Gokyo Everest Trek 17 Days

Gokyo to Everest Base Camp 17 Days Trek comprises an adventurous hike through Gokyo Valley before trailing via Cho La Pass (5420 m) towards the Everest Base Camp (5364 m). The trip thus features two main attractions viz. Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world at 8848 m and Gokyo Lakes. Gokyo Lakes are a group of lakes located in Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu District in north-eastern Nepal. The lakes are located inside Sagarmatha National Park at an altitude of 4700–5000 m above sea level. The lakes named after Gokyo Ri peak are one of the world’s highest freshwater lake systems of which Thonak Lake is the largest.

Flight to Lukla

The journey begins with a thrilling 30 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Despite being constructed in 1964 and paved in 2001, Lukla is still considered to be one of the most challenging airports in the world. Here you will meet with your supportive staff and begin your trek towards Phakding.

The trip begins with the spectacular view of the Himalayas and a historic insight into the Sherpa Culture. Here you will also have a chance to unveil the ever mysterious existence of Yeti, the abominable snowman. The Yeti is believed to be an ape-like creature purported to inhabit the Himalayan mountain range in Asia. Many dubious articles have been offered in an attempt to prove the existence of the Yeti. It includes anecdotal visual sightings, disputed video recordings, photographs, and plaster casts of large footprints. Of course some of these are speculated or known to be hoaxes.

Namche Bazaar

The next halt for your trek will be at Namche Bazaar. It is the main trading center and hub for the Khumbu region. Namche Bazaar is also popular among trekkers for altitude acclimatization. The town has a number of lodgings and stores catering to the needs of visitors. Additionally, it also features a number of internet cafés. Additionally, there are German bakeries, little cafes and many restaurants in the town as well. Moreover, there is also an Irish pub, said to be the highest and most remote Irish pub in the world. A popular local meal is yak steak. On Saturday mornings, a weekly market is held in the center of the village.

Gokyo Lakes

Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes in Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park, located at an altitude of 4700 m to 5000 m (15400–16400 ft) above sea level. Lakes and resorts were named after Gokyo Ri peak. These lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system comprising six main lakes, of which Thonak Lake is the largest.

Moreover, the lakes are located in Khumjung Village Development Committee of Solukhumbu District in Sagarmatha Zone in north-eastern Nepal. Gokyo Cho, also called Dudh Pokhari, is the main lake with an area of 42.9 ha (106 acres). Moreover, the village of Gokyo lies on its eastern shore. Additionally, Thonak Cho is the largest lake with an area of 65.07 ha (160.8 acres). Gyazumpa Cho is 29 ha (72 acres) in size, followed by Tanjung Cho with an area of 16.95 ha (41.9 acres). Furthermore, Ngojumba Cho has an area of 14.39 ha (35.6 acres).

Furthermore, as sources of permanent freshwater they have high hydrological value. They feed on waters from various sources, such as seepage from the Ngozumpa glacier, a stream coming from the Renjo La pass from north-west and another stream originating from the Ngozumpa glacier in the east. These are glacier-fed freshwater wetlands and discharge water to the Dudh Kosi headway via the Taujon Lake and the Longabanga Lake.

These lakes however, are deeper than previously assumed by the researchers. Fourth Lake (Thonak Cho) is the deepest lake (62.4 m) followed by the Gokyo Lake which is 43 m. A direct connection between the Gokyo Lake and the upper Thonak Cho and the Ngozumpa Cho has not been observed, but these lakes may be connected via underground seepage water.

Gokyo Ri

Gokyo Peak is a 5357 m (17575 ft)-high peak in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It is located on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal. Additionally, it is also reputed to be the largest in the whole Himalayas. Gokyo (4750 m / 15583 ft above sea level), at the base of Gokyo Ri, is a small hamlet of a few stone houses and one of the highest settlements in the world. From the summit of Gokyo Ri it is possible to see four 8000 m peaks. They are Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.

