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Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek: 17 Days via Cho La Pass

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek: 17 Days via Cho La Pass

Name: Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek: 17 Days via Cho La Pass
Brand: Thrill Himalaya

40 reviews in TripAdvisor

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Duration17 Days

Trip GradeStrenuous

Maximum Altitude5,545 m / 18,192 ft (Kala Patthar)

Group Size1 to 12 persons

StartsKathmandu

EndsKathmandu

ActivitiesHigh Altitude Trekking & Cho La Pass Crossing

Best TimeSpring (March–May) & Autumn (September–Early December)

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek: 17 Days via Cho La Pass

The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek is a 17-day high-altitude teahouse loop in Nepal that connects EBC (5,364 m) and Gokyo Lakes via the 5,420 m Cho La Pass. Prices start at USD 1,497 per person.You walk to Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Patthar first, cross the 5,420 m Cho La Pass, then finish at the turquoise Gokyo Lakes with a sunrise climb of Gokyo Ri before walking out to Lukla. It is harder than the standard Everest Base Camp trek and suits fit, healthy hikers who have done multi-day walks before and are comfortable on steep, rocky ground.

The package costs from USD 1,497 per person for a group of 7 to 12, or USD 1,689 if you trek on your own, and the price is the same for every departure in 2027 and 2028. If you would rather not walk the last three days back to Lukla, you can fly out of Gokyo by helicopter after the Gokyo Ri sunrise.

Key facts

17 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with 14 days on foot

Highest point: Kala Patthar, 5,545 m (18,192 ft)

Hardest day: Day 11, Cho La Pass, 5,420 m (17,782 ft)

Grade: challenging, for fit hikers who have done multi-day treks

Price: from USD 1,497 per person, same price all year

Best months: October and November; late March to May

Departures: private or small group, any start date, every departure guaranteed

Option: helicopter return from Gokyo, from USD 1,000 per person

EBC and Gokyo Lakes Trek: full trip facts

Duration	17 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with 14 days on foot (Days 2 to 15). We recommend one extra contingency day, which is not included in the 17 days.
Route	Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Cho La Pass, Gokyo, Gokyo Ri, Namche Bazaar, Lukla
Route direction	Everest Base Camp first, then east to west over Cho La Pass to Gokyo
Highest point	Kala Patthar, 5,545 m (18,192 ft)
Highest overnight	Gorak Shep, 5,164 m (16,942 ft)
Hardest day	Day 11, Cho La Pass (5,420 m / 17,782 ft), about 7 to 9 hours
Walking per day	Usually 4 to 7 hours; 7 to 10 hours on Days 9 to 11, and 6 to 8 hours on Day 13
Total distance	About 150 km on foot over 14 days
Grade	Challenging: long days above 4,800 m and one high pass with a short glacier section
Nights in Gokyo	One (Day 12)
Helicopter option	Optional helicopter return from Gokyo on Day 13: USD 1,000 per person extra on a shared flight, or USD 5,700 for a private helicopter
Accommodation	Kathmandu hotel (2 nights), teahouse lodges on the trek (14 nights)
Trip style	Private trek or small-group departure, starting any day; every departure is guaranteed to run
Group size	1 to 12 trekkers, with an assistant guide for groups of 8 or more
Start and finish	Kathmandu, with airport pickup and drop-off
Best months	October and November; late March to May
Price	From USD 1,497 per person (see the cost section)

What is the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek?

It is a guided teahouse trek that combines the classic Everest Base Camp route with the Gokyo Valley, joined by the Cho La Pass. Both valleys lie in the Khumbu region of north-east Nepal, inside Sagarmatha National Park. You may also see the same route sold as the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes, the Gokyo Cho La Pass trek or the Gokyo to Everest Base Camp trek. The main difference between these versions is which valley comes first.

The classic trail follows the Dudh Koshi and Imja valleys up to Gorak Shep, the last settlement below base camp. The Gokyo Valley runs parallel to the west, beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, with a chain of glacial lakes and the village of Gokyo on the shore of the third lake. Cho La is the high pass between the two.

Because the pass links the two valleys, the route forms a loop and cuts out much of the backtracking of an out-and-back trek. Some sections still repeat: the lower trail between Lukla and Namche Bazaar (walked on Days 2 and 3, and again on Day 15), the stretch from Gorak Shep back towards Lobuche on Day 10, and the last part of the walk into Namche on Day 14.

Which route does the EBC Gokyo trek take via Cho La Pass?

