EBC with Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lake Trekking- 11 Days

Your journey begins with a thrilling early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m), one of the most scenic and adventurous flights in the world. The flight takes about 30 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, before landing on a short, hillside airstrip. After meeting your local trekking team in Lukla, you’ll begin your trek through lush pine forests and small Sherpa settlements.

The trail descends gently through Chaurikharka village and continues along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. You’ll cross several suspension bridges, pass mani walls (prayer stones), and walk alongside beautiful green valleys before arriving at Phakding. This small village offers comfortable tea house accommodations and great views of the surrounding hills.

Today’s trek is relatively easy and helps your body begin the acclimatization process. You’ll have time to explore the village, visit a nearby monastery, and get your first taste of trekking life in the Khumbu region. A warm meal and cozy tea house welcome mark the perfect start to your Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trekking adventure.

🕒 3 – 4 hrs | 🛏 Tea House | 🍽️ Meals: BLD

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the heart of the Khumbu region as you follow the Dudh Koshi River upstream, crossing several suspension bridges—one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. The trail passes through charming villages like Tok Tok, Benkar, and Monjo, where you’ll officially enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After completing the permit checks, the trail descends to Jorsalle for lunch before the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar begins. This final stretch is demanding but rewarding, with your first glimpse of Mount Everest on a clear day.

Namche is the gateway to Everest and a vibrant Sherpa town with bakeries, shops, internet cafes, and gear stores. Rest well at your tea house and begin to acclimatize at this higher altitude.

This is a major milestone on the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek.

🕒 5 – 6 hrs | 🛏 Tea House | 🍽️ Meals: BLD

Acclimatization is essential for a successful high-altitude trek like the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek. Today is a rest day, but it includes a short hike to help your body adjust to the thin air. Most trekkers hike up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m), one of the highest-located hotels in the world, offering panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

You may also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center to learn more about the local lifestyle, flora, and fauna. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing in Namche, enjoying local bakeries, or browsing through trekking gear shops.

This acclimatization day helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness while allowing you to soak in Sherpa culture and the stunning Himalayan scenery.

🛏 Tea House | 🍽️ Meals: BLD

Leaving Namche Bazaar, the trail to Phorse (also spelled Phortse or Phortse Thanga) diverts from the main Everest Base Camp route, offering a more tranquil and less-traveled path into the Gokyo Valley. The day starts with a gentle ascent through alpine forests rich with rhododendron, juniper, and occasional sightings of Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer or pheasants.

You’ll pass Kyangjuma and climb toward Mong La (3,975m), a scenic ridge that offers spectacular views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku. After a brief rest here, the trail descends steeply to the Dudh Koshi River before ascending again through forests and stone steps to reach the quiet village of Phorse.

This route is not only beautiful but also helps you gradually acclimatize. Phorse is a peaceful settlement with basic tea house accommodations and stunning sunset views over the surrounding peaks.

🕒 5 – 6 hrs | 🛏 Tea House | 🍽️ Meals: BLD

Today’s trail follows a serene and scenic path through forests, small alpine villages, and yak pastures. You’ll start by climbing gradually through Dole and Lhabarma, passing several chortens (Buddhist shrines) and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. The landscape opens up, offering views of Cho Oyu (8,188m)—the sixth-highest mountain in the world.

The air gets thinner as you reach Machhermo, a small settlement nestled in the high Himalayas. This village is historically known for a supposed yeti sighting in 1974 and is now a popular stop for trekkers heading to Gokyo.

Rest and hydrate well, as you're now above 4,000 meters. In the afternoon, you can take a short walk to the ridge behind the village for sunset views or visit the Himalayan Rescue Post, where you can learn about altitude sickness and emergency procedures.

🕒 5 – 6 hrs | 🛏 Tea House | 🍽️ Meals: BLD

The journey today is short but physically demanding due to the elevation. You’ll ascend steadily along the ridge above the Dudh Koshi River, enjoying views of Kantega, Thamserku, and the sprawling Ngozumpa Glacier—the longest glacier in the Himalayas.

