EVEREST BASE CAMP VIA GOKYO RI
A challenging route to EBC across Gokyo Ri, Chola Pass and Kala Patthar
Dates full? Here's another trek that gives you a true taste of trekking in Nepal: Sandakphu-Phalut
Meandering along the Indo-Nepal border, Sandakphu-Phalut is a cultural treasure trove and a window to some of the highest mountains in the world, including the Everest.View the Sandakphu-Phalut trek
Trek difficulty
Difficult
Trek Duration
18 Days
Highest Altitude
18,200 ft
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
134 km
BASECAMP
Lukla
CLOAKROOM
Available
OFFLOADING
Available
Why choose the Gokyo Ri route
The world knows of the Everest Base Camp trail. To go to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world is on every mountain lover’s bucket list.
However, we believe, to truly do justice to trekking in the Everest region, Everest Base camp- Gokyo Ri circuit is the trek to do! This trail offers you the best of both worlds: the well-trodden Everest region and the lesser-visited Gokyo region. By adding three more days to the itinerary, the trail becomes infinitely more rewarding.
First, the views from the Gokyo Ri summit are much grander than the ones you will see from on top of Kala Patthar in the Everest region. From Kala Patthar, you would see three of the 14 eight-thousanders in the world – the Everest, Makalu and Lhotse. On the Gokyo Ri summit, you not only see these mountains but also see another eight-thousander, Cho Oyu. Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world, is an additional treat you get on the Gokyo trail.
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Everest Base Camp via the Gokyo Ri trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Day 0
Reach Kathmandu
There are direct flights from major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport-KTM). While cities like Bangalore and Lucknow have connecting flights.
Bulk of the flights to Lukla now fly from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. While some flights still fly from Kathmandu in the off-season, they might not be available in the peak trekking seasons. So we strongly suggest travelling via Ramechhap. But Ramechhap is 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu. So, if you are going via Ramechhap, arrive in Kathmandu one day before Day 0.
Experience has taught us that airports in Nepal can close down without any warning. Even a slight disturbance in weather may affect your trek plans considerably. We recommend keeping 3 buffer days before the actual start of your trek.
Day 1
Drive from Kathmandu from Ramechhap | Take a flight from Ramechhap to Lukla
Drive Distance: 187 km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours | Flight Duration: 20-25 mins
Start your day early from Kathmandu. You can start travelling at midnight. Aim to take the 6:30 am flight. Only private cab operators can take you to Ramechhap. It will cost you approximately 2,000 INR per trekker.
Take a flight from Ramechhap to Lukla. There is a high chance of the weather turning sour at Lukla from noon onwards. Time your flight so that you land before 12 pm.
Meet the Indiahikes team at Lukla, near Hotel Comfort Inn, by 4 PM a day before your trek starts from Lukla.
Day 2
Trek from Lukla to Phakding
Trek Distance: 9 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Loss: 9,300 ft to 8,600 ft
Easy. Gradual descent throughout. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 3
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 7 hours | Altitude Gain: 8,600 ft to 11,290 ft
Moderate. Initial level walk for 30 minutes followed by an undulating trail for a few hours. Steep climb to Namche hereafter. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 4
Acclimatisation Day at Namche Bazaar
Today, you’ll do anacclimatisationclimb to Everest View Hotel and come back down to Namche for lunch.
Day 5
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga
Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 6 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,290 ft to 12,000 ft
Moderate. 4 km level walk followed by a steep ascent for around 2 km. Descent all the way post-lunch. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 6
Trek from Phortse Thanga to Macchermo via Dole and Lafarma
Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude Gain: 12,000 ft to 14,600 ft
Difficult. Steep ascent for 3-4 hours followed by a gradual descent for 20 minutes. Ends with a gradual ascent all the way. Start with carrying 2 litres of water. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 7
Trek from Macchermo to Gokyo
Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude Loss: 14,600 ft to 15,744 ft
Moderate. Level walk for about an hour followed by gradual ascent for 3-4 hours. Last 1 hour on boulders. Start with carrying 2 litres of water. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 8
Trek from Gokyo to Thangna; excursion to Gokyo Ri
Duration: 9 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 14,600 ft to 15,580 ft via 17,575 ft
Difficult. Steep ascent to Gokyo Ri. To Thangna, a short steep ascent followed by 1.5 hours glacier walk. Gradual ascent after this. Start with carrying 2 litres of water. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 9
Rest Day at Thangna
This is your rest day.
Day 10
Trek from Thangna to Dzongla via Cho La Pass
Duration: 9-10 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 15,580 ft to 15,900 ft via 17,605 ft
Difficult. 4-5 km gradual ascent followed by 1 km of gradual descent. 1-1.5 km of trekking on boulders followed by a 1 km glacier walk. 1 km steep descent on boulders easing off into a gradual descent. Start with carrying at least 2 litres of water. No water sources till you cross Cho La Pass.
Day 11
Trek from Dzongla to Labouche
Duration: 3 hours | Altitude Gain: 15,900 ft to 16,200 ft
Moderate. Level walk throughout. Carry 2 litres of water, you will be covered.
Day 12
Trek from Labouche to Gorakshep (Excursion to EBC)
Duration: 3 hours | Altitude Gain: 16,200 ft to 16,900 ft
Moderate. Short, steep ascent followed by 1.5-2 hours of boulder walk. Ends with a gradually ascending trail. Carry sufficient water. You’ll find teahouses on the way to Gorakshep.
