Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trekking – 15 Days

A 15-day Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Trek is an exhilarating journey through the Khumbu Valley of Nepal. It takes trekkers through the region’s heart, making it a must-do adventure for adventure enthusiasts worldwide. Still, here are some reasons why you should do this trek:

Getting Into Lukla & Namche

Lukla and Namche Bazaar are the prominent hubs of the Everest region, attracting thousands of adventure seekers worldwide yearly. Lukla is a stunning town in the region that serves as a gateway to Khumbu Valley. Tenzing Hillary Airport, the world’s highest-altitude airport, at 2,860m, is the major attraction of the village. Moreover, Namche Bazaar (3,440m) is a popular town with modern facilities like ATMs, cafes, restaurants, and others, and also a key point for acclimatization. The village’s attractions are Sherpa Museum, Saturday market, Khangba Ngingba, Nauche Gonda Visitor Center, Sherpa Culture Gallery, and Sherpa Himal Art.

Gokyo Valley Nepal

In the west of the Khumbu region, Gokyo Valley is the stunning and less crowded route for Everest Base Camp. The valley consists of small villages with tea houses to cater to trekkers who need the required services. The valley is popular for its view of Mount Cho Oyu, one of the eight-thousander peaks of the Himalayas. Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, Ngozumpa Glacier, and Sherpa culture are the key attractions located near the valley.

Gokyo Lake

Spanning from an elevation of 4,700 m to 5,000 m, the Gokyo Lake is the “world’s highest freshwater lake system.” Thus, the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake is highly recommended for trekkers who prefer to experience a blend of serenity and adventure. The lake features 19 small and six big lakes; the six are the major attraction. Moreover, the pristine turquoise waters, with a backdrop of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, create an eye-appealing sight in the lake.

Chola Pass

Chola Pass at 5,330m is the ultimate highlight and a major reason for the trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo. Crossing to Chola Pass offers an eye-appealing sight of glaciers, snow-clad peaks, and varied landscapes, making the journey worthwhile. Likewise, the pass’s high elevation adds to the trek’s adventure, making it ideal for adventure seekers.

Gorakshep and Kala Patthar

Gorakshep is the last village that comes before embarking on the trail to Everest Base Camp, and Kalapatthr is the vintage point trekkers hike to after the EBC. Both locations hold their own significance and key highlights of the Everest trek via Gokyo Lake. After reaching the Base Camp of Everest, trekkers spend a night at the Gorakshep, which has basic tea house facilities and stunning views. Likewise, Kalapattahr offers the closest view of the world’s highest peak, Mt.Everest, and is famous for its sunrise and sunset views.

Sagarmatha National Park

In the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal, Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to diverse biodiversity. The national park covers an area of 1148 sq km and is named after the existence of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, translated as “Sagarmatha” in Nepali. Trekkers can spot different animals, birds, and plants during their EBC trek with Gokyo Valley of the Sagarmatha National Park throughout the journey. Likewise, the park features a dense forest of rhododendrons and pine, along with deep valleys, glaciers, and rivers.

Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche monastery is the Buddhist spiritual hub of the Khumbu Valley, located at an elevation of 3,867m above sea level. The monastery is the largest and most prominent in the region and lies on a hill with a stunning backdrop of Mount Ama Dablam. While passing through the monastery, you can learn about the culture and tradition of the Sherpas and even participate, making the trek culturally enriching. Moreover, the monastery adds a spiritual and cultural significance to the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek.

Cultural Insight of the Khumbu Region

Khumbu region is as well-renowned for its cultural insight as much as it is renowned for its natural beauty. The region is home to Sherpa inhabitants with their Buddhist culture and tradition. Likewise, the Sherpas are also known for their mountaineering skills and hospitality. Trekkers get a glimpse of the region’s culture on their every step of the journey with prayer flags fluttering in the sky and in the tea houses where they stay.

The EBC trek via Gokyo Lake takes 15 days on a round trek, covering approximately 112km/ 70 miles. Here is a table that shows the duration from one point to another, along with Elevation gain:

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trekking is a very long trekking journey. So, you must choose the right time to trek here. Therefore, the best time to travel here is during the spring and Autumn seasons.