We walk to Everest Base Camp first, cross Cho La from east to west, and finish in the Gokyo Valley. From Lukla, the trail climbs through Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. From there it turns west via Dzongla to cross Cho La (about 5,420 m), then continues over the Ngozumpa Glacier to the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri. You walk back to Lukla through Machhermo and Namche.

Going to Base Camp first means you have already slept at the trek’s highest stops before the pass, so you reach Cho La better acclimatised.

Why does our team go to Everest Base Camp first?

We chose this direction for our 17-day trek for three practical reasons:

By the time you reach Cho La on Day 11, you have slept at Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and climbed Kala Patthar (5,545 m), so you approach the pass after more time at altitude.
You reach Everest Base Camp in the first half of the trip. If weather later closes the pass, you have already reached the main goal.
The quieter Gokyo Valley comes at the end, when you are heading downhill towards Namche.

It is not automatically the better direction for everyone. Going this way puts three hard days back to back (Days 9 to 11), and the steepest loose ground on Cho La comes on the descent to Thangnak, which is tiring on the knees. Gokyo-first itineraries reach the lakes earlier and spread the effort differently, and some trekkers prefer them. We can explain the difference before you book.

Guide's note

We go to Everest Base Camp first for three reasons. Reaching base camp is the big achievement of the trip, and the acclimatisation days on the way mean you arrive at Cho La well adjusted. From this side the climb to the pass is easier than from Gokyo. And if anyone falls ill later on, they have still reached base camp. Then Gokyo comes at the end, like dessert after a good meal.

Pravin Baniya, lead team leader

EBC first or Gokyo first: how do the two directions compare?

Both directions cross the same pass and visit the same places. The difference is when the hard days fall and what you have already seen if Cho La is closed.

	EBC first (our route)	Gokyo first
Reach Everest Base Camp	Day 9, in the first half of the trip	Towards the end of the trip
Climb to Cho La	From Dzongla: steady climb, short glacier near the top	From Thangnak: steep, loose climb up the western side
Descent from Cho La	Steep, loose rock and scree down to Thangnak	Across the glacier, then down the rocky valley to Dzongla
Altitude before the pass	You have slept at Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and climbed Kala Patthar (5,545 m)	You have usually slept at Gokyo (4,750 m) and climbed Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
If Cho La is closed	You have already reached base camp; Gokyo is missed or reached by a longer route	You have seen Gokyo; base camp is missed or reached by a longer route
Best for	Trekkers for whom base camp is the main goal	Trekkers who want the lakes and the quieter valley first

What is Cho La Pass like from the Dzongla side?

Cho La (5,420 m / 17,782 ft) links Dzongla (4,830 m) in the Khumbu Valley with Thangnak (4,700 m) in the Gokyo Valley. Crossing from east to west, as we do, the day has three distinct parts:

The climb from Dzongla. A steady ascent up a rocky valley, then a steep section over boulders and rock steps.
The glacier. Near the top, the trail crosses a small glacier on the eastern side of the pass. The slope is usually gentle, but it can be icy or snow-covered, especially early in the morning.
The descent to Thangnak. The western side drops steeply over loose rock and scree before easing off towards Thangnak.

Microspikes, light traction devices that fit over your boots, help on icy sections. You can buy or rent a pair in Kathmandu before the trek. Trekking poles help on the long descent.

Is Cho La Pass dangerous?

Cho La is the most serious day of the trek, but in normal trekking-season conditions it is a walking pass, not a climb: you do not need ropes or mountaineering skills. The risks come from the setting rather than from technical difficulty:

Altitude. At 5,420 m everyone moves slowly, and altitude illness can affect fit trekkers too.
Ice on the glacier. The short glacier section near the top can be icy early in the morning, especially after fresh snow.
Loose rock. The steep western descent to Thangnak is loose rock and scree, where a slip or a dislodged stone is the main hazard.
Weather. Wind, cold and cloud can build quickly near the top, and visibility can drop.
Fatigue. The crossing comes straight after two long days, so you descend on tired legs.

On our departures we manage these risks in a few practical ways:

We start at about 5 am, so you reach the pass and begin the descent before the weather usually changes later in the day.
Your guide checks everyone's oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day, and decides on the morning whether it is safe to cross.
Anyone whose altitude symptoms are getting worse does not cross. They go down with a member of our team.
We lend trekking poles, and we recommend microspikes for the glacier.
Our guides lead Cho La every season, and Pravin has crossed it more than 13 times.

