Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek

Q: How difficult is the Gokyo Ri Trek?

The trek is moderate to strenuous, with high-altitude hiking but no technical climbing.

Q: What permits are required for the trek?

You need two permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit ($30 per person) Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card ($20 per person)

Q: Can I do this trek solo?

Yes, but hiring a guide is recommended for navigation, safety, and cultural insights.

Q: What are the accommodation and food options?

Teahouses provide basic rooms and meals, including dal bhat, noodles, momos, soups, and hot drinks.

Pricing for Group Size Basis

Private Trip – For Individuals, Couples, and Small Groups (Flight from Kathmandu):

All-inclusive Trek Price for individual/solo trekker: USD 2100
All-inclusive Trek Price for 2 trekkers: USD 1750 per person

Private Trip – For Individuals, Couples, and Small Groups (Flight from Manthali):

All-inclusive Trek Price for individual/solo trekker: USD 2400
All-inclusive Trek Price for 2 trekkers: USD 2180 per person

Transportation
Flight (Kathmandu-Lukla)
Group Size
Minimum 2 people required
Accomodation
3-Star Hotels in Kathmandu, Teahouses during the trek
Maximum Altitude
5,550 m (18,209 ft)
Best season
Spring (March-April-May) & Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov)
Tour type
Private Trek
Meals
Full board during the trek
Language
English, Nepali
Fitness level
Moderate to Strenuous
Difficulty
Strenuous
Destinations
Everest Region, Nepal
Activities
City Tour, Cultural Tours, Jungle Safari, Trekking, Wildlife Exploration
Trip Type
Cultural, High Altitude, Home Stay, Nature Friendly
Difficulty
Hard

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek, also known as Everest Circuit Trek,
is one of the most audacious treks in the Everest Himalayas. It follows the path
from Gokyo via high pass of Cho La (5330m) onto the Base Camp of Mount
Everest (5364m). Enjoy the incredible views of Everest (8848.86m) along with
numerous other peaks of Khumbu region, and discover the Buddhist monasteries
situated at the world’s highest altitude.
Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek is a 18 days long journey which starts
from Lukla and follows the Dudh Khosi Valley to reach Namche Bazaar, the
busiest junction for trekkers in the Khumbu region. The trek takes you through
the trails of rhododendron, magnolia, and fir forests to reach the amazing Gokyo
Lakes leading on to the Gokyo valley. The deep valley will leave you in awe with
its pristine beauty, and the hospitality of the locals will make you feel like home.
As you move up to the higher altitude, you will find yourself in the lap of mother-
nature. The snow-capped mountains and the orange sky during the sunset/rise
will make you want to never leave. The trek continues to reach Gorakshep and
finally Everest Base Camp, which will later be followed by the trek to Kala
Patthar. After reaching the base of the amazing Mount Everest, get ready to be
astonished by the magnificent and massive Himalayas of the Khumbu region.
The jaw-dropping and picturesque landscape will fill up your memory for life.
Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek is more than just reaching the destination
and is more about giving you the best experience as a whole.

Important Notice for Domestic Flights to and from Lukla

To avoid air traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport and ensure smooth flight operations, all flights to and from Lukla will operate from Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport during the following peak seasons:

Spring: April 1 to May 31, 2025
Autumn: October 1 to November 30, 2025

You are advised to include 1 buffer day in your itinerary for transfers to and from Manthali Airport. Alternatively, on Day 2, you can enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and then transfer to Mulkot in the afternoon.

Mulkot is approximately a 3-hour drive from Kathmandu. Spend the night at a hotel there. The following morning, a 1-hour drive will take you to Manthali Airport for your flight to Lukla.

On your return journey, fly to Manthali Airport and drive back to Kathmandu on the same day.

Customize Your Trek

This is a general itinerary and can be fully customized based on your interests and preferences.

