Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Valley

Detailed itinerary

• day 01
  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)

  Ground zero of your big Himalayan trek is Kathmandu at 1,400m (4,600 feet). Everything will be taken care of as you land in the country. Our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Take time to rest and adjust to the time zone. In the evening, we’ll hold a comprehensive pre-trip meeting where we’ll review your trek itinerary, discuss gear requirements, and answer any questions you may have.

  Points of Interest:

  • Thamel district (shopping and restaurants)
  • Durbar Square (if time permits)
  • Local markets and temples

  • Accommodation: Hotel
• day 02
  Fly To Lukla (2,840m/9,334ft) and Trek To Phakding (2,610m/8,562ft)

  Your Himalayan adventure begins with an exhilarating mountain flight to Lukla, offering spectacular aerial views of the eastern Himalayas. After landing at the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport, we’ll meet our trekking crew and begin our journey through the Dudh Koshi Valley. The trail descends gently through pine forests and traditional Sherpa villages, following the milky waters of the Dudh Koshi River.

  Note: During peak season (March, April, May, October, and November), flights to Lukla operate from Manthali/Ramechaap, requiring a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu. We wake up early around 2:30 am for this journey.

  Flight: 30 minutes (Kathmandu to Lukla) or 20 minutes (Manthali to Lukla) Trek Distance: 7.8km (4.8 miles) Trek Duration: 3-4 hours Difficulty Level: Easy (mostly downhill with some flat sections)

  Points of Interest:

  • Tenzing-Hillary Airport (one of the world’s most dramatic airports)
  • Dudh Koshi River valley
  • Buddhist prayer wheels and mani stones
  • First glimpses of the Himalayan foothills

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 03
  Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft)

  Today features one of the most significant elevation gains of the trek as we make our way to the famous Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. After breakfast, we follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. At Monjo village, we enter Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) where permits are checked. The final stretch involves a challenging 2-hour ascent through pine forests before Namche Bazaar reveals itself, nestled in its amphitheater-shaped setting.

  Trek Distance: 10.4km (6.5 miles) Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Difficulty Level: Challenging (significant uphill sections)

  Points of Interest:

  • Hillary Suspension Bridge (high above the Dudh Koshi River)
  • Sagarmatha National Park entrance
  • First viewpoint of Mt. Everest (weather permitting)
  • Namche Bazaar market and cultural hub

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 04
  Rest at Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft)

  A crucial acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar allows your body to adapt to the increasing altitude. Following the mountaineering principle of “climb high, sleep low,” we’ll take a morning hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for breathtaking panoramas of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. The afternoon is yours to explore Namche’s markets, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, or relax in one of the many bakeries or cafes. This vibrant mountain town offers excellent opportunities for photography, shopping, and cultural immersion.

  Hike Distance: 4-5km (2.5-3 miles) round trip Hike Duration: 3-4 hours Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Everest View Hotel panoramic viewpoint
  • Khumjung village and Hillary School
  • Sherpa Culture Museum
  • Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center
  • Namche Bazaar markets and monasteries

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 05
  Trek to Phortse (3,840m/12,598ft)

  Today we leave the main Everest Base Camp trail and head toward the less-traveled Gokyo Valley route. After climbing out of Namche, we follow a scenic ridge trail with spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We’ll pass through the settlement of Mong La before descending to Phortse Thanga and then climbing to Phortse village. This traditional Sherpa settlement offers an authentic glimpse into local mountain life, with fewer tourists than the main EBC route.

  Trek Distance: 10-11km (6.2-6.8 miles) Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Panoramic mountain views from Mong La
  • Traditional Sherpa architecture in Phortse
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities (musk deer, Himalayan tahr, pheasants)
  • Ancient Buddhist stupas and prayer flags

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 06
  Trek to Machherma (4,470m/14,663ft)

  As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly barren and dramatic. Today’s trek takes us through high alpine terrain with diminishing vegetation. We’ll climb steadily through rhododendron forests (spectacular if trekking in spring) before emerging above the tree line. The views become increasingly expansive as we approach Machherma, a small settlement that serves as an important acclimatization point before reaching the Gokyo Lakes.

