Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo

The Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes without crossing the Cho La Pass (5,420 m) is less demanding than the Everest Base Camp trek via the Cho La Pass. The main attraction of the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes is to visit the two most popular trekking destinations in the Everest region, the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp, in a single trek.

You will also have the opportunity to climb Gokyo RI (5,357 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m). Both are ideal for the views of the mountains and the sunrise. If you are looking for something different from other trekkers and don't want to go over the Cho La Pass to Everest Base Camp. The Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes may be the best option for you.

Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes and then to Everest Base Camp without crossing the Cho La Pass is a popular alternative route for those who want to avoid the challenges of the pass or prefer a different experience. This route offers a variety of landscapes, cultural experiences and iconic Himalayan views without crossing the Cho La Pass.

The trek starts from Lukla and goes to Namche Bazaar, then to Phortse Thanga, Dole, Machermo and finally to Gokyo, a small village on the shores of the pristine Gokyo Lake. During the trek to Gokyo, you can explore the Gokyo Valley and the breathtaking Gokyo Lakes. From the top of Gokyo Ri, you will have a panoramic view of the Himalayas and Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

After Gokyo, you can retrace your steps back to Phortse Thanga and Cross the Dudh Koshi river and ascent to Phortse village. It’s a charming village surrounded by stunning Himalayan vistas. There is also an alternative route from Gokyo to Phortse village. Follow the same route to Phangga, from where you turn east and reach Phortse village via Nha (Na) Thore and Thare.

In fact, alternative trail is not safe with snow on the trail as walking on the edge with slippery trail is not too much of adventure. The alternative route is hard, while the normal route offers good views of the mountains; it's entirely up to you, but we would recommend taking the normal route from Gokyo to Phortse, which goes via Dole and Phortse Thanga.

From Phortse, you will reach Pangboche (3,930 m), a village mainly inhabited by Sherpas, after about 3 hours of trekking. Here you can visit the 350-year-old Pangboche monastery, one of the oldest in the Himalayas. From Pangboche, you will trek continues to Dingboche (4,410 m). It is the best place to acclimatize and get to know the Sherpa way of life.

From Dingboche, you trek to Lobuche, spend the night there and trek to Gorak Shep the next day. From Gorak Shep, you will hike up to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters and enjoy spectacular views of the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks. After enjoying the view from Everest Base Camp, you return to Gorak Shep for a night.

The next morning you will climb Kala Patthar Peak, a popular viewpoint at an altitude of 5,545 meters. It is known for offering one of the most incredible panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

After visiting Everest base camp and Kala Patthar, you can return to Lukla via Tengboche Monastery, the most important center of Buddhism in the region. The way back from Gorak Shep to Lukla is almost all downhill. Walking downhill puts more stress on the knees and ankles than walking uphill, so it is important to walk slowly to avoid such problems. After reaching Lukla, you can celebrate your last night in the Himalayas, where your trek ends. The next day, you will have another opportunity to experience the exciting mountain flight to Kathmandu.