| Destination | Nepal |
|---|---|
| Activity | Everest Treks |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Lodge/ Tea House during the trek |
| Region | Everest Region |
| Start / End point | Kathmandu / Kathmandu |
| Duration | 15 Days |
| Max. Altitude | 5,555m at Kalapatthar |
| Meals Included | All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek |
| Group size | 2-30 |
| Nature of Trek | Lodge to Lodge Trekking |
| Best Season | Feb, Mar, Apri, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec |
| Trip Code | DWTTK012 |
| Activity Per Day | Approximately 4-6 hrs walking |
| Transportation | Domestic flight (KTM-Lukla-KTM) and private vehicle (Transportation) |
| Grade | Challenging |
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Trek takes place in the Khumbu region, providing you a chance to look into nature's most well-kept secrets - including Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Gokyo Ri Viewpoint, and Khumbu Icefall. You will also get to experience some of the world's highest mountains - Everest, Pumori, Lhotse, Cho You, and Nuptse; highland flora, fauna, and human settlements.
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Highlights
- Scenic 40-minute flights Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
- Namche Bazaar - the Sherpa Capital
- Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Impressive view of Khumbu Ice Fall
- Amazing views from Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575ft)
- Hidden Gokyo valley, Gokyo Lake, and Cho La Pass (5,420m)
- Prayer wheels, colorful flags, Mani stones, high suspension bridges
- World’s highest altitude airport
- Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Stunning views of peaks over 8000m including Mt. Everest (8,848m)
- Edmund Hillary funded schools and hospital
Benefits of Everest Base Camp Trek with Discovery World Trekking
- Easy booking and reservation system
- Online trip briefing after booking confirmation
- Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom)
- 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
- Easy payment system.
- Free airport arrival/departure transfer to/from the hotel on a private vehicle
- Oximeter for blood oxygen monitoring at high altitudes to detect altitude sickness early & other medical kits
- Sleeping bags and down jackets if you do not have your own.
- Duffle bag for porters
- Free excess luggage storage at the Discovery World Trekking store during the trek
Online Trip Briefing
The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available dates and times for the trek briefing, and once we receive your essential documents, we will conduct the online trek briefing.
Lukla Flight Information
There might be slight alterations to the trek itinerary, mainly during peak trek seasons (March, April, May, October, and November), as the flight to Lukla will be from Ramechhap/Manthali instead of Kathmandu due to traffic congestion. At other times, the flight will be from Kathmandu. To catch a flight from Ramechhap, we must leave Kathmandu and head to Manthali around 12:30 a.m. on the scheduled departure date. The drive will take around five hours.
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes is a fascinating, adventurous trek that does not follow the classic Everest Base Camp trails. The trek is quite challenging and circular so you do not need to return through the same path.
Since this particular trek does not follow the usual route to the Everest Base Camp, it is quiet and serene, allowing you to enjoy nature unhindered.
Though the trek starts from Lukla to Namche Bazaar just as in the case of the classical Everest Base Camp trek, from Namche Bazaar, the path diverges. Instead of heading to Syangboche, it turns towards two small towns - Dole and Machhermo, ultimately leading to Gokyo Lakes in the northwest.
But before reaching Dole, you will walk over to Mong La Pass (3957m / 12982ft), which provides you the chance to catch spectacular views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Khumbila. The path progresses through pine and rhododendron forests.
After spending the night at Dole Town, the next day, we will be heading to Machhermo. The way is quite gentle, and on the way, we get to enjoy the majestic views of Mt. Cho Oyu - the fifth tallest mountain in the world. Macchermo is a pasture and summer village for Sherpas that sits surrounded by snowy mountains.
The next day we will leave Machhermo and continue on our path to reach Gokyo Lake. Altogether there are five lakes, and these lakes are partially frozen even in March or April. Gokyo Lakes also hosts golden Brahminy ducks adding beauty to an already fabulous place.
There is also a village in Gokyo Valley, and as you head up, you come across Gokyo Ri - one of the most famous viewpoints in the region. For the best views, you need to get to the Gokyo Ri early in the morning to catch the dawn.
We have allocated the seventh day as an acclimatization day, as we will have ascended a remarkable height. Moreover, the Gokyo Valley looks stunning, and you need more than one day to enjoy the scenery and explore this peaceful area.
On our eighth day, we will be heading to Thangnak, and we have to cover a distance of 3.7 kilometers. The path is rocky, uneven and you will be passing through several ups and downs. As you head further, you will pass through the Ngozumpa Glacier and several yak pastures. We will eventually arrive at Thangnak, where we will stay for the night.
Early next morning, we will leave Thangnak and head towards Cho La Pass. This pass connects the Gokyo region with the Everest Base Camp route. A portion of this trail requires you to walk on the glacier itself! By reaching Cho La Pass, you will have acquired more than 2000 feet in elevation, but then the way to our destination for the day Dzongla is downhill so, easier.
