Everest Base Camp Trek through Gokyo is one of the most popular routes across the landmarks of heavenly Khumbu region. On this trek, you will overlook the majestic Gokyo valley and cross the famous Cho La Pass 5367 m.

You will trek to the base of almighty Mt Everest  (8848 m) witnessing the spectacular vistas from famous viewpoints like Gokyo Ri 5357m, and Kala Patthar 5545m. Furthermore, you can overlook the magnificent view of Khumbu Icefall. Alongside, you can also spectate the astonishing views of Lhotse 8516m, Makalu 8451m and Amadablam 6812m, during your trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek through Gokyo is a challenging trek comprised of off the beaten path as it run across the remote Nepalese trails on Everest region. Thus, it is mandatory for you to have the stable fitness level to accomplish this 18 days trek.

Highlights of Trek:

• Fascinating scenic flight to Lukla

• Exploration of lovely Sherpa village (at Khumjung and Namche Bazar)

• Trek on the thrilling route through the Sagarmatha National Park (listed UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Chance to witness heavenly Khumbu Ice fall

• Captivating view of snow peaks over 8000 m including Mt Everest (8848 m)

• Explore the schools and hospitals funded by Edmund Hillary.

Trek Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1350 mtrs      

Day 02: Spare day in Kathmandu 1350 mtrs       

Day 03: Fly to Lukla 2,860m, Trek to Phakding 2,610m 3-4 hours                           

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazar 3,438 mtrs (11 km) 5-6 hours

Day 05: Acclimatization day 3,438m

Day 06: Namche Bazar to Phortse Thanga 3,680 m (6 km) 5-6 hours     

Day 07: Phortse Thanga to Machhermo 4,470m (10 km) 4-5 hours

Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo 4,800m (7 km) 4-5 hours

Day 09: Gokyo Valley Hike 5,357m (2 km) 3-4 hours

Day 10: Acclimatization day - Gokyo Ri

Day 11: Gokyo to Thagnak 4,750m (4 km) 4-5 hours

Day 12: Thagnak to Cho La Pass to Dzongla 5,367/4830m (7 km) 7-8 hours

Day 13: Dzongla to Gorakshep (visit Everest Base Camp) 5170/5364 mtrs (13 km) 7-8 hours   

Day 14: Gorakshep - Kala Patthar 5545m to Pheriche 7-8 hours

Day 15: Pheriche to Namche Bazar 3,438m (20 km) 7-8 hours   

Day 16: Namche Bazar to Lukla 2,860m (19 km) 7-8 hours   

Day 17: Lukla to Kathmandu 1,350 m-

Day 18: Final departure 

Accommodation during the trek:

On your 18 days Everest Base Camp trek through Gokyo Lake, you will have plenty of accommodation option to choose from. The local inhabitants of the region offer you with excellent hospitality during your stay at the tea houses. Nevertheless, the higher you ascend the option for lodging facility will decline.

The cost of accommodation at the tea houses ranges from US $ 5 – US $ 50, whereas the cost of extra facilities like room heater and showers is around US $ 10 – US $ 20. Additionally, some places offers luxury lodges as well, and the price per night from US $ 80- US $ 200 per persons, including showers, heaters Wi-Fi etc (available in lower parts only).

Gokyo Lake is overcrowded so you might have to accommodate yourself on a twin sharing basis. Although the tea houses will provide you with blankets, it is always wise to pack an extra sleeping bag with you on the trek.

Meals Details During the trek:

As being high elevation trek, Everest Base Camp via Gokyo valley trek is exhausting and probably drains out most of your energy. Therefore, you will need adequate amounts of nutrients like carbohydrate, protein to keep you fuelled up for the challenging Himalayan trails. Nevertheless, do not expect meal on the trek to be as convenient as in the city.

During your trek, you will enjoy delicacies such as French toast, oat meal, pancakes along with variety of hot drinks (tea and coffee) for breakfast. As compared to lunch, breakfast is cheaper so make sure you consume an adequate amount of food in the morning. On the other hand, you will enjoy lunch like Thukpa.

Almost every tea HOUSES MENU FEATURE TRADITIONAL MEAL LIKE Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari as well as Sherpa Strew Steaks. In addition, you also have the option to choose other familiar cuisines like Spaghetti, Noodles and Pasta during your stay at a tea house. You will be spending approximately 20-30 US$ per day on food as a typical dinner costs you nearly US $6-10. Nevertheless, the sum depends upon you food choices and preferences during your travel.

Distance of Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake:

The total hiking distance of your Distance of Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake is approximately 130 km (65 km each way). However, you will only be trekking for 12 days on your 16 days Everest Base Camp trek with periodical acclimatization.

