GOKYO AND EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK 14 DAYS
GOKYO AND EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK 14 DAYS
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days is an unforgettable adventure that takes you through the heart of the Himalayas, offering a unique experience by combining the stunning Gokyo Lakes with the iconic Everest Base Camp. This 14-day trek is designed to provide trekkers with an opportunity to explore the majestic peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and more, while also experiencing the local Sherpa culture.
The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek to Phakding. From here, you make your way to Namche Bazaar, where you spend an acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the high altitudes. The trek continues with a gradual ascent through beautiful forests and Sherpa villages, reaching Dole and eventually Gokyo, where you will be greeted by the stunning Gokyo Lakes and magnificent views of the surrounding peaks.
On day six, you hike to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m / 17,988 ft), a popular viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the Everest and Cho Oyu ranges. You then cross the challenging Chola Pass (5,368 m / 17,611 ft) on day seven, which leads you to Dzongla. From there, you continue your trek to Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, and finally, Gorak Shep. After visiting Everest Base Camp, you hike up to Kala Patthar (5,555 m / 18,192 ft) to catch the sunrise over Everest.
The return journey involves descending through Pheriche, Namche Bazaar, and Lukla, where you catch a flight back to Kathmandu. The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek offers an enriching experience, combining natural beauty with cultural exploration, all while testing your physical and mental endurance.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Fly to Lukla (2,804 m / 9,200 ft) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m / 8,563 ft) Duration: 4-5 hours.
After an early morning flight from Kathmandu, you will land in Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. From here, you will begin your trek, descending to Phakding through scenic villages and lush forests. The trek is relatively easy, allowing you to adjust to the altitude while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Khumbu region. Phakding is a small village along the Dudh Koshi River, where you will spend your first night.
Day 2 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m / 11,290 ft) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today's trek is more challenging, taking you through dense forests of pine, rhododendron, and magnolia. You will cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. As you ascend, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest, and eventually, you’ll arrive at Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital of the Khumbu. It’s a vibrant market town surrounded by towering peaks, where you will rest for an acclimatization day tomorrow.
Day 3 : Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar.
Spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar and its surroundings. You can hike up to Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Alternatively, you can take a short hike to Sagarmatha National Park for more acclimatization while soaking in the beauty of the area.
Day 4 : Trek to Dole (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today, you’ll head toward Dole, crossing several ridges with breathtaking views of the Khumbu Himal. The trail takes you through traditional Sherpa villages such as Khumjung and Kunde, where you’ll experience the rich Sherpa culture. As you continue, the landscape changes from lush forest to more alpine terrain, signaling the higher altitudes.
Day 5 : Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m / 14,665 ft) Duration: 3-4 hours.
The trek to Machhermo is short but steep, taking you through yak pastures and the beautiful alpine environment. As you reach Machhermo, the mountain air grows thinner, and you can feel the altitude’s effects. The village is a quiet stopover before your final push to Gokyo.
Day 6 : Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m / 15,715 ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The day’s trek brings you to Gokyo, a village nestled beside the striking Gokyo Lakes. As you approach Gokyo, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mount Cho Oyu and other towering peaks. The blue-green lakes here are a photographer’s dream. Enjoy a well-earned rest after this scenic day.
Day 7 : Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m / 17,988 ft) and Back to Gokyo via Thangnak (4,500 m / 14,764 ft) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today’s adventure takes you up to Gokyo Ri, one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. From the summit, you will have an amazing panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and other surrounding peaks. After soaking in the views, descend to Thangnak, then back to Gokyo for the night.
Day 8 : Cross Chola Pass (5,368 m / 17,611 ft) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830 m / 15,850 ft) Duration: 6-9 hours.
The day’s trek is one of the most challenging, as you cross the Chola Pass, a high mountain pass between the Gokyo and Everest regions. The climb is strenuous, and conditions can be unpredictable, but the reward at the top is an unbeatable view. Afterward, you will descend to Dzongla for the night.
Day 9 : Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m / 16,108 ft) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today’s trek is a steady climb as you head to Lobuche, a small settlement nestled at the base of the towering Lobuche Peak. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Pumori and Nuptse.