Day 13
Climb Kala Pathar. Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche
Duration: 3 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 16,900 ft to 14,070 ft via 18,200 ft
Difficult. Gradual descent all the way to Pheriche. Carry sufficient water; you can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 14
Trek from Pheriche to Tengboche
Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Loss: 14,070 ft to 12,665 ft
Moderate. 3 km gradual ascent to Tengboche. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 15
Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar
Duration: 4 hours | Altitude Loss: 12,665 ft to 11,290 ft
Moderate. Continuous descent followed by a final, short stretch of steep ascent. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 16
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude Loss: 11,290 ft to 9,300 ft
Moderate. Continuous descent to Phakding for a few hours followed by gradual ascent to Lukla. You will find tea houses on the way to refill your water bottles.
Day 17
Buffer Day
A buffer day to accommodate for any day lost due to bad weather or other external factors.
Day 18
Fly out of Lukla to Kathmandu
Take the early morning flight out of Lukla. It will take you about 45 mins to reach Kathmandu. Depart from Kathmandu.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤ Currency Exchange: For conversion, carry US-Dollars or INR 100-200 notes only. Currency notes for denominations of INR 500 and above are banned in Nepal. If you are converting currency in Kathmandu itself, Thamel and Buddha Stupa areas have much better conversion dates than the rates offered at Kathmandu airport. Just convert a small amount, if needed, to get around at the airport.
➤ Buffer days: It is recommended to keep a buffer of at least 3 days. Weather can be extremely unpredictable in Nepal. Airports close down at the slightest weather disturbance. This might cause major delays at the start of your trek.
➤ Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their ID Card for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
➤ Stay facility: At Lukla, your stay will be arranged in lodges. On the trek, you will be staying at tea houses
➤ Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a cloakroom facility at Lukla. No valuables can be kept. Also, do not carry any excess luggage on the trek.
➤ Insurance: Insurance is not included in the trek fee. If you want to avail insurance for this trek, you can write an email to your Experience Coordinator and apply for insurance.
➤ Food and Water on Trek: Any food you have during your trek or during the travel is at your own expense. This is not included in the trek fee. You will have access to drinking water at the tea houses where you stay. However, if you are buying drinking water, then the charges are extra. This is not included in your trek fee.
Note: A filtered water bottle is highly recommended when going on this trek.
Reach Kathmandu
There are direct flights from major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport-KTM). While cities like Bangalore and Lucknow have connecting flights.
Bulk of the flights to Lukla now fly from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. While some flights still fly from Kathmandu in the off-season, they might not be available in the peak trekking seasons. So we strongly suggest travelling via Ramechhap. But Ramechhap is 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu. So, if you are going via Ramechhap, arrive in Kathmandu one day before Day 0.
There are direct flights from major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport-KTM). While cities like Bangalore and Lucknow have connecting flights.
Bulk of the flights to Lukla now fly from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. While some flights still fly from Kathmandu in the off-season, they might not be available in the peak trekking seasons. So we strongly suggest travelling via Ramechhap. But Ramechhap is 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu. So, if you are going via Ramechhap, arrive in Kathmandu one day before Day 0.
Experience has taught us that airports in Nepal can close down without any warning. Even a slight disturbance in weather may affect your trek plans considerably. We recommend keeping 3 buffer days before the actual start of your trek.
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu from Ramechhap | Take a flight from Ramechhap to Lukla
Drive Distance: 187 km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours | Flight Duration: 20-25 mins
Start your day early from Kathmandu. You can start travelling at midnight. Aim to take the 6:30 am flight. Only private cab operators can take you to Ramechhap. It will cost you approximately 2,000 INR per trekker.
Take a flight from Ramechhap to Lukla. There is a high chance of the weather turning sour at Lukla from noon onwards. Time your flight so that you land before 12 pm.
Meet the Indiahikes team at Lukla, near Hotel Comfort Inn, by 4 PM a day before your trek starts from Lukla.
Start your day early from Kathmandu. You can start travelling at midnight. Aim to take the 6:30 am flight. Only private cab operators can take you to Ramechhap. It will cost you approximately 2,000 INR per trekker.
Take a flight from Ramechhap to Lukla. There is a high chance of the weather turning sour at Lukla from noon onwards. Time your flight so that you land before 12 pm.
Meet the Indiahikes team at Lukla, near Hotel Comfort Inn, by 4 PM a day before your trek starts from Lukla.
What happens if you miss your flight to Lukla
Weather plays a very big role in the running of this trek. Flights to Lukla are a fair-weather friend. A cloud covering a mountain ridge can shut down the entire airport!
It might so happen that only some of the scheduled flights take off from Ramechhap on 1st April and your flight doesn’t. Hence, we recommend that you fly to Lukla a day early, on 31st March itself.
In case you do miss your flight on 1st April and reach Lukla on 2nd April (Day 3) instead, here is what you will need to do –
1. Start trekking towards Namche Bazaar as soon as you land.
2. Stay overnight at a tea house between Phakding and Namche Bazaar. We will arrange this in advance and communicate the details to you in case the need arises.
3. Join the rest of the team at Namche Bazaar on Day 4. This is an acclimatisation day and trekkers will be staying there overnight.
Note: On your return, you may face a similar situation. You have ended the trek at Lukla and found the airport shut. Keep a day in Kathmandu as a buffer for your return international flight.
Buffer days
1. On the trek we have kept one buffer day. This is to account for any weather-related delays or if a team is tired and needs an extra day to push to a camp. Suppose we do utilise the buffer day then you’ll have to pay us Rs. 3,700 per day (INR) + 5% GST for the buffer days. The money will be collected by your trek leader only if we use the buffer days.
2. On the brighter side, there are 2 rest days in addition to the buffer days for acclimatization. We will use them on the Gokyo side. Usually at Namche Bazaar and Gokyo. But this is tentative. Your trek leader may change the rest days depending on how the team is doing. On the EBC side, we have not kept any rest days — that’s because we have reached our maximum altitude and we are going to be descending. The flip side is that you may find a camp extremely beautiful and want to spend an extra day. That may not be possible. However, if the whole team agrees then you can use a buffer day for this.
