Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass – 15 Days
Starting From
US$ 1495 / person
Expedition Pulse
Duration
15 Days
Max Altitude
Kala Patthar, approximately 5,550 m
Difficulty
Difficult
Group Size
2-15
Best Season
Mar - May
Accommodation
Hotel/ Tea House
Start/End
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast
Expert Expedition Tip
"Discover the beauty of the Everest region on a challenging journey through turquoise Gokyo Lakes, across Cho La Pass and onwards to Everest Base Camp. Experience Sherpa villages, dramatic glaciers and spectacular Himalayan scenery with the local team at Himalaya Kingdom Treks & Tours."
Ashok Khanal
Admin
Trip Highlights
● Explore the turquoise lakes and mountain scenery of Gokyo Valley.
● Enjoy an optional ascent of Gokyo Ri for panoramic Himalayan views.
● Cross the spectacular Cho La Pass.
● Reach Everest Base Camp at approximately 5,364 metres.
● Visit Kala Patthar for close views of Everest, conditions permitting.
● Experience Sherpa culture and mountain hospitality.
● Discover Namche Bazaar and traditional Khumbu villages.
● Follow a scenic circuit through both the Gokyo and Everest valleys.
The Himalayan Deep Dive
The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes combines the classic Everest adventure with the beautiful landscapes of the Gokyo Valley. This circuit takes you through traditional Sherpa settlements, peaceful alpine valleys and glacier trails before joining the main route to Everest Base Camp.
Your journey begins with a mountain flight to Lukla, followed by a trek along the Dudh Koshi River to Namche Bazaar. After an acclimatisation day, the trail continues through Mong La, Dole and Machhermo to Gokyo, where turquoise lakes sit beneath towering Himalayan peaks.
From Gokyo, continue to Thagnak and cross the challenging Cho La Pass to Dzongla. The adventure then leads through Lobuche and Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp. A visit to Kala Patthar, when health and weather permit, offers memorable views of Everest before the return journey through Pheriche, Namche and Lukla.
Designed for fit hikers with previous trekking experience, this compact itinerary combines mountain adventure with personal attention from our local team. Daily plans remain flexible according to acclimatisation, weather and trail conditions.
Detailed Itinerary
A day-by-day breakdown of your high-altitude odyssey, balanced with premium comfort and tactical acclimatization.
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The Journey
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Begin your adventure with a mountain flight to Lukla. Meet the trekking crew and follow the Dudh Koshi Valley through small villages, prayer walls and suspension bridges to Phakding.
Flights may operate from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. The required airport transfer will be arranged according to your confirmed flight schedule.
Walking: Approximately 3–4 hours
Overnight: Phakding, 2,610 m
00
The Journey
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Follow the river through Monjo and enter Sagarmatha National Park. Cross suspension bridges before making the steady uphill climb to Namche Bazaar, the main trading centre of the Khumbu region.
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Namche Bazaar, 3,440 m
00
The Journey
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Spend the day adjusting to the altitude. Depending on your condition, take a gentle hike towards the Everest View area or nearby Sherpa villages. Return to Namche for rest and time to explore its shops and cafés.
Optional walking: Approximately 3–5 hours
Overnight: Namche Bazaar, 3,440 m
00
The Journey
Trek to Mong La
Trek to Mong La
Leave the main Everest trail and head towards the Gokyo Valley. Walk along scenic hillsides before climbing to Mong La. This intermediate overnight stop breaks up the ascent towards Dole.
Walking: Approximately 4–5 hours
Overnight: Mong La, approximately 3,975 m
00
The Journey
Trek to Dole
Trek to Dole
Descend towards Phortse Thanga, then climb through forest and open mountain slopes to Dole. Enjoy changing scenery as the trail enters the higher alpine valley.
Walking: Approximately 4–5 hours
Overnight: Dole, approximately 4,200 m
00
The Journey
Trek to Machhermo
Trek to Machhermo
Continue through alpine pastures and small settlements towards Machhermo. This shorter walking day provides time to rest and prepare for the higher sections ahead.
