Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes

The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek (18 Days) combines the drama of the Everest region with the quiet majesty of its alpine lakes. Beginning from Lukla, the trail ascends through Sagarmatha National Park to Everest Base Camp, then crosses the glaciated Cho La Pass into the mystical Gokyo Valley, home to turquoise lakes and one of the world’s highest settlements.

From the summits of Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, trekkers enjoy unforgettable panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam. The itinerary is designed by Kami Rita Sherpa’s guiding team for optimal acclimatization, safe high-pass crossing, and cultural depth, creating a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience.

COUNTRY Nepal

Duration 18 Days

Max Altitude 5,545 m

Difficulty moderate

Group Size 2-15

Best Season Spr/ Aut

Walking Per Day 5-6

Accomodation Teahouse/lod

Itinerary

Day

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Arrival, hotel transfer, welcome dinner, and trek briefing. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2

Fly to Lukla (2,860 m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

Short scenic flight and gentle descent along the Dudh Koshi River.
3–4 hrs walk | Overnight in Phakding.

Day 3

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Enter Sagarmatha National Park and climb steadily to Namche. 5–6 hrs | Overnight in Namche.

Day 4

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

Optional hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) and Khunde Monastery.
Overnight in Namche.

Day 5

Namche to Tengboche (3,860 m)

Trek through rhododendron forest to Tengboche Monastery with Ama Dablam views.
5 hrs | Overnight in Tengboche.

Day 6

Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)

Descend to Deboche, cross Imja River, and climb to Dingboche.
6 hrs | Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 7

Acclimatization Hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m)

Short high-altitude hike for acclimatization and views.
Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 8

Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m)

Climb via Thukla Pass and memorial cairns to Lobuche.
5–6 hrs | Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 9

Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

Reach Gorak Shep then trek to EBC and return.
7–8 hrs | Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Day10

Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) to Dzongla (4,830 m)

Morning ascent for Everest sunrise, then descend to Dzongla.
6 hrs | Overnight in Dzongla.

Day11

Cross Cho La Pass (5,420 m) to Thangnak (4,700 m)

Early start to cross glaciated pass with views of Cholatse and Ama Dablam.
7–8 hrs | Overnight in Thangnak.

Day12

Thangnak to Gokyo (4,790 m)

Trek beside Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Gokyo Lake III. 3–4 hrs | Overnight in Gokyo.

Day13

Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Explore Gokyo Lakes

Sunrise view over Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Gokyo Valley.
Overnight in Gokyo.

Day14

Gokyo to Dole (4,200 m)

Descend through meadows and yak pastures along Dudh Koshi valley.
5 hrs | Overnight in Dole.

Day15

Dole to Namche Bazaar

Return through a forested ridge to Namche.
5–6 hrs | Overnight in Namche.

Day16

Namche to Lukla

Final trek of the journey; celebratory dinner with crew.
6–7 hrs | Overnight in Lukla.

Day17

Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

Short flight to Kathmandu and hotel transfer.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day18

Departure

Transfer to airport for international flight. Farewell from the Himalayas with Kami Rita Sherpa Expeditions.

Inclusions

Airport transfers in Kathmandu
Hotel accommodation (3-star) in Kathmandu (twin sharing)
Domestic flights Kathmandu to/from Lukla
Licensed English-speaking guide and porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
Sagarmatha National Park Permit & TIMS Card
Teahouse accommodation and three meals per day on trek
Insurance and equipment for staff
First-aid kit and oxygen backup
Welcome and farewell dinners
All government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

International flights and Nepal entry visa
Meals in Kathmandu (lunch and dinner)
Personal trekking gear and clothing
Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
Extra accommodation or transport due to weather delays
Personal expenses (snacks, internet, charging, laundry)
Tips for guides and porters
Anything not listed under “Included”

Trip Notes

Duration: 18 days (standard itinerary with Cho La Pass and acclimatization schedule)

Key Stops: Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche,Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Dzongla, Cho La Pass, Gokyo, Gokyo Ri, Namche, Lukla
Preparation and Considerations:

Train 8–10 weeks prior with cardio and leg endurance.
Two built-in rest days (Namche and Dingboche).
Cho La Pass requires early start and micro-spikes in snow conditions under Kami Rita Sherpa’s supervision.Permits Required:

1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

3. TIMS Card

Accommodation and Meals: Teahouse lodging throughout trek with simple twin rooms. Meals include dal bhat, noodles, pasta, soup, tea, coffee. Wi-Fi and hot showers available at lower altitudes (for a fee).
Health and Safety: Hydrate well, ascend slowly, and be alert for altitude symptoms. Guides carry oxygen and first-aid supplies. Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
Financial Preparedness: Carry cash in Nepalese rupees (small notes); ATMs in Lukla and Namche only.

Tipping Guidelines:

Guides: 400$ min.
Porters: 100-200$
Cultural Etiquette: Greet with “Namaste,” walk clockwise around mani walls, and dress modestly in villages.
Environmental Considerations: Avoid single-use plastics and respect local waste systems. Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the delicate Gokyo ecosystem.