Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek 17 Days

How journey start?

Our amazing expedition begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla from where we begin our actual trek to Phakding. In the days ahead, we will traverse multiple Sherpa villages influenced by their Buddhist culture. Such as Namche, Tengbcohe, Dingboche, Lobuche. On day 10, we will arrive at Everest Base Camp and Gorakshep. The next day, we climbed the summit of Kala Patthar and made our way to Lake Gokyo. But first, we will conquer the behemoth Cho La Pass.

We will then descend through Dole from where we will walk along the same path we have taken in the initial phase of our trek. Once more, we take an exciting domestic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu concluding our ambitious journey.

What to Expect?

Our Everest base camp with Gokyo Lake Trek offers something for everyone. First, you will get to experience the architectural and historical beauty of the Kathmandu Valley. Next, you will view the stunning landscape and thrill of landing at one of the most amazing airports in the world at Lukla.

You will then walk through and spend the night at the ancient Sherpa villages where you will learn and observe the unique traditions of the bravest people of the world.

At Kala Patthar, you will see up close the majestic beauty of the highest peaks in the world, especially Everest. Imagine standing on the top of Kala Patthar and feeling a sense of achievement as you look at Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.

At the Everest Base Camp, you will see the high mountains covered with snow, pristine glaciers, and the peace of untouched nature. Here, you will walk on the same ground that was conquered by some of the most determined mountaineers in the world.

Then you will climb the Gokyo Ri where you will be amazed by the stunning beauty that surrounds you. The emerald Gokyo lakes, the largest glacier in Nepal, and panoramic views of the Himalayan range – this is a sight awaiting you here.

Even more exciting is reaching the top of Gokyo Ri. All the fatigue of the arduous trek disappears as you witness the golden sunrise over the snow-covered peaks.

This is what you can expect in this epitome of a journey. Book today and join our Everest base camp with Gokyo Lake Trek now.

Best time

 We can hike to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake in two periods of the year: spring (March-June) and autumn (September-November). but the most favorable time of year is autumn- both in terms of weather, temperature, and air transparency. The winter snow melts, the path clears and the sky opens up with a clear and shining sun. The temperature gradually increases warming you when hiking to hiking altitudes.

In spring, daytime temperatures reach up to 25°C (in June), but at night they can drop to -20°C. but the landscape transforms painting the entire trail with crimson-colored rhododendrons. The forests are enlivened with the richest flora and fauna of Sagarmatha region.

Elevation and Distance

The renowned Everest Base Camp is located at an elevation of 5364 m above sea level and it is approximately 200 to 300 km away from Kathmandu Valley. If you set foot to cover this distance, it will take about 14 days to complete this trip.

The Gokyo Lake is at a distance of 137 km from Kathmandu city situated at 4700 m above sea level. When you merge the Gokyo Lake trek with Everest Base Camp, it will take you about 17 to 18 days to complete this journey.

We have planned this itinerary for 17 days which involves 14 days of real hiking. On average, you will cover around 15 to 20 km each day which you can easily attain walking 5 to 7 hours per day.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

The entire trek needs you to walk for about 5 to 7 hours each day on average. However, someday you will walk only for 2 hours while some days may need you to walk for 9 to 10 hours. The hiking hour per day therefore is based on the overnight destination and itinerary scheduled for the day.

When your actual trek begins, you will walk for only 3 to 4 hours to the Phakding village. While the minimum walk during the whole trek is only for 2 hours on day 13 when you trek to Gokyo Lakes.

On day 11, you will walk a maximum of 9 to 10 hours when you trek from Gorakshep to climb the summit of Kala Patthar. Then you will descend to Dzongla for an overnight stay.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

The Everest base camp with Gokyo Lake Trek is a moderately challenging trek that requires a hike in the mountains for 14 days. During the whole trek, we will cross snow-covered passes, climb high peaks, overcome hanging bridges, steep ascents, and descents, and hike through very diverse terrain.

However, no previous experience in high mountains is required to complete this trail. But you must demonstrate good physical preparation and fitness, as well as determination to overcome your weaknesses.

