Trip Overview

The journey to Everest Base Camp shines bright on the bucket list of every adventurer. To stand amidst the rugged mountain landscape, looking up towards the glorious summit of the planet is an emotion in itself. However, over the years as more and more tourists are taking interest in treading the EBC route, the seasons-long high traffic and mainstream-ness of the trek has somewhat marred its charm, On the other hand, we have the Gokyo Ri trail leading up to the feet of Everest, a comparatively virgin route, passing by five marvelous alpine lakes!

High and mighty Himalayan leviathans surround the summit of Gokyo, including the eight-thousander peak of Cho Oyu beckoning from right across. Looking down, we see the Ngozumpa glacier glistening below and catching the sun-- two mesmerizing visuals that would have gone regrettably missing had you not been trekking to EBC by the Gokyo circuit!

The prized Gokyo circuit takes us by some more of the most wonderful landmarks in Nepal’s Khumbu region like the bustling settlement of Namche Bazaar- the cultural headquarter of the legendary sherpa ethnic group of Nepal, and through the annals of the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park. Instead of the more common EBC route where trekkers cross by just one celebrated viewpoint overlooking the Everest, that being Kala Patthar, the Gokyo route skirts pass the Gokyo Ri high pass too. Fabled are the magnificent views of the Khumbu icefall from this vantage point, along with wide-angle panoramic views of Mt Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Pumori. The fascinating Tengboche Monastery- the largest monastery in Nepal’s Khumbu is visible from different vantage points on this trek, composing the most spectacular of Himalayan photographic frames!

Highlights of the Gokyo Everest Trek

  • A less-crowded alternative route to the Everest Base Camp with uncompromising rewards of spectacular visuals, charming Sherpa villages to pitstop at, and vantage points at awe-inspiring heights overlooking the extensive mountainside.
  • The unforgettable flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airstrip over the rugged mountainscape covered in snow. Flying in and out of Lukla is truly an adrenaline pumping experience!
  • Visiting the Sherpa Cultural Museum on your acclimatization and rest day at Namche Bazaar.
  • Making your way across the dense rhododendron forests in full blooming red in the summers at Phortse Thanga.
  • The spellbinding sight of the Gokyo Lakes with Mt Cho Oyu forming a background in the distance.
  • Passing by Ngozumpa glacier on the way to Thangna - one of the longest glaciers in the Himalayas.
  • A relaxing rest day at Thangna amidst the Blue Mountains, located at the feet of Cho-La pass at the altitude of 15,580 ft.
  • A number of landmarks of the Khumbu region-- the Gokyo Ri high pass, the Gokyo freshwater lake system, Sherpa bazaar settlements to explore local life like Namche Bazaar, and the Tengboche monastery.
  • Enthralling peak views, with Mt. Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Pumori manifesting around the horizon.
  • A route to EBC ideal for hikers consciously veering away from the beaten path, with a sufficiently delicious challenge level, crossing through remote Nepalese hamlets and market settlements, monasteries and celebrated viewpoints.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Kathmandu
  • Day 2: Kathmandu Sight seeing
  • Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla
  • Day 4: Lukla to Namche Bazaar
  • Day 5: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
  • Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Dole
  • Day 7: Dole to Macchermo
  • Day 8: Macchermo to Gokyo Lake
  • Day 9: Day in Gokyo
  • Day 10: Gokyo to Dole
  • Day 11: Dole to Thyangboche
  • Day 12: Thyangboche to Monjo
  • Day 13: Monjo to Lukla
  • Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu
  • Day 15: Day in Kathmandu

Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off facilities from Kathmandu airport via private vehicle on prior notice.
  • Accommodation in hotels and teahouses on the journey.
  • Three fresh meals every day during the entire course of the trek.
  • Seasonal fruits and local delicacies in the meals.
  • Taxes and vehicle permits on the journey, like National Park entrance fees, Trekkers Information Management System cards, and others.
  • Professional English speaking trekking guides.
  • Porters for two members.
  • First Aid Kit containing basic medicine, oximeter, and blood pressure measuring kit.
  • Rescue and evacuation in worst case scenarios.