The next trek begins from Dzongla, with Lobuche as the day's destination. The journey is easy, and it leaves behind remote parts of the trek, rejoining with the main Everest Base Camp route. The Khumbu Glacier accompanies us alongside the undulating trails for a while. Our paths will also take us to a memorial constructed to honor those who succumbed to this harsh terrain.
The eleventh day will be special because, on this day, you will set your foot on Everest Base Camp, but to reach EBC, you need to trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep through the Khumbu Glacier lateral moraine. When we reach Gorak Shep, we will leave our belongings at a lodge and climb to the Everest Base Camp. This is probably the nearest you will get to the world's highest peak - Mt. Everest - assuming that you will not climb Everest Peak.
Reaching Everest Base Camp is a remarkable achievement as it requires strong physical and mental effort. The whole experience you gained by coming this far will probably change you as you become more determined and ambitious.
We will spend some of the most memorable moments at the Everest Base Camp, then descend to Gorak Shep to spend our night. However, you will get another chance to see the glorious Mt. Everest the following morning. You will wake up early in the morning at Gorak Shep and head to Kala Patthar viewpoint to witness the early sun rays hitting Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks.
The scenery looks surreal, and it transports you to a whole new world. It is a perfect place to click as many pictures as you want.
After spending time on Kala Patthar, we descend to Gorak Shep, have breakfast, and head to Pheriche. As you will be losing elevation, the path is substantially easy, and the trek should last about five hours. We will spend the night at Pheriche, itself.
We leave Pheriche the following morning and head to Namche Bazaar. Though Namche Bazaar has a lower elevation still, the trail is not direct, and you need to pass through several ups and downs. This marks the second last day on the treks, and you get to enjoy the last views of Mt Everest. We will spend the night at Namche Bazaar.
On our fourteenth day, we will wake up at Namche Bazaar and hike to Lukla. The path covers a lot of distance, almost 14 km. Mostly, you will be walking through Dudh Koshi River Valley, crossing several suspension bridges and high-altitude forests. We will be resting at Lukla for the night. It will probably be your last night in the Khumbu region.
If everything goes as planned, on our fifteenth day, after breakfast, we will board the plane for Kathmandu. We hope your flight will be comfortable, and you will be ruminating on the best memories you created during the trek.
We recommend all our valuable guests arrive at Kathmandu as early as possible, a day before the trip departure date to prepare for the trek. We also recommend you allocate one or two days extra for the trip, in case, flights from Kathmandu to Lukla or from Lukla to Kathmandu get delayed due to bad weather.
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes- 15 Days Short Itinerary
- Day1Flight from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla. Flight time: Approx 40 min from KTM/20 min from Manthali. Trek to Phakding (2,650 m). Trek time: Approx. 3 hrs.
- Day2Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). Trek time: Approx. 6 hrs.
- Day3Rest day and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
- Day4Trek from Namche to Dole (4,200 m). Trek time: Approx. 5 hrs.
- Day5Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m). Trek time: Approx. 6 hrs.
- Day6Trek from Machhermo (4,470 m) to Gokyo (4,790 m). Trek time: Approx. 4 hrs.
- Day7Rest day to acclimatize at Gokyo. Gokyo Ri viewpoint (5,400 m). Trek time: Approx. 2 hrs.
- Day8Trek from Gokyo (4,790 m) to Thangnak (4,700 m). Trek time: Approx. 5 hrs.
- Day9Trek from Thangnak to Dzongla (4,855 m) via Cho La Pass (5,420 m). Trek time: Approx. 6 hrs.
- Day10Trek from Dzongla to Lobuche (4,910 m). Trek time: Approx. 4 hrs.
- Day11Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and back to Gorak Shep (5,185 m). Trek time: Approx. 7 hrs.
- Day12Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555 m) viewpoint, trek to Gorak Shep, then Pheriche (4,250 m). Trek time: Approx. 6 hrs.
- Day13Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). Trek time: Approx. 6 hrs.
- Day14Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,850 m). Trek time: Approx. 7 hrs.
- Day15Fly back to Kathmandu/ Manthali from Lukla. Flight time: Approx. 40 min for KTM/20 min for Manthali. Drive time: Approx. 5 hrs from Manthali to KTM
Gokyo lakes Trek Experience
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes Itinerary
- day1
Flight from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft). Trek to Phakding ( 2650m / 8562ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 6.2km / 3.8miles Flight Hours 40/20 minutes Highest Altitude 2,850m / 9,350ft Trek Duration 3 hours Your journey to Everest Base Camp starts with a scenic flight to Lukla. During the busy trekking months (March, April, May, September, October, and November), flights from Kathmandu Airport to Lukla may get redirected to Manthali Airport. To catch the early morning Lukla flight, we'll pick you up at your hotel around 12:30 am and take you on a 5-hour drive to Manthali. The subsequent 20-minute flight from Manthali will take you to Lukla.
You can book a direct helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla to skip the Kathmandu-Manthali-Lukla route. The cost is approximately 550 USD per person when shared among five passengers.
