Everest Gokyo Lake Trek 12 days itinerary is a full package trekking. Somehow Everest Gokyo Ri Trek is depend upon your time schedule and destination you want. It is an exceptional trek in Everest to view a mountain in clear day like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and several other surrounding peaks. The trek is a serene natural walk in an isolated trail.
Along with the splendid view of mountains, the trails go along the rich section of Himalayan flora and fauna. Explore a quaint settlement of people of different ethnicity depicting an authentic and intact culture and lifestyle of the Sherpas. You will also observe to view the landscape, terraces valley, dense forest, hill and many other.
This is really an exceptional trek, not just for the Gokyo Lake and closer view of Everest. Also Gokyo Ri Peak is the major attractions. The beauty of lakes is truly captivating, and is also the highest freshwater lake in the world. The Gokyo trek is fully isolated that is the best attachment of 12 days trek in Nepal.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is considerably moderate difficulty level trek. No previous trekking experience is required, the trek involves 5 to 7 hours trek per day at high altitude. Much of the trek crosses above 4,000m and altitudes of over 5,500m above the trekking trails. We recommend training a few weeks to months before Everest Gokyo Ri trek.
Overall, the 12 days Everest Gokyo Trek is a challenging and mesmerizing trekking in Khumbu region. The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek creates a fruitful and amazing journey of a lifetime. A picturesque Himalayas and natural beauty captures, remind you the entire life time.
Why Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
Exciting mountain flight Kathmandu / Lukla.
Namche Bazaar gateway of Mt. Everest
Sherpa culture and lifestyle in Khumjung
Tranquil Gokyo lake
Climbing Gokyo- Ri (5483m/17984ft)
Great view of Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, Mt Cho Oyu and other mountains from Gokyo Ri
Excursion to the fifth lake
Ngozumpa Glacier, the world’s biggest glacier.
Trip Itinerary
Day 01Arrive in Kathmandu(1300m)
45 minutes from airport to hotel BB Plan-Breakfast & Accommodation Standard Accommodation Hotel in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be received by your office representative at the airport and then drive to Hotel. You will be waiting you at the airport in front of the arrival exit door showing your name and flight details written on A4 size paper/signboard so that you could find us easily there. Meeting your guide and trip briefing, prepare for trekking. Stay night in Kathmandu.
Day 02Kathmandu – Lukla (2,642m) – Phakding (2,562 m, 35 min flight, 8 km, 3-4 hrs trek)
35 min flight, 8 km, 3/4 hrs trekking AP Plan -Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Wake up early in the morning, drive to airport to catch flight to Lukla and trek downhill to the Sherpa settlement of Cheplung. The trail then follows the side of the Dudh Koshi Valley before ascending to Ghat (2 530 m). Another gentle hour leads up to Phakding.
Day 03Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m, 10 km, 6-7 hrs)
10 km, 6/7 hours AP Plan -Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
The trail follows the Dudh Kosi before climbing to Chomoa through magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia and giant firs. Further long the track we cross the Kyashar Khola before entering the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we may be fortunate enough to see Himalayan tahr, musk deer and himalayan pheasants. Inside the park, the trail makes a steep descent to again follow the Dudh Kosi before the long climb to Namche.
Day 04Acclimatize day hike in Namche bazaar.
Rest Day AP Plan -Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Acclimatize and exploration day hiking around Namche bazaar to Everest View Hotel, Khumjung village and Hilary school to Namche Bazaar has ATMs, cyber cafés, delicious restaurant food and bakeries, plus a colourful market each Friday evening and Saturday morning. Visit the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Visitor’s Centre on the hillock: with informative displays on Sherpa culture, local flora and fauna.
Day 05Namche Bazaar – Dole (4,110 m, 11 km, 5-6 hrs)
11 km, 5/6 hours AP Plan -Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Leaving Namche Bazaar, we climb the Khumjung hill and then descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north.There are two trails and our guide will choose the best option for us to follow. There is a chorten on the ridge top at 3,973 meter which descends from Mt. Khumbila (5,761 m). Then we trek northwards and reach Mong (Mohang) which is known as the birth place of the Saint Lama Sanga Dorje, the reincarnation lama of Rongbuk Monastery. This Monastery is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal.The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dudh Koshi and enters at Phortse Thanga. Then the trail climbs steeply through rhododendron forests, passing many Kharka on its way to Tongba (3950m) and Gyele (3960m) and finally Dole (4200m).
