Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake - 15 Days

Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Distance

As a combined expedition of 2 iconic major trailheads of the Everest region, the EBC Trek via Gokyo Lake is a lengthy expedition demanding ample hours of day hiking and at least 2 weeks for better acclimatization. Considered the "Everest Circuit Trek" by fellow hikers worldwide, this trek covers the route to Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, and then touches on the navigation of the Everest Base Camp Trek, crossing high mountain passes of Cho La and various other settlements.

The total distance from Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek covers approximately 134 kilometers (82 miles), and the highest distance covered is 14 km, demanding 7-8 hours of hiking while visiting the base camp from Gorakshep with the retracement of the same pathway. However, the length of the expedition varies greatly depending on the route that you undertake, but the elevation remains the same, rising to a high of 5545 meters at Kala Patthar. To be honest, the overall length of the trek might be fatiguing for some, as one has to cover 9 to 12 kilometers of duration per day, but with prior preparation, it can surely be tackled. 

While the total duration of this trek is a bit lengthy, however, it is set to make sure that one can adapt to the rising elevation and ascend with ease, with a slow pace without rushing through the hike, and making the overall journey worse. Throughout the expedition, two acclimatization days (excursion days) are set, one in Gokyo itself and another at Namche Bazaar; hence, AMS and proper side trips with exploration are taken care of, meeting adventure and safety at once.

Best time for EBC Trek via Gokyo Lakes

Even though the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek route offers stunning, diverse, and unique experiences all year round. Meanwhile, some seasons/months bring a challenging situation for you to trek without any hazardous situations. In this region, Autumn (Sep-Nov) and Spring season (March-May) are the best seasons for trekking as the weather is mild and the views these particular seasons offer are spectacular, with a perfect blend of balanced climate. Here’s a detailed overview of these two peak seasons to help you understand them in more depth:

What to expect in Autumn (September to November)?

This season is one of the most preferred by every hiker/trekker for every trekking destination. Autumn offers a favorable climate with mild temperatures and a perfect crisp natural aroma of the surroundings at every stop. As it falls right after the monsoon season, there’s less risk of rainfall, due to which the paths are less muddy, snowy, and slippery, making it easier to hike. The skies are less foggy, unlike during the monsoon and winter, showcasing clear visibility of the mountains. 

The best part about hiking during this time is that the main festivals, Dashain and Tihar, are celebrated in the middle of September and November. Throughout the trail, you can see locals enjoying it with visitors on their way. Guides and porters are also in their festive mood, fully celebrating in the mountain areas far away from home with their beloved clients. So, who wouldn’t love to be a part of this journey that offers great weather, climate, and festive celebrations with stunning, diverse views throughout the journey?

Due to this, it is one of the best peak seasons to do this trek. If you are someone who loves to enjoy hiking on a crowded, enjoyable trail with a great encounter with cultural celebrations, the Autumn season is perfect for you to do the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek.

What to expect in Spring (March to May)?

Spring is another ideal time to hike in this region, as the weather is clear with warm temperatures, offering cool, mild breezes while ascending. The best part about this season is that the trails are less crowded, unlike the Autumn season, which allows trekkers to hike in a solitary and peaceful way. On top of that, Spring brings out the best in natural surroundings, with blooming forests of rhododendrons in shades of pink and red against brown landscapes. The greenery along the breathtaking views of mountains just in front, while climbing, makes the hiking experience even more enjoyable.

Not only that, but many wild birds like the Northern Pintail, Brahminy ducks, Woodpeckers, and many others migrate here from neighboring countries like Tibet and China, adding a soothing realm with their chirping sounds. So, hikers have a keen interest in nature, and this season fits amazingly for this expedition. To know more, you can review our newly published blog — the ideal season for the trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes.

How hard is the combined Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek?

When the two adventures of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes are combined into a single trip, it surely falls under a challenging expedition, considering the long-duration hike and the distinct routes. With steep ascents, sloppy trails, rugged terrains, and passing high mountain passes with basic amenities. This trek tends to be quite a strenuous hike.

This trek takes you to an elevation of over 2500 meters right from the beginning, with some rocky and steep ascents and muscle-paining descents that can make you tired, especially when you are a beginner with no prior experience. One of the most concerning parts is altitude sickness, as this trek reaches an elevation of 5545 meters, there is always the risk of severe effects of altitude. To avoid that, you must acclimate well and ascend gradually while properly hydrating yourself. 

The most difficult section is crossing the Cho La Pass through slippery trails and making your way to the EBC and Kalapatthar through rugged paths and a deep valley, taking around 7-8 hours to reach the destination. It might be too mentally frustrating and physically demanding if you haven't had any experience. So, if you are someone looking to push your limits on the way to the mountains, it can be successfully and safely commenced with the help of our experienced guides, who will assist you at every step.

Can a beginner trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes?

