Overview
Found in Nepal’s Khumbu district, this trek takes in two famous sites - the Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. The trip usually starts from Lukla and takes you past the villages of Phakding, Namche Bazaar and further on west to Dole, Machhermo and Gokyo.
The village of Gokyo is located next to a lake that lies near the Ngozumpa glacier. Another highlight is the hike up to the Gokyo Ri mountain which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. This leads to the crossing of the Cho La pass and onto Dzongla and Lobuche region.
The path from Lobuche proceeds on to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp. There are also some that have Kala Patthar, which is known as an excellent viewpoint overlooking Mount Everest and other mountains. On the way back, there is the Khumbu Path to Namche Bazaar and Lukla.
This is considered to be quite challenging owing to its length, elevation, and pass crossing. It needs to be treated as an expedition that is well-supported professionally and not merely a holiday trekking.
Highlights
- Gokyo Ri viewpoint
- Gokyo Lakes
- Cho La Pass
- Ngozumpa Glacier
- Everest Base Camp
- Kala Patthar
Trek Details
Seasons
Departure Cities
Terrain
Itinerary
- 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Overnight: Kathmandu · Approx. 1,400 m Arrive in Nepal, transfer to your hotel and rest. If time permits, explore the nearby streets of Thamel.
- 2
Preparation and trek briefing
Overnight: Kathmandu Check trekking equipment, arrange permits and meet your guide. Confirm the Lukla flight arrangements and weather contingency plan.
- 3
Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Trek: 7–9 km · 3–4 hours · Overnight: Phakding, 2,610 m Fly to Lukla, weather permitting, and begin walking through Sherpa villages, forest and suspension-bridge crossings along the Dudh Koshi River.
- 4
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Trek: 10–12 km · 5–7 hours · Overnight: Namche, 3,440 m Follow the river valley through Monjo and the Sagarmatha National Park entrance. Cross suspension bridges and climb the steep trail to Namche Bazaar, the main trading town of the Khumbu region.
- 5
Acclimatisation in Namche Bazaar
Optional hike: 3–5 km · 2–3 hours Spend a second night in Namche to adjust to the altitude. If you feel well, take a gentle acclimatisation walk towards the Everest View Hotel area, then return to Namche to sleep.
- 6
Namche Bazaar to Dole
Trek: 10–12 km · 5–6 hours · Overnight: Dole, around 4,040 m Leave the main Everest trail and head towards the Gokyo Valley. The route climbs above the valley, passing Mong La and yak pastures with views of Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks.
- 7
Dole to Machhermo
Trek: 5–7 km · 3–5 hours · Overnight: Machhermo, around 4,470 m Walk through open alpine terrain, small settlements and grazing areas. Keep a steady pace as the altitude increases and spend the afternoon resting.
- 8
Machhermo to Gokyo
Trek: 7–8 km · 4–5 hours · Overnight: Gokyo, around 4,790 m Continue towards the Gokyo Lakes, passing glacial scenery and the Ngozumpa Glacier. Reach Gokyo village beside the third lake, surrounded by dramatic Himalayan peaks.
- 9
Gokyo Ri and the Gokyo Lakes
Viewpoint hike: approximately 4–5 km return · 3–5 hours Climb Gokyo Ri (approximately 5,357 m) with your guide if conditions and acclimatisation allow. The summit offers wide views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, as well as the Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier. Return to Gokyo for a second night.
- 10
Gokyo to Thangnak
Trek: 4–5 km · 3–4 hours · Overnight: Thangnak, around 4,700 m Cross the rocky terrain beside the Ngozumpa Glacier towards Thangnak, also called Dragnag. This is a shorter walking day before the challenging Cho La crossing. Prepare equipment with your guide and rest early.
- 11
Thangnak to Dzongla via Cho La Pass
Trek: 8–10 km · 7–10 hours · Overnight: Dzongla, around 4,830 m Begin before sunrise for the demanding ascent to Cho La Pass (approximately 5,420 m). The route can involve snow, ice, steep rocky sections and glacier terrain. Descend carefully to Dzongla. This crossing is weather-dependent. A qualified local guide should decide whether conditions are safe; if not, delay or use an alternative route.
- 12
Dzongla to Lobuche
Trek: 6–8 km · 3–5 hours · Overnight: Lobuche, around 4,910 m Follow the high mountain trail to rejoin the classic Everest Base Camp route. The landscape is stark and glacial, with views towards Pumori and the surrounding peaks.
- 13
Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Trek: approximately 12–15 km total · 7–9 hours · Overnight: Gorak Shep, around 5,160 m Walk across rocky glacial terrain to Gorak Shep, leave unnecessary gear at your lodge, and continue to Everest Base Camp (approximately 5,364 m). Explore the seasonal expedition camp when present, then return to Gorak Shep for the night.
- 14
Kala Patthar and descend to Pheriche
Trek: approximately 10–13 km · 6–8 hours · Overnight: Pheriche, around 4,240 m If you are well and your guide agrees, make an early ascent to Kala Patthar (approximately 5,545 m) for one of the region’s most celebrated views of Everest. Descend to Gorak Shep, collect your belongings and continue downhill towards Pheriche.
- 15
Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Trek: approximately 14–16 km · 6–8 hours · Overnight: Namche Descend through Pangboche and the Tengboche area before following the trail back towards Namche. The lower altitude generally makes walking more comfortable, but the day is still long.
- 16
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Trek: approximately 18–20 km · 6–8 hours · Overnight: Lukla Retrace the trail through Monjo and Phakding, crossing suspension bridges and descending towards Lukla. Celebrate the completion of the trekking circuit and prepare for the flight out.
- 17
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Flight: approximately 30–40 minutes, subject to conditions Fly back to Kathmandu if weather and flight operations permit. The transfer may involve Ramechhap during some seasons, requiring a road journey. Keep plans flexible.
- 18
Contingency day in Kathmandu
Rest day or sightseeing Keep this day free to accommodate flight delays. If you arrive on schedule, use the day to rest or explore Kathmandu Valley.
- 19
Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Avoid scheduling an inflexible international departure immediately after the Lukla flight; weather disruptions can last longer than one day.
Things to Carry
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