DIFFICULTY
Easy – Moderate
DURATION
18 Days
BEST TIME
April – May
Sept – Oct
COST
₹ 137000
OVERVIEW
The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for hikers and adventurers looking to explore the majestic Himalayan mountain range in Nepal. The trek combines the popular Everest Base Camp trek with a detour to the stunning Gokyo Lakes, offering hikers a unique perspective of the Himalayas.
The trek begins in Lukla, a small town in eastern Nepal, and follows a trail that winds through the foothills of the Himalayas, passing through traditional Sherpa villages, and providing stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Hikers will pass through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the home of the famous Mount Everest.
From Namche Bazaar, hikers embark toward the Gokyo Valley, where they will be greeted with a breathtaking view of the Gokyo Lakes. These high-altitude lakes are renowned for their crystal clear waters and stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks. Hikers will have a chance to explore the Gokyo Lakes and climb Gokyo Ri, a nearby peak that provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
After exploring the Gokyo Lakes, hikers will rejoin the main Everest Base Camp trek, passing through the Khumbu Valley towards Everest Base Camp. This section of the trek is challenging and requires hikers to acclimatize to the high altitude, with several days of trekking above 5,000 meters.
The trek culminates with a visit to the Everest Base Camp, where hikers can witness the immense size and beauty of the highest mountain in the world. En route, we will also climb Mt Nangkarshang, and Mt Kala Patthar, a peak that offers stunning panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayas. The Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering hikers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Himalayan mountain range.
NOTE: The pricing mentioned above is applicable exclusively for Indian passport holders. For individuals holding non-Indian passports, there is an additional charge of INR 15,000.
INCLUSIONS
- Guides & Porters (English & Hindi speaking)
- All necessary airport arrival & departures
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with a bed and breakfast plan
- Flight fare from Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu for members
- Flight fare from Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu for guides, porter
- Domestic airport departure taxes
- English-speaking trekking guide and his salary
- City tour transport, tour guide, and entry permit in Kathmandu as per itinerary
- Best available tea house accommodation & food. Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) a day during the trekking period (open menu to choose any one item per meal from the menu). Order more at your own cost.
- All necessary permits required for trekking
- B&C Merchandise – Buff, Duffle bag, Tshirt/Fleece, Certificate, Medal, and more
- Insurance for B&C staff.
- Porter/Yak for load carrying during the trek.
- Certificate.
- Participants will get an exclusive discount on all Fast&Up products.
EXCLUSIONS
- International flight tickets.
- Nepal Entry Visa fee (to be applied for 30 days).
- Heli services in Nepal during trekking.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner).
- Boiled water, beverages, and alcoholic drinks.
- Emergency medical evacuation.
- Tips for staff.
- Personal expenses and extra services beyond the itinerary.
- Personal gear, including sleeping bag (available for hire) and trekking equipment.
- Travel, medical, and emergency rescue insurance.
- Phone calls, internet, battery recharge, laundry, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffee or espresso drinks.
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES
- ₹3,000 extra (one side) will be charged if the Lukla flight takes place via Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu.
- An additional charge of ₹5,000 per person will apply for each extra day spent in Kathmandu or Lukla due to flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances.
- If any member of your group requires additional transfers beyond those organized, supplementary charges may be applicable.
- Room Upgrades: Guests will be charged for room upgrades as per the hotel policy.
- Early Check-in/Late Check-out: Additional charges may apply for guests arriving before the designated check-in time or departing after the scheduled check-out time.
- Helicopter Returns: If any participant returns by helicopter, no deductions will be made as all services are prepaid.
THINGS TO PACK
For Your Head:
A woolen warm cap and balaclava offer warmth and protection against the cold Everest winds, while a bandana serves multiple purposes, from a sweatband to a dust mask.
Footsteps of an Explorer:
Your feet are your foundation. Six pairs of socks—three lightweight for mobility, three heavyweight woolen for warmth—ensure your feet stay dry and comfortable.
Ankle-high, heavy sole trekking boots are indispensable, crafted for the rugged terrain, with regular sneakers as a backup, allowing your feet to rest and breathe in the evenings.
