Trip Facts
Country:
Nepal
Duration:
19 Days
Max Altitude:
Kala Patthar, 5,545 m
Activities:
Trekking, hiking, and a pass crossing
Region:
Everest / Khumbu region
Starting Point:
Kathmandu
Ending Point:
Kathmandu
Grade:
Strenuous
Group Size:
2 to 16 trekkers
Accomodation:
Teahouses on the trail, hotel in Kathmandu
Best Season:
Mar-May & Sep-Nov
Notice
This trek joins two great trails into one: the classic Everest Base Camp route and the Gokyo Lakes, linked by the Cho La Pass (5,420 m).
You reach four big highlights: Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the Gokyo Lakes (4,790 m), and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m). The high point is Kala Patthar.
Cho La is a glaciated pass, so micro spikes and a guide’s judgment matter. The Everest region does not require a guide by law, but a licensed guide is strongly advised here, and effectively essential for Cho La.
Overview of Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek 19-Days
Quick answer: The 19-day Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek is a strenuous Khumbu loop reaching Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, and a high pass. It starts with a flight to Lukla. A licensed guide and Everest-region permits are required (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-26).
The Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek is a 19-day loop through the Khumbu region of Nepal. People also call it the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek or the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek. It links the classic Everest Base Camp trail with the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, by way of the high Cho La Pass. So you see far more of the Everest region than the standard route, and you do it as a circuit, not an out-and-back.
The trek begins with the famous flight to Lukla. Then you climb the Dudh Koshi valley through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche to Lobuche. From there, you reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) at dawn for the best Everest view of the trip. After that, you leave the main trail and cross the Cho La Pass (5,420 m) into the Gokyo valley.
The second half is all about Gokyo. You reach the chain of Gokyo Lakes, a sacred, turquoise lake system beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Then you climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for one of the great Himalayan views. From the top, you see four 8,000 m peaks at once: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu (8,188 m). So the trek gives you two summit-style viewpoints, not one.
This trek is graded strenuous. The days are long, you reach over 5,500 m, and you cross a glaciated pass. There is no technical climbing, but you need strong fitness and time to acclimatize. So the plan builds in a rest day at Namche and a slow, steady climb. A porter carries your bags.
Spade Himalaya runs this trek with licensed Sherpa guides. So your guide sets a safe pace, watches the weather, and checks your health each day. Want a different Everest option? The classic Everest Base Camp Trek is shorter. Helpful reading for this route: flying into Lukla, what to do in Namche Bazaar, and why Kala Patthar beats base camp for views. The Everest Base Camp via Kala Patthar adds more rest and a Kathmandu day. For the ultimate circuit, the Everest Three Passes Trek crosses all three high passes. Since this combined route needs the same paperwork as the classic trek, start with our permit guide. Then check when to go and what the trek costs before you lock dates.
Trips Highlights
- Stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), at the foot of the world's highest peak
- Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) at dawn for the best Everest view
- Cross the high, glaciated Cho La Pass (5,420 m) between the two valleys
- Reach the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, a sacred high-altitude lake system
- Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu in one view
- See the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal
- Take the dramatic Lukla flight, one of the most thrilling flights anywhere
- Explore Namche Bazaar and visit Tengboche Monastery
- Walk a full circuit, not an out-and-back, for new views every day
- Meet the Sherpa people and learn about their way of life
Kathmandu (1,400 m) → fly to Lukla (2,860 m) → Phakding (2,610 m) → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) → Tengboche (3,860 m) → Dingboche (4,410 m) → Lobuche (4,910 m) → Gorak Shep (5,140 m) → Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) → Kala Patthar (5,545 m) → Dzongla (4,830 m) → Cho La Pass (5,420 m) → Thangnak (4,700 m) → Gokyo (4,790 m) → Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) → Dole (4,038 m) → Namche Bazaar → Lukla → fly to Kathmandu.
In short, you climb the classic Everest trail to base camp and Kala Patthar. Then you cross Cho La into the Gokyo valley. After climbing Gokyo Ri, you descend through Dole back to Namche and Lukla.
Trips Itinerary
A Spade Himalaya guide meets you at the airport and helps with your bags. Then a private car takes you to your hotel in Thamel. So you can rest after your flight. Later, you can stroll the lively lanes nearby, full of shops and cafes. There is no briefing rush today, so just relax and adjust to the city. Have an early dinner and a good sleep, ready for the days ahead.