Walking: Approximately 3–4 hours
Overnight: Machhermo, approximately 4,470 m
00
The Journey
Trek to Gokyo Lakes
Trek to Gokyo Lakes
Follow the upper valley past the first glacial lakes before reaching Gokyo village beside the third lake. Spend the afternoon resting and enjoying the lakeside scenery.
Walking: Approximately 4–5 hours
00
The Journey
Optional Gokyo Ri Hike and Trek to Thagnak
Optional Gokyo Ri Hike and Trek to Thagnak
Well-acclimatised guests may make an early ascent of Gokyo Ri before returning to Gokyo and continuing to Thagnak. Follow your guide across the currently usable Ngozumpa Glacier trail.
Gokyo Ri is optional in this compact itinerary. Your guide may omit the climb according to your health, energy level and conditions.
Walking: Approximately 6–8 hours with Gokyo Ri, or 3–4 hours without
Overnight: Thagnak, approximately 4,700 m
00
The Journey
Cross Cho La Pass and Trek to Dzongla
Cross Cho La Pass and Trek to Dzongla
Start early for one of the most demanding days of the journey. Climb towards Cho La Pass, cross the high mountain terrain and descend to Dzongla.
Snow and ice may require traction equipment and additional precautions. The crossing proceeds only when your guide considers the conditions suitable.
Walking: Approximately 7–9 hours, sometimes longer
Cho La Pass: Approximately 5,420 m
Overnight: Dzongla, approximately 4,830 m
00
The Journey
Trek to Lobuche
Trek to Lobuche
Enjoy a shorter walk through the upper valley and join the main Everest Base Camp trail. Arrive in Lobuche with time to rest after the pass crossing.
Walking: Approximately 3–4 hours
Overnight: Lobuche, approximately 4,910 m
00
The Journey
Trek to Gorak Shep and Visit Everest Base Camp
Trek to Gorak Shep and Visit Everest Base Camp
Walk across rocky glacier-side terrain to Gorak Shep. After a break, continue to Everest Base Camp and enjoy the surrounding Khumbu Glacier landscape before returning to your lodge.
Walking: Approximately 7–9 hours
Everest Base Camp: Approximately 5,364 m
Overnight: Gorak Shep, approximately 5,164 m
00
The Journey
Hike to Kala Patthar and Descend to Pheriche
Hike to Kala Patthar and Descend to Pheriche
If health and weather allow, make an early climb to Kala Patthar for impressive views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Return to Gorak Shep, then descend through Lobuche towards Pheriche.
Walking: Approximately 7–9 hours
Kala Patthar viewpoint: Approximately 5,550 m
Overnight: Pheriche, approximately 4,240 m
00
The Journey
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Return through Pangboche and the Tengboche area, passing villages, forest trails and mountain viewpoints. The route includes several uphill sections before reaching Namche.
Walking: Approximately 7–9 hours
Overnight: Namche Bazaar, 3,440 m
00
The Journey
Trek to Lukla
Trek to Lukla
Descend towards the Dudh Koshi River and retrace the trail through Monjo and Phakding. Complete the final climb to Lukla and enjoy your last evening in the mountains.
Walking: Approximately 6–8 hours
Overnight: Lukla, approximately 2,860 m
00
The Journey
Fly Back, Return to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner
Fly Back, Return to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner
Take your return flight to Kathmandu or Ramechhap. If landing in Ramechhap, continue by road to Kathmandu.
Mountain flights depend on weather conditions, so additional time should be allowed before your international departure. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the Himalaya Kingdom Treks & Tours team to celebrate the completion of your Himalayan adventure.
Trip finishes: Kathmandu
Evening: Farewell dinner
Walking times and elevations are approximate. The itinerary may change according to health, weather, accommodation availability and trail conditions.
Expedition Options
Select the tier that aligns with your ambition and comfort preference.
19 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest base camp trek is certainly the most coveted route for trekking enthusiasts. Every year,...
