Nepal15 days
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek — 15 Days
High-altitude trekking combining the Everest Base Camp route with the glacial lakes of Gokyo Valley, ascending to 5,545 meters
This 15-day trek traverses the Everest region by combining two distinct routes: the standard ascent to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters, and the parallel course through Gokyo Valley, where a series of high-altitude glacial lakes sit among the peaks of the Mahalangur range. The route begins in Kathmandu with sightseeing in the valley before flying to Lukla and walking into the Khumbu region. The trek moves through Sherpa settlements—Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche—climbing steadily to Everest Base Camp, then descending to Gorakhshep and Kalapathar (5,545 meters) for views across the high Himalayas at dawn. From there, the itinerary departs the standard EBC route, traversing toward Gokyo and its three main lakes at the heart of the valley. The trek passes through communities shaped by Sherpa culture and mountaineering history, crosses numerous suspension bridges, and traverses terrain ranging from forested lowlands to high-altitude plateau and glacial moraines. Participants encounter views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Changtse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam throughout the route. The trek requires moderate fitness and includes acclimatization days at key elevations.
Highlights
- Trek to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters, the staging point for Everest expeditions
- Sunrise view from Kalapathar (5,545 meters), overlooking Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks
- Three high-altitude glacial lakes in Gokyo Valley, set amid the Mahalangur range
- Tengboche Monastery, one of the larger religious centers in the Khumbu region, at 3,860 meters
- Namche Bazaar, the main trading hub for the Everest region, with local shops, restaurants, and services
- Suspension bridges crossing glacial rivers and deep valleys throughout the route
- Khumjung village, a traditional Sherpa settlement with views toward Ama Dablam
- Views of six major Himalayan peaks: Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Changtse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam
Day by day
1Arrival in Kathmanduhotel in Kathmandu
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu. Orientation and discussion of trek logistics and arrangements as time permits.
2Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Trek PreparationKathmandu Valley · a major Hindu temple · the largest Buddhist stupa in the city · the old royal palace complex · hotel
Day devoted to sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. The itinerary covers three UNESCO-listed heritage sites: a major Hindu temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in the city, and the old royal palace complex. Return to hotel in late afternoon for briefing on the upcoming trek.
3Fly to Lukla and Trek to PhakdingKathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla · Khumbu Valley
Flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,860 meters), a steep airstrip carved into the mountainside serving the Everest region. Trek begins on a moderate path descending into the Khumbu Valley, passing through small settlements and crossing rivers. Arrival at Phakding (2,610 meters) after approximately four to five hours of walking. First night in a local guesthouse at the start of the trek.
4Trek to Namche BazaarNamche Bazaar · several small villages · entry checkpoint for Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park · multiple suspension bridges
Day begins with relatively level walking along a wide path through several small villages. The route crosses the entry checkpoint for Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park and passes multiple suspension bridges spanning deep gorges. The final section involves a steep uphill climb into Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters), the principal hub of the Khumbu region, reached after approximately six to seven hours. Overnight at a local guesthouse.
5Acclimatization Day in Namche BazaarNamche · Everest viewpoint · Khumjung
Rest day devoted to altitude acclimatization. Morning or afternoon short excursion to an Everest viewpoint and the nearby traditional Sherpa village of Khumjung. Namche Bazaar serves as the commercial center of the region, with shops selling supplies and trekking gear, as well as restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops. Return to Namche for overnight.
6Trek to Tengboche MonasteryTengboche Monastery · Phunki Thanka · a suspension bridge
Moderate trek beginning with an easy ascent before the trail flattens and descends to Phunki Thanka, crossing a suspension bridge. After the bridge, the route climbs steeply toward Tengboche Monastery (3,860 meters), a significant religious center perched on a ridge overlooking the Khumbu Valley. The final section is challenging but shorter than earlier days. Exploration of the monastery and overnight at a local guesthouse.
7Trek to DingbocheEverest · Ama Dablam
One of the shorter trekking days. The route begins by descending along a wide, tree-lined path before terrain gradually opens into a high-altitude plateau. Vegetation diminishes as elevation increases. Views of major peaks—including Everest, Ama Dablam, and surrounding summits—become progressively more prominent as the landscape transitions to alpine terrain. Arrival at Dingboche (4,410 meters) and overnight at a local guesthouse.