Next, your flight booking: Book your tickets online at taraair.com.
Day 2: Trek from Lukla to Phakding
Drive Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude Loss: ⇘ 700 ft (9,300 ft to 8,600 ft)
Difficulty: Easy. Gradual descent throughout.
Lukla is a tiny village with an airstrip at the end of the valley. This airport is called the most dangerous airport in the world for its short runway and the drop off at the end. Landing and taking off in Lukla is an adrenaline-pumping experience. A simple thing like a cloud covering a mountain ridge can shut this airport down! Hence, we recommend that you reach Lukla a day in advance.
The trek begins right outside the airport. The trail to Phakding is mostly descending. After a small forest trail, in the beginning, you will walk through Nepalese villages surrounded by a lot of vegetation.
Lukla is a tiny village with an airstrip at the end of the valley. This airport is called the most dangerous airport in the world for its short runway and the drop off at the end. Landing and taking off in Lukla is an adrenaline-pumping experience. A simple thing like a cloud covering a mountain ridge can shut this airport down! Hence, we recommend that you reach Lukla a day in advance.
The trek begins right outside the airport. The trail to Phakding is mostly descending. After a small forest trail, in the beginning, you will walk through Nepalese villages surrounded by a lot of vegetation.
Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Duration: 7 hours
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 2,690 ft (8,600 ft to 11,290 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Initial level walk for 30 minutes followed by an undulating trail for a few hours. Steep climb to Namche hereafter.
Namche, where you’ll be headed today, is the capital of the Khumbu region. Start your day early as there is a long day of trekking in the store. The trail goes up and down as you gradually gain altitude. You will mostly be trekking through forests.
Monjo village is the midpoint of today’s trek. There is a 3-4 km steep climb through forests just before the Swiss suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi river, which is the lifeline of the Khumbu region.
Highlights of the day include entering the Sagarmatha National park, spotting the Kongderei and Thamserku peaks, and getting your first Everest viewpoint.
Namche, where you’ll be headed today, is the capital of the Khumbu region. Start your day early as there is a long day of trekking in the store. The trail goes up and down as you gradually gain altitude. You will mostly be trekking through forests.
Monjo village is the midpoint of today’s trek. There is a 3-4 km steep climb through forests just before the Swiss suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi river, which is the lifeline of the Khumbu region.
Highlights of the day include entering the Sagarmatha National park, spotting the Kongderei and Thamserku peaks, and getting your first Everest viewpoint.
Day 4: Acclimatisation Day at Namche Bazaar
Difficulty: Today, you’ll do anacclimatisationclimb to Everest View Hotel and come back down to Namche for lunch.
Today, you’ll do an acclimatisation climb to Everest View Hotel and come back down to Namche for lunch.
Namche Bazaar, which is a pitstop for trekkers and climbers going to Everest Base Camp, is worth exploring. You can shop here for souvenirs or even trek gear.
You can also hike to the Sherpa Cultural Museum from where you get great views of Everest and Ama Dablam. The museum details the history of the region with a peek into the lives of Sherpas. You will see photographs from Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s climb as well as maps detailing all hiking trails in Nepal.
Today, you’ll do an acclimatisation climb to Everest View Hotel and come back down to Namche for lunch.
Namche Bazaar, which is a pitstop for trekkers and climbers going to Everest Base Camp, is worth exploring. You can shop here for souvenirs or even trek gear.
You can also hike to the Sherpa Cultural Museum from where you get great views of Everest and Ama Dablam. The museum details the history of the region with a peek into the lives of Sherpas. You will see photographs from Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s climb as well as maps detailing all hiking trails in Nepal.
Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga
Duration: 6 hours
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 710 ft (11,290 ft to 12,000 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. 4 km level walk followed by a steep ascent for around 2 km. Descent all the way post-lunch.
The trail climbs out of Namche and descends to Khumjung village. Khumjung is a Sherpa village with 40-50 houses. From Khumjung, the trail climbs up the stairs and hugs the sides of the mountain. It diverges from the main Everest highway at Sanasa, after Khumjung. Up to Sanasa, you will be trekking through forests, after which you reach a village.
You’ll be able to see the Tengboche monastery from here. It is said that Tenzing Norgay spotted this monastery from the summit of Everest.
The trail then climbs to Mong La, a vantage point, where you’ll have lunch. From here, you descend to Phortse village.
The trail climbs out of Namche and descends to Khumjung village. Khumjung is a Sherpa village with 40-50 houses. From Khumjung, the trail climbs up the stairs and hugs the sides of the mountain. It diverges from the main Everest highway at Sanasa, after Khumjung. Up to Sanasa, you will be trekking through forests, after which you reach a village.
You’ll be able to see the Tengboche monastery from here. It is said that Tenzing Norgay spotted this monastery from the summit of Everest.
The trail then climbs to Mong La, a vantage point, where you’ll have lunch. From here, you descend to Phortse village.
Day 6: Trek from Phortse Thanga to Macchermo via Dole and Lafarma
Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 2,600 ft (12,000 ft to 14,600 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult. Steep ascent for 3-4 hours followed by a gradual descent for 20 minutes. Ends with a gradual ascent all the way.
The trail starts from behind tea houses in Phortse Thanga, through dense rhododendron forests. This section will remind you of the Goechala trek in Sikkim. The trail relentlessly climbs and at this altitude, you’ll feel the climb. From the forests, you eventually reach meadows and small grasslands.