For December, January, February, June, July, or August, the flight path from Kathmandu to Lukla is direct. Following breakfast, we'll arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for a swift 40-minute flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla.
After landing at the Tenzing Hillary Airport, the trek starts. Since this is your first day, the hike will be short and help you to acclimatize. The path will take you through Chaurikharka Village, down to Dudhkoshi, and then to Phakding, the destination for the day. You can use the extra time to explore places in Phakding, such as the Rimishung Monastery.
- Overnight stay at Khumbu Travel Lodge, room with attached bathroom
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day2
Trek from Phakding (2,650m /8,562ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 7.4km / 4.6miles Highest Altitude 3,440m / 11,285ft Trek Duration 6 hours We'll continue moving north along the banks of Dudh Koshi River that opens up majestic views of snow-capped peaks all around. There are several suspension bridges to cross- including the famous - Hillary Suspension Bridge.
As you move ahead, you will reach Sagarmatha National Park, where we will register our permits and climb up through the dense forest from where we can see the first views of Mt. Everest. However, we will continue trekking until we reach Namche Bazaar.
- Overnight stay at Sakura Guest House, room with attached bathroom
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day3
Rest day and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
This will be our first day entirely allocated for acclimatization and packed with possibilities for various activities. Namche Bazaar hosts numerous cafes, restaurants, and hotels connected with wifi, souvenirs, and gear shops.
There are several other options - such as visiting Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center, traditional Sherpa settlements, Hillary School, yak farms, and Buddhist monasteries.
- Overnight stay at Sakura Guest House, room with attached bathroom
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day4
Trek from Namche (3,440m / 11,285ft) to Dole (4,200m / 13,270ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 11km / 6.8miles Highest Altitude 4,200m / 13,270ft Trek Duration 5 hours After acclimatization at Namche Bazaar, we will trek towards Dole. This is where our path separates from the classic Everest Base Camp hike. Classic EBC trek continues towards Tengboche instead of Dole.
The path to Dole is rocky and has many ups and downs. After about two hours of trek, we will reach Mong La Pass(3957m / 12982ft).
From here, we can get amazing views of Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812m / 22,349ft) and Mt. Khumbila (5,761m / 18,901ft). As we move forward, our trail takes us downhill through forests full of pine and rhododendron and then at Phortse Tenga, a riverside village. However, we will move ahead until we reach our destination for the day at Dole.
- Overnight stay at Alpine Cottage Lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day5
Trek from Dole (4,200m / 13,270ft) to Machhermo (4,470m / 14,450ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 7km / 4.3miles Highest Altitude 4,470m / 14,450ft Trek Duration 5-6 hrs We leave Dole and climb higher, which takes us to beautiful meadows that serve as yak pastures, and alongside, you will see several shrines and prayer flags. During the summer months, these pastures are green, and you can see yaks grazing. But, during winter, the area is barren, and even the locals move down to avoid harsh winter.
As you look ahead, you can see the stunning Mt. Cho Oyu, the fifth tallest mountain in the world. The trail then leads us to Lapahrma village and then Luja before finally reaching our destination Machhermo.
- Overnight stay at Yeti Home
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day6
Trek from Machhermo (4,470m / 14,450ft) to Gokyo (4,790m / 15,584ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 5.7km / 3.5miles Highest Altitude 4,790m / 15,584ft Trek Duration 4 hrs Today will be the Gokyo Lakes sightseeing day. After an hour trek, we will be crossing the elevated grazing lands and reach Phanga. In this region, you can see the memorials of people who lost their lives during the landslides.
As our journey elevates, the paths become narrower, and you will reach the outlet of the first Gokyo Lake, which also happens to be the smallest among the five major Gokyo lakes. The Gokyo village itself lies a short walk ahead from the third Gokyo lake, and it is one of the highest settlements in Nepal. In the middle of the Gokyo Valley, you will be able to see an uphill, which is the famous Gokyo Ri viewpoint.
- Overnight stay at Thanka inn
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day7
Rest day to acclimatize at Gokyo. Gokyo Ri viewpoint (5,400m / 17,814ft )
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 1.5km / 0.9miles Highest Altitude 5,400m / 17,814ft Trek Duration 1 & ½ hrs The seventh day is scheduled for acclimatization day at Gokyo, and this day, we will explore the Gokyo valley. However, we'll not miss stepping at the famous viewpoint of Gokyo RI (5,430m/17,519ft). From here, you can see four among the six highest mountains of the world - Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m). We will also be visiting other Gokyo lakes.
- Overnight stay at Thanka Inn
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day8
Trek from Gokyo (4,790m / 15,584ft) to Thangnak (4,700m / 15,400ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 3.7 km / 2.3miles Highest Altitude 4,790m / 15,584ft Trek Duration 5 hours After acclimatizing for a day at Gokyo village, we continue our trek, and the destination for this day is Thangnak. On our way, we will be passing Ngozumpa Glacier. The path itself is full of ups and downs, but it is a shorter trek and you will not be gaining any height.