Highlights

Guided sightseeing tour in World heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley.
The definitive Himalayan trek to the foot of Mt. Everest through breathless high alpine landscapes.
Visiting an ancient Buddhist Monasteries where Yeti Skull kept.
Spectacular touching the tops of some of the most famous mountains in the Himalaya, crossing over high suspension bridges.
Homeland of Sherpa people and their picturesque villages along the trail.
Mirror the towering landscape all around, stunning view point at Kalapathar.
Following in the footsteps of great mountaineers, smooth walking up and down through the dense Rhododendron and Pine forest.
Scenic mountain flight in and out of Lukla.
Meeting with local Sherpa people, passing several Buddhist monuments.
Well-maintained trails and comfortable lodges, but the trekking routes here start higher and stay higher and high glacial Gokyo Lake.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Our representatives will be waiting for you in the arrival section of Tribhuvan
International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be greeted and be transferred to the
hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 :

Full day Guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmnadu Valley By private vehicle

After breakfast, we will be exploring the UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites of
Kathmandu valley. We will visit the Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath, and
Boudhanath. All of these sites are their unique architecture and history as well as
cultural importance. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3 :

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 2840m/40 minutes & trek to Phakding 2610m/3-4 hours

Early morning, we drive to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International
Airport for our flight to Lukla. The flight is of 40 minutes from which a splendid
view of lush hills and snowcapped peaks can be seen. We arrive at Tenzing-
Hillary Airport in Lukla. At Lukla, we meet our guide, porters and start the
amazing trek to Phakding. Just to acclimatize, we cover a short distance today.
Overnight at a lodge in Phakding.

Day 4 :

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440m/5-6 hours

We start walking through the thick forest of pine and oak alongside the Dudh
Koshi River. After moving further, we start to get the glimpses of Mt. Thamserku
(6623m) on our right side. Continue through the pine, fir and juniper forests,
cross suspension bridges, and finally reach Namche Bazaar, a commercial
center of the Everest region where tourist and locals buy and sell goods.
Overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5 :

Acclimatization Day - Hike to Everest View hotel and down to Khumjung and Khunde village for visiting Monasteries

Today we ascend to Everest View Hotel for an amazing 360 view of the snowy
peaks. Then, we descend to Khumjung village to visit the imposing monastery
and Khumjung Hillary School. We can catch a glimpse of the Skull of Yeti
protected inside the Monastery. This is one of the larger Sherpa villages in
Khumbu region. We continue to walk to Khunde village which takes about one
hour and have lunch before visiting the old monastery and Khunde Hospital. We
reach our lodge in Namche via Syangboche village. Overnight at a lodge in
Namche Bazaar.

Day 6 :

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dhole 4000m/5-6 hours

We climb steeply to reach Kyangjuma where extraordinary views of mountains
await us. Later, we enter Mong-La, trek along the trail to reach Phortse Thanga,
and finally to Dhole. We walk through amazing rhododendron and birch forests
as we pass several Sherpa villages, en route to Dhole. Overnight at a lodge in
Dhole.

Day 7 :

Trek from Dhole to Machhermo 4410m/4-5 hours

We walk uphill with the view of mountains like Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega
(6782m), as we walk towards Lharbarma. We continue our trek crossing the side
valley, Luza, before reaching Machhermo. Overnight at a lodge in Machermo.

Day 08 :

Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo 4759m/4-5 hours

The trail passes through Phangga, goes downhill to the shore before arriving at
the moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier on a rising trail. Upon crossing an iron
bridge over a river, the track reaches the first Gokyo Lake known as Longponga
(4710m). At we reach the second lake, Taujung Tsho, and walk further ahead to
arrive at the third lake, Gokyo Tsho. The sparkling turquoise blue water of each
of these pristine lakes spellbinds us. Gokyo village is near the third lake, and
Cho-Oyu (8201m) as the background makes up an astonishing view. Overnight
at a lodge in Gokyo.

Day 09 :

Hike to Gokyo Ri 5360m

We hike to Gokyo Ri (5360m), a small mountain above Gokyo village, in the
morning to enjoy the amazing views of the entire Khumbu region. As we go
uphill, the views become clearer and wider. We can see four of the seven highest
peaks of Nepal; Everest (8848.86m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8481m), and Cho
Oyu (8201m). We also get a view of the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho, and
Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier of the Himalayas. We hike back to Gokyo
village for the Overnight at a lodge in Gokyo.

Day 10 :

Trek from Gokyo to Thangnak 4700m/2-3 hours

Leaving Gokyo behind, we walk on a steep and icy trail through the Ngozumpa
Glacier. Although flat, we need to move slowly and carefully as the trail is very
slippery. After a cautious walk until Dragnag, we walk uphill to reach Thangnak.
Overnight at a lodge in Thangnak.

