During the peak seasons for the Gokyo - Everest Base Camp (No Chola Pass) (March to May and September to November), all the Lukla flights will be operated from the Manthali Airport due to congestion at Tribhuvan Airport.
The Gokyo Lakes with the EBC Trek is a beautiful yet adventurous journey that offers the best features of the Khumbu region. This stunning journey does not just end at the lap of Mt. Everest but also continues up to the serene lakes of Gokyo Valley.
One can witness the unique lifestyle of the ethnic Sherpas in the lower region rather than the upper Khumbu areas. Therefore, despite featuring a cultural experience of the same ethnic groups, the trip offers a chance to witness a different way of lifestyle.
You can appreciate the beautiful village of the Sherpa communities and the mesmerizing grand monasteries while viewing the majestic peaks. Appreciating the fine villages of Sherpa communities and grand monasteries while viewing majestic peaks, this tranquil trip grants some breathtaking and unforgettable experiences.
While embarking on this journey, you'll pass through one of the most spectacular routes of Khumbu. The journey is the perfect blend of tranquility and embodies the serenity of Gokyo Lake. This holy lake is a sacred embodiment to the Hindus and Buddhists, and on this trek, you'll get the chance to be in the presence of this holy site.
You'll also get a mesmerizing view of the Mighty Everest as well as some other mountains such as Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, which dominate the eastern sky for anyone trekking to the Everest Base Camp.
We welcome you on this amazing journey. With the help of our experienced trekking guides, we assure you that your trip to Nepal will be a memorable one. Our team will make sure you get the best service, and your experience in Nepal will be an enriching one.
Let us look at the route overview of Gokyo Lake with Everest Base Camp (No Chola pass).
After you arrive at the Kathmandu airport, one of our staff will greet you at the terminal hall. Then, he will transfer you to your hotel. You will have a brief meeting about your trip to Gokyo Lake and EBC Trek. The following day is set aside for jet lag recovery, allowing you to rest and explore Kathmandu at your own pace. In the afternoon, we’ll hold a brief yet informative meeting about your upcoming adventure to Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp.
The first day of the Everest Gokyo Lake adventure starts with an exciting flight to Lukla. Depending on the season, your flight to Lukla departs from Kathmandu Domestic Airport or Manthali Airport, Ramechhap. You will meet your guide and start your trek to Phakding. You will pass by the green landscape with a view of Kusum Kangraru on your side.
After Phakding, you will follow the Dudh Koshi and ascend via the dense forest of Cedar and Himalayan Pine. Then, after a few years of climbing, you will reach a historic trading place: Namche Bazaar. To adjust to the high altitude and to avoid altitude sickness, we will stay in Namche for another day also.
The next day, we start on the easy path to Kyangjumpa, which then has some steep climbs. You will pass the small villages of Tongba, Gayle, and, lastly, Dole. If the climate permits, you can witness some amazing Mountain views of Khumbila and Tawache.
On your seventh day, you will climb through the Lambara and Luza to a height of 4000 m. Passing by the river valley, you will reach Machhermo at the end of the day. On the Gokyo route, you can get an excellent view from both up and down the valley. It is a steep climb up to the moraine after Ngozumpa Glacier.
Further, you’ll climb the Gokyo Ri early in the morning, which takes approximately 2 hours to reach the peak. You will be awarded stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. Now, crossing through small Sherpa settlements likePhorste and Pheriche, you’ll reach Lobuche.
On your 13th day, you will finally reach Gorak Shep and hike up to the Everest Base Camp. After the visit, you’ll descend to Gorakshep for an overnight stay. The following day, you’ll hike early in the morning upto Kala Patthar, where we can see clearer views of Mt. Everest and other peaks.
Retracing the same route, you will return to Namche Bazaar and Lukla. After staying overnight at Lukla, you will take a flight the next day and reach Kathmandu.
