Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake - Itinerary, Cost and Booking - 18 Days

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake is a moderate adventurous trek which covers around 15 to 19 days through the less travelled tranquil Gokyo lake to the iconic Everest Base Camp. Our standard trek covers 17 NIghts and 18 Days. However, the trek duration can be customized according to your specific requirements. The trek begins from Lukla through a flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. We would pass through the Khumbhu region of various villages and experience the serenity of Gokyo Lake. Along this route, we would reach EBC and return to the flight from Lukla - back to Kathmandu.

Itinerary

A very Heartily “Welcome to Kathmandu”. You would find our Everest High Pass Team representative holding our registered company signboard accompanying your name, eagerly waiting to greet you.

You would then be transferred to your allocated hotel so that you can straight-forward take proper rest and recover from your long travel. During your availability, you can roam around the area or buy any trekking gear for your next 18 days trek.

This day would be dedicated to our trek preparation with proper interaction among our team. We would also assist you in guiding proper preparation and also helping you get trekking gears if required for you. We would also be exploring cultural heritage sites and interesting places around Kathmandu Valley area in a very relaxing manner. We would be back to our hotel quite early as we would have a very big day the next morning.

We would begin our early scenic morning flight to Lukla where our trek starts. Once landed, we proceed our hike towards Phakding with a gradual descent through amazing landscape along the Dudh Koshi River. During the journey we would pass through beautiful villages, prayer flags, mani walls. Once we reach Phakding, we can explore around riverside lodges and visit a small monastery nearby.

The trek follows the first sighting of Mount Everest in clear weather conditions. It would be exciting to follow the trail along Dudh Koshi River until we reach Benkar Village from where the spectacular view of Mount Thamserku can be seen. After a short walk from this village, we would be stopping for our trekking permits to be checked in Monjo village. After crossing several suspension bridges, we would walk uphill and reach the diverse town of Namche Bazaar. The mesmerizing glimpses of peaks like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, Kangaru Peak including multiple other peaks can be seen along the journey.

On this day, we could have trekked forward to Tengboche but we need to acclimatize inorder to make our trekking adventure successful. This procedure would assist our body to a higher altitude setting. Today we would relax and hike uphill so that we can properly acclimatize. We would be exploring Namche Bazaar or trip up to Khumjung, Syangboche airstrip and to the height of Everest View Hotel where we can experience the beautiful sightseeing of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and multiple other peaks.

Taking the upward elevation , the trail passes through the birch forest and silver fir trees. During this trail, we might be able to spot wildlife habitat along with musk deer, herd of Himalayan Thar and multi-coloured vibrant pheasants. We would have our lunch on Phunkti Tenga after descending downhill towards the river. After crossing multiple suspension bridges and passing through prayer wheels along the hydropower, we would reach the beautiful town of Tengboche.

We would wake up with early breakfast with a slight downhill trail through the rhododendron forest and the village of Debuche. After crossing Imja stream, we would be hiking uphill towards Pangboche for lunch overlooking the majestic look of the Ama Dablam (literally meaning mother’s necklace). After lunch, we would proceed further to Dingboche for our overnight stay.

This would be our second day in Dingboche for proper acclimatization. After enjoying a pleasant breakfast, we would be hiking to a ridge called Nangkartshang Peak. On the way to this peak, we  would be able to view multiple peaks like Thamserku (6608m), Kangtega (6685m), Lobuche East Peak (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Taboche (6367m) and obviously Ama Dablam (6856m) which we had been seeing from Dingboche.

Despite our short hike today, the higher elevation would make our walk a bit difficult. In order to prevent any symptom of altitude sickness, we suggest trekking at a very slow pace, often stopping by to drink water. We would gradually reach up towards the elevation of 4830 metres crossing through Thukla pass. With the combination of a frequent short break and consistent walk, we would reach Lobuche for our overnight stay.

With our gradual pace and passing the steep path, we would reach Gorekshep at lunchtime. Here, we would also check-in for our tea house stay. After carrying only the essential items, we start to hike onto Everest base camp. We would be walking through Khumbhu Glacier’s moraine and explore the region. Then, we would be heading back to Gorekshep for our overnight stay.

We would be waking up extremely early to experience the sunrise at an altitude of 5545m. It is a steep trail for 2 hours to reach Kalapatthar and 1.5 hours to descend. The view is indeed amazing from here with the panoramic Everest view in front of us with Mount Pumori and Nuptse onto our left.

