Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek - 18 Days

After your arrival in Kathmandu, our team’s representative will welcome you to our country and take you to your 3-star hotel in a private vehicle. The hotel you’ll be staying in is located at the heart of Thamel, a beautiful place rich in culture. Later, we’ll be conducting a short briefing session at the hotel regarding the trek arrangements and the plan for the next day.

After the meeting, you’ll have some personal time to rest and fuel up before we meet in the evening for a special Nepalese-style welcome dinner. The dinner will be at a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances included for you to get a taste of our country’s culture and traditions. After dinner and viewing the cultural performances, you’ll spend the night at the hotel doing any last-minute packing and rest up for the days ahead.

Also, depending on the time of your arrival, if you do arrive late in Kathmandu there is a high chance you will miss the cultural dinner and the briefing session. So, in that case, we strongly suggest you take an extra day for your ease and settlement while also enjoying the beauty of the Kathmandu valley.

Included: Airport pickup and Accommodation at a 3-star Hotel in Kathmandu.

During the busy trekking seasons like Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October and November), there aren’t direct flights to Lukla from Kathmandu. So, instead, you’ll have to leave quite early in the morning, around 1:30 A.M. – 2:30 A.M., then take a shared vehicle for a 5 to 6-hour-long drive to Manthali airport. From there on, you’ll catch a short 20-minute flight to Lukla (One of the highest-altitude airports in the world.

(Tip: To avoid such an early start, we advise you to visit Manthali airport the day before if you have an extra day. And you always have the option and the advantage to book your flights early to avoid such hassle.)

Another flight option you can take is during the less busy seasons, like January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. Flights to Lukla generally leave from Kathmandu in this period. So in that case, you’ll have to wake up at around (5 A.M – 6 A.M) and start your day by having a filling breakfast at your hotel before heading to the airport for a short 30-minute flight to Lukla.

About Arrival in Lukla and Trek to Phakding

After arriving in Lukla, you’ll meet your porters who will help you with your luggage. And you will also meet your guide there, then you’ll start your trek to Phakding after taking a short break and a brief introduction session, where you’ll get to know about your guide and porters, and vice versa. The route towards Phakding goes uphill along the mountainside and follows the Dudh Koshi River. The trek to Phakding isn’t that challenging, so you can easily get used to the altitude and take in the beautiful views around you.

When we arrive in Phakding, you’ll be staying in a comfortable lodge that offers a cozy room, an attached bathroom with hot shower facilities, a heated bed with electric blankets and charging points for your gadgets.

Important Notice: About Flight Delays and Potential Cancellations

Due to bad weather or other unavoidable factors, flights to Lukla can be delayed or even canceled. We also provide you with an option to book a helicopter flight for an additional cost in case of any inconvenience.

Included: Flight tickets and Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

You will begin the trek to Namche Bazaar from Phakding early in the morning after having your breakfast. Namche Bazaar is a popular acclimatization hub for trekkers. Also known as the “Gateway to Everest”, Namche Bazaar will be the final stop for the day.

We will begin our ascent slowly through the beautiful Dudh Koshi Valley. Along the way, we will also be crossing several suspension bridges with great views in sight. And after about a two-hour walk, we will reach the Sagarmatha National Park check-post in Jorsale, located just past the small village of Monjo.

After having lunch at Jorsale, we will follow the trail to the longest bridge in the valley. Then, a short walk will bring us to the Hillary Bridge, named after the iconic Sir Edmund Hillary. The bridge hangs over the Dudh Koshi River, offering stunning views of the mountains. Next, we face a three-hour steep uphill climb, cutting through a dense pine forest before finally reaching our destination for the night, Namche Bazaar.

Once we reach the busy town of Namche, you’ll be checking into your lodge. There you can enjoy some refreshments, a hot shower and will be having a warm dinner. After dinner, our team will organize a short briefing session regarding plans for the next day, before getting a much-needed rest and re-energize for the days ahead.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Today is your acclimatization and exploration day at Namche Bazaar. We have carefully allotted days for acclimatization and resting for your health and safety, as that is what our priority is. Namche Bazaar is situated at an elevation of 3,440m, it’s very important that you get familiar with such high elevations and adjust your body to it both physically and mentally. We’ll be organizing a short hike to the Everest Viewpoint for acclimatization to the high altitude. Here, you can enjoy views of various tall mountains like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and more.

After the hike, we’ll be returning to Namche for our Lunch and get some rest. In the afternoon, you will be exploring the famous town of Namche. You can observe the Sherpa culture and its history by visiting museums. Also, there is the Namche monastery, where you can observe Buddhist rituals and different prayer ceremonies. You also have the option to spend the time visiting local markets and cafes and trying the local Sherpa dishes.

