Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek - Overview
The picturesque Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek explores the pristine and beautiful Gokyo region and will later join the famous Everest Base Camp trek via the Cho La Pass, taking you to the foot of the world’s tallest mountain – Mt. Everest (8,848 m).
If you are looking for a trek with beautiful scenery, great trails, and memorable adventure, the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek is for you. The trek includes a visit to the village of Gokyo which is situated next to one of the 5 Emerald lakes which the Gokyo region is famous for. You will also be hiking to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) which offers one of the most amazing panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape including majestic peaks such as Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Mt. Everest, and Mt. Makalu (8,481 m).
After exploring the splendid Gokyo region you will be crossing the Ngozumpa glacier arising from Mt. Cho Oyu. The Ngozumpa Glacier is the longest glacier in Nepal and while it may look daunting and risky, it is not safe to traverse across this massive glacier. You then cross the Cho La Pass (5,368 m) which will take you from the Gokyo region into the Everest region. Having entered the Everest region, you will soon arrive at the famous Everest Base Camp with lots of tented camps.
Another highlight of the trek is the view from Kala Patthar (5,643 m), the highest point of this trek. Kala Patthar offers breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, the Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse, and other majestic peaks in the Khumbu region.
| Gokyo and Everest Base Camp - Trek Facts | |
|---|---|
| Trek Difficulty: | Level 2 - Moderate |
| Trek Duration: | 15 Days |
| Max Altitude: | 5643 M at the Kala Patthar viewpoint |
| Accommodation: | Cheaper teahouses / Moderately-priced eco-lodges / Expensive guesthouses |
| Best season: | Mar-May, Oct-Nov |
| Transport To/From Trek: | Flight to the mountain town of Lukla (2860 m). Lukla can also be reached by bus to Shivalaya followed by a couple of days of trekking to Lukla |
| Permits required: |
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Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Trek - Itinerary
The following is the standard itinerary. It may vary slightly depending on the final trekking agency you choose to go with:
- Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m), trek from Lukla to Phakding (2,610 m)
- Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,535 m)
- Day 3: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
- Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Dole (3,980 m)
- Day 5: Dole to Maccherma (4,410 m)
- Day 6: Maccherma to Gokyo (4,760 m)
- Day 7: Rest day in Gokyo, with optional hike to the Emerald lakes
- Day 8: Hike Gokyo Ri (5,403 m), back to Gokyo and then on to Thaknak (4,700 m)
- Day 9: Thaknak via Cho La Pass (5,420 m) to Dzongla (4,830 m)
- Day 10: Dzongla via Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,140 m)
- Day 11: Kala Patthar (5,643 m) in the morning and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), and then back to Gorakshep
- Day 12: Gorakshep to Pangboche (3,930 m)
- Day 13: Pangboche to Namche Bazar (3,535 m)
- Day 14: Namche Bazar to Lukla (2,860 m)
- Day 15: Lukla to Kathmandu
Alternative treks:
Besides the 15-day Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek, there are other trekking options available in the Everest region.
- The standard Everest Base Camp trek is similar to this trek but does not go to Gokyo valley. It can be completed in 12 days.
- Another option is the Everest Base Camp - 3 Passes trek, which is a 16-23 days trek that goes through three high mountain passes - Kong Ma La, Renjo La and Cho La Pass, each pass above 5,000 meters.
- If you have less time on your hands and still want to explore the Everest region, then the 7-day Everest Panorama trek might be your best option.
Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek - Safety considerations
We take your safety very seriously at BookMundi, which is why all trekking agencies available at Bookmundi.com are assessed on their safety standards after every trek, via trekkers’ feedback. Each and every agency will go through safety procedures with you during your pre-trek meeting. However, please consider the following for the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp trek:
- Since this is a high altitude trek that goes through high mountain passes, proper acclimatization is absolutely essential. Acclimatization days are required during the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
- Temperatures regularly drop below freezing around EBC and Gokyo during early spring, late autumn and winter. Depending on the time of the year, please ensure that you are properly dressed and have the proper gear.