Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek

Your Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek adventure begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. It is a short but thrilling hop that offers stunning aerial views of the deep river valleys, terraced hills and the glimmering Himalayan peaks in the distance. 

After landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport, you will take a break for breakfast and meet up with your porters before continuing with the trekking part. You follow the well-trodden stone trail out of the village that gradually descends to Chheplung Village. 

This is a charming hamlet with mani stones, carved boulders and traditional Sherpa homes. The journey continues toward another quiet settlement, Thado Koshi Gaon. Enjoying the striking views of Kusum Kanguru, you will then head toward Ghat Village.

From this culturally vibrant settlement, the trail undulates gently before a short climb and descends toward Phadking Village. This beautiful village is located along the banks of the milky Duhd Koshi River and surrounded by pine forest. 

About Flight Re-Routing

There is a high probability of the Kathmandu to Lukla flight getting re-routed during the peak season months, like March to May and September to November. This is due to the influx of in the number of trekkers for this mainstream route. So, in such a case, you will have to fly from the alternative route, Manthali Airport, Ramechhap. 

As the drive to Manthai Airport from Kathmandu takes about 4 to 5 hours, you will need to wake up at around 2:00 to 3:00 AM for the drive. Or, you can travel to Ramechhap a night early and take the morning flight to Lukla.

If you want to skip this flight re-routing, you also have the option to take a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The cost of a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is approximately US$ 500 per person. However, as we will refund your ticket cost for the plane flight (US$ 200), you will just need to add US$ 300 to take this helicopter flight. 

*Note: The cost for helicopter flight will vary depending on the number of passengers in the off-seasons (there are only a few trekkers in the region). If there are not enough trekkers, you can take the charter, which will cost around US$ 2,500 to US$ 3,000**

After a peaceful night beside the cascading Dudh Koshi, you will begin your ascent journey toward Namche. First, the trail out of Phakding weaves in and out of the lush pine forests. Following the riverbank gently, you will climb toward Toktok Village. 

On a clear morning, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Thamserku from this stretch. Soon after, you will cross another charming hamlet of Benkar with traditional stone houses. A short walk beyond Benkar brings you to a stunning suspension bridge above the soaring Dudh Koshi.

After crossing the suspension bridge, you will follow the winding rocky trail to Chhamuwa Village. Then, you will make your descent toward Monjo Village, the gateway of Sagarmatha National Park. This is where your permits and checked and stamped.

Beyond Monjo lies Jorsalle Village, the last settlement before Namche. This riverside village is a perfect stop for lunch, it has a handful of lodges and resting posts. Past Jorsalle, the trail follows Dudh Koshi once more and you will arrive at the base of the Hillary Suspension Bridge.

Across the bridge begins the long and steep ascent. You will follow a winding uphill climb through conifer forest and rocky terrain. From about halfway, there is a scenic viewpoint which offers the first glimpse of Mount Everest, peeking from behind the shoulder of Lhotse.

The path further ahead snakes along the contour and you will finally arrive at Namche Bazaar. This is the largest and most vibrant town in the Khumbu region. It is the bustling hub of trekkers, locals, marketplaces, restaurants, bakeries and mountaineering history.

This day’s adventure in Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp itinerary is all about acclimatization. You need to give your body enough time to adjust to the thinning air before gaining more elevation. Although it is a rest day, it doesn’t mean that you will stay idle. 

After breakfast, most trekkers follow the ridge trail above Namche to Sagarmatha National Park Museum and Viewpoint. This is a perfect panoramic spot to enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Just above the viewpoint is the Sherpa Culture Museum, where you can explore the traditional Sherpa architecture, tools and mountaineering artifacts.

For those who are energetic, a highly recommended hike continues toward the Everest View Hotel (3,880m/ 12,729ft), one of the highest placed luxury hotels in the world. From this hotel, you can catch the jaw-dropping views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Taboche, Khumbila, Kusum Kanguru and Kangtega.

