The Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes trek is a breathtaking combination of the classic Everest Base Camp trek with the added highlight of visiting the spectacular Gokyo Lake region of the Himalaya. This extended expedition is without doubt one of the most rewarding, fascinating and scenic treks in the world. A less frequented odyssey than the traditional Everest Base Camp trail and spiced with extra challenge creates an attractive alternative for the adventurous trekker. The picturesque route climbs to the valley west of Everest to the village of Gokyo for exploration of the dazzling Gokyo Lakes situated on the moraine bed beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in the Himalaya.

It’s taken millions of years and unimaginably powerful forces to create this mountain range; the Himalayas are literally what happen when continents collide. It’s even so vast that it’s changed our global climate system – and nowhere is it more spectacular than the Gokyo and Everest region.

The combined trek to the remote village of Gokyo, summit of Gokyo Ri and crossing of the Cho La Pass as a precursor to visiting Everest Base Camp and climbing Kala Patthar is a true Himalayan adventure of a lifetime.

We begin our trek with an unforgettable mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Walking through delightful Sherpa villages we make our way to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazar. With adequate time for essential acclimatisation at Namche we then continue higher to Gokyo’s mesmerising alpine lakes to explore the upper valley beneath the huge bulk of the sixth highest mountain in the world, Cho Oyu. A panorama of stunning views from the top of Gokyo Ri including the unbelievable view of Everest and the entire Khumbu and the surrounding peaks and glaciers is an awe-inspiring experience for the senses.

Our trek continues across the Cho La, a classic pass which links Gokyo with the Khumbu Glacier and the small settlement of Lobuche. We ascent Kala Pattar (5,550m) for the best views of Everest followed by an exciting trek along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp. Here at the foot of the most acclaimed mountain in the world that you can marvel at the spectacle of the great Khumbu Icefall cascading from the barricade of the west ridge with a sense of achievement and an elation that is indescribable.

Along the journey we have time to explore villages and monasteries and to sample the incredible hospitality of the Sherpa people, this trek is simply unbeatable.

Our return journey will take us to Tengboche monastery, the most important centre of Buddhism in the area, or the famous Khumjung village, home of the famous Edmund Hillary School. We then retrace our path back to Namche Bazar and the village of Monjo before ending our trek at Lukla for another opportunity to experience the exciting mountain flight to Kathmandu.

The Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes trek is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the beautiful Nepalese culture and some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable in the world.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu International airport (1,400m) Transfer to Radisson Hotel – Hotel (D)

Day 2: Nepal time zone acclimatisation day in Kathmandu. Trek orientation with Cherie & Nepalese guides. Clothing & equipment check. Half day Sightseeing of KTM Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath & Pasupatinath – Hotel (B/B)

Day 3 :Fly to Lukla (2,840m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m) 3-4 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m) 5 -7 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 5: Acclimatisation Day at Namche Bazar. Trek to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) & Khumjung Village (3,780m) – Return  to Namche (3,440m)  4-5 hours -Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 6: Trek to Phortse Thanga (3,680m) 3-4 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 7: Trek to Dhole (4,200m) 2-3 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 8: Trek to Machhermo (4,470m)  4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 9: Trek to Gokyo (4,790m) 4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 10: Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,483m) – Return to Gokyo (4,790m) 4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 11: Trek to Dragnag (4,700m) 2-3 hours- Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 12: Trek to Cho La Pass (5,420m) – Dzongla (4830m) 7-8 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 13: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) 3-4 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 14: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140m) 2-3 hours – Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) Return to Gorak Shep (5140m) 5-6 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 15 : Sunrise Climb to Kala Patthar (5,550m) – Return to Gorak Shep (5,140m) – Descend to Pheriche (4,240m) 7-8 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m) via Tengboche (3,860m) 7 -8 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 17: Rest day at Namche Bazar (3,440m) – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 18: Trek to Phakding (2,610m) 5-6 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 19: Trek to Lukla (2,840m) 4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 20: Fly to Kathmandu (1400m) – Transfer to Radisson Hotel – Hotel (B/B)

Day 21: Reserve Day (In case of Lukla flight cancellations due to bad weather) –  Hotel (B/B)

Day 22: Departure to International Airport. End of the trek (B)

B/B = Bed & Breakfast, B = Breakfast, B/L/D = Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

* Itinerary subject to change
* Single room supplement available at an additional cost of $800 USD
* Detailed trek itinerary and information (clothing & equipment list; medical information; FAQ’s) issued upon booking

Trek Inclusions:

• Arrival/Departure transfers on both domestic and international flights
• Deluxe  Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (Radisson Hotel) on a twin share basis – bed and breakfast as per the itinerary
• Highest quality Teahouse accommodation with attached bathroom when available on a twin share basis during the trek (single room supplementary charge available if requested)
• Unlimited breakfast, lunch and dinner from full teahouse menu at your choice while trekking
• Unlimited hot drinks at each meal (excluding carbonated & alcoholic drinks)
• 4-5L of boiled or filtered drinking water per day while trekking
• Welcome or farewell traditional Nepalese dinner with cultural dance & folk music
• Half-day guided city tour in Kathmandu
• All domestic flights and airport tax (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu)
• Transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek
• Free use of quality trekking gear – sleeping bag, fleece liner & down jacket (these items are  to be returned after trip completion)
• Free loan of local mobile SIM card (twin share) to communicate with family & friends (credit not included)
• Cherie Horne Trekking Adventures (CHAT) duffle bag
• Professional local trekking co-guides & assistant guides well-trained in Wilderness First Aid
• Porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment
• First Aid Kit (excluding personal prescription medication)
• Gamow Bag/PAC (Portable Altitude Chamber – portable hyperbaric chamber to treat severe forms of altitude illness – AMS, HAPE &, HACE). 
• Everest National Park Trek Permit, TIMS card & any other required permits or official documentation
• Emergency helicopter rescue Evacuation Coordination Service (You are responsible for Insurance to cover this contingency)

 Trek Exclusions:

• International airfares (approximately $1000-$1600 return from Melbourne to Kathmandu)
• Travel & emergency helicopter rescue insurance (Please make sure your  insurance covers helicopter evacuation services)
• Excess baggage charges more than 15kg (which includes carry-on bag) for domestic flights
• Visa fees
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) other than the scheduled itinerary
• Drinks (carbonated  and alcoholic)
• Hot shower and battery charges during the trek
• Expenses of personal nature (laundry & phone calls)
• Lunches and dinners whilst not trekking (approximately $5-$10 per meal in Kathmandu restaurants, $20-$30 per meal in Radisson Hotel)
• Tips for Nepalese co-guides & porters
• Pre-Trek Simulated Altitude & Group Training program