TRAVEL ALERT  Nepal Heavy Rainfall

Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek

19 Days | The mightiest mountain of them all waits for you

4.9 out of 5 based on 71 reviews submitted.
Walking & trekking
From
ZAR  29,468
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This is an unforgettable expedition into the most mountainous corner of the world. First conquered by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, Everest is the ultimate goal for mountaineers and adventure seekers. Become one of the people who can say they’ve conquered the challenge of reaching Everest Base Camp. Flying into Lukla, explore the mountains and valleys around the towering peak, rest in Nepalese teahouses, visit monasteries, explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes region, learn about the traditions and cultures of the famous Sherpa and spend time in exotic Kathmandu.

ALTERNATE ITINERARY:
In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays in flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. Please see Day 1 of the itinerary for more details.

Trip overview

Map of Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek including Nepal
Start
Kathmandu, Nepal
Finish
Kathmandu, Nepal
Theme
Walking & trekking
Destinations
Nepal
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HNXL
This trip generates 29 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • This is one of the world’s great classic treks, with the additional challenge of reaching Gokyo Lakes. Experience breathtaking scenery and the comradery of trekking with a small group as you challenge yourself to reach Base Camp and beyond. You can read more about what to expect here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/everest-base-camp-trek/
  • Get your first glimpses of the might Himalayan range on the included flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – surely one of the most dramatically located airports anywhere.
  • You’ll be accompanied by an experienced trek leader along with assistant guides and porters, who will not only give you all the support and guidance you need along the way, but also introduce you to the rich local Sherpa culture.
  • We operate our treks according to standards that provide respectful, safe and fair working conditions not only in Nepal, but on all our trips globally. For more information on porter welfare, see https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/porter-policy
  • Stay in a lodge near the world’s highest freshwater lake system in Gokyo, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists and sure to stun any of those lucky enough to see them in person.
  • You’ll forget the ache in your body and the chill on your nose the second you’re warming your hands over a bowl of momos, but the memories of Himalayan vistas and the feeling of accomplishment will last a lifetime.
  • There’s nothing like the bonds you form with your fellow trekkers and guides – they’ll support you when you’re feel like you can’t go on and be there to pinch you if you can’t believe the views.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Sagarmatha Next. Donations help them remove waste responsibly and turn rubbish into art in the Everest region.

Is this trip right for you?
  • There are 16 days of strenuous trekking on this trip. You’ll be trekking up to 8 hours a day and at altitudes over 5500m at times. We can’t underestimate how important it is to be in excellent fitness and health, which means training in the lead up to your trip in order to be best prepared. Here's a guide for how to prepare: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/trekking-training-guide-tips/
  • The weather can be unpredictable in the Himalayas and every year a significant number of trips have flights to or from Lukla delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions. See Day 1 of the itinerary for the alternative plans should this happen on your trip.
  • The trekking lodges, known as teahouses, that we stay in on the trek are very simple with only basic facilities. Hot water may not always be available and may cost extra, as will access to electricity points for charging devices. Wifi is available at some locations, but connections may be poor.
  • What you need to take will vary depending on the season you are trekking in and it’s important to be prepared. See some tips for what to pack here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/packing-guide-for-trekking-in-nepal/ and here https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/everest-base-camp-packing-guide/
  • The Everest Base Camp part of the trek is a very popular route and you will encounter many other trekkers and groups on your trip as you trek and at the teahouses. If you are after a trek that sees less travellers and spends more time trekking through communities rather than on a more established route, see our Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek (HNXV). If you are after Everest Base Camp without Gokyo Lakes, see trip codes HNXE or HNYE (18-29s).

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Map of Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek including Nepal

Inclusions

Transport

Plane, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Teahouse (16 nights), Hotel (2 nights)

Add on activities
  • Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure - USD49
  • Kathmandu - Home Cooking Class Urban Adventure - USD60
  • Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure - USD59
  • Kathmandu - Panorama Hike Urban Adventure - USD76
  • Kathmandu - Explore Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure - USD108
  • Kathmandu - In Focus: Handmade Kathmandu - USD93

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. This trip starts in Kathmandu on Day 1 at 2 pm. This allows time after the joining meeting to explore Kathmandu.
2. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. You will be trekking on hilly terrain, generally on well-defined paths, walking anywhere between 2-7 hours per day, on average about 5 hours a day. Altitude may exceed 5545 metres.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement will only be included on Days 1,18 (Hotel) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays in flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. Please see Day 1 of the itinerary for more details.
5. You must bring an emergency fund of 500 USD in cash with you on this trip, which you may need to use in case of delayed or cancelled flights. Please be aware that in the event of an emergency evacuation, Intrepid does not have control over which helicopter service may be used. Some helicopters are not in regular use with Intrepid and have not passed our internal safety auditing.
6. We advise allowing a few extra days in Kathmandu at the end of your trip should your return flights from Lukla be delayed due to weather conditions.
7. The minimum age for this trip is 15 at time of travel.
8. You may be asked to provide 2 passport size photographs for your trekking permit.
9.Your health and safety is our priority. Your leader may delay or stop your ascent based on your medical conditions and AMS symptoms. Please ensure your insurance includes coverage for activities above 3000m, mountain rescue, and helicopter evacuation costs. Without adequate insurance cover, helicopter evacuation requires upfront payment.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 71 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Erika · Traveled August 2024
Guide and trip excellent. Recommend gokyo& EBC Intrepid as a company is way overpriced with poor facilities. Do not recommend using intrepid. Poor customer services too
Review submitted 17 Sep 2024

Colin · Traveled May 2024
This trip was outstanding. The guide knew everything about the mountains, the flora, the fauna and the culture. He made it, genuinely, the trip of my lifetime. I will come back soon!
Review submitted 29 May 2024

Kayla · Traveled May 2024
Definitely worth the couple of extra days to visit the Gokyo Lakes area! Fantastic scenery and spots visited are much quieter off the main EBC track. Our tour leader Gyaljen and assistant leader Krishna were incredible. Special mention to our 3 porters (Santosh, Wanda & Lovehari) for doing the hard yards by carrying our packs the whole way!
Review submitted 29 May 2024

Sri · Traveled April 2024
Gokyo + EBC is a one in a lifetime adventure. Challenging and magnificent. Special shoutout to Sancha & Chandra and Sukraj for taking such great care of us!
Review submitted 14 May 2024

Karen · Traveled April 2024
An epic journey across the Himalayas, within oneself and with others. Brilliantly led and managed.
Review submitted 14 May 2024
Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek
From
ZAR  29,468