19 Days
Mount Everest Base Camp & Gokyo lake
Lukla or Ramechap
Ramechap or Kathmandu
Challenging
Tea House / Lodge
3 meals during the trek
Trekking to Base camp and Gokyo lake
The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek combines two of the most spectacular trekking experiences in the Everest region into one challenging high-altitude journey.
Rather than following the standard Everest Base Camp route and returning the same way, this private trek takes you beyond Everest Base Camp and across Cho La Pass (5,420m) into the beautiful and less-traveled Gokyo Valley.
The journey begins with a scenic flight to Lukla before following the Dudh Koshi Valley through traditional Sherpa settlements, pine and rhododendron forests, suspension bridges and the lively mountain town of Namche Bazaar. As you gain altitude, the landscape changes from forested valleys to open alpine terrain, with Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest and other Himalayan peaks becoming increasingly prominent.
After acclimatizing in Namche and Dingboche, the trail continues towards Lobuche and Gorak Shep. From here, you visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) for exceptional views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
The journey does not end at Everest Base Camp.
From the Everest region, the route crosses the demanding Cho La Pass (5,420m) before descending into the spectacular Gokyo Valley. Here you encounter the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes, the enormous Ngozumpa Glacier and a quieter side of the Khumbu.
A climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) provides an outstanding panorama of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks, subject to weather and visibility.
The route then descends through Dole and Namche Bazaar before returning to Lukla and flying back to Kathmandu.
This is a strictly private trek, designed for travellers who want more than the standard Everest Base Camp experience and are prepared for long walking days, significant altitude and challenging terrain.
The standard Everest Base Camp trek takes you to Base Camp and returns through the Khumbu. This itinerary adds another dimension to the journey.
You experience Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek, then cross Cho La Pass and continue into Gokyo Valley before returning through Dole and Namche.
It is therefore a better choice for travellers who have more time, are physically prepared for a challenging high-altitude trek, and want to experience more of the Everest region rather than simply reaching Base Camp.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu – sightseeing or trek preparation.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,652m) – approximately 3–4 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – approximately 5–6 hrs.
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar – optional hike.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3,867m) – approximately 5–6 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4,530m) – approximately 5 hrs.
Day 08: Acclimatization day in Dingboche – optional hike towards Chhukung.
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (4,930m) – approximately 5 hrs.
Day 10: Climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) and overnight at Gorak Shep – approximately 6 hrs.
Day 11: Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and trek to Dzongla (4,860m) – approximately 8 hrs.
Day 12: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) and trek to Dragnak (4,700m) – approximately 7–8 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,800m) – approximately 4 hrs.
Day 14: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) or relax and explore around Gokyo.
Day 15: Trek to Dole – approximately 6 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar – approximately 6 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Lukla – approximately 7 hrs.
Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.
Day 19: Final departure or leisure day in Kathmandu.
The price per person depends on the size of your private group. Larger private groups benefit from shared guide, porter and operational costs.
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | US$2,420 |
| 2 people | US$2,045 |
| 3–5 people | US$1,960 |
| 6–9 people | US$1,885 |
| Single room supplement | US$150 |
This is a challenging high-altitude trek reaching above 5,500m and crossing Cho La Pass at 5,420m. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is helpful, although technical mountaineering experience is not normally required.
You should be physically fit and comfortable walking for several hours a day over uneven mountain terrain.
Porters carry your main luggage, up to 15 kg per trekker. You should carry only the personal items you need during the day.
A good pair of trekking boots, layered clothing and appropriate high-altitude trekking equipment are essential.
Our pre-trek information pack and Nepal FAQ help you prepare for the journey, including equipment, altitude, flights, accommodation and other practical aspects of trekking in Nepal.
Cho La is one of the most demanding sections of this trek. Conditions can vary considerably according to the season and weather, and the trail may include rocky, icy or snow-covered sections.
Your guide will assess the conditions and your group’s progress throughout the trek. The aim is not to rush across the pass, but to cross it safely and responsibly.
At Red Reach Himalaya, we don’t try to win business simply by offering the lowest price.
A route that includes Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Cho La and Gokyo requires proper planning, experienced local staff and sensible acclimatization. We believe the quality of those arrangements matters just as much as the destination itself.
We don’t just want to get you to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo. We want you to complete the journey safely, enjoy the route and return home with a positive experience of Nepal. For safe planning and more details, contact us. What Our Travellers Say : ‘Thanks to Red Reach Himalaya for the excellently organized vacation , was very cool, from the airport meeting to the dinner that the company director’ read more
Welcome to Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Red Reach Himalaya and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu.
After check-in, you can rest and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, there may also be an opportunity to meet your trekking guide and discuss the days ahead.
This is the beginning of a demanding but rewarding journey through the Everest region, so we encourage you to take the opportunity to rest and prepare.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Today is kept flexible for trek preparation and sightseeing.