  Trek Distance: 10km (6.2 miles) Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Difficulty Level: Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Dramatic views of Cho Oyu (8,201m)
  • Alpine meadows and wildflowers (seasonal)
  • Dudh Koshi River valley views
  • Machherma Rescue Post (important medical facility)

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 07
  Trek to Gokyo Valley (4,790m/15,715ft)

  Today we reach the magnificent Gokyo Valley, home to the stunning turquoise lakes that make this trek so special. The trail climbs gradually alongside a rushing glacial stream before reaching the first of the Gokyo Lakes. We’ll pass the second lake before arriving at the third and largest lake, Dudh Pokhari, on whose shores sits the settlement of Gokyo. The emerald waters against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks create one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Himalayas.

  Trek Distance: 7km (4.3 miles) Trek Duration: 4-5 hours Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • First, second, and third Gokyo Lakes
  • Ngozumpa Glacier views (longest glacier in the Himalayas)
  • Dramatic mountain panoramas
  • Gokyo settlement on the lakeshore

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 08
  Trek to Gokyo-Ri & back to Gokyo

  An early morning start takes us on a challenging climb up Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft), one of the highlights of the entire trek. The 2-3 hour ascent rewards us with one of the finest panoramas in the Himalayas – a 360-degree view encompassing four 8,000m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The turquoise Gokyo Lakes shimmer below, while the massive Ngozumpa Glacier stretches into the distance. After soaking in the views and capturing photographs, we descend to Gokyo for a well-earned rest.

  Trek Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) round trip Trek Duration: 5-6 hours round trip Difficulty Level: Very Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Gokyo Ri summit (5,357m)
  • Panoramic views of four 8,000m peaks
  • Ngozumpa Glacier from above
  • All five Gokyo Lakes visible from summit

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 09
  Trek to Thangna (4,730m/15,518ft)

  Today we cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Thangna, positioned at the foot of the Cho La pass. The glacier crossing requires careful navigation over moraine, ice, and rock. Though not technically difficult, it demands attention and good balance. Thangna is a small, basic settlement that serves primarily as a staging point before tackling the challenging Cho La pass tomorrow.

  Trek Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles) Trek Duration: 4-5 hours Difficulty Level: Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Ngozumpa Glacier crossing
  • Dramatic glacial features (ice formations, glacial lakes)
  • Views back to Gokyo Valley
  • Alpine wilderness

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 10
  Cross Cho La pass (5,420m/17,775ft) to Dzongla (4,830m/15,840ft)

  One of the most demanding days of the trek, crossing the Cho La pass requires an early start and good weather conditions. The approach involves a steep climb over rocky terrain before reaching the glacier that covers the pass. Depending on the season, we may need to navigate snow and ice using microspikes or crampons. The views from the top are spectacular, with Ama Dablam dominating the skyline. A steep descent brings us to the remote settlement of Dzongla for the night.

  Trek Distance: 9.4km (5.8 miles) Trek Duration: 7-8 hours Difficulty Level: Very Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Cho La pass (5,420m)
  • Glacier crossing
  • Prayer flags at the pass summit
  • Dramatic views of Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 11
  Trek to Lobuche (4,940m/16,210ft)

  After the challenges of yesterday, today offers a relatively easier trek as we join the main Everest Base Camp trail at Lobuche. The path traverses along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with stunning views of Nuptse, Pumori, and other peaks. We’ll pass the somber memorials to climbers who have lost their lives on Everest – a poignant reminder of the mountain’s dangers. Lobuche sits in a stunning high-altitude setting surrounded by towering peaks.