Autumn

Autumn is the peak season for trekking, spanning from September to November. The season offers one of the perfect times for Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake trekking with ideal weather and mild temperatures. The season comes after the monsoon season, washing all the dust from nature and making the sky clear. Moreover, the recent rainfall provides vegetation moisture to extract from the soil, resulting in plants lush, green, and attractive greenery all around.

Spring

Spring is another best time for EBC with Gokyo Lake trekking, starting in March and ending in May. The season comes after harsh weather with warmer days and cooler nights. The mild temperature and stable weather make the season most suitable for trekking. Likewise, the drier and less slippery trail makes the trek comfortable and safe in Spring. Longer days of the season add the advantages of the trek during that time. Further, with its vibrant colors, the rhododendron blossom makes Spring visually enchanting for the trek.

The climate of Nepal is different from time to time. It usually gets hot from May to August, which is also good for hiking. Similarly, it gets cold and chilly from late November to February. This time is also good, but it rains most of the time. So, completing this trek during the spring season is also good. It provides a suitable climate and weather. But, most of the time,e it is good all year. So, you may do this trek throughout the year.

The weather and temperature of the Everest region change throughout the year and vary location-wise. Likewise, the weather and temperature of the region change frequently and are unpredictable. April to May is one of the warmest times the region faces, and December to February is the coldest. However, the temperature of the Everest Base Camp and other higher elevations rarely gets above freezing throughout the year.

Here is the temperature table of the Everest reason based on four different seasons:

Note: This is approximate data that can be different and change yearly due to global warming.

Nepal Alternative Treks takes care of our client’s meals and accommodation throughout the journey to Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trekking. We manage your lodging at a high-quality accommodation point three times a day. However, the destination doesn’t offer a vast range of options like city areas provide. Thus, tea houses are the common and only accommodation point in some locations.

Accommodation

Tea houses are small types of guesthouses made up of wood, stone, clay, and tin and run by local Sherpa people. Yet, the tea houses vary in size and price, depending on the season and location. Likewise, the rooms are twin-sharing with wooden beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. The facilities of toilets are generally outside the rooms with basic facility of water. Further, facilities for hot water, electricity for charging devices, and internet are also available but at an extra cost.

Food

Tea houses serve meals per the menu. However, the remoteness of the location makes it challenging to supply food items. Bread, eggs, pancakes, porridge, and tea/ coffee are the options for a morning meal along the way to Everest via the Gokyo trek. Further, Dal Bhat, momos, Thukpa, fried rice, noodles, pizza, pancakes, soup, and snacks are options for breakfast and dinner.

Drinking Water along EBC via Gokyo trek

Staying hydrated throughout the trek to the Everest region, including for Everest Base Camp via the Gokyo trek, is crucial. However, trekkers don’t need to worry about scarcity of drinking water, as it is available throughout the trail. Likewise, trekkers can get drinking water from streams, rivers, glacial melt, teahouses, and water stations. Yet, we suggest you carry a refillable water bottle and water purification tablet to stay hydrated all along.

Staying connected throughout the trek to Everest via Gokyo is crucial. However, the remoteness of the trek makes communication and internet facilities quite scarce. Still, there are some ways to stay connected with your family or friends, including:

Local Sim

Using a local sim is the common way to stay connected during the trek in Nepal’s Himalayas, including at Everest. NCELL and NTC are the two local sims that provide network coverage in most of the villages along the route. Trekkers can get the sim card in Kathmandu upon their arrival easily and quickly for just $1 to $2. Moreover, all villages access the network coverage for both sims except the villages, including Dingboche, Pheriche, and Lobuche.

Internet Service

Mobile data and Wi-Fi are available for internet service in almost all villages on the way to EBC with Gokyo Lake. Purchasing data from your local sim helps you connect to internet service. Wi-Fi facilities are still available in tea houses but at an extra cost. Also, wifi networks become poor and unreliable as the elevation reaches higher. Moreover, all villages except Gorakshep have mobile data and Wi-Fi access. Gorakshep has access to Wi-Fi, but mobile data is not reliable.

Reaching the starting point of the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Trek offers diverse transportation and route options. Yet, the options for transportation and route are interconnected, as your route determines your transportation and vice-versa. One of the common and easy ways to get to the starting point of the trek, Lukla, is through flight. A direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes just 45 minutes. However, the flight may convert from Ramchaap in the peak season; in such case, travelers should first drive to Ramechhap and then fly towards Lukla.