Thangnak village sits by the side of Ngozumpa Glacier in a serene setting and lies in a perfect place helping trekkers to reach Cho-La high pass (5,330m).
- Overnight stay at Hotel Khumbila
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day9
Trek from Thangnak (4,700m / 15,400ft) to Dzongla (4,855m / 15,930ft) via Cho La Pass (5420m / 17,783ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 16km / 9.9miles Highest Altitude 5420m / 17,783ft Trek Duration 6-7 hrs After spending the night at Thangnak, we will be hiking over the rocky trails and the glacial moraines to the top of the Cho La Pass in the very early morning. After a couple of hours of trek, we will step on the top of Cho La Pass, which will reward us with the magnificent views of Cho La Lake and Mt. Cholatse (6,440m).
As we head downhill, the trail becomes icy and slippery. The scenes you get to enjoy from this trek are very pleasant. We will reach our destination for that day - Dzongla - after trekking for about seven hours. It is quite a long trek.
- Overnight stay at Maison Sherpa Hotel
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day10
Trek from Dzongla (4,855m / 15,930ft) to Lobuche (4,910m / 16,175ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 8.36km / 5.2miles Highest Altitude 4,910m / 16,175ft Trek Duration 4 hrs On our tenth day, we will leave Dzongla, following the moraine, and descend along with Chola Lake. Then we follow the Khumbu Glacier. On our way, we can see the memorial statues of the climbers, who passed away in this region.
Unlike the previous day, the hike to Lobuche should be pleasurable, and before reaching Lobuche, we will be following Imja Khola. And sure enough, we will reach our destination for that day - Lobuche - after trekking for about four hours. By reaching Lobuche, we have rejoined the classic Everest Base Camp trek trail.
- Overnight stay at Mother Earth House
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day11
Trek from Lobuche (4,930m / 16,175ft) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17,598ft) and back to Gorak Shep (5,185m / 17,010ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 15km / 9.32miles Highest Altitude 5,364m / 17,598ft) Trek Duration 6-8 hours This will be a remarkable day for you, as this day you will be reaching the Everest Base Camp itself. However, the journey will start at Lobuche and elevate significantly as we approach Gorak Shep. Once we reach Gorak Shep, we will leave our belongings there and head up to the Everest Base Camp.
Once you reach Everest Base Camp (EBC), you will feel a sense of achievement - like the fruition of your efforts. Reaching EBC requires consistent physical effort and lots of determination, so in a way, the journey to EBC will transform you into a better person. The views from EBC are incredible, and you will get a chance to enjoy the views of Khumbu Glacier. We suggest you to click as many pictures as you can as they will serve you as a memento for the rest of your life
After enjoying the views from EBC, we will trek down to Gorak Shep and spend our night there but rest assured that another remarkable day will still be awaiting you.
- Overnight stay at Buddha Lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day12
Hike to Kala Patthar (5,555m / 18,208ft) viewpoint, trek to Gorak Shep and then to Pheriche (4,250m / 13,945ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 9.6km / 6 miles) Highest Altitude 5,555m / 18,208ft Trek Duration 5 hours We will wake up at Gorak Shep early in the morning and hike to Kala Patthar to catch the dawn breaking on the Everest Mountain. The sights you will be witnessing will be incomparable to anything that you might have ever seen.
After spending a while at the Kala Patthar viewpoint we will descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast and then rest for some time. Then we will head to Pheriche - the destination for the day.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Himalaya
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day13
Trek from Pheriche(4,250m / 13,945ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 14.3km / 8.8miles Highest Altitude 4,250m / 13,945ft Trek Duration 6-7 hrs This day we wake up at Pheriche and then head to Namche Bazaar. The trail will be leading us through forests where we might spot wildlife like pheasants, musk deer, mountain goats, etc.
On the way, you will see numerous prayer flags and chortens, and this day provides you with the last chance to see Mt. Everest. As we trek further, we will reach Namche Bazaar, where we will be spending our night.
- Overnight stay at Sakura Guest House, room with attached bathroom
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day14
Trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,285ft) to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 13.5km / 8.3miles Highest Altitude 3,440m / 11,285ft Trek Duration 6-7 hrs Just like, all good things must come to an end. This is your last day on the trekking trails. After breakfast, we will hike down a steep trail, cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge, and pass through several local villages. Most of our trek will take place in Dudh Koshi River Valley and its surroundings.
Upon reaching Lukla, we will freshen up at our hotel and relax. It will most probably be your last night in the Khumbu region. You have succeeded against several odds. It is a moment worth celebrating.
- Overnight stay at Comfort Inn, room with attached bathroom
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day15
Fly back to Kathmandu/Manthali from Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 40/20 minutes If everything goes according to the schedule, you will fly back to Kathmandu in the early morning. The flight route from Lukla depends on the trekking season. If your trek is in March, April, May, September, October, or November, you will most probably fly to Manthali, and we will drive you to Kathmandu from Manthali. In other months (December, January, February, June, July, and August), you will fly from Lukla to Kathmandu directly.