If you want to extend your acclimatization hike further, the path beyond the hotel leads to the twin Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde. On your return to Namche, you can explore the Sherpa town more deeply, visiting local bakeries, coffee shops, gear stores of the lively Saturday Marketplace if your day aligns.

Leaving Namche behind, you follow the path north that climbs on a gradual slope with clear glimmering views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam in the background. You will stay on the classical Everest Base Camp Trekking route until reaching Kyangjuma Village. 

Following the trail further ahead, you arrive at Sanasa Village. Here, the trail splits two ways; the right-hand path descends to Tengboche and Everest Base Camp, while the left one veers toward the quieter Gokyo Valley Trail.

You will follow the one on the left and walk across the winding path through a dwarf rhododendron forest and moss-covered boulders. Then, the short and steady descent will bring you to Phortse Tenga. This is a peaceful riverside village that is at the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola. 

After crossing a wooden bridge over the river, you follow the uphill route through the rhododendrons and birch forests to reach Dole Village. This section feels magical during the spring season when the peak blossom paints the path pink and red.

Dole is a beautiful and quiet windswept settlement with few stone-built lodges and yak pastures. As you will feel altitude more distinctly here, it is important to keep the pace slow, stay hydrated and allow your body to settle. 

This day’s trek begins with a gentle climb out of Dole toward the north. The treeline makes way to low alpine shrubs, juniper bushes and wide yak pastures. As the trekking trail ascends gradually, you will find yourself surrounded by the high walls of rock and snow as the Cho Oyu starts to appear in the distance.

You will gradually push for Lhabarma, a seasonal herding outpost. From here, the trail continues to stretch uphill, crossing segments of exposed rocks and scattered boulders. A walk a little further ahead will bring you to Luza. This is a picturesque resting point in the Gokyo Valley trek route that overlooks the Dudh Koshi far below.

As you climb above Luza, the trail hugs the side of the mountain, which slowly unveils the epic views og Thamserku, Kantega and glacier-carved hillsides below. You will also see carved mani stones and chortens along the trail, which are the spiritual markers that guide the way for the travelers in this remote highland.

Finally, you arrive at Machhermo, which is a beautiful, windswept plateau that is surrounded by steep rock faces and snow-dusted ridges. This small village has few lodges, yak shelters and the Himalayan Rescue Post, which provides knowledge about altitude sickness during peak trekking seasons. 

Machhermo is also known for its folklore; it is believed that Yeti attacked several yaks and people here in the 1970s. These stories add a touch of mystique to this serene Himalayan valley.

As you leave Machhermo behind, the trail gradually climbs along the west bank of Dudh Koshi River. Beyond this point, the trail is now fully alpine, dry, rocky and wide with expansive views in every direction. 

The snow-clad ridgelines, distant glaciers and the icy winds will remind you that you have truly entered the high Himalayas. The first stretch of the trail rises steadily to a ridge right above Machhermo with striking views of the valley toward the back. As you climb higher, Cho Oyu becomes more dominant on the northern horizon. 

Next, you will pass Phangka, a wide flat grazing area that was once devastated by an avalanche in 1995, which claimed 40 lives. From Phangka, the trail descends briefly to the riverbed and you will cross a wooden bridge over the glacial stream.

Then begins the zigzagging climb up the moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is spread across an area of 36 km (22 miles). From the top of the moraine ridge, the first of the Gokyo Lakes, Longpongo, becomes visible. 

A short walk further ahead takes you to Taboche Tsho, the second lake, glimmering with a blue hue beneath the rugged cliffs. From here, the trail continues along the lakeside with panoramic mountain views and takes you to Dudh Pokhari, the third and main lake of the series. 

The Gokyo Village is located on the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari with a backdrop of Cho Oyu and Ngozumpa Glacier. This village has a small cluster of stone lodges with green or blue tin roofs dotting the shoreline. As you will arrive early, you will have enough time to rest, explore the lakeshores, or hike a little higher for acclimatization. 