You can help by training for long descents, keeping a steady pace on the day and telling your guide straight away if you feel unwell.

What happens if Cho La Pass is closed?

Snow, ice, strong wind or poor visibility can make the pass unsafe. Closures are most common in winter and early spring, but conditions can change in any season. Your guide makes the decision on the morning of the crossing, and safety comes before the itinerary.

If the pass is not safe, there are two usual options from Dzongla:

Reach Gokyo the long way. You walk down the Khumbu Valley and around via Phortse into the Gokyo Valley. This takes longer than crossing the pass and does not usually fit within the 17 days, so it means adding days to the trip.
Walk out without Gokyo. You return to Namche and Lukla on the main trail. This fits within the original dates.

Extra days needed to reach Gokyo the long way, via Phortse, are charged separately. If you walk out early instead, we cannot refund unused nights, as lodges, flights and staff are arranged in advance.

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Itinerary

The package runs 17 days from arrival in Kathmandu to departure, with 14 days on foot (Days 2 to 15). The 17 days do not include a contingency day. We recommend allowing one extra day at the end, either as an extra Kathmandu night booked with us or simply by booking your international flight for Day 18 or later. A spare day gives you breathing room if Lukla flights are held, though it cannot guarantee your onward connection.

Walking times are typical ranges; your guide sets the pace for the group.

Day	Route	Overnight altitude	Walking time	Highlight
1	Arrive in Kathmandu	1,400 m / 4,593 ft	None	Airport pickup, trek briefing
2	Fly to Lukla (2,860 m), trek to Phakding	2,610 m / 8,563 ft	3 to 4 h	Mountain flight
3	Phakding to Namche Bazaar	3,440 m / 11,286 ft	5 to 6 h	Hillary suspension bridge
4	Acclimatisation day in Namche	3,440 m / 11,286 ft	3 to 4 h hike	Hotel Everest View ridge
5	Namche to Tengboche	3,860 m / 12,664 ft	5 to 6 h	Tengboche Monastery
6	Tengboche to Dingboche	4,410 m / 14,469 ft	5 to 6 h	Ama Dablam views
7	Acclimatisation day in Dingboche	4,410 m / 14,469 ft	3 to 4 h hike	Nangkartshang ridge
8	Dingboche to Lobuche	4,940 m / 16,207 ft	5 to 6 h	Thukla memorials
9	Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp	5,164 m / 16,942 ft	7 to 8 h	Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
10	Kala Patthar at sunrise, trek to Dzongla	4,830 m / 15,846 ft	8 to 10 h	Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
11	Cross Cho La Pass to Thangnak	4,700 m / 15,420 ft	7 to 9 h	Cho La Pass (5,420 m)
12	Thangnak to Gokyo	4,750 m / 15,584 ft	3 to 4 h	Ngozumpa Glacier, Gokyo Lakes
13	Gokyo Ri at sunrise, trek to Machhermo	4,470 m / 14,665 ft	6 to 8 h	Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
14	Machhermo to Namche Bazaar	3,440 m / 11,286 ft	6 to 7 h	Mong La viewpoint
15	Namche to Lukla	2,860 m / 9,383 ft	6 to 7 h	Last night on the trail
16	Fly to Kathmandu	1,400 m / 4,593 ft	None	Farewell dinner
17	Departure	None	None	Airport drop-off

Trip PlanExpand all

Day 01

Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and takes you to your hotel. Later we hold a trek briefing, check your gear and go through what goes in your daypack and what goes in the porter's bag. If you need to hire or buy anything, there is time to do it in Thamel.

Day 02

Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

An early flight takes you to Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport at 2,860 m. In the busiest weeks of spring and autumn, Lukla flights usually leave from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, about four to five hours' drive from Kathmandu, which means a pre-dawn start by road. After meeting the porters, you walk downhill along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding. It is a short first day that lets you settle into trail life.

Day 03

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

The trail crosses the river several times on suspension bridges and enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where permits are checked. After the high Hillary Bridge comes the long climb to Namche Bazaar. On a clear day you get your first glimpse of Everest from a viewpoint on the way up.

Day 04

Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar

You stay a second night in Namche to give your body time to adjust. The usual hike climbs above the town to the ridge near Syangboche and the Hotel Everest View (about 3,880 m), with views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam on a clear day, and often continues to Khumjung village before returning to Namche to sleep. The idea is to climb higher than you sleep, then rest. Your guide may shorten or change the walk depending on the weather and how the group is feeling. The afternoon is free for Namche's bakeries, shops and the Sherpa culture museum.

