Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek

Start your trip by being picked up from your hotel in Kathmandu. View the incredible Himalayas from above today as you fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,845 m/9,334’). When you arrive, meet your trekking crew and take a short break for tea. Then your trek begins! Today’s trek is a short and easy warmup, but it may feel more difficult as you adjust to the high elevation. Begin your trek northward to the Dudh Koshi Valley and descend from the plateau into the forests of the valley. After a break for lunch, continue north, crossing several streams, to reach Phakding (2,650 m/8,694’). Spend the night in the Phakding settlement, surrounded by inspirational views.

Today’s hike crosses over farmland and through settlements on your way to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286’). The trail follows the Dudh Kosi River northward, through incredible forests of magnolia, fir and rhododendron trees. After crossing the Bhote Kosi, the western fork of the river, you’ll climb steeply up toward Namche Bazaar. Often called the Gateway to Mount Everest, the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar is large and prosperous because it is an important center for trade. A bazaar, or market, is held here weekly, gathering sellers from many local villages to sell fresh food.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, allowing time for your body to adjust to the altitude. Staying active even on rest days like this will help you as you continue trekking. Take a short hike to the nearby villages of Thamo or Synboche to help you be both physically and mentally fit to continue your journey.

Follow the main trail that leads to Thyangboche. The trail then branches off and flanks the sacred mountain peak, Khumblia (5,761 m/18,900’). Walk through some lovely yak pastures then ascend gradually up to Mon La. Below you’ll see the confluence point of the Dudh Koshi and the Imja Khola rivers. Pass the Thyangboche Monastery in a beautiful location with Kantega and Ama Dablam in the background. At the top of the ridge (3,992 m/13,097’), there is a stupa decorated with traditional prayer flags. Descend again through the forest to the river, then follow the trail up to the ridge to the village of Phortse Thanga (3,600 m/11,811’). Continue hiking along the river from Phortse Thanga to the village of Dole (4,038 m/13,248’) where you’ll spend the night.

Today’s hike is a steady climb up to your overnight stop in Machhermo (4,410 m/14,469’) with just a short lunch break. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Machhermo with opportunities to visit the village and learn about the local culture and lifestyle through interactions with local people. If you aren’t too tired, you can walk up to a ridge to enjoy a lovely view of the surrounding Gokyo Valley.

Climb up past a chorten on a ridge today and enjoy a clear view of the valley as well as majestic mountains including Kangtega, Thamserku, and Cho Oyu. A gentle walk brings you to Phanga, then you will descend to the bank of the river. From there, climb up again to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. As you follow the trail through the valley, you will pass the first three Gokyo lakes: Longpongo, Taboche Tso, and Dudh Koshi. The Taboche Tso and Dudh Koshi lakes are linked together by a flowing stream. The village of Gokyo (4,750 m/15,584’) is beside the Dudh Koshi, and in this beautiful location you’ll stop for dinner and spend the night.

Hit the trail early today to allow plenty of time to climb to the peak of Gokyo Ri (5,480 m/17,979’). This summit gives you breathtaking views of the Himalaya mountain, especially the regal peaks of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Nuptse. You can also hike to another lookout called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint, and explore the fourth and fifth Gokyo lakes, perhaps even the sixth depending on time. Return to Gokyo village for dinner and another night in the lodge.

Leaving Gokyo, your path today traverses a glacier, full of ups and downs. It is not a long walk and you’ll soon descend through the valley to come to Thangana, the Cho La Pass base camp. Spend the day surrounded by natural beauty and magnificent mountain views. Before long, the trail takes you to Dragnag (4,700 m/15,420’), which is your stop for the night.

