EBC & Gokyo Lakes Trek – 17 Days

Your adventure begins with a thrilling 30-40 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a gateway town nestled amidst the Himalayas. Gaze out the window and witness the majestic peaks of the Annapurna and Langtang ranges unfold before you.

Upon landing in Lukla, your trek commences. You'll continue your journey with a series of suspension bridges, crossing the Thado Koshi River. After a leisurely descent lasting about an hour, you'll arrive in the charming village of Chheplung. Here, you'll be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of Mt. Khumbila (5,761 m), a sacred peak that remains unclimbed. This gentle descent serves as a perfect introduction to the trek, allowing you to acclimatize to the altitude while soaking in the stunning scenery.

Continuing your journey, you'll descend further to Phakding, a picturesque village nestled amidst the Himalayas. Keep your eyes peeled for the historic Pemacholing and Rimshung Monasteries, architectural gems that offer a glimpse into the rich Buddhist culture of the region. Phakding provides the ideal base to rest and prepare for the exciting challenges that lie ahead on the EBC & Gokyo Lakes Trek via Cho La Pass.

The path that leads from Phakding to Namche Bazaar provides a different adventure. Traverse varied terrain, including river crossings and lush forests, while catching glimpses of Mt. Thamserku's majesty. This leg marks your official entry into Sagarmatha National Park, rewarding you with a thrilling first glimpse of Everest through the trees. Cross the iconic Hillary Bridge and arrive in Namche Bazaar, where breathtaking Himalayan panoramas await, including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

Namche Bazaar isn't just a rest stop on your EBC & Gokyo Lakes Trek . It's a bustling hub where you'll acclimatize and experience the magic of the Himalayas. Savor steaming meals, treat yourself to fresh-baked delights, and stay connected at internet cafes. ATMs ensure you're ready for the journey ahead.
Explore the rich tapestry of the region. Learn about Everest legends and the Sherpa people at the Tourist Visitor Center.Embark on short hikes to viewpoints for breathtaking panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Consider a trek to the Everest View Hotel for unforgettable vistas. Visit museums and galleries, and stroll through charming Sherpa villages, absorbing their unique way of life.
Namche Bazaar is more than a rest stop; it's a cultural crossroads and a launching pad for your EBC & Gokyo Lakes adventure. Recharge, explore, and prepare for the beauty that awaits.

The trek towards Tengboche Monastery boasts a breathtaking panorama that will leave you speechless. Witness the majestic peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku towering over the landscape. This scenic hike isn't just about the mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and colorful pheasants along the smooth, occasionally zigzagging path. The journey also crosses a bridge adorned with prayer flags over the Dudh Koshi River, adding a spiritual touch to the experience. Finally, Tengboche Monastery itself offers a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture by witnessing a religious ceremony performed by the monks. This diverse experience, filled with stunning scenery, cultural immersion, and a touch of adventure, makes the trek to Tengboche Monastery a true highlight of the EBC Cho La Pass route.

On Day 6 of the Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek, you’ll journey from Tengboche (3,867m) to Pheriche (4,230m), a scenic trek that takes around 4 to 5 hours. After breakfast, the trail descends through beautiful rhododendron forests and crosses the Imja Khola river before gradually ascending past the village of Pangboche, home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region. As you continue upward through alpine meadows and yak pastures, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and windswept. Eventually, you arrive at the small settlement of Pheriche, nestled in a wide valley surrounded by towering peaks. This village is a popular acclimatization stop, and if open, the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) post here offers informative altitude talks in the evening, helping trekkers prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

As we reach higher on the EBC & Gokyo Lakes Trek, today is dedicated to acclimatization - your body needs time to adjust. But the reward? Breathtaking views! Take it easy and fuel up for the adventures ahead.

On Day 7 of the Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek, you’ll trek from Pheriche (4,230m) to Lobuche (4,900m), a steady uphill journey that takes around 4 to 5 hours. The trail begins with a gentle walk through the wide valley before gradually ascending towards Dughla, where you’ll stop for a short break and lunch. From here, a steep climb brings you to the Thukla Pass, marked by emotional memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The trail then levels out as you make your way through a rocky glacial moraine, with views of surrounding peaks like Nuptse and Pumori growing ever more dramatic. Finally, you reach the small settlement of Lobuche, nestled near the foot of the Khumbu Glacier, where you'll rest and prepare for the next day's push towards Everest Base Camp.

Fuel up for an exciting morning after breakfast in Lobuche. Today marks a highlight of your 16-day EBC & Gokyo Lakes adventure - reaching Everest Base Camp! The scenic walk to Gorakshep, taking 2-3 hours, will be a great warm-up. After lunch in Gorakshep, embark on the 3-4 hour journey to Everest Base Camp itself.

The sight that greets you will be unforgettable. Witness the majestic Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori peaks towering around the base camp. Take in the awe-inspiring panorama before returning to Gorakshep for a well-deserved rest, forever etched with memories of this incredible day.