You’ll see Cho Oyu massif, the sixth highest mountain in the world, ahead. This is an additional treat on this trail!
Lafarma, at 14,206 ft, is the first settlement that you reach. Macchermo is 75 minutes ahead.
The trail starts from behind tea houses in Phortse Thanga, through dense rhododendron forests. This section will remind you of the Goechala trek in Sikkim. The trail relentlessly climbs and at this altitude, you’ll feel the climb. From the forests, you eventually reach meadows and small grasslands.
You’ll see Cho Oyu massif, the sixth highest mountain in the world, ahead. This is an additional treat on this trail!
Lafarma, at 14,206 ft, is the first settlement that you reach. Macchermo is 75 minutes ahead.
Macchermo can get cold – especially in the autumn season.
Day 7: Trek from Macchermo to Gokyo
Duration: 6-7 hours
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 1,145 ft (14,600 ft to 15,745 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Level walk for about an hour followed by gradual ascent for 3-4 hours. Last 1 hour on boulders.
The climb is not much today but the sights are a treat. You will now walk among big mountains – the tallest in the world!
Gokyo Lake 1 is around 2 hours and 40 minutes out of Macchermo. Behind the Gokyo settlements, you can see Cho Oyo dominate the background like a white wall. To the left of the settlement is the trail to Gokyo Ri at 17,575 ft. You get one of the best views of the Everest range from here.
The tea house where you’ll halt at the end of today’s trail is situated around Gokyo Lake 3.
The climb is not much today but the sights are a treat. You will now walk among big mountains – the tallest in the world!
Gokyo Lake 1 is around 2 hours and 40 minutes out of Macchermo. Behind the Gokyo settlements, you can see Cho Oyo dominate the background like a white wall. To the left of the settlement is the trail to Gokyo Ri at 17,575 ft. You get one of the best views of the Everest range from here.
The tea house where you’ll halt at the end of today’s trail is situated around Gokyo Lake 3.
Day 8: Trek from Gokyo to Thangna; excursion to Gokyo Ri
Duration: 9 hours
Altitude Gain and Loss: ⇗ 2,975; ⇘ 1,995 ft (14,600 ft to 15,580 ft via 17,575 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult. Steep ascent to Gokyo Ri. To Thangna, a short steep ascent followed by 1.5 hours glacier walk. Gradual ascent after this.
Start the day by climbing Gokyo Ri. Though the mountain looks small, it will take 2-3 hours for you to reach the summit. From here, you will see the longest glacier in the Himalayas – Ngozumpa – flowing down, and the big mountains in front. You’ll also get a beautiful view of the Gokyo lakes behind you. Don’t forget to get photographed with Everest!
After an early lunch, head out to Ngozumpa glacier. You need to cross over this to get to Thangna, at the base of Chola Pass. Ngozumpa glacier is an unstable section of the trek that is prone to rockfalls so make sure you follow your guides. This is a beautiful glacier which is moving constantly, but you don’t feel the movement.
You’ll take an hour and a half to cross the glacier. Thangna is a mostly flat walk from here.
Start the day by climbing Gokyo Ri. Though the mountain looks small, it will take 2-3 hours for you to reach the summit. From here, you will see the longest glacier in the Himalayas – Ngozumpa – flowing down, and the big mountains in front. You’ll also get a beautiful view of the Gokyo lakes behind you. Don’t forget to get photographed with Everest!
After an early lunch, head out to Ngozumpa glacier. You need to cross over this to get to Thangna, at the base of Chola Pass. Ngozumpa glacier is an unstable section of the trek that is prone to rockfalls so make sure you follow your guides. This is a beautiful glacier which is moving constantly, but you don’t feel the movement.
You’ll take an hour and a half to cross the glacier. Thangna is a mostly flat walk from here.
Day 10: Trek from Thangna to Dzongla via Cho La Pass
Duration: 9-10 hours
Altitude Gain and Loss: ⇗ 2,025; ⇘ 1,705 ft (15,580 ft to 15,900 ft via 17,605 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult. 4-5 km gradual ascent followed by 1 km of gradual descent. 1-1.5 km of trekking on boulders followed by a 1 km glacier walk. 1 km steep descent on boulders easing off into a gradual descent.
Start your day early for Cho La Pass. It is going to be a long day.
Cho La Pass is right behind Thangna. The ascent, which is quite a climb, has a lot of rubble and scree. The descent is tricky with a snowed out glacier and boulders. Stick to the right of the glacier and follow the guidelines strictly. Don’t venture on your own. Depending on the situation of the ice, crampons will be used.
After the boulder patch which is hard on your knees, it is a steep descent to Dzongla.
Start your day early for Cho La Pass. It is going to be a long day.
Cho La Pass is right behind Thangna. The ascent, which is quite a climb, has a lot of rubble and scree. The descent is tricky with a snowed out glacier and boulders. Stick to the right of the glacier and follow the guidelines strictly. Don’t venture on your own. Depending on the situation of the ice, crampons will be used.
After the boulder patch which is hard on your knees, it is a steep descent to Dzongla.
You’ll see Ama Dablam’s front view on this day. What a different side to this beautiful mountain!
Please note that the teahouse at Dzongla has no Wi-Fi.
Day 11: Trek from Dzongla to Labouche
Duration: 3 hours
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 300 ft (15,900 ft to 16,200 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Level walk throughout.
The 3-hour walk to Labouche is mostly on a flat trail but you will be walking at quite an altitude. You’ll come across a junction where the trail splits into Pheriche and Labouche. Take the left. Views of Ama Dablam will accompany you till this point.
Around 90 minutes before Labouche, you’ll meet trekkers going on the traditional Everest highway. Helicopter sorties are commonplace here.