Namche Bazaar is also a last-minute stop for gearing up for your trek. There are gear shops in Namche, where you can buy or rent trekking essentials like jackets, trekking boots, and other gear.

You will be spending the night in your Lodge at Namche and end the day.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

After having breakfast, we’ll be leaving Namche and begin our trek towards Phortse, which will be our stop for the night. We will follow the popular Everest Base Camp trail up to Kenjoma, which is a small settlement situated about 1.5 kilometers from Namche Bazaar. We will be walking along a flattened trail with views of Everest and other peaks getting closer.

With the passing of Kenjoma, we will then abandon the popular trail and get on the route to Gokyo. We then take a gradual ascent to Mang (a small village located between Namche Bazaar and Phortse Thanga) for about another two hours. If luck favors us on our journey, we may even have rare encounters with Musk Deer, Himalayan Pheasants, and Lophophorus, while you will be seeing Mountain Yaks and Goats quite often on the way.

Walking through pine and Himalayan birch forests, we then drop down to Phortse Thanga, which is a small settlement on the way to Phortse. After we cross the Dudh Koshi river, and hike up for about an hour, we then reach the village of Phortse. You can take a stroll around the village of Phortse and check out the local monastery over there to pass the time. Meeting with the locals and engaging in their stories and conversations is also a highlight one can enjoy during Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek. After having dinner, you will rest up for your next day’s trek.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Today we will be trekking from the village of Phortse to Machhermo. It is a beautiful journey through the Gokyo Valley. This journey offers beautiful mountain views, encounters with wildlife, and sherpa villages along the way.

After a quick descent back to join the main trail at Phortse Thanga, we then start ascending to Dole, a small settlement with a few teahouses that take about 2-3 hours of trekking. Our route passes through Rhododendron forests with beautiful views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega peaks in sight. We may even spot Musk Deer and Himalayan Pheasants along the way if we’re lucky. The small settlement of Dole offers incredible views of Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m) in the distance. After Dole, we ascend above the Dudh Koshi River with a mix of uphill and flat sections and pass through beautiful alpine landscapes. Then after another two or three hours of further climbing through villages like Kele, we then reach the settlement of Machhermo, where we will be spending the night.

(Interesting Fact about Machhermo: The village of Machhermo is most famous for its Yeti Sighting Legend in 1974, where a local Sherpa claimed to have seen the mythical creature in the area. You can hear and engage in the stories regarding this myth from the local sherpas and guides for a fun end to the night.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Today is a major day of your trek. As we leave the village of Machhermo behind, the trail then follows the Dudh Koshi River and ascends along the side of the valley. On the way to Gokyo, you will pass along a small settlement, Luza. It has few lodges where you could stop for a short tea-break.

The Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek then continues on a steady ascent as you start approaching the Gokyo Lakes area. You’ll start getting the thrill of your trek once you get your first views of the magical Gokyo Lakes and some of the surrounding mountains like Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse. Trust me, this is a sight worth seeing at least once in your life.

We then make our way past the lakes after taking in its beauty and we arrive at our destination for the night and a major highlight of our trek itself, the Gokyo Valley. Gokyo is a small village that sits next to the lakes and while you may be tempted to move on and explore the beauty of the valley and its amazing lakes, don’t worry, it can wait as we have an entire day tomorrow reserved for its exploration. We will advise you to rest up properly as the next day is one of the major highlights of your trek, the exploration of the hidden gem Gokyo Valley and its majestic lakes.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Starting this day off early is the right way to go! This is what you’ve been waiting for. After enjoying a warm breakfast at your lodge, today can be spent hiking alongside the magical Gokyo lakes admiring its beauty up-close. Visiting the main Gokyo Lake (Dudh Pokhari), a calm and glittering lake surrounded by tall snowy peaks can truly make you feel alive and admire the beauty of nature and its wonders. You can also visit the other five lakes around the Gokyo area, including Tanjung Tsho and Longpongo Lake, which are much less crowded for a peaceful and quiet walk.

Also, you have the choice to climb any of the small peaks to get a more proper view of the mountains around you and the Gokyo Lakes. After exploring the lakes and various viewpoints, you will return to Gokyo village to have a filling lunch for a relaxed afternoon.

You can enjoy a quiet afternoon at a local teahouse sipping tea and admiring the beauty of the valley or explore the local markets of Gokyo and meet the local people over there for a warm conversation.

In the evening, you’ll be able to enjoy another stunning sunset view over the Gokyo Valley. Then you’ll head back to your lodge for a delicious dinner to end the day and rest up for tomorrow.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

We’ll have to start today quite early in the morning, at around 5:00-6:00 AM, to catch the sunrise from Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri (5,357m) peak excursion is another key highlight you want to take part in when you decide to take on the Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek. This Gokyo Ri hike is of moderate difficulty which takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit. Once you reach the summit, from there you will be rewarded with incredible, panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and the magical Gokyo Lakes below. You also get the entire view of the Ngozumpa glacier extending all the way. Gokyo Ri is one of the most stunning viewpoints in the region, one you wouldn’t want to miss at all.

