29 Oct 2023 Himalaya Trip
EBC and Gokyo Lakes Trek Overview
Embark on the challenging Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek Complete Guide , commencing with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Explore beautiful Sherpa villages throughout this trek. Ascend the Gokyo trail, concluding with a visit to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for awe-inspiring views of major peaks, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and more. Traverse the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420m) covered in snow.
This journey unfolds with continuous rewards, leading to Everest Base Camp followed by the Kalapatthar viewpoint (5,550m). Get an up-close encounter with Everest and its surroundings. Witness the captivating Khumbu Icefall, traverse high paths with excellent mountain vistas, and visit Tengboche Monastery, before returning to Lukla. A great opportunity to immerse in Sherpa culture, their traditions, and warm hospitality along this trek. Admire the surroundings and natural splendor of Sagarmatha National Park and its diverse flora and fauna. There is flexibility to tailor this trek whether clockwise or anti-clockwise.
Highlights of the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek
- Diverse flora and fauna in the vicinity of Sagarmatha National Park
- Largest Tengboche Monastery, Buddhist Monasteries, stupas, Mane Walls
- Sherpa culture, lifestyle, and hospitality
- Turquoise Gokyo Lake
- Ascend Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and witness impressive views of Gokyo Valley, Lakes, and snow-capped peaks
- Challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 m), Iconic Everest Base Camp
- Vantage point Kalapatthar (5550m/19209 feet) to witness up-close Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Pumori, and other Himalayan giants
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek Map
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Day 02: Trek Phakding – Namche Bazar
Day 03: Acclimatization day, hike to Everest View Point.
Day 04: Trek Namche Bazar – Dhole
Day 05: Trek Dhole- Machismo
Day 06: Trek Machhermo – Gokyo
Day 07: Climb up to Gokyo Ri (5330m) and 5th Lake explore
Day 08: Trek Gokyo – Thannak
Day 09: Trek Thannak – Cho La pass – Dzongla
Day 10: Trek Dzongla – Lobuche
Day 11: Trek Lobuche to Gorak Shep and explore Everest Base Camp (5364m)
Day 12: Climb up to Kalapatthar (5550m) for a close view of Mt. Everest and trek down to Pheriche.
Day 13: Trek Pheriche – Namche
Day 14: Trek Namche – Lukla
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trekking Permits
1. Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
For Foreigners: NPR 2000 (Approx. USD 20)
For SAARC Nationals: NPR 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
2. Sagarmatha National Park (SNP)
For Foreigners: NPR 3000 (Approx. USD 30)
For SAARC Nationals: NPR 1500 (Approx. USD 15)
3. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
For Foreigners: NRS. 2000 (Approx. USD 20)
For SAARC Nationals: NRS. 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
Best time for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek
Spring (March-May):
- Perfect season
- Moderate Temperature
- Awesome stable weather
- Panoramic Vistas
- Lush Greenery
- Comfortable Trails
- Blooming Seasonal Flowers
- Availability of Teahouses
Autumn (September-November):
- Second-best season
- Clear weather and skies
- Warm temperature
- Comfy trekking trails
- Wonderful scenic views
- Availability of teahouses
Winter (December-February):
- Not favorable
- Extreme cold
- Unpredictable weather and temperature
- Snowy and slippery trails
- Not clear views
- High chances of flight cancelations
- Less availability of teahouses with limited amenities
Summer (June-August):
- Unfavorable as it is Monsoon season in Nepal
- Heavy rainfall
- Cloudy and cold weather
- Unstable temperatures
- Slippery trails
- High chances of flight cancelations
- Less availability of teahouses with limited facilities
Preparation and Fitness for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek
EBC Gokyo Trek is the Grade 5 trek. It means it is the toughest trek. The maximum elevation gain during the trek is 5,550m (Kalapatthar). Along with high elevations, the steep trails, several ups and downs, altitude gain, and limited availability of accommodation are extra challenging factors during the trek. A good level of fitness and preparation is essential for this trek. Thus, we recommend trekkers participate in stamina-building exercises and short hikes in advance. If necessary do proper health check-ups or consult a doctor before venturing this trek.
Accommodation and Internet facilities during Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek
Teahouses or lodges are accommodations where rooms are basic with one twin bed, mattress, and bed covers. Mostly bathrooms and toilets are outside the teahouse and are on a shared basis. Bring a personal hygiene kit (soap, shampoo, towel, etc.) Everest Wi-Fi internet facilities with stable connections are available. For the use of laundry, hot shower, boiled water, Wi-Fi, and charging devices pay an additional charge to the teahouses.
