Your adventure begins as you land in Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Chingu Treks and Tours, who will transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you have the rest of the day to relax and explore the bustling streets of Thamel, perhaps pick up some last-minute gear for your trek. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you will meet your fellow trekkers and your guide.
Today, we explore on an exciting flight to Lukla, a small mountain airport situated at 2,820 meters. The 35-minute flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Upon landing in Lukla, we begin our trek toward Phakding, a charming village by the Dudh Koshi River. The trek is relatively easy, taking around 4 hours, offering a gentle introduction to the trail. After arriving in Phakding, you'll have the chance to rest and explore the small village.
The trek to Namche Bazaar begins with a crossing of the Dudh Koshi River, followed by a steady ascent through pine forests. Along the way, you'll pass several small villages and get your first views of the towering peaks in the distance. After approximately 6 hours of trekking, we reach Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region. Namche is a Sherpa village known for its vibrant market and stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Rest and acclimatize, as we will spend a day here to adjust to the altitude.
Acclimatization is crucial when trekking in the high Himalayas, and today you will take a short hike around Namche to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude. A popular option is a hike up to the Everest View Hotel, which offers panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and other peaks. The rest of the day is free to explore Namche Bazaar, where you can visit local monasteries, the Sherpa museum, or shop for trekking gear and souvenirs.
After a restful night in Namche, we begin our ascent toward Dole. The trail follows the ridgeline with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. After approximately 6 hours of trekking, we reach Dole, a small settlement with a few lodges offering spectacular views of the mountains. Here, we’ll spend the night and prepare for the next leg of the journey.
Today, we continue our trek along the beautiful route toward Machermo. The trail is a gradual ascent through alpine meadows, passing several yak herders' huts and gaining fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. After 4 hours of trekking, we reach Machermo, a small settlement nestled at the foot of towering peaks. The night here offers an incredible stargazing opportunity, as the clear skies reveal the grandeur of the Himalayas.
Today, we trek to Gokyo Lake, a serene and beautiful spot surrounded by glaciers. The 4-hour trek takes us past small villages and along the shores of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, which are considered sacred by the local Sherpa people. The sight of the turquoise water against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks is truly mesmerizing. Once we arrive, we'll settle into our lodge and have the afternoon free to explore this stunning area.
This morning, we will climb Gokyo Ri, a peak that offers one of the most spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, along with a bird's-eye view of the Gokyo Lakes. Afterward, we descend and continue our trek toward Thangnak. The hike is short, taking about 4-5 hours, and follows a scenic route across glaciers and moraine fields. We will arrive in Thangnak by late afternoon and rest for the night.
Today’s trek is challenging but rewarding. We ascend through rocky terrain, crossing glaciers and moraines before reaching Dzongla, a small settlement at 4,830 meters. This village offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the impressive Cho Oyu. The trek takes around 6 hours, and after settling in at the lodge, you’ll have time to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.
We continue our journey toward Lobuche, passing through high-altitude terrain, including moraines, rocks, and glaciers. The trek to Lobuche takes around 5 hours and offers some of the most impressive views of the Khumbu Glacier. Once in Lobuche, we’ll take a well-deserved rest and prepare for the final push toward Everest Base Camp.
Today is one of the highlights of the trek: reaching Everest Base Camp! We begin early and follow a path along the Khumbu Glacier, passing through Gorak Shep before reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters). The moment you arrive, the magnitude of the Himalayas and the base camp’s surroundings will leave you in awe. After spending some time at Base Camp, we return to Gorak Shep for the night.
We wake up early this morning to climb Kala Patthar (5,545 meters), a vantage point known for offering one of the best panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. After taking in the sunrise from the top, we descend and begin our trek toward Pheriche or Pangboche. This trek, which takes around 5-6 hours, is mostly downhill, offering a chance to recover from the higher altitudes.
The trek today takes us back to Namche Bazaar, retracing our steps along the Dudh Koshi River. The descent from Pheriche or Pangboche offers an easier pace, though we will still pass through beautiful forests and Sherpa villages. The trek takes around 6-7 hours, and upon arrival in Namche, you'll have the opportunity to relax and reflect on your incredible journey.