Furthermore, a road option is also available for the journey to EBC via Gokyo. Yet, the road option is less popular and lengthy. Trekkers can choose between a local bus or jeep for this route option. Jiri is the trek’s starting point if you take this route. The distance from Kathmandu to Jiri is 186.3km, taking 6-7 hours passing through Shivalaya. From Jiri, the journey passes through Kenja, Junbesi, Nunthala, Bupsa, and Phakding and follows the classic Everest Base Camp.

Helicopter Ride to Lukla

A helicopter ride to Lukla is another thrilling way to get to the Everest region’s gateway. Although the helicopter ride costs more than an airplane, it is a comfortable, convenient, and luxurious way to enter the Khumbu Valley. However, the helicopter takes the same duration as the aircraft. Further, a maximum of 5 people can fly in one helicopter, making it ideal for groups who prefer private time and want to experience luxury and comfort.

The trek to Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes takes trekkers to the altitudes, making it one of the challenges. So, trekkers must be fully prepared for the trek. Here are the factors that make the trek difficult:

Rugged Terrain

The trek takes place in a remote location with rugged terrain, adding to the trek’s difficulty. The journey includes trekking through steep inclines, rocky paths, glacier moraines, and bare rock faces, which can be difficult for the trekkers who are not used to it. Thus, to face less risk while trekking on an uneven path with rugged sections,

Elevation

The journey to Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Valley trekking takes trekkers up to 5,644m above sea level. Thus, elevation is the major challenge during the trek, with a risk of acute mountain sickness. The higher the trekkers get, the air pressure becomes thinner, and the oxygen level decreases, making it difficult to breathe and increasing the difficulty of the trek. Further, to minimize the risk related to altitude sickness, trekkers must acclimatize properly, drink adequate water, take breaks frequently, listen to their bodies, and consume nutritional food.

Unpredictable Weather

The frequent change in weather adds to the difficulty level of the EBC trek with Gokyo Lake. As the weather of the Himalayas changes unpredictably, it hampers the overall trekking journey of trekker. The strong winds, snowfall, and even rainfall make trekking difficult. Thus, it is advisable for trekkers to always check the weather forecast before starting the day’s trek.

Longer Duration

Trekking for 11-13 days with a 5-6-hour daily hike is obviously challenging and demands physical challenges. The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trekking takes 15 days in a round trip, offering both an incredible experience and challenges. The longer duration at the higher elevation increases the risk of altitude sickness. Moreover, walking for longer days in a rigged terrain can be mentally challenging, adding to the trek’s difficulty.

Physically Demanding

The higher altitude, longer trekking duration, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather make the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo trek makes the journey physically demanding. Thus, trekkers should be physically in good condition to start the trek. Likewise, strength, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness are essential for the trek to complete safely.

Elevation is the primary reason for the journey to Everest, with the Gokyo Valley Trek demanding. The journey takes trekkers through the higher elevation of the Khumbu valley. As the trekkers move to the higher elevation, the air pressure becomes thinner, making breathing difficult. Thus, issues related to altitude sickness are common while trekking to EBC via Gokyo Lake. Further, Chola Pass (5,420m), Gokyo Ri (5,357m), Everest Base Camp (5,364m), and Kalapatthar (5,644m) are the elevations where the risk of altitude sickness is high.

Furthermore, acclimatization is the only way to reduce the risk of altitude sickness in the higher elevations throughout the trek. Acclimatization helps adjust to the changed temperature and environment, so adding days helps complete the trek securely and smoothly. Further, a gradual ascent, staying hydrated, and consuming nutritious food also come under acclimatization.

As mentioned above, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or Altitude sickness is a significant concern throughout the trek. However, we have yet to discuss avoiding its risk and briefly completing the trek safely. Thus, here are some ways to avoid AMS during the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake Trek:

• Ascend gradually and steadily to allow your body to adapt to changed temperatures and lower oxygen levels in higher elevations.
• Stay hydrated as it ensures your body functions properly and effectively transports oxygen throughout the body system.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine items as they harm your body’s ability to acclimatize and worsen the symptoms of AMS.
• Eat a properly balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein, and essential minerals to give your body the energy and nutrients it needs to adapt to the higher altitude.
• Select an itinerary with an acclimatization day to let your body adjust to higher elevations and a changed atmosphere.
• If you feel any symptoms of AMS, including headache, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness, immediately tell your guide to stop ascending and descend if the conditions don’t improve.
• Keep garlic and cloves throughout the trek in your mouth as they help to enhance the flow of blood in the body and use oxygen more efficiently.

Trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas requires obtaining permits, including for Everest Base Base Trek, with Gokyo Lake Trekking. The permit is mandatory paperwork implemented by the Nepal Tourism Board and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal(TAAN). Further, to trek to EBC with Gokyo Lake, Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit. Obtaining the permits ensures you are legally trekking through the areas and respecting the local rules and regulations of the region.

Furthermore, the journey takes place within the conservation area of Sagarmatha National Park; obtaining a permit for the park is crucial. The Sagarmatha National Park costs NPR 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1500 for SAARC nationals. Likewise, the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry costs NPR 2000 for all citizens.
Note: Children below 10 years are free

A typical day in the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trekking involves exploring nature’s majesty and cultural immersion in the Khumbu Valley. Each day begins with the sound of chirping birds and the crisp air of the Everest region. Trekkers usually wake up at 6:00 Am except for hiking Kalapatthar; on the Kalapatthar hiking day, trekkers must wake up around 3:00 am. After waking up, trekkers have a warm morning meal while enjoying the beauty of nature. After breakfast, trekker pack their backpack and make their way toward their day’s destination.

Walking through diverse terrain while appreciating nature’s wonder, accompanied by the mountain views, trekkers get to their lunch point at around 11:00 am. The lunch break will be for half an hour, and the time is not only for filling your tummy but also for resting and rejuvenating the body. After a break and filling tummy, trekkers continue their journey towards the final stretch.

Around 4:00 pm in the evening, trekkers get to their destination after walking for 5-6 hours. As they reach their day’s resting point, they’ll check in into their accommodation and take a deep breath to complete the day. After some rest, they’ll freshen up and enjoy the surroundings. Dinner will be served at around 7:00 pm in a communal dining area where trekkers can have their meal while sharing their day with their guide, porter, and fellow trekkers. Moreover, trekkers must go to bed early after half an hour of finishing dinner as an early bed helps them to get enough sleep and ready for next day’s adventure.

Trekking at a high elevation in a remote location with scarce emergency facilities is challenging and mentally disturbing. But travel insurance lets you have peace of mind and walk worryless. Thus, buying travel insurance is crucial for high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake. Yet, we recommend you purchase travel insurance as you make bookings for the trip. Likewise, travel insurance is one of the mandatory documents needed for your trek in the Everest region.

Furthermore, trekkers should consider some things before purchasing travel insurance, including:

• Purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses
• Make sure your travel insurance covers trip cancellation or any interruption.
• Travel insurance should cover lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
• The travel insurance should cover emergency evacuation and should offer 24/7 service.
• Consider purchasing from your own country as it would be more reliable.

While trekking through high altitudes, you must be physically and mentally fit. Most importantly, you should also not have any blood-related diseases. Likewise, you should have experience climbing small peaks. Similarly, being confident and passionate about the trek is also important. Furthermore, make sure that you have some knowledge about the conditions of the trek. Here is a brief of fitness and experience required for the trek:

Fitness Requirement

The journey to EBC with Gokyo Lake passes through a remote location with steep ascents and descent sections and long walking hours, demanding good physical fitness. Trekkers should be involved in cardiovascular fitness, including 5-6 hours of walking daily, and other fitness, including running, cycling, and swimming. Likewise, strengthening your legs with squats, lunges, and step-ups to get used to uneven paths and uphill sections. Further, trekkers are required to be fit in endurance and acclimatization readiness.

Experience Requirement

Although beginners can also complete the Everest Base Camp with the Gokyo Lake trek, having prior trekking experience is highly recommended. Likewise, I am familiar with walking on rugged terrain and carrying a backpack. Further, being mentally prepared is also necessary, as a positive mindset and determination are crucial for completing the journey smoothly.

Trekking in higher elevations doesn’t come without challenges, demanding proper training and preparation. The training and preparation for the Everest Base Camp via the Gokyo Lakes trek involve physical, mental, and cardiovascular.

