Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek – 18 Days
Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek – 18 Days
Overview
Everest Base Camp is a moderate trekking route that combines the excitement of walking on higher grounds with jaw-dropping views of the majestic Himalayan range to explore the culture of the Sherpas. Compared to the Everest Base Camp route, the Gokyo lake trek is lesser-known. This trek lets you experience the popular EBC route with its charming villages, teahouses, and bustling crowd, to a quieter route passing through five lakes of Gokyo.
Besides breathtaking views of Everest from Kalapathar, the trek through Chola Pass to reach Gokyo lake is equally adventurous. Hike up to Gokyo Ri offers one of the best panoramic views of the Everest Region, with stunning views of Mount Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The Gokyo lakes are one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and are sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. This trek is sometimes challenging but offers a glimpse of the beautiful terrain of Everest and its glacier lakes.
Trip facts:
- Maximum altitude: 5600m
- Group size: 2-10 people
- Best season: March-April-May-September-October-November-December
- Tour type: Trekking
- Difficulty: Tough
- Accommodation Type: Tea houses
- Arrival on: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Departure from: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Guiding method: Trekking guides
- Language: English
- Minimum age: 12
- Maximum age: 80
Group Price
- The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation. Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote
- Prices listed are not final. Please inquire for your final price quote.
Group Size | Price |
---|---|
2 – 5 | 3000 |
6 – 10 | 2500 |
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3-star level hotel for 3 nights in B&B plan.
- All necessary ground transportation.
- All necessary internal flights.
- All necessary permits, tickets and national park entrance fees.
- All meals during trekking days.
- All necessary accommodation in tea houses during the trek.
- An English-speaking well experienced trekking guide.
- All staff salaries and insurance.
- First aid kit carried by our staff.
- All government taxes.
- Welcome and farewell dinner.
- International airfares.
- Nepal visa fee.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)
- Porter service: We arrange porter facilities upon request. Two people can share one porter. Porter wage per day is $20.
- Extra nights accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Any personal expenses during the trek like battery charge, hot shower, laundry, extra meals, tea, coffee, snacks, boiled water, bottled water, alcoholic beverages & soft drinks and internet service.
- Tips for guide, porters, and other staff.
- Note: Sometimes flights to and from Lukla might get canceled due to weather conditions, in such situations, helicopter flights can be arranged. The cost of helicopter flight to or from Lukla would cost approximately USD 400 which is to be paid by the trekkers.
- Anything not mentioned in the 'price includes section.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
At your arrival at the airport in Kathmandu, a nature horizons team member will be waiting to greet you. We will
transfer right to your hotel accommodation for the first night. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will meet your
guide and get a briefing on your entire tour. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore around Kathmandu. It
is a magical city.
Includes: Accommodation
Day 2: Trek preparation day
Today you will have a 2nd briefing about the trek during breakfast. We will do a complete gear check to ensure you
have brought all the necessary equipment and gear for your trek. If there are any items you are missing and need,
we will head out into Kathmandu to buy them so you are prepared for your trek. It is now time to relax, and your
trek starts tomorrow.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 3: Kathmandu to Phakding (2610 m)
Weather permitting, we will take the morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The 20 minutes flight gives you a
scenic view of the mountains. While your luggage is being sorted out, feel free to explore the village on your own.
The start of the trek takes you on a scenic walk alongside the Dudh Kosi River (River of Milk) through trails lined
with Buddhist prayer flags and prayer wheels. Exchange greetings with other trekking teams along the way to the
Sherpa village of Phakding.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 4: Phakding to Namche (3340 m)
The route to Namche bazaar leads us through blue pine and rhododendron. Stop at Monjo (2835 m), Sagarmatha
National Park, the first point of the trek. Next, the trail leads to the confluence of two rivers, Bhote Kosi and Dudh.
Kosi. Cross over a series of suspension bridges (Jholunge pul) before arriving at Namche. Enjoy your first sight of
Everest. Lhotse, Nuptse, and Taboche (6542m) too can be seen on the horizon.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 5: Acclimatize at Namche
To acclimatize, hike on the route from the Cultural Museum to the airstrip at Syanboche. Drop by the museum to view the collection of Sherpa’s traditional artifacts. The hike to Syangboche airstrip is a steep climb, but the views of Everest and Ama Dablam, one of the world’s most photographed mountains, more than make up for it.
