Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek - 17 Days

Accommodation During the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek

For your accommodation during the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek, we provide a total of 2 nights ‘ stay in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and 14 nights ‘ stay in teahouses and lodges during the trek. One of the major parts of our Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Lakes itinerary includes a nice and comfortable accommodation, whether it be in Kathmandu or on your trek. Hence why the rooms in Kathmandu Valley will mostly be on a twin-sharing basis. The accommodation we provide along the trek includes basic comforts. The hotel rooms will be a cozy place for you to rest after the day’s trek. However, you can also choose or customize your accommodation to meet your own needs for an additional cost.

• Private attached bathrooms are available in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar (3 nights).
• Standard rooms are provided in Phortse, Machhermo, Gokyo, Dragnag, Dzongla, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and Pheriche.

Our priority throughout the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo trek is your comfortable stay at the end of each night of your trek. We make sure you are staying in beautiful teahouses with the best views around the area. Some of the accommodations in teahouses and lodges include warm blankets and pillows, comfortable mattresses, and sometimes adjacent bathrooms.

Additional Note: Most lodges throughout the trekking route provide you with facilities such as electricity for charging your devices and gadgets, access to Wi-Fi, and hot showers. However, these extra services often come with additional charges.

Passport & Visa requirements

Regarding passport requirements, all visitors’ passports must have validity for at least six months from your arrival date in Nepal. Also, in the passport, you must have at least one blank page for your visa stamp. We recommend that you carry photocopies of your passport in case of any emergencies or permit requirements. We would like to point out that it is mandatory to carry your passport with you at all times during the trek, as it is required for internal flights.

For visitors all around the world (except Indian citizens), you will require an entry visa. Most visitors can easily get a Tourist visa for Nepal. However, some Asian and African nationalities are required to apply for their visa in advance.

On-Arrival Visa Fee:

• 15 Days – USD 30
• 30 Days  – USD 50
• 90 Days – USD 125

Note: Regarding multiple entries, if you’re planning to leave and re-enter Nepal (side trips to Tibet or Bhutan), you’ll need a multiple-entry visa that costs USD 25 extra. And we advise you to carry some cash (US or other major currencies) to pay for the visa fee. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted.

Your Visa can be obtained at Nepalese Embassies or Consulates in your home country or on arrival in Kathmandu. But we strongly advise you to fill out an online visa application for faster visa processing and avoid delays. You can apply through the Nepal Immigration Website before your arrival to save time at the airport.

Regarding Visa Extension:

You always have the option to extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. A 30-day visa sufficiently covers the trip duration for most of our packages available.

For more information regarding the Visa and Passport requirements, stay updated on any new changes in rules and regulations from the Department of Immigration site.

Permits Required for Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek

Our team at Access Nepal will obtain the necessary permits required for the trek on your behalf. You do not have to worry about the cost of these permits, as it is already included in the cost of the package. No extra payments are required to obtain them from your side. 

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs NPR 3,000 (USD 23) per person for foreigners, NPR 1,500 (USD 11.50) per person for SAARC nationals, and NPR 100 per person for Nepali citizens. Children below 10 years of age do not require permit fees. You can obtain this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or at the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park entry gate in Monjo.

Necessary documents required for Entry Permits include:

• Valid passports with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of arrival
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Nepal entry visa (for international visitors)

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs NPR 2,000 (USD 15) per person for foreigners and NPR 1,000 (USD 7.50) per person for SAARC nationals. This permit must be obtained at the Rural Municipality Office in Lukla or in Monjo checkpoint at the Sagarmatha National Park entry gate.

You must have your passport as the necessary document for obtaining the permit. It is also important to note that there aren’t any alternative offices from where you can obtain this permit in Kathmandu, and it must be obtained in the Khumbu region. This recent permit was introduced to replace the TIMS card in the Everest region.

Food During the Trek

Along with hydrating yourself with plenty of fresh water, having a proper diet plan is also crucial for your trekking journey. Along the trek, you will have to pass through steep ascents and descents and walk through rough terrains, which will eat up your energy quite a lot. Proper meals during the trek are a very important aspect to make your overall experience fulfilling and also possible. It is highly recommended that you take meals rich in carbohydrates and protein to stay fully energized throughout the trek. Our Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek package includes 17 breakfasts, 16 lunch meals, and 17 dinners (including welcome and farewell dinners) during the trek. The meals are served on a full-board (main course) basis. Fresh seasonal fruits, tea, and coffee are also included in the package as refreshments.

The teahouses we’ll be staying in provide hygienic and nutrition-rich meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. One of the staple dishes is the Nepali Dal Bhat dish, which includes lentil soup, rice, seasonal vegetables, pickles, meat, and other side dishes. Additionally, these teahouses also provide you with options for other meals like porridge, fried rice, momo (dumplings), noodles (chowmein), and other bakery items.