Foods during Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek
Food options during the treks are from Nepali Dal-Bhat to some continental dishes. At Namche, enjoy delicious bakery items as well as hot coffee. The 3-course foods served are hygienic but we recommend opting for veg items and avoiding meats. Some other food options are noodles, soup, pancakes, eggs, Sherpa stew, tea, ginger honey lemon tea, etc.
Drinking water during Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek
Natural spring water and bottled water are drinking water options during the trek. Paying an additional amount get a boil water at the teahouses. We advise taking water-purifying tablets or filters to prevent waterborne diseases. Carry a water bottle and always stay hydrated throughout the trek to prevent altitude sickness.
How to get to the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek?
Lukla flight from Kathmandu is the fastest and easiest option to get to the Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo. From Lukla, commence the trek following the itinerary schedule.
Note: In the months of April, May, October, and November due to air traffic in Kathmandu, flight schedules are operated from Ramechhap. Take a 4-hour drive from
Kathmandu to Ramechhap and then take a flight to Lukla during peak seasons.
What to do in case of Flight cancelations for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek?
The unpredictable weather leads to high chances of flight cancelations in the mountains. So, while planning the trek, we recommend scheduling 1 or 2 extra days. An alternative option of taking Kathmandu to Lukla by helicopter or Lukla to Kathmandu flight which costs around USD 500 per person is also there.
How hard is Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek?
This Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lake via Cho La Pass is the hardest trek with a Grade 5. Trekkers traverse through multiple high elevations during this trek such as Gokyo Ri (5,357m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), Everest Base Camp (5,364m), and Kalapatthar (5,550m). Other demanding factors are irregular trail routes, the high steep ascend and low steep descend, the changing temperature and weather, altitude sickness, and the limited availability of teahouses and amenities. It is best advised to take proper acclimatization rest, stay hydrated, and follow proper guidelines. This trek is hard but achievable.
Packing List for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek.
- Trekking boots (If new boots are purchased, “break them in” to avoid blisters) and spare laces
- Hat (Warm), scarf, and gloves
- Trousers (Warm trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
- Running shoes, sandals, or thongs (To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet).
- Shorts and trousers
- Wool-blend socks, liner socks, and underwear (three pairs)
- Thermal underwear
- Sunhat
- Fleece jacket
- T-shirts (two or three) and long-sleeved shirts with a collar (a long-sleeved – shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.)
- Laundry soap powder or bar
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen (SPF 20+) and lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Pocket knife
- Iodine, water-purification tablets, or filter
- Insect repellent (for lower elevation)
- Stuff sacks
- Earplugs
- Backpack
- Sleeping back and silk liner
- Water bottle
- Torch (flashlight), spare-balm batteries and bulbs
- Duffle bag
- Crampon
- Down jacket or down vest
- Camera, memory card, and battery charger (spare batteries)
- Books and magazines
- Trekking poles
- Quick-drying camp towel
- Day pack (This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g. toilet items, cameras, towel, soap, chocolate bar, etc.)
- 2-4 large plastic bags: to separate clean clothes from dirty ones
- Personal medical supplies
Conclusion
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek offers an exciting adventure through the heart of the Himalayas. Traverse through high elevations and witness awesome vistas and snow-capped peaks. An iconic moment upon reaching Everest Base Camp and vantage point Kalapatthar. The stunning beauty of the Gokyo Lakes and ascending Gokyo Ri is phenomenal. Traversing the challenging Cho La Pass is an unforgettable journey. One of the hardest treks but with excellent planning and preparation it is achievable. For a remarkable trekking experience, embark on this trek in the Spring and Autumn seasons.
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek FAQs
Is prior trekking experience necessary?
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek is very demanding as it is a Graded 5 trek. Hence, prior trekking experience is essential for an effective and comfortable trekking experience.
Is there an age restriction for Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek?
No, there is not any age restriction but this is one of the hardest treks in Nepal. It is suggested to be fully prepared both physically and mentally before starting this trek.
Is Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek suitable for you?
This trek is physically demanding and mentally trekkers must be prepared. If you have strong determination and can adapt to the high elevations and available accommodation, then this trek is suitable for you.