Your adventure begins with a pre-dawn hike to Kalapatthar, rewarded by a breathtaking sunrise. After a few hours of trekking, you'll reach the summit, where a panoramic Himalayan feast awaits your eyes. From Kalapatthar's 360-degree viewpoint, witness the majestic peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and more. Capture stunning photos and indelible memories that will stay with you forever. This is a sunrise you won't forget!

On Day 11 of the Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek, you’ll embark on a challenging yet rewarding trek from Dzongla (4,830m) to Gokyo (4,790m) via the famed Cho La Pass (5,420m), taking around 7 to 9 hours. The day begins early with a steep ascent over rocky terrain and a glacier-covered slope leading up to the top of Cho La Pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan giants. The descent from the pass is equally steep and requires careful footing, especially if there's snow or ice. After the pass, the trail winds through remote glacial valleys and eventually meets the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. You’ll cross this dramatic, icy expanse before arriving at the turquoise waters of Gokyo Lake, where the serene village of Gokyo awaits. This is one of the most scenic days of the entire trek, combining high-altitude adventure with unforgettable mountain beauty.

Embark on a scenic descent from Gokyo, traversing the majestic Ngozumpa Glacier. This short yet rewarding trek offers glimpses of the first and second Gokyo lakes while you're surrounded by the towering peaks of Cholatse and Taboche. As you reach Machhermo, prepare to be stunned by the panoramic vista of Cho Oyu, Kangtega, and Thamserku. The trail then winds its way down through the charming hamlets of Luza and Lhafarma before reaching Dole, your destination for the night. This diverse section offers a beautiful blend of glacial landscapes, soaring peaks, and quaint villages, making it a memorable part of your Gokyo Chola Pass trek.

Leaving the high-altitude terrain behind, today’s trek descends steadily from the higher elevations of the Gokyo-EBC region toward the vibrant Sherpa village of Khumjung. The trail meanders through pine and rhododendron forests, with occasional views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku peeking through the trees. As you walk past Mani walls and small chortens, you begin to feel the warmth of lower altitudes returning. Upon arrival in Khumjung, nestled beneath the sacred peak of Khumbila, you’ll be greeted by green-roofed houses and the calm presence of the Khumjung Monastery, which is said to house a scalp of a yeti. This is a culturally rich village where visitors can explore the monastery, visit the Hillary School established by Sir Edmund Hillary, and witness authentic Sherpa life at a more relaxed pace. The peaceful ambiance and stunning scenery make Khumjung a rewarding and reflective stop on your descent.

After a restful night in Khumjung, the trail descends through lush juniper and pine forests, passing through Namche Bazaar one last time, where you might pause briefly to enjoy a final cup of coffee or stock up on souvenirs. From Namche, the path drops steeply at first, following the familiar Dudh Koshi River valley. You’ll cross several suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. The crisp mountain air softens as the altitude lowers, and the trail becomes livelier with trekkers and porters heading in both directions. As you pass small settlements and terraced fields, the warmth and greenery become more prominent. Arriving in Phakding feels like a return to comfort, with its riverside teahouses and peaceful setting by the rushing Dudh Koshi. This pleasant stop offers a chance to relax and reflect on the incredible journey through the Himalayas.

Your final day on the trail begins with a relaxed morning walk along the familiar route beside the Dudh Koshi River. The path gently ascends and descends through pine forests and small Sherpa villages, offering a last glimpse of prayer wheels spinning in the breeze and Mani stones etched with Tibetan mantras. You’ll cross several suspension bridges one final time, each one stirring memories of your journey through Everest and Gokyo. The trail gradually climbs as you approach Lukla, where the bustling airstrip town awaits, marking the end of your trekking adventure. Upon arrival, you’ll check into a cozy teahouse and perhaps celebrate the successful completion of the trek with your guide, porters, or fellow trekkers. The rest of the day is free to rest, write in your journal, or enjoy the peaceful buzz of Lukla, nestled among the hills that have witnessed so many Himalayan journeys.

Today marks your bittersweet departure from the Everest region. Savor your final moments with a delicious breakfast in Lukla and a chance to explore the local area. Your exhilarating EBC & Gokyo Lakes Trek concludes with a morning flight back to Kathmandu. Buckle up - just like the thrilling landing, the takeoff offers stunning aerial views. Spend your remaining time in Lukla unwinding, reflecting on your adventure, or celebrating your accomplishment - the choice is yours! This is a day to cherish the memories you've made and embrace the return to civilization.

Today's your departure day from Nepal. A private car will whisk you comfortably from your hotel to the airport three hours before your flight's scheduled time, ensuring a smooth transition.
But what if you're not quite ready to leave? The beauty of Nepal is that it offers a wide range of experiences. If you crave more adventure, consider extending your trip by choosing a different itinerary. Perhaps explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu, venture into another region like Chitwan National Park, or even add on a shorter trek.