Please note that the price for food and drinks can vary depending on the location and altitude.

You can pre-inform us of any specific dietary preferences or food allergies for our team to prepare ahead.

About Drinking Water During the EBC to Gokyo Trek

While on trek, keeping your body hydrated is crucial for your day’s journey. Without proper hydration, there are high chances you may feel unwell and unmotivated along your trekking journey. We strongly advise you to drink plenty of water during the trek and keep yourself hydrated. It is advisable that you drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily during the trek. Keep your water bottle with you at all times and keep on hydrating your body in short intervals. You may refill your water bottles at the lodge or at natural water sources along the way, which your guide recommends as safe for drinking.

We strongly advise you to purify the water before drinking it. We provide you with water purifiers so you can drink safe water. You can also buy bottled water in various shops and lodges along the way. But please note that the cost of bottled water rises as you reach higher altitudes. A liter of bottled water may cost you from USD 1 to up to USD 4, depending on the location.

How often to drink water?

Drink half a liter of water as you wake up on an empty stomach. You can have another half-liter within an hour of waking up. When you start trekking, have regular sips of water in brief intervals before you experience dryness in your mouth. Your water intake while trekking should be 1.5 to 2 liters. When you feel tired, take a break and hydrate. When you reach your campsite, have a liter of water in small breaks.

Nepalese Currency for personal (extra) expenses

It is advisable for you to carry extra cash for your personal expenses. As far as possible, please carry the cash in Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu itself, so that you get a fair exchange rate. The amount of money to carry with you depends on your personal spending habits. However, we suggest you carry cash in Nepalese rupees equivalent to USD 15 to 20 per person, per day.

Health and Safety Concerns for Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek

Our top priority during the whole trek starting from your arrival in Kathmandu up until your departure, is your safety. Our trek plans and packages that we offer are carefully prepared by experts and experienced guides who know the routes very well and all the dangers along the journey. We also include proper rest days for acclimatization in between our trekking journey at various stops to help prevent Altitude Sickness.

In terms of first-aid and emergency check-ups, our well-trained guides are very capable of performing basic first aid and have over decades of experience and training for any emergencies and health concerns one can face during such adventurous treks.

If in any case, you start to feel unwell with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or any other health concerns and need to get to a lower altitude, an assistant guide will go along with you to check up on you. If your health improves and you start to feel better, you can rejoin the trek but if not, we will arrange for you to be escorted back to Lukla or Kathmandu for proper medical care and treatment.

Your health and safety are always our main concerns that we look out for.

Regarding Travel Insurance During the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek

Our team highly recommends getting your travel insurance before taking on the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek. Your insurance will cover any medical evacuation and other travel issues that may occur during the trek.

Nothing is certain when it comes to nature. Nature can get quite unforgiving at times, and while you will have the best of the guides with the best pieces of training along with you, there are always risks and dangers of nature lurking around. For these reasons, travel insurance can be a lifesaver.

Physical fitness

Although the trek is not technically challenging, prior experience of an altitude hike/trek is preferred. A good level of mental and physical fitness needs to be developed and maintained. It is advisable to train your body at least two months prior to the trek with cardiovascular workouts. Practice hikes with a pack of weight roughly equivalent to your actual pack would be really helpful. While on trek, do not let your determination wither, and maintain a positive attitude at all times.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness can be triggered in high altitudes (generally higher than 2400m/7874ft) where there is less oxygen than in lower altitudes. It happens when you ascend to a great height in a short time before your body can adjust to the change. Symptoms that take anywhere between 6 hours to a few days to develop include severe, persistent headache, coughing, pressure in the chest, shortness of breath even while at rest, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and others. The illness may cause a medical emergency, especially when the condition worsens to High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

AMS DO’s

• Stay hydrated. Drink frequently in small quantities before the onset of common symptoms of dehydration, which include thirst, dry lips, nose, or mouth, headache, and fatigue.
• Make sure you eat well, ensuring at least a light meal (soup or others) when you lose your appetite, which is a common occurrence in high-altitude regions.
• Follow your guide’s instructions and monitor your body’s responses to the cold and altitude.
• Acclimatize properly and take rest days when necessary.
• Stay clear of smoking and alcohol consumption at all costs.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Take a first aid kit containing medication for altitude sickness and other common illnesses.
• Medication like Diamox may be taken before the trek upon consultation with your physician.

AMS DON’Ts

• Do not climb up too high too quickly. Avoid walking at a hurried pace and do not ignore your rhythm of breathing. Slow and steady with calm breathing is the way to go.
• Do not overcommit yourself, which might risk altitude sickness or injury.
• Do not wander away without your guide’s knowledge.
• Do not skip your meals.