Available Departures
We orchestrate small-batch expeditions. If these fixed dates don't align with your window, we specialize in private, bespoke treks.
| Date & Duration | Expedition Status | Total USD | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
05 Mar —
19 Mar, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
10 Mar —
24 Mar, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
05 Apr —
19 Apr, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
10 Apr —
24 Apr, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
05 May —
19 May, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
10 May —
24 May, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
05 Sep —
19 Sep, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
10 Sep —
24 Sep, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
05 Oct —
19 Oct, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
10 Oct —
24 Oct, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
05 Nov —
19 Nov, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
|
10 Nov —
24 Nov, 2027
15 Day Trek
|
available
|
$1,400 | Book Row |
Season Window
November 2026Recommended peak acclimatization windows highlighted.
Service Logistics
check_circle Includes
● Round-trip Lukla flights on the confirmed flight route.
● Ground transfers for the scheduled domestic flights, including Ramechhap transfers when required.
● Fourteen nights in standard mountain teahouses, normally on a twin-sharing basis.
● Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
● One farewell dinner in Kathmandu on the final day.
● One cup of tea or coffee with each included meal.
● Services of a government-licensed trekking guide.
● Porter support, normally one porter for two guests, with an agreed baggage limit.
● Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation and applicable staff insurance.
● Sagarmatha National Park entry and Khumbu local entry charges.
● Other mandatory route permits or registrations required at the time of travel.
● Sleeping bag and duffel bag on loan, if requested.
● Guide-carried basic first-aid kit and pulse oximeter.
● Pre-trek briefing and trekking coordination.
● Assistance arranging emergency services when necessary.
● Applicable company service charges and taxes as stated in your quotation.
cancel Excludes
● International flights and Nepal visa fees.
● Kathmandu accommodation and international airport transfers unless included in your quotation.
● Kathmandu sightseeing, meals and personal expenses, except for the included farewell dinner.
● Travel insurance, medical treatment and rescue or evacuation costs.
● Personal trekking clothing, boots and equipment.
● Traction equipment unless specifically included.
● Bottled drinks, alcohol, additional beverages and snacks.
● Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging and laundry.
● Tips for guides and porters.
● Single-room supplements where available.
● Additional expenses caused by flight delays, illness, early return or itinerary changes.
● Helicopter flights and optional upgrades.
Expert Led
Curated by seasoned high-altitude specialists.
Sustainable
Low-impact trekking, supporting local communities.
Safety First
Rigorously tested protocols and medical oxygen.
Tailored Comfort
Premium lodges and chef-prepared nutrition.
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes & Cho La Pass – 15 Days FAQs
How difficult is this trek?
It is more demanding than the classic Everest Base Camp route because it includes the Gokyo Valley, glacier trails and Cho La Pass. Good fitness and previous hiking experience are recommended.
Does the package include Kathmandu arrival and departure days?
No. The 15 days cover the programme from the outbound Lukla flight to the return to Kathmandu. Kathmandu arrival, hotel stays and international departure are arranged separately. A farewell dinner in Kathmandu on Day 15 is included.
Are Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar guaranteed?
No. Both depend on health, acclimatisation, weather and available time. Your guide may omit either excursion if an easier day or earlier descent is needed.
Do we visit all the Gokyo Lakes?
The itinerary follows the main approach lakes and includes a stay beside the third lake. Excursions to the fourth and fifth lakes require additional time and are not included.
Can beginners join?
Guests without multi-day hiking experience should discuss suitability with us before booking. A longer itinerary or the classic Everest Base Camp trek may be more suitable.
What happens if Cho La Pass cannot be crossed?
Your guide will assess whether to wait, retreat or follow an alternative route. Changes can affect the duration, cost and destinations reached.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. We can arrange additional acclimatisation days, private departures, Kathmandu hotels and cultural tours according to your needs.
Talk to our Alpine Specialists
Get a direct line to the people who coordinate every detail of your expedition. No call centers, just real experts.
Ashok Khanal
Admin
Global Team
Alpine Support