If you want to avoid the Lukla-Manthali-Kathmandu route you can book a helicopter. It will cost about 550 USD (extra) per person, provided five people split the cost.
We hope your journey back to Kathmandu will indeed be a relaxing one. The chances are you will find yourself reflecting on your journey to Everest Base Camp and feel a bit excited as you will soon be able to meet your loved ones back home. Discovery World Trekking will arrange a farewell dinner for you in Kathmandu later in the day.
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
What is included in the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes trek package?
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu) tickets and departure taxes
- Total 14 nights (Five nights - Lukla, Phakding and Namche (3 Nights), rooms with a private attached bathroom. Nine nights - standard room at Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo (2 Nights), Thangnak, Dzongla, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Pheriche
- All full-board (main course) meals (15 lunches, 14 dinners, and 15 breakfasts) during the trek
- Experienced government-licensed English speaking Discovery World Trekking trek leader (12 or above trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porter to help trekkers luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers, 9 kg weight limit per trekker)
- Guides and porters costs, their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, flight, and necessary equipment
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee
- Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of health emergencies (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir - company's T-shirt & cap
- Discovery World Trekking’s certificate of appreciation after the successful trek
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trek
What is excluded from the trip?
- International flight airfare
- On-arrival visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport- (15 days - $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
- Excess baggage charges on the trip (Limit is 9kg per Person)
- All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking.
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled/bottled water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee), extra porters, etc
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to delays beyond our control. For example, landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.
- All the costs and expenses which are not listed in - "What is included in the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes trek package?" above
Gokyo Lakes Trek Map
Equipment list for Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes
We recommend you carry only the basics during the trek. You can store your extra luggage at the Discovery World Trekking store for free. Please remember that we will assign a porter for two trekkers, and the weight limit is 9 kg per trekker (18 kg max carrying limit for a porter).
Find a trekking partner and pack your things together in a duffle bag of over sixty liters capacity. Here is the packing list to help you pack.
Head
- Sun hat (wide-brimmed)
- Beanie (for warmth)
- Buff or neck gaiter (for sun protection and warmth)
- Lightweight headlamp (with adjustable brightness)
- High SPF sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Face wipes
Upper Body
- Moisture-wicking t-shirts (short and long sleeves)
- Thermal base layer (for colder conditions)
- Fleece jacket and down jacket **
- Lightweight puffy jacket (for extra warmth)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Raincoat
- Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt
- Polypropylene underwear (four)
Hands
- Insulated gloves or mittens (for cold weather)
- Waterproof gloves (for wet conditions)
Lower Body
- Quick-drying pants/trousers (convertible or full-length)
- Insulated pants (for colder conditions)
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Thermal leggings or long underwear (for colder weather)
- Two pairs of thermal/trekking trousers (pants)
Footwear
- Thick Wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks (4 pairs)
- Waterproof, ankle-supportive broken-in full hiking boots (with good traction)
- Sandals (for camp use or river crossings)
- Gaiters (for protection against mud, water, and debris)
- Crampons/spike
Toiletries
- Biodegradable bar soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Medium-size drying towel
- Wet wipes or hand sanitizers
- Toilet paper (In a Ziplock bag)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Travel-sized shampoo
- Nail clippers
- Small mirror
Backpacks
- Duffle bag (capacity of over 60 liters) for porters** (One duffle bag for two trekkers).
- Backpack or daypack (capacity 20-30 liters) for yourself
Personal accessories
- Adjustable and lightweight poles (preferably collapsible)
- Water bottle or bladder with a capacity of at least 2 liters (insulated for cold weather)
- Water purification system (tablets, filter, or UV purifier)
- Sleeping bag (-10 to -15 degrees is the best) **
Extra items
- Camera/smartphone (extra memory cards and batteries)
- Extra batteries or rechargeable power bank (for charging devices)
- Two-pin charging plug
- Basic first aid supplies (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, Diamox)
- Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
- Few passport-size photos
- Passport photocopies
- Notebook and pen
- Binoculars
- Swiss army knife or multi-tool (with scissors, can opener, etc.)
**We can provide you with a (used, nonwaterproof) duffle bag, (used) down jacket, and (used) sleeping bag if you do not have your own.
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Grade | Difficulty | Cost | Best Time
Arrival, Welcome, and Trek Start
Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will find our representative at the Airport reception. They will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle. However, you must share your flight details with us for this service.
The trek begins with a scenic flight from either Kathmandu (during (December, January, February, June, July, and August) or from Manthali ( (March, April, May, Sept, October, and November) to Lukla, the starting point for your adventure. If you are flying from Manthali, we will pick you up from Kathmandu at around 12:30 am for a five-hour drive to Manthali. From Manthali, you will take a 20-minute flight to Lukla.
