At the foot of Everest, atop a flowing glacier lies one of the most unique settlements in the world. Base Camp. The ideal opportunity for hikers to take their slice of the most iconic climb in the world, this trek will leave you feeling like you’re on top of the world.
Quite literally.
Slip the Gokyo Lakes into the mix and you’ll get a whole lot more out of your Everest experience. For starters, there’s the Ngozumpa Glacier, the Cho Oyu wall, the Chugima Pass and then, of course, the holy lakes of Gokyo.
Heading to Base Camp via the Gokyo Lakes adds in around four days’ extra hiking and acclimatisation to the traditional route. Longer? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Nowhere else on earth will you experience the tranquillity of turquoise waters like these, surrounded by ancient snow-capped giants on all sides.
Only question is, are you up to the challenge?
What is 'Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek' like?
Download Our Guide To Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes
Simply enter your details below to get yours now.
Read more about Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek
You’re not afraid of heights, are you?
On our Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek, you’ll be facing that fear. No, not in the tea house in Thamel. Not in the rhododendron forests near Maccherma either. Not even on the Ngozumpa glacier.
The truth is, there’s a long suspension bridge to cross on day 4. The Hillary Bridge, to be precise. And if you’re not sure you fancy the nerve-wracking crossing with precipitous drops beneath you, perhaps make your way to one of our other mountain trek pages. Fair warning!
Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about the rest of your trek to Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes.
Over the course of 20 days, you’ll climb high above river valleys, pass through pine forests and see many authentic Sherpa villages. You’ll explore the highest freshwater lake system in the world, looking upon the contrast between the icy blue waters and bright white glaciers in awe. And you’ll get spectacular views of the Everest trinity: Nupse, Lhotse and Everest herself.
And that’s all before you’ve even made it to Base Camp.
Get ready to shut the door on who you used to be, and open the window to the top of world on your trek to Base Camp. Life changes when you set foot on Everest, you know.
With no load-carrying to do and with the help of our leaders, you’ll be able to concentrate on getting yourself to Base Camp and taking in the stunning silences, mind-blowing sunsets and spectacular views that only exist on Everest.
But aside from the views and the trekking, you’ll spend time in famous mountain markets, visiting ancient settlements and enjoying the intense beauty of this monumental place.
You’ll bookend the trek with a day’s exploring the bustling streets of Kathmandu too, drinking in the strange mix of calm, culture and chaos in the Capital, sipping refreshing brews in traditional teahouses and munching fresh momos on the street.
The Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek Itinerary
Day 1
FLY TO KATHMANDU
On the first day, we depart from UK and begin our journey to Kathmandu. For all those travelling ‘Land Only’ we will see you very soon!
Day 2
Arrive in Kathmandu
We arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel, we have the afternoon to rest or explore your new surroundings.
Day 3
Free day in Kathmandu
Today is a free day in Kathmandu. Explore the bustling streets of Thamel, head to a tea house, eat freshly-cooked momos or visit one of many Buddhist temples around the city at your leisure.
Day 4
Trek to Monjo
After flying to Lukla, we will start the trek, setting off for a gentle walk to Phakding, a further 3 hours to the North. The trail leads through Lukla, past hotels, shops on to the edge of the Lukla plateau where the trail drops to meet the intersection of the Jiri trail at Chablung.
From here the trail follows the Dudh Kosi north through the village of Ghat and then finally to Phakding for the overnight stay in Monjo.
Day 5
MONJO TO NAMCHE
The trail heads beside the Dudh Kosi and continues upstream along the banks to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi. After crossing the large suspension bridge, the trail starts ascending through pine tree forests to reach the distinctive horse-shoe shaped bowl village of Namche Bazar where we will stop overnight.
Day 6
ACCLIMATISATION DAY
Today will be a rest day for acclimatisation. Namache is famous for it’s market, so offers some brilliant opportunities to discover the local produce and culture.
If you rise early, those who go for a climb to the ridge above Namche will be rewarded with the stunning dawn and sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks.
Day 7
TENGBOCHE
Today we continue on our trek along Imja River leaving Namche heading towards Tengboche. Here ther is opportunity to visit Thyangboche Monastery, one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Day 8
DINGBOCHE
We continue our trek from Tengboche to Dingboche today. We stop for a break at Pangboche where we will be given the opportunity to visit another beautiful Monastery before continuing for the afternoon.
Day 9
ACCLIMATISATION DAY
Today is an acclimatisation day in Dingboche. Dingboche is in the Khumbu region of Nepal, its a Sherpa village that’s popular with hikers to rest and acclimatise on the ascent to Everest.
We will take a short acclimatisation hike up to Chukung (4730m) to a few scattered stone huts that make up the settlement. Along the way, you can enjoy spectacular views of Ama Dablam and the impressive walls of the Nuptse ridge.
Day 10
LOBUCHE
Continuing on from Dingboche we trek to Lobuche. Today the aim is to trek around the base of the Khumbu glacier and have a light lunch at Dhugla, before a steep climb to Lobuche village. In Lobuche you’ll have immense panoramic views of Everest, often a highlight for many trekkers.
Day 11
KALA PATTHER AND GORAKSHEP
Today we leave Lobuche and trek to the best viewing point of Everest – Kala Patthar. We will then head back to a settlement in Gorakshep for the night which aids acclimatisation.
Day 12
EVEREST BASE CAMP
Today we trek to Everest Base Camp. Once we reach Base Camp there is time to soak up the atmosphere of this iconic mountaineering destination. Take lots of photos, before we head to Zonglha for the evening.