Day 05

Namche to Tengboche (3,860 m)

A contouring trail with views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Everest drops to the river at Phunki Thenga, then climbs through forest to Tengboche. The monastery here is the largest in the Khumbu, and you may be able to watch an afternoon prayer session.

Day 06

Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)

You descend through rhododendron forest, pass Pangboche village and climb into the Imja Valley. Trees give way to stone-walled fields and open slopes. Dingboche sits below Ama Dablam and Lhotse, and it is noticeably colder than Namche.

Day 07

Acclimatisation day in Dingboche

This is the second rest day before the high section of the trek. The usual hike climbs the Nangkartshang ridge directly above the village for views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Island Peak. Your guide decides how high to go on the day, based on the weather and how everyone is acclimatising; some groups walk part of the way up the Chhukung valley instead. You return to Dingboche for lunch, and the rest of the day is for resting, drinking plenty and eating well.

Day 08

Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940 m)

The trail climbs gently across a wide valley to Thukla, then steeply up the moraine to a ridge lined with memorials to climbers who died on Everest. From there it is an easier walk beside the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche.

Day 09

Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

You follow the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Gorak Shep, drop your bags at the lodge and continue to Everest Base Camp over rocky, uneven ground beside the glacier. At base camp you stand below the Khumbu Icefall, the start of the climbing route to the summit. You return to Gorak Shep, the highest overnight stop of the trek. This is the first of three demanding days in a row.

Day 10

Kala Patthar at sunrise, trek to Dzongla (4,830 m)

Day 10 combines two big efforts. You get up at about 3:30 am and climb Kala Patthar in the dark and cold, gaining about 380 m on a steep, sandy and rocky trail to 5,545 m, the highest point of the trek, for sunrise on Everest, Nuptse and Pumori. After breakfast back at Gorak Shep, you pack up and walk down the moraine towards Lobuche, then turn west on a smaller trail to Dzongla, below Cholatse.

You finish lower than you started, but the short night at Gorak Shep, the cold pre-dawn climb and the long walk afterwards make this one of the most tiring days of the trek. Allow 8 to 10 hours in total.

Day 11

Cross Cho La Pass to Thangnak (4,700 m)

The hardest day begins before dawn, at about 5 am. You climb about 590 m from Dzongla to the pass at 5,420 m, crossing the glacier near the top, then descend the steep, loose western side to Thangnak (also spelt Dragnag). Our guide to the Cho La crossing above covers the terrain in detail.

What makes the day demanding is the combination: a long climb above 4,800 m, uneven ground that needs your attention with every step, possible ice and wind near the top, and a steep descent on tired legs, all straight after two long days. Allow 7 to 9 hours. Your guide decides on the morning whether conditions are safe to cross.

Day 12

Thangnak to Gokyo (4,750 m)

A shorter day takes you across the rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glacier on a marked trail that changes from season to season. On the far side you reach the second Gokyo lake, then Gokyo village on the shore of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. This is your one night in Gokyo, and the afternoon is free to rest or walk along the lakeshore.

Day 13

Gokyo Ri at sunrise, trek to Machhermo (4,470 m)

Another pre-dawn start, at about 4 am, takes you up Gokyo Ri (5,357 m). The climb gains about 600 m from the village on a steep, zigzagging trail, and the summit gives one of the widest views in the Everest region: four peaks over 8,000 m, the Ngozumpa Glacier and the lakes below.

You then return to Gokyo for breakfast, pack and walk down the valley past the second and first lakes to Machhermo. A steep climb at altitude before breakfast, followed by a full day's walk, makes this a long day after the effort of the pass. Allow 6 to 8 hours in total.

If you have booked the helicopter return, Day 13 is your last day on foot: after breakfast in Gokyo you fly out instead of walking down to Machhermo. The helicopter section below explains how it works.

Day 14

Machhermo to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

The trail descends through Dole and Phortse Thanga, then climbs to the Mong La ridge for a last close view of Ama Dablam before contouring back to Namche. After two weeks at altitude, the thicker air makes this long day feel easier.

Day 15

Namche to Lukla (2,860 m)

You retrace the Dudh Koshi trail to Lukla, with one last uphill stretch at the end. In the evening you celebrate with your guide and porters.

Day 16

Fly to Kathmandu

You take a morning flight to Kathmandu, or to Ramechhap with a drive to Kathmandu in peak weeks. Mountain weather sometimes delays Lukla flights, so the rest of the day is kept free. In the evening we host a farewell dinner for you.

