Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Valley Trek

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Mountain of Nepal Trek and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your international flight. If time permits, you may explore Thamel, Kathmandu’s main tourist district, known for its vibrant atmosphere, trekking shops, cafés, restaurants, and local handicrafts. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you can taste authentic local cuisine, experience Nepali culture, and meet your guide and fellow trekkers before the start of your Everest Base Camp trek. Accommodation: Hotel, Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 : Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Mountain of Nepal Trek and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your international journey. If time permits, you may explore the lively streets of Thamel, Kathmandu’s popular tourist district, known for its cafés, restaurants, trekking shops, and local handicrafts. In the evening, attend a pre-trek briefing where your guide will explain the Everest Base Camp itinerary, safety guidelines, and trek preparation. This is also a great opportunity to ask any final questions before your adventure begins. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, offering a taste of local cuisine and culture.

Day 3 : Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (2,610 m). Walk approx. 3–4 hours

An early morning scenic flight takes you from Kathmandu to the famous mountain airstrip of Lukla, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. After meeting the trekking crew, the journey begins with a gentle descent toward Phakding. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through suspension bridges, small Sherpa villages, and lush pine forests. This is a relatively easy trekking day designed for acclimatization and rhythm building. You will experience your first taste of Himalayan trekking life, including mountain lodges, local hospitality, and peaceful river sounds. The trek typically takes around 3–4 hours, ending with an overnight stay in Phakding.

Day 4 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). Walk approx. 5–6 hours

Today’s morning section of the trek follows the rushing Dudh Koshi (Milky River) along the classic Everest Base Camp route, crossing and re-crossing it several times via high suspension bridges. The trail winds through beautiful forests of blue pine and rhododendron, especially vibrant in spring when the hillsides burst into bloom. Along the way, you pass through charming Sherpa villages such as Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsale, while enjoying views of the snow peaks Kusum Kangaru and Thamserku. Beyond Monjo, you enter Sagarmatha National Park, where permits are checked before continuing along a pleasant riverside trail toward the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. High above the rushing river, you cross the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge, adorned with vibrant prayer flags that flutter in the wind. Locals believe these prayer flags carry prayers of peace and blessings across the world on the wind. Beyond the bridge, the trail begins a steep ascent toward Namche Bazaar. This section is one of the most demanding parts of the trek, so a slow and steady pace is both wise and necessary. About halfway up the climb, weather permitting, you are rewarded with your first glimpse of Mount Everest, rising behind the dramatic ridge of Nuptse and Lhotse, along with views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku. After a steady ascent, you reach Namche Bazaar. This lively mountain town is a popular resting and acclimatization point for trekkers at high altitude. It offers comfortable lodges, cafés, bakeries, and trekking shops, making it a welcoming and essential stop in the Himalayas before continuing deeper into the region.

Day 5 : Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Today is a crucial rest and acclimatization day, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude before continuing higher into the Gokyo Valley & Everest region . While Namche Bazaar itself is a comfortable place to relax, we encourage you to take a gentle acclimatization hike to help your body adapt more effectively. A popular option is a walk to the Everest View Hotel, perched on a nearby ridge. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam—an ideal spot for sunrise photography and your first close-up Himalayan vistas. Nearby traditional Sherpa villages, Khumjung and Khunde, are also worth exploring. In Khumjung, you can experience authentic Sherpa culture, while in Khunde, you can visit the Hillary School, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary to provide education for local children. The school has played a vital role in improving literacy and expanding opportunities for Sherpa communities in this remote Himalayan region. Khunde also hosts the Khunde Hospital, a vital healthcare center established with the support of Sir Edmund Hillary, providing essential medical services to both residents and trekkers in this high-altitude region. Gentle walks along the surrounding ridges follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle, helping your body acclimatize while offering stunning Himalayan scenery. Taking it slow, staying well hydrated, and enjoying the experience will prepare you both physically and mentally for the higher trails ahead. Overnight: Lodge in Namche Bazaar