- Duration: 30 min Drive
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- Accommodation: Star Hotel
Today you tour the highlights of the Kathmandu Valley with a guide. First, you visit the hilltop Swayambhunath stupa and the great Boudhanath stupa. Then you see Pashupatinath, a holy Hindu temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. These are all UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the evening, you meet your trek guide for a full briefing. They explain the route and the gear, so you can do any last shopping in Thamel. Then sleep early for the Lukla flight.
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- Accommodation: Star Hotel
An early 40-minute flight takes you to Lukla, one of the most thrilling airstrips in the world. In peak season, you fly from Manthali instead, after an early drive. At Lukla, you meet your porter and start the walk. The trail drops gently along the Dudh Koshi river through green forest, with mountain views ahead. After 4 to 5 easy hours, you reach Phakding. So this first day eases you into the trail.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs Hiking
- Max Altitude: Lukla 2,860 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
The trail crosses the river on high suspension bridges. At Monjo, you enter Sagarmatha National Park, and a ranger checks your permits. After Jorsalle, you cross the famous Hillary Bridge. Then a long, steep climb begins. Near the top, on a clear day, you catch your first view of Everest. Finally, you reach Namche Bazaar, the largest Sherpa town in the Khumbu. You stay here for two nights.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hrs Hiking
- Max Altitude: 3,440 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is a rest day, but you still take a short hike. You climb to the Hotel Everest View for coffee with a huge Himalayan view. Then you walk on to Khumjung village, below Thamserku and Kongde Ri. Here you visit the Khumjung Monastery and the school founded by Edmund Hillary. After that, you stroll back to Namche. So your body climbs high and sleeps low, which helps it adjust.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hrs Hike
- Max Altitude: 3,880 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
The trail leaves Namche and runs through rhododendron forest, with views of Ama Dablam (6,812 m). It drops to the river, then climbs steadily to Tengboche. This village holds the largest monastery in the region. So take time to visit it and feel the calm, with snow peaks all around. Spend the night here, below Everest and Ama Dablam.
- Duration: Hike 5 to 6 hrs
- Max Altitude: 3,860 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
You walk beside the Imja Khola, then pass Pangboche village at 3,985 m. Here you can visit Pangboche Monastery, one of the oldest in the Khumbu. The trail then leads through farmland and small hamlets. The land grows open and high as you go. Finally, you reach Dingboche, a village of stone-walled fields. So you rest and explore the village in the evening.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs Hike
- Max Altitude: 4,410 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
The trail climbs into a wide valley below giant peaks like Taboche and Cholatse. As you rise, the green is left behind. You stop at Dughla for lunch. Then you climb the steep moraine to the Thukla Pass memorials, which honour climbers lost on Everest. After the pass, a rocky trail leads to Lobuche, with views of Nuptse and Pumori. So you sleep here, the last stop before base camp.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs Hike
- Max Altitude: 4,910 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is the big day. First, you trek along the glacier to Gorak Shep. Then you push on over rock and ice to Everest Base Camp. Ahead, the Khumbu Icefall tumbles down in giant blocks. Reaching base camp is a proud, happy moment. So take photos and soak it in. Then you walk back to Gorak Shep to sleep. Rest early, because tomorrow starts before dawn.
- Duration: 7 to 8 hrs Hike
- Max Altitude: 5,364 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
You leave before dawn and climb Kala Patthar with a headlamp. At 5,545 m, this is the high point of the trek. From the top, you get the best Everest sunrise of all. After photos, you descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Then you leave the main trail and head for Dzongla. So you sleep here tonight, at the foot of the Cho La Pass, ready for the crossing.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,545 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
You start early to cross Cho La before the weather turns. The first part is a well-marked trail. Then it gets steep on the climb to the pass. Near the top, there is a small glacier, where micro spikes help. At the top of Cho La, the views are huge, with peaks like Cholatse, Ama Dablam, and Makalu. You can even see the Ngozumpa Glacier ahead. Then you descend a steep, rocky trail to Thangnak, your last stop before Gokyo.