On this day of your Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek itinerary, you will begin your pre-sunrise climb to Gokyo Ri. This is a steep ridge above the Gokyo Lakes that offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Khumbu.

The hiking trail starts behind the Gokyo Villages and winds along dusty switchbacks. As you climb higher, the views gradually open up, first Gokyo Lakes, then the whole Gokyo Valley and the jagged line of ice and rock of Ngozumpa Glacier. 

After about 1.5 to 2 hours of ascent, you finally reach the summit of Gokyo Ri. From here, the 360° view of  Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, expansive Ngozumpa Glacier, sparkling Gokyo Lakes and distant ridgelines stretching to Tibet feels surreal and breathtaking. 

You can take your time to soak in the moment and click photographs. After that, you will carefully descend back to Gokyo Village for a hearty breakfast. Then, later in the morning or early afternoon, you will begin your journey toward Thangnag.

The trail from Gokyo to Thangnag stretches across the labyrinth of loose rocks, shifting moraines and icy crevasses. You will feel the crunch of glacier gravel beneath your boots as you move along the trekking trail.

There is no permanent village on this route; thus, you can immerse yourself in the Himalayan beauty in its rawest form. After about 1.5 to 2 hours of traversing, you arrive at Thangnag Village. This is a small settlement that is perched beneath steep cliffs and glacial ridges.

Thangnag is only a basic functional stopover used by the trekkers preparing themselves for crossing Cho La Pass the next day. You will spend your evening here resting, hydrating and preparing your gear for a big day of adventure ahead. 

This day’s adventure also begins well before sunrise. Departing from Thangnag, you move along the route that gently heads eastward up a wide glacial basin. The path is dotted with boulders and snow patches. 

As you ascend higher, the surrounding cliffs close in and create a dramatic amphitheater of rock and ice. You need to walk about an hour to reach the base of the Cho La ascent. From here, the trail steepens significantly and zigzags up the rugged slope of loose rock and icy patches.

The final stretch on the pass to the summit involves scrambling over rocks. In the colder months, it may be necessary to traverse across compact snow or even ice. Thus, microspikes or crampons may be essential depending on the conditions.

Finally, you arrive at the top of Cho La Pass, a narrow notch between the towering rock walls, which is adorned with fluttering prayer flags. From the top of the pass, you can admire the stunning views of Cho Oyu, Ngozumpa Glacier, Thamserku and Arakam Tse on the west side. 

As for the eastern side, the views of Cholatse, Taboche and Lobuche East and West will celebrate your arrival. After enjoying your time at the top of the pass, you will prepare for your descent. First, you will traverse a small glacier field just below the pass. Be careful with your footing as the trail here can be slippery and partially covered in snow.

After that, the glacier path becomes rocky and winds down into the valley below. At the bottom, the terrain eases into a rocky meadow scattered with boulders. In the final stretch, you will traverse beneath the looming north face of Cholastse to reach Dzongla.

This is a small village with lodges that are perched on the grassy shelf above the valley. The views of Ama Dablam and Taboche from here are breathtaking. After an intern day of trek, Dzongla is a perfect place to recover, rehydrate and reflect on your journey so far.

You will begin your trek here with a gentle start, leaving the windswept lodges of Dzongla. Compared to the past few days’ trekking route, this day’s route feels much less strenuous. Still, the terrain remains high and exposed.

From Dzongla, the trail descends gradually alongside the grassy hillside and contours around the flank of Awi Peak. The trekking trail is  accompanied by a crystal-clear glacial stream. As you walk past the yak pasture and continue to ascend through the undulating moraine landscape, you can enjoy the epic views of Pumori, Lobuche East and Nuptse.

After a few hours of trekking, the trail merges with the mainstream Everest Base Camp Trek route near Lobuche. This village is sparse and has a collection of sturdy lodges and stone buildings that stand resilient against the ever-present high-altitude mountain wind.