If you have not visited Kathmandu before, you can explore some of the city's cultural highlights, or simply use the day to relax and prepare for the trek. Your guide will go through the itinerary, check your trekking equipment and answer any last-minute questions.
This is also a useful day to make sure everything is properly organised before heading into the high Himalaya.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, we head to the airport for the flight towards Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region.
The mountain flight is a memorable part of the journey, with views of the Himalayan foothills and mountains as the aircraft approaches the small airstrip at Lukla. After landing, we meet the local trekking crew, make final preparations and begin walking towards Phakding.
The trail initially descends gently before following the Dudh Koshi River through forests, small settlements and traditional mountain villages. The relatively short first trekking day allows your body to begin adjusting to the altitude.
After approximately three to four hours of walking, we reach Phakding, where we spend our first night in the Khumbu.
During the busiest trekking periods, flights to and from Lukla generally operate from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport rather than Kathmandu. Ramechhap is approximately 140 km from Kathmandu and normally takes around 4–5 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.
If your trek falls during a period when flights operate from Manthali, Red Reach Himalaya will arrange a private car or jeep according to your group size and provide the necessary departure information and timing in advance.
Trekking: Approximately 3–4 hours
Altitude: Phakding – 2,652m
Overnight: Phakding
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, we continue north along the Dudh Koshi Valley towards Namche Bazaar.
The trail passes through pine and rhododendron forests and crosses several suspension bridges as we gradually gain altitude. We enter Sagarmatha National Park and continue towards the village of Monjo before crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge.
Beyond the bridge, the trail becomes steeper as we make our way towards Namche. The final climb is demanding, but the first views of the high Himalaya make the effort worthwhile.
Namche Bazaar, situated in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by mountains, is the main trading and administrative centre of the Khumbu region and our home for the next two nights.
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440m
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today is an important acclimatization day.
Rather than simply resting all day, we recommend a short hike to a higher elevation before returning to Namche. Depending on weather, conditions and your group's pace, possible options include the Everest View Hotel and surrounding viewpoints.
From the higher trails, you may get your first impressive views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Thamserku.
There is also time to explore Namche Bazaar, visit local shops and bakeries, or simply relax and allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Hiking: Approximately 3–4 hours, depending on the chosen route
Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440m
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Leaving Namche behind, the trail follows a beautiful hillside above the Dudh Koshi Valley. The route offers magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Thamserku before descending towards the river at Phunki Tenga.
From here, the trail climbs steadily through rhododendron and pine forest towards Tengboche.
Tengboche is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Everest region. Its location, with Ama Dablam rising dramatically behind it, makes this one of the most memorable stops on the trek.
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Altitude: Tengboche – 3,867m
Overnight: Tengboche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
The morning begins with a descent through beautiful forest before the trail gradually enters the higher and more open landscape of the Khumbu.
We pass through traditional Sherpa settlements, including Pangboche, one of the oldest villages in the region, with excellent views of Ama Dablam.
The trail then follows the Imja Khola valley towards Dingboche. As we gain altitude, the vegetation becomes increasingly sparse and the surrounding mountains become more dominant.
Dingboche, situated at approximately 4,530m, is an important acclimatization stop before heading towards Everest Base Camp and Cho La.
Trekking: Approximately 5 hours
Altitude: Dingboche – 4,530m
Overnight: Dingboche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Another important acclimatization day is spent in Dingboche.
A short hike to a higher elevation helps your body adapt before we continue towards the high-altitude sections of the trek. Depending on your fitness, weather and how you are adjusting, you may hike towards Chhukung and enjoy views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam and the surrounding peaks.
Alternatively, you can take a shorter walk around Dingboche and spend more time resting.
The aim today is not to exhaust yourself. Proper acclimatization is an important part of preparing for the higher elevations ahead.
Hiking: Approximately 3–5 hours, depending on the route
Altitude: Dingboche – 4,530m
Overnight: Dingboche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
We leave Dingboche and gradually enter the rugged high-altitude landscape of the Everest region. The trail climbs towards the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. We pass memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest and other Himalayan mountains.
The landscape becomes increasingly barren as we approach Lobuche, and the effects of altitude become more noticeable.
After reaching Lobuche, we rest and prepare for the demanding days ahead.
Trekking: Approximately 5 hours
Altitude: Lobuche – 4,930m
Overnight: Lobuche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today takes us to one of the highest points of the trek. We begin walking towards Gorak Shep, following the rugged trail alongside the Khumbu Glacier. After reaching Gorak Shep and taking a short break, we continue towards Kala Patthar.
At 5,545m, Kala Patthar is one of the highest points of our journey and offers an exceptional viewpoint of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Depending on the season and weather, the light around sunrise or sunset can create particularly impressive views of Everest.
We return to Gorak Shep (5,160m) for the night and prepare for an early start the following day.
Trekking: Approximately 6 hours
Highest point: Kala Patthar – 5,545m
Overnight: Gorak Shep
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today is one of the major days of the trek. After an early breakfast, we set out from Gorak Shep towards Everest Base Camp. The trail follows the edge of the Khumbu Glacier over rugged moraine terrain.
