Nepal · Trekking

20-Day Everest Gokyo Trek via Salleri with Base Camp and Cho La Pass

18 Days Strenuous pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Scenic alternative Everest-Gokyo trekking route via Salleri
  • 02 Walk through authentic Rai and Sherpa villages rich in culture and tradition
  • 03 Follow one of the original Everest expedition routes used in the early days
  • 04 See the turquoise lakes of Gokyo Valley and panoramic views from Gokyo Ri
  • 05 Reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar on the same journey
  • 06 Enjoy spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Cho Oyu
  • 07 Trek through terraced farms, monasteries, forests, alpine valleys, and glaciers
  • 08 Experience a less crowded and more immersive Everest trail

The Everest Gokyo Trek via Salleri follows a remarkable alternative route to Everest Base Camp, combining the quieter Solu approach with the turquoise lakes of Gokyo Valley and the classic Everest highlights. Beginning with an overland journey from Kathmandu to Phaplu, the trek passes through authentic Rai and Sherpa villages, terraced farmlands, monasteries, and river valleys before joining the main trail near Lukla. After acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar, continue to Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo, with the option to hike Gokyo Ri for panoramic Himalayan views. The journey then crosses Cho La Pass to reach Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar before descending to Lukla for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.

The Everest Gokyo Trek via Salleri follows a remarkable alternative route to Everest Base Camp, combining the quieter Solu approach with the turquoise lakes of Gokyo Valley and the classic Everest highlights.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 18 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Strenuous
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Phaplu, Everest Base Camp-South, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Kala Patthar, Salleri, Pangboche, Gorakshep, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo, Sagarmatha National Park, Pheriche, Khumjung
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

20-Day Everest Gokyo Trek via Salleri

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

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. Once settled, you may visit the office for a pre-trip briefing to discuss trek details, safety, and final preparations.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Phaplu (2,469 m), Trek to Takshindo (2,930 m)

Your adventure begins with a scenic jeep drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu, covering approximately 275 km in 8-9 hours. The journey showcases rural Nepal, terraced farmlands, winding mountain roads, and traditional villages. From Phaplu, trek through Ringmo village to Takshindo, famous for its historic monastery and traditional cheese factory.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 275 km (drive)

Day 3: Trek from Takshindo (2,930 m) to Kharikhola (2,040 m)

After visiting the Takshindo Monastery and enjoying panoramic views of Salleri, descend through terraced fields and forested trails toward Kharikhola. Walk alongside the Dudh Koshi River, passing Sherpa villages such as Nunthala and Jubhing while learning about Buddhist traditions.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 11 km

Day 4: Trek from Kharikhola (2,040 m) to Paiya (2,730 m)

Enjoy warm Magar hospitality before descending to a river crossing and climbing steep forest trails to Bupsa. Pass monkey-inhabited forests and ascend to Khari La Pass, offering views of Khumbila, Gyanchung Kang, and Tham Danda before descending to Paiya.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 11 km

Day 5: Trek from Paiya (2,730 m) to Phakding (2,610 m)

Today's trek features rolling ascents and descents through Surke and the Dudh Koshi valley. Cross suspension bridges and reach Lukla, then continue through Chheplung and Ghat before arriving at Phakding via yak pastures and Sherpa settlements.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10.6 km

Day 6: Trek from Phakding (2,610 m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Cross multiple suspension bridges and enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. After Jorsale, begin a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Enjoy your first breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse upon arrival.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 11 km

Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

This is a rest and acclimatization day. Explore Namche Bazaar's bakeries, museums, and markets, or hike to Everest View Hotel, Khunde, or Khumjung. Enjoy sunset views over Everest and Ama Dablam.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) to Dole (4,110 m)

Hike through Syangboche, Sanasa, and Phortse Thanga while enjoying stunning views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Taboche, and Kongde Ri. Pass through rhododendron forests and wildlife-rich terrain before reaching Dole.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10 km

Day 9: Trek from Dole (4,110 m) to Machhermo (4,470 m)

Continue gradually uphill through alpine terrain and the seasonal settlements of Lhabarma and Luza. Enjoy sweeping views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and the Ngozumpa Glacier before reaching Machhermo.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10 km

Day 10: Trek from Machhermo (4,470 m) to Gokyo (4,790 m)