Day 6 : Trek to Phortse Thanga (3,680 m). Walk approx. 6–7 hours

Today’s trek takes you from the bustling Sherpa hub of Namche Bazaar into a quieter and more natural section of the Khumbu region, ending at the riverside settlement of Phortse Tenga (3,680 m). The walk takes approximately 6–7 hours and offers a balanced mix of mountain views, forest trails, and gradual altitude change. After breakfast in Namche Bazaar, you begin the trek with a steady climb out of the village, gaining elevation as you leave the amphitheater-shaped settlement behind. Although demanding at the start, this section rewards you with expanding views of the surrounding valleys and Himalayan peaks. From the ridge above Namche Bazaar, the trail follows the well-established Everest Base Camp trekking route, contouring along the mountainside high above the rushing Dudh Koshi River. The path gently traverses the hillside with a few short ascents and descents, offering panoramic views of Mount Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), and the striking Ama Dablam (6,812 m) on clear days. Continuing along the hillside, you pass through small Sherpa settlements such as Kyangjuma before reaching Sansa, where the trail separates—one route leads toward the Gokyo Valley, while the other follows the classic Everest route. From Sansa, you take the route toward the Gokyo Valley via Mong La (3,975 m), ascending gradually through forested sections. His part of the trail can offer chances to spot wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan thar, and colorful pheasants. Mong La is also culturally significant, located below the sacred peak Khumbila, which is respected by the local Sherpa community. You stop at Mong La for lunch while enjoying panoramic mountain views. Afterward, the trail descends steeply through dense rhododendron and pine forests toward the river valley. This section can be demanding on the knees, so walking at a steady pace is important. The final stretch follows a more gradual riverside path through the forest, leading you to Phortse Tenga. This small and peaceful settlement sits beside the river, surrounded by forest and mountains, offering a quiet place to rest before continuing further into the Gokyo Valley.

Day 7 : Trek to Machherma (4,470 m). Walk approx. 5–6 hours

Today, you continue your journey deeper into the Gokyo Valley, trekking from Phortse Tenga (3,680 m) to Machhermo (4,470 m). The walk takes approximately 5–6 hours and follows a steady ascent through open alpine landscapes and wide valley terrain. You begin the day by crossing the river near Phortse Tenga and gradually climbing higher into the valley. As you gain altitude, the scenery becomes more expansive, with wide mountain views and a sense of increasing remoteness. After a few hours of walking, you reach Dole, and then continue onward to Luza (around 4,300 m), where you can stop for lunch and rest before the final climb. The trail then continues through open high-altitude terrain with yak pastures and sweeping valley views before reaching Machhermo. The air becomes thinner, so a slow and steady pace is important. Machhermo is also known for a famous local legend. In 1974, villagers reported a Yeti (Abominable Snowman) encounter, where livestock were said to have been attacked, creating one of the most well-known stories in the region. Your guide may share this story as you arrive and settle into the village. You spend the evening in Machhermo, where you can rest, acclimatize, and learn more about local life in this high-altitude Himalayan settlement.

Day 8 : Trek to Gokyo (4,800 m). Walk approx. 5–6 hours

Today, you continue your journey from Machhermo to Gokyo Lakes. The walk takes approximately 4–5 hours and follows a gradual ascent through a wide alpine valley surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery. You begin the trek by leaving Machhermo and following a steady uphill trail along the valley. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more open and rugged, with sweeping views of surrounding peaks and glacial terrain. Along the way, you pass the area where the local rescue post is located, an important stop for trekkers in case of altitude-related issues. The trail then continues steadily upward toward the upper valley. You gradually approach the first of the Gokyo Lakes, where turquoise glacial waters begin to appear beside the trail. The scenery becomes more striking as you enter the high-altitude lake basin, surrounded by snow peaks and the massive glacier system. The Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, and during the full moon in August, visitors come to the area for ritual bathing. Your lodge for the night is located beside the third lake, known as Dudh Pokhari, in the Gokyo Valley. This peaceful setting allows you to relax and fully experience the calm beauty of the high Himalaya.