Essential Gear and Equipment for Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek

• Duffel Bag (available upon request)
• Waterproof Jacket
• Fleece Jacket or Pullover
• Thermal Vests and Trousers
• -20 Degree Sleeping Bag (available upon request)
• Hiking Pants
• Fleece or Tracksuit Pants
• Lightweight Walking Pants
• Waterproof and Insulated Gloves
• Thick Wool Hiking Socks and Thin Inner Socks
• Hiking Boots and Camp Sandals
• Woolen Hat and Sunglasses with UV protection
• Water Bottles (Water purifiers are provided from our side)
• First Aid Kit (Included in package)
• Toiletries
• Moisturizer, High SPF sunscreen, and Lip balm

Lukla Flight Information and Potential Delay

There always remains the possibility of flight delays, especially during the peak season or due to unavoidable circumstances like bad weather. You will have to remain prepared for these flight delays as they can affect the itinerary and the length of the trek.

In the case of unfortunate flight cancellations, we will also provide you with an alternative Helicopter ride option for your travel. However, please be aware that the Helicopter service comes with a separate additional charge, typically ranging from USD 500 per person. This price can fluctuate depending on availability and other factors at the time. You will need to pay the full amount directly to book the helicopter flight service.

We strongly advise you to book your flights early with us to avoid such delays as much as possible. By simply booking early, we can plan everything ahead and try to avoid such problems in your trekking journey to deliver you the best possible experience.

Additionally, there are certain weight restrictions for luggage on flights and helicopters. The maximum weight for luggage you can carry is 10 kg, and between 6 to 8 kg for handbags.

Best Time for Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek

Trekkers need to be aware of the best time to do the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek for their best possible experience. The best possible time to experience the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo trek is during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These seasons provide trekkers with clear skies and views of the Mountains, blooming Rhododendron forests along the way, moderate temperatures, and favorable weather conditions.

• Spring (March-May): The temperature during this period ranges from 10-20 degrees Celsius during the day and drops to around -10 degrees at night in the Spring season. This time is best to enjoy clear skies and moderate temperatures, offering beautiful views of the Himalayas and the landscapes. The path will be filled with blooming Rhododendron forests during the Spring season. This season is the peak trekking season, so the path can be more crowded during this time.

• Autumn (September-November): During the Autumn season, the temperature can rise to 15°C during the daytime and fall up to -10°C at night. This season is quite popular among trekkers as this time offers dry and stable weather for trekking and fills the trekkers with festive vibes along the journey due to the major festivals being celebrated during this time like Dashain and Tihar.

• Winter (December-February): The temperature can range from 5-10°C during the daytime in the Winter season and can fall up to -20°C at night, making trekking challenging during this time. Winter season is best for trekkers who can handle the extreme weather and are looking for some tough challenges during their adventure to Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek.
• Monsoon (June-August): During the Monsoon season, there are heavy rainfalls during the journey, making visibility during the trek poor and the overall journey extremely challenging. The trail also becomes quite slippery during this time, so you have to be extra careful and prepare accordingly. Flight delays are also a big possibility during the Monsoon season due to the bad weather.

Booking Procedure for Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek

You will have to pay a deposit of 10% of the total trip cost in order to book and confirm the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek. The confirmation booking will help us arrange your accommodation and transportation, allocate guides, get the necessary permits, and make other important arrangements for us to deliver the best possible trekking experience in Nepal.

For the remaining amount of your trip, you can clear up the bill after your arrival, either in cash or with a credit card.

After you book your trip, send us a copy of your passport and travel insurance.

You should book early to get the best deals and discounts on the Everest Base Camp trek to Gokyo package.

We’re very happy and excited to help you plan your trek and welcome you to our Access Nepal Family! For any further questions regarding the booking procedure, please contact us through email or WhatsApp.

Benefits of Early Booking with Access Nepal

There are several benefits of booking early with us. We recommend you book at least 6 to 12 months ahead to avoid any last-minute planning stress, ensure flight availability, and enjoy the many benefits of early booking to confirm your seat at the table for the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo trekking journey with Access Nepal Tour and Trekking.

Some of the many benefits include:

• Guaranteed availability by securing your spot and avoiding last-minute booking hassle.
• Enjoy early booking discounts and offers.
• More time to prepare, plan, and train for your dream trek.
• Get the best rooms available and preferred accommodation.
• More flexibility in choosing the exact trek dates.
• More flexibility in customizing your trek itinerary and including special requests or upgrades.

Make your Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek Special with Our Team

Celebrate your special moments like Birthdays, Anniversaries, or a Surprise proposal while taking on the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo trek. Whether it’s exchanging wedding rings and proposing to your loved ones, celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or any other accomplishments, our team at Access Nepal will help make your adventure more memorable with a surprise cake or any other personalized celebrations to deliver you a trek worth remembering for a lifetime.