Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lake

An early morning transfer takes you to the domestic airport for the scenic flight to Lukla, one of the most thrilling airstrips in the world. As the plane soars above hills and snow-clad mountains, the adventure truly begins. After meeting your porters in Lukla, you start an easy trek along the Dudh Koshi River. Passing through small villages like Cheplung and Ghat, the trail provides your first taste of Sherpa culture.

The path undulates gently through pine forests, mani walls, prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags. After a pleasant 3–4 hour walk, you reach Phakding, a lovely riverside village. Here, you can rest while enjoying the peaceful sound of the river and mountain atmosphere. Overnight at a comfortable local teahouse.

Today’s trek is filled with forested trails, suspension bridges, and cultural villages. After breakfast, you begin walking through pine and rhododendron forests towards Monjo, where official entry into Sagarmatha National Park takes place. Once your permits are checked, the trail continues beside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing iconic suspension bridges including the highest and most famous Hillary Bridge.

The final climb to Namche Bazaar is steep but rewarding. Midway through the ascent, you catch your first glimpse of Everest peeking behind Lhotse and Nuptse, a moment that always inspires energy. After about 6 hours of trekking, you arrive at Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa capital filled with shops, bakeries, and mountain views. Rest and overnight in a Sherpa teahouse.

Acclimatization is vital at high altitude, and today includes a rewarding hike. After breakfast, you ascend gradually toward the famous Hotel Everest View, one of the highest-situated luxury hotels in the world. The hike offers incredible panoramas of Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamserku, Kangtega, and Khumbila. From the hotel terrace, the scenery is astonishing.

After enjoying the viewpoint, continue to Khumjung, a beautiful Sherpa village known for its monastery that houses the famed "Yeti scalp". The walk back to Namche passes the Khunde hospital and Sherpa Museum. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring cafes, shops, or local markets. Overnight in Namche.

Leaving Namche, the trail climbs up to Mong La, offering superb views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding peaks. You descend to Phortse Thanga through pine and juniper forest before beginning the steep ascent to Dole. This route takes you away from the traditional EBC trail and into the serene Gokyo Valley region.

The climb is steady but filled with beauty, waterfalls, rhododendrons, and high pasturelands. Once in Dole, enjoy wide valley views and the tranquility of a remote mountain village. Overnight at a teahouse.

Today’s walk is relatively short but essential for acclimatization. The trail climbs gradually along the ridge, offering sweeping views of Cho Oyu, the sixth tallest mountain in the world. The landscape begins to shift into alpine tundra, with fewer trees and more rugged terrain.

After about 4 hours, you reach Machhermo, a small settlement surrounded by towering peaks. It is also famous for the yeti legend told by locals. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and enjoying peaceful Himalayan surroundings. Overnight at a teahouse.

The trail climbs steadily to the first ridge, giving spectacular views of Kangtega, Thamserku, and Cho Oyu. You then descend slightly before ascending again through glacial landscapes. After crossing a small stream, the first Gokyo Lake appears with turquoise waters sparkling in the sun.

Continuing through the valley, you reach the magnificent Third Lake beside Gokyo village. This serene, glass-like lake reflects the mountains beautifully. The rest of the day is yours to explore its surroundings and enjoy the quiet majesty of Gokyo. Overnight at a teahouse.

An early morning climb to Gokyo Ri presents one of the most breathtaking views in the Everest region. From the top, you witness a panorama including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the shimmering Gokyo Lakes below. This is one of the highlights of the trek and an unforgettable photographic moment.

After returning to Gokyo, spend the afternoon exploring nearby viewpoints or simply relaxing by the lake. You may walk to see the Fifth Lake if time and energy allow. Overnight in Gokyo.

Today’s trek is short but crucial for preparing to cross Cho La Pass. You leave Gokyo and follow a trail across the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Walking over glacial moraines and rocky terrain, you slowly make your way toward Thagnak.

The small village of Thagnak sits at the foot of Cho La. You will rest early to prepare for the next day's challenging ascent. Overnight at a simple teahouse.

This is one of the most demanding days of the trek. You begin before sunrise to avoid afternoon winds. The initial climb is steep, passing rocky sections before reaching the icy slopes leading to the top of Cho La Pass. Crampons may be required depending on weather conditions.

From the summit, the views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche, and surrounding peaks are extraordinary. You carefully descend towards Dzongla, walking through glacial fields and rocky landscapes. Overnight in a teahouse at Dzongla.

Today’s trek is relatively short and scenic. The trail contours around the base of Cholatse, offering impressive mountain views. After crossing a grassy ridge, you reach Lobuche, a small settlement that acts as the gateway to Everest Base Camp.

The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing for the next day's major objective: trekking to Everest Base Camp. Overnight at a local teahouse.

Today is the most iconic moment of your journey. After trekking to Gorakshep through rocky and moraine-filled terrain, you have lunch and prepare for your final push. The hike to Everest Base Camp follows winding glacial moraines and rugged landscapes.

Reaching EBC is a dream come true for trekkers. Surrounded by towering peaks, colorful expedition tents, and the enormous Khumbu Icefall, the energy is powerful. After capturing photos and savoring the moment, you trek back to Gorakshep for the night.

Before dawn, you hike to Kala Patthar: the best viewpoint for Mount Everest. As the sun rises, the golden rays illuminate Everest, Nuptse, and the surrounding Himalayan giants. This moment is often the emotional climax of the trek.

After descending to Gorakshep for breakfast, you begin your journey back to lower altitudes. The trek to Pheriche is pleasant and offers great views. Overnight at a teahouse.

The trek today passes through Debuche, Tengboche, and Phunki Tenga as you retrace your steps back towards Namche Bazaar. Descending to lower altitude feels refreshing, and you can breathe more easily while enjoying familiar yet always beautiful landscapes.

Once in Namche, you may enjoy cafes, bakeries, markets, and souvenir shops. It is the perfect place to relax after crossing high passes and visiting Everest Base Camp. Overnight in Namche.

Today is your final trekking day. You walk gradually downhill, crossing suspension bridges and passing villages such as Jorsale, Monjo, Phakding, and Ghat. The trail becomes easier as you near Lukla.

Upon arrival, you celebrate with your team, guides and porters, who supported your journey. Overnight at a cozy lodge in Lukla.

After breakfast, take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Upon landing, you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for rest, shopping, or exploring cultural sites.

In the evening, join a farewell dinner hosted by your trekking agency, celebrating your successful Himalayan adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

This day is reserved as a buffer for flight delays from Lukla, but if unused, you can explore Kathmandu Valley. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square.

You may also enjoy souvenir shopping, cultural restaurants, or simply relax at your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Your journey in Nepal concludes today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. The memories you created in the Everest region will stay with you forever.

We wish you a safe journey and hope to see you again for another Himalayan adventure.