The final leg of the trek brings us back to Lukla. After breakfast in Namche, we descend back toward Lukla, where we first began our trek. The 6-7 hour trek offers a sense of closure as you retrace the path along the Dudh Koshi River and through beautiful forested areas. Once in Lukla, you can enjoy a celebratory meal with your fellow trekkers.
After an early breakfast, we board a flight back to Kathmandu. The scenic flight will provide another chance to view the stunning mountains and valleys we’ve trekked through. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. The rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing after your epic adventure.
Today marks the end of your unforgettable Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek with Chingu Treks and Tours. You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home or onward destination. We hope the memories of this incredible journey will stay with you for years to come! Safe travels!
The Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek is an exciting adventure that combines two of the most iconic trekking routes in the Everest region of Nepal. This trek offers the chance to visit the breathtaking Gokyo Lakes, the Gokyo Ri viewpoint, and the Everest Base Camp, all while experiencing the rich culture of the Sherpa people and the stunning Himalayan landscape. The trek takes you through the famous Sagarmatha National Park, with panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and many other peaks.
The Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek typically lasts 14 to 16 days, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the trek. This includes acclimatization days, rest breaks, and the time required to explore the sights along the way. The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and ends with a flight back to Kathmandu after completing the trek.
The Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek is considered moderate to challenging, requiring a good level of fitness. Trekkers should be prepared for long days of hiking, often at high altitudes, and should have previous trekking experience in mountainous terrain. It's important to train your stamina and strength, particularly for uphill climbs and long hours of walking. Proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness, and our expert guides at Chingu Treks and Tours will help you throughout the trek.
The best seasons for trekking to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo are pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November). During these months, the weather is typically stable, with clear skies, warmer temperatures at lower altitudes, and better visibility of the mountains. The trek is still possible in winter and early spring, but colder temperatures and the possibility of snow may make it more challenging.
To complete the Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek, trekkers must obtain two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. These permits are mandatory for trekking in the Everest region, and they can be arranged through Chingu Treks and Tours as part of your trek package.
The trek begins with a scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain town with a famous airport. From Lukla, the trek continues on foot to Phakding and then heads towards Namche Bazaar, the main hub of the Everest region. Chingu Treks and Tours will handle all the logistics, including the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and the necessary transportation.
While it's possible to trek without a guide, we strongly recommend hiring a professional guide and porter for the Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek. A guide will not only ensure your safety and provide local knowledge, but they will also assist in navigating the trails and managing the challenges of altitude. A porter will carry your main bag, leaving you with just a daypack to make the trek more comfortable. At Chingu Treks and Tours, our experienced and friendly guides and porters are well-versed in the terrain and culture, ensuring a seamless and enriching trekking experience.
Yes, altitude sickness is a risk on any trek to high-altitude areas like Everest Base Camp and Gokyo. The trek reaches elevations over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), so acclimatization is crucial. Chingu Treks and Tours builds in acclimatization days to help your body adjust to the thinning air. Symptoms of altitude sickness may include headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If you experience any symptoms, our guides are trained to assess the situation and help you make decisions to ensure your safety.
Accommodation during the Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek is typically in teahouses or lodges along the trail. These are basic but comfortable, with shared rooms and a cozy atmosphere. The facilities usually include beds with blankets, a common dining area, and basic bathrooms. The higher you go, the more basic the facilities become, but they offer a warm environment to rest and rejuvenate.
Essential items for the Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek include warm clothing (layers are best), a good pair of trekking boots, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, and trekking poles. A sleeping bag, headlamp, and personal medications are also necessary. Chingu Treks and Tours will provide a detailed packing list based on your specific needs.
Trekking in the Everest region is generally safe when you trek with an experienced guide and take necessary precautions for altitude sickness. Chingu Treks and Tours prioritizes your safety, with experienced guides who are well-trained in first aid and emergency procedures. The team monitors weather conditions and provides guidance throughout the trek to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Yes, if you would like to extend your trek or add additional activities like visiting other regions, Chingu Treks and Tours can customize your itinerary. Whether it’s an additional trek, a cultural tour in Kathmandu, or a visit to other parts of Nepal, we offer flexible options to meet your interests.
For more details or to book your trek, feel free to reach out to us at Chingu Treks and Tours. We’re dedicated to providing a safe, exciting, and unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas.