The 3-hour walk to Labouche is mostly on a flat trail but you will be walking at quite an altitude. You’ll come across a junction where the trail splits into Pheriche and Labouche. Take the left. Views of Ama Dablam will accompany you till this point.
Around 90 minutes before Labouche, you’ll meet trekkers going on the traditional Everest highway. Helicopter sorties are commonplace here.
Day 12: Trek from Labouche to Gorakshep (Excursion to EBC)
Duration: 3 hours
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 700 ft (16,200 ft to 16,900 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Short, steep ascent followed by 1.5-2 hours of boulder walk. Ends with a gradually ascending trail. Carry sufficient water. You’ll find teahouses on the way to Gorakshep.
It takes about 3 hours to reach Gorakshep, which is a very busy place. You’ll see the terrain change as you approach the place. There are a lot of trekkers coming in. You’ll see Everest Base Camp on the trail to Gorakshep.
After early lunch at Gorakshep, set off for EBC. Make sure you carry your day pack since you’ll need water. The climb is fairly moderate, though the moraines are slippery and the ridge bordering Khumbu glacier is very windy.
Everest Base Camp provides a very unique experience since you’ll see potential summiters. The climbers’ tents look striking against the backdrop.
It takes about 3 hours to reach Gorakshep, which is a very busy place. You’ll see the terrain change as you approach the place. There are a lot of trekkers coming in. You’ll see Everest Base Camp on the trail to Gorakshep.
After early lunch at Gorakshep, set off for EBC. Make sure you carry your day pack since you’ll need water. The climb is fairly moderate, though the moraines are slippery and the ridge bordering Khumbu glacier is very windy.
Everest Base Camp provides a very unique experience since you’ll see potential summiters. The climbers’ tents look striking against the backdrop.
Please note: drinking water at Gorakshep is chargeable. 1 litre of drinking water costs 350 Nepalese rupees. This is not included in the trek fee. Non-potable water is available free of cost – if you’re carrying a water purifying bottle, you could consider using that instead.
Day 13: Climb Kala Pathar. Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche
Duration: 3 hours
Altitude Gain and Loss: ⇗ 1,300; ⇘ 4,130 ft (16,900 ft to 14,070 ft via 18,200 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult. Gradual descent to Pheriche. Carry sufficient water; you can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Start early for Kala Patthar so that you reach in time to watch the sun rising over the peaks. Kala Patthar is the highest point of the trek.
The trail to Kala Patthar is well defined and will take you 2-2.5 hours to reach. The last section is steep.
From the summit, you’ll get great views of Everest, South Col – the traditional route to Everest summit. You will even be able to identify Hillary's steps.
Start early for Kala Patthar so that you reach in time to watch the sun rising over the peaks. Kala Patthar is the highest point of the trek.
The trail to Kala Patthar is well defined and will take you 2-2.5 hours to reach. The last section is steep.
From the summit, you’ll get great views of Everest, South Col – the traditional route to Everest summit. You will even be able to identify Hillary's steps.
There are great views of Lhotse, Makalu, the Khumbu glacier and icefall, and of the entire Everest Base camp. Pumori is straight ahead from the summit.
After spending some time at Kala Pathar, return to Gorakshep and start for Pheriche immediately after breakfast. Retrace the route back to Labouche, from where it’s another 3 hours to Pheriche.
You’ll cross Dughla/Thukla where there are memorials of mountaineers who died climbing Everest.
Pheriche is a village situated above the Tsola river. It is extremely picturesque and surrounded by mountains. There is a hospital in Pheriche, which was specially set up for the benefit of trekkers, and is currently run by the Himalayan Rescue Association with the help of volunteers from all over the world.
The Ama Dablam Base Camp is 4 hours from here.
Day 14: Trek from Pheriche to Tengboche
Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude Loss: ⇘ 1,405 ft (14,070 ft to 12,665 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. 3 km gradual ascent to Tengboche. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
This is the traditional Everest Highway. You’ll meet a lot of trekkers from around the world while walking on this trail.
The trail to Tengboche descends continuously from Pheriche.
Stop for the day at Tengboche. Visit the campus Monastery here. Don’t be surprised if you come across renowned mountaineers here.
This is the traditional Everest Highway. You’ll meet a lot of trekkers from around the world while walking on this trail.
The trail to Tengboche descends continuously from Pheriche.
Stop for the day at Tengboche. Visit the campus Monastery here. Don’t be surprised if you come across renowned mountaineers here.
Tengboche has great views of the Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
Day 15: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar
Duration: 4 hours
Altitude Loss: ⇘ 1,375 ft (12,665 ft to 11,290 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Continuous descent followed by a final, short stretch of steep ascent. You can refill your water bottles at tea houses on the way.
Day 16: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Duration: 7-8 hours
Altitude Loss: ⇘ 1,990 ft (11,290 ft to 9,300 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Continuous descent to Phakding for a few hours followed by gradual ascent to Lukla. You will find tea houses on the way to refill your water bottles.
Difficult Trek
Suitable for Experienced Trekkers
You cover a total distance of around 134 km over 13 trekking days, during which you will gain approximately 8,900 ft (9,300 ft to 18,200 ft). Every day will include ascents, descents and boulder sections on steep, uneven trails. Most days involve trekking for long hours.
Terrain:
- You trek for more than 130 km over 15 days straight, climbing from 8600 ft to a whooping 18,200 ft at Kalapathar. Added to the usual difficulties of the EBC Classic Route, the Gokyo route also involves a strenuous climb on the Gokyo Lakes excursion day, the Cho La Pass Crossing and the Ngozumpa Glacier Traverse. These make it a demanding trek, suitable only for very experienced trekkers.
