Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp

19 Days

The Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp is a variation of the traditional trek. Offers additional sights and the wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the highest freshwater lake system in the world.

With 360º views of snow capped mountains and glaciers. The magical turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes are one of Nepal’s hidden gems. These lakes are the highest freshwater lake system in the world. The Gokyo Lakes route to Everest Base camp is ideal for people who want to trek in the Everest region, but want a more unique and remote experience. Offering a wide variety of scenery, and landscapes that will burn images in your memories for a lifetime.

This 16-day itinerary will bring you to Everest Base Camp, and to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes. It has buffer days built in, so you have plenty of time to acclimatize.

This Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp itinerary will give you an idea of what each day looks like, its difficulty level. If you look up at the peaks when you are trekking and fancy trying to summit one, then there are also some great climbs like Island Peak or Mera Peak.

These are perfect for a first climbing adventure, and with our experienced guides you know you are in really safe hands. For the ultimate Nepal adventure, book now with Himalayan Trip, the high altitude experts.

Trip Reviews

Šárka Koníčková
Šárka Koníčková
2020-10-01
Expedition to Mustang 2018 I highly recommend the travel agency Adventure Connexion. We were with friend in Nepal in October 2018. This travel agency our secured us permit to Mustang, with the best guide Nishma! Their willingness and helpfulness, quick processing during their holidays was excellent. Thank you so much, for perfect experiences. See you. Sarka
kartikmexico
kartikmexico
2019-09-27
Excelente servicio!!! La realidad es que tenía mis dudas antes de llegar a Katmandú, pero esta empresa hizo un excelente trabajo. Muy buen servicio de chofer y guía en los días que estuvimos durante nuestra visita. Todo perfectamente coordinado. El guía muy bueno.
atwoodt
atwoodt
2018-10-12
Fantastic Mustang Tiji Festival Trek In May, 2018, my wife and I had a great trek to the Mustang region with Adventure Connexion. I will review first the Mustang/Tiji Festival Trek and then review Adventure Connexion. However, I will state that I strongly recommend Adventure Connexion and if we return to Nepal for a trek they will be the company that we will use. In 1980 my wife and I did the circum-Annapurna Trek. At the time we passed through Kagbeni and we looked longingly up the Kali Gandaki valley towards Mustang which was closed to foreigners (until 1992). It took us 38 years of waiting but we finally made it back and we are glad that we did return. The trek starts in Jomson, and takes about 4 days to reach Lo Manthang. The trek has spectacular scenery and is more rugged that one might think. There are many side streams that feed the Kali Gandaki all creating deep gorges that need to be crossed. After the first day the entire trek is above 10,000' so the hiking is difficult but the effort is well rewarded with fantastic views of the Annapurna Range, dramatic cliffs, ancient cave dwellings and traditional Tibetan Buddhist villages. While the trek was strenuous in our group of 7 we had 4 people over 60 and one person over 70 and we all made it. There are various routes to Lo Manthang and we took the higher route via Lo Gekar Gompa which I highly recommend. That route is a bit more scenic and has less road than the route via Tsarang (we returned via Tsarang). We timed our trek to attend the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang which is a great cultural experience even if a bit tiring. The dancing goes on for many hours and at times the weather was windy and cold so stamina was required. Make sure that you stay for all three days of the festival (some groups left after two days). I thought that the last day was the most interesting of the three and is the climax day. One morning visited the caves and gompas of the Choser area which is north of Lo Manthang. Highly recommended because you can actually enter some of the caves and hike itself has great views. There are many options on how you return to Jomson and we chose to hike to Muktinath over the Gyu La (Gyu Pass) from Chuksang. This was a great route with wonderful scenery and no roads. A word about the road from Jomson to Lo Manthang...the road is now complete and is the trekking route for about ⅓ of the trip. The road is pretty rough so is mainly used by jeeps and no trucks or busses. So, it is not really a issue, however, there is a lot of work being done to improve the road so at some point the traffic will increase and the types of vehicles will change from jeeps to busses and trucks. On our trip in May of 2018 the road was not a negative but in a few years it might be so don't delay. The lodges and food on the trek were certainly different than in 1980. Private rooms, some with baths and at time hot showers. A wide selection of food and drinks at every stop. For those of you who, like us, were in the Annapurna 30 or 40 years ago you will notice many changes such as electricity