Experience the ultimate adventure with the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake trek. This epic journey merges the thrill of standing on the base camp of Mt. Everest and enjoying the serene beauty of the Gokyo Lake.
Nepal, home to some of the world’s most iconic mountain peaks, offers adventurers many trekking opportunities. Among the most renowned routes is the Everest Base Camp trek, which attracts thousands of trekkers each year seeking to witness the majesty of Mount Everest up close. For those craving an extra challenge and unique experiences, the combination of the Everest Base Camp trek with the Chola Pass and Gokyo Valley presents an extraordinary adventure that takes trekkers off the beaten path and into the heart of the Himalayas.
On this extraordinary trek, you can experience the best of both worlds. This adventure offers a diverse and unforgettable journey from the iconic Everest Base Camp to the challenging Cho La Pass and the serene Gokyo Lakes.
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake start in the bustling town of Lukla. A breathtaking flight over the Himalayas takes you to the heart of the Khumbu region. From Lukla, the trail winds through picturesque Sherpa villages, lush forests, and suspension bridges spanning roaring rivers. The first major highlight of the trek is the arrival at Namche Bazaar, the vibrant hub of the Khumbu region, where trekkers acclimatize and soak in the stunning mountain vistas.
Continuing onwards, the trail leads to Tengboche Monastery, a serene Buddhist monastery set against the backdrop of Mount Everest and other towering peaks. Tengboche’s spiritual ambiance provides a moment of reflection before the journey presses on toward Dingboche, where trekkers further acclimatize in preparation for the challenging ascent ahead.
From Dingboche, the route wanders from the traditional Everest Base Camp trail; after reaching base camp, turn towards the pristine Gokyo Valley, where trekkers tackle the challenging Chola Pass (5420), a high mountain pass nestled amidst towering glaciers and jagged peaks. Crossing the pass is a difficult endeavor that requires stamina, determination, and careful navigation, but the rewards are well worth the effort. As trekkers descend from the pass, they are greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the Ngozumpa Glacier and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and shimmering glacial lakes. The turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes glisten like jewels amidst the rugged terrain, inviting trekkers to pause and marvel at their beauty.
Standing atop Gokyo Ri is the grand finale of the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake trek. This iconic viewpoint offers a front-row seat to the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—an experience of a lifetime that leaves trekkers humbled and inspired.
The Everest Base Camp, Chola Pass, and Gokyo Lake trek aren’t a walk in the park. You’ll deal with high altitude, crazy weather, and some seriously tough trails. Altitude sickness is actual, so you must take it easy and give your body time to adjust.
The ascent to Gokyo Ri, Kalapattar, and the crossing of Chola Pass are particularly demanding trek sections, requiring high fitness and endurance. Trekkers must be prepared for steep climbs, rocky trails, and potentially harsh weather conditions, including snow and ice at higher elevations.
The rewards of conquering this trek are beyond words. Reaching Everest Base Camp and standing in the shadow of the world’s tallest peak is an experience that will change you forever. Additionally, crossing the Cho La Pass and enjoying the scenic beauty of mesmerizing Gokyo Lake is indescribable. The warmth and kindness of the Sherpa people will make your journey even more special.
Prepare to be amazed. The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake is an unforgettable adventure. You’ll go from the crazy-busy streets of Kathmandu to the peaceful beauty of the Gokyo Valley and then climb up to the freaking top of the world! It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. You’ll deal with some challenging climbs, and the air gets thin. But trust me, the payoff is enormous. Seeing Everest up close and personal is something you’ll never forget.
Kathmandu
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake trek offer trekkers an exciting adventure in the heart of the Himalayas. Overall, one can expect an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty, cultural immersion, and personal growth on the journey to Chola Pass Gokyo Lakes via Everest base camp.
The Everest base camp and Gokyo Lake trek are considered moderately challenging. It involves walking for several hours daily over varied terrain and at high altitudes. While no technical climbing is required, trekkers should be prepared for steep ascents, rocky trails, and changes in weather conditions.
The best time to trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo Lake is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to December. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.