Day 06Dole –Machhermo (4,470 m, 9 km, 4-5 hrs)
9 km, 4/5 hours AP Plan -Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
On the following day, we have to climb uphill in order to reach Machhermo. The trail climbs through a huge rock at Lhabarma (4330m) and carries on to Luza (4340m). From Luza the trail continues to climb to Machhermo (4410m) where we can have good views of the mountains. There is a Chorten right before the Luza village. Throughout today’s journey we will be walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River.Overnight at Machhermo.
Day 07Machhermo – Gokyo Lake (4,800m, 7 km, 3-4 hrs)
7 km, 3/4 hours AP Plan -Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
We commence our trek by climbing a ridge for a superb view of Kangtega down the valley and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153 m). The narrow valley now begins to widen as the trail passes through Phangkha (4390 m), where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We then descend to the riverbank before climbing onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier on a steep trail. Upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo, at 4690 meter. At this juncture, we get a chance to observe lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Further walk from the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in camp.
Day 08Visit Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) – trek to Machhermo (4,470 m, 10 km, 6-7 hrs)
10 km, 6/7 hours AP Plan -Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
After an early wake up, climb Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) for Sunrise, which begins on the northern side of the lake, opposite the village. Its panorama invites an early start and involves a two hour climb to its summit. It overlooks the broad, rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest, gouged out beneath a wall of towering peaks on its south-eastern flank. From the flag bedecked summit is the unforgettable vista of the Himalayan chain that includes Cho-Oyu and Ghyachung Kang, the north face of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kangru and many more, some unnamed. Late breakfast in Gokyo, and retrace to Machhermo for warmer night sleep.
Day 09Machhermo – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m, 13 km, 6-7 hrs)
13 km, 6/7 hours AP Plan -Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Follow the western side of the valley to gain different views of Khumbila. Continue to small Sherpa settlement to Phortse Thenga and Mung La, then rejoins the classical route from Khumjung and Everest Base camp. Another 1 ½ hrs easy walk brings to Namche for hot shower and big dinner.
Day 10Namche Bazaar – Lukla (2,642m, 18km, 7-8 hrs)
8 km, 7/8 hours AP Plan -Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
From Namche, the trail descends to more comfortable altitudes, passing through the friendly farming villages of Jorsale (where we exit the National Park), Monjo, Phakding, then crosses the suspension bridge at Thado Koshi before rising to Ghat and Cheplung. Round off the adventure with the final 700m, 35 min ascent to Lukla: and say goodbye to your porters.
Day 11Lukla – Kathmandu (1,300m, 35 min flight)
45 minutes from airport BB Plan-Breakfast & Accommodation Standard Accommodation Hotel in Kathmandu
After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of day is free.
Day 12Kathmandu Airport
Departure from TIA BB Plan-Breakfast & Accommodation
Breakfast and free day on your own walking around Thamel doing last minutes shopping for your relatives and friends until airport time, and final transfer to kathmandu airport to get your flight back to home.
What's included?
- Airport transfer - hotel/airport/hotel
- Twin sharing standard hotel accommodation on BB basis in Kathmandu before and after trek we can book as per your request.
- Round Trip Flight cost - Lukla/Kathmandu/Lukla of client and guide.
- Basic twin sharing tea house accommodation during trek.
- 3 times meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
- English Speaking guide and all his expenses during the trek like flight, insurance, salary, meals and accommodation.
- All Trekking permit - Sagarmatha National Park Fee, Local government tax and TIMS card.
- All government taxes, vat, company service charge.
What's not included?
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Travel Insurance in case of emergency for rescue and other medication.
- Nepal visa fee
- All kind of hot and cold drinks - coke, fanta, beer, whisky, bottle of water, hot water, tea, coffee etc.
- All personal trekking equipments like down jacket and sleeping bag etc.
- Porter to carry your backpack/luggage.
- Tips for guide and porter
- Personal expenses like wifi, hot shower, telephone, battery charge fee
- Upgraded lodge accommodation like room with private toilet and bathroom.
- All the cost not mention on above cost includes.
