Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes

Gokyo Lakes in the Everest region of Nepal

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes Trek

A longer and more adventurous alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp route, this trek combines the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the summit of Gokyo Ri, the high crossing of Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar in one remarkable journey through the Khumbu.

Duration

17 Days

Difficulty

Challenging

Maximum Altitude

18,221 ft / 5,554 m

Best Time

Mar–May / Sep–Nov

The Route

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes trekking route map

The trek begins with the journey into the Khumbu and follows the Dudh Koshi Valley through Namche Bazaar. From Namche, the route leaves the standard Everest Base Camp trail and climbs north toward the quieter Gokyo Valley.

The trail continues past the Ngozumpa Glacier to Gokyo, a high-altitude settlement surrounded by glacial lakes and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Nepal. From here, trekkers climb Gokyo Ri before crossing the glacier toward Thagnak and the high Cho La Pass.

After crossing Cho La, the route joins the classic Everest Base Camp trail near Lobuche. The journey continues to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before descending through Dingboche, Namche Bazaar and Lukla.

Compared with the standard Everest Base Camp trek, this route is longer, spends more time at high elevation and includes the demanding Cho La crossing. The reward is a broader experience of the Everest region and access to landscapes not seen on the classic route.

What Makes This Trek Special

Gokyo Lakes

The Gokyo Valley is famous for its chain of turquoise glacial lakes set beneath the massive peaks of the Himalayas.

Gokyo Ri

The ascent of Gokyo Ri provides sweeping views toward Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and the Ngozumpa Glacier.

Cho La Pass

The high crossing of Cho La links the Gokyo Valley with the classic Everest Base Camp trail and adds a distinctly adventurous element to the route.

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and settle into your accommodation. The day can be used to organize equipment and prepare for the journey into the Everest region.

Day 2: Flight to Lukla – Trek to Phakding (8,713 ft / 2,656 m)
The trek begins with the flight toward Lukla. From Lukla, the trail descends gradually into the Dudh Koshi Valley and continues toward Phakding.

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,318 ft / 3,450 m)
The route enters Sagarmatha National Park near Monjo and repeatedly crosses the Dudh Koshi on suspension bridges before beginning the steep climb toward Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar – Acclimatization Day (11,318 ft / 3,450 m)
A full day is spent around Namche Bazaar to provide additional time for acclimatization before continuing higher into the Khumbu.

Day 5: Trek to Dole (13,398 ft / 4,084 m)
The trail leaves the main Everest Base Camp route and begins climbing toward the Gokyo Valley through rhododendron and birch forest.

Day 6: Trek to Machhermo (14,468 ft / 4,410 m)
The trail climbs steadily along the valley. As elevation increases, vegetation becomes more sparse and views of Cho Oyu, Thamserku and surrounding peaks open up.

Day 7: Machhermo – Acclimatization Day
A second acclimatization day allows more time to adjust before continuing toward Gokyo. Short hikes can be made above the settlement and into the surrounding valley.

Day 8: Trek to Gokyo (15,583 ft / 4,750 m)
The route climbs toward the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier and passes a series of high-altitude lakes before reaching the settlement of Gokyo.

Day 9: Gokyo Ri (17,988 ft / 5,483 m) – Trek to Thagnak (15,387 ft / 4,690 m)
An early climb of Gokyo Ri provides extensive views across the Everest region. After descending, the route crosses the Ngozumpa Glacier toward Thagnak.

Day 10: Cho La Pass (approx. 17,782 ft / 5,420 m) – Trek to Dzongla (15,846 ft / 4,830 m)
An early start is required for one of the trek’s most demanding days. The crossing involves steep and rocky terrain and may include snow or ice depending on conditions before descending toward Dzongla.

Day 11: Trek to Lobuche (16,174 ft / 4,930 m)
The route descends from Dzongla and eventually rejoins the main Everest Base Camp trail before continuing toward Lobuche.

Day 12: Gorak Shep – Everest Base Camp (approx. 17,600 ft / 5,364 m)
The trail follows the upper Khumbu Valley to Gorak Shep before continuing across glacial terrain toward Everest Base Camp beside the Khumbu Glacier.

Day 13: Kala Patthar (18,221 ft / 5,554 m) – Trek to Dingboche (14,468 ft / 4,410 m)
An early ascent of Kala Patthar provides close views of Everest and the surrounding Khumbu peaks. After descending, continue down the valley toward Dingboche.

Day 14: Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,318 ft / 3,450 m)
Descend through the Khumbu Valley, passing through the Tengboche area before continuing toward Namche Bazaar.

Day 15: Trek to Lukla (9,186 ft / 2,800 m)
The final trekking day follows the Dudh Koshi Valley back toward Lukla.

Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu
Weather permitting, fly back toward Kathmandu and spend the remainder of the day in the city.

Day 17: Depart Kathmandu
Depart Kathmandu or continue with additional travel in Nepal.

How Difficult Is This Trek?

The Gokyo Lakes route is generally more demanding than the classic Everest Base Camp trek. It is longer, spends more time at high elevation and includes the crossing of Cho La Pass.

The route does not normally require technical climbing skills, but trekkers should be comfortable with long walking days, steep terrain, cold conditions and sustained exposure to altitude.

Altitude & Acclimatization

This itinerary reaches several locations above 5,000 m, including Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

The acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Machhermo are important parts of the itinerary. They allow additional time for the body to adapt before the route reaches its highest elevations.

Read our altitude and acclimatization guide →

Best Time to Trek

The main trekking seasons for Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes are generally March through May and September through November.

Because this route crosses Cho La Pass, snow and ice conditions can have a greater effect on the itinerary than they do on the standard Everest Base Camp trail.

Learn more about Nepal’s trekking seasons →