- The climb to Namche Bazaar is steep. You need to negotiate a 600-meter ascent over 2 km just before reaching Namche Bazaar. This climb can be challenging, especially in rainy or snowy conditions, making the trail slippery.
- The bouldery ascent to Gokyo Ri, situated well over 17,000 ft above sea level, is a rigorous test of stamina. The trail is steep and can be particularly challenging in adverse weather conditions.
- You need to traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier to arrive at the base of Cho La Pass. This section demands precise footwork to navigate the icy and rocky terrain safely.
- Crossing the Cho La Pass is one of the trek's most demanding segments, involving steep ascents and descents over rocky and icy paths. This pass is often covered in snow, adding to the challenge.
- The trek to Kala Patthar (18,200 ft) is the journey's highest point. This steep climb is typically done in the early morning, where cold temperatures and possible verglas on the trail add to the challenge.
- The final leg of the trek from Gorakshep (16,942 ft) to Everest Base Camp (17,598 ft) is demanding, with steep ascents and long boulder walks through glacial moraine.
Please note: If you are trekking with Indiahikes, our Trek Leaders and Technical Guides will provide you with all necessary guidance, support, and technical gear such as micro spikes, gaiters, helmets, ropes, etc. wherever required.
Weather:
- Snowfall is a distinct possibility at the higher altitudes, especially near Cho La Pass and during the ascent to Kala Patthar, which can obscure trails and necessitate route adjustments.
- Rainfall can occur at lower elevations, leading to muddy and slippery trails. This can make the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar trickier.
Please note: The safety of our trekkers is paramount. Our technical team, in conjunction with the Trek Leader, constantly monitors the weather conditions and makes informed decisions about proceeding with or aborting the trek. If the weather deteriorates, the team may need to turn back from any campsite to ensure the safety of all trekkers.
Altitude:
- The Everest Base Camp trek (via Gokyo Ri) not only takes you above 18,000 ft at Kala Patthar, but it also involves two other days– the Gokyo Ri Summit Day and the Cho La Pass crossing day– where you climb above 17,000 ft. Even with a rest day planned at Thagna between these two days, Acute Mountain Sickness remains a distinct possibility.
- At altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness are real. Altitude sickness can happen to anybody - first-time trekkers as well as experienced trekkers. Fitness helps in making your trek easier. But do not forget that even a fit person climbing too high too soon runs an equal risk of developing AMS.
Here’s a Complete guide to Acute Mountains Sickness, HAPE and HACE
Please Note: The Indiahikes team is equipped with high-altitude medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers to handle any altitude-related emergencies.
Emergency Exits:
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri trek has very limited exit points. The fastest evacuation route is with the help of helicopters. But, if you are not equipped with an adequate Trek Insurance, this can burn a hole in your pocket. Helicopter evacuations also depend on weather and availability.
The nearest hospitals are in Lukla and Kathmandu. Basic medical aid is available at lower-altitude villages like Namche Bazaar.
Closest Hospital to the Everest Base Camp (Gokyo Ri) Trek:
If you need immediate attention, there are a few primary health centres in Namche Bazaar. In case of an emergency, you must head down to Lukla as quickly as possible.
The Indiahikes team will ensure your safety throughout the journey. However, we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. We need your active participation and attention to safety protocols to ensure a safe and successful trek.
Please inform your Trek Leader about any pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem. This will enable us to take the necessary precautions and ensure your safety throughout the trek.
There are two distinct seasons for the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri trek – April (Spring) and October (Autumn) and the weather is very different in these seasons.
Say, in Spring, although you will find patches of hard snow at higher altitudes, the temperature during the day will be slightly warmer than that in Autumn when there won’t be any snow on the trek.
Even the air is different. While Spring is moist, Autumn is dry and crisp.
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri in Spring (April)
Day time: Between 18 °C and 24 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 5 °C and 0 °C.
Presence of snow: You may find snow patches on the trail.
No. of warm layers required: 4 warm layers
It’s that time of the year when winter has totally left the slopes. But, you will still find snow patches on the ground above 12,000 feet.
In Spring, expect pleasant daytime temperatures around 18 °C. But at night it dips to almost zero levels.
During the day if the sun goes behind the clouds and there is about of rain, then the temperature can fall to around 12 °C.
Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri in Autumn (October)
Day time: Between 12 °C and 15 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between -5 °C and -10 °C.
Presence of snow: You will not find snow at this time of the year.
No. of warm layers required: 5 warm layers
Autumn is slightly like winter. Colder than Summer, although you won’t find patches of snow.
Nights in Autumn get chilly. In October the temperature dips to -5 ° C.
During the day, you will experience temperatures around 12 ° C. But any rain or slight drizzle brings down the temperature by a few degrees. So keep a jacket handy with you always.
Planning your onward flight/train booking
If you are travelling from India or any other country, book your flight tickets for Day Minus One, which is two days before Day 1 on the itinerary. If your trek start day is 15 September, book your air tickets for 13 September to either Kathmandu on 14 September to Lukla.
Option 1: Fly to Kathmandu and then fly to Lukla via Ramechhap
You can take a shared cab from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. It is a four hour long journey to Ramechhap.
From Ramechhap a 20 min flight will take you to Lukla.
Airline recommendations-
- Summit Air
- Tara Air
Pro tip- Do not try to go on road from Ramechhap to Lukla. The roads are in a very bad condition. Moreover the road ends at Thamdanda. From there it is another 40 km of walk.
Option 2: Trek to Lukla on your own
Take this option if you are reaching out more than a week in advance to Kathmandu.