Ascend past moraines and turquoise lakes, including Longpongo and Taboche Tsho, before reaching the stunning Dudh Pokhari (Gokyo Lake). The view of Cho Oyu towering above the Gokyo Lakes is unforgettable.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7 km

Day 11: Acclimatization Day at Gokyo (4,790 m)

Take an optional early-morning hike to Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier. Alternatively, explore the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Trek from Gokyo (4,790 m) to Dragnag (4,750 m)

A short but scenic walk across the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier leads to Dragnag (Thangnag), an important base for crossing Cho La Pass.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4.4 km

Day 13: Trek from Dragnag (4,750 m) to Dzongla (4,830 m) via Cho La Pass

This is a challenging but rewarding day crossing Cho La Pass. Enjoy dramatic views of Cho La Lake and Cholatse before descending carefully to Dzongla.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 9.4 km

Day 14: Trek from Dzongla (4,830 m) to Gorakshep (5,140 m)

Follow glacial trails toward Lobuche, rejoining the main Everest Base Camp route. Continue onward to Gorakshep beneath towering Himalayan peaks.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10.8 km

Day 15: Excursion to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

This is a historic and emotional day. Trek to Everest Base Camp, walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier, take photos, and enjoy the sense of achievement before returning to Gorakshep.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 7 km

Day 16: Sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,555 m), Trek to Pheriche (4,240 m)

Begin with an early-morning climb to Kala Patthar for sunrise views over Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori. Descend to Gorakshep for breakfast, then continue down to Pheriche.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 11.5 km

Day 17: Trek from Pheriche (4,240 m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Descend through Pangboche and Tengboche, enjoying your final views of Everest. Walk through forests and traditional villages back to Namche Bazaar.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 14.3 km

Day 18: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) to Lukla (2,840 m)

Cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge and descend through rhododendron forests and Sherpa villages. Celebrate the successful completion of your trek upon arrival in Lukla.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 13.5 km

Day 19: Scenic Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Enjoy a spectacular mountain flight back to Kathmandu. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, shopping, or exploring the city.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Time: 40-50 minutes

Day 20: Final Departure

The team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your flight for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
17 cities · 18 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport Transfers

  • Pickup and drop-off services from/to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, by private vehicle.

Accommodation

  • Kathmandu: Twin-sharing accommodation at a comfortable 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast basis).
  • During the trek: Twin-sharing accommodation in tea houses/lodges as per the itinerary.

Transportation

  • Shared jeep drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu, the starting point of the Everest Gokyo Trek via Salleri.
  • Scenic domestic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, including domestic airport transfers.

Meals

  • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trekking period.

Trekking Permits & Fees

  • TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System).
  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
  • Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit.
  • All applicable government and local taxes.

Trekking Staff & Support

  • One licensed, English-speaking professional trekking guide, including salary, accommodation, meals, transportation, equipment, and insurance.

Safety & Equipment

  • Comprehensive first-aid medical kit with high-altitude medicines and an oximeter to monitor oxygen levels.
  • Duffel bag for trekking use.

Additional Services

  • Airport transfer for your final departure from Kathmandu.

What's Not Included

International Travel & Insurance

  • International airfare to and from Nepal.
  • Nepal entry visa fees.
  • Personal travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation).

Kathmandu Meals

  • Lunches and dinners while staying in Kathmandu.

Extra Accommodation

  • Additional nights in Kathmandu or on the trek due to early arrival, late departure, flight delays, or early return from the trek for any reason.

Porter Service

  • Porter to carry personal luggage during the trek (optional).
  • Cost: USD 360 per porter for the entire trip.
  • One porter carries up to 25 kg (maximum of two trekkers).

Personal Expenses

  • Tips for guides and porters (customary and appreciated but not mandatory).
  • Any personal expenses or services not specifically mentioned under Cost Includes.

Add-ons & Options

  • Porter service (optional): USD 360 per porter for the full trek.

What to bring

  • Trekking boots (well broken-in)
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket & trousers
  • Thermal base layers
  • Trekking pants & shirts
  • Fleece or insulating mid-layer
  • Warm hat, sun hat & gloves
  • Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
  • Daypack (30-40L)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses & high-SPF sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle / purification tablets
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal toiletries & quick-dry towel
  • Personal medications & basic first-aid kit
  • Passport, permits & some cash

Know before you go

  • Trek completion certificate is available upon request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Ring Rd, Kathmandu, Nepal
End of the journey

Your 18 days finish where they began.

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