Day 13
DRAGNAK
Today we move on from Zonglha to Dragnak. This is a challenging, but non-technical climb over rock, snow, and sometimes ice, with superb views, linking the glacial valleys of Cho Oyu and Everest.
Day 14
GOKYO LAKES
This is an easy but slow day due to the altitude. We arrive at Gokyo, a Sherpa settlement beside a lake along the Ngozumpa glacier. Gokyo is typical of the high seasonal settlements used by Sherpas for farming.
Day 15
GOKYO RI
Today we trek to Gokyo Peak, with panoramic mountain views to rival Kala Patthar, the breathtaking view includes four peaks: Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu and the turquoise Gokyo lakes and Ngozumba glaciers.
When we are ready we will head to Dole for the night.
Day 16
NAMCHE BAZAR
From Dole we head back to Namche Bazar for well earned rest and refuel at the delightful cafes and shops. The best slice of cake you will ever taste!
Day 17
LUKLA
Trek from Namche to Lukla where we will stay for the night before our flight in the morning.
Day 18
FLY TO KATHMANDU
After an early breakfast at the lodge, we fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. We have the afternoon free to rest or explore more of Kathmandu.
Day 19
EXPLORING KATHMANDU
Today is a free day to explore Kathmandu at your leisure.
Day 20
FLY BACK TO THE UK
Today we head to the airport for our return flights back to the UK.
Food and Accomodation for Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek
Day 1
Flight
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 2
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 3
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 4
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 5
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 6
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 7
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 8
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 9
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 10
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 11
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 12
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 13
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 14
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 15
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 16
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 17
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 18
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 19
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 20
Flight
BreakfastLunchDinner
Reviews about the Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek trip
Here’s what some of our awesome customers had to say:
“Fantastic trip to Everest basecamp from start to finish. Can’t fault Keith and his team both English and Nepalese for the help and guidance they give throughout the tour. I’m already planning my next trip with the bucket list company. I would 100% recommend them not just for the trip itself but the knowledge and experience you get before, during and after.”
Thomas Michael Lodge Everest Base Camp
“This has been the first time I’ve used this travel company. I would like to say it has been a fabulous experience , the staff are both friendly and knowledgeable. The whole trip was well planned, but their was scope to change the itinerary at the last minute to include other travel arrangements and visits. Nothing was to much trouble. I would definitely use this company again and would be more than happy to recommend it to my friends. Thanks for a great holiday.”
Ian Paul Annapurna Circuit trek
“Just got back from the Everest Base Camp trek. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Would definitely recommend The Bucket List Company. Their UK leaders and local guides made sure that everyone was safe and well looked every day of the trip. I have been on two training weekends prior to departure, which were also very well organised and took place at great locations in Wales. Everyone at TBLC are super friendly and ready to answer your questions any time before, during or after the trip. Booking in advance and being able to spread the payments meant that I could afford the trip of my dreams despite being a uni student. No hidden costs, kit list received well in advanced so again it was easy to tick everything off it over a longer period of time.
Already booked two other trips. Huge thanks to the whole team, especially Keith (company owner) and Jake (best “not a tour guide” leader) for making our trip unforgettable! Can’t wait for the next adventure with the Bucket List Company!”
Andrea Kocsondi Everest Base Camp
“Signed up and hiked EBC in 2018. The trip was very well organised – staff, sherpas & porters were all excellent. I really did have the trip of a lifetime… so much so that I’ve signed up for a second trip back to Nepal through The Bucket List Company, this time to climb Mera Peak.
A big plus for me was having the option to pay off my balance in affordable monthly chunks – otherwise I couldn’t afford trips like this. I also liked having my own individual web portal/log-in where I could access all the details of my trip.”
Gary Creen Everest Base Camp
“Brilliant Everest Base Camp trek with outstanding customer care from start to finish. Loved it so much I’ve just booked a Sahara trek and Kilimanjaro for next year!”
Cerys Bevan Everest Base Camp
I had the pleasure of travelling to Nepal with The Bucket List Company. From attending a training weekend in February right through to our final landing at Heathrow after our trip to base camp in October, everything was thought out and carried out in a non pressurised professional way. I would highly recommend this company to anybody.
Michael Everest Base Camp trek
We've got add-ons for the Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek trip.
Supercharge your trip by adding another unique experience!
Duration: 2 nights 3 daysRegion: Nepal
Chitwan National Park
From: £360pp
Challenge Rating
How to handle an Everest Base Camp trek
If fears about fitness have been holding you back, allow us to reassure you. This trip’s a great one for less experienced climbers, and you really don’t need hundreds of summits in your repertoire to attempt the trek to Base Camp. You don’t need to be a marathon runner either. Pack light, practise properly and chances are you’ll be just fine.
That being said, it’s worth remembering that you will be walking 4 – 8 hours every day. Throw in the fact that most of that is uphill and at a high altitude, and wanting to get in some uphill practice walks should come naturally.
Acclimatisation really is the bigger concern on your journey upon the Goddess of the Sky. But to help keep things as smooth as possible and give you the best chance of reaching Base Camp, you’ll be taking acclimatisation rest days on your Bucket List Co. trek.
Sure, some parts of the climbing will give your calves a good workout and there are several steep paths and twisting trails to tackle. But we’ll make sure you get all the time you need to complete the trek safely, and we’ll take several breaks to just sit and be with the majestic Gokyo lakes too.
So if you want to tick some truly spectacular scenes off your Bucket List…
If you want to be able to say “Base Camp? Completed it mate”…
And if you want to do it all with an amazing bunch of people who might just become friends for life…
The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek is for you.
Check out the itinerary, chuck any questions you have in our direction, book your spot and get ready to tick an incredible experience off your Bucket List.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 20