As you approach the Gokyo Valley, you’ll pass a series of pristine glacial lakes. The third and largest one, Dudh Pokhari, lies beside the settlement of Gokyo, your destination for the night. The turquoise waters and surrounding snowy peaks create a surreal alpine setting.

Gokyo is a peaceful and magical village located beside the lake, offering basic but cozy tea houses. Rest well and prepare for one of the most stunning days of the trek tomorrow. You’ve reached one of the highest overnight stays of the journey, so be mindful of altitude and stay hydrated.

🕒 5 – 6 hrs | 🛏 Tea House | 🍽️ Meals: BLD

This is one of the most spectacular days of the trek. Rise early to climb Gokyo Ri, a steep ascent that takes 2–3 hours depending on your pace. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of four of the world’s highest peaks—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—along with a sweeping vista of Ngozumpa Glacier and the shimmering Gokyo Lakes below.

After descending and resting at Gokyo, you’ll continue your exploration by hiking toward the Fourth and Fifth Lakes (Thonak Tsho and Ngozumpa Tsho). These remote, high-altitude lakes are beautifully isolated and offer close-up views of Cho Oyu and the Gyachung Kang peaks.

Return to Gokyo village for the night. This extended acclimatization helps with the descent and provides unmatched natural beauty in every direction.

🕒 5 – 6 hrs | 🛏 Tea House | 🍽️ Meals: BLD

After enjoying the stunning views of Gokyo Valley, you begin your descent toward the lower altitudes. The trail retraces its path along the Ngozumpa Glacier before gently descending through Machhermo and alpine pastures. The walk is easier on the lungs but still offers plenty of scenic rewards, including views of Cholatse, Taboche, and the lush Dudh Koshi gorge.

You’ll pass by yak grazing meadows, icy streams, and scattered Sherpa settlements. On the way, enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by high peaks and prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Dole is a quiet village perched above the valley with basic tea house lodges, perfect for a restful night. This part of the trek is refreshing after the strenuous climb to Gokyo Ri, and your body will appreciate the thicker air at a slightly lower elevation.

🕒 3 – 4 hrs | 🛏 Tea House | 🍽️ Meals: BLD

Today’s trek follows a beautiful descending trail along forested hills and terraced ridges, eventually reconnecting with the main trail to Namche Bazaar. You’ll pass through Khumbila Valley, cross several small villages like Phortse Tenga and Sanasa, and enjoy spectacular views of Kangtega and Ama Dablam along the way.

The path alternates between gentle ascents and descents, with scenic pine forests and glimpses of the river far below. Once you reach Namche, you’ll feel the warmth and comfort of this lively Sherpa hub after several days in remote areas.

Take time to relax, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a pastry and coffee at a local bakery. This is your last night in the highlands before the final descent to Lukla.

🕒 4 – 5 hrs | 🛏 Tea House | 🍽️ Meals: BLD

Your final trekking day begins with a steep descent from Namche to the Dudh Koshi River, crossing iconic suspension bridges and retracing your steps through Monjo, Benkar, and Phakding. Although you’re descending, the trail involves some uphill climbs, so it still demands endurance.

This is a great time to reflect on your journey—reaching Gokyo Ri, witnessing the beauty of Gokyo Lakes, and experiencing the spiritual and natural essence of the Khumbu region. The familiar sights of lush forests, colorful prayer flags, and stone mani walls accompany you until you reach Lukla.

In Lukla, enjoy a celebratory dinner with your guide and porters. Many trekkers consider this night special—a moment to honor your achievement before heading back to city life.

🕒 6 – 7 hrs | 🛏 Tea House | 🍽️ Meals: BLD

After an early breakfast, you’ll take a scenic 30-minute flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, enjoying one last look at the majestic Himalayan range from the air. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can enjoy a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and a relaxing afternoon.

This marks the end of your unforgettable Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek. You may choose to explore Kathmandu’s heritage sites, shop for souvenirs in Thamel, or simply unwind at a rooftop café.

Whether this was your first high-altitude trek or another incredible Himalayan adventure, the memories of turquoise lakes, snow-covered peaks, and warm Sherpa hospitality will stay with you forever.

🛫 30 mins | 🏨 Hotel | 🍽️ Meals: BL