Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek

Trip ID: UM4460
Destination Everest
Duration 17 Days
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging Persons
Group Size 2-16
Maximum Altitude 5545m.
Best Time Spring and Autumn
Activities Trekking / Hiking
Accommodation Hotel & Tea House
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transportation Private
Start from Kathmandu
End at Kathmandu

Trip Overview

The Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek—often called the Everest Circuit Trek—is an exhilarating high-altitude journey through the heart of the Khumbu region, combining natural splendor, cultural richness, and alpine adventure. This remarkable route takes you from the bustling trailhead at Lukla to the turquoise glacial waters of the Gokyo Lakes, across the challenging Cho La Pass (5,330 m), and finally to the legendary Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,555 m). You’ll traverse ancient Sherpa villages, explore sacred monasteries like Tengboche, and soak in panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. The trek also features a climb to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m)—one of the best viewpoints in the entire Everest region. This trek is ideal for those looking to experience Everest’s grandeur while exploring a less-crowded and more scenic route. It is physically demanding but deeply rewarding, combining stunning alpine beauty with Sherpa culture and spiritual insight.

Trip Highlight

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

    Welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
    Overnight at hotel.

  • Day 2 : Fly to Lukla or via Manthali & trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

    Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu (35 mins) or drive to Manthali (5–6 hrs) and fly to Lukla (20 mins). Trek to Phakding (3–4 hrs).
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 3 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – 5–6 hrs

    Trek through pine forests and cross suspension bridges to reach the Sherpa town of Namche.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 4 : Acclimatization Day – Hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m)

    Short hike to Hotel Everest View for panoramic mountain vistas.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 5 : Trek to Phortse Thanga (3,680 m) – 4–5 hrs

    Ascend to Mong La, then descend through rhododendron forest to Phortse Thanga.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 6 : Trek to Machherma (4,470 m) – 5–6 hrs

    Climb past waterfalls and yak pastures with views of Cho Oyu.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 7 : Trek to Gokyo (4,800 m) – 5–6 hrs

    Pass several lakes to reach the serene village of Gokyo.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 8 : Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m) – 5–6 hrs

    Early morning climb to Gokyo Ri for a 360° view of Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 9 : Trek to Thangna (4,500 m) – 4–5 hrs

    Short trek to Cho La Pass base.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 10 : Cross Cho La Pass (5,368 m), trek to Dzongla (4,710 m) – 7–8 hrs

    Steep ascent and descent across the pass. Basic accommodation.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 11 : Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m) – 4–5 hrs

    Follow the glacial trail to Lobuche.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 12 : Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), return to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) – 7–8 hrs

    Reach Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 13 : Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m), descend to Dingboche (4,410 m) – 7–8 hrs

    Sunrise hike to Kala Patthar and trek to Dingboche.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 14 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – 6–7 hrs

    Return through Tengboche and Pangboche.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 15 : Trek to Lukla (2,840 m) – 6–7 hrs

    Final trekking day through forest and villages.
    Overnight at guesthouse.

  • Day 16 : Fly to Kathmandu or via Manthali – Transfer to hotel

    Return flight to Kathmandu. Buffer day in case of delays.
    Overnight at hotel.

  • Day 17 : Final Departure

    Transfer to the international airport for your onward journey.

Trip Cost Inclusion

  • International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off in Nepal
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) plan – twin-sharing basis
  • Accommodation in local teahouses during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
  • Local Government Entry Permit (Trek Card)
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit (Everest Permit)
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) – vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available from the teahouse menu
  • 1 farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with a cultural dance show, hosted by the Adventure Friendship Team
  • First-aid kit carried by Adventure Friendship team
  • 1 duffel bag provided by Adventure Friendship to carry your trekking luggage
  • Experienced, English-speaking licensed trekking guide
  • Insurance for guide and porter, including emergency evacuation and medical expenses
  • All meals for guide and porter during the trek
  • Guide and porter salary as per industry standards, recommended by tourism associations
  • Porter service for luggage carrying (1 porter per 2 guests, max 20 kg per porter)

Trip Cost Exclusion

  • International flight tickets
  • Domestic flight tickets (Kathmandu or Ramechhap to/from Lukla)
  • Nepal visa fees (payable upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, drivers, and staff
  • Expenses incurred due to extra days beyond the scheduled itinerary (due to weather, flight delays, etc.)
  • Personal expenses, including drinks, laundry, souvenirs, gear rental, hot showers, WiFi, and electronic charging
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the 'Cost Includes' section
  • Travel insurance (must cover both medical and emergency evacuation, with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000)
  • Extra transfer costs for transportation between Kathmandu and Ramechhap (in case of Lukla flight via Ramechhap)

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