While a good fitness level is recommended, trekkers of varying fitness levels can undertake the Everest base camp and Gokyo Lake trek. Regular cardio exercise and hiking preparation are advisable to ensure physical fitness for the demands of the trek.
Sufficient acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. Trekkers should ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is recommended that rest days be included in the itinerary for acclimatization and to descend if symptoms become severe.
Accommodation along the trek route ranges from basic tea houses to more comfortable lodges with amenities such as hot showers and WiFi, especially in the lower elevations, but higher up, accommodation is more essential. Most trekkers find delicious food along the trail, with different meal options. As the Everest base camp and Gokyo Lake trek are more commercial, food and accommodation facilities are getting better day by day to serve their guest in the mountains.
While it’s possible to trek independently, many trekkers hire a guide or porter for added support, safety, and convenience. Guides can provide valuable insights and assistance, while porters can help carry trekking gear and luggage, reducing physical strain.
Essential items to pack include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, a good-quality sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first aid kit. It’s vital to pack light, but ensure you have all the necessary gear for the trek.
The cost of the Everest base camp and Gokyo Lake trek can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the trek, accommodation preferences, and whether you choose to hire guides or porters. On average, trekkers can expect to budget between $1,000 and $2,000 for the entire trek, including permits, accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses.
Mind blowing experience with sali trekking
Three frnds since 18 years, did the EBC via gokyo with Sali trekking . I had initially planned to trek with an Everester who had inspired me since last 5 years but a back injury and one of my frnds firm belief in Saligram ( who she had trekked earlier with ) left me with no choice but to gladly follow her.
Saligram with his lovely daughter trekked with us and ensured every arrangement was taken care to the T. We had a fantastic trekking experience with Salli bhai and his lovely daughter and the trek in itself was made to look like one big holiday. We were accompanied by another fantastic guide named Tek, who ensured we were completely put to ease on a minute to minute basis. We completed our trek without any hiccups on 18th April. Having met with many other trekkers we found arrangements made by Salli bhai for us were far from ordinary.
A word of gratitude to the tireless porters without who, nothing would be possible .
Saligram / sali trekking- The best that can be. Absolutely fantastic experience.
Professionalism is the key!!
I had an amazing experience with Sali Trekking.The founder Sali had shown professionalism in every level.He guided us from day zero till we summit EBC via gokyo and return to Kathmandu safely.Once again thank you Adpeak Adventure for choosing this operator for the expedition 2023.Highly recommend Sali Trekking for all your trekking/expedition needs. Special thanks to Sali,Juala,Sara,Tek,Sameer,Ramesh and all the porters too.Looking forward for more tris with you guys!! 🤙🙏
*Great experience in Nepal with Sali Trekking*
In November 2022, I did EBC & Gokyo Valley with Sali Trekking. The service was outstanding: everything from the pick up at the airport, clear instructions, hotel selection to the actual trek were great. The guide was knowledgeable and helpful providing the right information. My friend and I always felt we’re in safe hands. This was my first time climbing with a gear but I felt safe and well looked after all the way to the top and back to Kathmandu. Thank you, Sali & the team! We definitely recommend to book with you and we hope to be back very soon! Namaste
First time in high altitude, very tired
I would recommend Sali Trekking to friends who wish to trek in Nepal. Special thanks to our guy Ishwor Duwadi and porter for taking care and bring us to reach Gokyo Valley and return back safely. I hope come back a gain for my next trek.
Once in a lifetime, out of this world adventure!!
Clearly the experience in the mountains trekking from Lukla up to EBC and Gokyo Lake was out of this world literally. The history, the views, the spirituality of the experience and the daily challenge to slog 7 hour tough but rewarding days. What made this special was the friendliness, professionalism and organizational skills of Saligram and his team and the guidance and care I recieved from my guide Ishwor throughout the trip. The accommodation, food and accessibility to good toilets, hot showers, internet and power all the way up to 5420 meters at Chola Pass added to the magic of the trip and the comfort level for a 63 year old like myself. I want to credit Saligram for his professionalism, responsiveness, adaptability and hands on service delivery to make my experience seamless and fantastic. Thanks Ishwor for becoming my friend and companion on my solo trip and your efforts to always make me comfortable.