Day 9 : Explore the Gokyo Lakes and Hike to the Fifth Lake ( 4950)

Today, you explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes and hike to the remote Fifth Lake, known as Ngozumpa Tsho. This is one of the most scenic high-altitude days in the Gokyo Valley and is ideal for acclimatization, photography, and slow exploration. You begin the day in Gokyo Village with a gradual walk north along the valley. The trail passes a series of turquoise glacial lakes set beneath towering Himalayan peaks. The calm water often reflects the surrounding mountains, creating a dramatic alpine landscape. As you continue further into the valley, the route becomes more remote and leads toward the Fifth Lake (Ngozumpa Tsho). This section lies close to the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, which is approximately 36 km long and considered the longest glacier in Nepal. The terrain gradually changes from open valley paths to rocky moraine and glacial landscapes. Ngozumpa Tsho does not give one big mountain view. Instead, you see wide glacier land, ice shapes, and open high mountain scenery. As you walk further from the main Gokyo trail, the area becomes quieter, more open, and less crowded. The hike from Gokyo to Fifth Lake typically takes around 4–6 hours for a round trip, depending on pace and conditions. The trail is less defined compared to popular routes like Gokyo Ri, and fewer trekkers continue beyond the main lakes, making the experience more isolated and peaceful. After spending time at the Fifth Lake, you return to Gokyo Village for rest, retracing the same scenic valley route surrounded by lakes and mountain views.

Day 10 : Summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) – Return to Gokyo & Trek to Thagnak (4,500m) Walk approx. 6–7 hours

The day begins early with a pre-dawn hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), usually starting around 5:00–5:30 AM. An early start is important for clear mountain views, calm weather, and the best chance to experience sunrise over the Himalaya before clouds develop later in the day. From the summit, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of major peaks including Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. The round-trip hike to Gokyo Ri (ascent and descent) takes approximately 2.5–3.5 hours. After spending time at the summit and enjoying the views, you descend back to Gokyo Village. Once back in the settlement, you enjoy breakfast before continuing the trek toward Thagnak. You then cross the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the world. The trail traverses a rugged but fascinating landscape of ice, moraine, and occasional glacial lakes. After approximately a 3-hour walk across the glacier, you arrive at Thagnak, a small high-altitude settlement located at the base of Cho La Pass. Thagnak consists of a few basic lodges and serves as an important overnight stop for trekkers preparing for the challenging pass crossing ahead.

Day 11 : Trek to Dzongla via Cho La Pass (5,368 m / Dzongla 4,710 m). Walk approx. 7–8 hours

Today is a challenging high-altitude crossing as you trek from Thagnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass (5,368 m). The walk takes approximately 7–8 hours and involves a steep ascent, glacier crossing, and a long descent. You begin early from Thagnak and follow a steady uphill trail into rocky alpine terrain. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more rugged and exposed, with wide views of surrounding peaks and glaciers. The climb toward Cho La Pass becomes steeper and more demanding, with loose rocks and icy sections depending on conditions. This section requires a slow and careful pace due to altitude and terrain. At the top of Cho La Pass, you are rewarded with a stunning 360° Himalayan panorama. You can see towering peaks such as Cholatse, Taboche, and Ama Dablam, along with distant views toward the Everest region. Below, a vast expanse of glaciers and rocky valleys stretches out, creating a dramatic contrast between ice and rugged mountain terrain. From the pass, the trail descends onto a glacier section where you carefully navigate icy and rocky terrain, following marked paths and cairns. The descent is steep in parts and requires attention and stability. After crossing the glacier, the route continues with a long downhill walk into a wide valley. The terrain gradually becomes more stable and open as you lose altitude. Finally, you reach Dzongla (4,710 m), a quiet settlement where you can rest and recover after a long and demanding high-altitude crossing.

