Gokyo EBC Trek – 18 Days
- DURATION: 18 DAYS
- Himalayan Eco-Culture Treks & Research Expeditions
Gokyo EBC Trek: A Legendary Himalayan Journey Beyond Everest Base Camp
The Gokyo EBC Trek is one of Nepal’s most awe-inspiring adventures—an epic journey through remote alpine valleys, turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain passes, and sacred glaciers in the shadow of Mount Everest. This alternative route to the classic Everest Base Camp trek (EBC) combines serene beauty with raw Himalayan grandeur, offering trekkers an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary.
For those seeking solitude, spiritual connection, and striking vistas of the highest peaks on Earth, the Gokyo EBC Trek is a perfect blend of challenge and discovery.
What Is the Gokyo EBC Trek?
The Gokyo EBC Trek, also known as the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes, is a circular trail in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It links two of the most iconic trekking destinations: the Gokyo Valley, famous for its turquoise glacial lakes and panoramic views from Gokyo Ri, and the legendary Everest Base Camp, situated beneath the world’s tallest peak.
Unlike the traditional EBC route, this trail crosses the Cho La Pass (5,420m), offering a more adventurous and varied experience. Trekkers walk through Sherpa settlements, explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, and gain unmatched views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Why Choose the Gokyo EBC Trek?
Gokyo Lakes – Glacial Jewels of the Himalayas
One of the most captivating features of the Gokyo EBC Trek is the journey through the Gokyo Valley, home to six shimmering glacial lakes. The Gokyo Lakes, nestled at altitudes of 4,700–5,000 meters, are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists.
These pristine waters reflect the snow-covered peaks like mirrors, making it one of the most photogenic places on Earth. The trek to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) rewards trekkers with a 360-degree panorama of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu—four of the world’s highest mountains.
Everest Base Camp – Legendary Destination
After crossing the exhilarating Cho La Pass, trekkers reconnect with the main Everest Base Camp trail. From Lobuche, the trail winds toward Gorakshep and finally reaches the sacred ground of Everest Base Camp (5,364m), a hallowed site for climbers and adventure lovers.
Nearby, the summit of Kalapatthar (5,545m) offers the most iconic viewpoint of Mount Everest, especially during sunrise when the first light hits the mighty summit.
Key Highlights of the Gokyo EBC Trek
Best Time to Do the Gokyo EBC Trek
The best seasons for the Gokyo EBC Trek are:
Who Is This Trek For?
The Gokyo EBC Trek is ideal for physically fit adventurers with prior trekking experience. While not technical, the trek involves long days at high altitude and a challenging glacier pass (Cho La). Altitude acclimatization and good gear are essential.
Hiring experienced Nepali guides and porters is highly recommended for safety and cultural understanding.
Sustainable Trekking & Local Culture
The route passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods. Trekkers are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, respect local customs, and support community-owned lodges.
Sherpa hospitality, Tibetan Buddhism, and yak caravans are part of the living heritage of the Khumbu. This trek is not just a journey through landscapes, but through culture, spirituality, and time.
Conclusion: A Trail for the Soul
The Gokyo EBC Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the soul of the Himalayas. It’s a journey of contrasts—between silence and struggle, still lakes and roaring glaciers, towering peaks and humble monasteries. It’s a trek that doesn’t just test your endurance, but awakens your wonder.
For those seeking the best of Everest beyond the crowds, with a deeper immersion into nature and culture, the Gokyo EBC Trek is your ultimate path.
Namaste! Welcome to the Land of Himalayas. Once the plane lands at Tribhuvan International Airport, you can get your visa on arrival from the Visa desk. After collecting luggage, a representative of Himalayan Eco-cultures will attend to you with a placard of your name right outside the arrival gate. Then we will proceed towards our hotel, where our travel planner will meet and brief us about the upcoming trekking events. Get Checked-in and get fresh as we will be going out for a delicious Nepali dinner in the evening, where we can also enjoy some cultural shows.
