Nepal · Trekking

17-Day Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass

17 Days Strenuous pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Scenic mountain flight between Kathmandu and Lukla
  • 02 Cross the high and dramatic Cho La Pass (5,420m) with breathtaking Himalayan panoramas
  • 03 Explore the five turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world
  • 04 Sunrise hike to Gokyo Ri for spectacular views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse
  • 05 Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m) via a quieter and more adventurous route
  • 06 Stunning views from Kala Patthar (5,545m) overlooking Everest and the Khumbu Glacier
  • 07 Walk alongside the massive Khumbu Glacier and Icefall
  • 08 Discover vibrant Sherpa culture, ancient monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass is a challenging and rewarding adventure for trekkers seeking a quieter, more scenic alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp route. This remarkable journey links the turquoise Gokyo Lakes with the traditional EBC trail via the high and demanding Cho La Pass, while also including Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Along the way, you explore Sagarmatha National Park, vibrant Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and Namche Bazaar, with breathtaking views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Pumori. Led by experienced local guides, this trek is ideal for experienced trekkers looking for a more adventurous and less crowded route through the Everest Himalayas.

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass is a challenging and rewarding adventure for trekkers seeking a quieter, more scenic alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp route.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 17 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Strenuous
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp-South, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Kala Patthar, Pangboche, Gorakshep, Sagarmatha National Park, Pheriche
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Everest Trek to Kathmandu

Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Early in the morning, your trekking guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Kathmandu Domestic Airport for a scenic mountain flight to Lukla. Upon arrival, the Rapid Everest Base Camp Trek begins with stunning alpine scenery and views of Mt. Khumbila, a sacred and unclimbed peak. The trail gently descends through Cheplung village and follows the banks of the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding. Overnight at Phakding, surrounded by lush forests and mountain landscapes.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6.2 km

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

After breakfast, the trail leads through pine forests and ascends the Benkar Valley. You will cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and pass through Monjo village before entering Sagarmatha National Park. After lunch at Jorsale, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers, crossing the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. A challenging uphill climb then leads to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa capital of the Everest region.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 7.4 km

Day 3: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Pangboche (3,930m)

Today's trek offers spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Walking along scenic trails adorned with mani walls and stupas, you reach Phunge Tenga before a steep ascent to Tengboche. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, then descend through Deboche to Pangboche. The village offers breathtaking valley views and ancient monasteries to explore.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 9.2 km

Day 4: Trek from Pangboche (3,930m) to Dughla (4,620m)

Leaving Pangboche after breakfast, the trail ascends gradually through the Pheriche Valley with increasingly dramatic Himalayan views. This section is more demanding due to altitude, requiring a steady pace. Following the Imja River, you reach Dughla for overnight rest.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 10 km

Day 5: Trek from Dughla (4,620m) to Gorakshep (5,140m) via Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

After breakfast, the trail climbs across glacial moraines toward Lobuche and Gorakshep. After a short rest and meal at Gorakshep, continue toward Everest Base Camp, walking over rocky terrain alongside glaciers and ice streams. Enjoy your time at the foot of the world's highest mountain before returning to Gorakshep for the night.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 14 km

Day 6: Trek from Gorakshep (5,140m) to Kala Patthar (5,555m) and Descend to Pheriche (4,240m)

An early morning climb to Kala Patthar rewards you with unforgettable sunrise views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, and surrounding peaks. After spending time at the summit, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast and continue downhill to Pheriche.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 12 km

Day 7: Trek from Pheriche (4,240m) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

The trail descends through Deboche and Pangboche, passing rivers and forests. After lunch, climb back to Tengboche before descending again toward Namche Bazaar, where you will spend the night.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 15 km

Day 8: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to Lukla (2,840m)

The final trekking day follows familiar trails back across the Hillary Suspension Bridge. After lunch en route, continue toward Lukla, celebrating the completion of your Rapid Everest Base Camp Trek.

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

Day 9: Flight from Lukla (2,840m) to Kathmandu (1,400m)

Enjoy your final mountain views before boarding a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, join a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful trek.

Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
11 cities · 17 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, including airport transfers
  • All required trekking permits (Sagarmatha National Park Permit, TIMS Card, and local taxes)
  • 8 nights' tea house accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
  • Three meals per day during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
  • Experienced, English-speaking trekking guide (Lukla-Lukla) with salary, insurance, meals, accommodation, and equipment
  • Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trek

What's Not Included

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
  • Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner)
  • Porter service (available at USD 180 per porter; one porter can carry luggage for two trekkers)
  • Tips for guide and porter (customary and expected)
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging

What to bring

  • Trekking boots (well broken-in)
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Thermal base layers
  • Trekking pants and shirts
  • Fleece or insulating mid-layer
  • Warm hat, sun hat, and gloves
  • Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
  • Daypack (30-40L)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle / purification tablets
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal toiletries and quick-dry towel
  • Personal medications and basic first-aid kit
  • Passport, permits, and 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 17 days finish where they began.

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