Day 12 : Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m). Walk approx. 4–5 hours

After leaving Dzongla, you begin a gradual traverse across the mountainside, staying high above the valley floor. The trail contours along rocky and grassy slopes with wide views of surrounding peaks and glacial terrain. This section is far easier than the Cho La Pass crossing, but still requires careful walking due to the altitude. As you continue, you pass beneath dramatic mountain faces and glacial ridges before the trail slowly descends and levels out. Eventually, you join the main Everest Base Camp route coming from Pheriche and Dingboche, where the trail becomes busier, wider, and more defined. From here, you begin a gradual climb toward Lobuche. The path follows the broad valley on the western side of the Khumbu Glacier, with a steady uphill walk through a high-altitude alpine environment. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner and the surroundings more rugged, with dramatic glacier views and towering Himalayan peaks framing the valley. The final section is an easier walk to Lobuche, where you stay overnight in a mountain lodge. From your lodge, enjoy breathtaking sunset views of Nuptse, Pumori, and Taboche, while resting for the challenging days ahead toward Everest Base Camp. Overnight: Lodge in Lobuche

Day 13 : Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m) & Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) – Approx. 7–8 hours

Today is one of the most memorable days of the Everest Base Camp trek. Leaving Lobuche, the trail follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with towering Pumori on your left. The terrain gradually becomes rockier and more alpine as you ascend toward Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp. Along the way, you’ll notice the stark beauty of high-altitude landscapes, including glacial moraines, scattered boulders, and distant snow-capped peaks. After a short rest and lunch at Gorak Shep, you continue on a rocky trail toward Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). This final stretch offers close-up views of the Khumbu Icefall, massive glaciers, and the surrounding Himalayan giants like Nuptse, Lhotse, and Pumori. At base camp, trekkers can witness expedition teams preparing for their summit attempts, giving a unique glimpse into mountaineering life on Everest. This is a perfect spot for photos and to soak in the grandeur of the Himalayas. After exploring base camp, you retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay, allowing your body to recover at a slightly lower altitude. From the lodge, enjoy views of the surrounding peaks and the setting sun over the Khumbu Valley, reflecting on an unforgettable day in the world’s highest mountains. Overnight: Lodge in Gorak Shep

Day 14 : Ascend Kala Patthar (5,545 m) & Trek to Pheriche (4,240 m) – Approx. 8–9 hours

Today begins with an early morning hike from Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar, one of the highest and most iconic viewpoints on the Everest Base Camp trek. The trail is steep but immensely rewarding, offering spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Sunrise from Kala Patthar provides an unforgettable photographic opportunity as the first light illuminates Everest’s towering summit. After spending time at the viewpoint and capturing the majestic scenery, you descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast. From there, the trek continues downhill, passing through Lobuche and Dughla, before reaching Pheriche (4,240 m). The trail descends gradually through rocky, high-altitude terrain, crossing small streams, open valleys, and occasional yak pastures, showcasing the stark beauty of the Khumbu region. Pheriche is a peaceful village known for its high-altitude medical post, providing care for trekkers and locals dealing with altitude-related issues. Arriving in Pheriche, you can relax and recover, taking in the serene alpine environment while preparing your body for the descent and remaining sections of the Everest Base Camp trek. Overnight: Lodge in Pheriche

Day 15 : Trek to Tyangboche (3,860 m). Walk approx. 4–5 hours

Today you descend from Pheriche to Tengboche, a scenic trek of approximately 5–6 hours through river valleys, forests, and traditional Sherpa villages. You begin the day with a gradual downhill walk from Pheriche, enjoying wide Himalayan views as you lose altitude. The trail offers excellent scenery of the surrounding peaks, including Ama Dablam, along the way. As you continue, you pass through Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region. Here, you can visit the famous Pangboche Monastery, believed to be one of the oldest monasteries in the Everest region. It is an important spiritual site for the local Sherpa community and is associated with early Himalayan expeditions, where mountaineers often received blessings for safe journeys. The trail then continues through nearby Sherpa settlements, where stone houses, small fields, and monasteries reflect the traditional mountain lifestyle. The landscape gradually becomes greener as you descend further into the valley. From Pangboche, the trail descends toward the Dudh Koshi River. You cross suspension bridges and then begin a steady ascent through increasingly dense rhododendron and pine forests toward Tengboche. Tengboche is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Everest region. From here, you can enjoy panoramic sunset views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse.