  Trek Distance: 8.4km (5.2 miles) Trek Duration: 4-5 hours Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Memorial cairns for fallen climbers

  • Khumbu Glacier views

  • Dramatic high-altitude landscape

  • Nuptse and Pumori views

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 12
  Trek to Gorakshep (5,164m/16,942ft). After lunch trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft) & trek back to Gorakshep

  Today we reach one of our primary destinations – Everest Base Camp. The morning trek to Gorakshep follows the Khumbu Glacier’s edge through a lunar-like landscape of ice pinnacles and moraine. After lunch at Gorakshep, we continue to Everest Base Camp, walking on the glacier itself for the final stretch. While Mount Everest is partially obscured from Base Camp, the setting among the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks is truly spectacular. After exploring Base Camp and taking photos at this iconic location, we return to Gorakshep for the night.

  Trek Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles) to Gorakshep + 7km (4.3 miles) round trip to EBC Trek Duration: 3 hours to Gorakshep + 4-5 hours round trip to EBC Difficulty Level: Very Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
  • Khumbu Icefall
  • Khumbu Glacier
  • Prayer flags and Base Camp marker
  • Views of Nuptse, Pumori, and Khumbutse

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 13
  Hike up to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,519ft) & trek to Pheriche (4,371m/14,340ft)

  We start before dawn for the steep climb to Kala Patthar, timed to reach the summit for sunrise. This vantage point offers the most spectacular view of Mount Everest, which is partially hidden from Base Camp itself. The 360-degree panorama includes Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and countless other peaks bathed in the golden morning light. After descending to Gorakshep for breakfast, we trek down to the broader valley of Pheriche, losing considerable altitude and finding welcome relief in the thicker air.

  Trek Distance: 3km (1.9 miles) round trip to Kala Patthar + 10km (6.2 miles) to Pheriche Trek Duration: 3-4 hours round trip to Kala Patthar + 4 hours to Pheriche Difficulty Level: Very Challenging (Kala Patthar), then Moderate (descent to Pheriche)

  Points of Interest:

  • Kala Patthar summit (5,545m)

  • Sunrise over Mount Everest

  • Panoramic Himalayan views

  • Pheriche valley

  • Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Pheriche

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 14
  Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft)

  Today we continue our descent, retracing our steps down the Khumbu Valley. We’ll pass through the villages of Pangboche and Tengboche, home to one of the most important monasteries in the Khumbu region. The trail offers beautiful forest sections and spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other peaks. The significant descent helps with acclimatization and provides a welcome return to lusher environments and warmer temperatures.

  Trek Distance: 15km (9.3 miles) Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Difficulty Level: Moderate (mostly downhill with some uphill sections)

  Points of Interest:

  • Tengboche Monastery
  • Rhododendron and pine forests
  • Ama Dablam views
  • Dudh Koshi River valley
  • Return to the comforts of Namche Bazaar

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 15
  Trek to Lukla (2,840m/9,318ft)

  Our final day of trekking takes us back to where our foot journey began – Lukla. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through Sherpa villages. This is a time for reflection on the incredible journey we’ve completed, with a last chance to enjoy the mountain landscapes and cultural experiences of the Khumbu region. We’ll celebrate our successful trek with our guides and porters in Lukla.

  Trek Distance: 18km (11.2 miles) Trek Duration: 6-7 hours Difficulty Level: Moderate (mostly downhill with some uphill sections)

  Points of Interest:

  • Final views of the Khumbu mountains
  • Traditional Sherpa villages
  • Suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi
  • Celebration dinner in Lukla

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 16
  Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft). Farewell dinner

  We take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, bringing our Himalayan adventure to a close. The 30-minute flight offers a last glimpse of the mountains before returning to the hustle and bustle of Nepal’s capital. The rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or simply relaxing after the trek. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine and cultural performances.

  Flight: 30 minutes 

  Points of Interest:

  • Aerial views of the Himalayas
  • Kathmandu sightseeing opportunities
  • Souvenir shopping in Thamel
  • Farewell dinner with cultural show

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 17
  Final Departure

  Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. As you leave Nepal, you’ll take with you unforgettable memories of your journey through the world’s highest mountains.

  Difficulty Level: Easy

  Points of Interest:

  • Last-minute exploration of Kathmandu (time permitting)

  • Meal: Breakfast