After having breakfast, we would proceed our trek towards Dzongla. While trekking downwards, we would be able to see beautiful views of Chola Tsho Lake, Arakam Tse (6423m), Cholatse (6335m), Lobuche and Taboche (6367m).

Today we have to make an early start to Gokyo crossing the Cho La Pass before the sun brightens to melt the ice of the trail. With this approach, we would be able to avoid slippery paths and risk of stone falls through wind.

With an early start and consistent walk, we would be able to reach Gokyo after lunch in Thanknak. We are doing this because we want you to experience a better overnight stay in Gokyo which has better accommodation compared to Thanknak.

On this day, we would step onto the top of Gokyo Ri (5360M) , reaching there within two to three hours. From this top, we would be able to see the whole range of Mahalangur Himal. You would also be able to see other famous peaks like Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Tawache and Gyanchung Kang. You would also be able to see the stunning views of the largest glacier you crossed the day before. After a beautiful sighting, we would go back to the Gokyo lake surrounding for our overnight stay.

We had a mesmerizing trip, and now we would be heading back to Dole. This trail would reach an altitude of 4200m. The 12KM route is a 6-7 hours hike passing through beautiful terraced fields, villages and streams to Dole. We would stay overnight here in a guesthouse.

Today we would have a five to six hours hike as we reach Namche Bazaar passing through sherpa villages like Phortse Tenga and Mong La. After crossing multiple suspension bridges along Dudh Koshi River, we would reach back to the lively town of Namche Bazaar for our overnight stay.

Although we would have around 7-8 hours to walk today, we would continue our journey along the edges of Dudh Koshi River passing through Monjo and Phakding. The quiet trail through the pine forests would lead back to Lukla realizing our initial path up to the Gokyo Lake. The very next morning, we would fly back to Kathmandu.

From our early morning flight either directly or through Ramechhap, we would reach Kathmandu. In the busiest months, Ramechhap airport caters to the high demand of flights to Lukla. We would be staying for the night at the hotel in Kathmandu.

As per your flight schedule, we would celebrate your farewell journey back to your home country or next travel destination. We as a team from Everest High Pass believe that you would take the unforgettable memory with our team along this trek. We wish you well for your next journey.

What's Included in the Package

  • Pickup and drop-off from/to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
  • Tea house or lodge stays during the trek (usually twin-sharing rooms).
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trail (usually standard Nepalese or Western meals).
  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
  • Licensed English-speaking guide for the entire trek.
  • (If included) Porter to carry your main luggage, reducing your load.
  • Round-trip flight tickets between Kathmandu and Lukla.
  • Applicable taxes on services.
  • In case of altitude sickness or injury (usually, helicopter evacuation coverage).
  • Salaries and insurance for the guide and porter.
  • Basic trekking gear is provided if included in the package (like sleeping bags or down jackets).
  • (If included) Oxygen bottles for emergencies.

What's Not Included in the Package

  • Flight tickets to/from Kathmandu from your home country.
  • Visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa fees for Nepal.
  • Snacks, hot drinks, bottled water, battery charging, Wi-Fi, phone calls, and laundry on the trek.
  • Includes medical evacuation and high-altitude trekking cover
  • For guides, porters, drivers, and other staff.
  • Before and after the trek.
  • Soft drinks, bottled juices, and alcohol in lodges and restaurants.
  • Such as sightseeing tours, helicopter sightseeing flights, or cultural shows.
  • Such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, and warm clothing, unless rented or provided.
  • If emergency evacuation is required, but not included in the package.
  • For flights to/from Lukla, if applicable.
  • For guides, porters, and other staff.

FAQ's

Planning and Logistics

Autumn and Spring are the ideal seasons for immersive trekking in Nepal. Autumn lies in the month of September till November and Spring coincides around March till May. During these periods, the visibility is very clear for mountain views with stable weather and moderate temperature. December till February are quite cold on high altitude, and June till August has a lot of rain and probable landslides.

Yes, as of now it has been mandatory for foreign trekkers to hire a licensed guide (since April 2023). This applies to trekking around National Parks and Conservation areas. Restricted areas even have strict rules requiring special clearance along with guide confirmation.

Trekking around Nepal ranges from easy like Ghorepani-Poonhill), moderate such as Mardi Himal trek and challenging like Everest Three Passes trek. With a reasonable level of fitness and our trekking guide support - anyone can join the popular treks. However, we suggest that you focus on regular fitness habits (exercise, walking, cycling or something similar) 6-8 weeks prior to your trek.

