Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes – 19 Days

Highlight

Cross the challenging Cho La Pass, climb up to Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar, and set foot on the Everest Base Camp. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery in the Himalayan range, the stunning sunrises and the beautiful Gokyo Lakes while conquering this popular but rugged trekking route.

Group size	2 – 14 people
Trip duration	19 days (including one contingency day in case of flight delay at Lukla)
Service level	Standard
Activities	Trekking and sightseeing
Maximum altitude	5,420 m (optional hike to Kala Patthar 5,545m)
Physical rating	Challenging
Arrival / Departure at	Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Transport	Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla; private vehicle between destinations for the activities included in the itinerary
Meals included	Breakfast in Kathmandu; all meals during trekking; a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner
Accommodation	3-star hotels or equivalent in Kathmandu; teahouses during trekking. All accommodation is on a double occupancy basis
Age requirements	12+ (children under 18 must be accompanied by parent(s)

Trip Description

Snowcapped mountains, serene glacial lakes, amazing waterfalls, rich Sherpa culture, physical challenges, and more, this trip offers all. We will trek through dense rhododendron forests, trek on the rugged Cho La Pass (5,420m), stop at remote villages, visit unique glacial lakes, and reach the famous Everest Base Camp (5,365m).

Along the way, we will have fantastic views of Mt Cho-oyu (8,201m), Lhotse, Makalu, Amadablam, Pumori, Nuptse, and of course Everest. Climb up to the peaks of Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar, and watch spectacular sunrises. When clouds move in from the distance, you are standing above them and feel like you are on top of the world!

This trip is suitable for active travelers who embrace physical challenges and are experienced hikers. Our Everest Base Camp Short Trek 16 Days trip is less challenging but offers great views and trekking experience in the Himalayan Range.

Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation. Optional: Everest Mountain Flight
Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,826m, 30 min), then start trekking to Phakding (2,610m, 3 to 4 hours)
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazar (3,444m, 5 to 6 hours)
Day 5: Namche Bazaar - Acclimatization Day. Optional hike to Everest View Hotel (3,865m) to take the first peek of Mt Everest (2 to 3 hours)
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,040m, 5 to 6 hours)
Day 7: Dole to Machhermo (4,470m, 3 to 4 hours)
Day 8: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,750m, 3 to 4 hours)
Day 9: Gokyo – Acclimatization Day. Optional hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) in the early morning for a sunrise (3 hours),
Day 10: Gokyo to Thangnak (4,700m, 3 to 4 hours)
Day 11: Thangnak via Cho La Pass (5,420m) to Dzongla (4,840m, 8 to 9 hours)
Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche (4,920m, 4 to 5 hours)
Day 13: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,160m, 3 to 4 hours), then to Everest Base Camp (5,365m) and back to Gorakshep (3 to 4 hours)
Day 14: Optional hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for a great view of Mt Everest and back to Gorakshep (3 hours), then to Pheriche (4,200m, 4 to 5 hours)
Day 15: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,444m, 6 to 7 hours)
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,826m, 6 to 7 hours)
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu in the early morning. Free time to explore Thamel
Day 18: Contingency Day. Optional: Everest Mountain Flight (if not taken on Day 2) and Bhaktapur Tour
Day 19: Depart or extend your trip

About Accommodation

We will stay in 3-star hotels or equivalent in Kathmandu, and teahouses during trekking. All accommodation is based on double occupancy. Single occupancy can be arranged at request with an extra cost. However, single occupancy may not be available at some teahouses during trekking in high seasons.

A teahouse is basically a combination of guest house, a restaurant, and social hang-out place. The guesthouses are usually basic, with twin beds in each room and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided but you may want to bring a sleeping bag as the temperature can be much lower at night in mountains. Most bathrooms are shared with either squat type or western style toilets. Teahouses usually have running water and cold shower. Hot shower is available at some teahouses at an additional cost.

Each teahouse has a large dining room, served as a restaurant and a social gathering place, warmed by the bukhara stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted). As some villages do not have hydroelectric power, the dining room and the rooms usually use solar lighting. Some teahouses have electricity for charging small appliances (mobile phones and cameras) at a small cost.

Free WIFI is available in the hotels in Kathmandu. During trekking, some teahouses provide WIFI at a small charge, but in some places WIFI is not available.

About Meals

During trekking, we will usually have breakfast and dinner at the teahouse we stay, and lunch will be provided at one of the restaurants we trek by. Every teahouse serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes soup, and western food such as pizza, pasta and French fries. Non-vegetarian option is usually available at low altitude levels. However, due to the storage issue, fresh meat is not available at some teahouses above certain altitude, but preserved meat (sausages, salami, etc.) may be served.