Day 17

Departure

We take you to the airport for your flight home. Day 17 is the last day of the package; see the note on contingency days at the start of this itinerary before booking your international flight.

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Route Map

Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek: 17 Days via Cho La Pass trip map

Altitude Chart

Cost Details

Includes

Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu by private car or jeep
Two nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Vista, Hotel Thamel Park or similar), twin share with breakfast
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) to Lukla return flights, with private airport transfers and domestic airport tax
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
14 nights in teahouse lodges on a twin-sharing basis
Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek, with fresh fruit after dinner
A government-licensed, English-speaking guide, with salary, food, accommodation, transport and insurance covered
An assistant guide for groups of 8 or more
Porters (one for every two trekkers) with safety and walking equipment, salary, food, accommodation and insurance covered
A comprehensive first-aid kit, and pulse oximeter checks of your oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day
Arrangement of an emergency helicopter if needed (paid for by your travel insurance)
Use of a sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and trekking poles, returned after the trek
Government taxes and official expenses
Trip Achievement Certificate

Excludes

International flights to and from Kathmandu
Nepal visa
Travel insurance covering trekking and helicopter evacuation up to 5,545 m
A contingency day, a second night in Gokyo or other extra nights, unless added to your booking
Helicopter return from Gokyo, unless added to your booking
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, apart from the farewell dinner
Hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks on the trek
Tips for your guide and porters
Extra costs caused by flight delays, weather, pass closures, illness or leaving the trek early
Emergency evacuation and medical costs
Personal clothing and gear other than the sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and trekking poles
A 4% bank fee on card payments

Essential Information

Can you fly back from Gokyo by helicopter?

Yes. You can finish the trek in Gokyo and fly back to Kathmandu by helicopter instead of walking three days down to Lukla. You still reach Everest Base Camp, climb Kala Patthar, cross Cho La and watch sunrise from Gokyo Ri. The flight replaces the walk out through Machhermo and Namche Bazaar and the Lukla flight.

	Walk out (standard)	Helicopter return from Gokyo
Length	17 days	14 days
Days on foot	14	12
After Gokyo Ri	Walk to Machhermo, Namche Bazaar and Lukla, then fly to Kathmandu	Fly from Gokyo to Kathmandu via Lukla
Extra cost	Included in the package price	USD 1,000 per person (shared) or USD 5,700 per helicopter (private)
Flight that depends on weather	Lukla to Kathmandu on Day 16	Gokyo to Kathmandu on Day 13
Best for	Trekkers who want to walk the whole loop	Trekkers short on time, or with tired knees after Cho La

How does the helicopter return work?

When you fly. On Day 13, after the Gokyo Ri sunrise and breakfast in Gokyo. Helicopters usually fly in the morning, when visibility is best.
Where you land. Kathmandu, with a short stop in Lukla on the way.
Shared or private. Both. A shared seat costs USD 1,000 per person and depends on other passengers flying the same day. A private helicopter costs USD 5,700 and flies on your schedule.
Baggage. Helicopters can carry less weight at high altitude, so plan on about 10 kg of baggage per person for the flight.
Your team. Usually only clients fly. Your guide joins you if a seat is free; otherwise your guide and porter walk back to Lukla.

How long is the trip with the helicopter return?

14 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with 12 days on foot. We still recommend one spare day before your international flight, because helicopters need clear weather too.

What if the weather stops the helicopter?

Helicopters fly only when visibility is safe, so a flight can be held for hours or, occasionally, days. If it cannot fly, you wait in Gokyo for a day or two for the next clear window. If the bad weather lasts longer, you walk out to Lukla on the standard route with your guide.

Is the EBC and Gokyo Lakes trek right for you?

This trek suits fit, healthy hikers who have walked several days in a row before and are comfortable on rough, steep ground. It is not the right first trek for someone new to hiking.

A good fit if you	Think again if you
Have done multi-day hikes or treks	Have never hiked more than one day in a row
Can walk up to 10 hours on hilly ground with a daypack	Have less than 17 days plus a contingency day
Want both Everest viewpoints and a quieter valley	Would not accept turning back at Cho La in bad weather

If you are new to multi-day trekking, the classic Everest Base Camp trek is the better first step.

How does this trek compare with classic EBC and the Three Passes?

Choose the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek if you want base camp and the Gokyo Lakes in one loop and can manage one high pass. If this is your first multi-day trek, the classic Everest Base Camp trek is the better choice. If you have trekked at altitude before and want the full circuit, the Three Passes Trek adds two more passes.