If you plan to go on this unique and thrilling trek, you can contact the NHT. We can customize treks according to your preferences. So, if you're up for an adventure and want to push your limits, Gokyo Everest Base Camp (No Chola Pass) is your perfect challenge!
Now that you know everything about our journey to Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp, it’s time to find the best time to travel.
Keeping the safety concerns and the weather conditions in mind, the best time to explore is the (March-May) spring and autumn (September-November).
As the weather gets warmer, the arrival of spring brings back life in Nepal. The rhododendron forest and the greenery of the landscape along the way will surely mesmerize you beyond your imagination. Walking in the warm spring sunshine will add bliss to your trek.
Autumn, on the other hand, will make you behold the color change in nature. With the mild temperature, the journey is filled with the cool breeze of autumn. Hikers can enjoy the beautiful weather and the glorious white giants peacefully under the clear blue sky.
Apart from these two seasons, the trek is accessible all year round, depending on the weather conditions.
If you’re done looking into our Gokyo lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek and want to explore more options. We also offer alternate packages.
The first one is the Everest Cho La Pass Trek. Offering the best features of Khumbu Valley, this journey will take you to cross the Cho la Pass and will challenge your trekking spirit.
If your trekking hunger is still not satisfied, then choose the 21-Day Everest Base Camp Trek with Cho La Pass and Renjo La Pass. The journey will take you to the foothills of the world’s highest mountain and then toward the world’s highest freshwater lakes. This package will surely test your strength and will to explore the Everest region.
Nevertheless, whichever trekking package you choose, our team is here to ensure you the best trekking experience.
Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Our airport representative will welcome you and explain the program further. There are no planned activities for the day, so check into the hotel. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.
This day is designated for jet lag recovery and trek preparation. You can rest or explore the Thamel area near your hotel.
A representative from Nepal Hiking Team will meet you for a brief meeting about your trek.
Early morning transfer to the airport for Lukla flight. The flight to Lukla is a lifetime experience in itself. The airfield is at high evaluation and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about an exceptional 60 meters only. Trek to Phakding with an arresting, green landscape with the view of Kusum Kangraru.
We follow the Dudh Koshi, ascending through Himalayan pine and cedar forests, to the celebrated village of Namche Bazaar. The village of Namche is a historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchange salt, dried meat, and textiles.
Besides being a splendid destination to shop for traditional crafts, Namche remains the central trading post in the Khumbu that attracts Himalayan and lowland merchants.
You will spend two days at Namche for acclimatization, visit local markets and spend time with your team. On the hike, we capture our first glimpses of Everest and neighboring peaks.
This day is especially sectioned for acclimatization. We will hike to Syangboche Airport (3700m), supposed to be the highest airport in the world, then continue climbing to Everest View Hotel for great panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Tawache, etc. On the way back, we visit Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery.
The trails were easy in the begging up to Kyangjuma & climb steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests, which give way to fragrant stands of juniper and large conifers as the elevation increases. This trek is especially beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons are blooming. The trails pass many Kharkas, summer settlements used when Sherpas bring herds of yaks to graze in these high pastures.
The route passes through the settlement s of Tongba (3950m) and Gayle (3960m) to Dole where there’re few hotels. The views of Khumbila and Tawache (6542m) are incredible throughout the day!!
The trail climbs to Lambara at (4220m) and Luza at (4360m). The tails are steep in most places as it climbs through brush junipers. There’re Kharkas whenever there are a flat spot and the slightest hint of water.
The trails continue to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to Machhermo at (4410m). Here was in Machhermo in 1974 that Yeti killed three yaks and attacked a Sherpa woman. This is the most credit yeti incident ever reported.
We climb a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kantega and up towards Cho-Oyu (8201m). Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangka at (4390m) then descends to the riverbank before the beginning of climb on to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It’s a steep climb up the moraine, switch backing alongside the stream to the first small Lake at (4650m), where a family of green Brainy ducks resides.