Day 10 : Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m / 17,598 ft) and Back to Gorak Shep (5,180 m / 16,994 ft) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today, you reach Everest Base Camp, one of the most iconic destinations in the world. After soaking in the views of Khumbu Icefall and the Everest summit, you will return to Gorak Shep for the night. This is a long and tiring day, but the sense of achievement at Base Camp makes it all worth it.
Day 11 : Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m / 18,192 ft) and Trek Down to Pheriche (4,300 m / 14,107 ft) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Before descending, you will hike up to Kala Patthar, one of the highest accessible points on the trek with the best panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Afterward, you will descend to Pheriche, passing through Dingboche along the way.
Day 12 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m / 11,290 ft) Duration: 6-7 hours.
The return trek to Namche Bazaar is easier, as it’s mostly downhill. You will retrace your steps through Pheriche and Tengboche, stopping at beautiful Sherpa villages and monasteries. Arriving back at Namche, you can enjoy a hot meal and some relaxation after the long journey.
Day 13 : Trek to Lukla (2,804 m / 9,200 ft) Duration: 6-7 hours.
The final day of your trek takes you back to Lukla, completing your journey. The descent is mostly downhill, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful landscapes of the Khumbu region one last time.
Day 14 : Morning Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu Duration: 30-minute flight.
In the morning, you will board a flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, marking the end of your Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek. The scenic flight offers one final view of the mountains before you return to the bustling city of Kathmandu.
SERVICES
What's Included in Your Trekking Package:
- Airport Transfers: Domestic airport pick-up and drop-off by private car/jeep.
- Meals: Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trek.
- Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit provided every evening after dinner.
- Accommodation: Stay in trekking lodges (Tea Houses) during the trek.
- Permits: All necessary paperwork including Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
- Flights: Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (Ramechhap-Lukla-Ramechhap) flights with private airport transfer and domestic airport taxes.
- Guides and Staff:
- A highly experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed guide, covering their salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters (one porter per two trekkers), with their salary, food, accommodation, and insurance, along with proper safety and walking equipment.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more.
- Medical Support: Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit) and arrangements for emergency helicopter services (paid by your travel insurance).
- Equipment: Use of a sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (to be returned at the end of the trek).
- T-Shirt: A Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt.
- Government Taxes & Official Fees: All applicable government taxes and official expenses.
- Trip Achievement Certificate: Certificate awarded upon successful completion of the trek.
- Health Monitoring: Oxygen meter to monitor your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice daily, ensuring your health and well-being during the trek.
What's Not Included in Your Trekking Package:
- Meals in Kathmandu: Lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu.
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu: Costs for hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek.
- Nepal Entry Visa: The visa fee for Nepal, which is easy to obtain on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu:
- $30 USD for a 15-day visa
- $50 USD for a 30-day visa
- $125 USD for a 90-day visa
- Personal Travel and Medical Insurance: Travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip (highly recommended for coverage).
- International Airfare: Your international flights to and from Nepal.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal purchases such as souvenirs, snacks, or items not specified in the package.
- Beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, and any extra food or drinks you choose to purchase along the trek and in the tea houses.
- Desserts and Sweets: Items like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding, and other sweet treats.
- Hot Showers and Battery Charging: Charges for hot showers and battery charging at the tea houses along the trek.
- Tips: Tipping for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected in Nepal).
- Excess Baggage: Any baggage weight exceeding the 10 kg limit for the Lukla flight.
Note: If you return early from the trek due to sickness or other issues, the fees for flights, hotels, mountain rooms, food, etc., are nonrefundable. You will need to bear any additional expenses for hotel stays, food, etc., in Kathmandu on your own.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
- Sleeping Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Duffel Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker or windcheater
- Thermal underclothes
- Rain poncho
- Down jacket (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece or wool trousers
- Sun hat or scarf
- Trekking pants (two pairs)
- Mittens or woolen gloves
- Hiking socks (several pairs)
- Moisture-wicking shirts, including t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots with spare laces
- Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing in the evenings
- Underwear (several pairs)
- Swimsuit or swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sleeping bag (Sherpa Teams can provide this for you)
- Trekking poles (if desired)
- Hiking backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters
- Small lock for your backpack
- Reusable water bottles (at least two liters)
- Water purification tablets or filtration device
- Wash towel
- Basic first aid kit
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
GOOD TO KNOW
Good to Know Before Starting the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek
The Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek is a spectacular and challenging adventure that takes trekkers to some of the most breathtaking spots in the Himalayas. However, before embarking on this incredible journey, there are several key details to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Physical Fitness: The trek involves multiple days of walking at high altitudes, so it’s essential to be in good physical shape. Prior trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory, as long as you’re prepared for long, strenuous days with varying terrain. Regular cardio exercises, like hiking, running, or cycling, can help build stamina.
