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Everest Base Camp Trek with Chola Pass & Gokyo Lakes
Everest Three Passes Trek including Lukla Flights
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View more photosThe price includes round-trip flights, permits, an experienced guide, porter services, meals, teahouse accommodation, and airport transfers.
This trip is fully customizable
Offering a quieter adventure than the busy Everest Base Camp trek route, the Gokyo Lakes trek heads more west in the Khumbu region towards the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier. Still delivering those epic views of the Himalayan Peaks, a trek to the Gokyo Lakes provides peace, adventure and scenic beauty you’ll never see again! Above and Beyond Trekking’s Gokyo Lakes trek takes you straight to a series of 6 high altitude lakes within the Sagarmatha National Park. One of the main highlights of the Gokyo Lakes trek is a sunrise hike up the famous Gokyo Ri Peak (5,357 m / 17,575 ft). It’s the highest point of the trek with incredible views of some of the world’s highest mountains; Everest (8,848 m / 29,029 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m / 27,940 ft) and many other peaks.
Start your Gokyo Lakes trek with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. During the peak seasons flights maybe delayed from Kathmandu, to provide a better service and direct flight to Lukla, Above and Beyond Trekking takes you on a pre-morning 4-hour drive to Ramechhap. From here flights to Lukla operate daily and without delays such as in Kathmandu. Once at Lukla you’ll trek to Phakding and Namche Bazaar following the standard Everest Base Camp trekking route. But from here you take a different direction towards Dole and Machermo. The trail is much calmer here, as you steadily climb through rhododendron and pine forests until the tree line disappears.
Heading now into the Gokyo Valley the terrain becomes more barren due to the altitude, and you pass by 2 smaller lakes until reaching the 3rd and largest lake of Gokyo. On the lake’s bank, a village is built overlooking the Himalaya and the lake itself! This is Gokyo village at 4,790 m / 15,715 ft! You’ll spend an extra day here to explore the other lakes and hike up to the Ngozumpa Glacier with breathtaking views of the valley and the Himalaya. That same early morning, Above and Beyond Trekking takes you up the Gokyo Ri peak for a sunrise view.
The return trek is filled with memories of the mountains, as you follow the same trail back. Above and Beyond Trekking specially designs this 14-day Gokyo Lakes trek to balance acclimatization and altitude gained. You’ll trek between 5 to 7 hours a day, on a trail less crowded than the EBC trek, but with equal views. Trek with Above and Beyond Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes in the Everest region of Nepal and see the Himalayas while exploring some of the world’s highest located Himalayan lakes!
Considered easier than the Everest Base Camp trek, the Gokyo Lakes trek has fewer trekking days and less extreme elevation. The highest point of the trek is a morning hike up Gokyo ri at 5.357 m / 17,575 ft. Making the Gokyo Lakes trek safer, and more suitable for trekkers new to the Himalaya and high altitude. Similar as the EBC trail, the Gokyo Lakes trek has 2 acclimatization days included to help your body adjust to the Himalayas.
Above and Beyond Trekking includes all teahouse overnights as per the itinerary. To give you more freedom the hotel at Kathmandu is not included but can be arranged upon request. Kathmandu is filled with hotels of different classes and styles. So having that freedom of picking out your ideal hotel in the city will only further increase your trip experience.
During the trek the teahouses in the Khumbu region (Everest region) are simple local operated lodges. You find rooms for 2 or 3 people, with a simple bed and a mattress. The main heart of every teahouse is its big hall. People gather here to drink, eat, and share stories about their adventures. You’ll often find heating in these rooms. Hot water, drinking water, Wi-Fi, and charging plugs are available, but limited and can cost according to the teahouse.
You’ll want to hit the trail anywhere between March to May or September to November to have the best time at the Gokyo Lakes. Views will be clear and far, and the weather will be ideal for trekking. These are called the spring and autumn/seasons of Nepal and referred to as the peak seasons. Popular trails will get crowded but once you branch off from Namche Bazaar heading to Dole, you’ll encounter far less crowds.
You need two permits for the Gokyo Lakes trek in Nepal. The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit. Both are included in your booking with Above and Beyond Trekking. The national park permit supports conservation efforts in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the rural municipality permit replaced the older TIMS card for the Khumbu region and kept tourism revenue within local communities.