On this trek, you will be hiking for 15 km every day and it is an achievable length even for a rookie trekker. Furthermore, you will hike for 6-8 hours per day the distance is attainable for all age groups (except children’s)

Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake Length:

The Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake consumes around12 days for its completion with regards to time taken to cover the ground destination. However, there are number of variations of the Everest Base Camp trek like Jiri to Everest Base Camp and Island peak trek which takes comparatively long duration to complete.

The inward route to Everest Base Camp trek allows you to acclimatize properly to the changing altitude throughout the trail. This way, the chance of high altitude sickness eradicate to some extent. Therefore, it will be lot more easily for trekkers if they trek through Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake via Gokyo lake route.

Nevertheless, note the fact that it will take around 9 days for reaching Everest Base Camp from Lukla whereas only 3 days to return back to Lukla. In addition, you will continue making slow and gradual descent regardless the easier downhill trek to Lukla.

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Elevation:

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the interesting high altitude trek in Nepal. As a result of which, you will be hiking through challenging elevation on the expedition. Your trek commences at an altitude over 2,600m (Lukla) so it obvious to experience the early effects of altitude. For this reason, start your trek to Everest Base Camp slowly and gradually.

The Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake trek comprises an acclimatization days after a significant gain. Generally, you will gain 400-800m each day throughout your trek to Everest Base Camp. Thus, for your own safety, you will ascend through the Himalayas at much slower pace. In addition, during your acclimatization you will explore the surrounding areas, consequently helping you to adapt the surrounding altitude.

Best time for Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake:

Prior to planning your Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake trek it is significant for you to understand the weather patterns of Everest region. You must consider few things into account in order to have sublime trek without any hindrance along route. Mid-autumn comprises of ideal weather condition for travelers and trekkers despite its extreme and adverse weather conditions.

October falls under the season of mid-autumn which offers a favourable weather conditions for remarkable trekking experiences in the Himalayan trails. At this time of the year, you will witness astonishing mountain vistas and snow peaks alongside other amazing mountain landscapes. During the months of October, you will experience temperature ranging from 15 to 20 degree at day time whereas 6 to 10 degree at night.

However, note the fact that weather varies according to the altitude of the Himalayan region, as well as the climate conditions is unpredictable. Thus, prepare yourself for light rainfall even if you are travelling in the months of October, Regardless, you will be fascinated by the crisp weather condition alongside perfect mountain vistas after the rain settles.

Altitude sickness:

Since you will be trekking to the heights above 5000 m during the trek, the symptoms of AMS is obvious and might affect you on the trail. Moreover, you can experience thinner oxygen level and atmospheric pressure as you make ascent to the mountains.

Early symptoms of AMS comprises of dizziness, lack of appetite, nausea, breath shortness and fever so it is vital to know about the signs before it gets even worse. Learning about the symptoms beforehand allows you to apply necessary precautions to avoid further complication. In case the condition does not get any better, it is significant for you to stop proceeding further and take necessary rest.

Sometimes, the patient is airlifted and taken to the nearest hospital for necessary treatment. However, such complications can be avoided by following the vital guidelines and not pushing your body to its limit. Moreover, you can consume ginger water in order to be safe from early high Altitude symptoms. Note the fact that keeping yourself hydrated is profound for you to overcome the altitude sickness.

Physical stamina and training:

On your standard Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake trek, you will be trekking the elevation above 5000m, as well as cover distance of 130 km. Therefore, it is vital for you to indulge in proper training and preparation one month prior to the trek. A physically fit traveller is more likely to face less complication on trek as compared to physically unfit traveller. Therefore it is mandatory for you to commence cardio exercises like jogging, brisk walking and swimming to boost your stamina and durability for the trek.

Furthermore, involve yourself on short hikes around the Kathmandu valley prior to the trek as it helps you to prepare for the challenges ahead in the mountains. This way, you will be able to acquire definitive region, as well as will help you prepare mentally for the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake trek.

Tips to reduce Everest Gokyo Ri trek difficulty:

• Hire an experienced guide for your Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lake trek as they can assist you in overcoming the difficulties.

• You will experience a moderate weather conditions and difficulties during your trek in the peak season.

• Ensure your itinerary is comprised of proper acclimatization process with a descent hike prevent the chances of an altitude sickness.

• Be-optimistic throughout the trek and prepare yourself mentally and physically to overcome the hurdles that may come along the trek.

• Pack sensibly depending on weather and temperature condition of the season you are planning to trek.

Conclusion:

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake is wonderful trekking experience in the remote parts of the Everest region. You will have opportunity to witness the magical charm of spectacular glacial lakes. Thus, it is highly recommended trek for anyone who wants to have spent a memorable time in Himalayas.