One tea or coffee will be served in each meal during trekking. Soft drinks, snacks and beer are available to purchase in most of the teahouses and restaurants along the trails.

In Kathmandu, breakfast will be provided in the hotels. You will also be treated with a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner at a nice Nepalese restaurant. This will give you an opportunity to enjoy a well-prepared traditional Nepalese food and dance performance.

About Drinking Water

Although bottled water is available to purchase on the trail, we don’t encourage the use of bottled water as the plastic bottles have a negative impact on environment. All teahouses provide boiled water for trekkers at a small cost. Bring your own re-usable or thermal bottles. Thermal bottles can also keep the beverage warm which is a delightful treat to your stomach in trekking when the temperature is low, Water filtration or chemical disinfection can be another option.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

This trek is challenging but is manageable for people who are able to walk for around 6 to 7 hours a day with a light daypack. People with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart or lung diseases or high blood pressure should inform Skyway Nepal Treks staff before booking the trek. Consultation with your doctor is highly recommended. Travelers are encouraged to exercise and walk or hike regularly for a few weeks before the trip. To enhance strength, travelers could simulate the trekking trip by hiking on difficult terrain with some level of elevation for a few hours and with a daypack containing a 3-5 kg load.

Best Time to Travel

Temperature in mountains can be extremely low during the winter season, and heavy rain is normal during the monsoon season. For this trip, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best months.

Booking Notes

- A customized itinerary can be arranged upon request.
- Alternative accommodation (luxury or budget level) may be available. Please ask before booking.
- If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, accommodation can be arranged for you. Ask us about trip packages and options for trip extension.
- Ask us for optional tours and pricing. There are many exciting tours and activities that you may be interested. Please discuss with our staff before booking and after you arrive so that we can make necessary arrangements for you.

- Currency exchange service is available upon request.

(Interested in knowing the trip experience of someone who has taken this trip? Click here)

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation. Optional: Everest Mountain Flight
Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,826m, 30 min), then start trekking to Phakding (2,610m, 3 to 4 hours)
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazar (3,444m, 5 to 6 hours)
Day 5: Namche Bazaar - Acclimatization Day. Optional hike to Everest View Hotel (3,865m) to take the first peek of Mt Everest (2 to 3 hours)
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,040m, 5 to 6 hours)
Day 7: Dole to Machhermo (4,470m, 3 to 4 hours)
Day 8: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,750m, 3 to 4 hours)
Day 9: Gokyo – Acclimatization Day. Optional hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) in the early morning for a sunrise (3 hours),
Day 10: Gokyo to Thangnak (4,700m, 3 to 4 hours)
Day 11: Thangnak via Cho La Pass (5,420m) to Dzongla (4,840m, 8 to 9 hours)
Day 12: Dzongla to Lobuche (4,920m, 4 to 5 hours)
Day 13: Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,160m, 3 to 4 hours), then to Everest Base Camp (5,365m) and back to Gorakshep (3 to 4 hours)
Day 14: Optional hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for a great view of Mt Everest and back to Gorakshep (3 hours), then to Pheriche (4,200m, 4 to 5 hours)
Day 15: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,444m, 6 to 7 hours)
Day 16: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,826m, 6 to 7 hours)
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu in the early morning. Free time to explore Thamel
Day 18: Contingency Day. Optional: Everest Mountain Flight (if not taken on Day 2) and Bhaktapur Tour
Day 19: Depart or extend your trip

Price Includes

- Airport / hotel transfers
- Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu flights
- Private vehicle between other destinations for the activities included in the itinerary
- All accommodation on a double occupancy basis
- Trekking Permit and TIMS fees
- All meals during trekking, all breakfasts in Kathmandu, one welcome dinner and one farewell dinner
- Duffle bag for trekking (to be returned after the trip)
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and a team of porters (one for every two clients) and assistants during trekking
- Entrance fees and an English-speaking guide for the Kathmandu sightseeing tour
- Insurance for the trekking guide and porters
- First aid kit (carried by the trekking guide)

Price Excludes

- International flight, travel insurance, visitor visa fee
- All optional activities
- Meals not mentioned (please allow for $80-120 USD for meals not included)
- Personal trekking gear (available for rent)
- Personal expenses
- Drinking water, snacks, hot shower and WIFI during trekking
- Tips for guides and porters
- Charges for excessive luggage
- Any other extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances

Optional Activities to Book during the Trip

Everest Mountain Flight (Day 2 or 18)
Bhaktapur Tour (Day 18)