in every lodge (mainly solar), bathrooms instead of the field in the back and cell phone coverage. While this minimizes the adventure of the treks a bit it has clearly improved the living standards of the locals and is in general a good thing. Our trek was handled by Adventure Connexion and they were awesome! They are a Nepalese company which means the costs were a bit lower and since they are local, and know the ins and outs of trekking in Nepal, they were able to provide a sublime experience. They took care of us from when we arrived in KTM until we left and that included time in their hotel in KTM (a quiet respite from a hectic city). All of the lodges and arrangements for the trek, including transportation from KTM to Jomson, were well planned and went off with no issues. They were even willing to make some changes to the itinerary to accommodate our desires. For example we flew to Pokhara from KTM instead of taking a bus. Our gear was carried by ponies instead of porters and the guides were fantastic. For 7 of us we had two guides which meant that if someone was having a slow day we could split into two groups. Our guides made sure that we were well taken care of in each lodge (not easy during the Tiji Festival in Mustang). They were also knowledgeable about what we were visiting and made sure that we did not miss any of the important sights on our trek. A trek to Mustang for the Tiji Festival is a great experience no matter how you go but Adventure Connexion made it even better. Note that to trek in Mustang foreigners must have a guide. For those who want more information on the trek itself search on you tube for "Mustang Tiji Festival 2018 Trek Atwood".
yuipoon
yuipoon
2018-07-16
เที่ยวเนปาล รอบที่ 3 รอบนี้มางานด้วยภาระกิจที่เนปาลแต่มีเวลาสองวันเลยติดต่อ คุณ RB Adventure Connexion ว่าให้พาเที่ยวใกล้ๆงบไม่ต้องเยอะเพราะมาคนเดียวอยากประหยัด สรุปพาเที่ยวใน Kathmandu ,Patan และที่ใกล้ๆเป็นที่อยู่ของชาวเนวาร์ ก็ขอขอบคุณ Adventure Connexion ที่ไกลใกล้ก็เต็มใจบริการ
jimtlinford
jimtlinford
2018-06-04
Transcendent trek through Mustang to Lo Manthang The highest possible recommendation for the professionalism and competence of Adventure Connexion. Our trek, with the seven of us, friends and couples, began at the restful Sampada Garden Hotel in the diplomatic quarter of Kathmandu, a perfect place to unwind from jet lag, with a superb kitchen. Then flights to Pokhora and then to Jomsom, where the trek-proper began. During the 11 days (and ~90 miles, with 30-35K vertical feet total) the two guides were consistently kind and extremely effective in furthering our comfort. They seemed to know everyone and were amazingly effective in smoothing out out both our food and lodging. The trek was so very memorable for so many reasons, including the grandiose natural setting, the deeply inspirational visits to monasteries where monks had been celebrating their Tibetan Buddhist liturgy for a millennium and more, and the guides' unfailing good humor, especially in the face of our fatigue. This was a key life experience for us all. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Adventure Connexion for making it possible!
nwintermeier n
nwintermeier n
2018-05-07
Just the best! Hiking in Langtang region with Adventure Connexion was simply the best experience! If anyone wants adventure, comfort and security whilst hiking these dangerous hills- then this is the trip for you. Adventure Connexion promises short tours, but this hike from Dhunche to Thulo Syafru and then up to Sing Gompa took 3 days. The hostels we stayed at during those stays were incredibly well-sourced, a definite return trip! Each place we stayed was a little higher and more beautiful than the next and we were serviced really well. The guides were very insightful about the region and attentive to our needs. Would definitely reccomend!!
timsmith2282
timsmith2282
2018-04-29
Awesome ? A representative from Adventure connexion was there in TIAto welcome us and he dropped us to our hotel. Next day morning after breakfast we went to visit boudha, Kathmandu Durbar Square , Patan Durbar Square and thamel in the evening for sightseeing. 14 days tour to mustang region was an easy and a memorable trek. Day first to day last Adventure connexion provided us an excellent service. I would like to recommend these region for all to visit as this region is rich in culture , traditions and have a beautiful panoramic view of peaks. All thanks to Mr. Kulendra Baral and his team for their support and their excellent service .
fi0narussell12
fi0narussell12
2018-04-26
Simply amazing One of the best travels of my life!! Just so amazing and the adventure connexion crews were so helpful and brilliant. Authentic experience!!highly recommended!!
TommyO1955
TommyO1955
2018-03-13
Highly recommended! Excellent... meeting and ride from airport, lodging in Kathmandu, 3 days and 2 nights hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas with a professional guide (just the 2 of us), with meals and fees and water included in the reasonable cost. Let me sum up my experience by saying that I plan to send my son on a hike to Annapuma with Adventure Connection. Thank you Kulendra! I am 62 years old but in shape.... still lift and run. My particular route is for someone in good physical condition. A healthy challenge!

