EBC Trek Via Gokyo Lakes trek

Everest Base Camp (EBC) via Gokyo Lake is well kept hidden gem of the Solukhumbu region. The Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp are two distinct trekking routes, but when combined, they provide an unforgettable alpine experience. This voyage in Nepal’s Everest region includes breathtaking mountain beauty, a unique Sherpa lifestyle and their generosity, and diverse biodiversity with plenty of wildlife. The Cho-La Pass connects two valleys that make up the Gokyo Valley EBC trip. This route from Gokyo Ri to Kalapathar also delivers the most beautiful vistas of the region’s attractions. This delightful journey takes you through the most beautiful part of the high Everest region, with a stunning rhododendron woodland pathway up to the ruthless Khumbu glaciers. This trip will be the most fascinating and beautiful excursion of your lifetime.

This route begins with a breathtaking Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a scenic trail to the small settlement of Phakding. After an acclimatization day in the Everest region’s cultural center, Namche Bazar, this journey heads to the picturesque and pristine Gokyo Valley. Form here, ascend to Gokyo Lake and hike to Gokyo Ri for a spectacular vista of Mountains including Cho Oyu(8201m), Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m), etc. Following a few nights in Gokyo valley, the journey continues to the spectacular Everest base camp from over high Cho-la Pass.

Our final route takes us back to Lukla via picturesque Kalapathar, where we can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains. Views of sunrise on Everest from the summit of Kala Patthar is a once-in-a-lifetime event. This hike combines the natural grandeur of the Sagarmatha National Park with the hospitality of the inhabitants to create the most picturesque site in the Everest region. The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes can be completed in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This 14-day adventure is filled with stunning scenery of some of the world’s highest mountains, glaciers and shimmering alpine terrain.

The optimum seasons to walk to Everest Base Camp through Gokyo Lakes are in the spring (March to May) and fall (mid-September to November), when the weather is warm and beautiful. This trek is rated as tough and challenging, with a significant risk of Mountain Sickness. At high elevations, some symptoms such as vertigo, headaches, nausea, breathlessness, weariness, and others can occur, so it is best to acclimate in the lower zone before going to the summit.

Trip Highlights

• Witness a panoramic view of the major high peak including Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Majestic Everest, etc. 
• Stunning mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the world’s highest-altitude airport. 
• Explore the pristine Gokyo valley with picturesque mountain lakes.
• Immerge in local people’s lifestyle and learn about their unique culture. 
• Experience the warm hospitality of the mountain people.
• Cross the challenging Chola pass at an elevation of around 5400 m
• Witness UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sagarmatha National Park along with the world’s highest glacier, the Khumbu glacier.
• Incredible Kala Patthar (5555m) viewpoint, where you may take in the stunning views of Mt. Everest. 
• Get an impressive view of Khumbu IceFall. 

Best Season for Gokyo Ri Trek

The optimum seasons to trek to Gokyo Ri and Everest Base Camp are spring (March to May) and fall (mid-September to November). The weather remains cool and pleasant, making it excellent for hiking with stunning mountain scenery. The Everest Base Camp is transformed into a city filled with climbers and guides during the spring when the mountainsides are lush and green covered with blooming rhododendrons. Trekking to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes is particularly popular in the autumn. You can enjoy crystal clear vistas during this season due to the end of the wet monsoon season. If you plan your climb around October, you’ll be able to attend Mani Rimdu, the Everest region’s most prominent celebration.

Successful hikes to Everest Base Camp are determined by the weather. Unfortunately, weather forecasts are unreliable, and weather at high elevations changes quickly. The waterfall is also stunning during the monsoon season (July to August) when there are few trekkers on the routes. Because high pass trekking can be dangerous in inclement weather, it is not recommended to take this route during the rainy season, when the trails become wet and slippery. During the winter (December to February), the trail is blanketed with snowfall, making the trek very challenging.

EBC Via Gokyo Difficulty 

Everest Basecamp via Gokyo is a demanding and challenging journey that should only be attempted by physically fit and experienced trekkers who aren’t afraid of strenuous hikes. The said hike is for experienced hikers who can walk for at least 7 hours per day while carrying a light duffle bag. This trek to Everest Base Camp takes you through the less crowded and more secluded Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass route, which is a high-altitude adventure. It will put your endurance to the test, so it’s best to be in good shape to make the journey go as smoothly as possible. However, these trials will compensate you with some of the most beautiful views you will ever see.

This trek takes you through long slopes, sharp downhill, stony pathways, often through forests. As a result, the fitter you are, the more pleasure you will have on this journey. It’s important to start training a few months ahead of time so that your body can adjust to the constant walking and cardio. Incorporating cardio exercises like jump rope, aerobics along with Pilates will help build your stamina. High mountain sickness is very common at elevations above 2500 meters. If you find yourself in this condition, you may aid yourself by taking oxygen supplements like Diamox and getting a good night’s sleep. Consuming enough fluids and being hydrated will ease your state. To guarantee that the condition does not deteriorate, the required precautions should be taken.

Accommodation and Meals 

Along with the Everest Region, teahouses will be strewn everywhere. This lodge offers limited amenities in the Himalayan wilderness. This would be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. While teahouses vary in quality, most include basic amenities such as modest rooms, shared restrooms with a heated communal dining area. Due to the rural setting of these teahouses, guests should not expect the same level of service as in a city hotel. However, on major trails such as the Everest Base Camp trail, luxurious lodgings are also available. 

This region has menu items with local specialties. In the Himalayan foothills, there is a wide variety of cuisine alternatives, which is a fantastic experience. Teahouses charge an extra fee for boiled drinking water. Adding electrolytes to your drinking water may also be advantageous because it replenishes the nutrients you lose while walking.

EBC via Gokyo Lakes Cost

The budget for your excursion will be entirely determined by your standards and limitations. The cost of a journey is influenced by the means of transportation, lodging, and food options.

If you are not purchasing an all-inclusive package, you must be aware of the following requirements and secure all relevant permits:

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Nepal Tourism Board’s office in Kathmandu or the park’s entrance gate in Monjo can issue a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for NRS 3000. The charge for citizens of SAARC nations is NRS 1500.

Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Permit

At the rural municipality counter on the outskirts of the settlement, pay NRS 2000 for the permit.

When traveling to such a remote location, travel insurance is essential. In the event of an emergency, the cost of a helicopter evacuation and hospitalization would be covered by insurance. As a result, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance before your journey.