Essentials include sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (broken in before the trek to avoid blisters), warm layers (down jacket, fleece, thermal underwear), waterproof outer shell, warm hat and gloves. A sleeping bag rated to -10°C or lower for extra insulation, a headlamp with spare batteries, sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen and lip balm. To stay hydrated, bring a reusable water bottle, and trekking poles (highly recommended for the steep sections), as well as a personal first‑aid kit. Pack light, you'll carry only a daypack; porters carry the rest. Don't forget a power bank for charging devices, as electricity is limited at higher elevations. Your Above and Beyond Trekking guide provides a detailed packing list before the Gokyo Lakes trek.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Trek briefing and preparation day
Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,860 m / 9,383 ft) and trek to Phakding (2,652 m / 8,698 ft)
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft)
Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Trek to Dole (4,220 m / 13,845 ft)
Day 07: Trek to Machermo (4,470 m / 14,665 ft)
Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m / 15,715 ft)
ay 09: Hike up Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,576 ft) and explore around Gokyo
Day 10: Trek back to Dole (4,220 m / 13,845 ft)
Day 11: Trek back to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft)
Day 12: Trek back to Lukla (2,860 m / 9,383 ft)
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 14: Departure
Look out for your Above and Beyond Trekking representative upon exiting the airport building. He’ll assist with your luggage and drive you to your own booked hotel in Kathmandu. After checking into the hotel, you plan to meet up with your guide the next morning at the hotel reception. Spend time to rest, explore or enjoy one of the local restaurants, as the day holds no further obligations, except to enjoy your first day in Nepal!
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
Your Above and Beyond Trekking guide will be waiting in the hotel lobby after your breakfast. Together you’ll go over the entire itinerary of the Gokyo Lakes trek, following the map and receiving tips for each section. Your guide will also assist you if you need any more supplies or additional trekking gear. Permits for the Gokyo Lakes trek will also be distributed on this day. Depending on the season you might have to fly out from Ramechhap the next day. This means a 3am departure from Kathmandu. You’ll have to inform your hotel for an early breakfast and check out (it’s common in Nepal).
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
Flight: 15-35 minutes Trek time: 3-4 hours
Depending on the season you might need to wake up pre-dawn today and catch a ride for about 4 hours to Ramechhap, to make your flight to Lukla. During the off season the flight goes from Kathmandu. Either way, you’ll have a scenic flight into the Himalaya. Once you arrive at Lukla’s Airstrip you take in the views of green hills surrounding you and the valley stretching out below. Hold a final gear check, meet up with your porter team, and head out on the trail. The initial part of the Gokyo Lakes trek follows the Dudh Khosi River upstream. At first, you’ll descend from Lukla, pass by Chaurikharka village and follow the river until finally cross it. The final crossing leads you straight into Phakding village. Enjoy your first Himalayan dinner at the teahouse and spend time with the guide going over tomorrow’s trekking day before turning in for the night.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Phakding
Trek time: 6-7 hours
Today, after breakfast, you head into lush forests and cross many suspension bridges (including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge) as you trek upwards the hill. At Monjo permits will be checked and you officially enter the Sagarmatha National Park. From here the trail leads further up until the forest thins out and the terrain changes to more baren alpine grass and rock. You traverse around a ridge, and Namche Bazaar appears in its horseshoe shape. On clear days you may see Everest in the far distance appear. The Sherpa city is full of life! Every trail in the Everest region leads through this village. You may find bakeries, restaurants, lodges and even luxury resorts here. Settle into your teahouse, have dinner and rest as tomorrow you’ll have ample time to explore around!
Overnight: a local teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Hike time: 3-4 hours
To help you adjust to the higher altitude, a morning hike is planned to the Everest View Hotel. Located at 3,880 m / 12,723 ft this luxurious high-altitude hotel offers its guests panoramic views of; Everest (8,848 m / 29,029 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m / 22,349 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m / 27,940 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m / 25,791 ft), Thamserku, and Kangtega! Afterwards, you can hike back down to Namche Bazaar or continue towards Khumjung to visit the Hillary school and hospital. At Khumjung village you may also visit the mysterious Khumjung Monastery, said to house a real yeti skull! Back at Namche you can visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and get more knowledge about these legendary mountain people. Dinner and overnight will be at the same teahouse.
Overnight: the same teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Trek time: 5-6 hours
It’s time to fork off from the standard EBC trail and head more north towards Dole. You’ll trek along the Dudh Khosi River following the trail through pine and rhododendron forests. As the path climbs steadily, you’ll notice views of the surrounding peaks! Make a rest at Phortse Thanga, before climbing further to Dole. Set on the ridge with incredible mountain views, Dole is just a small village with a couple of teahouses. You’ll find peace and harmony here. Dinner and overnight will be at the local teahouse.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Dole
Trek time: 5-6 hours
After leaving Dole behind, you’ll see the change in terrain. Vegetation thins out and juniper and grass patches appear between the rocky surface. You keep climbing gradually up, passing by Luza, before entering Machermo. Along the way and from the village you’ll see views of Mt Cho Oyu (8,188 m / 26,864 ft)! The views from the village are exceptional, and you get ready for tomorrow you’ll reach the lakes of Gokyo. Dinner and overnight will be at teahouse. At night you can see the sky filled with stars and below the dark valley revealing its small villages with small flickering house lights.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Machhermo
Trek time: 5-6 hours
Another climb and final push from Machermo take you past Pangka village and into the Gokyo Valley. Along the way you’ll pass 2 smaller lakes until a stream leads you to a giant big turquoise lake with a small village on its banks. The view is not something you’ll forget! The surrounding snow-white mountains reflect on the lake’s surface and the village resembles a harmonious destination. You trek along Gokyo Lake until reaching the village. Check-in to the teahouse and prepare for dinner. Take a stroll at the lake at night and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the Himalayas. Don’t stay up to late, as tomorrow you have an early sunrise hike planned!