As most of the trekking destination is not meant for lavish stays but does include basic amenities like twin-sharing rooms with shared bathroom and a common dining area. In some destinations, with additional cost, you do get rooms with a private bathroom and hot shower. Wifi in most places is free of charge but it depends on facility providers.

As mentioned above, solo trekking is only applicable outside National Parks, Conservation and Restricted areas. Technically, you are allowed until those boundaries but it is advisable to take a licensed guide with you. If you hire a guide you would also contribute to your own safety and also support the local economy. However, for anyone visiting Nepal for the first time, it becomes highly essential to take a trekking guide with you.

Trekkers’ Health and Safety

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), also commonly known as altitude sickness, can be caused above the altitude of 2500m. Most of the trekkers who have already experienced this altitude around the hometown would likely be less affected. For those, who have never been acclimatized to these higher elevations are likely to experience AMS. However, for every trekker - it is likely to gain more than 400-500 metres in sleeping altitude per day and not gain more than 1000-1200 metres in a single day, especially after 3000 metres range. Hence, in our itinerary plans - we always give priority for proper acclimatization days. We suggest you to remain hydrated with atleast 3 litres of water everyday. We also advise you to avoid alcohol or smoking while elevating to higher altitude but while descending you can have some drinks if you prefer.

Yes, travel insurance is highly essential and mandatory but make sure it covers the policy. Most of the policy covers higher altitude trekking (up to 6000m), medical expenses including helicopter evacuation.

Our licensed guides are trained for basic first aid assistance. In a more severe scenario, they would coordinate with Everest High Pass agency for further decisions like helicopter evacuation to a hospital in Kathmandu according to your insurance coverage. In some minor cases, it might just be to treat you on the community health-post around the region. Our guide would be in assistance along the entire trail with you.

Most of the cities including small towns accept credit card, QR payment including withdrawal of cash from the ATMs. However, in the himalayan region, only Nepali Rupees cash is accepted. As most of your essential requirements are already covered by the agency, you still need to carry for your personal expenses and some other extras which are not covered by your package. Some of the additional expenses might be related to hot showers, drinks and snacks, charging devices, tips (if you prefer) and so on. A daily expense ranging from 20 USD - 30 USD should be enough for those additional expenses.

Trek Preparation and Packing

We suggest you pack all the essential items that include good quality hiking boots, a down jacket, windcheater (during the day hiking) and sun protection (like hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). The well structured list of packing items would be provided by us.

Of course, you can store those additional luggage in the hotels of your stays that won’t be required for the trek. Regarding your essential luggage for the trek, you would pack those items in your duffel bag and backpack.

Meals and Connectivity

Most of the accommodation in the trekking region are normal guesthouses and teahouses. However, those accommodations do provide you with a variety of cuisine including Nepali, Chinese, Indian, Continental including desserts and cold drinks. Just keep in mind to preinform bit earlier so that kitchen staff can organize your requirements.

Yes, we do provide those choices for you. However, we suggest you pre-inform the agency in case of any special dietary condition.

Boiled water used by the teahouses is normally safe for drinking as it is extracted from the pure sources. However, refilling filtered water and using purification tablets are also other options for clean drinking water which would be provided by your guide during the entire trek. You do have an option for bottled water but after a certain elevation, we suggest not to use it because of the plastic waste management hazard.

Both internet and mobile networks have reached around Everest Base Camp region. You can purchase NTC or Ncell SIM cards in Kathmandu for mobile data. Data/ WIFI cards from Nepal Airlink and Everest Link are easily available particularly around the villages in Namche, Dingboche, up to Gorakhshep. However, the connection is less stable as you trek into the higher elevation.

Of course, most of the lodge and teahouses offer device charging for an additional amount or depending upon the providers. As higher altitude solar power always depends on the weather condition, for a reliable alternative - it is better to bring a powerbank as a backup.

Package Customization and Tipping

Of course, we provide you with a completely customizable itinerary to cater your requirements. According to your preferences, we would work with you to recreate the best trekking experiences.

Yes, of course. We can arrange you additional valley tours for a discounted charge. This would include a per day charge according to your preferences of visit. The tour covers natural and cultural heritage sites around Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.

Reviews

User

Best ever tour from them

From USD 2100 2500 USD 400 Saving 16.00% off today
© 2026 Everest High Pass Adventures Pvt. Ltd.