Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Thamel or a similar area. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu, visit ancient temples and monasteries, or simply relax and prepare for your trek. In the evening, there will be a pre-trek briefing where you'll meet your guide and fellow trekkers. You'll have time to ask any last-minute questions and make final preparations for your adventure.

In the early afternoon of Day 2, we departed Kathmandu, leaving behind the bustling streets and ancient temples for the quieter roads leading eastward. The drive to Manthali, approximately four hours in duration, took us through diverse landscapes of terraced fields, rural villages, and winding mountain roads. Along the way, we caught glimpses of distant snow-capped peaks, a reminder of the adventure awaiting us. Arriving in Manthali, we settled in for the evening, preparing ourselves mentally and physically for the next day's early start.

You'll board a short scenic flight to Lukla, where your trek begins. After landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, you'll start trekking towards Phakding, a picturesque village along the Dudh Koshi River. The trail offers views of distant snow-capped peaks and passes through small settlements inhabited by Sherpa communities. You'll spend the night in a cozy lodge in Phakding, enjoying your first taste of the Himalayan wilderness.

Continuing along the Dudh Koshi River, you'll cross several suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. The trail ascends through pine forests, leading you to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park in Monjo. After crossing the park entrance, you'll ascend steeply to Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region. Namche Bazaar offers stunning views of Everest and surrounding peaks, along with modern amenities like cafes, bakeries, and souvenir shops. You'll spend two nights here for acclimatization, exploring the town and soaking in the mountain atmosphere.

Today is set aside for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar. You can hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Alternatively, you can visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum to learn about Sherpa history and culture. In the afternoon, you can explore the vibrant market of Namche Bazaar, interact with locals, or simply relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.

Leaving Namche Bazaar, the trail winds along the hillside, offering breathtaking views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. As you traverse through small settlements such as Kyangjuma, you'll be treated to peaceful mountain vistas and a glimpse into local Sherpa life. The path then descends to a village where prayer wheels are energized by the rushing water. After crossing a suspension bridge, you’ll climb back to Kyangjuma, where you'll spend the night in a serene and picturesque setting.

Today's trek takes you off the main Everest Base Camp trail towards the Gokyo Lakes route. The trail ascends gradually through rhododendron and juniper forests, offering occasional views of Taboche and Cholatse peaks. You'll pass through Mong La, a scenic pass with panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku. Descending from Mong La, you'll reach Dole, a small village situated amidst terraced fields and surrounded by towering peaks. You'll spend the night in Dole, enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Continuing your journey towards Gokyo Lakes, the trail ascends through rhododendron and juniper forests, with occasional views of Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world. You'll pass through Luza and Lhabarma before reaching Machermo, a small settlement nestled beneath the rocky hillsides. Machermo offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and provides a serene environment to rest and acclimatize.

Today, you'll trek to Gokyo Lake, a series of six stunning turquoise lakes situated at an altitude of 4,700 meters. The trail ascends gradually along the Dudh Koshi River Valley, passing through sandy spurs and stone steps. Upon reaching Gokyo, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Cho Oyu and other Himalayan giants reflected in the pristine waters of the lakes. You'll spend the night at Gokyo, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the lakes and surrounding mountains.

Today is another acclimatization day at Gokyo. You can hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu at sunrise. Alternatively, you can explore the nearby Fifth Lake or relax by the shores of the Gokyo Lakes, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and reflecting on your journey so far.

Leaving Gokyo, the trail ascends along the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas. You'll pass through rocky terrain with occasional views of Mount Cho Oyu. Tagnak is a small settlement situated in a desolate landscape surrounded by rugged mountains. Here, you'll spend the night, preparing for the challenging Cho La Pass crossing the next day.

Today is a challenging day as you cross Cho La Pass (5,420m), a high-altitude pass known for its steep ascent and rocky terrain. The trail involves a steep climb to the pass, followed by a gradual descent into Dzongla. From the pass, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and other peaks. Dzongla is a small village nestled in a peaceful valley, offering a well-deserved rest after crossing the pass. You'll spend the night here, enjoying the serene mountain views.

Leaving Dzongla, the trail ascends gradually through moraine and rocky terrain towards Lobuche. You'll pass through yak pastures and stone huts used by seasonal yak herders. Lobuche is situated beneath the impressive Lobuche East and West peaks, offering stunning views of Nuptse and Pumori. You'll spend the night in Lobuche, preparing for your journey to Everest Base Camp the following day.

Today is an exciting day as you trek to Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. The trail ascends through rocky moraines and glacial debris, offering close-up views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks. After dropping off your belongings at the lodge in Gorak Shep, you'll continue towards Everest Base Camp, traversing the Khumbu Glacier. Upon reaching Base Camp, you'll celebrate your achievement and take photos with the iconic Everest in the background before trekking back to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

Early morning, you'll hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), a famous viewpoint offering breathtaking sunrise views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The hike is steep but rewarding, providing unparalleled panoramic views of the Himalayan giants bathed in morning light. After soaking in the views and capturing photos, you'll descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast. From Gorak Shep, you'll trek back to Pheriche, descending through Lobuche and Dughla. Pheriche is a small village known for its Himalayan Rescue Association aid post, where you'll spend the night amidst serene mountain views.

Leaving Pheriche, the trail descends gradually through rhododendron and juniper forests, offering occasional views of Everest and Ama Dablam. You'll pass through Pangboche and Tengboche, where you can visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. The trail continues to descend to Namche Bazaar, where you'll spend the night, reminiscing about your journey through the Himalayas.

Today is the final day of your trekking adventure. The trail descends steeply from Namche Bazaar, crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. You'll pass through Phakding and continue towards Lukla, enjoying your last moments in the Khumbu region. Upon reaching Lukla, you'll celebrate the completion of your trek with your guide and fellow trekkers, sharing stories and memories of your journey.

Weather permitting, you'll take an early morning flight from Lukla to Manthali. From Manthali, you'll drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic views of rural Nepal along the way. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you'll check back into your hotel in Thamel or a similar area. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore more of Kathmandu's cultural landmarks, shop for souvenirs, or simply unwind after your trekking adventure.

Today is a free day in Kathmandu to relax and explore more of the city's cultural and historical sites, such as Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, or Swayambhunath Stupa. You can also opt for a guided tour to nearby Bhaktapur or Patan to discover their ancient palaces, temples, and traditional Newari architecture. In the evening, you can enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and trekking team, reminiscing about your Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes trek and celebrating your achievements.

Today marks the end of your adventure in Nepal. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey home. Before departing, take a moment to bid farewell to your guide and trekking companions, cherishing the memories of your Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes trek and the unforgettable experiences in the Himalayas.