Tea house/Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 6: Namche to Debuche (3700 m)
Enjoy the views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku along the way. The trail has a few sections of the uphill route and is gradually downhill till Kayangjuma. Walk past the village of Sansa, thick pine forests, crossing the river to Phunki Tenga. Enjoy a relaxed lunch here. Next, we have a steep climb through pine forests until Tengboche. Venture into the monastery at the ancient monastery at Tengboche and then head outside for close-up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest. Finally, follow the trail through rhododendron forests to reach Debuche.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 7: Debuche to Dingboche (4410 m)
We start out early on the trail. Pass through small villages, paths lined with chortens and walls with mani along the path. Then, follow the path beneath the towering Ama-Dablam towards Imja Valley. As we near the valley, it opens up to the confluence of the Lobuche River. Descend the river and continue on the steep trail to Dingboche. Soak in the picturesque view of the flat fields of potato and barley, enclosed with stone walls.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8: Acclimatize at Dingboche
After an early breakfast, hike to Nangkartshang Peak. The trail is steep. At the top of Nangkartshang, you will see spectacular sights of Lhotse, Makalu, Island Peak, and many more. Feel free to explore the village on your own.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 9: Dingboche to Lobuche (4940 m)
Passing through the valley of Dughla, we reach Lobuche. The trail is challenging. We have to walk through ridges over Pheriche Valley and moraines of Khumbu glaciers. The route is lined with peaks of Taweche, Cholatse. The moraines with memorials of mountaineers have a beautiful viewpoint that shows awe-inspiring views of Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and Changtse (7550m).
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (Hike to Kalapathar after Lunch at Gorak Shep) (5510 m)
Today’s hike will take us on a walk to the edge of the Khumbu Glacier to the Gorak Shep. The village lies under the daunting summits. We will hike up to Kala Pattar. The vantage point here has the most dramatic and up-close views of Everest. The hike is challenging and, at times, calls for every bit of willpower you have to climb through the steep trail. Your effort will be rewarded at the top with breathtaking views of Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega, and Everest.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 11: Gorak Shep to Dzongla (Hike to Base Camp after breakfast and trek to Dzongla) (4830 m)
After breakfast, we will hike two and a half hours towards the Everest Base Camp first. The Everest summit is not visible from the base camp. However, you will see spectacular views of other mountains. After spending some time at the Base Camp, we head towards Gorak Shep and then trek down towards the village of Dzongla.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 12: Dzongla to Thagnak via Chola pass (4700 m)
We will need to start early to cover more ground today and avoid the strong wind. Today’s route is challenging, with rocky and icy trails. Depending on the time of the year, the route to the summit snowfield of the Cho La (5240m) may or may not be covered by snow.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 13: Thagnak to Gokyo (Hike to Gokyo Ri for sunset) (4750 m)
Start early in the morning to cover more ground at a leisurely pace. Follow the route traversing the Ngojumba Glacier. Along the way, you will be greeted with the views of Mt. Cho Oyu from a distance. The route goes up and down all the way up until the Gokyo Lakes. The last few hours of the challenging trail leads us to the village of Gokyo. We’ll pass by Longpongo, Raboche Tsho, and Dudh Pokhari. Check into the lodge, and a short break later, hike to Gokyo Ri. It is a two hours climb but the sunset view from the high vantage point is worth it.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 14: Gokyo to Dole (4038 m)
Most of the trail today is downhill. Descending the trail along the Dudh Koshi, we’ll pass the first of the Gokyo Lake. Along the way, you’ll get to see the peaks of Cholatse and Taboche. The trail to the village of Dole further descends downwards, passing through the villages of Macchermo, Luza, and Lhafarma.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 15: Dole to Namche (3440 m)
We descend on a steep trail to Phortse Thanga, admiring rhododendrons, wildflowers, and waterfalls. Keep a lookout for mountain goats, pheasants, and musk deer along the way. You can seek the peaks of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and others while we head towards Namche. Finally, a couple of sections with winding roads, we reach Namche. Bid farewell to the peaks of Everest as it is the last day of our trek.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 16: Namche to Lukla (2860 m)
Explore the village of Namche, and finish up on last-minute souvenir shopping. After bidding farewell to the peaks of Everest, we will start our trek towards Lukla in the late morning. As soon as we cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River, we reach lower altitudes again. The hike to Lukla through Monjo, Benkar, and Phakding is enjoyable. The evening calls for celebratory dinner.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 17: Lukla to Kathmandu
Weather permitting, we fly back in the morning. At Kathmandu, you can spend your time at leisure.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 18: Final Departure
Wake up and prepare to get on your flight home! Your guide will be with you up until we drop you off at the
airport. End Tour
Includes: Breakfast
How much weight can I carry on the flight to Lukla?
