The landlocked country of Nepal, lying in the mighty Himalayas, is a dream destination for any trekker or mountaineer. Gokyo Lake Trek with EBC is not just any trek, but an opportunity for you to explore the natural bounties bestowed on this nation. The highlight of this excursion is the visit to Gokyo Lakes.

This trek also takes you to the Everest Base Camp. During the journey, you will also climb to the summits of Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar, reaching an altitude of 17575 feet and 18190 feet, respectively. This 17-day Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek will also give you plenty of opportunities to know the culture of the Himalayan people. Interact with them during your time in the villages and towns of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Mongla, Gorak Shep, Machhermo, Gokyo, Pheriche and Lukla.

The highlights of this Everest Base Camp Trek are the views it offers to participants. Captivating vistas of Mt Everest, and Cho Oyu and Thamserku mountains await you on this trail. Moreover, you will also be passing the high-altitude pass, Cho La, at a height of over 17780 feet above sea level.

Itinerary:

 

Day 1: Arrival day Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, proceed to the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.

Day 2:  Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding; 3-4 hour trek (2,652m/8,700ft)
Freshen up in the morning, transfer to the airport and board your flight to Lukla. On reaching the small town, begin the by embarking on a trekking excursion to Phakding – a quaint village in the Dudh Kosi River Valley. The trek will mostly be downhill, offering you amazing views of pine vegetation.

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,283ft) 
Trekking up and down hill, through pine forest and trekking alongside the Dudh Kosi River, reach Namche Bazaar. On your way, cross the gushing river via a suspension bridge while enjoying majestic views of the mighty Everest.

Day 4: Trek to Khumjung (3780m) for acclimatization
Wake up fresh, get ready, and then head out for a breakfast. You will start the trek to Khumjung, which will be your acclimatization trek. Since, you will be gaining height the next day, it is necessary for you to acclimatize today so that you must be devoid of AMS symptoms. Overnight stay in lodge/tea house.

Day 5: Trek to Dole (4,200m/13,779ft)
On this day of the Gokyo Lake Trek with EBC journey, you reach Mong la. The trail takes you past birch forest and grassy slopes. As soon as you arrive at your destination, panoramic views of Thamserku treat your eyes.
From Mong la, a slight descent will take us to the bank of the Dudh Koshi River as we cross Phortse Thanga and then leaving the bank, hike up to Dole through birch and rhododendron forest. Overnight stay at a lodge in Dole.

Day 6:  Trek to Machherma (4,470m/14,665)
Start trekking towards Machherma, you will pass scenic hamlets and towns of Phortse Thanga and Dole en route. During this journey, you will also pass alluring forests of rhododendrons. You will also enjoy vistas of Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world, at almost 27000 feet.

Day 7: Trek to Gokyo (4,790m/15,715ft)
The sights on this day are a treat for any onlooker. Gaining a height of about 1000 feet, you will trek for about 6 hours to reach your destination. The magnificent lakes of Gokyo are something that every trekker or mountaineer coming here should visit; and that is what you are doing next. Moving from Gokyo Lake I to Gokyo Lake II, you will reach the Third one of the system. Spend the night on the banks of this pristine waterbody.
 

Day 8: Trek to Visit 5th Lake - 5 hrs Tea House/Lodge
As soon as you wake up today, pack your bags as you will visit Gokyo 5^th Lake. It will take you around 5 hrs to reach. The route will be scenic, make sure you click enough pictures for your Instagram feed. Later, rest overnight at tea house/lodge.

Day 9: Visit Gokyo Ri, Trek to Dragnak (4,700m/15,419ft)
Wake up, freshen up and then proceed to climb Gokyo Ri. It will take you about 2 hours to reach the summit of this behemoth. From here, you can capture astonishing views of Mount Everest and Ngozumpa Glacier. After clicking a few pictures, begin the downhill trek and cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Dragnak.

Day 10: Trek to Djungla (4,830m/15,846ft)
Today on Everest Base Camp Trek, you will pass a high-altitude Himalayan pass, known by the name of Cho La. One of the toughest sections of the journey, this trail will take you on steep climbs and descents all the way to Dzongla. On reaching the village, you will capture panoramic vistas of Ama Dablam, as it pierces the sky at over 22000 feet.

Day 11: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m/16,108ft)
Heading to Gorak Shep, you will pass the small settlement called Lobuche en route. On reaching Gorak Shep, rest and prepare for the Everest Base Camp visit the next day.

Day 12: Trek to Gorak Shep | Kalapathar
Today is the most exciting day of this excursion as you get to Gorak Shep. The path is going to be slippery and winds might make it a little more difficult. On reaching here, you will see camps of potential summiteers. Later, in the evening you will go for Kala Pathar for great views and then return back and spend the night.

Day 13: Trek to EBC to Lobuche
Post a scrumptious breakfast in the morning, start the trek to EBC and then to Lobuche. Rest and overnight stay in Lobuche.

Day 14: Trek to Pangboche
Today in the morning, after a scrumptious breakfast, you will start the trek to Pangboche. On reaching, you can rest for the night, have your dinner and sleep.

Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,283ft)
Trekking along the Dudh Kosi River and passing through steep climbs and descents, make your way back to Namche Bazaar. The trail will take you past pine forests and you may also come across pheasants and mountain goats.

Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2,652m/8,700ft)
Descending down on rugged, rocky terrain, make your way to Lukla. You will be crossing the Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries via suspension bridges.

Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Freshen up in the morning and then transfer to the airport to board your flight to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Kathmandu on your own. You can explore local markets to buy souvenirs. Rest at hotel.

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
Disperse from Kathmandu and move to your next destination.