Trek to Everest Base camp and Gokyo Lakes

• Total Cost per Person: £1,500
• Amount Due Now: £750
• Remaining Balance: £750
• ????️ Trek Dates & Prices: per person → £1,500

April 2026

• Dates: 13 April – 29 April 2026

• Duration: 17 days

• Price: £1,500 per person

October 2026

• Dates: 21 October – 6 November 2026

• Duration: 17 days

• Price: £1,500 per person

 

Check into your hotel in Thamel and get your first taste of life in Kathmandu.
You have the afternoon to rest or explore your new surroundings

We drive to Ramechhap during daylight hours 6hrs driving for the flight to
Lukla to start our trek.
Fly across the roof of the world on a small plane to Lukla in the Everest region
Hike to Phakding village where you’ll stay in your first teahouse.

After crossing the famous Edmund Hillary suspension bridge, View of Mt.
Thamserku (6618m) in the distance.
The trail starts ascending through pine tree forests to reach the distinctive
horse-shoe-shaped bowl village of Namche Bazaar where we will stop
overnight.

Today will be an acclimatisation day. Namche is famous for its market, so
offers some brilliant opportunities to discover the local produce and culture.

You’ve now reached 3440m , Relax, wander the village, visit the Hillary School
and Khunde Hospital, or hike to a nearby viewpoint where you can enjoy an
incredible panorama of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Lhotse.

After breakfast , we start our trek from Namche bazar to Dole. We begins with
uphill till top of Namche bazar then the trails goes nice and gradual till
Kimjuma after trail split in two one main trail to Everest Base Camp and we
take left up toward Gokyo valley. We keep ascending till Mong Danda then the
trail descends steeply down to the Phortse Thanga. Along the way view of the
Ama Dablam , Thamserku, Tawoche , Khumbila , Mt Everest , Lothse is
stunning.

From here its time to enter the Gokyo Valley, one of the most picture-perfect
locations on earth, home to the highest freshwater lakes in the world, sacred
to both Hindus and Buddhists. You’re now approaching 5,000m, so it's time to
acclimatise once again as you prepare for the final push. Spend some time
hiking this beautiful valley, and trek between glorious lakes fed by towering
peaks.

The trail from Gokyo climbs up and onto the mighty Ngozumpo Glacier and
undulates its way across to the far side, snaking between cairns, ice and
moraine deposits to reach Thangnak – staging point for the Cho La Pass.

Dropping down into the main Everest Valley, Continue on to Dhzongla village
and rest up for the night.

Take a moment – your goal is within touching distance, so there’s plenty of
time to rest up, recover and enjoy some high altitude scenery as you travel
between mountain villages.

Destination Everest Base Camp, Navigate around the Khumbu Glacier and on
to Everest Base Camp, sitting at a whopping 5364m. Spend some time enjoying
your achievement and fill your camera with jaw-dropping photos.

Optional ascent of Kala Patthar (5,550m), the highest point of the trek, with a
never-ending view of Everest and many of the other highest peaks on earth.
After watching the sun rise from behind the mountains, return to Gorak Shep
to refuel on breakfast before descending to Dingbuche, where you’ll spend the
night.

Cross over suspension bridges and re-enter the jungle before tackling the steep
incline that leads to Phungi Than. Continue through the forest and back to
Namche.

Trek through the pine and rhododendron forests one last time before saying
goodbye to your local support staff and heading back to Lukla.

Fly back to Ramechhap after your incredible mountain journey. You’ll drive
back to Kathmandu in time for some well-earned beers and a celebration
dinner.

Sleep in, have breakfast in your hotel and then spend some final time in
Kathmandu before returning to the airport and back to reality.

Taking the Gokyo Lakes route to Everest Base Camp adds a stunning, less-traveled dimension to the classic trek. This route combines the thrill of seeing Everest with the surreal beauty of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the challenge of crossing the Cho La Pass, and jaw-dropping views from Gokyo Ri—arguably one of the best panoramas in the Himalayas. Along the way, you’ll walk through quiet Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and dramatic glacier valleys. It’s a more scenic, less crowded alternative that offers deeper cultural experiences and richer rewards for adventurous trekkers. If you’re looking to go beyond the ordinary and see Everest from multiple angles, this route is the ultimate way to do it.