Physical

The trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo is physically demanding, including walking for longer days, 5-6 hours each day, in steep ascent and descending sections. Thus, to embark on the trek, trekkers must be physically in good condition and involved in physical training. To prepare themselves physically, trekkers should strengthen their legs and core muscles. Moreover, being involved in exercises like squats, lunges, and planks also helps one to be physically fit.

Mental

Being physically prepared is not all; trekkers must be mentally prepared for the trek to EBC via Gokyo. The trek is as mentally demanding as physically; thus, mental preparation is also crucial. To prepare themselves mentally, trekkers must practice meditation and yoga. Likewise, setting a realistic vision about the trek and thinking positively helps train for the trek and fight with challenges.

Cardiovascular

One of the key ways to complete the trek to Everest via Gokyo Lake is good cardiovascular fitness. Jogging, cycling, swimming, burpee, and stair climbing help trekkers train and prepare for the trek. Likewise, it is advisable for trekkers to be involved in 30-45 minutes of cardio exercises three to five times a week. Further, good cardio fitness helps to tackle a steep climb and handle the oxygen level.

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trekking is a moderate-level trek. But, it can get a little difficult for new trekkers. And, we make sure our people are safe during the trek. So, the safety and security of the trekkers are important factors for our company. Similarly, we take full care of our consumer and their property. Similarly, our trip constantly operates monitoring every area of our travel. So, you should not worry about your belongings when you are traveling.

Proper packing helps to ensure your trek is safe and enjoyable. As the weather in the Himalayas is changeable and changes frequently, packing gear and equipment to suit all weather is essential. Further, overpacking and underpacking also cause trouble during the trek. So trekkers should consider packing the following gear and equipment for Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake trekking:

Upper Body

• Sun hat or cap
• Beanie
• Neckwarmer
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp

Torso

• long sleeve T-shirts
• Fabric base layer
• Thermal tops
• Hiking pants
• Wool or fabric jacket
• Windproof and waterproof jacket

Handwear

• Wool liner gloves

Lower Body

• Hiking pants
• Thermal Trouser
• Windproof and waterproof pants
• Hiking shorts

Foot Wear

• Waterproof trekking boots
• 3-4 pairs of woolen shocks

Extra Items

• First Aid box
• Trekking poles
• Charger and power bank
• Water bottle with water purification tablet
• Sleeping bag
• Duffle bag
• Day pack
• Toiletries

Everest region has numerous trekking destinations, offering everything anyone wishes for. While the trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake is undoubtedly amazing and thrilling, its longer duration and challenging nature require an alternative for some trekkers. Some of the alternatives for the EBC trek with Gokyo Lake include:

Lower Solu Region Trekking

Lower Solu region trekking is the perfect destination for those preferring to trek through the off-beaten path of Khumbu Valley. The valley is the home of the land of Sherpa communities, offering a deep glimpse into the Buddhist tradition and their culture. Likewise, the journey to the Lower Solu region begins with a flight from Kathmandu to the airstrip at Phaplu. Mount Numbur (6959m), and Karyolung (6511m) are the major highlight of the trek. Further, the trek takes 9-12 days to complete, depending on the route and chosen itinerary.

Everest Panorama Trek

Everest Panorama Trek is another excellent alternative to Everest Base Camp, along with Gokyo Lake Trekking. The trek is a great choice for travelers who want to witness the majesty of Mount Everest but want to avoid high-altitude treks and are budget trekkers. The Everest panorama trek’s less difficult nature makes it ideal for even family. Further, the trek takes up to an elevation of 3,860 at Tengboche but provides an excellent option to see the beauty of the Everest region and the area’s culture within 7-9 days.

Ama Dablam Base Camp trek

Another popular alternative to Everest via the Gokyo Lake trek is Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek. The trail to the Base Camp is stunning, offering glimpses of diverse flora and fauna. Similarly, reaching the base of Mount Ama Dablam (6,812m) is the highlight of the trek. Likewise, the trek takes 8-12 days to complete and offers astonishing views of Mount Lhotse (8,516m), Island Peak (6,189m), Makalu(8,463m), and Ama Dablam(6,812m). However, the trek is quite challenging, including the navigation of Kogma La Pass (5,535m).