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
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Should I bring altitude sickness medicine?
Do I need to carry a sleeping bag?
Should I hire a porter?
What if I fall sick?
Do I need to have contingency days to book my flight back home?
Trekking Packing List
Head and Hands:
- Cap or hat to wear while walking in bright sun
- Wool or fleece cap or hat to keep your head warm
- Neck warmer to protect your throat from catching a cold
- Uv protection sunglasses
- Warm wind and waterproof gloves
Upper body:
- Dri fit trekking shirts
- Thermals
- Warm trekking shirts
- Hiking hoodie
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
Lower body:
- Trekking pants
- Trekking shorts
- Thermals and inners
- Waterproof pants
- Trekking socks
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Slippers or sandals
- Gaiters
- Microspikes
Other items:
- Strong rucksack or large holdall to be carried by
- Day rucksack to be carried
- Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear inside your main
- One or two-liter water
- Personal first aid kit to include essential
- Sleeping bag, 4
- Torch, ideally head torch.
- Digital Camera and a spare battery and battery charger
- Toilet paper, quick-dry towel,
- Toothbrush
- Large handkerchief/bandana for neck
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Our TripAdvisor Reviews
Kika C2024-12-16Amazing experience and customer service!!! I highly recommend Dominick with Nature Horizons Tours!! I am a travel advisor who had a bit of a last-minute booking with a family to Peru. I reached out to Dominick immediately, since I knew he’d be fabulous!! He went above and beyond with communication, response, time, organization, and more! He got the very happy clients booked within a few days and I am super grateful for his services!!! he was so kind to start a WhatsApp group chat with me and my clients to answer any and all questions we had! Thank you!!!!Evan L2024-10-29Amazing time at Machu Picchu We had a great time in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco! Great views and excellent guide and transportation. Everything was great!Karen H2024-10-29Excellent experience I have worked with Nature Horizons as a travel advisor and it was an excellent experience. I 100% trust this team to deliver an exceptional trip for my clients. They are quick to respond to questions and the communication while my clients were traveling was outstanding. They had excellent knowledge of the area and were able to provide more local tips and suggestions that I would have been able to provide alone.Highly recommend.Rosie H2024-08-18Epic African Safari to Tanzania My husband and I planned a trip with 2 other couples to go on an African Safari in Tanzania for the Great Migration experience as well as the Serengeti which was epic all by itself. We visited and stayed across Moshi (Mt. Kilimanjaro area), the North & Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Maynara, nKomazi Black Rhino Sanctuary, Tarangire and probably a few other places I can't recall. We stayed at tented temporary camps to luxury camps. We stayed at Weru Weru lodge, Serengeti Heritage lodge, Central Serengeti Luxury camp, Rhino Lodge, Lake Maynara Safari Lodge and finally at Kilimanjaro Luxury camp. These venues each had their own beauty with furnishings, mosquito nets, traditional African tribal entertainment, good food and amazing staff who catered to our every need and comfort. Even in the bush, we still had access to electricity, hot water, bottled water, showers, toilets and yes of course, the internet but you have to be realistic since the bush is the bush with hyenas, big cats and elephants moving around the property. I really loved the Masai warriors who made us feel safe as they escorted back and forth between tents and the main camp. We were so blessed to experience the BIG 5 largely due to the expertise of our guides Praygod and Victor. They were the best and boy did they make the trip. I was grateful for their knowledge of the terrain, their respect for the wildlife, education and tolerating our 1000s of questions. We had 3 couples plus the owner operator Dominick and we rotated across 2 Land Cruisers. I wouldn't have it any other way, I never felt cramped and being able to pop my head up in the open roof was great for photos and viewing the animals with my binoculars. This was a once in a life time trip that I highly recommend to anyone that has grown up watching animal planet and national geographic as a kids. When you see these animals only feet away from you, the kid in you returns and you will definitely cry at the beauty of these animals in their natural habitat. I highly recommend Nature Horizons since they are well connected across the different operators and local partners. They lodging was great and it provided a little bit of raw nature in the bush, feeling like a roughed it a bit (but not really) to the beauty Kilimanjaro luxury camp the last 2 nights to be at the foot of Kilimanjaro, and being able to see her greatness above the clouds. I have been back a month and I can't stop talking about my experience in Tanzania. I was able to experience the beauty of the people of Tanzania, an actual Masai village, shopping at the awesome African Galleria, and getting souvenir's at the cool places our guides felt were respectable locations for tourists. I am not sure when, but I plan to go back to explore more of Tanzania and Africa.Nikole2024-07-17No Words I feel very fortunate to have