Considering the genuine fact that this trek traverses through one of the high mountain passes of the Everest region, with varied kinds of terrains, the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek isn't doable and suggested for hikers having zero high-altitude experience. You might wonder why such a strong statement is made for this voyage, but to be honest, this trek demands three considerations: firstly, a long hiking duration; secondly, the ability to adapt to the thin air of the mountains; and lastly, a strong mental determination to tackle any kind of challenges, specifically, the drastic weather conditions at such high elevations. If you are someone who carries these 3 potentialities, then yes! You are good to go.

However, it's not like mental and physical fitness set the hikers back; the major drawback is the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS), which newbies face while trekking to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes, which tends to be one of the major challenges of this overall trek. Keeping all these things aside, if you still want to tackle challenges and complete this trek with ease, then you should be physically prepared and make your muscles strong, as at the end of the day, what matters is leg strength and the right mindset.

Suppose you are still thinking about venturing out on this EBC Trek via Gokyo Lake. In that case, there's nothing to panic about; just do proper research and set the itinerary with the help of professional teams, as we at Destination Himalaya Treks not only assist with expeditions but also listen to your experiences and choices and craft the packages accordingly. Or if you are already late and do not have more days left (1 month before), then what you can do is embark on the othershort treks in Nepal, and look out if something happens, gain experience, and then finally proceed on this iconic journey further.

How many acclimatization days are included in this EBC Trek via Gokyo Lake?

As soon as we land in Lukla, we stand at an altitude of 2860 meters, and after setting foot in Namche Bazaar after leaving Phakding, the altitude rises by 600 meters and attains 3440 meters above sea level, which might make us and our fellow trekkers a bit uncomfortable. However, there’s nothing to worry about, as we have set this day as an acclimatization/excursion day to gradually adapt to the changing altitude.

Meanwhile, acclimatization day is not about resting all day in the tea house; we will explore the huge town of Namche Bazaar, exploring the Buddhist monasteries, the famous Hillary School, and several tiny Sherpa settlements in the daytime. This day promises to be one of the most remarkable days, as we’ll also ascend to the “Everest View Hotel” — the world’s highest-situated 5-star hotel. From there, we can see some of the highest peaks of Nepal. On this day, the choice is yours! We can also stroll around Namche, visiting different local stores, Tibetan markets, and not to forget! Bake bakery delicacies straight out of the hot oven. We’ve set another acclimatization day on Day 7 in Gokyo. 

These excursion days are carefully set by our expert teams. So, you can adapt to the rising altitude environment yet enjoy these days of exploring the best spots of the Khumbu region without feeling monotonous about staying one more night in the same place. 

Besides, while ascending, it is necessary to follow every basic detail, as hiking in the mountains is quite risky. Here are some guidelines and tips to avoid the risk of altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek.

• Talk to us to discuss elevation changes, hiking hours, pace of the trek, and distance. You can customize it by discussing it with our expert team if it doesn't match your preference. 
• Walk at your own pace along with your guide, without rushing and panicking your shit out. Drink plenty of fluids and hydrate your body properly.
• Please note: have garlic soup and ginger water to warm up your body (if you aren't allergic to it).
• Avoid taking alcoholic beverages. Limit caffeine intake after reaching an altitude of 3000 meters.
• Avoid having red meat in the upper areas, as it is not fresh and can cause stomach problems. As a substitute for red meat, chicken meat would be great!
• Limit consuming dairy products if you are lactose intolerant. If you want, then you can start taking it lightly and see how the body reacts. If you feel any discomfort, then inform your guide immediately. 

Accommodations during the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes package covers all the accommodations for a straight 13 days in the Khumbu region, which means that it includes all the lodging throughout the trek. The rooms are basic yet cozy and comfortable enough, with attached bathrooms in every teahouse and lodge. In lower regions or starting points like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, you will get the rooms according to your choice, as there are ample options. 

Till the Namche Bazar, the rooms are quite tourist-oriented, with hot water showers and laundry facilities, along with charging electric plugs in each dorm, whereas while ascending the higher mountain areas, a single bedroom for 1 person is rarely found due to the limited amenities. However, it still can be managed if you book quite early. Otherwise, you have to stay in a twin bedroom in some higher altitude sections. 

Please note that comfortable mattresses, cozy blankets, and pillows are provided in every tea house. Meanwhile, if you are more likely to catch a cold at high altitudes, then it is crucial to bring sleeping bags along with you (provided freely by us throughout the trip). 

Note: Even though this trip begins right from Kathmandu without any arrival day or you can say without any stay in Kathmandu, we do offer arrival transportation and also lodging facilities before and after the expedition for 2 days as a complimentary.

Meal Options

The globally famous Everest region has a wide variety of options to choose from. From Western, Chinese, and Nepali cuisine, and also vegetarian food, whatever you prefer! From burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and spaghetti to even ice cream, hot chocolate, and Americanos. This route has every food available so that you can comfortably hike on this trail without compromising your taste.

Throughout this trek, you will be provided with a menu with bulk options you can choose standard meals according to your choice. We will accommodate you in the best tea houses, keeping in mind that they are hygienic and have vegetarian options as well. We highly recommend that you have “the ultimate Dal Bhat,” full of nutritious side dishes like lentil soup, spinach, and pickles with veg or non-veg curry. The most amazing part is that you can refill it as much as you can, so make sure to try it at least once during this Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek. 