???? Essential Gear

• Backpack (50–60L) or Daypack (20–30L) if using a porter

• Sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C / 14°F to 5°F) – High teahouses can be freezing

• Trekking poles – Essential for the Cho La Pass and glacier crossings

• Water purification (SteriPen, Sawyer filter, or iodine tablets)

• Headlamp + extra batteries – For early starts or power outages

• Sunglasses (UV + glacier glare protection)

• 2x Water bottles or bladder (2–3L total capacity)

• Map / GPS app (Maps.me, Gaia GPS offline)

• Permits – Sagarmatha National Park Permit + Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit

• Passport (for checkpoints and lodge registration)

• Microspikes (optional but helpful) – For icy trails around Cho La Pass

Base Layers (2–3 sets)

• Merino/synthetic long-sleeve shirts

• Thermal leggings (for sleeping and cold mornings)

Mid Layers

• Fleece jacket or light synthetic insulated jacket

• Trekking pants (quick-dry, 1–2 pairs)

• Down jacket (essential for Gokyo and EBC nights)

Outer Layers

• Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)

• Waterproof pants (for snow or rain days)

Accessories

• Warm hat/beanie

• Buff or neck gaiter

• Gloves: thin liner + insulated outer pair

• Sun hat/cap

• 4–5 pairs of socks (include warm/wool)

• 4–5 pairs of underwear (quick-dry)

• Sports bra (if applicable)

Waterproof trekking boots (broken-in) – Essential for glacier crossings

Camp shoes or sandals – For resting in teahouses

Optional gaiters – If expecting deep snow over Cho La

Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Lip balm with SPF

Toothbrush + small toothpaste

Quick-dry towel

Toilet paper / wet wipes

Hand sanitizer

Moisturizer (cold weather dries skin fast)

Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)

????️ Altitude Sickness

Acetazolamide (Diamox) – 125–250 mg twice daily to prevent AMS

Ibuprofen/paracetamol – For headaches and general pain

Dexamethasone (optional, for emergencies at very high altitudes)

Antiseptic wipes

Blister pads (Compeed, moleskin)

Band-aids and gauze

Tweezers + small scissors

Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine)

Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh)

Charging cables + universal adapter

Local SIM (Ncell works better than NTC in Khumbu)

Lightweight book, journal, or cards

Trek snacks (nuts, energy bars, chocolate)

Dry bags or Ziplocks for gear/waterproofing

Trekking insurance (must include helicopter evacuation)

You’ll sleep above 4,000m for several nights—go slowly, hydrate well, and allow acclimatization days.

Expect extreme cold at night—layering is key.

Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass offer higher exposure and potential icy trails; be ready for winter-like conditions even outside winter season.

Teahouses don’t provide heat in rooms—down jacket, thermals, and a warm sleeping bag are essential.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes is one of the most rewarding yet demanding adventures in the Himalayas. This scenic alternative to the classic EBC route combines stunning glacial lakes, panoramic mountain views, and the challenge of crossing the high-altitude Cho La Pass.

This route is considered moderate to strenuous, ideal for trekkers with a solid fitness base and some experience at high altitude.

????️ High Altitude

• Maximum Elevation: Cho La Pass (5,420 m / 17,782 ft)

• Gokyo Ri viewpoint (5,360 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

• Increased risk of Altitude Sickness (AMS) due to prolonged exposure to elevations over 4,000 meters

???? Challenging Terrain

• Rocky trails, glacial moraine, and steep climbs

• Cho La Pass can be icy or snow-covered, requiring careful footing

• Glacier crossings and variable trail conditions demand stamina and confidence

⏳ Trek Duration

• Average itinerary: 17 to 20 days

• Trekking 5–8 hours daily with gradual altitude gain and rest days

????️ Unpredictable Weather

• Conditions at high passes can change quickly

• Snow, strong winds, and cold temperatures even during peak seasons (March–May, October–November)

???? Mental and Physical Endurance

• Long days, basic accommodation, and limited luxuries

• Consistent effort required in low-oxygen environments

Start training at least 8–10 weeks before the trek: focus on cardio, strength, and endurance

Hike with a loaded backpack to simulate trail conditions

Include acclimatization days in your itinerary — don’t rush!

Pack appropriate gear, including warm layers, waterproof boots, and a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures

Consider hiring a guide or porter for added safety and comfort, especially for Cho La Pass

Fit individuals with prior trekking or hiking experience

Adventurers looking for quieter trails and more dramatic scenery than the classic EBC route

Trekkers comfortable with altitude, physical effort, and remote conditions

Fewer crowds than the main Everest trail

Majestic views of Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and four 8,000-meter peaks

A varied and scenic Himalayan experience with excellent photo opportunities