	Classic EBC	EBC with Gokyo (this trek)	Three Passes
Duration	14 days	17 days	21 days
Highest point	Kala Patthar, 5,545 m	Kala Patthar, 5,545 m	Kala Patthar, 5,545 m
High passes	None	Cho La, 5,420 m	Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La
Everest Base Camp	Yes	Yes	Yes
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri	No	Yes	Yes
Hardest part	Long days near 5,000 m	Days 9 to 11, ending with Cho La	Three pass days, all above 5,300 m
Best for	A first Himalayan trek	Fit trekkers who want both valleys	Experienced trekkers with more time
Price	See package page	From USD 1,497	See package page

See the full details on our classic Everest Base Camp trek and Everest Three Passes Trek pages. If you want the lakes without base camp, the Gokyo Lake Trek visits Gokyo and Gokyo Ri on a shorter route.

How difficult is the EBC and Gokyo Lakes trek?

Most days involve 4 to 7 hours of walking on rocky, uneven trails with long climbs and descents. The hardest stretch is Days 9 to 11, three demanding days in a row above 4,800 m, followed by another pre-dawn climb on Day 13. The day-by-day itinerary above explains what each of these days involves.

Start training about three months ahead with long hill walks, stair climbs and back-to-back weekend hikes carrying a daypack. Fitness helps you enjoy the days and recover overnight, but it does not protect you from altitude illness, and it does not guarantee that you will cross Cho La. That depends on the conditions and on how you are on the day.

How does the itinerary help with altitude?

The plan includes two rest days, in Namche (Day 4) and Dingboche (Day 7), and you climb Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri from lower sleeping places. This follows the principle of gaining height gradually and adding rest nights as you go higher. No itinerary removes the risk of altitude illness, and earlier time at altitude, including the days at Gorak Shep before Cho La, does not make the crossing safe in itself.

Tell your guide at once about headache, nausea, unusual tiredness or breathlessness at rest. If symptoms get worse, the rule is to stop going up and to descend. Speak to your doctor before the trip about your health and any medication for altitude.

What happens if someone gets sick on the trek?

Your guide checks on everyone each morning and evening, and anyone whose symptoms get worse goes down with a member of our team. Twice a day we also measure your oxygen saturation and heart rate with a pulse oximeter, which helps spot altitude sickness early.

If someone cannot walk down or needs urgent care, a rescue helicopter is the usual way out of the upper Khumbu. Evacuation is paid for through your travel insurance, which is why we ask for your policy details before you travel. Your guide carries a first-aid kit and stays in touch with our Kathmandu office by phone or internet, and our office arranges the rescue helicopter with your insurer.

When is the best time for the EBC Gokyo trek?

October and November usually bring the clearest skies and the most stable conditions for Cho La. Late March to May is the second-best window, with warmer days and more afternoon cloud. Both seasons are busy, so book flights and lodges early.

Season	Months	Typical conditions
Autumn	October to November (late September possible)	Clear, stable weather; cold nights; busiest trails. Late September can still bring monsoon cloud.
Spring	Late March to May	Warmer days, rhododendrons lower down, more afternoon cloud; snow possible on Cho La early in the season
Winter	December to February	Quiet trails, very cold nights, frozen lakes; Cho La often blocked by snow
Monsoon	June to early September	Cloud and rain, leeches lower down, frequent Lukla flight delays

Mountain weather is never guaranteed. These are typical patterns, not promises.

Where do you stay and eat on the EBC Gokyo trek?

You sleep in teahouse lodges for 14 nights on the trek and in a Kathmandu hotel on Days 1 and 16. Teahouses are family-run lodges with simple bedrooms and a shared dining room.

Rooms, bathrooms and heating

Rooms. On the trek, rooms are twin share, with two single beds, a mattress, pillow and blanket. On group departures we pair solo travellers with a trekker of the same gender. If you would like a room to yourself, a single supplement of USD 200 guarantees one.
Bathrooms. Some lodges in Lukla, Phakding and Namche have rooms with attached bathrooms. Higher up, toilets are shared and are sometimes outside the main building. We book rooms with attached bathrooms in Lukla, Phakding and Namche.
Heating. Bedrooms are not heated on the trek. The dining room is the only heated space, with a stove lit in the evening. From Dingboche upwards, bedrooms are often below freezing at night, so a warm sleeping bag matters.
Showers, charging and Wi-Fi. Most lodges charge for hot showers, device charging and Wi-Fi, and prices rise with altitude. Connections are slow and unreliable at Gorak Shep, Dzongla and Thangnak. Bring a power bank and keep batteries warm at night.