Hands That Conquer:
Protect and preserve your hands with two pairs of warm liner gloves and a pair of waterproof gloves. This combination keeps your hands warm, dry, and ready to grip your next challenge.
Clothing: The Armor of the Adventurer
Begin with a thermal innerwear set, your first defense against the cold.
Add lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants for your daily marches, with Gore-Tex windproof trousers and jacket as shields against the biting winds and sudden downpours.
A waterproof jacket or poncho is your emergency layer, ready at a moment’s notice.
The fleece is your comfort layer, offering warmth without weight.
Rotate through 3-4 full-sleeve T-shirts, the backbone of your layering system, topped with a down jacket for that crisp Everest cold.
Navigational and Survival Gear:
A 20-litre backpack is essential for keeping items like your water bottle, snacks, and perhaps a fleece within easy reach, while a duffel bag (provided by us) serves to carry your main luggage, transported by mules or porters.
Trekking poles become extensions of your will, aiding your ascent and descent.
A Filter Water bottle and a thermos flask, essential to keep you hydrated on your trek.
Personal Care Compact:
A personal hygiene kit and medicine kit are your wellness companions, holding everything from toothbrush and paste to sanitizers and personal medications.
50+ SPF Sunscreen against the harsh sun rays. Towels, tissues, and wipes to keep you clean and dry.
Illumination and Vision:
A headlight, backed by extra batteries, pierces the darkness, guiding your steps under starlit skies or pre-dawn treks.
Polarized, Category 4 sunglasses with 100% UV protection and wrap-around design are most recommended for with a backup pair, protect against the glare of the sun, reflected by snow and ice.
Soul Nourishments:
Embrace moments of joy and peace with a camera, music player, books, and cards, lightening your spirit as you lighten your load.
THINGS TO PACK
For Your Head:
A woolen warm cap and balaclava offer warmth and protection against the cold Everest winds, while a bandana serves multiple purposes, from a sweatband to a dust mask.
Footsteps of an Explorer:
Your feet are your foundation. Six pairs of socks—three lightweight for mobility, three heavyweight woolen for warmth—ensure your feet stay dry and comfortable.
Ankle-high, heavy sole trekking boots are indispensable, crafted for the rugged terrain, with regular sneakers as a backup, allowing your feet to rest and breathe in the evenings.
Hands That Conquer:
Protect and preserve your hands with two pairs of warm liner gloves and a pair of waterproof gloves. This combination keeps your hands warm, dry, and ready to grip your next challenge.
Clothing: The Armor of the Adventurer
Begin with a thermal innerwear set, your first defense against the cold.
Add lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants for your daily marches, with Gore-Tex windproof trousers and jacket as shields against the biting winds and sudden downpours.
A waterproof jacket or poncho is your emergency layer, ready at a moment’s notice.
The fleece is your comfort layer, offering warmth without weight.
Rotate through 3-4 full-sleeve T-shirts, the backbone of your layering system, topped with a down jacket for that crisp Everest cold.
Navigational and Survival Gear:
A 20-litre backpack is essential for keeping items like your water bottle, snacks, and perhaps a fleece within easy reach, while a duffel bag (provided by us) serves to carry your main luggage, transported by mules or porters.
Trekking poles become extensions of your will, aiding your ascent and descent.
A Filter Water bottle and a thermos flask, essential to keep you hydrated on your trek.
Personal Care Compact:
A personal hygiene kit and medicine kit are your wellness companions, holding everything from toothbrush and paste to sanitizers and personal medications.
50+ SPF Sunscreen against the harsh sun rays. Towels, tissues, and wipes to keep you clean and dry.
Illumination and Vision:
A headlight, backed by extra batteries, pierces the darkness, guiding your steps under starlit skies or pre-dawn treks.
Polarized, Category 4 sunglasses with 100% UV protection and wrap-around design are most recommended for with a backup pair, protect against the glare of the sun, reflected by snow and ice.
Soul Nourishments:
Embrace moments of joy and peace with a camera, music player, books, and cards, lightening your spirit as you lighten your load.
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.