- Duration: 7 to 8 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,420 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is a shorter, gentler day. You cross the wide Ngozumpa Glacier, passing small glacial pools on the way. Then you reach the third Gokyo lake, called Dudh Pokhari. Gokyo village sits on its shore, calm and beautiful. So you drop your bags and explore the lakes in the afternoon. Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest peak, rises ahead. You stay here for two nights.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 4,790 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today you climb Gokyo Ri, a steep but rewarding peak. After about three hours of uphill, you reach the top. The view is one of the best in the Himalaya. From here, you see four 8,000 m peaks at once: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Below lie the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. So take your time and enjoy it. Then you return to Gokyo, and you can visit more of the lakes in the afternoon.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 5,357 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Now the return begins. The trail descends along the valley, with glacial views behind you. You pass the small villages of Machhermo and Luza on the way. These give you a glimpse of high Sherpa life. Then you reach Dole, set among ridges and pasture. So you spend the night here, lower and warmer than the high camps.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: Gokyo 4,790 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today the trail leaves the high, rugged land behind. It drops into forest with oak and rhododendron trees. After the long climb of the past week, this descent feels easy and fun. The air grows richer with each hour. By afternoon, you reach Namche Bazaar. So you can rest, enjoy a bakery, and celebrate the trek.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: Dole 4,038 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is your last day on the trail. You retrace the route along the Dudh Koshi, through green forest and Sherpa villages. You pass Phakding and Cheplung on the way. After 6 to 7 hours, you reach Lukla. So you check into your lodge and celebrate with your crew. A warm fire and a final trail dinner are a fitting end to the walk.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: Namche 3,440 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House
You take an early flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, with grand views on the way. In peak season, you fly via Manthali, then drive on. A guide transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. So the rest of the day is free to rest, shower, and relax. You can enjoy the hotel’s comforts after weeks in the mountains.
- Max Altitude: Lukla 2,860 m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Star Hotel
Today is a free buffer day, useful in case the Lukla flight is delayed. So you can do as you like. You might visit Patan Durbar Square or Bhaktapur Durbar Square, both rich in old art. Or you can shop for gifts in Thamel or Asan market. This is your last night in Nepal, so enjoy a fine farewell dinner.
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Star Hotel
After breakfast, the morning is free for last-minute shopping. At the set time, a Spade Himalaya guide drives you to the airport. So you fly home with great photos and deep memories. This marks the end of your Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek.
- Meals: breakfast
Trips Include
- All airport transfers in a private vehicle.
- Shared star hotel in kathmandu for 4 nights (arrival and post-trek), with breakfast Included. (Private room can be organized at extra cost).
- Guided Kathmandu Valley sightseeing with a private car and city guide.
- Round-trip flights between Kathmandu (or Manthali / Ramechhap) and Lukla.
- All ground transfers to and from Manthali / Ramechhap in peak season.
- All teahouse accommodation during the trek (14 nights).
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
- A licensed, experienced Sherpa guide (pay, insurance, meals, lodging).
- Porter support, one porter per two trekkers (pay, insurance, meals, lodging).
- First-aid kit for daily health checks.
- Trip-completion certificate and all government taxes.
Trips Exclude
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa (US30 for 15 Days, US50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days)
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu monument entry fees while sightseeing
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory; must cover trekking above 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation)
- All drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging on the trail
- Optional Kathmandu to Lukla helicopter transfer (extra fee)
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
- Personal expenses and any costs from early departure or itinerary changes
- Anything not listed under Cost Includes
Trips Altitude
Trips Gallery
Packing List
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag.
- Sleeping bag liner.
- Puffy down jacket.
- Duffel bag.
- Daypack, 35 to 45 litres, with a rain cover.
Upper Body
- Knitted hat or beanie
- Buff, scarf, or neck gaiter
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Technical base-layer tops (light and heavy)
- Short and long sleeve trekking shirts
- Fleece jacket or wool pullover
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Technical base-layer trousers
- Hiking trousers (2 pairs)
- Comfortable trousers for the teahouses
- Waterproof, windproof shell trousers
Hands
- Wool or technical liner gloves
- Insulated outer gloves for the high days
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots (well broken in)
- Warm wool socks and sock liners
- Light shoes or sandals for the evenings
- Micro spikes (essential for Cho La and snow)
- Gaiters (light for dust, heavier for snow)
Undergarments
- Quick-drying technical underwear
- Sports bras (women)
- Sleeping clothes or pyjamas
First Aid Kits
(Your guide carries a kit, medication, and a pulse oximeter, but a personal kit is strongly recommended.)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Antiseptic ointment and blister care
- Cough syrup (the dry "Khumbu cough" is common at altitude)
- Personal medication and any altitude medication advised by your doctor
- Water-purification tablets or a UV purifier
Others
- Passport and extra passport photos
- Reusable water bottle and a hydration bladder
- Toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, toilet paper
- High-protein snacks (bars, nuts)
- Waterproof or dry bags for documents and money
- Trekking poles
Optional
- Power bank and spare batteries
- Camera or phone for photos
- Binoculars
- Cards or a book
- Thermos for hot water
Good to Know
On its own, the Everest Base Camp trek is a classic. Adding Gokyo and Cho La turns it into a full circuit. So you reach base camp and Kala Patthar, then cross to the quiet, beautiful Gokyo valley. You also get two great summit views, from Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri. In short, it is the best way to see the whole heart of the Khumbu in one trip.