Join Fixed Departure
Trip Dates | Price (USD) | Space Left | Booking |
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Trip Information
Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodation
Everest Base Camp Trek accommodation will be basic tea houses for boarding/lodging.This is the most popular style of trekking to Everest Base Camp and simply involves trekking from teahouse to teahouse. Teahouses are essentially small hotels find in local villages that offer both a place to sleep as well as home cooked meals. Rooms are typically shared with 2 trekkers in a room. Bathrooms are shared as well and in the Everest Base Camp Trek, the lodges usually have running cold water and western style toilets. Also the hot shower is also available but it need to pay extra cost for it.
In some of the villages on the trek, it may be possible to have a private room with an extra cost and we will do our best to arrange that. However, during busy times of the year there is a limited amount of lodging available in some of the villages so it's generally impossible to arrange private rooms. This is the case even if you're willing to pay extra since the tea house owners will not give out a private room if it means someone else goes without a room.
Everest Base Camp Trek Meals/Food
Trekkers can choose a meal/food from the menus at the tea houses. Typical meals on EBC trek includes omelets, toast, boiled eggs, noodle soup, fried rice, macaroni, momo, vegetarian curries, pizza or chow mein. The traditional Nepali Dal Bhat which consists of rice, lentils, and a vegetable is all you can eat and always a good choice. Meat on the mountain is not hygienic and we suggest trekkers stick with vegetarian options.
There is not a problem for vegetarian food and in fact we recommend that everyone stick with a vegetarian diet on the trek as the local meat is not refrigerated properly. If you have special dietary requirements just let us know and we will make sure to assist with the proper menu.
Everest Base Camp Trek Weather/Temperature
Weather/Temperature in Summer Everest Base Camp trek in June, July, and August have the hottest temperature.The temperature in the daytime in Everest is between 20 to 25 degree centigrade. The maximum temperature is found in the month of June and July. The nighttime temperatures in Everest during the summer is high too. The lowest that the temperature gets in the night time is -3 degree centigrade and a maximum of 5 degrees. The temperature in the months of June and July are pretty similar.
Weather/Temperature in Autumn in Everest Base Camp Trek lasts from the end of September to the November. This is the part of the year when the cold starts to set in the Everest. The maximum daytime temperature starts to go down from 20 degrees in September and falls to 12 degrees in November. The sun will not be as warm as that in the summers, but that is expected. In September the average nighttime temperature is almost 3 degrees. This starts to fall down and reach in between -7 to - 15 degrees in November.
Weather/Temperature in Winter Everest Base Camp Trek in December, January and February.The coldest of all the months throughout the year, winter at Everest is severely cold and poses challenges to the interested people. The average temperature during the daytime in the Everest winters is 8 degree centigrade. There is not a lot of difference in the temperature in December, January as well as February. All three months are equally cold. Nighttime is when the temperature falls down drastically. The nighttime temperatures around -7 degrees but it can go as low as -15 degrees.
Weather/Temperature in Spring March/April/ May a perfect time to enjoy Everest. The daytime temperature in March is around 12 degrees. This temperature goes up to 15-16 degrees in the month of April and peaks to almost 20 degrees in May. Devoid of biting cold and hot and wet summers, this is a glorious time for all Everest lovers.The nighttime temperatures, although sometimes below zero are not alarmingly low. The lowest that nighttime temperatures get is -8 in March. This increases to -5 degrees in April and -3 in May.
Everest Base Camp Trek Equipment
Proper preparation and equipment will give you a great trekking experience. It is also possible to buy/rent trekking gear at affordable price in Kathmandu and Pokhara Nepal. Below is the recommended trekking equipment list for comfortable everest base camp trek.
