What can i expect from this adventure?

The EBC Gokyo Trek is an amazing adventure in the Everest Region. It stitches 2 great treks together: the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Gokyo Lake Trek. With this route, you will cross the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier AND the high mountain pass of Cho La (5,420 m / 17,782 ft). (We know: as if reaching Everest Base Camp (EBC) itself isn’t already cool enough.)

How many days is the EBC Gokyo Trek?

You can trek via Gokyo Lake and Cho La to Everest Base Camp (EBC) in 15 days. This is only 4 days extra compared to the EBC Trek.

Is it worth to trek via Gokyo Lake (and Cho La Pass)?

YES! According to us it really is. 🙂 Let’s breakdown the 3 reasons:

  1. If you trek straight to Base Camp, you will follow the same trail up and down. When you combine EBC with Gokyo, you create a round trek, allowing yourself to visit more places, new trails and views
  2. Crossing the high Cho La Pass adds an additional adventurous element to your trek
  3. The remote Gokyo Lake is a spectacular place to visit, which most people skip, making it a more quiet area than the trail straight to EBC

Are you like us? Always looking for the greatest trekking experience in a more quiet and peaceful matter? Then this Everest trek via Gokyo Lake is for you.

Looking for a less demanding route to EBC, or in a shorter timeframe? Check our 11-day trek straight to Everest Base Camp.

Which mountains can I see during this EBC trek?

On your way to EBC and Gokyo, you may be rewarded with ah-mazing views of the massive peaks of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makkalu, Cholatse and, Taboche. From the top of Gokyo Ri, you can have the best view of Mount Everest.

PS These views are actually something that are normally reserved for mountaineers and helicopters. 🙂

Can I customize the EBC Gokyo Trek?

Of course! Actually, we encourage you to do so. That makes this trek unique and truly YOURS! Obviously, you don’t need to figure it all out by yourself. We are here for you. Do you want to speed up and make it extra challenging? Or, take it easy and slow? Just contact us, and let us know what you’d like to do.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Govinda & Lilly

Which Places Will I visit?

What does the itinerary look like?

day 1 | Arrival

Welcome in Nepal! We will pick you up at the international airport in Kathmandu, and bring you to your hotel in the backpackers area of Thamel.

airport transfer – hotel

After a good night of sleep and hopefully beating the jetlag, we will meet again for a pre-trip meeting. You will be introduced to your mountain guide and we will discuss the itinerary. If you have any questions or requests, please let us know.

Note: please, make sure you bring your passport to the meeting, along with your travel insurance policy. Carry both the original policy and a copy for us. We wil also request you to clear the due balance, if any.

What’s next? You can use this day to adjust to the different timezone, altitude and climate. Also, you can prepare yourself for your trek and do some last shoppings at one of the many outdoor gear shops around your hotel.

breakfast – hotel

Early morning, your guide will come to your hotel to pick you up. You wil go the domestic airport together, to take a short but scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,860 m/9,380 ft). Upon arrival at Lukla, your guide will introduce you to your sherpa’s before beginning your trek.

After landing, we will take our time to explore the village while your sherpa crew sorts and loads the trekking equipment. Then, we will begin the trek! First, we will descend towards the Dudh Khosi River where we can join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, the main hub of the Everest region. Today, the walk is easy and will take us to Phakding (2,610 m/8,560 ft).

breakfast – airport transfer – mountain flight – lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

After breakfast, we will continue our trek along the banks of the Dudh Khosi River. Also, we will be crossing this majestic river many times, on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views.

Namche Bazaar (3,440 m /11,290 ft) – known as the Gateway to Everest – is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchanges, internet cafes and bakeries. Namche is one of the biggest villages along the entire Everest trail.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

Today, we spend the day in and around Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air. We can go on a short trek in the area, and visit a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. Or, we can hike up Syangboche Airport. From this point, we can have rewarding views of the Himalayas with stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

We start off by climbing Khumjung Hill, and descend to the east of the village. All the way down the broad valley, leading us back to the Dudh Khosi River from where the route turns north. There are 2 trails, and your guide will decide what will be the best option to follow.