• Breakfast Options: Oatmeal, Porridge made with either milk or water, Pancakes, chapati made out of wheat flour, Tibetan bread served with veg curry, French toast with butter and jam, Pancake served with peanut butter, and many others.
• Lunch Options: Chowmein / Pasta, Veg or Non-veg Dal Bhat, Thukpa, Momo, Egg dishes and non-veg dishes of any kind, spring rolls, Korean ramen noodles, Nepali noodles, and several others that you can choose from.
• Dinner Options: The dinner options are somewhat similar to the lunch menu. You can choose whatever you want; just make sure to have nutritious food that levels up your energy to start the hike early in the morning.

Note: If you are well-known, or have any sort of specific diet plan, or are allergic to some food items, then please inform us beforehand, so we can make all the arrangements considering your safety and taste palette, and inform the tea house before cooking.

Travel Insurance 

We kindly suggest and recommend travel insurance for this Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake to our clients for safety purposes and in case of emergency evacuations. As this trek takes you to an elevation of above 5000 meters and remote areas and trails along the mountain areas, there are always risks of unseen medical emergencies (rarely) occurring. 

Having travel insurance helps us to send emergency airlifts immediately and also acts as a safety net for you to enjoy the Everest Base Camp Hike without worrying much about unfortunate situations. 

Note: Please make sure that it covers medical injuries, theft, loss of property, and, not to forget, helicopter evacuation. These are essential for any kind of high-altitude trek above 4000 meters. If these are not managed before the trek, then it can cost thousands of dollars to cover the bills. So, please note to consider this and check the clauses thoroughly mentioned in your travel insurance.

Permits for Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake

To do this, the Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek, covering 2 major expeditions, the permit requirements remain the same as if they were done separately or solely. Two permits are mandatory for this combined trek, firstly tends to be the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, as it falls under this protected territory of the Khumbu region, whereas, secondly, remains the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, a replacement for the TIMS Card that can be obtained from either Kathmandu or Monjo. The required permit fees and the paperwork will be arranged by us at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition; hence, you do not have to pay/bear anything extra.

The cost of these two necessary permits is mentioned below:

1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: It can either be obtained while in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTA), or after the trip begins in Monjo at the gateway to the Everest region, costing approximately NPR per person.
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: This permit can only be obtained at Monjo, as the local charges the fee, costing around NPR 3000 per head, that is USD 27.

Packing List for trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes

One of the major things to consider during this EBC Trek via Gokyo Lakes tends to be the packing consideration: what to include on the gear list to avoid overstuffing, as this trek does include a Lukla flight to reach the hiking route. To hike with ease, you must know what the essentials are that are compulsorily required to avoid the hassle that might come up along the way. Here are some of the suggestions for the packing list that you should not miss out on while packing your gear. For cost optimization, one can choose to rent the clothing items while being in the Kathmandu-Thamel area.

Travel Documents

• Required Permits and Nepal Arrival Visa - permits will be arranged by us; meanwhile, the arrival visa must be obtained through TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport)
• Travel Insurance photocopy
• 2 passport-sized photos 
• Passport copy or original one

Clothing Essentials

• Dry-fit T-shirts (2-3 pairs, which are easy to soak up sweat and water
• Down jackets or puff jackets
• Insulated fur hiking T-shirt - required at higher altitudes
• Thermal wear
• 5-6 pairs of cotton socks and 2-3 long socks
• Fleece jackets and long-sleeved T-shirts
• Long Hiking pants and shorts
• Normal clothes - to wear at tea houses

Foot Wears

• Hiking Boots - with proper grip
• Sport Shoes - to hike on lower trails or just during side trips
• Slippers and flip-flops - to wear in tea houses

Toiletries and Other Miscellaneous Items

• First Aid Kit, including an oximeter to check the pulse rate, and a water purification tablet
• Toilet Paper Rolls and Wet Wipes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and towels
• Sanitary pads for female hikers and also cramping pills - just in case
• Sunscreen SPF 40+, Lip Balms, Moisturizers, and other self-care routine
• Power Banks, Gadgets, and extra batteries for cameras.

Note: These are the suggested ideas that we usually recommend to include in your packing essentials; however, if you want to include or exclude them, you can do it as per your choice.

Booking Procedure

Destination Himalaya Trek and Expedition is a government-authorized trekking agency in Nepal that has been serving trekkers for more than 2 decades and is a member of TAAN (Trekking Agency Association of Nepal) and NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), which itself acts as a safety net for our valuable clients. On top of that, there are no hidden charges here. We never charge you extra for anything. For more details, you can check our include/ exclude section thoroughly. 

To confirm this Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake package, we require only 10% of the advance payment to book your domestic flight tickets and accommodations. For payment, you can pay directly through our website or simply transfer the advance payment. After your booking is done, please send us your passport, 2 passport-sized photos, flight details, and travel insurance. For the remaining payments, you can do it after arriving here in Nepal via card, debit card, credit card, PayPal, Cash, Western Union, or whatever you prefer. For extra details, please email or WhatsApp us.