Accommodations
During the trek, you'll stay in comfortable tea houses and lodges. At Lukla, Phakding, and Namche (3 Nights), we will provide you with rooms with attached bathrooms. Higher up the trail (in Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo (2 Nights), Thangnak, Dzongla, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and Pheriche), accommodations are in standard rooms.
Most rooms are on a twin-sharing basis with essential bedding. Lodges offer electricity for charging devices, Wi-Fi for internet access, and hot showers, though these services may come at an additional cost.
Meals
Your trek package includes 15 lunches, 14 dinners, and 15 breakfasts. All meals are on a full-board (main course ) basis. Meals typically consist of local dishes such as dal bhat (rice and lentils) and options like noodles, soups, momos, and Western dishes.
All meals are on a full-board (main course) basis. You will mostly eat fresh, and locally sourced ingredients. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, let us know beforehand.
Luggage
Porters will carry your main luggage, which is limited to 9 kg per person. We provide a porter for every two trekkers. Hence, we encourage you to partner with a fellow trekker and pack your things together in a duffle bag of over sixty liters. Please carry only the essentials and you can leave your essentials in your hotel or at our store for free. Please look into our equipment section for details on what to pack.
Facilities and Essentials
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Water
You’ll need to stay well-hydrated throughout the trek. While bottled water is available for purchase along the trek route, the cost increases as you ascend. A more eco-friendly and cost-effective option is to bring a water bottle and fill it with filtered/boiled water from the tea houses/lodges. Further, we encourage you to carry a filter system or purification tablets. If you do not have water purification pills, request them with our staff.
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Communication
Mobile network coverage is available in some parts of the trail, though it becomes spotty as you climb higher. Wi-Fi is available at certain lodges but comes with a fee. Consider purchasing a local SIM card with data or satellite phones for reliability. Our office remains in contact with all trek teams daily via team guide using a phone.
Travel Essentials
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Visa
You’ll need a tourist visa (except for Indians, who do not need a visa) for Nepal, which most nationals can get on arrival at the airport. To apply for an on-arrival visa, you will need a passport with six months validity, passport-size photo, and visa fees. The current fee is USD 50 for a 30-day stay. For more details, please visit https://www.immigration.gov.np/en.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory. We retain our right to refuse you for the trek if you are uninsured or underinsured. There are only basic health care centers in remote trek regions. Hence, your insurance must cover health care costs as well as helicopter evacuation up to 5,500 m. Please call your insurer and ensure your insurance covers helicopter evacuation. Don’t just rely on what insurers say on their website.
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Currency Exchange
Only Nepali Rupees (NPR) are legal in Nepal. (1 USD = NPR 133). Please exchange your currency in Kathmandu as currency exchanges are almost non-existent in trek regions. For a swift experience, you can use the legal money exchanges in Thamel (in Kathmandu). ATMs are available in Namche but unreliable. If you have Indian Rupees, only INR 100 notes are legal in Nepal.
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Extra Expenses
While most of your expenses are covered in the package, you’ll need extra money for personal purchases such as snacks, drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, and tips for guides and porters. We estimate that you will need around USD 15 per trek day. However, it depends on your spending habits.
Trek Season and Weather Conditions
The best times for trekking are during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. These periods offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and the best visibility of the surrounding peaks. During spring, the temperatures at high altitudes range from 20 °C during the day and -5 °C at night. Autumn temperatures are slightly higher.
Winter trekking is possible but heavy snow covering the paths at high altitudes makes trekking difficult, while the monsoon season (June-August) brings heavy rain and difficult trail conditions in lower trek regions. The winter temperatures at high elevations range from 15 °C to -20 °C while in summer, temperatures range from 27 °C during the day to 5 °C at night.
Typical Day
Your day typically starts with breakfast around 7 AM, followed by a three to four-hour trek. You will then have lunch, rest for about an hour, and continue. The afternoon treks are shorter. You’ll reach your next destination by late afternoon, giving you time to relax, explore the area, or visit nearby villages. At around six, we will serve dinner.
After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s plan. Then, you can spend your time as you like. Most trekkers choose to share stories with fellow trekkers, play board games, or watch movies before heading to bed early to rest for the next day’s hike.
Feedback and Trip Conclusion
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Farewell Dinner and Feedback
After your trek concludes and you return to Kathmandu, Discovery World Trekking will host a farewell dinner, where you can share your experiences and provide us feedback. This is a great opportunity to reflect on your journey and enjoy one last meal with your trekking group. If you are happy with your experience, we encourage you to provide reviews in travel portals. After the dinner, we will also provide you with a hard copy travel achievement certificate.
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Departure
Discovery World Trekking provides complimentary airport transfers for your departure. Make sure to confirm your flight details with us in advance, and our team will assist you with any final arrangements.
Trek Bookings
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Private Treks
We only organize private treks and do not add anyone to your group. These treks offer flexibility in scheduling, route customization, and accommodation preferences. We provide discounts based on group size and add an assistant guide for a group of 12 or more.