Today, we will see a chorten on the ridge top at 3,973 m/13,034 ft. Also, we can visit Mohang. This is the birthplace of the re-incarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet, who is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to Phortse Thenga, near the river.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

We will walk on a trail, alongside a mighty rhododendron forest. Then, the trail passes through a waterfall before reaching Tongba Village. We continue our uphill trek till we reach Dole.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

From Dole, we will continue our trek uphill through Labarma and Luza Village untill we have reached Machhermo. There is a chorten, right before the Luza village. Throughout today’s journey, we will be walking alongside the river Dudh Khosi.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

Today, we leave the foothills and enter the desolate tundra of the high mountains. We will climb steeply up a scrubby slope to a collection of chortens on the hilltop, and follow a ridge. On the way, we will have good views south to Kantega (6,782 m / 22,251 ft) and north towards the massive Cho Oyu (8,188 m / 26,864 ft), the sixth-highest mountain in the world.

Soon, we’ll arrive at the tiny settlement of Pangka, squeezed against a mound of sand and rubble at the end of Ngozumpa Glacier.

We will climb further up into a rocky cleft on stone steps, beside one of the streams that feeds the river Dudh Khosi we saw earlier. This portal releases us onto the lateral moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is the longest glacier in the Himalaya, which begins 20 km north on the slopes of Cho Oyu. Wedged between the mountain wall and this crumbling mound of sand and gravel are 6 sacred lakes. These reflect the peaks in their calm, mirrored surfaces.

Immediately after crossing the bridge, we will pass the 1st lake, Longponga Tsho (4,650 m). When we follow the trail and cross the glacier, we will soon reach the 2nd lake of Taboche Tsho (4,710 m). Rightafter, we will roll into the village of Gokyo (4,750 m / 15,580 ft) on the shore of the 3rd lake Dudh Pokhari.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

On the north side of Dudh Pokhari, the 3rd lake, we can see Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft). This is an epic vantage point, offering kind views of the area.

Right after the first light, we cross a stream and climb for 2 hours to a cat’s cradle of prayer flags at the top. From the summit, there are panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Gholatse and, Taboche with the Ngozumpa Glacier cutting across in front like a massive tear in the landscape.

After having enjoyed our time at the top of Gokyo Ri, we go back to the village of Gokyo.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

Today, we cross Ngozumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Then, we traverse along the edge of that mountain and meander into Dragnag. It will be a short trek today, with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for long hiking days and elevation gain to come.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

Today is going to be one of the toughest days of this trek. The Cho La Pass is not itself difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful, as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice. It may cause trouble since it makes the trail slippery.

The top of the pass is decorated with prayer flags. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south, even as Cholatse soars to the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzonglha. The village provides great views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Lobuche mountains along with the Pheriche far below.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

This will be a very short trek, so we have a lot time to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. We climb down from Dzonglha and walk through a grassy trail while enjoying the view of Lobuche Peak. The trail curves through the wide river bed before reaching Lobuche. We can spend the rest of day taking a rest, which will help us prepare for the next day’s long trek.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

Today, we trek to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Along the way, we will come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence, it is important that you follow your guide diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We will pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, you see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings. Especially during spring. Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains you can view from base camp.

After exploring base camp, we trek back down to Gorak Shep.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures. You can easily expect temperatures of -10 to -14 °C. Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds, which are quite common here.

Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mount Everest! You can take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama. Then, we will trek down to Pheriche for a good night’s rest.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

From Periche, we take a slightly different route down to Orsho and then to Pangboche. Here is the oldest monastery in the region which contains, what is said to be the scalp and bones of a ’Yeti’ or the abominable snowman. Leaving the high mountains behind us, our descent takes us through Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m) before continuing back to the town of Namche Bazaar (3,440 m /11,290 ft). We arrive back to Namche Bazaar in the afternoon.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

Finally, we return to Lukla where the trek began (which will seem like a lifetime ago). We will be enjoying time to reflect on the trek, both as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part.

breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge

During the scenic mountain flight back to Kathmandu, you can enjoy your last glimpse of the spectacular mountains. On arrival in Kathmandu, we will bring you back to your hotel.

breakfast – mountain flight – airport transfer – hotel

If this is the final day of your holiday in Nepal, we will bring you back to the international airport. Goodbye friends! We hope that we will meet each other again in the future.

breakfast – airport transfer

What is Included?

Airport transfer
All required trekking permits
Experienced mountain guide
Domestic flights (Kathmandu <> Lukla)
Hotel in Kathmandu (w/ breakfast) – 3 nights
Mountain lodge during your trek - 15 nights
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during your trek
Salary, accommodations, meals, gear and insurance for all trekking staff
VAT and tourist service charges

What is not Included?

