Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek 2025/2026 – Group Join Fixed Departures
Experience an unforgettable journey with the Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp Trek in 2025/2026, a breathtaking alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp route. This Gokyo Lake and EBC trekking experience takes you through the stunning Gokyo Valley, home to pristine glacial lakes, dramatic landscapes, and panoramic Himalayan views including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Our 15-day Gokyo Lake and EBC Trek is a group joining fixed departure trek, ideal for solo travelers or small groups looking to connect with fellow adventurers. With multiple departure dates available, you can choose a time that best suits your travel schedule. Trekking through Gokyo Lakes, you’ll stay overnight in cozy lodges nestled beside the turquoise waters before crossing the adventurous Cho La Pass (5,420m) en route to Everest Base Camp (5,380m).
This route offers the best of both worlds: the serenity of the less-traveled Gokyo region and the classic highlights of the Everest Base Camp trail. Along the way, you’ll hike through traditional Sherpa villages, visit ancient monasteries, witness dramatic glaciers, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local tea houses. The return journey follows the iconic Everest trail back to Lukla.
Like all treks in the Everest region, this adventure starts and ends with a scenic flight to and from Lukla, with Kathmandu or Ramechhap airport transfers included. Our lodge-to-lodge trekking format ensures hearty meals, warm accommodations, and full support from our experienced trekking team.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time trekker looking for something extraordinary, the Gokyo Lake and EBC Group Trek is a top-rated experience. It offers excellent value, unforgettable views, and a rewarding adventure across some of Nepal’s most iconic terrain.
Gokyo Lake & Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Scenic flight to Lukla – Begin your journey with a thrilling mountain flight over the Himalayas to the iconic Lukla airstrip.
- Visit the beautiful Gokyo Lakes – Explore the serene, turquoise glacial lakes nestled high in the Himalayas, especially the third lake near Gokyo village.
- Climb Gokyo Ri (5,360m) – Hike to one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Nepal, offering 360° views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
- Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) – Challenge yourself with an adventurous high-altitude pass connecting the Gokyo and Everest valleys.
- Reach Everest Base Camp (5,380m) – Stand at the foot of the world’s highest peak and experience the thrill of being part of Everest’s legendary mountaineering history.
- Sunrise hike to Kalapatthar (5,545m) – Enjoy breathtaking close-up views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding Himalayan giants in the golden morning light.
- Visit Sherpa villages & culture – Experience the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people in villages like Namche Bazaar, Dole, and Dingboche.
- Explore Sagarmatha National Park – Trek through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rugged high-altitude terrain, home to diverse Himalayan flora and fauna.
- Teahouse trekking experience – Stay in cozy mountain lodges along the trail, offering hot meals, warm beds, and incredible mountain views.
- Perfect blend of adventure & acclimatization – A well-paced route that includes multiple acclimatization days for safety and enjoyment.