Dinner and accommodation in the 3-star hotel included
Early morning, we will take a 30 min flight to Lukla, the gateway to Everest. After landing, we will meet our porters and the crew and begin our trek. Along rhododendron forest, pine trees, and Dudh Koshi river, we will ascend a gradual uphill to reach Phakding.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After Breakfast, we will ascend slowly toward the beautiful village of Monjo. We will encounter our first checkpoint a little further, and then we will gradually walk the plain trail to Tok Tok and its famous waterfall. Slowly ascending again, we will find the staircase leading towards the Hillary Suspension bridge, after which the rest of the trail for the day is a steep climb. The path is through an alpine forest with many resting points, so we will be pausing now and then before finally arriving at the Sherpa Capital of Everest Region, Namche Bazaar. Small lodges, shops, café, and bakeries with the warm welcome of local makes Namche a fan-favorite for every trekker.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We will let our body adjust to the thinner oxygen level in the atmosphere due to increasing altitude. Then, we will climb to the viewpoint at 3880m and stay there for a couple of hours, enjoying the scenic view of Everest, Nuptse, Thamserku, Taboche, Kusum Kanguru, Ama Dablam, and the holy mountain of Sherpa’s Khumbila. After spending adequate time, we will climb back to Namche to sleep at the lower altitude.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We will walk beside the viewpoint hill through the relatively plain trail Kangjuma until we reach Sanasa, where the base camp and Gokyo track separately. From Sanasa, we will ascend uphill through a narrow path enjoying the beautiful view of Ama Dablam. After reaching Mong, the trail will gradually descend toward Phortse Thanga, beside the Dudh Koshi river. Then we will climb uphill again, crossing the third checkpoint to reach Dole, our camp for the day.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After Breakfast, we will slowly climb uphill on a narrow trail beside Lhabarma hill on the right and the Dudh Koshi river deep down on the left. Then we will walk through Luza village to finally reach our destination for the day in Macchermo. Though our trek is relatively short, we don’t want to over-exert ourselves as we are above 4000 m already, and there is no acclimatization day.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Leaving behind the small Sherpa settlement, we will continue to ascend. We can hear the Dudh Koshi river’s flow more clearly as we begin to reach closer to our destination. A short 30 min steep climb to the end will lead us to a small bridge from where the rest of the trail is quite plain. We will also get our first glimpse of 1st Gokyo lake after crossing the iron bridge. Then we will pass through the beautiful 2nd Gokyo lake filled with mane rocks to finally reach the 3rd Gokyo lake, wherein one shore lies the Gokyo Ri, the tallest viewpoint of the area, and Gokyo Valley – a bustling Sherpa village filled on another. During the winter, Solid Ice covers most parts of the lake.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The lakes of Gokyo are more than just a glamorous view. It is sacred for people of the Khumbu region who takes a dip during the Janai Purnima festival that falls in August. We will take a day to explore the valley, its people, and the views.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Early morning before sunrise, we will climb the Gokyo Ri, which takes approx. 2 hours from where we can watch a beautiful light in front of a magnificent panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and other mountains. After spending some time at the peak of Gokyo-Ri, we will climb down and trek to Dragnag crossing the Ngozumba glacier.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Our ascent today will be steep with loose rocks on the course. The challenging climb will get further adventurous due to the icy path. After reaching the Cho La pass, the stunning panoramic view of the Khumbu region’s mountain ranges accompanies us, and the trail climbs down a rocky course. The path cut through the stream will lead us to Dzongla.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Our trek will start with a decent today. Then we will further climb up until the path gets straightened. We will then reach Dughla, where the trail will join the classic EBC route. As we close up to Lobuche, we will witness the memorial stones with heartfelt messages for the fallen adventurers. After reaching Lobuche, we will camp for the night.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Pump yourself with adrenaline as we will be reaching the final destination of our journey today. A slight ascent through the Khumbu glacier will lead us to Gorakshep, where we will re-energize ourselves with Lunch. Enjoying the close-up view of Pumori, and Khumbustse, among many more, we will climb towards the Everest Base Camp, marked by giant boulders, prayer flags, and memorials. Then we will descend back through the Khumbu glacier to rest for the day in Gorakshep as a significant morning awaits us.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner accommodation in the mountain lodge included
Early morning, we will hike toward the Kalapatthar, a viewpoint above EBC. The strenuous walk will award us the surreal experience of a panoramic view of the Himalayas: Ama Dablam, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many more, including the mighty Mount Everest. The sunrise view from above is absolutely to die for. Tears of joy might run in you, and that moment’s beautiful memories will haunt you forever. After Breakfast in Gorakshep, we will descend through the same trail of Lobuche to Dughla before finally diverting to another path towards Pheriche.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner accommodation in the mountain lodge included
We will descend from Pheriche, crossing the bridge over the Khumbu river to reach Pangboche. We will slowly leave the deserted trail to re-enter the forested trail we climbed before. The route will lead us back to the radiant village of Namche. Visit the cafes, buy souvenirs, and enjoy your time with the area’s ever-smiling, warm locals.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner accommodation in the mountain lodge included
A short trek of 5 hours will take us back to Lukla. Your crew will be parting soon, so you can thank them and give your warm wishes to bid farewell in the hope of seeing them again some time.
Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
30 min flight back to Kathmandu, and our representative will escort you to your hotel. Your body might yearn for hot baths and a good body massage. You can buy souvenirs and roam around Kathmandu for the day. Later in the evening, your Travel planner will meet you for a farewell dinner, and you can share your feedback and experience with them.
Included: Accommodation in a 3-Star hotel and Dinner
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
“The city of thousand Temples,” Kathmandu, is a cultural hub of Nepal. Today, we will be exploring some UNESCO heritage sites:
Included: Accommodation in a 3-Star hotel and Dinner
Our representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before departure. We hope you had a wonderful experience with us, and we will soon meet again on your next adventure.
Breakfast included
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