International airfare to and from Nepal
Nepal tourist visa
Alcohol, hot and cold drinks
Travel health insurance (that covers rescue & evacuation above 5,000 m)
All other expenses that are not mentioned below 'what's included'

Tell me more about this region

EBC Gokyo Trek [Cho La Pass]

1,885 euro

Destination: Everest
Duration: 19 days
Altitude: 5.500m >
Difficulty: 4/5

Or ask a quick question first.

Why travel with BMP?

Great adventures

Together, we set a goal and we'll do everything we can to make it happen!

100% customized

Govinda & Lilly tailor these sample trips to your preferences and budget.

Return safely

With memories that last a lifetime!

this adventure on the map

Safe travels

Travellers reviews

Our guests give us 5-star ratings on Tripadvisor.

Jess M
Jess M
07/03/2024
Keep your head in the clouds but your feet on the trail. The hard miles brought big smiles on this trip with By Mountain People. They were flexible, positive, and really just a joy to be with. Made for a fun and easy trip. I continue to recommend By Mountain People to both friends and family if they have a thought of doing a trek in Nepal. Many Thank You Guys!
Sean G
Sean G
18/02/2024
Great people for a great adventure! I can’t say enough about how well everything was orchestrated. Our guide and porter were wonderful and very friendly. Nepal is a beautiful country with very friendly people. It’s been a few months now and I still think of the trekking almost daily. If I ever have another opportunity to hike in Nepal, I would be blessed! Thank you Govinda!
Anouk K
Anouk K
10/12/2023
Jiri – Everest Base Camp My friend and I booked a 20+ day trek with Lily & Govinda from mid-nov to begin-dec. We loved their personal approach in arranging the trip, from preparations and choosing which trek to go for, to regular check-ins during and a great feedback/debrief session afterwards! We started from Jiri instead of the popular way of flying to Lukla. That was a great experience and an absolute recommend to start lower if you have time!
eliza b
eliza b
19/11/2023
Magnificent slow trek and bird watching to Khopra Danda! Magnificent trek!! In October 2023 the two of us did this beautiful trek organized by BMP. It all started 6 months earlier, when I was looking for a company that would put people first in organizing treks in Nepal. What a nice coincidence when I learned that Govinda, a former language student of mine, happened to be the owner of By Mountain People, an organization that had customized and small scale treks as its core business! We had very nice and informative preparative talks about our wishes. Being almost 70 years of age, we wanted to have sufficient possibilities to adapt our journey on the way, in case the altitude would cause problems. Also we wanted to visit places off the beaten track and see something of village life on the way. Govinda suggested the Khopra Danda trek with some extra days so we could shorten the daily walking distance. This was a very good advice and he organized it very well! We met Govinda again in Kathmandu before we started out. He introduced us to our guide Pratap Gurung. Pratap was really a very excellent guide!! His knowledge of the natural surroundings and especially of the birds were truly amazing!! He was very attentive to our wellbeing and patiently answered our many questions. He taught us so much about the different species and habitats of all the birds he would point out to us. His experience made that we always felt safe and well looked after. Also we learnt that Govinda stayed regularly in contact to ensure that everything went well. Following our 2 weeks of trekking, BMP also organized an extra 4 days visit to Chitwan National Park. Here we stayed in the nice Safari Club hotel. Her also we were very happy with our guide Yadav Duwadi He is a nice and calm guide with a lot of knowledge and very attentive. We absolutely recommend this “slow trekking” by BMP! Specially for senior travellers such as us, but also for everybody who wants to fully enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas. A guide such as Pratap Gurung was perfectly suited for this type of trekking. Thank you BMP!! Thijl and Linda
Gira_sv
Gira_sv
12/09/2023
Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Circuit I went on a 19-day trek on the Annapurna Circuit. I had great communication with Lily and Govinda before arriving in Nepal and throughout my trip. They shared with me all the information that I needed. Ganesh, and a porter, Nima. Both of them were incredibly kind. They literally held my hand through the toughest parts of the trek and we also had lots of fun playing cards, sharing anecdotes and trying to learn each other’s languages. The Annapurna circuit itself is incredibly beautiful and diverse. Since I arrived at the end if the monsoon season there were still some rains and landslides which made the days at lower altitudes a little tricky but once we started to ascend the weather changed and we had wonderful views of the mountains on this range and visited several Tibetan towns and Gompas. Overall, I had a great experience with them I would take a trip again with them in a heartbeat. Thanks, Ganesh, Nima, Lily, and Govinda!
