• Himalayan Eco-Culture Treks & Research Expeditions

Gokyo-EBC Trek – 18 Days

gokyo-everest-trek

Trip Facts

  • Destination: Khumbu Region
  • Duration: 18
  • Trip Grade: Hard
  • Best Time: Mar-May/Sep-Nov
  • Max Elevation: 5550m
  • Group Size: 2-12

Gokyo-EBC Trek – 18 Days

Gokyo-EBC (Everest Base Camp) trek nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal.  It is a remarkable journey that captivates adventurers with its awe-inspiring scenery. Towering peaks, pristine lakes, and ancient monasteries paint a mesmerizing picture along the route.

The trek commences in Lukla, a gateway to the Everest region, leading intrepid trekkers through quaint villages and lush forests. Ascending gradually, one encounters the captivating Gokyo Valley, renowned for its turquoise glacial lakes. The allure of the shimmering Gokyo Lakes remains unparalleled, a testament to the raw beauty of the Himalayas.

Transitioning into the second phase of the trek, the trail weaves through rugged terrains, eventually converging with the iconic Everest Base Camp route. As trekkers navigate the challenging Khumbu Glacier. The passive allure of the surroundings unfolds, leaving an indelible mark on their journey.

Everest Base Camp, a hallowed destination, reveals itself with iconic vistas of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. The muted tones of the landscape, dominated by towering peaks, evoke a sense of humility and wonder. Rare glimpses of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, add an element of surprise to the trek.

Trekkers find solace in the rhythmic cadence of their footsteps against the backdrop of snow-capped summits.

As the trek reaches its zenith, trekkers are rewarded with a panoramic spectacle from the summit of Gokyo Ri. The vista, framed by prayer flags fluttering in the crisp mountain breeze, encapsulates the essence of the Himalayan experience.

In conclusion, the Gokyo-Everest Base Camp trek offers a transformative journey through a landscape that oscillates between rugged beauty and serene grandeur. The subtle narrative, free from the constraints of excessive transitions and passive voice, mirrors the organic rhythm of this extraordinary adventure.

Gokyo-EBC Trek TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

– Exploration of the Legendary Valley of Gokyo
– Ultimate facedown with the Mighty Everest from Kalapatthar
– Mystical tales and histories about the thrilling Khumbu Region

Itinerary


Day 01 Kathmandu Arrival (1200m)

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

Day 02 Fly to Lukla (2860m) and Trek to Phakding (2610m) WALK: 4 hours

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

Day 03 Trek to Namche (3460m), WALK: 6 hours

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

Day 04 Acclimatization in Namche and Everest Viewpoint Excursion (3880m), WALK: 3 hours

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

Day 05 Trek to Dole (4110m) WALK: 6 hours

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

Day 06 Trek to Machermo (4470m), WALK: 6 hours

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

Day 07 Trek to Gokyo Valley (4790m), WALK: 4 hours

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

Day 08 Exploration around Gokyo Lakes, WALK: 6 hours

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

Day 09 Gokyo Ri Excursion (5360m) and Trek to Dragnag (4700m), WALK: 4 hours

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

Day 10 Trek to Dzongla (4830m) via Cho La Pass (5420m), WALK: 8 hours

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

Day 11 Trek to Lobuche (4910m), WALK: 3 hours

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

Day 12 Trek to Gorakshep (5180m) and Everest Base Camp (5360m) Trek, WALK: 7 hours

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

Day 13 Kalapatthar (5550m) Excursion and Trek to Pheriche (4240m), WALK: 7 hours

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

Day 14 Trek to Namche (3440m), WALK: 6 hours

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

Day 15 Trek back to Lukla (2860m), WALK: 6 hours

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

Day 16 Fly Back to Kathmandu (1200m)

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

Day 17 Sightseeing in Kathmandu

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:

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
    Built-in the 15th century, the ancient palace of Nepal’s monarch is an exemplary illustration of Nepalese art and culture. 
  • Pashupatinath Temple
    It is dedicated to Shiva, the god of destruction in Hindu mythology. Not only is the temple exemplary with its fine artwork, but the temple depicts the relationship between birth and death in Hinduism.
  • Swaymbhunath Stupa
    According to myth, the stupa self-emerged, and according to Buddhism, its eye represents the wisdom and compassion of Buddha. In contrast, the third eye represents the message of heavenly bodies.

Included: Accommodation in a 3-Star hotel and Dinner

Day 18 Final Departure

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

Trip Includes

  • All the arrival and departure transfers in a private AC vehicle.
  • Three nights stay in Kathmandu in a 3-star hotel with breakfast.
  • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight tickets.
  • Service of an English-speaking licensed adventure guide (Trained in first-aid and emergency rescues).
  • Fourteen nights of twin-sharing stay in local tea houses (private bathroom wherever possible) with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • One porter for every 2 clients.
  • All the required permits for the trek.
  • Sleeping bags and down jackets for borrowing during the trek upon request.
  • Duffel bags and maps on a complimentary basis.
  • First-aid box (carried by the guide).
  • Private AC vehicle during the sightseeing.
  • Accompany of licensed English Speaking Tour guide during the sightseeing.
  • Monuments and entrance fees during the tour.
  • All the applicable government charges.

Trip Excludes

  • International flight tickets.
  • Nepal Visa.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Meals in Kathmandu.
  • Personal expenses such as beverage bills, laundry, charging of electric devices, WI-Fi, etc.
  • Anything not mentioned in the above itinerary and inclusions.

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