The trek starts from a small village called Jiri which is 7-8 hrs of bus journey from Kathmandu. It is an astounding distance of 56 km and can take anywhere between 4 days to 7 days to reach Lukla.
Again, do this only if you have a lot of time in hand and the required experience and fitness to be able to trek for 16 days after this.
Option 3: Fly to Kathmandu and then fly to Lukla (This mode of transport is not working currently)
This is the quickest way to reach Lukla. Take a flight to Kathmandu and then another flight to Lukla.
Lukla is a small town with an airstrip that drops off to the valley. There are daily flights in the morning from Kathmandu to Lukla. Flights into Lukla are highly weather-dependent. A cloud covering a mountain ridge can shut down the entire airport! This is why you must book the first flight out of Kathmandu and factor in buffer days in the itinerary.
Tip: If you are reaching Kathmandu early on Day Minus One, you can think of taking a flight on the same day as well. We have seen the notorious airport of Lukla where trekkers have missed flights for two straight days because of weather conditions. This will give you two buffer days in case there is any delay.
Reaching Lukla early will give time for your body to acclimatise better as well.
Tip: The best way is to take a shared Cab from New Bus Park Kathmandu, which cost NPR 500, is much more comfortable than a bus and moves after every one hour.
Planning your return flight/train booking
The trek ends at Lukla on Day 17 including a buffer day.
For your return journey, you can again fly back from Lukla to Ramechhap. Then take a cab to Kathmandu.
Taking into account the buffer day: Booking your return tickets requires some thought. First, always book your return ticket keeping in mind the buffer day. The buffer day must be included in your itinerary. If your trek ends on Day 16 do not book your flight/bus tickets for Day 16. Instead, book for Day 17. Day 17 is your buffer day.
Planning your hotel/stay
While booking hotels on your return, always assume book your rooms assuming the buffer day is not being used. Assume the trek is going to run without any hiccups. So what happens if you use your buffer day on the trek? Unfortunately, then you’ll probably lose your hotel booking.
So book hotels where you may not have to transfer money in advance. Even if you do, consider it better than missing out on the trek. In Kathmandu, it is not difficult to find last minute hotel bookings if in case the buffer day is used.
Hotel options in Kathmandu
➤ Alobar1000
Alobar1000 is one of the many youth hostels in Kathmandu. It has a good backpacking dorm and also private rooms.
Email id: alobar1000@gmail.com
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KjsbNoKqK5ALNh2t8
Contact Number: +977-14410114
Website: https://alobar1000.wixsite.com/alobar1000
➤ Zostel Kathmandu
Zostel has standardised rooms and dorms all around the region. It’s a reliable place with basic facilities.
Email id: reservations@zostel.com
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aTMpF8Sz5btnjPny9
Contact Number: +977- 9813495707
Website: https://www.zostel.com/zostel/kathmandu/
➤ Wander Thirst
This is another hostel in Kathmandu which has a mix of hostels with dorms and private rooms.
Email id: hello@wanderthirsthostels.com
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aTMpF8Sz5btnjPny9
Website: https://wanderthirsthostels.com/
How to reach Namche Bazaar on your own
If you miss the Indiahikes team from Lukla, you will have to trek to Phakding and then reach Namche Bazaar on your own. The team will have an acclimatization day at Namche and you can join them here.
However, in case you lose two days straight in reaching Lukla, you will not be able to catch the team.
Important Points to Note
The cost of the dorm room per bed is usually priced at around NPR 350-500. For a private room with a shared bathroom, it will cost around NPR 1000-1500.
– Kathmandu again has a wide range of hotels and places to stay. Book your stay close to Thamel which has better access to local food, trekking gears and a nice culture of trekking.
– From Kathmandu airport, if you take a cab to anywhere around a 2 km to 2.5 km radius, it will cost around NPR 600. Airport to Thamel will cost you NPR 700.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of identity card. In Nepal, only passports or Voters' ID is accepted as valid ID proof.
- Disclaimer certificate: You don't need to print or carry the disclaimer form. Your Trek Leader will give it to you at the base. Just sign and hand it over then and there.
- However, if you are a minor unaccompanied by your parents, please download this disclaimer, print it, get it signed by your parents/guardian and carry it to the basecamp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.
Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Backpack with rain cover
Warm Layers and Clothes
- Warm layers
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket) - 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sun cap, preferably with flaps
- Waterproof gloves
- Balaclava
- Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
- Headlamp
- Trekking pole
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Cutlery:
- Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack
Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.
Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Tapoban. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Pangarchulla Peak trek.
- Dexamethasone (1 Strip): This is part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Nifedipine (5 tablets): Again part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually the mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is not dangerous, provided you prepare well for it.
We classify Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri as a Difficult trek. This means it requires exceptionally high fitness levels and prior Himalayan trek experience is a must as well.
There are quite a few factors contributing to the difficulty of the trek — the distance covered every day, the duration of the trek, the terrain, the time spent at a very high altitude (7 days above 14,000 ft) and a difficult exit from the trail in case of an emergency.
One of the greatest risks on any high altitude trek is complications arising from AMS, HAPE and HACE. All three of them can be prevented with adequate hydration, well planned itinerary and proper acclimatization. The Indiahikes trek team, led by an experienced trek leader, is equipped to take care of all medical emergencies on the trail.
These measures make sure every participant on an Indiahikes trek is safe during the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri trek.
The trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri is 106 km long and takes about 18 days to and from Kathmandu.
The Everest Base Camp has two traditional routes. The aforementioned route via Gokyo Ri is the more beautiful but challenging of the two. On the other hand, the easier classic route is 110 km long and takes about 14 days to and from Kathmandu.
Indiahikes organizes the trek through Gokyo Ri. To help mitigate the risks of spending more time at higher altitudes as compared to the classic route, we have included a buffer day and acclimatization day in the itinerary.
