Everest
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Valley
Overview
The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Valley is one of the most rewarding and scenic trekking routes in the Everest region. This 16-day journey offers a stunning alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp route by taking you through the serene and less-crowded Gokyo Valley, home to pristine turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, and the legendary Cho La Pass (5,420m).
Combining the raw beauty of high alpine landscapes with rich Sherpa culture, this trek brings you face-to-face with some of the tallest peaks on Earth, including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Along the way, you’ll explore remote villages, ascend Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for breathtaking panoramic views, cross high passes, and ultimately reach the iconic Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
Perfect for experienced trekkers seeking both adventure and tranquility, this route is a Himalayan classic that delivers nature, challenge, and cultural immersion all in one unforgettable journey.
Highlights
- Explore the tranquil and stunning Gokyo Lakes
- Hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for one of the best panoramic views in Nepal
- Cross the dramatic Cho La Pass (5,420m)
- Reach the legendary Everest Base Camp and gaze upon the Khumbu Icefall
- Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) for sunrise views of Everest
- Experience traditional Sherpa hospitality and culture
- Scenic mountain flight to and from Lukla
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and refreshments, we’ll conduct a short briefing about the trek and check your gear to ensure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. The rest of the day is free to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel.
We begin the adventure with a scenic flight to Lukla, one of the world’s most thrilling airstrips. After landing, we meet our trekking crew and start the gentle walk to Phakding along the Dudh Koshi River. This short, pleasant trek offers a great introduction to the Khumbu region and its landscapes.
Today’s trek leads us through pine forests, suspension bridges, and villages like Monjo and Jorsalle. After entering Sagarmatha National Park, we ascend a challenging section to reach the bustling Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. This is the gateway to the Everest region and a hub of culture, trade, and trekking activity.
To help your body adjust to the altitude, we take a rest day in Namche. Optional hikes to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village offer stunning panoramas of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. In the afternoon, you can explore Namche’s local bakeries, museums, or simply relax and enjoy the mountain ambiance.
Leaving the main Everest trail, we climb towards the quieter Gokyo Valley. The trail offers spectacular views as we pass through rhododendron forests and yak pastures. After ascending above the tree line, we reach the small settlement of Dole, surrounded by towering peaks.
Today’s trail climbs gradually along the Dudh Koshi valley with views of Cho Oyu and other snow-capped peaks. We pass through the small hamlets of Lhabarma and Luza before arriving in Machhermo, a beautiful village with a dramatic mountain backdrop.
We continue our trek into the heart of the Gokyo Valley, passing alongside glacial streams and moraines. The highlight of the day is reaching the series of pristine turquoise Gokyo Lakes. We settle in at the village of Gokyo, situated beside the third and largest lake.
An early morning ascent to Gokyo Ri offers one of the best panoramic views in the entire Everest region, showcasing Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After descending, you have the day to relax or take an optional walk around the other Gokyo Lakes.
This is one of the most challenging days of the trek. We start early to cross the high-altitude Cho La Pass, navigating rocky trails and possibly snow-covered slopes. After reaching the top, we descend carefully to the village of Dzongla for a well-earned rest.
A shorter and easier day compared to the previous one, we walk along gentle terrain with impressive views of Nuptse and Pumori. Rejoining the main Everest trail, we reach Lobuche, where trekkers preparing for EBC converge.
We follow the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, where we take a short break before continuing to Everest Base Camp. This iconic site lies at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall and offers an unforgettable experience. After some time at base camp, we return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Before sunrise, we ascend Kala Patthar for stunning views of Everest glowing in the early light. This is the highest point of the trek. After taking in the majestic scenery, we descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast and continue down to the lower and warmer village of Pheriche.
We continue our descent through Pangboche and Tengboche, where we can visit the famous monastery. The trail then leads us back to the familiar town of Namche Bazaar for a comfortable overnight stay.
Our final day of trekking retraces the path along the Dudh Koshi River. It’s a time to reflect on the journey and celebrate with the team once we reach Lukla. Overnight in a teahouse with a festive farewell dinner.
We take a morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, enjoying one last glimpse of the Himalayas from the air. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for shopping, relaxing, or sightseeing.
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your onward journey or international flight. You leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas and a sense of accomplishment.