DIFFICULTY
Easy – Moderate
DURATION
18 Days
BEST TIME
April – May
Sept – Oct
COST
₹ 137000
OVERVIEW
The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for trekkers and adventurers seeking to explore the awe-inspiring Himalayan range of Nepal. This unique route combines the iconic Everest Base Camp trail with a scenic detour to the pristine Gokyo Lakes, offering a fresh perspective on the grandeur of the Himalayas.
The journey begins in Lukla, a quaint town in eastern Nepal, and follows a winding path through the heart of the Khumbu region. Along the way, trekkers pass through traditional Sherpa villages and the UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park, home to the towering Mount Everest.
From the bustling Namche Bazaar, the trail leads into the serene Gokyo Valley. Here, trekkers are welcomed by the dazzling turquoise waters of the high-altitude Gokyo Lakes, framed by towering snow-capped peaks. An ascent of Gokyo Ri provides unmatched panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
The trek then reconnects with the classic Everest Base Camp route via the Cho La Pass, leading through the dramatic Khumbu Valley. Trekkers will gradually acclimatize as they venture to higher elevations, including ascents to Mt. Nangkarshang and Mt. Kala Patthar – known for offering one of the best views of Mount Everest.
This trek is challenging yet deeply rewarding, weaving together the cultural richness of the Sherpa homeland and the surreal beauty of the high Himalayas.
Note: The pricing mentioned above is valid only for Indian passport holders. Non-Indian passport holders will be required to pay an additional INR 15,000.
INCLUSIONS
- English & Hindi-speaking guides and porters
- All airport transfers in Kathmandu
- 3 nights hotel stay in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Round-trip flights (Kathmandu – Lukla) for members, guides, and porters
- Domestic airport taxes
- Certified trekking guide and their salary
- City tour with guide, transport, and entry fees
- Best available tea house stay with 3 meals a day (1 item per meal from the menu)
- All trekking permits
- Porter/yak support during the trek
- B&C merchandise – Buff, duffle bag, t-shirt/fleece, certificate, medal, and more
- Insurance for B&C staff
- Completion certificate
- Exclusive Fast&Up product discounts
EXCLUSIONS
- International flight tickets
- Nepal visa fee (30-day visa)
- Helicopter services during the trek
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner)
- Boiled water, beverages, and alcohol
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Tips for guides, porters, and staff
- Personal expenses and additional services
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag (available on hire)
- Travel, medical, and rescue insurance
- Phone calls, internet, battery charging, laundry, and specialty drinks
- Anything not mentioned under inclusions
ADDITIONAL CHARGES
- ₹3,000 extra (one side) if the Lukla flight is via Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu.
- ₹5,000 per person for each extra day spent in Kathmandu or Lukla due to flight delays or unforeseen circumstances.
- Supplementary charges may apply for additional transfers beyond those organized.
- Room upgrades will be charged as per the hotel policy.
- Early check-in/late check-out may incur additional charges.
- No deductions for helicopter returns, as all services are prepaid.
THINGS TO PACK
For Your Head:
- Woolen warm cap to protect against cold winds
- Balaclava for extra warmth
- Bandana (can be used as a sweatband or to cover your face from dust)
For Your Feet:
- 2-3 pairs of regular socks
- 1 pair of thick woolen socks for warmth
- Trekking boots with ankle support and good grip
- Extra pair of comfortable sneakers or shoes to wear at the campsite
For Your Hands:
- 1-2 pairs of warm inner gloves
- 1 pair of waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry
- Hand warmers (optional, but useful in very cold weather)
- A pair of fleece gloves for extra insulation
Clothing: The Armor of the Adventurer:
- 1 pair of thermal innerwear (top and bottom) for base warmth
- 2 pairs of lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants
- 1 pair of windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex trousers
- 1 Gore-Tex or waterproof jacket for wind and rain protection
- 1 poncho (optional) for sudden rain
- 1 fleece jacket for light warmth
- 3–4 full-sleeve dry-fit T-shirts for layering
- 1 heavy down or padded jacket for extreme cold
Navigational & Survival Gear:
- 20L backpack (for water, snacks, fleece, etc.)
- Duffel bag (provided by us; carried by mules/porters)
- 1 trekking pole (or 2 for better balance)
- Tiffin box for packed lunch
- Filter water bottle
- Thermos flask (for warm water or tea)
Personal Care Compact:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Face towel, tissues & wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer & lip balm
- Moisturizer (optional but helpful in dry climate)
- Personal medication kit
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Illumination & Eye Protection:
- Headlamp with extra batteries – a must-have for night treks and early morning starts
- Sunglasses – Polarized, Category 4 with 100% UV protection and a wrap-around fit to guard your eyes from harsh sun glare and snowy reflections. Carry a backup pair just in case.