Essential Travel Item

You never travel without this item and it’s even more important to have it when hiking to Everest. Travel insurance is an essential item you need to have to trek Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp. We always travel with insurance and have written how we find the best and cheapest coverage.

You bought World Nomads travel insurance before left for Lukla because it covers you for high altitude rescues, where many others don’t. You can get a quote in 5 minutes. Just head to the World Nomad’s website and plug in your information and trekking dates.

Don’t forget to get your Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card before you start on your trek. You can get this in Kathmandu and is basically your hiking permit for the Everest Region. Find out more how to get your TIMS card and Everest trekking permits.

Trip Video

Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The trek is moderately difficult. As it requires walking about 5 to 6 hours, you need to be in good shape and stamina for this trek, excluding the acclimatization days. The rugged trails, steep terrains, and high passes prove to be more burdensome when the altitude increases.

Best time to trek

How cold and wet it plays a very important role in what you pack for your EBC trek. There are two distinct seasons for trekking Gokyo Lakes to EBC. The best months to trek are in the pre-monsoon season through March, April, and May, or in the post-monsoon season from late September, October, November.

If you decide to trek on the border of the monsoon season keep in mind that sometimes the season starts earlier or finishes later and unexpected rainfalls might influence your Everest Base Camp trek itinerary. Private trips are welcomed and available for groups like families

  • Spectacular mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla & Explore the buzzling Sherpa village Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest region
  • Experience the unique Sherpa culture and their generous hospitality.
  • Explore the Gokyo valley with 6 amazing azure mountain lakes, world’s biggest glacier and climb Gokyo Ri for great Everest views
  • Visit the Everest Base Camp at 5364m
  • Climbing to the amazing viewpoint of Kala patthar (5555m), an unforgettable breathtaking view on Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse mountains

Itinerary

Himalayan Trip representative will be on standby with our vehicle & a sign-board plaque displaying our your name & company’s name at the Airport to pick you up and transfer you to your Hotel. After you’ve freshen up, a senior executive from the office will give you a short briefing about your whole program.

After breakfast, we will visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world.

An early morning flight into Lukla, from where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. The views from the plane are amazing, providing dramatic scenes of terraced hills and the distant Himalayan giants. After landing we meet our ground crew and begin a 3-4 hour trek to Phakding (2,610m), our night’s resting place.

After leaving Phakding, we will cross the same river several times over high suspension bridges. It helps to avoid thinking about Indiana Jones movies here! Soon, we’ll pass Monjo and enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Once inside the Park the trail becomes steep, rising to Namche. Namche Bazaar is the chief trading village for the region, and an excellent place to find a few last Western luxuries, including Illy coffee and some amazing brownies! Better still, on a clear day you can see Everest itself from here.