The trekking today is difficult and requires caution. The trail is very steep, vertical at times, and the rocks can be icy and slippery. As you climb the rocky trail through the narrow valley, you’ll walk beside a frozen lake with majestic and well-known mountain peaks in view. To the south, you’ll see Ama Dablam, which is shaped like a pyramid. To the west is Cholatse and to the east, Lobuche with Baruntse rising sharply on your right. Cross the Cho La Pass (5,420 m/17,782’), then descend to Dzongla (4,840 m/15,879’), where you’ll have dinner and spend the night with clear views of these amazing mountains.

Walk today from Dzongla to Lobuche, which is near the Khumbu Glacier. Your guide will lead you to two peaks today, Lobuche East and Lobuche in the Far East. Throughout the day, enjoy incredible views of Lobuche, as well as Everest, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and the Nuptse-Lhotse. There will be time to explore the village of Lobuche (4,910 m/16,109’) before stopping to watch a truly unforgettable sunset view.

Today is the day you will visit the Everest Base Camp! Make your way along the western side of the Khumbu Valley, then the trail ascends gently through the meadows that are near the glacial moraine. Stop to appreciate the views around you of Lingtren, Pumori, Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Lobuche East, as well as the Khumbu Icefall. Descend slightly to come to Gorak Shep, where you can have lunch and prepare to trek to Everest Base Camp (5,545 m/18,192’). Make this journey in the afternoon, surrounded by mighty peaks and frozen lakes, then return again to Gorak Shep to spend the night.

Get a very early start today for the great reward of reaching the summit of Kala Patthar (5,550 m/18,209’), one of the best viewpoints in the Himalayas, in time to watch the sunrise. The climb to Kala Patthar is steep and it seems the bends in the trail may never end, but once you’re there it will all be worth it. This is the perfect place to view Mount Everest, and it may seem as though you can reach out and touch Mount Pumori. Have your camera ready for capturing incredible photographs today. Descend again to Lobuche after this spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime day on the trail.

After breakfast, begin your day with a descent through Dusa that brings you to the chorten that marks the head of the Imja Khola River. Then continue with a relatively easy climb, following the wide trail to Pangboche village. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the region’s oldest monastery, the Pangboche Gompa, before continuing your hike to Dingboche. Stop in Dingboche (4,430 m/14,534’) for dinner and to spend the night.

Follow the trail as it descends into the valley, crossing the Khumbu Khola bridge then climbing again. At the stone huts that are near Orso, the trails join with the upward trail for a time, then diverges again. The trail to the right continues higher and leads through Upper Pangboche to the village of Phortse. You will follow the lower trail to the left which leads to Tengboche. Cross the river from high above on an exciting suspension bridge as the water rushes through a narrow point, and you’ll come to Debache. From here, a short but beautiful trail climbs up through a woodland of rhododendron, birch and conifer trees. When you reach Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664’) you will stop for the night. While you’re in Tengboche, don’t miss the chance to visit the monastery, which in addition to being very beautiful is also the religious monument for the Sherpa people of this region.

The trail today will follow the Dudh Koshi River again, passing lovely waterfalls as it meanders through a forest of rhododendrons, then a pine forest where you may be able to watch musk deer grazing. Continue descending to reach Larja Dobhan, where you should be sure to pause to take in one final view of Mount Everest and Lhotse. After you pass the village of Jorsale, the trail begins to ascend slightly. Cross the suspension bridge to reach Monjo (2,835 m/9,301’), where you will spend the night.

Complete your trek today with a steep hike back down to the Dudh Kosi River, before a long but gentle walk brings you back to Lukla. You’ll celebrate your completed journey at the local tea house with clear views of the rugged mountains you’ve been exploring. It’s now time to say farewell to the crew that you have been trekking with for all this time. Spend the night in Lukla (2,840 m/9,318’) and prepare to return to Kathmandu tomorrow.

Enjoy the spectacular return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, which is perhaps even more incredible now that the mountains have become so familiar. After landing in Kathmandu, the remainder of the day is free for exploring the city, shopping, sightseeing, or simply finding a great cafe or roof-top restaurant. Reward yourself with some fun and rest to celebrate completing this amazing journey.