Everest Base Camp & Gokyo – 17 Days
General Information
Key informations that define this iconic adventure
5,545m (Kala Patthar / Cho La Pass variant)
Maximum Altitude
17 Days
Days Duration
Best Season
Grade 4
Difficulty Level
No additional content available
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A detailed breakdown of your adventure
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla | Trek to Phakding
The journey begins with one of the most spectacular flights in the world. Boarding a Twin Otter in Kathmandu, you will fly parallel to the snow-capped Himalayan range before an exciting landing at the Lukla airstrip. After sorting gear and enjoying a warm cup of tea, we hit the trail, heading northwest and descending to the riverbank village of Phakding.
Day 2: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar
We follow the banks of the roaring Dudh Koshi River for three hours before reaching a spectacular, high suspension bridge that marks the start of the steep climb up to Namche. Halfway up the hill, weather permitting, the towering peaks of Mt. Everest (8,850m) and Lhotse (8,511m) break into view. Namche is the vibrant, prosperous capital of the Khumbu region, guarded by the sacred mountain Khumbila to the north.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche (Hike to Thame)
To safely adapt to the altitude, we practice the golden rule: "Climb high, sleep low." Today we enjoy a scenic walk west towards Thame, the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay. Traverse high above the Bhote Koshi River with grand views of Kwangde’s cascading waterfalls, climbing through rhododendron forests to alpine yak pastures.
Day 4: Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
A truly spectacular day of walking. The trail is hewn out of a steep hillside high above the Imja Khola, looking directly out at Ama Dablam (6,856m)—one of the world's most beautiful peaks. We trail through the large village of Pangboche, home to a monastery housing a famed "Yeti scalp," before crossing the river and climbing through pristine fir and rhododendron forests to reach the spiritual heart of the valley: Tengboche Monastery.
Day 5: Trek Tengboche to Dingboche
We descend from Tengboche to cross the Imja Khola before gradually contouring up to Pangboche village. Walking amidst the giants of the Himalaya, the tree line fades behind us. To facilitate proper high-altitude acclimatization, we will spend the next two nights at the sheltered, scenic settlement of Dingboche.
Day 6: Rest & Exploration Day in Dingboche
Today is dedicated to building red blood cells. A day hike up to the high valley settlement of Chukung is highly recommended. The route gently climbs past stone huts, revealing shifting perspectives of Ama Dablam to the south and the staggering, massive rock walls of Lhotse and Nuptse to the north.
Day 7: Trek Dingboche to Dughla
Retracing our steps slightly toward Pheriche, we enter a broad valley pointing straight toward the trekking peak of Lobuche East (6,119m). To our left stands the formidable north face of Taweche. This is intentionally kept as a short trekking day to protect your health; in the afternoon, we take a memorable walk up to the historic Sherpa climber memorials.
Day 8: Trek Dughla to Lobuche
Stepping onto the terminal moraine of the mighty Khumbu Glacier, the trail transforms into a rugged, stark, and beautiful moonscape. We trek along the western lateral moraine with spectacular views of Cholatse across the valley. Arriving at Lobuche, the massive walls of Tawache and Nuptse tower nearly two kilometers straight overhead.
Day 9: Trek Lobuche to Gorak Shep
Our trail meanders along the north bank of the Khumbu glacial moraine, navigating rough boulder fields. Enjoy flawless views of Pumori and the jagged peaks rising across the glacier. We make a short descent into the sandy bowl of Gorak Shep, our highest overnight stop located at the foot of Kala Patthar.
Day 10: Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp | Return to Lobuche
The big day! We descend onto the Khumbu Glacier, weaving through towering ice bluffs along a trail worn down by mountain yaks. Reaching the edge of Everest Base Camp, we look out over the chaotic beauty of the Khumbu Icefall. Our Sherpa guides will organize a small, traditional Puja (blessing ceremony) with incense and prayer flags to celebrate. We then retrace our steps back to Lobuche for the night.
Day 11: Trek Lobuche to Dzongla
Leaving the classic Everest trail behind, we turn westward. We pass a series of stone chortens dedicated to fallen climbers before descending past the tiny hamlet of Dughla. From there, the trail contours around the mountain slopes to reach the quiet outpost of Dzongla, nestled beneath Cholatse peak.
Day 12: Dzongla over Cho La Pass to Thangnak (Dragnag)
An early alpine start is essential today. We scramble over large, broken rock and scree fields before stepping onto the snow and ice fields of the magnificent Cho La Pass (5,330m). After celebrating at the summit, a steep descent over snow and broken rock guides us safely down to the settlement of Thangnak.
Day 13: Trek Thagnak to Gokyo Lakes
A steady, shorter walk across the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier opens up into the stunning Gokyo Valley. You will soon hit the shores of the first sparkling lake, followed quickly by the main, breathtakingly blue lake of Gokyo. Spend the afternoon resting by the pristine alpine waters.
Day 14: Trek Gokyo Lakes to Dole
We begin our journey down the valley, passing Khumjung village before descending into lush rhododendron scrub forests. The trail winds along a dramatic granite stairway cut into a massive cliffside face before emerging onto high grazing pastures. We stop at a charming chorten for final, sweeping postcard views of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku before arriving at the tree-line village of Dole.
Day 15: Trek Dole to Namche Bazaar
We plunge back down through beautiful, thick forests to cross the Dudh Koshi River. A steady climb brings us to a high ridge crest offering beautiful backward glances at Dole and Phortse. Following a classic rock pathway carved directly out of the mountain slopes, we make a pleasant trek back into the familiar comforts of Namche Bazaar.
Day 16: Trek Namche Bazaar back to Lukla
Our final day on the trail retraces our original steps down the grand Namche hill and back through Phakding. Walking out of these high Khumbu valleys with a heavy heart, you will enjoy a final, deceptively long climb that delivers you right back to Lukla to celebrate with your trekking crew.
Day 17: Fly Lukla back to Kathmandu
We catch an early morning flight before the valley winds pick up. The takeoff from Lukla's cliff-edge runway is just as exhilarating as the landing. Within 45 minutes, you will land back in the bustling capital of Kathmandu for your onward journey.
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