Stage	What to expect
Lukla to Namche	The most comfortable lodges; some rooms with attached bathrooms; reliable charging and Wi-Fi
Tengboche to Lobuche	Simpler rooms, shared toilets, colder nights; charging and Wi-Fi cost more
Gorak Shep, Dzongla, Thangnak	The most basic stops: small rooms, shared toilets, limited power
Gokyo	Lodges on the lakeshore; simple rooms, with lake views from the dining room

Food and water

Teahouse menus cover Nepali dal bhat, noodles, soups, potatoes, eggs, porridge and pasta. Dal bhat is the trekker's staple, and refills are usually free. Vegetarian meals are easy to find on every stage. We recommend boiled or purified water rather than bottled water, which adds plastic waste in the park.

EBC Gokyo packing list: what to bring and what we lend

Porters carry your main bag between lodges, so on the trail you carry only a daypack of about 30 litres. Your main bag travels separately and may arrive before or after you, so anything you need during the day goes in the daypack.

We lend you	Buy or rent in Kathmandu	Bring from home
Sleeping bag	Microspikes for Cho La	Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
Down jacket	Any gear you are missing (Thamel has many hire shops)	Base layers, fleece and waterproofs
Duffel bag for the porter	Provided by Thrill Himalaya Treks	Headtorch, water bottles and sunglasses
Trekking poles	Provided by Thrill Himalaya Treks	Prescription medicines and personal first-aid kit

In your daypack

Two water bottles (about 2 litres) and purification tablets
Warm layer, waterproof jacket, warm hat and gloves
Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen and lip balm
Headtorch with spare batteries, essential for the pre-dawn starts on Days 10, 11 and 13
Snacks, personal first-aid kit and any prescription medicines
Toilet paper, hand sanitiser, some cash in Nepali rupees, phone or camera

In the main bag (carried by the porter)

Sleeping bag and down jacket (on loan from us for the trek) when you are not wearing it
Thermal base layers, a fleece, waterproof trousers and spare clothes
Toiletries, charging cables and a power bank

We give you a duffel bag for the porter to carry. Keep it to about 10 kg, as one porter carries the bags of two trekkers. Lukla flights allow about 15 kg per person including hand luggage, and anything you will not need on the trek can stay at your Kathmandu hotel.

Also bring

Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
Trekking poles, useful on the long descents and on Cho La (we lend a pair if you do not have your own)
Microspikes, which you can buy or rent in Kathmandu

Clothing layers for Cho La and Gokyo Ri

Pre-dawn starts at Gorak Shep, Dzongla and Gokyo are the coldest hours of the trek, often well below freezing. Pack layers you can add and remove:

Thermal base layer top and leggings
Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
Down jacket (on loan from us) for evenings and early starts
Waterproof, windproof jacket and trousers
Two pairs of trekking trousers and several quick-dry shirts
Warm hat, sun hat and a neck gaiter or buff
Thin liner gloves plus insulated gloves or mittens
Three or four pairs of trekking socks, and a warm pair for nights
Sunglasses with high UV protection for the glacier and snow

Who guides your EBC Gokyo trek?

One of our senior Thrill Himalaya Treks guides leads your trek. Every guide on our team has more than 10 years of experience in the Himalayas, and they have walked this route many times: Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes and the Cho La crossing that connects them. They lead the Everest routes every season, so they know where the trail gets tricky, how to pace the climb to each overnight stop and how to read the conditions on pass day. All of our guides hold first-aid training.

How much does the EBC Gokyo trek cost?

The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Trek cost starts from USD 1,497 per person in a group of 7 to 12, and USD 1,689 for one person trekking privately. The price covers your Lukla flights, permits, guide, porters, teahouse lodges, three meals a day on the trek and two hotel nights in Kathmandu. These prices apply to every departure in 2027 and 2028, with no peak-season surcharge, and you can book either year now.

Price per person by group size

Group size	Price per person (USD)
1 person	1,689
2 people	1,659
3 to 6 people	1,579
7 to 12 people	1,497

The same prices apply to private treks and small-group departures. Groups of 8 or more also get an assistant guide.

We quote in US dollars. If you prefer a quote in pounds or euros, ask when you enquire.

What does USD 1,497 pay for?