Climb high, sleep low’ is the mantra for good acclimatisation. To aid acclimatisation it is a good idea, at the very least, to walk up the hill to the Park Headquarters and visit the very interesting Sagarmatha National Park Museum. From here there are the first really good views of Everest and Ama Dablam – a wonderful panorama. If you are feeling energetic, you might also make the worthwhile excursion to the Everest View Hotel situated above the village of Khumjung. Although not entirely in keeping with its surroundings, there are very good views from its terrace and you can have a cup of tea or a glass of hot lemon there and take in the mountain views.

Now the trek enters above 4000m. A little climb to the ridge top out of Namche will grant us a glorious view of Everest and Lhotse. From there, we will continue the mainstream trail for some time. All through the trail, you can witness vendors selling Tibetan handiworks. After we arrive at the crossroad, which lies considerably high all above the DudhKoshi, the trail is divided. The upward trail, which we will follow stretches to Mon La Pass. The downhill trail leads to Everest base camp. We will now follow the pass to reach Phortse. At Phortse, we will roam and see the cultures at old monasteries, which have centuries soaked in them. We might also visit the local powerhouse, or even trek to the Luri peak. We will now trail steeply to rhododendron jungles, and, from there to settlements of Tonga and Gyele (3,960m). After that, we arrive at Dole. From here, we can have a spectacular view of Khumbila and Tawache (6,542m). Stay overnight at Dole (4038m).

The trek begins with a steady climb along the valley. The air is now thin, comparatively. The juniper forests now dominate the woods. As we go up, we can see beautiful summer settlements and grazing land throughout. The sight of tall silver mountains will be a treat, no wonder. Superb views of Cho Oyu, its neighboring peaks Kantega and Thamserku will feast our eyes. By noon, we will have arrived at Machermo (4,410m).

We start our day by ascending a ridge to enjoy excellent views down the valley to Kangtaiga and also up towards Cho Oyu. The valley now widens as the trail passes through Pangkha then descends to the riverbank before beginning the steep climb onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpo Glacier. Gokyo is a small settlement of lodges on the shores of a turquoise lake. We stay overnight at Gokyo (4750m).

We spend another day in Gokyo to acclimatize to the high altitude. If the weather is good, we climb Gokyo Ri today. From the top of Gokyo Ri we admire the Himalayan vista and the tranquil Gokyo lakes. We also hike to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo lakes. The 4th lake is only about 3km north of Gokyo. It is marked by high cliffs and Himalayan peaks rising above it. We continue to walking a little further and reach the 5th lake. A climb up a nearby hill will guarantee us remarkable views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We can see a lot more from here – the spot is called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. From the northern part of the 5th lake we see the Cho Oyu base camp and Ngazumpa Glacier which is the biggest glacier the world. We walk back to Gokyo to spend the night.

Includes:

  • Airport pick ups and drops in private vehicle
  • Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Guided Kathmandu City Tour in private vehicle including tour guide
  • Your meals main course (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the Gokyo Lake Trekking.
  • Guide Domestic Flight Ticket (KTM-LUK-KTM) /
  • All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
  • Domestic Flight Ticket (KTM-LUK-KTM) / domestic airport Tax.
  • All accommodations in lodges/Tea Houses During the Gokyo Lakes Trek.
  • National Park Entry Permits, Local Fees
  • An experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters (1 porter for 2 peoples).
  • Porter, Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance for the
  • Medical Supplies (First aid kit will be Available).
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
  • HImalayan Trip trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
  • Our service charge and government tax

Excludes:

  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Items and expenses of personal nature
  • Any kind of alcoholic drinks, hot shower, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, internet.
  • Personal Trekking Equipment’s
  • Tips for guide, porters, driver.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp
4% Off
From $1,650.00 $1,590.00
/ Adult
  • 5,364 m / 17,598 ft
  • Fly in - Fly out
  • 2-15 Persons
  • Adventure Hiking
  • March - May / Sept - Nov