gone on this safari with Nature Horizons. I went with a group of people and only knew one. Each place that we stayed at was very special in its own way. Dominick is a very kind, intelligent, fun human. He has built all the right relationships to ensure all of his clients are taken care of. We were able to see all of the big five. Our guides felt like family. I’ve never been on a trip that was so magical and was so hard to leave. It has nearly been half a year and our group still talks with each other. We bonded so much that we committed to going on a trip together every 5 years. If you’re thinking about this, DO IT! Do it with Nature Horizons! They will go the extra mile for you to get the experience of a lifetime. They even made sure we had opportunities to connect with the people of Tanzania.Rebecca M2024-06-23Unforgettable vacation We worked with Nature Horizons for our honeymoon to Peru and it far exceeded any expectations we had! It was the most incredible experience and itinerary they created for us and Deivis was always on top of everything and extremely responsive if we had questions. I give this company my highest/strongest recommendation if you are thinking of going to any of the countries they service!Dream224010839132024-06-12Great Travel Team! I am a travel advisor and just sent my clients on their honeymoon with Nature Horizons. They visited Peru and had the most amazing time. The Nature Horizons team was so easy to work with. listened to my requests, and made all the revisions I needed. They took wonderful care of my clients as if they were their own. I can't wait to work with them again!Noe V2024-06-11Full service trip to Perú We had a wonderful time traveling through Perú for two weeks on an itinerary planned by Deivis, through nature horizons.The experience was so much more than we originally expected. Every detail was accounted for. From private drivers to knowledgeable tour guides, there was nothing lacking.I don't know if we'll ever be able to take a trip like this again, but I'm so glad we did at least once. Thank you so much. I'll never forget these amazing days.Jill D2024-04-20Not enough stars to rate this company- THE BEST time ever!!! If there were a million stars to rate this company and my recent trip, it wouldn't be enough. Nature Horizons is amazing. I first met the owner, Dominick at a convention for travel advisors in 2023. I knew immediately that he was a very special person and he had a very obvious love for the tours he had created in the destinations he adored. The story of developing his company is inspiring and his work ethic has continued to impress me during all stages of my Safari planning, from its conception to preparation to hosting us during the Great Migration in Tanzania. His communication is efficient, sincere and organized. He is thorough and thoughtful. He is fun and personable. He is extremely knowledgeable and has vetted resources to execute adventures across many countries. Our Safari was 12 days of awesome-ness. We truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. Each day was well-planned and our guides helped us see so many animals, sites and natural wonders. They knew where to be and when for us to see the most miraculous things. Dominick was such a friendly host, helping us gain perspective and a true taste of Tanzania. He listened to our wishlist, considered our requests and delivered days that we will never forget. Dominick truly cares about each and every guest and also has such respect for some of the most treasured creatures and places on our planet. I can't imagine a better Safari ever happening. But, knowing Dominick, he will make sure the next one and the next and the next are better than the one before it. That's how much he cares.I have to share a couple of our favorite moments were totally unplanned, though. Our Safari vehicle got stuck in the mud as rains started in the Central Serengeti. Dominick stayed calm, assured us that all was well and we sipped champagne as we watched the men try to get us unstuck...comical. Everything happens for a reason and we saw a perfectly complete rainbow soon after our vehicle was moving down the road. It couldn't have been scripted any better! As we continued on the way back to our lodge, we came across a Lioness and her brand-new cub. This is something rarely seen and we were sure Dominick paid the Lioness to appear for us. LOL. These examples are merely a glimpse of memories we made. And, part of the reason these moments were so special was because we were in the moment, which was as Nature Horizons intended. We had not a care in the world and could simply "be" in nature. I can't thank the entire team enough for such a wonderful two weeks.416marlysl2024-04-04Amazing Experience! This trip was, by far, the most amazing trip I have ever taken! Dominick and his driver/guides were fabulous! They definitely found all the animals we wanted to see and many unexpected sites as well. They were so accommodating, stopping whenever we asked even if it was just for a bird or turtle crossing the road. Our guide, Praygod, was able to identify every bird we saw! Their knowledge of the wildlife was phenomenal. We learned so much about the culture, food, and local life from our casual conversations. The accommodations, while not luxury, were very comfortable and the food was very good, especially the soups. When I go back, it will definitely be with Dominick and Nature Horizons Tours!Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5,
based on 63 reviews