Lukla is a small mountain airport, so weather can cause delays. In quiet months, you fly from Kathmandu in 35 to 40 minutes. In busy months, you fly from Manthali after a 4 to 6 hour drive. So the plan keeps a free day in Kathmandu at the end, in case of a delay. A direct helicopter can also be arranged for an extra fee.
The pass is the crux of the trek. You start before dawn, move slowly in the thin air, and wear warm layers, because the morning is bitterly cold. There is a small glacier near the top, so micro spikes are a must. Your guide checks the conditions first and will change the timing if the pass is unsafe. The summit view makes the effort worth it.
The plan follows the climb-high, sleep-low rule. So it adds a rest day at Namche and a steady build-up. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, and walk slowly. Skip alcohol up high, and eat well for energy. If you feel unwell, tell your guide at once. Going down is the best cure, and your guide carries an oximeter to track your oxygen.
You sleep in cosy teahouses with twin rooms. Lower down, in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, some rooms have a private bathroom. Higher up, rooms are basic and nights are cold, so a good sleeping bag matters. The food is simple and filling: dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, soup, and bread. Vegetarian meals are easy to find, and meat is best avoided high up. For water, refill and purify rather than buy bottles. A dry “Khumbu cough” is common above Namche, so carry a buff and lozenges.
The trail runs on cash, so carry enough Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu or Namche. There are ATMs in Namche, but they can run dry. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging all cost a small fee that rises with altitude. So bring a power bank and treat the high days as a chance to switch off.
Trips Reviews
Beautiful Route
Dream Trek to Everest
Trips FAQs
Trek Difficulty & Altitude
It is graded strenuous. You walk 5 to 8 hours a day for over two weeks. You reach 5,545 m at Kala Patthar and cross the glaciated Cho La Pass at 5,420 m. There is no technical climbing. Still, the thin air, the long days, and the pass make it hard. So you need strong fitness and good acclimatization.
Cho La is a high pass at 5,420 m that links the Everest Base Camp valley with the Gokyo valley. The crossing is the toughest day of the trek. It has a steep climb, a small glacier near the top, and a steep, rocky descent. So micro spikes help, and your guide checks the weather first. The reward is a huge mountain view from the top.
It is a real risk, because you spend many days above 4,000 m and reach 5,545 m. So the plan adds a rest day at Namche and a slow, steady climb. Your guide checks your oxygen with an oximeter each day. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, walk slowly, and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Going down is the best cure.
Trek Highlights & Views
The classic Everest Base Camp Trek is 14 days and follows one valley out and back. This Gokyo version is 19 days. It adds the Cho La Pass, the Gokyo Lakes, and Gokyo Ri, and forms a full circuit. So you see far more, but it is longer and harder.
The Gokyo Lakes are a chain of turquoise glacial lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. They form one of the world’s highest freshwater lake systems and are sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. Above them rises Gokyo Ri (5,357 m). From its top, you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu at once.
Permits, Guide & Insurance
Not by law, but yes in practice. Nepal’s 2023 rule lists the Everest region (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-29), but the local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality rejected it and allows solo trekking (The Himalayan Times, 2023-03-28). So a guide is not legally required. However, this route crosses a glaciated pass and stays high for days. So a guide is essential for safety here. Spade Himalaya gives you a licensed Sherpa guide who handles the permits, the route, and your health.
You need two. First, the Sagarmatha National Park permit (about NPR 3,000). Second, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit (about NPR 3,000). There is no TIMS card in the Khumbu. Spade Himalaya arranges both, and a ranger checks them on the trail. They are paid in cash, in Nepalese rupees.
Yes, it is a must. Your policy has to cover trekking up to 5,500 m and a helicopter rescue. Many normal policies do not, so check the wording first. This route is high and remote, so good cover matters even more. Arrange it at home before you fly, and leave a copy with Spade Himalaya at the briefing.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are best, with stable weather and clear views. The passes need a clear window, so flexibility helps. Winter is very cold, and Cho La can be blocked by snow. The summer monsoon brings cloud and rain, so most people skip it.
Accommodation & Facilities
In the busy months (March, April, May, October, and November), Lukla air traffic moves to Manthali to ease the load. So you drive 4 to 6 hours, then fly 20 minutes. In quiet months, you fly straight from Kathmandu in 35 to 40 minutes. A direct helicopter is also an option for an extra fee.