The Cho La Pass

This trip also features a hike through the Cho La Pass. Moreover, the Pass also falls inside Everest Circuit Trek. It is a summit pass located at 5420 m above sea level in the Solukhumbu District. Additionally, it connects the village of Dzongla (4830 m) to the east and the village of Thagnak (4700 m) to the west.

Gorakshep

Gorak Shep or Gorakshep is a small settlement that sits on the edge of a frozen lakebed covered with sand in Nepal with the same name. It is found at an elevation of 5,164 meters (16,942 ft) elevation, near Mount Everest. Also, in recent times, more modern amenities have become available in the region, such as high-speed internet access.

Everest Base Camp

The base camps are rudimentary campsites at the base of Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. Supplies are shipped to the Base Camp by porters, and with the help of animals, usually yaks. Not only do climbers rest at base camp for acclimatization, but also it reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

Kala Patthar

A notable landmark, Kala Patthar (5,644.5 m / 18,519 ft) is located on the south ridge of Pumori above Gorakshep. Kala Patthar is very popular with trekkers as it provides the most accessible closeup view of Everest.

Kathmandu Day Tour 

The package additionally tags you to explore the historical civilization of Kathmandu Valley. During the tour you will get an insight into UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath, the monkey temple, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar Square to witness the living goddess Kumari.

Trek Map

Trip Video

Additional information on Gokyo-Everest Base Camp 17-Days Trek:

Booking your Gokyo-Everest Base Camp 17-Days Trek:

We are offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Everest region for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 1695 per person upfront. If you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We accept USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking your International Flight:

For your 17 Days Gokyo EBC Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 17. However, the Lukla flights can be canceled due to adverse weather, so having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Checklist for 17-Days Gokyo-Everest Base Camp Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your EBC Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival information:

Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us. Our airport representatives will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can arrange accommodation for extra nights and add-on tours as well for additional cost and provide complimentary airport pickup.

Flight to Lukla and Return:

During the peak season, typically from mid-March to mid-May in spring and late September to late November in autumn, flights to Lukla and back operate from Ramechhap airport. At other times of the year, they depart from Kathmandu. We will however arrange the approximately 4-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport at no additional cost. Optionally you may as well book a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport with additional costs (USD 400).

Trek starting and ending days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 3 to Day 15. You’ll fly to Lukla on Day 3 to commence the trek and return back to Lukla on Day 15. On Day 16, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu and be transferred to your hotel. Expect to spend 13 nights and 13 days completing the Gokyo-EBC trek. You’ll begin your trek from Lukla to Gokyo and then to Everest Base Camp and back to Lukla with overnight stays in villages like Phakding, Namche, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo, Dzongla, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Pheriche, Deboche and Lukla. Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu:

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in a 3 Star Category Hotel with twin / double sharing beds.

Accommodation in the Mountains:

During the trek, your accommodation options are teahouses. Although basic, these Gokyo-EBC teahouses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food:

In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style except on the day of your Lukla flight, when you’ll receive a packed breakfast. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trail.

Baggage and weight limit:

On your flight to Lukla, the total baggage weight allowance is 15 kgs, combining both checked and carry-on baggage. Ensure you pack approximately 10/11 kilos in your checked bag and 5/4 kilos in your carry-on to stay within the 15-kilo limit. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Drinking water during the trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek to the Everest region, not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for extras and tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 200 to 300 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside 150-200 USD for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of Gokyo-Everest Base Camp 17-Days Trek:

1. Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364 m)

2. Trek to Gokyo Ri Peak (5357 m)

3. Explore Gokyo Lakes

4. Hike to Kala Patthar (5545 m)

5. A thrilling flight to and from Lukla Airport

6. Trek inside Sagarmatha National Park

7. Explore Namche Bazar

8. Experience Sherpa culture and traditions

9. Chance to unravel the mysteries of abominable Yeti