Excluded

  • Flying  fares, international transportation costs of travelling to and from Kathmandu.
  • Nepal visa fees.
  • Personal expense like telephone bills, laundry, internet costs, bar bills, etc.
  • Food and accommodation charges in Kathmandu in case of early/late arrival and departure.
  • No refund upon leaving the trek route voluntarily.
  • Tips as tokens of appreciation.
  • Cost incurred by the trekking party in case of natural calamities or situations beyond control.

Good to Know

Springtime treks by the Gokyo route also adds to the itinerary a string of crystal clear turquoise lakes of Gokyo. Located at 15,400-16,400 ft above sea level, there are mainly six freshwater lake systems within the Gokyo ambit. According to the Ramsar Convention, Gokyo and associated wetlands of 7,770 ha along the lakes is designated wetland sites of international importance.

Recommended apparels and equipments you need to carry on Gokyo Everest Trek:

  • Waterproof Jackets, Warm fleece jackets, pullovers
  • Trekking or hiking boots of good quality
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Trekking pants
  • Sleeping bags
  • Socks
  • Shorts
  • Sun hats/scarf
  • Sunscreen lotions
  • Rubber sandals
  • Map
  • Water bottles (water purification system)
  • Sunglasses
  • Trekking poles
  • Small wash towels
  • Toiletries

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Kathmandu
  • Day 2: Kathmandu Sight seeing
  • Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla
  • Day 4: Lukla to Namche Bazaar
  • Day 5: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
  • Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Dole
  • Day 7: Dole to Macchermo
  • Day 8: Macchermo to Gokyo Lake
  • Day 9: Day in Gokyo
  • Day 10: Gokyo to Dole
  • Day 11: Dole to Thyangboche
  • Day 12: Thyangboche to Monjo
  • Day 13: Monjo to Lukla
  • Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu
  • Day 15: Day in Kathmandu

Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off facilities from Kathmandu airport via private vehicle on prior notice.
  • Accommodation in hotels and teahouses on the journey.
  • Three fresh meals every day during the entire course of the trek.
  • Seasonal fruits and local delicacies in the meals.
  • Taxes and vehicle permits on the journey, like National Park entrance fees, Trekkers Information Management System cards, and others.
  • Professional English speaking trekking guides.
  • Porters for two members.
  • First Aid Kit containing basic medicine, oximeter, and blood pressure measuring kit.
  • Rescue and evacuation in worst case scenarios.

Excluded

  • Flying  fares, international transportation costs of travelling to and from Kathmandu.
  • Nepal visa fees.
  • Personal expense like telephone bills, laundry, internet costs, bar bills, etc.
  • Food and accommodation charges in Kathmandu in case of early/late arrival and departure.
  • No refund upon leaving the trek route voluntarily.
  • Tips as tokens of appreciation.
  • Cost incurred by the trekking party in case of natural calamities or situations beyond control.

Good to Know

Springtime treks by the Gokyo route also adds to the itinerary a string of crystal clear turquoise lakes of Gokyo. Located at 15,400-16,400 ft above sea level, there are mainly six freshwater lake systems within the Gokyo ambit. According to the Ramsar Convention, Gokyo and associated wetlands of 7,770 ha along the lakes is designated wetland sites of international importance.

Recommended apparels and equipments you need to carry on Gokyo Everest Trek:

  • Waterproof Jackets, Warm fleece jackets, pullovers
  • Trekking or hiking boots of good quality
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Trekking pants
  • Sleeping bags
  • Socks
  • Shorts
  • Sun hats/scarf
  • Sunscreen lotions
  • Rubber sandals
  • Map
  • Water bottles (water purification system)
  • Sunglasses
  • Trekking poles
  • Small wash towels
  • Toiletries