Explore58284020073
Explore58284020073
30/07/2023
Small but super professional trekking company! Wish we could go back already! Govinda and Lilly just went above and beyond for my friend and I!! Shortly before arriving in Nepal, I started experiencing knee pain. I got so worried about the trek, but they changed our itinerary without any fuss whatsoever. They got us the most caring and knowledgeable trekking guide Ganesh. And they checked in with me frequently during the trek, to check if I was doing ok and enjoying. After the trek they even organized a very nice jungle safari to Chitwan NP for us. Their great tips and flexible attitude before and during our trip made it a HUGE succes!! Govinda and Lily thank you so much for your patience and helpful advice. I will be back for sure!
Jonatan D
Jonatan D
27/02/2020
Otrolig resa i Nepal Vi hade en jättebra resa i Nepal! Govinda på By Mountain People var superhjälpsam med att tillgodese våra önskemål och att skräddarsy en resplan som passade oss perfekt. Han såg till att vi fick med alla våra önskemål. Vi hann med vandring i de fantastiska bergen samt en otrolig dag med fågelsådning strax utanför Kathmandu. Jag kan verkligen rekommendera By Mountain People om du vill ha en unik upplevelse!
Gabriel G
Gabriel G
22/02/2020
Father and son Nepal trek By mountain people organised an incredible trip through Gokyo Lake and EBC. Everything ran smoothly, they took care of all the little details and genuinely care about you and your experience throughout. Handled everything with a smile and extreme professionalism – can not recommend them enough! Our amazing guide Ganesh is the reason we can look back on the trek successfully, he helped us at every step and is an all round great guy – be sure to ask for Ganesh he will make your trip unforgettable I cannot wait to book again:)
Luca S
Luca S
06/01/2020
Annapurna Circuit Wir waren im März 2019 in Nepal mit dem Ziel den Annapurna Circuit Trek zu durchlaufen. Zum Glück erhielten wir den Kontakt zu der Organisation bymountainpeople mit Gopal und Govinda. Mit der Hilfe von Gopal und später unserem Guide Raj wurden wir super vorbereitet, ausgestattet und hatten schließlich sehr schöne 14 Tage rund um Annapurna und co. Der Trek, mit dem Thorong la Pass auf 5400m als Highlight, ist ein Abenteuer das man so schnell nicht mehr vergisst. Jeder Schritt lohnt sich ! Wir würden jederzeit wieder bei bymountainpeople buchen! Schon in der Vorbereitung gingen beide auf alle unserer (1000…) Fragen und Wünsche ein und so wurden wir super vorbereitet. Mit den richtigen Tipps , toller Ausstattung und unglaublich freundlicher Betreuung konnten wir unsere Tour starten. Unser Guide Raj verstand es perfekt auf uns einzugehen und uns die Menschen und die Natur näherzubringen. Mit seiner Hilfe schafften wir es überglücklich den 5400m hohen Thorong la Pass zu überwinden. Es waren 16 grandiose Tage, Ein Abenteuer das man so schnell nicht mehr vergisst. Jeder Schritt lohnt sich ! Wir würden jederzeit wieder bei bymountainpeople buchen!
Lars D
Lars D
19/12/2019
By Mountain People made hour 16 day Himalaya trekking (Gokyo-EBC) feel comfortable! After booking a flight to Nepal my girlfriend and I decided that we wanted to book our own domestic flight aswell and search for a porterguide after arriving at Lukla airport. Then when we started looking on the internet and we found out that is was not so simple to do this online. Thru Instagram we met Govinda and met him in a couple of times in the Netherlands. We talked about all this and he than took care of this. When we arrived at Lukla airport in the Himalaya, Ganesh was waiting for us with a sign, he was our porterguide for the 16 day trekking (Gokyo and EBC). Ganesh would always made shure we had a place to sleep and with toilets inside the building. He is an amazing guy, always happy and knows so much to tell about the trekking (hours, hight, peaks etc.) He even teached us a couple of Nepali games! Ganesh felt like a brother and a good friend to us and that will never change. All of this effort by the team, made us feel so comfortable and relaxed doing this very exiting trekking. We will back in Nepal for some more trekking with By Mountain People. Because of the personal touch by Govinda we will remain friends and keep seeing each other in the Netherlands.

By Mountain People on Tripadvisor

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