Overnight: a local teahouse Gokyo
Trek time: 3-4 hours ascent, 2-3 hours return
A pre-dawn wake-up call wakes you up. Have a hot drink at the lodge and prepare to set out with your headtorches on. You’ll hike for about 3 to 4 hours on steep rocky terrain up the Gokyo Ri Peak. At the top you’ll see prayer flags and a breathtaking view of the lake and valley below and mountains and peaks as far as the eye can see! Mountian views include; Everest (8,848 m / 29,029 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m / 27,940 ft), Makalu (8,485 m / 27,838 ft), Cho Oyu (8,188 m / 26,864 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m / 25,791 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m / 22,349 ft), Cholatse (6,440 m / 21,128 ft), and Taboche (6,542 m / 21,463 ft). See the longest glacier in Nepal, the Ngozumpa, stretching out below into the valley. Trully the highlight of the Gokyo Lakes trek. Afterwards you hike back down to Gokyo village. In the afternoon you can rest or explore the other lakes before heading back to the teahouse in Gokyo.
Overnight: the same teahouse in Gokyo
Trek time: 6-7 hours
You say goodbye to the Gokyo Lakes and start the trek back. Now mostly downhill, you’ll notice breathing is easier, but your knees feel every step downhill. Follow the instructions of your Above and Beyond Trekking guide to safely and calmly descend without exhausting yourself. You pass back by Machermo and follow the same trail back to Dole. Trekking in reverse makes you also notice scenery, wildlife and mountains you might have missed before. Back in Dole check into the local teahouse and prepare for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Dole
Trek time: 5-6 hours
You continue the descent through Phortse Tenga and back to Namche Bazaar. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through forests. Namche Bazaar appears in the late afternoon, and you check into a teahouse. The town's bakeries and cafes are a welcome change from the higher elevation settlements. Do enjoy them or visit any other shops you wanted to visit before.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Trek time: 6-7 hours
Your final day of trekking in the Everest region. Leave Namche bazaar behind and head back in the forest downhill. You cross all the suspension bridges again and descend all the way back to Monjo. After a short break you make your way back to Phakding, cross the Dudh Khosi River again and make a final push back to Lukla. After you check-in, take a break and rest from the long downhill trek. You can hold a celebratory party with your entire team at the teahouse if you wish so, anyways tomorrow you fly back to the capital.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Lukla
Flight: 15-35 minutes
After breakfast, take a scenic short flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. During peak seasons, flights land at Ramechhap, with a 4‑hour drive back to Kathmandu. A driver meets the plane and transfers you to your own booked hotel. The rest of the day is for showering, doing laundry, and sleeping in a real bed. We meet again in the evening for your valuable trip review.
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
We hope you enjoyed the Gokyo Lakes trek of 14 days with Above and Beyond Trekking and hope to see you soon for another adventure! Our driver will pick you up from your hotel 3 hours before your flight’s departure and drive you to the airport. Have a safe flight and see you soon!
April 2, 2025
“We did the Everest Base Camp trek in April with Above & Beyond. The views were breathtaking and our guide made everything so easy and fun. Highly recommend!”
October 10, 2025
“It was a trip of a lifetime! Our guide Sam was incredibly professional, and always ensured we were safe and comfortable. I will never forget this experience”
October 12, 2025
“My trek to Everest Base Camp with Above & Beyond Trekking exceeded all expectations. Everything was well-organized from airport pickup to the final descent.”
April 2, 2023
“The Everest Base Camp trek was an experience of a lifetime! And a knowledgeable guide like Sam was a definite plus. We learned so much about the Nepali culture. He took extra time to answer our questions and explain customs of the wonderful local people. All details were well worked out and logistics went smoothly. Sam was kind and gentle but also made the call when needed to get a horse for me to finish the last leg of the journey”
April, 2023
“Sam is possibly the best trekking guide in Nepal if not the world. Guide, porter, medic, comidian, singer he does it all! Sam is very friendly and so easy to talk too. I found it very easy to bring up any issues I had (not that I had many) which helped to make the trekking experience the best it could possibly be. Sam is very knowledgeable about the mountains and the local culture and thought us so much. Sam also chooses the best local porters. Very friendly and very helpful. Couldn't have asked for any better. I couldn't recommend above and beyond trekking more highly”