After enjoying the view, we then trek back to our lodge for Lunch and prepare for the trek to Dragnag. Dragnag is a small settlement located on the way to the daring Cho La pass. It is a peaceful village with a calming atmosphere. The walk typically takes about 3-4 hours and follows the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal.

When you reach Dragnag, you will enjoy a warm dinner and relax for the night.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Today is a challenging day. We start today off early as this is a long and demanding day. Our trek to Dzongla takes us through the Cho La Pass (5,420m). It is a high-altitude mountain pass, connecting the Gokyo Valley and the Everest Base Camp trail. The weather at Cho La Pass is quite unpredictable and can change rapidly, hence why an early start to the day can help avoid strong afternoon winds and unfavorable weather.

We reach the Cho La pass with amazing views of Mount Ama Dablam and Cholatse after ascending the steep trail. As you begin the climb towards the Cho La pass, you’ll have to be careful as the path can be very slippery, especially during the winter. Our team highly recommends using gears like microspikes and trekking poles for your safety and ease of the trek as this is what our priority is. This high-altitude pass gives us breathtaking views of mountains and glaciers all over the area, so you can take photos for a while, enjoying the moment.

Then, after a gradual descent from the Cho La Pass, we reach the village of Dzongla. This is where we will be spending the night, meeting the locals, and having warm conversations. After such a long and challenging day, you will enjoy a warm meal and rest.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Today’s trek is a short one to help us recover and ease up from yesterday’s long and tiring day. We start the day after breakfast. The Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek trail for today is relatively easier as we follow a gentle path along the valley. There are gradual descends and ascends in our path towards Lobuche. You will also walk near the Khumbu Glacier, the world’s highest glacier.

We then arrive at Lobuche. It is a small but also a busy trekking stop with lots of teahouses and lodges. We will spend the night at Lobuche to rest up and prepare for the trek to Gorak Shep and the Everest Base Camp the following day, which you have been eagerly waiting for.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

We start early today, as this day is the major highlight of our Gokyo to Everest Base Camp trek. This is a special day because you’ll be setting foot on the Everest Base Camp. After having breakfast, we’ll begin our trek for the day slowly along the rocky path beside the Khumbu Glacier. The route has some steep sections along the way. And though the trail is moderate in difficulty, the journey can become challenging at certain times due to the high altitude. So, we will have to be careful and take occasional breaks for short rests. Then we continue on, until we reach Gorak Shep.

After reaching Gorak Shep, you will have lunch and rest for a bit before heading to the Everest Base Camp. The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. The trail towards the Everest Base Camp runs alongside the Khumbu Glacier and is rocky and uneven, making it a challenging but rewarding journey. You will see small glacial lakes and prayer flags along the way toward the base camp. As we get closer to the Base Camp, you’ll get beautiful views of the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding mountains like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori start getting clearer. Then we reach the Base Camp of the World’s Tallest Peak, Mt. Everest.

Reaching Everest Base Camp is an achievement worth remembering for a lifetime. It takes an incredible amount of pure mental and physical strength and commitment to complete this journey and you will definitely be proud once you set your foot on the base of the world’s tallest peak. We will spend some memorable time at the base camp taking pictures and celebrating our achievements. Then we head back to Gorak Shep for dinner and end the big day.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Today marks another major highlight of the Gokyo to Everest Base Camp trek. We start off early at around 4 – 4:30 AM before sunrise to climb Kala Patthar, which translates to “Black Rock”. Kala Patthar is located at an altitude of 5,550m. This is one of the most difficult climbs on our trekking journey as it is the highest point our trek takes us to. This climb is quite challenging as the trail is steep and has gradual zigzag ascents.

After about two hours of climbing, we reach the summit of Kala Patthar, which offers one of the most amazing viewpoints of the Himalayas one can wish for. The sunrise at Kala Patthar offers the best 360-degree panoramic views of Mount Everest along with Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and other peaks.

After enjoying the beautiful views, capturing photos, and soaking in the sensation of this adventure, we then head back to Goark Shep to have breakfast and continue our journey towards Pheriche, where we’ll be spending the night.

The Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek is a gradual descent and relatively easier, but still requires caution because of the high altitude, and the path can be slippery. The trail then slowly opens up into wider grassy valleys until we finally reach Pheriche. You’ll have a warm dinner at Pheriche. Pheriche is located at a much lower altitude so you’ll start feeling much better and more comfortable once you reach Pheriche and end the day for a much-needed rest and recovery from the long and eventful day.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

After you have your breakfast at Pheriche, you start the return trek towards Namche Bazaar. Today is going to be a long day as you’ll have to cover some long trekking distances from the village of Pheriche all the way to Namche. The trek officially starts with a gradual descent along the Imja River valley. This part offers great views of Mount Ama Dablam and Kangtega.