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Safe Trek Bookings
Discovery World Trekking is a government-authorized trekking operator in Nepal and a proud member of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). To secure your trek booking, we require a 10% advance payment, which you can pay via bank transfer, Wise, or our website.
After booking, kindly provide us with the necessary documents—such as a copy of your passport, photos, travel insurance details, and flight information—within one week. You can pay the rest of the amount upon arrival in Nepal using cash, bank transfer, Wise, Western Union, or a credit card. We will also email you detailed payment instructions.
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Last-Minute Bookings
For those booking last minute, we offer flexible arrangements to get you on the trail as soon as possible. To avail of this service, you must clear 100% of the trek cost 24 hours before your intended departure date. Please note that even though we remain prepared to run a trek at any time, there are chances of delays due to factors beyond our control, such as bad weather, flight, or accommodation unavailability.
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Flexible Schedule
We understand that plans can change. Our itineraries allow for flexibility in case of delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. We work closely with you to ensure your experience is smooth even with last-minute adjustments.
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Trip Extension
If you wish to extend your adventure, we will provide several options, such as Chitwan Jungle Safari, rafting, canoeing, paragliding, or even another trek.
DWT Family
Our government-licensed guides and Sherpas will be with you throughout the trek to make your experience memorable. Our guides are experienced, government-licensed, and trained in wilderness first aid and ecological conservation. They come from the high Himalayas. We pay them well, and we cover their insurance, food, and lodging during the trek. We take great care of our team because only a happy person can keep others happy.
Ecotourism Practices
We are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. Our team follows - Leave No Trace principles and works closely with local communities to minimize environmental impact. We encourage trekkers to avoid using plastics and support local businesses along the route.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is customary in Nepal, especially for guides and porters. While there is no fixed amount, a common guideline is to tip around 10 percent of the trek cost. It is a way to show appreciation for their hard work and support throughout your trek. We advise you to tip collectively at the end of the trek.
We look forward to showing you one of the best trek regions in the world - the Everest region.
Trip Departure Dates
Note to solo travelers:
If you are a solo traveler, please contact us via Call/WhatsApp/Viber at +977-9840055491 or email [email protected] before booking the trip to confirm the departure date. Please note that we organize private treks only.
You can also use our Free Trip Planner to plan your trip.
Book this trip with us. Here are the upcoming dates. Feel free to share this trip with your friends and family as we organize exclusive private group treks only. For custom trips or general inquiries contact us.
Trip Start and End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
| Price | Departure Date | Trip status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Days2 Jan, 2025 - 16 Jan, 2025 | Booking Open | Enquire Now | |
| 15 Days5 Jan, 2025 - 19 Jan, 2025 | Booking Open | Enquire Now | |
| 15 Days7 Jan, 2025 - 21 Jan, 2025 | Booking Open | Book Now | |
| 15 Days9 Jan, 2025 - 23 Jan, 2025 | Booking Open | Book Now | |
| 15 Days12 Jan, 2025 - 26 Jan, 2025 | Booking Open | Book Now |
Group Discount Available
| No. of Persons | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 - 3 Pax | US$ 1400 |
| 4 - 7 Pax | US$ 1350 |
| 8 - 13 Pax | US$ 1300 |
| 14 - 21 Pax | US$ 1250 |
| 22 - 30 Pax | US$ 1200 |
Travelers' Review
Everest Base Camp Trek Company Reviews
5 out of 5 reviews from
Johnny
Written Jan 16 , 2023
The entire journey, from the initial planning to the actual adventure, went incredibly well. The Discovery World Trekking team did an excellent job of adapting the plan according to my requirements, and Paul was absolutely fantastic.
Since I was unfamiliar with the mountains, I asked him to recommend what food and drinks to consume. As a result, I didn't experience any altitude sickness and was able to fully enjoy the trek.
When engaging in such adventures, it is essential to have the best team available, and that's exactly what we had. In fact, we even assisted a couple of individuals from other groups on our way up, which serves as proof of the team's competence.
The DWT team was very meticulous in their equipment checks, ensuring that I had all the necessary gear. I felt secure and protected throughout the entire journey. I am eagerly looking forward to trekking with them again in the near future!
Pam
Written Nov 05 , 2018
There are so many trekking companies in Nepal and through TripAdvisor I narrowed it down to Discovery World Trekking. Picked up the phone and spoke to Paul. They provided information and is easily contacted. I am finally doing my solo 13 day EBC trek with a guide and porter.
Got picked up on the 11-Oct-2018 from the airport and taken to my hotel in Thamel area. Met with Paul at his office the next day for final payment and instructions about the trek. Started my trek on the 13-Oct-2018, got picked up from my hotel and driven to the domestic airport for the morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
There I met my guide Prem and porter Pradeep. Helpful, knowledgeable and fun. Cater for all the accomodation, food and your needs while on the trek and at the many tea houses. Also there is regular contact with base - Paul with updates. Yes we made it to ECB, really over the moon about it. As he said earlier when we first met, “he treats all his clients as family” and this really shone through. For this I am very thankful and will not hesitate recommending Discovery World Trekking.