We also need to acclimatize properly to the thin atmosphere of the high mountains. Therefore, we have set aside two rest days: first at Namche Bazaar and second at Dingboche on our itinerary to give our bodies ample time to adjust well to the high elevations.

Can a beginner trek to EBC with Gokyo Lake?

Yes, a beginner can participate in our Everest base camp with Gokyo Lake Trek if you have the will to walk for long hours across the difficult rocky terrain of the high mountains. You should also possess good health and a strong mindset to overcome any adverse situations or discomforts during the trek.

You should be able to give up the comfort and luxury of your home for a few days to be near the unspoiled nature of Everest. A few basic skills of climbing will be an added advantage when crossing the Kala Patthar and Cho La Pass.

Preparation and training

Before joining this trek, we advise you to prepare yourself with some physical training at least two months before the trip. During the long hour hikes, cardiovascular and muscular strength is a must therefore train on stairs, or treadmills, or do some running, hiking, cycling, and swimming.

To better train, you can start with a basic schedule of 3 hours per week. You can combine your training with some running in parks, going up and down steep streets several times. You can also use backpacks with a load of up to 5kg on walks and specific training on a treadmill.

Alternate routes

 If you have enough time to spend in Nepal, you can combine this trek with numerous other routes to make this trip more exciting and adventurous. You can cross three distinct Passes of Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La before making a stop at Everest Base Camp.

You can also opt to cross the Tashi Lapcha Pass instead of the three Passes and reach the Everest Base Camp. Or, avoid the domestic flight to Lukla and trek instead to Jiri to reach Lukla by walking along the less crowded trail of rustic villages.

Altitude Sickness

One of the greatest difficulties of this trek is the significant altitude at which we will be hiking. Therefore, we may be at risk of altitude sickness during this trek. We begin this hike at a height of less than 3000 m then we reach the Everest Base Camp at more than 5000 m altitude.

We will spend the night at an altitude of more than 5000 m at Gorakshep and hike to Kala Pattar at more than 5500 m. therefore, be cautious and take preventive measures against altitude sickness.

Drink plenty of water, and garlic soup and avoid spicy food, alcohol, and smoking. If you feel nausea, headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath, inform our guide and go down to lower heights at once.

Transportation, Meals and Drink

Our mission is to make sure you get the full benefit from our trip packages. We have therefore covered all your expenses for food, accommodation, and transportation.

When staying in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, you will wait in restaurants for lunch and dinner. But early morning complimentary breakfast will be provided. During the trek, we will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the host lodges.

You can expect typical Nepali dishes such as Dal Bhat, but also European flavors such as spaghetti or pancakes. enjoy hot tea or coffee with each meal and fresh seasonal fruit in the evening.

Regarding transportation, we will provide airport pickup, and drop by private vehicle (Car/ Jeep /Bus as a group size). We will arrange a way flight from Kathmandu- Lukla and return from Lukla to Kathmandu. In case of a diversion of flight to Lukla from Ramechhap airport, we will drive you to the Ramechhap airport in a private vehicle.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi are well available all along the route to the Everest Base Camp. Almost all lodges in the Sherpa villages are supplied with 24-hour electricity and solar energy. The rooms of the lodges come with electric sockets for charging your devices.

The lodges also provide good speed WIFI connection which you can readily use for your communication. Please keep in mind, that at lower altitudes, the lodge owners may provide these services free of cost but at higher altitudes, they may charge an extra fee of USD 2 to USD 3.

Regarding communication, NTC and NCELL towers are well-developed all over Nepal. You can purchase NTC or NCELL SIM in Kathmandu or Namche and activate their services. You can also use their data packages for internet usage in case of unavailability of WIFI.

Permits

We need a Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit and a Khumbu –Pasang Lamu village municipality permit.

Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit comes at the price of USD 30 per person and the Khumbu –Pasang Lamu village municipality permit at the price of USD 20 per person.

You don’t have to go through the hassle of obtaining these permits. On the second day, our team will obtain the necessary documents and get these permits for you.