Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake Trek

The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trekking Tour is a very difficult tour, with a long duration at high altitude. We rate this tour as a 5 / 5. Sections of the trail are strenuous, but at higher elevations, even easier sections of trail become more challenging. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about trekking at high altitudes.

You should always check with your doctor before taking a trekking tour at elevation. On this trekking trip to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes you spend an extended time at high altitude. On Day 4 you reach Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286’), and you’ll be above this elevation until Day 17. You’ll be sleeping above 4,000m from Night 6 in Dole to Night 15 in Dingboche. The highest elevation you’ll sleep at is Night 10 at Gorak Shep, where you’ll sleep at (5,140 m/16,864’). The highest elevation you’ll hike to is Everest Base Camp, at 5,545 m/18,192’. While this trekking tour follows a standard route, it’s a challenging tour and acclimatization is critical.

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

16 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 16 dinners are included on this tour.

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

The Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. If arriving in Nepal by air, you must fly to this airport.

Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.

The tour ends where it begins, in Kathmandu.

You will be given a complete packing list for your trek upon booking. Plan to layer your clothing to be comfortable at different temperatures. You should be able to add a waterproof layer (jacket and trousers) to stay dry, as well as protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunglasses. A headlamp with extra batteries is also recommended. You will carry your own daypack (30 L recommended) during the day and your baggage on the trek is limited to 12 kg. You should also have a sleeping bag (rated for -10°C), dry bags, a padlock (to lock your trek bag) and a basic first aid kid. Please respect the traditional Nepalese culture by dressing conservatively (avoid bare shoulders and keep legs covered)

You may need an outlet adapter for any electrical items. PRESS HERE to find more information. Electricity will not always be available along the trek. Some lodges will have solar-powered charging facilities for an additional hourly fee.

Plan to have cash exchanged into Nepali rupees. It is possible to withdraw rupees from ATMs in Kathmandu but not outside the city. An estimated $400-600 USD per person should be enough for meals in Kathmandu, drinks, snacks and other personal expenses such as showers and charging batteries in the trekking lodges. This should also cover tips for your guide, porters, and other trek staff.

Guides and porters appreciate your tips, and this forms a large portion of their compensation. If you receive good service, you should plan on tipping your guides approximately $3-$5 / per day per person in your group. You should tip your porter $2 - $4 per person per day. A larger group would tip on the lower end of the scale, while a smaller group of 2-5 would tip on the higher end.

Check with your family doctor.

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

This tour is available year-round. The best time to travel to Nepal for this trek is during the pre-monsoon season from March through early May, or post-monsoon in October and November. Monsoon season typically lasts from late May through September.