breath taking experiences you will ever have. I honestly trekked many places but this was among my top 20 treks. I highly recommend them! You can also check out my blog at: https://outsideorigin.com
Pretty good
I loved it, really cool experience
Best Adventure Yet
Thanks Mountain IQ and Altezza for arranging our climb. It is by far the best adventure holiday I have ever experienced, the toughest too! Our guides and the entire support were truly amazing – I don’t think I would have made it without their support and encouragement! Thanks again!
Tip top trekking experience
Visiting the Annapurna Sanctuary has been one of the highlights of my life. I was very nervous joining this trek as I was a solo female and had never trekked at altitude. The team at Mountain IQ were fantastic at answering all my questions and putting my concerns to rest. Once in Nepal, Upendra and the Himalayan Leisure team were just amazing. Our guide, Dorchi, was an absolute hoot and very caring. The whole experience from beginning to end was awesome. Thanks again!
Simply magnificent!
We joined this trek with short notice. Upendra was very responsive and accommodating to our needs. The tour from pick up to drop off was professional and fun. Would highly recommend joining this tour!
An once in a lifetime experience!
This was by far the most amazing adventure we’ve ever had. We can’t thank the team at Himalayan Leisure and at Mountain IQ enough for arranging such an incredible trek for myself and my girlfriend. From the very get go, the support from Mountain IQ and Upendra was top notch. All our questions were answered quickly and in detail. Once we arrived in Kathmandu we were warmly welcomed. The pre-trek briefing was excellent and we immediately liked our guide Dawa, and felt confident putting our safety in his hands. The trek itself is truly amazing – the views throughout were spectacular. The high pass was a big challenge but the whole group managed it without too much strain. We can’t wait to return to Nepal to complete the EBC trek via Gokyo and will definitely be going with HL again!
Epic experience with Dawa and his team
Just a quick note to say thank you to Himalayan Leisure for an amazing trekking experience to EBC. We felt well looked after throughout and really enjoyed the company of our guide Dawa. I highly recommend booking this adventure!
A superb trekking experience
We had an absolutely amazing experience with Himalayan Leisure on this trek in the Langtang region. The Langtang is a lot quieter than the popular trails to Everest. If you are looking to get off the beaten path then I highly recommend this trek and HL!
Superb Tour!
This tour company is excellent. From the time they met us at Cusco airport, their interaction with us was first class. They were able to accommodate the tour changes we requested. Our guide, Percy, was excellent, very knowledgeable and took the time to explain and answer questions. I highly recommend Inkayni. I would advise anyone who wants to see Cusco and Choquequirao to select this tour company.
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BOOKING TERMS
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LOCAL TOUR OPERATOR
HIMALAYAN LEISURE INC.

This tour is operated for Himalayan Leisure Inc, a fantastic local Nepalese trek operator based in Kathmandu. The company is led by Upendra, a warm and welcoming person who you will love the moment you meet him. Over the past decade Upendra has built Himalayan Leisure into a premier local trek operator with a reputation for safety, quality and fun. We're confident you will have an amazing experience with Upendra and his team.