Early wake up and climb up to the Gokyo-Ri, for a panoramic view of Mahalangur Himalayan range, it takes approximately 2hrs climb to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Tawache & a great looking of Ngozumpa glacier the largest glacier in Nepal.
We trek down on the same trail through Phorste Thanga then a short climb to Phorste.
Perhaps today is the most interesting trekking because you will not lose altitude like on other days and you will enjoy views of Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Lhotse & other peaks; the route continues through pastures to Pheriche.
Trek along a broad valley floor to Dughla. Continue up the valley, gaining altitude. We come out of the valley to descend to the yak pastures of Lobuche.
After a short climb through meadows, look down on the Khumbu Glacier. Straight ahead is Kalahari – the best vantage point to view the entire south face of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. After a couple of hours, we will get to Gorekshep, and continue our journey to Everest Base camp. There is not much elevation gain, but there are a lot of ups and downs and, combined with altitude, this can be a tiring portion- but the journey is worth it. After approximately 3 hrs of hiking, you will arrive at Base Camp and enjoy views of the Khumbu Glacier and icefall, where Everest expeditions begin.
The day starts with a hike up to Kalapattar (5545m), the best viewpoint to witness Mount Everest, in all its glory and the spectacular Himalayan range. We then trek back to Gorekshep, for breakfast and then descend to Dingbuche.
Easy walk along the Imja Khola, short climb to Tengboche, descend Pungki Thanka and complete steep to Kyangjuma, and easier trail to Namche.
The trek continues along the Dudh Kosi River to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla, where you will catch your return flight to Kathmandu.
30-minutes amazing scenic fly back to Kathmandu.
Spend the day in Kathmandu to rest or to explore, as per your inclination. Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.
Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport.
Gokyo Lake Everest Base Camp Trek Route Map
Detailed Elevation and Duration Chart of the Gokyo Lake Everest Base Camp Trek
Safety is our top priority above everything else.
From airport pickup to departure, we take care of everything—from medical kits, trekking permits, and government taxes to arranging accommodations in the best way possible.
We provide local trekking experts (English-speaking guides) with deep knowledge of the Everest region, including its Sherpa culture, traditions, weather, and alternative routes.
For a more personalized experience, we arrange small group sizes (minimum two and maximum 10) and include an assistant guide if the group has more than four people.
We also allow you to customize each itinerary according to client preferences.
With over 15 years of experience and excellent Everest Trek reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, social media, Google, and Facebook, we are a trusted and professional choice for your trek and tour in Nepal, including the trekking to Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Trek.
The Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate to strenuous level Journey. With the long walking hours, steep ascent and descent, and high altitude passes, the trek demands you to have good physical fitness. The trek starts at 2,880 meters and reaches the highest point at 5,455 meters (Kala Patthar), making altitude sickness a significant risk.
Trekkers must trek at least 6 -7 hours daily, so being comfortable with sustained physical and mental activities is crucial.
Having said that, our highly experienced guide will be there with you. He will instruct you regarding your breathing pattern, walking pace, and how to acclimate your body for a successful hike.
Hence, with acclimatization days, you can end your trek with less difficulty.
Now that you know everything about our journey to Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp, it's Time to find the best time to travel.
Keeping the safety concerns and the weather conditions in mind, the best Time to explore is the (March-May) spring and autumn (September-November).
As the weather gets warmer, the arrival of spring brings back life in Nepal. The rhododendron forest and the greenery of the landscape along the way will surely mesmerize you beyond your imagination. Walking in the warm spring sunshine will add bliss to your trek.
Autumn, on the other hand, will make you behold the color change in nature. With the mild temperature, the journey is filled with the cool breeze of autumn. Hikers can enjoy the beautiful weather and the glorious white giants peacefully under the clear blue sky.
Apart from these two seasons, the trek is accessible all year round, depending on the weather conditions.
Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), can be avoided by preventive measures. We recommend that trekkers maintain a steady walking pace, as a gradual incline on the trails reduces the chances of developing this condition. Our 19-day Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary is carefully planned with sufficient acclimatization days to minimize the risk of AMS.
If you are concerned about altitude sickness (above 5000m) during your Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo, we are here to ease your mind.
Our well-trained and professional local guides have years of experience trekking in the Everest region. All NHT guides have first aid kits and an oximeter to monitor hikers' physical conditions.
If a trekker shows symptoms of AMS, our guides will immediately assess their health and provide necessary medical assistance. An assistant guide is assigned to provide additional support for groups with more than four members.
There is no need to worry about altitude sickness during the EBC Gokyo Hike, as we are fully prepared to handle any challenges on your trip.
Our booking process is simple. First, review the 19-day Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake itinerary on our website.
Select your preferred date from the departure section and click "Book This Date,"
Fill out the booking form with all your details (Full Name, Email Address, DOB, Flight details, and others).
You can either pay a 20% deposit online or choose the "book now, pay later" option.
However, you must not submit another booking form while paying the deposit. Once we receive your deposit money, we will mail you a confirmation letter with other essential details about the trip.
We will need copies of your passports in advance to obtain your trekking permits. It must have at least 6 month's validity from the time you arrive in Nepal.
Once you reach Kathmandu, you must pay the rest of the cost of your trek package. You can pay in cash (US dollars), by card, or by wire transfer.
On the off-chance that you must cancel your booking for Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Trek, you must send us a cancellation request. After canceling your booking, we will notify you promptly. You will have to forgo your 20% deposit as it is non-refundable, and we will levy it as a cancellation fee.
However, your deposit will remain as credit for a future trip that you can use later. We recommend checking our booking and cancellation manual before confirming your trip to avoid confusion.
We, NHT, don't book international flights to/from Kathmandu.
After you land in Kathmandu, Nepal (Tribhuvan International Airport) and complete the check-in process and visa formalities, one of our representatives will be there for you. He will be holding a Nepal Hiking Team card, making it easy to locate him. He will then drive you to your hotel.
Contact our team for assistance anytime.
Email address: [email protected]
Phone/WhatsApp or Direct Call: +977 9851058678
Visa on arrival to Nepal is possible for most countries, excluding Afghanistan, Ghana, Cameroon, Iraq, Ethiopia, and others. These countries must obtain their tourist visa from their respective countries before arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal. You will need to fill out an online form for the visa before arriving in Nepal. Please make sure passport has at least 6 months of validity with blank pages for visa stamps.
Travel insurance is mandatory. It should cover high-altitude trekking (over 5000m), emergency evacuation, medical expenses, loss of luggage and bags, flight cancellations, and other contingencies.
For your Everest Gokyo Lake Trek, during your time in Kathmandu, you will stay in a 3-star category hotel (WoodApple Hotel and Spa or a similar option, depending on availability).
Yes, you can book extra hotel nights in Kathmandu. Generally, three-star hotels charge US $55 for double/twin rooms and US $50 for a single room. We recommend the Woodapple Hotel and Spa, which is located on the outskirts of Thamel and convenient for shopping and eating out.
Yes, you can if you have booked a private trek with us. The private trek is highly flexible, unlike group treks, you can add day tour in kathmandu valley in popular places, and we can customize your itinerary to your preferences and requirements.
Immunizations are not mandatory when trekking in Nepal, but they are highly recommended to safeguard your health during the trip. Some of the common vaccinations recommended by the CDC are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies.
Nepal has two major local networks: Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell. Both have booths at the airport. Their counters are located in the arrival terminal and operate 24 hours a day. You can also buy these SIM cards in Kathmandu city center (Thamel area). We recommend choosing an NTC SIM card for Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek.
There are only two airports from which you can fly to reach Lukla: either directly from Kathmandu or from Ramechhap, Manthali Airport, which is a 3–4 hour drive from Kathmandu.