Day 11 :

Trek from Thangnak to Dzongla 4830m/6-7 hours via Cho-La Pass 5368m

Today is going to be the toughest day of the trek. The trail is upright and the
rocks glazed by ice may make the trail slippery. The trail from Phedi ascends
through a ravine and a rocky trail. After a strenuous climb, we reach the top of
Cho-La Pass draped with prayer flags. We can view a stunning panorama of
Ama Dablam (6856m), Cholatse (6335m), and Lobuche East (6119m). We need
to cross through some splits before we reach Dzongla village. Overnight at a
lodge in Dzongla.

Day 12 :

Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche 4910m/3-4 hours

We first descend to Dughla passing a couple of lakes and then ascend on the
moraines alongside Khumbu Glacier towards Lobuche. Later in the afternoon,
you can climb the ridge east of the vallage for your first views of the Khumbu
Glacier, with Mt. Everest mostly obscured by Lhotse and Nuptse. Overnight at a
lodge in Lobuche.

Day 13 :

Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep 5140m/2-3 hours and explore to Everest Base Camp 5364m/3-4 hours round trip

We continue on a challenging trail, waking on the rocky, icy and slippery ridge of
Lobuche Glacier and Khumbu Glacier to reach Gorakshep. We can relax on the
bank of Gorakshep Tsho with a clear view of Everest before we call it a night. We
hike on a steep trail through the moraines of Khumbu Glacier to reach Everest
Base Camp (5364m). Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we can see bright
colored tents contrasting the white Himalayan surrounding. We will be rewarded
with a breathtaking view of the various peaks of Khumbu region from Everest
Base Camp. Spending some time at the camp, we head back to Gorakshep.
Overnight at a lodge in Gorakshep.

Day 14 :

Hike to Kala Pathar and trek from Gorak-Shep to Pheriche 4240m/4- 5 hours

We start early in the morning to hike to Kala Pathar. Peaks such as Lingtren
(6714m), Khumbutse (6636m), and Changtse (7543m) rise to the east looking as
magnificent as ever. But, it is upon arriving at the summit of Kala Patthar that we
get to see a panoramic view of Mt. Everest (8848.86m). We take pictures as we
enjoy the wonderful mountain vista. After returning from the top, we go downhill
to Gorakshep and continue further downhill to Pheriche for a good night's rest.
Overnight at a lodge in Pheriche.

Day 15 :

Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar 3440m/7-8 hours

We descend from Pheriche and walk 3 hours to reach Pangboche. We pass
through villages of Pheriche, Orsho, and Somare. It is the easiest trek downhill.
Then, we walk down to Imja Khola and Deboche and finally reach Tengboche.
We will explore the largest monastery of Khumbu region, Tengboche
Monastery. The trek continues on a 3-4 hours trail to Namche Bazaar passing
monasteries, schools, and tea houses along the way. The trail along the way
might be difficult because of the gravels and sand, yet the feeling of
accomplishment will be overwhelming. Overnight at lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Day 16 :

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2840m/6-7 hours

Leave Namche Bazaar and descend through pine forests. Cross the suspension
bridge over Dudh Koshi River. Then our trail continues on the riverside till we
reach Jorsalle. We continue walking to Phakding by passing several bridges.
Stop for lunch, and then continue walking until Lukla. Overnight at a lodge in
Lukla.

Day 17 :

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu 40 minutes

We will board a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, which lasts for about 40
minutes. This flight will call in for the celebration of the trip we have successfully
completed and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu by private van. Overnight at a
hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18 :

Final Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast in hotel, we shall drop you at the airport before the scheduled
time. We hope to see you again!

FAQs

Expand all

How difficult is the Gokyo Ri Trek?

The trek is moderate to strenuous, with high-altitude hiking but no technical climbing.

What permits are required for the trek?

You need two permits:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit ($30 per person)
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card ($20 per person)

Can I do this trek solo?

Yes, but hiring a guide is recommended for navigation, safety, and cultural insights.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

What are the accommodation and food options?

Teahouses provide basic rooms and meals, including dal bhat, noodles, momos, soups, and hot drinks.