Soul Nourishment:
- Camera – capture the beauty and magic of the mountains
- Music player or earphones – enjoy peaceful moments with your favorite tunes
- Books or playing cards – perfect for downtime and relaxing at camp
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1) Why does the EBC itinerary have a buffer day?
The one extra day in the itinerary is there to cater for weather/health-related eventualities. If not used during the trek, people prefer spending an extra day either in Namche or Kathmandu to relax and do local sightseeing.
Q2) What extra preparation do I need for the EBC + Gokyo Lake?
In terms of days, trek to Gokyo and back is 3 days extra over the EBC only itinerary. You cross a 5000 + meter pass on way to Gokyo. Overall, for both EBC and EBC + Gokyo, we recommend to maintain good fitness levels which prepares you to walk for 6–7-hour long days throughout.
Q3) Do we need sleeping bags? What kind of accommodation do we get during the trek?
Throughout the EBC & EBC + Gokyo trek, you will be staying in proper guest houses with beds and attached bathrooms. You will be provided with warm blankets / sleeping bags. However, if you prefer not using the blanket / sleeping bag which may be used by other fellow travelers and prefer your own, you may carry your personal sleeping bag.
Q4) What kind of gear is mandatory?
Check our itinerary pages that have links to the brochure. The file lists the mandatory gear in detail. That is all that you will need. Personal preferences may be extra
Q5) Can I buy clothing & other gear from Kathmandu?
You may only get half a day in Kathmandu before flying out to Lukla. Time to shop and explore will be short. Also, stock of the items / sizes you are looking for may not be available. Hence, we always recommend landing in Kathmandu fully prepared with your gear.
Q6) How long will each day be during the trek?
Most days going UP towards the Everest Base Camp, the duration will be 6-7 hours when walking in a group.
Q7) What are the chances of the Lukla flight getting cancelled, do we keep more buffer days?
In our experience, this is really unpredictable. Be ready for any and all kinds of delays in getting to Lukla. On occasions, we have also faced 2-3 day-long delays in getting to Lukla. Irrespective of the delay you face, our plan will always be to go as per schedule keeping in mind our return flights.
Q8) How cold will it be during the trek?
April & May will be cold at altitudes above 4000 meters. Be prepared to face heavy snow, and blizzards which can take temperatures as low as Minus 15-20 C. On good weather days, during the trek, it will be pleasant and you can comfortably walk in 2 layers – A full sleeves T-shirt & light outer layer.
Q9) How much cash should I carry for the trek?
Depending on your needs and wants, extra spending other than what’s covered in the trek cost can range from 5,000-10,000 ₹ to ten times these amounts or even more. 1 Indian ₹ is equivalent to 1.6 Nepalese ₹. Items like charging the phone/camera batteries are charged @ 200 ₹ per hour. Laundry can be as high as ₹ 400 per piece, in places close to the base camp.
Q10) What kind of things are chargeable during the trek that are not included in the cost?
These are items are not included in the trek cost – Laundry, mineral water bottles, electronic equipment charging, additional food purchases during the stay (packet food), and additional gear purchases in Kathmandu & Namche.
Q11) Should we buy or rent hiking poles?
Trek poles should be bought, these are not expensive. Renting for 15-18 days will cost you more.
Q12) What are the water arrangements during the trek?
All members are required to carry a filter water bottle (Panny, lifestraw, Eureka). This will solve the purpose and cut out the need for buying expensive plastic bottles.
Q13) Do we get to take a bath during EBC?
We don’t recommend this.
Q14) Do we stay in tents during the EBC?
No. The stay will be arranged in proper tea houses in buildings
Q15) What kind of insulation / down jacket do I need?
Carry a down jacket that can keep you warm in Minus 20-25 C temperatures.
Q16) What kind of trekking shoes should I wear? How many do I need?
Mid – high ankle length, water proof trekking boots are required for the EBC. One pair is enough if conditions of the shoes are good.
Q17) Do we get cellphone network on the route?
We recommended that you take NCELL SIM card once you land at Kathmandu airport and get it charged. This will work in MOST of the places on the route.
Q18) Is WIFI available during the EBC trek?
WIFI is there at ALL places of stay during the EBC, and its extra chargeable.
Q19) Do we get laundry service during the trek?
You can get your clothes washed at – Namche & Dingboche.
Q20) Which sunscreen do you recommend?
Minimum SPF 50 will be needed for the EBC.