During the peak trekking seasons from March-May and September–to November, all flights to Lukla operate via Manthali Airport in Ramechhap due to traffic congestion at TIA. However, outside of these peak seasons (spring and autumn), direct flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa are available.
For the Manthali to Lukla flight: From Kathmandu, it is 132 km to Manthali Airport, requiring a 3–4 hour drive. To catch the Lukla flight from Manthali Airport, you must wake up early, around 1–2 AM, and travel by tourist vehicle.
For the Kathmandu to Lukla flight: If flying directly from Kathmandu, you must wake up around 5–6 AM, drive to the domestic airport, and board your flight to Lukla.
The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trip is categorized as one of the long-distance treks in Nepal. It is also widely known as Everest Circuit Trek, which can be completed in 17 - 19 days. We, Nepal Hiking Team, provide a 19-day EBC with Gokyo package where two days are allocated for arrival and departure, two days from kathmandu to Lukla and back to kathmandu, two leisure days in Kathmandu for trek preparation and rest, and other days are for trekking and reaching the highest point of Everest Gokyo at 5545 meters (Kala Patthar).
Yes you can take it. Diamox is commonly used to prevent mountain sickness but consult your doctor beforehand.
Usage Guidelines: Start taking Diamox( 250 mg dosage after dinner) from the Phakding (first day of the trek).
Precautions: Tingling in hands, cheeks, or lips are mild side effects. Stay hydrated, as this medicine increases water needs.
Note: Our NHT guides carry Diamox and an oximeter in their medical-aid supplies to provide additional support if needed. For effective and safe use, always follow your perosnal doctor’s advice.
You should keep your daily daypack as light as possible, carrying only essentials like your water bottle, passport, sunscreen, snacks, and any personal items needed during the day. We provide a duffel bag with 75-liter capacity for you to use during the trek, which our representative will give during the pre-trip meeting at the hotel. Apart from duffle bags, we also provide general items like Sleeping bags, Down jackets, and the Gokyo Everest Base Camp map, which must be returned after the trip.
Pack all the necessary items for your upper body, lower body, Torso, hands, feet, and undergarments. We provide first aid kits, but we request that you bring your personal medications.
Since this is a high-altitude trek, minimizing weight is crucial for your comfort and endurance.
If you are out of trekking gear, you can stroll around the Thamel area. They offer trekking gear at affordable prices.
The Cho La Pass is not included in this itinerary to make sure the trek is accessible to all travelers. This trip is designed for those who wish to experience the breathtaking beauty of Gokyo, its religious significance, and take a step into the foothills of mighty Mount Everest with the stunning views of Mount Everest without the challenges of a high-altitude pass. It is an ideal choice for beginners, families with children, and senior trekkers, allowing them to enjoy a peaceful and rewarding journey without difficulty.
One needs certain permits to trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake within the Sagarmatha National Park. Permits can be received in Kathmandu and checked in different Everest Region check-ins. We will provide all these permits beforehand.
For Gokyo EBC trek, trekkers need the following trekking permits
During EBC Gokyo Lake Trek, you will find basic accommodation options like teahouses and guesthouses, which the family runs. One can find standard accommodation at lower altitudes, but as you ascend, the amenities decrease.
You will be accommodated by the warm hospitality of the people (Sherpas) of Everest region. Unlike other popular treks, the accommodation options are essential with basic amenities.
The best available twin-sharing lodge accommodation during the trip. We provide private bathrooms with hot showers atLukla, Phakding, and Namche.
Facilities like a cozy bed with pillow and warm blankets, food, and shared washrooms are available. Services like electricity, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and internet are available in some regions of Everest Trek, which can be used at an additional cost.