8Trek to LobucheLobuche
Short trekking day of approximately four hours through consistently high altitude terrain surrounded by major mountain peaks. The route crosses areas of rock and sparse vegetation. Arrival at Lobuche (4,930 meters) in early afternoon, allowing time to rest and acclimatize. Overnight at a local guesthouse.
9Trek to Everest Base Camp and Return to GorakhshepEverest Base Camp · Gorakhshep · Lobuche to Gorakhshep · Everest Base Camp to Gorakhshep
Longest trekking day. Early departure from Lobuche walking across glacial terrain marked with large boulders. After approximately two hours, arrival at Gorakhshep (5,170 meters), the highest permanently inhabited settlement on the route. Rooms secured for the night. Afternoon trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) across glacier and rocky moraine terrain in often-windy conditions. The camp itself consists of expedition tents and staging areas. Return to Gorakhshep in the evening after approximately six hours of walking.
10Kalapathar Sunrise and Trek to PherichesKalapathar · Gorakhshep · Lobuche toward Pheriches · memorials dedicated to mountaineers who have died on local peaks
Early morning ascent of Kalapathar (5,545 meters), a viewpoint ridge offering panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks at sunrise. Descent to Gorakhshep for breakfast. Full day trek downward via Lobuche toward Pheriches (4,240 meters), passing memorials dedicated to mountaineers who have died on local peaks. The descent retraces the earlier ascent route. Overnight at a local guesthouse.
11Trek Back to Namche BazaarNamche Bazaar · Phunki Thanka river crossing
Long descent day losing approximately 800 meters in elevation. The route includes both steep downhill sections and several challenging uphill passages. Midday rest at Tengboche Monastery. Continued steep descent to the Phunki Thanka river crossing and a final two-hour uphill section followed by level terrain into Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters). Approximately six to seven hours of trekking. Overnight at a local guesthouse.
12Trek Back to Luklathe outbound trail · Phakding · multiple suspension bridges · the lower Khumbu Valley
Longest descent section of the trek, losing elevation steadily over six to seven hours. The route follows the outbound trail in reverse, passing through Phakding and multiple suspension bridges. Settlements encountered include those visited on Day 3, progressing along relatively level sections through the lower Khumbu Valley. Arrival at Lukla (2,860 meters). Overnight at a local guesthouse.
13Flight to Kathmandu and Hotel TransferTenzing Hillary Airport to Kathmandu · your hotel in the city
Early morning flight from Tenzing Hillary Airport to Kathmandu takes 35 minutes. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the city. Spend the afternoon resting and recovering after your days trekking in the mountains.
14Contingency Day in Kathmanduadditional historical sites in Kathmandu Valley
Spare day included in the itinerary to account for flight cancellations from Lukla due to weather, or for additional acclimatization if needed during the trek. Option to visit additional historical sites in Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
15DepartureTribhuvan International Airport
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure.
Where you go
- 1Namche Bazaar
- 2Namche
- 3Tengboche Monastery
- 4Lobuche
- 5Namche Bazaar
- 6Phakding
- 7Tribhuvan International Airport
Included
- Included
- All arrival and departure arrangements
- Accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara, a hotel on twin sharing with breakfast
- Private car, professional tour guide, and entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara sightseeing
- Tourist bus Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu, or Private transportation, or flight
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit
- Upper Mustang restricted area permit
- Accommodations in camp during trekking days, twin-sharing tent
- Three times foods and hot drinks during trekking days prepare by the Touch Kailash team
- Guide as a leader, the cooking team, and other supporting teams throughout the entire trip
- Foods, Accommodation, Insurance, Salary, and equipment for all these staffs
- Camping material and kitchen equipment
- Management of emergency evacuation in case of need
- All service charges and government taxes
Not included
- Excluded
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
- Personal expenses, Bottled drinks, bar bills
- Emergency evacuation management, personal insurance, medical expenses, personal expenses, and tipping to staff
Activities: TREKING, HIKING