Discovery World Trekking
Angie
Feb 03 , 2024
Undertaking the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes was undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life. I met Paul and he explained everything very thoroughly. He made sure we would be taken care of properly and he definitely delivered.
The highlight of this trek undoubtedly lies in reaching EBC and Gokyo Lakes. The guides did an amazing job explaining about everything along the way. I was always ready to tackle anything that may come along my trip thanks to my guide.
However, I felt my preparation wasn't enough. It's essential to be well-prepared for the challenges that come with high-altitude trekking. Overall, a very good experience. I highly recommend this trek to anyone seeking an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
Lukas
Feb 27 , 2024
The decision to take the route via Gokyo Lakes to go Everest base camp was one of the best choices we made. My second best choice was to choose Discovery World Trekking. Paul did an amazing job arranging our itinerary plans for me and my friends at the last minute.
Reaching Everest Base Camp was an emotional moment, the culmination of days of perseverance and determination. The accommodations along the way, though basic, were comfortable and provided much-needed respite after long days of trekking.
Throughout the trek, safety was always a top priority. Our guides ensured that we acclimatized properly, monitored our health, and provided invaluable support every step of the way. It was a great journey overall. 10/10 indeed.
4.9 out of 5 reviews from
Eon -5
May 24 , 2022
I had an exceptional experience throughout the EBC Trek via Gokyo Lakes with Discovery World Trekking. It was a top-notch journey from start to finish! I embarked on the trip with my nephew, and as promised, our guide met us at the airport and took care of us until we returned to Kathmandu.
The team at DWT handled every aspect of the trek, ensuring that we had nothing to worry about. I highly recommend DWT for anyone planning a similar trip. Our guide had excellent English skills, so communication was never an issue. Additionally, our porter went above and beyond, providing continuous assistance and carrying my backpack. He even carried a thermos of tea for us to enjoy along the way to Everest Base Camp.
I strongly advise having a guide for this journey, as we encountered individuals who were tackling it alone or in pairs and struggled to navigate the correct path. Fortunately, our guide was able to assist them. This trek is undeniably challenging, but with a step-by-step approach, you can conquer it. The beauty of the mountains is truly priceless, so remember to savor every moment!
Velentina -5
Dec 11 , 2022
I recently completed an absolutely incredible trekking experience in Nepal with Discovery World Trekking. The company was extremely helpful throughout the booking process, and the trip itself was nothing short of amazing.
Paul, our guide, was truly outstanding. We were exceptionally well taken care of, even receiving hot teas delivered to our rooms each morning. Paul went above and beyond to ensure our safety, maintaining an appropriate hiking pace and ensuring that our food was both clean and safe.
Following the trek, we had a celebratory dinner with the owners of the company, who were genuinely interested in hearing about our experience. I cannot recommend this company enough.
4.9 out of 5 reviews from
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Giorno
US
Sep 25, 2022
After conducting extensive research on various companies for an EBC trek via Gokyo, I ultimately chose Discovery World Trekking due to their appealing itinerary, positive reviews, and reasonable price. I'm happy to say that my decision was not in vain. One aspect I appreciated was the flexibility in the itinerary, allowing for some adjustments along the way.
Upon arriving in Nepal, I was greeted by my guide, who took care of me throughout the entire trip. He was highly professional, always available whenever I needed assistance, and not only helped me but also extended his support to others in need. He had a wealth of knowledge about the mountains and their heights. Having him as my guide was a tremendous blessing, and we formed a lifelong friendship.
The welcome dinner organized by the company was fantastic. The trek itself was an incredible experience. The acclimatization days were helpful in coping with the altitude, and the tea houses, although basic, served their purpose for resting and sleeping.
If you seek a challenging adventure amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, I strongly encourage you to consider this trek with DWT. You won't be disappointed.
Charlie
US
Oct 30, 2022
Discovery World Trekking provided my wife and me with an exceptional experience during our recent journey to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes. We are immensely grateful for the outstanding treatment we received from the entire staff at DWT, which far exceeded our expectations and contributed to the resounding success of our adventure.
Paul, our guide, supported us throughout the entire trip and ensured that we were well taken care of. From the moment we arrived in Kathmandu until we departed, DWT went above and beyond to assist us in every possible way, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
During our trek, our guide demonstrated exceptional skills. The mountain conditions presented numerous challenges, particularly the cold temperatures and high altitude. However, thanks to our guide's expertise and experience, we were able to have an incredible journey. Another vital part of this trek was the exceptional porters who tirelessly carried our bags up the mountain and had them ready for us at each stop.
Without hesitation, we wholeheartedly recommend Discovery World Trekking and would certainly choose them again for future adventures.