USD 1,497 is the per-person price for a group of 7 to 12. It covers the fixed costs of the trek, so most of what you spend on the trail is personal. The price includes:

Getting there: return flights between Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) and Lukla, airport tax and private transfers, including the road transfer to Ramechhap in peak weeks
Permits: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
Your team: a government-licensed, English-speaking guide and one porter for every two trekkers, with their wages, food, lodging and insurance paid, plus an assistant guide for groups of 8 or more
Beds and meals: 14 nights in teahouse lodges with breakfast, lunch and dinner every day on the trek, two hotel nights in Kathmandu and a farewell dinner
Gear on loan: sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and trekking poles, so you do not need to buy or hire them
Safety support: a first-aid kit, pulse oximeter checks twice a day, and arrangement of an emergency helicopter with your insurer
Price certainty: the same price in every month of 2027 and 2028, with no peak-season surcharge

When you compare quotes, check whether the Lukla flights, both permits, porters and the gear loan are included. A lower headline price that leaves some of these out can cost more overall.

What changes the price?

Group size. Guide and porter costs are shared, so the price per person falls as the group grows.
Private or small group. A private trek runs at your own pace; a small-group departure lets you trek with others. Both are priced by group size.
Extra days. A contingency day, a second night in Gokyo or extra Kathmandu nights add cost.
Flight routing. In peak weeks, Lukla flights may leave from Ramechhap, which adds a road transfer. The transfer is included in the price.
Season. Our prices are the same all year, in both 2027 and 2028.
Helicopter return. Flying back from Gokyo costs USD 1,000 per person extra on a shared flight, or USD 5,700 for a private helicopter.

What will I spend on the trail?

On top of the package price, plan for showers, charging, Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks and boiled water, which cost more the higher you go. Tips for your guide and porters are not included and are a personal choice. We suggest carrying about USD 15 to 25 a day in Nepali rupees, as there are few cash machines above Namche and card payment is rarely available.

Deposit and cancellation in brief

A deposit of 20% secures your place, and you pay the balance when you arrive in Kathmandu, before the trek starts. If you cancel, the deposit is non-refundable, but if you postpone instead, we keep it as credit for a later trip with us. Card payments carry a 4% bank fee. You will find the full terms on our booking terms page.

What permits do you need?

You need two permits for this trek: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. A TIMS card is not used in the Everest region. We arrange both as part of the package. Fees can change, so we confirm the current rates before you travel. Permits checked November 2026.

When can you start, and how do you book?

Private treks and small-group departures start every day, and every departure is guaranteed to run once you book, whatever the size of your group.

Private trek or small group?

Option	Best for	How it works
Private trek	Couples, families, friends, or solo trekkers who want their own guide	You choose the start date; you can add a contingency day or a second night in Gokyo; the price per person falls as the group grows
Small-group departure	Solo trekkers who want company and a shared cost	Join on any date; up to 12 trekkers, with an assistant guide for groups of 8 or more

How do you book?

Send an enquiry with your preferred month, group size and any questions, by form, WhatsApp (+977 9851017941) or email ([email protected]).
Get your itinerary and quotation. We reply within 12 hours with a confirmed itinerary, price and inclusions for your dates.
Pay the deposit of 20% to secure your place. The balance is due on arrival in Kathmandu.
Prepare for the trek. We send pre-departure information, including the packing list and insurance requirements.
Arrive in Kathmandu. Our team meets you at the airport.

Our full deposit, payment and cancellation terms are on our booking terms page. Nepal time is UTC+5:45, so replies to US and UK enquiries may arrive overnight.

The balance is due on arrival in Kathmandu. Prefer to talk first? Message us on WhatsApp at +977 9851017941.

Why trek with Thrill Himalaya Treks?

Founder-led. Pravin Baniya, who has 14 years of guiding experience in the Himalayas, plans our treks and still leads them himself.
Registered in Nepal. Nepal Tourism Board Reg. No. 3303/81/82, and a member of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN),
Office in Nayabazar, Kathmandu. Nayabazar 16, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Independently reviewed. TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2026, with a 5.0 rating.
Two ways to trek. Private treks on any date, or small-group departures of up to 12 trekkers.
Guaranteed departures. Every departure runs once you book, whatever the size of your group.
Included as standard on this trek. Airport pickup and drop-off, two Kathmandu hotel nights, and the loan of a sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and trekking poles, and a farewell dinner.
Direct contact. WhatsApp +977 9851017941 and [email protected], answered by our Kathmandu team.

Need Help?

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Pravin

+977 9851017941

Need Help? Call Us.+977 9851017941