Day trek pack
Extra layers, gloves, wind breaker and poncho
Sunscreen
Lip Balm with Sunscreen
Broad brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection)
Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)
Water Bottles or Camel Back
Sunglasses
Headlamp with extra batteries
Favorite Snacks
Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Umbrella (works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun)
Duct tape or moleskin for blisters
Toilet Paper
Trekking Poles (optional)
Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
Head/Hands
Wide brimmed hat
Wool hat (Should cover ears)/Balaclava
Lightweight Gloves
Insulated Wool/Down Mittens
Gaiters (optional)
Body/Leg/Bag
Moisture wicking long sleeve T-shirts (2)
Moisture wicking T-shirts (1)
Long underwear pants (2)
Underwear (5 to 7)
Heavy Fleece/Down Jacket
Long sleeve shirts (2)
Sweatshirt (optional)
Fleece Pants
Trekking Pants (2)
Shorts (optional)
Gore Tex Waterproof Jacket with hood
Rain Poncho that covers your day pack
Waterproof Pants
FootWear
Hiking boots with ankle support
Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes
Plastic bag to carry spare shoes
Hiking socks (10)
Sock Liners (optional)
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag rated to -20° degree centigrade
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Sleeping bag stuff sack
Rucksack(Duffel Bag)/Daypacks
Duffel Bag for Carrying Your Gear (we provide this for the trek)
Day Pack for Carrying what you need on the trail
Small Lock(s) for duffel bag and day pack
Waterproof cover for daypack
Dry Bags in several sizes
Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes
First Aid Kit/Toiletries
Advil or Ibuprofen
Diamox (for altitude sickness)
Personal Prescriptions
Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)
Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers’ diarrhea)
Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant…)
Wet wipes
Panty Liners and Tampons
Sun/Face lotion
Hair brush
Hair ties
Hand warmers
Ear plugs for sleeping
Money/Paperwork
Passport (needed at entry gate for registration)
Spending Money
One Passport Size Photo (Needed for trekking permit
Other Items
Portable Solar Charger
Journal, pen and paper
FAQs
The rooms/accommodation on Everest Base Camp Trek are all very basic. The room has single/twin beds with mattress and a pillow. No heating and electricity in the room, there will be a small/dim solar light powered not very well. The rooms are small built/partitioned by plywood.The rooms/accommodation in the lower parts of the trek are much better than the higher elevation
Yes and you can trek as long as you are reasonably fit, can walk for 6 to 7 hours a day and are able to endure a few uphill climbs of 2 to 3 hours. No doubt and should not have any issue as long as you go slow to adjust with the altitude.No matter who you are and what your background is a bit of training may be necessary but even that is not 100% essenstial for most.
You will have the packing limit of 10 kg per person of checked luggage and 5 Kg per person in hand luggage.
Yes, there are electricity/power in most tea houses at the lower part of the trekking. But no heating in the room. In the higher part of the trekking, there will power only on around from 6pm to 8:30pm by solar panel. The charging is only possible in the main dining room at expensive rates. The battery charging cost range from RS 250 to 450 rupess per hour for cameras and laptop computers even more expensive.
Yes, Insurance is almost needed 100% trekking to Everest Base Camp. Injury and altitude sickness are far too common on EBC trek. So it is best to pick up insurance World.
The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is from mid September to May. October-November is the most popular time for EBC trek since the views are great and the temperature are not too extreme.
Number of trekkers on the trail are lower, and the views are crystal clear if trekking Everest Base Camp in January/February. Also you need to be prepared with the right clothing for a very low temperatures like good quality down jackets, sleeping bags and fleece sleeping bag liners to keep you cosy warm.
Trek Everest Base Camp in March-April, the temperatures are warmer. In April it may be a little more hazy for the views. The closer you get to the rainy season, the more cloud you get. The peaks are clear in the morning, but there might get cloud in the afternoon. In April-May you can see much activity at Everest Base Camp as the big expeditions get ready to summit.
If someone get sick in the group, a fellow trekker in the group has to descend, then a porter/assistant guide would go with them. So the person descending would be well looked after and it would not impact on the rest of the group's experience. Emergencies are dealt with by the guide and depending on the severity. In a serious case evacuation would be by helicopter.
There is no specify training method to recommend that applies to each individual. The training you should do to prepre for Everest Base Camp trek depends on your current level of fitness and any medical conditions. We advise you exercise a minimum of 5 times per week for one hour each time doing activities like hill walking, cycling, running and strength work.
There are between 2 to 12 fellow travellers in the group. The Everest Base Camp trek is a popular trip so most of our groups are fully booked. The groups typically are a mix of individuals, couples or friends travelling together. The ages differ and trekkers can be in thier 20's to 60's. The group comprises of people from all nationalities.
There are no nights at Everest Base Camp on EBC trek. We will stay at Gorak shep from where we walk to Everest Base Camp. To spend night at Everest Base Camp requires special permits which are very expensive. There is no tea houses at Base Camp. So it is better to stay at Gorakshep and trek to Everest Base Camp for a day trip.