Although the trekking distance is short, the elevation remains high. So, it is wise to take it slow and maintain a steady pace. After arriving at Lobuche, you can take the rest of the afternoon to hydrate, rest and prepare for tomorrow’s long push to Everest Base Camp.

Today is the pinnacle of your Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek, both literally and emotionally. The trail leaving Lobuche follows the western edge of Khumbu Glacier, the lifeline of the Everest region. The trail is raw and ancient, it is composed of loose moraines, ice ridgelines and grey glacial outwash.

After about 3 hours of walking, you will arrive at Gorakshep, the final outpost before the base camp. Goraskhep is situated on a sandy glacial basin and is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. Standing here feels like you are standing at the edge of the world. In fact, this was once the original Everest Base Camp used in the 1950s expedition.

You will take a short break at Gorakshep to drop your backpack and eat your breakfast. After that, you continue following the trail ahead on the edge of the Khumbu Glacier. The path rises and falls across the unstable moraines, ice fragments and the scattered boulders.

Although the path is not technical, it is slow-going and physically demanding due to high altitude. Moving further ahead on this path of conquest, you traverse across ice cliffs, frozen pools and twisted ridges shaped by the centuries of glacial movement. 

After 2 to 3 hours of trekking, you finally arrive at Everest Base Camp, which is marked by the small rock cairns and the fluttering prayer flags. During the peak climbing seasons, the colorful expedition tents are spread across the rocky expanse, making the base camp feel vibrant and alive.

At the base camp, you stand beneath the mighty Khumbu Icefall. Although the summit of Everest is not visible from the base camp, the surrounding is a pure high-Himalayan drama. You will take your time to soak it all in, take photos and reflect on the achievement. Then, you will return to Gorakshep on the same route for an overnight stay.

You will start your adventure before sunrise today to climb Kala Patthar. This is the most famous viewpoint in the Everest region. Though the route is not technical, the climb is steep and taxing due to the altitude, especially in the early morning cold.

But what awaits you at the top is worth every demanding step. From its summit, you can catch the clear and direct views of Mount Everest’s summit. Likewise, peaks like Nuptse, Changtse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam surround you in the southeast and Pumori rises dramatically behind you.

And, far below the winding Khumbu Glacier, it glitters in the morning sun. This is the highest point in your Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek and a deeply emotional one too. The trekkers who venture this viewpoint take their time to reflect, photograph, or simply stand in silence, feeling the tranquil Himalayan ambiance.

After descending back to Gorakshep, taking your time to rest and grab your breakfast, the trek heads downhill, which marks the beginning of your return trip. Leaving Gorakshep, you will follow the trail past Lobuche, gradually descending through the rock field and moraines. 

Shortly, you arrive at Thukla (Dughla) Village, where the path passes the Everest Memorials, stone chortens built in honor of the fallen climbers on the slope of the tallest peak in the world. From Thukla, the trail splits two ways. You will leave the main EBC highway and move along the lesser-traveled path on the east side of the valley toward Pheriche Village.

From Pheriche, the path drops steeply across the alpine slopes and the dwarf juniper shrubs until re-entering the treeline. After a couple of hours, you will then pass through a small seasonal settlement of Shomare, which is often used as a lunch stop.

Then, in the last stretch, you will follow a gentle descent from Shomare to Pangboche. This is one of the oldest and most culturally significant Sherpa villages in the region. Perched below Ama Dablam’s vast ridgeline, this village is also home to Pangboche Monastery, an ancient monastery believed to be more than 600 years old. 

Heli Return Option

For trekkers who want to avoid the long descent after completing the exploration of both major highlights, Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp, the helicopter return from Kala Patthar or Gorakshep is a rewarding option. This return flight will elevate your experience as it not only saves 2 to 3 days of downhill trekking but also offers a stunning aerial perspective of the entire Khumbu.

