Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek – 18 Days

Your adventure begins with a scenic flight over Kathmandu Valley, and the verdant hill, dotted village, and the blue Himalayan peaks in the distance, with snow topping them, welcome you from the sky. At Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative welcomes and drops you to your hotel in the midst of Thamel. This day is totally for rest after your flight, but you are free to stroll around the crowded streets of Thamel with trekking gear shops, cafes, and multicolored prayer flags fluttering above. In the evening, your trekking guide will provide a short presentation regarding the itinerary for the coming days. Overnight at Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you have a guided sightseeing trip that acclimates you to the religious and cultural heart of Nepal. You begin at Pashupatinath Temple, the sacred Hindu temple in honor of Lord Shiva, where pilgrims perform cremation rituals along the Bagmati River. You move on to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest ones in the world, where incense and monks' chanting send an otherworldly spell all around. The day continues to see Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) on a hilltop that overlooks Kathmandu, with breathtaking views of the valley. Next, you see Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal palace, with all its intricate Newar architecture and history. This day immerses you in the essence of Nepal, setting the stage for the spiritual energy of the mountains. 

Early morning, a thrilling 30-minute flight lands you at Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. It is here that you are introduced to the rest of your trekking crew. The hike begins on a gradual path, passing Chheplung village, with the initial glimpse of Kusum Kanguru peak. Along the Dudh Koshi River, you hike along pine and rhododendron forest, suspension bridges, and mani stones with Tibetan mantras inscribed on them. The day ends at Phakding, riverside Sherpa village surrounded by forested hills.

The trek today takes you deeper into the Khumbu Valley. You repeatedly cross the Dudh Koshi River on suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, the most famous of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. The path passes through Monjo village, where you enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a slow walk, the final section of the ascent to Namche Bazaar is steep and rewarding, with a first distant glimpse of Mount Everest (8,848 m) on a clear day. Namche is the lively hub of the Khumbu district, a horseshoe-shaped town built on the hillside, with brightly painted shops, cafés, bakeries, and markets selling trekking equipment. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. 

This is the first scheduled day of acclimatization to enable your body to get used to higher altitudes. A short hike takes you to Everest View Hotel, renowned for its stunning panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Himalayan tahr and pheasants are seen along the route. You may also choose to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or visit local markets where Tibetan traders barter goods. Namche also hosts the Saturday market, a bustling event with villagers. 

From Namche, the route provides breathtaking views of Ama Dablam peak, Everest, and Nuptse. You descend through rhododendron and juniper forests, where musk deer and Himalayan birds are common. You cross the Imja Khola via a suspension bridge and then ascend steeply to Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region. The monastery, with Everest looming behind, is famous for its Mani Rimdu Festival and Buddhist chanting ceremonies that take place every day. Then after visiting the monastery, you descend slightly to Debuche, a quiet village amidst alpine forests. Teahouse overnight.

Trek today carries on along trails lined with mani walls, passing through Pangboche village, the oldest monastery in the region. The trail then follows the Imja Khola, with the breathtaking views of Ama Dablam towering above the skyline. With increased elevation, the forests thin out, making way for alpine bushes. You finally reach Dingboche, the "summer valley" of Khumbu, which is surrounded by stone walls that protect barley, buckwheat, and potato fields from winds. Island Peak and Lhotse begin to be visible from here.

Another important acclimatization day. You hike to Nagarjun Hill after breakfast, a challenging walk but with panoramic views of Makalu (8,481 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Island Peak, and Thamserku. The acclimatization walk makes oxygen efficiency in your body higher at higher altitude. Free time to relax in Dingboche, explore the village, or engage in conversation with other trekkers. Dingboche overnight.

The path begins gradually to Thukla (4,620 m), and then a steep ascent leads to the Everest Memorial Park, which commemorates climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The route follows along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier between dramatic peaks like Pumori, Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Nuptse. The air gets thinner here, and the trekkers begin to feel the altitude, so slow and steady walking is essential. You finally reach Lobuche, a tiny village with some teahouses, nestled in a desolate glacial valley. Overnight at Lobuche.

Your adventure begins with a scenic flight over Kathmandu Valley, and the verdant hill, dotted village, and the blue Himalayan peaks in the distance, with snow topping them, welcome you from the sky. At Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative welcomes and drops you to your hotel in the midst of Thamel. This day is totally for rest after your flight, but you are free to stroll around the crowded streets of Thamel with trekking gear shops, cafes, and multicolored prayer flags fluttering above. In the evening, your trekking guide will provide a short presentation regarding the itinerary for the coming days. Overnight at Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you have a guided sightseeing trip that acclimates you to the religious and cultural heart of Nepal. You begin at Pashupatinath Temple, the sacred Hindu temple in honor of Lord Shiva, where pilgrims perform cremation rituals along the Bagmati River. You move on to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest ones in the world, where incense and monks' chanting send an otherworldly spell all around. The day continues to see Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) on a hilltop that overlooks Kathmandu, with breathtaking views of the valley. Next, you see Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal palace, with all its intricate Newar architecture and history. This day immerses you in the essence of Nepal, setting the stage for the spiritual energy of the mountains. 

Early morning, a thrilling 30-minute flight lands you at Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. It is here that you are introduced to the rest of your trekking crew. The hike begins on a gradual path, passing Chheplung village, with the initial glimpse of Kusum Kanguru peak. Along the Dudh Koshi River, you hike along pine and rhododendron forest, suspension bridges, and mani stones with Tibetan mantras inscribed on them. The day ends at Phakding, riverside Sherpa village surrounded by forested hills.