At Everest Base Camp (5,364m), we have time to appreciate the achievement and explore the area. During the spring climbing season, you may also see expedition teams preparing for their Everest attempts.
After returning towards Gorak Shep, we continue towards Dzongla, leaving the main Everest Base Camp trail behind.
The afternoon route takes us through increasingly remote and rugged terrain, with spectacular views of Cholatse and Taboche.
This is a long day at high altitude, so maintaining a steady pace is important.
Trekking: Approximately 8 hours
Altitude: Everest Base Camp – 5,364m; Dzongla – 4,860m
Overnight: Dzongla
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today is one of the most challenging sections of the entire trek. We start early from Dzongla and follow the trail towards Cho La Pass, gradually climbing across increasingly rugged terrain.
At approximately 5,420m, Cho La connects the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo valleys. Depending on the season and weather, the crossing can involve rocky, icy or snow-covered sections, making an early start and careful pacing important.
The climb is demanding, but reaching the top provides a tremendous sense of achievement and spectacular views of the surrounding Himalaya.
After crossing the pass, we descend carefully towards Dragnak (Thangnak) on the Gokyo side.
Your guide will monitor weather, trail conditions and the group's progress throughout the day. The priority is a safe and steady crossing rather than rushing to complete the pass.
Trekking: Approximately 7–8 hours
Highest point: Cho La Pass – 5,420m
Overnight: Dragnak – approximately 4,700m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After the demanding Cho La crossing, today is comparatively shorter. The trail follows the valley towards Gokyo, passing through a dramatic landscape of glaciers, moraines and high Himalayan peaks. As we approach Gokyo, the famous turquoise lakes begin to appear. The combination of the clear mountain water, surrounding peaks and Ngozumpa Glacier creates one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Everest region.
We reach Gokyo, situated beside the third Gokyo Lake, and have time to relax and explore the immediate surroundings.
Trekking: Approximately 4 hours
Altitude: Gokyo – 4,800m
Overnight: Gokyo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today can be adapted according to your energy, weather and trekking conditions. For those feeling strong, an early morning climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) offers one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region. From the summit, you can see Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu and a spectacular collection of surrounding Himalayan peaks.
The climb is steep and challenging at altitude, but the panorama from the top makes the effort worthwhile.
Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing around Gokyo, exploring the lakes and glacier, or taking a shorter acclimatization walk.
Optional hike: Gokyo Ri – approximately 3–4 hours return
Altitude: Gokyo Ri – 5,357m
Overnight: Gokyo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
We leave the high-altitude landscape of Gokyo and begin our descent towards Dole. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing several small settlements and yak pastures. As we lose altitude, vegetation gradually returns and the landscape becomes greener.
The descent provides a welcome change after several demanding days above 4,500m.
We spend the night at Dole, surrounded by impressive mountain scenery.
Trekking: Approximately 6 hours
Altitude: Dole – approximately 4,200m
Overnight: Dole
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today we continue descending through rhododendron and pine forests towards Namche Bazaar. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing through traditional Sherpa settlements and enjoying increasingly warm and green surroundings as we lose altitude.
Eventually we reach Namche Bazaar, where the atmosphere feels noticeably different after the remote and high-altitude sections of the trek.
This is a good opportunity to relax, enjoy a meal and reflect on the journey through Everest Base Camp, Cho La and Gokyo.
Trekking: Approximately 6 hours
Altitude: Namche Bazaar – 3,440m
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Our final full day of trekking takes us back towards Lukla. We retrace the trail through forests and Sherpa villages, crossing suspension bridges and following the Dudh Koshi River.
The trail includes both ascents and descents, but the lower altitude makes the walking more comfortable than the high-altitude sections earlier in the trek.
After reaching Lukla, we check into our accommodation and have time to relax with the trekking team and celebrate the completion of the journey.
Trekking: Approximately 7 hours
Altitude: Lukla – 2,840m
Overnight: Lukla
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, we prepare for our flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Mountain flights are highly dependent on weather and operational conditions, so departure times can change. During peak trekking seasons, flights may operate between Lukla and Ramechhap/Manthali rather than Kathmandu.
If your flight operates through Ramechhap, Red Reach Himalaya will arrange the private road transfer from Ramechhap to Kathmandu according to your group size and provide updated information about the departure and transfer arrangements. Once back in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, explore the city or enjoy a well-earned meal after completing the trek.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Today is your final day in Nepal unless you have chosen to extend your stay. If your international flight is later in the day, you can enjoy some free time in Kathmandu for shopping, sightseeing or simply relaxing.
At the appropriate time, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
If you have an evening or late-night departure, we can also arrange additional sightseeing or other activities according to your interests.
Meals: Breakfast
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Red Reach Himalaya Trek is an adventure travel and tour operator specializing in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India.
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