Altitude and Acclimatization: This trek reaches altitudes of up to Kala Patthar (5,555 m / 18,192 ft), which means proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. The itinerary includes rest days, particularly at Namche Bazaar and Gokyo, to allow your body to adjust to the thinning air. It’s important to ascend slowly, drink plenty of water, and avoid exertion during the acclimatization days.
Weather Conditions: The best time to do the trek is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These months offer the most stable weather, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. The high-altitude conditions can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at night, and sudden changes in weather.
Packing: Pack light but adequately for cold conditions. Essential items include warm clothing (down jacket, fleece), sturdy trekking boots, water purification methods, sunscreen, and a good-quality sleeping bag. Also, carry a daypack with snacks, water, and a camera to capture the stunning views.
Guides and Porters: Hiring a guide and porter can significantly enhance your trekking experience. Guides are experienced in navigating the routes and can assist with any logistical concerns, while porters can help carry your heavier luggage, allowing you to focus on the trek.
Permits: You’ll need two essential permits for the trek: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System). These are easy to obtain in Kathmandu or with the help of your trekking agency.
Being prepared for the challenges of the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek will ensure that you have an incredible adventure in the majestic Khumbu region, with memories that will last a lifetime.
MAP
PHOTOS/Videos
Departures
Select a departure month
Fill out the form below and a Travel Expert will reach out to create your perfect tour.
FAQS
How difficult is the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek?
The trek is moderately challenging due to the high altitudes and long daily walks. It requires good physical fitness and the ability to handle steep climbs and long hours of trekking.
What is the best time to do the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek?
The best times to trek are during the pre-monsoon season (March to May) and post-monsoon season (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally clear, and the temperatures are moderate.
Do I need prior trekking experience for this trek?
Prior trekking experience is beneficial but not necessary. A good level of fitness and the ability to walk for several hours a day at high altitudes is essential.
How high will I be trekking on this route?
The highest point of the trek is Kala Patthar at 5,555 m (18,192 ft), where you will get an incredible view of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks.
Do I need to be concerned about altitude sickness?
Yes, altitude sickness is a risk as you will be trekking at high elevations. The itinerary includes acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Gokyo to help minimize the risk. Stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and listen to your body.
What permits are required for the trek?
You will need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System). These can be obtained in Kathmandu.
Is it possible to trek alone, or do I need a guide?
While it’s possible to trek independently, hiring a guide is recommended. They will assist with navigation, provide cultural insights, and ensure your safety throughout the trek. Porters can also help carry your gear.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Accommodation along the trek is typically in teahouses. These are simple, local guesthouses offering basic facilities, including a bed, meals, and hot drinks. Expect shared rooms, and bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth.
How many hours of trekking will I do each day?
On average, you’ll trek for 5-7 hours each day, although some days, like the day you reach Everest Base Camp, can be longer. The pace allows for enough rest and acclimatization.
Can I charge my electronics during the trek?
Charging facilities are available in most teahouses, but expect to pay a small fee. It’s a good idea to bring a power bank to ensure you have enough battery power for your devices during the trek.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 4 Reviews
Emily Watson
Australia
Great Trek, Amazing Experience with Dorje
From the very start, Dorje made us feel like family. His attention to detail and understanding of the trail helped make our trip seamless. The Gokyo lakes were beyond beautiful and the Base Camp experience was truly humbling.
Sophia Williams
Belgium
Epic Trek with Mingma
Mingma was a fantastic guide throughout our trek. His extensive knowledge of the region and its history added so much depth to the experience. Reaching Everest Base Camp was one of the greatest achievements of my life!
David Murphy
Argentina
Top-notch Trek with Chhiring
Our trek with Chhiring was amazing! He knew all the best spots for photos and took great care of us. Gokyo was more beautiful than I ever imagined, and Everest Base Camp was just surreal.
Write Your Review
Average Customer Ratings
How The Travellers Have Rated This Package
4
0
0
0
0
People Considering This Package Right Now Check availability