Day 16 : Trek to Khumjung (3,790 m). Walk approx. 6–7 hours

You begin the day with a gradual descent from Tengboche to Phortse Tenga, moving through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests. Along the way, you may spot Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan thar, langurs, and various pheasants. After reaching Phortse Tenga, you'll cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River before continuing your journey. From Phortse Tenga, you begin a steady ascent toward your lunch stop at Kyangjuma, a popular rest point along the trail with wide panoramic views of the Everest region. From here, the path continues with a gentle uphill walk through rhododendron and pine forests. You eventually reach Khumjung, one of the most important Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region. Here, you can visit the Khumjung Monastery, where a reputed “Yeti scalp” is preserved and displayed. You can also explore the Sir Edmund Hillary School and the nearby Khunde Hospital, if you have not visited them during your acclimatization day—both are important landmarks of Himalayan community development. Overnight stay in Khumjung.

Day 17 : Trek to Lukla (2,860 m) – 6–7 Hours

Your final day in the Everest region begins with a gentle descent from Khumjung to Namche Bazaar, following the familiar trail you explored during your acclimatization day. Walking this route again brings a sense of familiarity, allowing you to notice details and views you may have missed earlier. From Namche Bazaar, you retrace the main trail toward Lukla, descending through lush pine and rhododendron forests, crossing the Dudh Koshi River on a series of suspension bridges, and passing lively villages such as Phakding. As you descend, take time to enjoy the scenery you may have missed earlier—the changing landscapes, flowing rivers, and distant peaks now feel more familiar, yet just as inspiring. Arriving in Lukla, there’s a mix of pride, relief, and reflection. It’s the perfect moment to celebrate the successful completion of your Everest adventure and look back on an unforgettable journey through the Himalayas. Overnight: Lodge in Lukla

Day 20 : Final Departure

On your final day in Kathmandu, Mountain of Nepal will arrange your airport transfer according to your flight schedule. Depending on your departure time, you may have a chance for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. This marks the end of your Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes adventure, leaving you with unforgettable memories of glaciers, high passes, Sherpa culture, and Himalayan peaks. The journey concludes, but the experience often inspires many trekkers to return for more adventures in Nepal’s mountains.

Day 18 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu / Manthali & Drive to Kathmandu

Your return flight from Lukla operates either to Kathmandu or Manthali (Ramechhap Airport), with the destination usually decided on the day of your flight or sometimes just before boarding, depending on the season, weather, and flight schedules. During peak trekking seasons, flights are often redirected to Manthali instead of Kathmandu. This is mainly due to air traffic congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, as well as better flight management and on-time operations from Manthali, which helps reduce delays in the busy Everest trekking period. If your flight lands in Manthali, you will continue with a 4–5 hour scenic drive back to Kathmandu on the same day. This option is often more reliable during peak seasons and ensures smoother logistics for your return.

Day 19 : Reserve Day in Kathmandu

A reserve day is included in your itinerary to provide flexibility in case of weather-related disruptions, particularly for flights to and from Lukla, which are highly weather-dependent. In the Himalayas, conditions can change quickly, and flights are sometimes delayed, canceled, or rerouted. This extra day ensures that even if your outbound flight to Lukla or your return flight from Lukla is postponed, canceled, or rerouted (for example, via Manthali), you will still have enough time to continue your trek or reach Kathmandu without the stress of missing your onward international flight. If all flights operate as scheduled, this day becomes a bonus—you can relax at your hotel, explore Kathmandu’s cultural highlights, do some last-minute shopping in Thamel, or simply rest after your trek. Overall, the reserve day adds security, flexibility, and peace of mind, making your Everest adventure safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.