Everest Base Camp + Gokyo Valley Trek

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a 5-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. From there, you’ll take a short but spectacular 25-minute flight to Lukla, where the Himalayas welcome you in full glory. After meeting your trekking crew, you’ll begin your first day on the trail. The path descends gently through villages, mani walls, and suspension bridges before reaching Phakding, a riverside village where you’ll spend the night.

Today the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several high suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Bridge. You’ll pass through pine forests and villages like Monjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park. From here, a steep ascent brings you to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa capital. Namche is a bustling hub with shops, cafés, bakeries, and magnificent views of Everest and surrounding peaks.

To help your body adjust to the altitude, you’ll spend the day acclimatizing in Namche. A short hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) rewards you with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You can also explore the Sherpa Museum or enjoy the lively market. Resting and hydrating well prepares you for the higher elevations ahead.

Leaving Namche, the trail offers incredible views as it winds along the valley. After a descent to the river at Phunki Tenga, you’ll climb through rhododendron and pine forests to reach Tengboche. This village is home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region, where monks perform evening prayers. The backdrop of Ama Dablam towering above the monastery makes this an unforgettable stop.

The trail descends through forests to Deboche, then crosses the Imja Khola on a suspension bridge. You’ll pass Pangboche, a village known for its ancient monastery, and gradually ascend into alpine terrain. Fields surrounded by stone walls welcome you into Dingboche, a beautiful valley village with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and Lhotse.

Another rest and acclimatization day ensures a safe journey. A popular option is a hike up Nagarjun Hill (around 4,800m), which provides sweeping views of Makalu, Lhotse, and surrounding peaks. After returning, you can explore Dingboche and observe daily Sherpa life.

The trail climbs gradually toward Thukla, where a steep ascent takes you to the memorial site for climbers who perished on Everest. The chortens here are deeply moving, set against dramatic mountain backdrops. From here, the path continues along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier until you reach Lobuche, a small village surrounded by towering peaks.

A memorable day begins with a trek across rocky terrain along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep. After lunch, you’ll continue to Everest Base Camp, where mountaineers begin their ascent of the world’s highest peak. Standing at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall is awe-inspiring. After soaking in the moment and taking photos, you’ll return to Gorakshep for the night.

Wake up before dawn for a hike to Kala Patthar, the best vantage point for sunrise views of Everest and the surrounding Himalayan giants. The golden morning light on Everest is unforgettable. After descending back to Gorakshep for breakfast, you’ll trek onward through Lobuche and turn west to reach the quieter settlement of Dzongla, nestled below Cholatse Peak.

Today is challenging but rewarding. You’ll climb steeply over rocky terrain to cross the Cho La Pass, a high-altitude pass often covered with snow. The top offers incredible views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Lobuche East. The descent is steep and requires careful footing, leading to glacial terrain and finally to Thagnak, a small outpost village.

A short yet scenic day as you cross parts of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Soon, you’ll arrive at the tranquil Gokyo Valley, set beside turquoise lakes with Cho Oyu rising majestically in the background. This serene village is one of the highlights of the trek.

Today is for rest and exploration. You can relax by the lakes, hike to nearby ridges, or explore the fourth Gokyo Lake. This is also a chance to recover strength after Cho La Pass before tackling more adventures ahead.

An early morning hike takes you to Gokyo Ri, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Khumbu. From here, you’ll see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — four of the world’s tallest mountains — as well as the Ngozumpa Glacier and sparkling Gokyo Lakes. Later, you can hike to the remote Fifth Lake, offering views toward Cho Oyu Base Camp. Return to Gokyo for the night.

Another adventurous day awaits as you climb steadily to Renjo La Pass. The ascent is steep, but the view from the top is one of the most spectacular in the entire Khumbu region, encompassing Everest, Gokyo Lakes, and the Rolwaling Range. Descend into a quieter valley and continue to the Sherpa village of Lungden.

The trail descends through yak pastures and traditional Sherpa settlements. As you rejoin the main Everest trail, you’ll notice the lively energy of trekkers again. By evening, you arrive at Namche Bazaar, where a hot shower and cozy lodges await.

Retracing your steps along the Dudh Koshi River, you’ll cross suspension bridges and pass through villages like Monjo and Phakding before making the final climb back to Lukla. This is your last night in the Khumbu, usually celebrated with your trekking crew.

Take a scenic morning flight from Lukla to Ramechhap, bidding farewell to the mountains. From Ramechhap, drive back to Kathmandu. In the evening, you can relax, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a farewell dinner.