Suggested Activities or Tours for Extended Stay

Bardian National Park
Chitwan National Park
Nagarkot Sunset/Sunrise with Bhaktapur Tour
Trishuli River Whitewater Rafting
Lumbini tour
Yoga Retreat

Required from you

Prior to your arrival: in order to obtain the trekking permit for you, we will need a scanned copy of your passport ID page
- After you arrive, the following items are needed from you:

(1) Three photos (passport size or smaller)

(2) Travel insurance and emergency contact information

Weather Related

Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, which could result in alternations of the itinerary. Travelers need to be prepared for all weather conditions and changes in the itinerary if necessary. The group leader (or trekking guide) will take their best effort to make your trip experience enjoyable.
Domestic flights can be impacted by weather conditions. If the weather is not suitable for flying, ground transportation will be arranged.

Risk Related

The itinerary is designed to allow for adequate acclimatization. However, you may experience altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation on this trek. Be sure to consult with your travel doctor before your trip. If the group leader (or trekking guide) deems it is unsafe for you to continue trekking at any point, you may be arranged to descend to a lower altitude or required to terminate the trek.
Due to the nature of this trip, the activities included may involve some degree of risk. Obtaining travel insurance is highly recommended.

Baggage Related

Baggage requirements:

(1) Domestic flights: maximum 10 kg for check-in and 5 kg for carry-on for each passenger. Excessive weight could be charged for an extra fee.

(2) Porters during trekking: One porter will be assigned to two clients. Each porter will carry a maximum weight of 25 kg (12.5kg for each client, in a duffle bag or a backpack)

A duffle bag will be provided to every two clients. You may want to bring a few smaller soft bags to keep your belongings together and tidy before putting them in the duffer bag.
If you don’t have your own trekking gear (trekking poles, sleep bag, etc.), you can rent them in Kathmandu. Talk to our staff after you arrive (A sleep bag is recommended as nighttime temperatures in mountains can be low. Wearing a down filled or fleece jacket in sleeping can also keep you warm).

Clothing

Down jacket, 1
Waterproof jacket, light weighted, 1
Water proof pants, light weighted, 1 pair
Hiking pants, light weighted, 2-3
Base layer top, wool or synthetic, 2-3
Base layer bottom, wool or synthetic, 2
Middle layer top, fleece or other light weighted material, 1-2
Middle layer bottom, fleece or other light weighted material, 1
Short sleeve T-shirt, 2
Shorts, 1
Underwear
Other casual clothing (for non-trekking use)
Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes), a few

Footwear or Other Clothing Accessories

Hiking boots, 1 pair
Walking shoes or sport shoes, 1 pair
Slipper, 1 pair
Thick wool or synthetic socks, 2-3 pairs
Light socks, 2 pairs
Gloves, warm and water proof, 1 pair
Light gloves, 1 pair
Handwarmer, a few packs
Soap/ laundry hanger or clips/ rope
Shoulder bag (light weighted, for non-trekking use)

Trekking Gear

Day pack
Soft bags (1-3) (to put belongs in Skyway’s duffle bag during trekking)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Reusable water bottles or hydration pack (Camelbak)
Water filter or disinfection tablets (nice to have)
Light weighted thermos (nice to have)
Head lamp or flashlight with some batteries
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Headscarf or bandana
Walking poles
Gaiters (nice to have)
Crampon (nice to have)
Raincoat (nice to have)
Travel knife (nice to have)
Small pack of duct tape (nice to have)

Personal Hygiene and Skin Care

Personal Hygiene kit
Skin care products
Hand sanitizer
Sunblock
Lip balm
Hand moisturizer
Drying towel, light weighted, 1
Small face towel, 1
Travel tissue pack, a few packs
Toilet paper (a few rolls)
Nail clipper

Food and Snacks

Dried meat
Nuts
Chocolate
Energy bars or other snacks
Chewing gum

Documents and Money

Flight e-ticket
Passport and a copy of ID page
Passport-size pictures, 4 (1 for visa application and 3 for the trekking documents)
Cash (for trip cost balance, tips, meals not included, personal expenses, shopping)
Credit card / debt card
Money belt
Travel insurance policy document and contact
Emergency contact information
Hotel name in Kathmandu (need it when filling out Arrival Card at the airport)
Travel agency’s contact info

Medicine and First Aid

Medicine prescribed by the travel doctor
Prescription medicine (if any)
Band aids
Polysporin
Callus cushion (for callus and blisters)
Advil or Tynol (for headache, dry cough and cold)
Gravel (for nausea)
Halls or other medicine (for sour throat)

Electronics

Multi-volt adaptor
Camera, charger, backup batteries and backup SD memory card
Cellphone and charger

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes – 19 Days

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