The trek today takes you deeper into the Khumbu Valley. You repeatedly cross the Dudh Koshi River on suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, the most famous of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. The path passes through Monjo village, where you enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a slow walk, the final section of the ascent to Namche Bazaar is steep and rewarding, with a first distant glimpse of Mount Everest (8,848 m) on a clear day. Namche is the lively hub of the Khumbu district, a horseshoe-shaped town built on the hillside, with brightly painted shops, cafés, bakeries, and markets selling trekking equipment. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. 

This is the first scheduled day of acclimatization to enable your body to get used to higher altitudes. A short hike takes you to Everest View Hotel, renowned for its stunning panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Himalayan tahr and pheasants are seen along the route. You may also choose to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or visit local markets where Tibetan traders barter goods. Namche also hosts the Saturday market, a bustling event with villagers. 

From Namche, the route provides breathtaking views of Ama Dablam peak, Everest, and Nuptse. You descend through rhododendron and juniper forests, where musk deer and Himalayan birds are common. You cross the Imja Khola via a suspension bridge and then ascend steeply to Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region. The monastery, with Everest looming behind, is famous for its Mani Rimdu Festival and Buddhist chanting ceremonies that take place every day. Then after visiting the monastery, you descend slightly to Debuche, a quiet village amidst alpine forests. Teahouse overnight.

Trek today carries on along trails lined with mani walls, passing through Pangboche village, the oldest monastery in the region. The trail then follows the Imja Khola, with the breathtaking views of Ama Dablam towering above the skyline. With increased elevation, the forests thin out, making way for alpine bushes. You finally reach Dingboche, the "summer valley" of Khumbu, which is surrounded by stone walls that protect barley, buckwheat, and potato fields from winds. Island Peak and Lhotse begin to be visible from here.

Another important acclimatization day. You hike to Nagarjun Hill after breakfast, a challenging walk but with panoramic views of Makalu (8,481 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Island Peak, and Thamserku. The acclimatization walk makes oxygen efficiency in your body higher at higher altitude. Free time to relax in Dingboche, explore the village, or engage in conversation with other trekkers. Dingboche overnight.

The path begins gradually to Thukla (4,620 m), and then a steep ascent leads to the Everest Memorial Park, which commemorates climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The route follows along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier between dramatic peaks like Pumori, Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Nuptse. The air gets thinner here, and the trekkers begin to feel the altitude, so slow and steady walking is essential. You finally reach Lobuche, a tiny village with some teahouses, nestled in a desolate glacial valley. Overnight at Lobuche.

It is the day for which you have been waiting all along. The Lobuche to Gorakshep trek is challenging, going across boulder moraines from the Khumbu Glacier. You take a short rest at Gorakshep and move on to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). The path is uneven, going through boulders, ice ridges, and glacial ice. After fighting for a few hours, you finally reach the base of the world's highest mountain, surrounded by the Khumbu Icefall and giants like Nuptse, Pumori, and Khumbutse. The instant of being here, where so many of the Everest expeditions begin, is something that no one will ever forget. After a bit of photographing and celebration, you trek back to Gorakshep to spend the night.

Today you encounter one of the most challenging sections of the trek, crossing the Chola Pass (5,330 m). The trek rises from Gorakshep very steeply, through glacial streams and moraine ridges. The terrain is rocky and occasionally icy underfoot, requiring careful walking. From the pass, views of Cho Oyu, Makalu, and other Himalayan giants in the area are breathtaking. After descending, you reach Thagnak, a small glacial valley town dotted with stone structures and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. The elevation and remoteness of the village make it an ideal acclimatization and resting point. 

Descending from Thagnak, the path enters the scenic Gokyo Valley famous for its blue lakes in front of grand peaks. You traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the largest glaciers of Nepal, and traverse on its edge through moraines and scattered alpine vegetation. The serene Gokyo Lakes come into view, with Gokyo Ri looming overhead. The lakes are sacred in Buddhism, and you'll see local pilgrims performing rituals there. Spend the night at Gokyo with serene views away from the busy Everest Base Camp trail.

An early morning hike takes you to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) to get a 360-degree panorama of the Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu mountains. The climb to the top is steep but highly rewarding, and sunrise above the Himalayan summits is something you will never forget. Come down and trek back on moraine tracks and glacial streams to Machhermo Village, a remote village with basic teahouses. The scenery consists of rolling glaciers, snowy peaks, and views of yaks on high pastures. Overnight at Machhermo.

You begin your return trip, once more tracing the path over Dole and Tengboche, through mani walls and forest. Today's descent is lengthy but easier, giving your legs a rest. At Namche Bazaar once more, you can browse the active market atmosphere, eat at local cafes, or buy handicrafts. Here is the return to a more populated and culturally vibrant environment. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.

The final day of trekking takes you on riverside trails and rhododendron trees, through villages like Phakding along the Dudh Koshi River. You descend gradually, enjoying the relief of high alpine views against lower forested areas. At Lukla, the gateway of the Everest region, you celebrate the end of the trek with your crew and guides. Overnight stay in Lukla.

Dawn flight is a breathtaking sight with Mount Everest, Lhotse, and other peaks visible while in the air. The flight is brief and brings you back to Kathmandu, and you are driven to your hotel. Free afternoon to relax, visit Thamel, or shop. Overnight at Kathmandu.

This day is to rest or for optional excursions at Kathmandu. You can visit Patan or Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, enjoy a Nepali farewell dinner, or spend time relaxing and reflecting on your journey through the Himalayas. Overnight at Kathmandu.

After breakfast, fly out of Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight. Take back memories of the majestic Himalayas, Gokyo Lakes, and Everest Base Camp, along with a sense of accomplishment from one of the most famous trekking adventures in the world.