This heli return option is ideal for those short on time, physically exhausted, or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime luxury ending to this intense high-altitude endeavor. The helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Kathmandu costs about US$ 1,350 to US$ 1,400 per person. 

But, this rate is only applicable for the peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn) when there is a large inflow of trekkers in the region. During the off-season trekking points (monsoon and winter), the cost of the flight depends on the number of passengers. If you want to hire a private charter cost is around US$ 5,200 for 2 passengers and US$ 7,200 for a group of 3 to 4 members.

You will begin your trek on this day with a gentle descent from Pangboche. The path is well-trodden and offers stunning morning views of Ama Dablam’s southwest face. As you continue walking downhill, the path weaves across stone walls and scattered chortens before dipping toward the treeline.

Then, you will arrive at Debuche Village, a quiet forest hamlet nestled among the rhododendrons and fir trees. If you want, you can visit Debuche Nunnery here, one of the few active Buddhist nunneries in the Khumbu region. From Debuche, the trail climbs gently to a suspension bridge over Imja Khol and the steady climb ahead takes you to Tengboche Monastery. 

This is the largest and most significant monastery in the Everest region, with 360° panoramic mountain views. From here, a long descent through the lush pine and rhododendron woodland will lead the way to Phunki Tenga. In the mainstream Everest Base Camp Trek route, this riverside destination is a popular lunch stop.

After crossing a bridge ahead of Phunki Tenga, it is time to push uphill on switchbacks through the shaded woods to Kyangjuma Village. From here, the trail again descends gently along the panoramic hillside and loops back to the beating heart of Khumbu, Namche Bazaar.

By afternoon, you are back in your teahouse in Namche. After a long mountain journey, the altitude feels comfortable again and the vibe is lively. You have completed the high-altitude phase of your Himalayan adventure. Now, it is time to rest, reflect and maybe treat yourself with a proper cup of coffee or a sweet pastry.

Leaving the amphitheater of Namche, your journey starts with a steep drop down from the upper ridge toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge below. You make your descent through the thick pine forests before crossing the suspension bridge near Larja Dobhan. 

From here, the trail levels out slightly and you will rejoin the main Everest trail and pass through Jorsalle Village. Then, you will exit the Sagarmath National Park and continue walking along the riverbank. From here, the path continues along the pine groves and riverbanks to Monjo Village. 

You may stop here for a while for a light snack or tea, soaking in the nostalgia of the familiar chortens, lodges and mani walls. The trail further ahead continues through Benkar and you will cross a few short suspension bridges to reach Phakding Village. 

During the final leg, the trail rolls gently alongside the riverbanks and through beautiful settlements like Ghat and Chheplung to reach Lukla. By late afternoon, you will check into your lodge, unwind with your crew and take a well-deserved breath. 

Many trekkers celebrate their final night in Lukla with warm Sherpa meals, hot drinks and heartfelt reflections. Tomorrow, you will board a morning mountain flight back to Kathmandu. But tonight, you will rest where it all began. 

As the morning light gently spills over the Lukla airstrip, you will board a small aircraft that takes you soaring above the Himalayas. The flight is short, but the views are breathtaking. Snow-clad ridges, terraced hillside and deep river valleys unveil in front of you like pages from your journey turning into memory.

Touching down at Kathmandu feels like re-entering the real world after a dream. Warm air, the sound of horns and faint incense drift to welcome you back to the vibrant chaos of the capital. But the memories of the mountain will remain deep in your heart.

The tranquil silence of Gokyo, the thrill of Cho La Pass and the quiet majesty of Everest Base Camp stay engraved in your soul. The rest of the day is yours. You can explore the local cafes and restaurants, visit nearby highlights, or just stroll around the old city streets. 

Thank you for choosing Eco Holidays Nepal for your Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes. We hope we will see you again for your next big quest. If you need any post-trek assistance with visa extension, transport arrangements, or airport transfers, feel free to contact us. Have a safe journey!