The most difficult and underestimated aspect of the EBC trek is the altitude. The trek steadily climbs as the path winds it way upto Base Camp. The key to high altitude trekking is go slow. The EBC trek would be very basic indeed if it was not for the altitude in fact. Please seek and research altitude sickness to make yourself fully aware of the symptoms and treatments available. There is no correlation between altitude sickness and fitness levels gender or age. Everyone is potentially at risk.
This is a wilderness trek. The trail has no paved sections ascends and descends often and you will need to make sure you rest often enough to prevent over-tiredness. 15 km trek a day is often rocky, steep and fairly slow going depending on when you trek, the trails can also be covered in snow trekking EBc in Dec-Jan-Feb.
Everest Base Camp trek is not dangerous at all because trekkers are not going into the danger zones where real climbing is required, and they stay below the most dangerous altitudes - there's little risk involved though on Everest Base Camp Trek.
Weather/Temperature in Summer Everest Base Camp trek in June, July, and August have the hottest temperature.The temperature in the daytime in Everest is between 20 to 25 degree centigrade. The maximum temperature is found in the month of June and July. The nighttime temperatures in Everest during the summer is high too. The lowest that the temperature gets in the night time is -3 degree centigrade and a maximum of 5 degrees. The temperature in the months of June and July are pretty similar.
Weather/Temperature in Autumn in Everest Base Camp Trek lasts from the end of September to the November. This is the part of the year when the cold starts to set in the Everest. The maximum daytime temperature starts to go down from 20 degrees in September and falls to 12 degrees in November. The sun will not be as warm as that in the summers, but that is expected. In September the average nighttime temperature is almost 3 degrees. This starts to fall down and reach in between -7 to - 15 degrees in November
Weather/Temperature in Winter Everest Base Camp Trek in December, January and February. The coldest of all the months throughout the year, winter at Everest is severely cold and poses challenges to the interested people. The average temperature during the daytime in the Everest winters is 8 degree centigrade. There is not a lot of difference in the temperature in December, January as well as February. All three months are equally cold. Nighttime is when the temperature falls down drastically. The nighttime temperatures around -7 degrees but it can go as low as -15 degrees.
Weather/Temperature in Spring March/April/ May a perfect time to enjoy Everest. The daytime temperature in March is around 12 degrees. This temperature goes up to 15-16 degrees in the month of April and peaks to almost 20 degrees in May. Devoid of biting cold and hot and wet summers, this is a glorious time for all Everest lovers.
The nighttime temperatures, although sometimes below zero are not alarmingly low. The lowest that nighttime temperatures get is -8 in March. This increases to -5 degrees in April and -3 in May.
Yes, there is a good mobile phone reception on the Everest Base Camp Trek.There is good internet coverage in all small villages and stations in Everest/Khumbu Valley though it is expensive (but faster than connections at many places in Kathmandu) as it is owned by a private company by the name EverestLink. From them you have to buy volume not time and after activation it is only good for not more than a day.
There are a number of internet cafes along the route. There is one in Lukla and several in Namche Bazaar. After that there are several dotted along the route, including a good one in Gorak Shep. Be warned though, these internet cafes are not always reliable and signal is often poor/lost. Most tea houses will offer wifi, however, this will come at a cost that is usually more expensive than an internet cafe.
At the lower altitude like Lukla, Phakding, Namche the guesthouses provide the facilities of hot shower. And in rest of the places (at higher elevation), warm water in the bucket will be provided for shower. For all the showers, it costs you extra about USD 3-4 per shower. The higher you go the hot shower is expensive.
Cash transaction is highly recommended during EBC trek. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you trek to everest base camp. The ATM machine is available only in Namche and relying on it is not a better idea as you never know when things stops working. Also if you try to exchange your foreign currency there you would be getting very less exchange rates. So changing money from Kathmandu and taking Nepalese cash is a good idea that is recommended.
The hotel in Kathmandu provides the free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel or you can leave in our office too.
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in the super markets or electronic shops in the Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it
Yes, most of our departures sell out during the peak seasons but during the off season we generally have smaller groups. We guarantee all departures so once you make the deposit you can be assured we will run the trek for you even if you would be alone there at the same group cost.
It is not really necessary. We get a lot of first time trekkers in our groups so even if you don't have experience you will be in good company. Your fitness level should be such that your comfortable walking all day. Previous, hiking or trekking experience is always a plus.