In Gokyo to Everest Base Camp trek you will get the inner satisfaction of your overall journey and reflect on it along the way, viewing beautiful mountains and forests. This return trek offers you the last views of Mt. Everest. You’ll be crossing various rivers along the way and encountering wildlife as well.

The Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek trail starts getting easier with little ups and downs and then we descend further until we reach the junction at Kenjoma. As we get closer to Namche Bazaar, the air around us starts getting thicker and we’ll start feeling the temperature getting warmer. We then follow the even and leveled path until we reach Namche Bazaar.

Once you reach Namche Bazaar, you can enjoy a hot shower, have a filling meal, and rest up or explore the busy markets all around you. We’ll be spending the night at Namche.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Our final day of the Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek has arrived. We begin our day early in the morning after having breakfast at Namche. Today you’ll trek to Lukla from where you’ll catch a return flight to Kathmandu tomorrow.

We begin our trek with a steep descent through dense pine and rhododendron forests, passing the Larja Bridge (Hillary Suspension Bridge). The Gokyo to Everest Base Camp trail then starts becoming more gradual after we cross the famous Hillary Suspension bridge. You will then continue descending towards Phakding, passing through the Jorsalle checkpoint.

Once you reach Phakding, you’ll have your lunch and rest for a while. After lunch, we start heading through several Sherpa villages like Ghat and Chheplung. Finally, we’ve reached the destination for the day, Lukla. You will check into your lodge, relax, celebrate the completion of your trek, and also explore the place.

You will end the night at Lukla and prepare for your flight back to Kathmandu the next day.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

After a filling breakfast, we check out of our lodge and head to Lukla airport. Today concludes your memorable Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Journey. If everything goes to plan, you will then board your flight back to Kathmandu. The flight duration and time depend on weather conditions, so we advise you to be prepared for any possible delays.

When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel in Thamel, where you can take a long, warm shower and rest for a while. Later in the evening, you will have dinner at a fine restaurant in Kathmandu, reflecting upon your overall trek and accomplishments. Our representatives will be eager to meet you and hear about your adventures and comments for us, if there are any. Then, you will head back to your hotel and end the day.

(Included: Accommodation at a Hotel in Kathmandu)

Today is Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour day. You start the day off by having breakfast at the hotel. You’ll be taking a tour of four of Kathmandu’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our team at Access Nepal will escort you and take you on the tour in a private vehicle. The Monument fees required to visit these UNESCO World Heritage Sites will be covered by us as complimentary.

We start our tour at Pashupatinath Temple, considered one of the holiest Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. From the temple, you’ll see the Bagmati River flowing right beside it. Pashupatinath is a major cremation site as well, which reflects Hindu belief about life and the afterlife.

After Pashupatinath, we visit Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas located here in Kathmandu Valley. The stupa is surrounded by monasteries and prayer wheels and gives a peaceful atmosphere over the area. The stupa is famous for its golden pyramid and painted eyes which symbolize wisdom and compassion.

Next, we continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Durbar square was once the royal residence of the Malla and Shah kings. Famous for its stone and wooden architecture, it is also home to various carved temples and shrines, including the Hanuman Dhoka and Kumari ghar, home of the living Goddess. Thus, it is an important cultural site which showcases Nepal’s architectural heritage and its history.

Finally, we’ll also be exploring Swayambhunath, also known as the “Monkey Temple”. It is a Buddhist stupa which rests on a hilltop. From the stupa, you’ll be able to get beautiful panoramic views of the city. It is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal.

After the completion of your tour, a private vehicle will take you back to your hotel. There you can rest up for a while and start packing up for your departure tomorrow. Later in the evening, a big farewell dinner awaits you at a fine restaurant. There you can share your overall trek experience and have laughs and warm conversations with our team members and we would love to hear your overall feedback as well on your journey. Then, you will return back to your hotel and end the night.

Additionally, if you wish to spend a few more days in Kathmandu to explore the city or add some more fun activities to your overall package, do let us know. We will be sure to help arrange extra days and activities to fit your plans for a memorable end from our team of Access Nepal.

Included: Accommodation with Full Board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Today is your last day in Kathmandu. This day can be spent exploring the Thamel area and other nearby places as well. You will have some free time to shop for some gifts and souvenirs for you to take back home with you until the time of your departure. Then, when it’s time, our team will drive you to the airport and bid farewell, ensuring you board your flight back home safely and depart Kathmandu fully satisfied.

Thank you for choosing us for your Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek and we hope to see you again!

Included: Breakfast and Airport Drop-Off