Gokyo Lake & EBC Group trek itinerary
Day 01: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Early in the morning, you'll drive to either Kathmandu or Ramechhap airport depending on your flight schedule. From there, take a scenic mountain flight to Lukla (2,800m), the gateway to the Everest region. Upon landing, meet your trekking crew and begin your trek to Phakding. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and passes through small villages and suspension bridges. It’s a short and pleasant 3-hour hike to Phakding. Overnight stay at a lodge in Phakding. (L/D)
Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,500m)
After breakfast, continue trekking along the river valley, crossing several suspension bridges including the iconic Hillary Bridge. The trail steadily climbs through pine forests and small Sherpa settlements. You’ll enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and get your permits checked. The final ascent to Namche is steep but rewarding with your first views of Mt. Everest on a clear day. Reach Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital. Overnight at a lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 03: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Today is set aside for acclimatization to help your body adjust to the altitude. You can take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel for stunning panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Visit the local museum and explore Namche’s vibrant market, cafes, and bakeries. This rest day is crucial for a successful journey ahead. Return to the lodge for the night. (B/L/D)
Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,200m)
The trail climbs steeply out of Namche, offering more breathtaking views as you ascend. You’ll walk through rhododendron and juniper forests, passing yak grazing areas and traditional settlements. The trail splits from the Everest Base Camp route, heading toward the quieter Gokyo Valley. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you reach the small village of Dole. Settle in for the night at a lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 05: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470m)
Begin your trek with a gradual uphill climb, following the Dudh Koshi river upstream. The path offers spectacular views of Cho Oyu and other surrounding peaks. You'll pass through a few small settlements and alpine meadows with grazing yaks. The trek is relatively short and allows time to rest and acclimatize. Arrive in Machhermo, a scenic stop nestled in the valley. Overnight at a lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 06: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake (4,700m)
The trail climbs steadily, offering increasingly stunning views as you approach the Gokyo region. You'll pass through rocky terrain and cross a glacier stream before reaching the first of the Gokyo Lakes. Continue on to the third and main lake, with its vivid turquoise waters. Gokyo village lies along its shore, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Relax and take in the scenery. Overnight at a lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 07: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m) and Explore
Rise early to climb Gokyo Ri for a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas. The summit offers panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After returning to Gokyo, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend the rest of the day exploring the lake surroundings. You can hike to nearby lakes or simply relax and soak in the high-altitude beauty. Overnight stay at the same lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 08: Trek from Gokyo to Thangnak (4,700m)
Today’s trek is relatively short as you prepare for the next day’s big pass. The trail takes you across the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. You’ll navigate over rocky moraine trails with great mountain views throughout. Thangnak is a small settlement nestled beneath towering peaks. Rest well in preparation for the Cho La Pass crossing. Overnight at a lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 09: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)
Begin early for the challenging and rewarding crossing of Cho La Pass. The ascent is steep and can be icy, so caution is necessary, but the views at the top are worth the effort. From the pass, descend carefully to Dzongla, walking over glacial terrain and rocky paths. The route is physically demanding but incredibly scenic. Reach the peaceful village of Dzongla by afternoon. Overnight at a lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4,955m)
Today’s trek is relatively short and less strenuous. You’ll follow a scenic trail that contours around the mountainside with views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse. After crossing a small glacier stream and open valley, you’ll reach Lobuche. This is the last major stop before Everest Base Camp. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the big day tomorrow. Overnight at a lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,380m) via Gorakshep (5,164m)
Start early and trek to Gorakshep, the last settlement before Base Camp. After a brief rest, continue along the rocky trail to Everest Base Camp. Walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier, soaking in the surreal alpine landscape. Standing at Base Camp is an unforgettable experience with views of the notorious Khumbu Icefall. Return to Gorakshep for the night. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Climb Kalapatthar (5,545m) and Trek to Pheriche (4,252m)
Before sunrise, hike to Kalapatthar for a spectacular view of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks. This is one of the best viewpoints in the region. After descending to Gorakshep for breakfast, begin your return trek. The trail descends steadily through alpine landscapes to Pheriche. Enjoy the lower altitude and warmer air. Overnight at a lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,500m)
Continue your descent through beautiful Sherpa villages and rhododendron forests. You’ll pass through Pangboche and Tengboche, where you can visit the famous monastery if time allows. Enjoy a relaxing downhill trek with a few short climbs. Arrive back in Namche Bazaar, where the comforts of civilization await. Overnight at a lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,652m)
Retrace your steps along the familiar trail, crossing suspension bridges and charming villages. The route is mostly downhill, but some short ascents are still ahead. Enjoy your last views of the Himalayas as you make your way to Lukla. Upon arrival, celebrate the completion of your trek with your crew. Overnight at a lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 15: Fly Back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap and Drive to Kathmandu
In the morning, take a flight back to either Kathmandu or Ramechhap, depending on seasonal air traffic. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. Your journey through the Everest region concludes here. Time to rest or explore the city at your leisure. (B)
Note: B = Breakfast, BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