Toilets on the trail are pretty basic on EBC via Gokyo Lake. At lower elevation, you can find flush toilets/western toilets in some guests houses. However, as you ascend, there is a less number of tea houses and with squat toilets (Asian-based toilets), which are simple pans set into the floor (a bucket of water and mug is provided). We recommend trekkers to brings personnel items such as Toilet paper, hand Sanitizers, toothbrushes etc.
While trekking, there might not be any washroom/toilets around. During that time, find a private spot (behind large bushes or stone, far away from the waling route) where no one will see you. If nature calls, having a small, lightweight trowel can help you dig a small hole for waste or carry a plastic bag in a zip-lock bag and dispose of it at the next teahouse. Whatever you do, don't leave any waste behind.
Yes, you can charge your devices in teahouses, as they have electricity. The two-pin and triangular three-pin varieties are common plug points. The charging service takes you extra costs. We recommend power banks, especially during the peak season, so you can charge at your convenience.
During your trip to Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek, we Nepal Hiking Team, allow trekkers to choose whatever meals they like from the menu provided by the teahouses. These days, the teahouses of Everest Region offer a wide range of variety, from traditional Nepalese cuisine staple food items to international delights.
The main dish popular among all the trekkers that you can easily find is Nepali Dal-bhat (Rice, vegetable, lentil soup, and pickles). Other local dishes are momo, thukpa, and other options Tibetian dishes (Kur, Tshampa, Tingmo, Rildok, and many more).
Beyond that, they also offer burgers, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, cereals, toast, spaghetti, pancakes and macaroni.
We request trekkers order your food when you reach the teahouses. During the peak season, the trail gets busy, and there is a first-order, first-served protocol.
Complimentary breakfast is provided while you are in Kathmandu. Lunch and dinner should be arranged on your own.
During the EBC Gokyo Trek, you can find natural water sources like springs and tap water; you can also buy boiled and bottled drinking water from the teahouses. The prices vary depending on the stay of your location.
As you move higher, the cost gets higher. We strongly suggest you drink natural spring tap water using purification tablets, stylizer pain, and an inbuilt filtering bottle. This minimizes the impact on the environment.
Note: Our designated guide assisting you to the base camp carries purification tablets each.
Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.
The Gokyo - Everest Base Camp (No Chola Pass) set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the 19 days Gokyo - Everest Base Camp (No Chola Pass) departure dates don’t fit your schedule, we can include alternative dates that better suit your needs.
Gokyo - Everest Base Camp (No Chola Pass) Photos
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
This was our fourth trek with Nepal Hiking Team. We specifically requested Dipendra Dhakal, who had been our guide last year, as he was exceptional. Last year, we completed the Renjo La Pass and Gokyo Ri, so this time, we wanted to tackle the other two passes. Nepal Hiking Team created a perfect 12-day itinerary for us. We allowed for more acclimatization and decided to finish in Gokyo, opting for a helicopter ride back to Lukla to fit the trek into our schedule.
We chose luxury accommodations up to Namche where available, and Dip did a fantastic job finding the best rooms and lodges for the rest of the trek. It was evident that he was well-connected and highly respected, knowing so many teahouse owners along the route. A highlight of the trip was the day walk to Ama Dablam Base Camp—an incredible experience with stunning views and a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.
The trek itself was amazing, with breathtaking views throughout. Unfortunately, my husband picked up food poisoning on the day we crossed the Kongma La Pass from Chukhung to Lobuche. By the time we reached Lobuche, he was quite unwell. We decided to end the trek after eight days, cutting it short by two days. As always, Dip and the Nepal Hiking Team were fantastic, quickly rearranging our helicopter pickup from Gokyo to Lobuche at no extra cost. They also organized a comfortable hotel stay in Lukla and rescheduled our Kathmandu hotel without any additional charges.
The next day, Dip expertly managed the chaotic Lukla check-in process, ensuring we and three other NHT trekkers got on the first flight out. Despite cutting the trek short, it was another amazing trip, and Ganga and his team once again proved why they are the best. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