The acclimatization day at Namche bazaar helps reduce the chances of AMS during the trek and the buffer day helps account for unexpected weather delays.
Mt. Everest is not visible from the Everest Base Camp due to other mountains obscuring it from view. You can spot other mountains like Khumbutse, Changtse, Lingtren, Lobuche, Kala Patthar and Pumori from EBC.
However, Mt. Everest can be spotted multiple times from the trail itself during the initial part of the trek.
The buffer day is included because the weather in the mountains can be extremely unpredictable. It might so happen that you are not able to trek at all on a particular day or cross a pass because of this. Sometimes, your flight might not land in Lukla on Day 1 if it’s cloudy. In fact, we recommend that you reach Lukla a day early.
If we use a buffer day, you’ll have to pay us INR 3,700 per day + 5% GST for per day. The money will be collected by your trek leader only if we use the buffer days.
Yes, there is an option to offload your backpack. This will cost you INR 1,000 + 5% GST per trek day. You will need to inform us in advance if you wish to offload your backpack.
The offloaded bag should not weigh more than 9 kg. Strolleys, duffel bags, suitcases etc. are not allowed. Online offloading in advance is possible up to two weeks prior to the trek start date.
Offline offloading is not possible on this trek.
You will have access to drinking water at the tea houses where you stay. For your day’s trek, two litres of water should be enough.
On most days, you will be able to refill your water bottles at tea houses that we pass on the way.
Days 10 and 11, Thangna to Dzongla and Dzongla to Labouche, are the only ones when you’re unlikely to find water sources.
Please note, you will need to buy drinking water once you reach Gorakshep on Day 12 till the time you descend from there on Day 13. 1 litre of drinking water costs 350 Nepalese rupees. This is not included in your trek fee.
Note: A filtered water bottle is highly recommended when going on this trek.
You will have mobile connectivity till Dole. You also have internet connectivity in tea houses at all locations except Labouche.
Tea houses allow you the use electric charging points at an additional cost, which can be quite high. You need to pay NPR 1,000 per charge and this can increase as you go to teahouses situated at higher altitudes.
All major Indian networks such as Airtel, Vodafone, Idea work on international roaming wherever there is mobile connectivity. Alternatively, you can even get a local SIM of N Cell or Nepal Telecom at Kathmandu/airport.
If you are trekking with Indiahikes, we will arrange for a cloak room where trekkers can keep their luggage. Please do not leave any valuables behind in the cloak room.
There are no charges for this.
Note: You are only allowed to carry 15 kg luggage on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and return.
Please keep in mind that all food you eat on the trek or during your travels is at your own expense. The whole team will have their meals in the homestay.
It's important to note that there's a very specific and strict eating culture here. If you're staying at Homestay A, you're only allowed to have your meals there. You cannot go elsewhere and have them. Providing meals is their primary source of income. Not following this rule will result in a significant additional charge for your stay.
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Expert Speak
Sandhya Chandrasekharayya, Co-Founder, COO
Sandhya Chandrasekharayya, Co-Founder, COO
Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the "Women of Worth" Award by Outlook Business in 2017. She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking.
What I Like About the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek
What I Like About the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek
Sandhya Chandrasekharayya, Co-Founder, COO
Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the "Women of Worth" Award by Outlook Business in 2017. She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking.
1. The Everest Base Camp
There is a point on the Gorakshep – Everest Base Camp trail, where you get a bird’s eye view of the base camp, sitting at the edge of the Khumbu icefall. You see the Khumbu glacier, the Western shoulder of Everest and Nuptse. It is a sight that fills you with amazement, and a sense of where you are.
Walking to expedition tents on the Everest Base Camp is an excitement of its own. There is a maze of expedition tents among the unbelievably dangerous Khumbu icefall seracs. Sometimes, you find an Indian expedition tent whose climbers will welcome you to their tents and regale you with stories!
Photo by Dushyant Sharma
2. The different faces of Ama Dablam
Ama Dablam has the distinction of being the most beautiful mountain in the Everest region. You first see it in Namche Bazaar, from the Sherpa Cultural Museum. It disappears from your view as you get deeper into the Gokyo region.
And then, right after you cross Chola Pass, en route to Dzongla, you are greeted with an entirely different face of Ama Dablam. This peak looks so different from different spots on the trek. And to see an entirely new face of this beautiful mountain feels like a privilege.
Photo by Christopher Immanuel
3. Trekking among big mountains
The biggest attraction of trekking in Nepal is its big, precipitous mountains. They surround you! On this trail, you will see Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Cho Oyu and traverse Himalaya’s largest glaciers like Ngozumpa and see the Khumbu glacier.
The sense of being among big mountains also gives you a sense of the legacies of great mountaineers. You are walking on the same trails they have walked on, filled with landmarks to their memory.
You see the Tenzing Norgay Stupa, on the route beyond Namche. And then, just above Dughla on the Everest highway, you’ll find memorials for eminent mountaineers who gave their lives away on the slopes.
Mt Pumori. Photo by Nand Kishore
4. Crossing Cho La Pass
Cho La Pass is a pass that takes you from the Gokyo region to the Everest region. It is an extremely adventurous pass crossing – with the ascent being on rubble and scree while the descent is on a snowed out glacier and boulders. There is not one moment in this tricky climb and descent that you can afford to lose your attention. It makes for an adrenaline-filled experience.
If you do the Everest Base Camp - Gokyo Ri circuit you have done justice to trekking in the Everest region! For anyone trekking in Nepal for the first time, this trail is infinitely more rewarding.
Chola pass to Zongla. Photo by Vijesh
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