Counterclockwise Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Trek
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Counterclockwise Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Trek

Trip Fact

Destination
Nepal
Max Altitude
5643m
Duration
18 days
Difficulty
very_hard
Group Size
Private or Small
Best Season
March to May / October to November

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Trip Description

The Everest Gokyo Trek is one of the most beautiful and rewarding alternative routes in the Everest Region, leading you away from the main Base Camp trail and into the serene and spectacular Gokyo valley - a hidden world of turquoise glacial lakes, high moraines, and some of the most breathtaking mountain panoramas available on any trekking route in Nepal.

The journey begins with a flight to Lukla and follows the classic Everest trail through Namche Bazaar before branching west into the quieter Gokyo valley. The trail climbs alongside the vast Ngozumpa Glacier - the longest glacier in the Himalayas - passing a series of sacred turquoise lakes that grow more stunning with every step. The villages of Dole, Machhermo, and ultimately Gokyo offer warm tea house hospitality in an increasingly dramatic and remote setting.

This route also includes the iconic highlights of the classic Everest Base Camp trek. The crossing of the Cho La Pass at 5,367 m connects the Gokyo valley to the Khumbu side, offering access to both Everest Base Camp and the celebrated sunrise viewpoint of Kala Patthar at 5,545 m - the highest point of the entire journey.

The summit of Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m is the crowning moment of the Gokyo valley, delivering a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the sweeping expanse of the Ngozumpa Glacier that rivals - and for many trekkers surpasses - the famous view from Kala Patthar. With Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition, you explore the Gokyo valley with a professional and experienced team committed to your safety, acclimatization, and enjoyment throughout this magnificent Himalayan journey.

Culture of the Everest Region

The Gokyo valley winds through the heart of Sherpa country, where ancient Buddhist traditions shape every aspect of daily life. Mani walls, chortens, and monastery bells accompany the trail from the lower Khumbu all the way to the shores of the sacred Gokyo lakes. The Sherpa communities of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dole, and Gokyo maintain a warm and welcoming tea house culture that has made this valley one of the most cherished and memorable destinations in the entire Everest Region.

Best Season

Spring (March to May)

Clear skies, mild temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons in the lower valleys make spring one of the finest times to trek to Gokyo Ri and Everest Base Camp.

Autumn (October to November)

Crisp, stable weather and exceptional mountain visibility make this the most popular and highly recommended season for the Everest Gokyo Trek.

Contact our team to plan your Everest Gokyo Trek with the right timing and full support for your adventure.

highlights

Explore the stunning Gokyo Valley and its turquoise glacial lakes.
Climb Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters for spectacular Himalayan panoramas.
Cross the challenging Cho La Pass at 5,367 meters.
Visit Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters.
Trek alongside the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
Experience authentic Sherpa culture, monasteries, mani walls, and mountain villages.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (October–November).

Day by day Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you may rest or explore the lively streets of Thamel. In the evening, join your trekking guide for a welcome briefing and a traditional Nepali dinner.

 

Max Altitude

1400m

Accommodation

Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals

Dinner

Drive Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours 

 Flight Duration: Approximately 20 minutes

Trek Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours

We depart Kathmandu in the early hours and drive to Manthali (Ramechhap) Airport for a morning flight to Lukla - one of the world's most iconic mountain airstrips. After an exhilarating flight above the Himalayan foothills, we land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, meet the full trekking crew, and begin a gentle walk through Lukla village before descending alongside the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding.

 

Max Altitude

2,860 m/2,652 m

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours

The trail winds through beautiful pine forest and crosses a series of suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. We pass through the villages of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo before reaching the Sagarmatha National Park entrance at Jorsale. A final steep two-hour climb brings us to Namche Bazaar - the main trading hub of the Everest region. On a clear day, the first views of Everest appear above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge on the approach.

 

Max Altitude

3,440m/11,280 ft

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A vital rest and altitude adjustment day. We take a short hike to higher ground - such as the Everest View Hotel area or the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center - to stimulate acclimatization before returning to Namche for recovery. The visitor center offers an excellent introduction to Sherpa culture, Everest history, and the region's flora and fauna. The afternoon is free to explore Namche's cafes, bakeries, shops, and the colorful Saturday market.

 

Max Altitude

3,440m/11,280 ft

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours

The trail climbs out of Namche with sweeping views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. At Sansa, the trail forks toward Gokyo on one side and Everest Base Camp on the other - we continue on the main trail through pine forest to Phunki Thenga before a steady climb to Tengboche. On arrival, we visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest and most revered Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu, beautifully framed by close-up views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest.

 

Max Altitude

3,867m/12,694ft

Accommodation

Tea House /Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours

We descend briefly from Tengboche before climbing through rhododendron forest and past a series of chortens and mani walls toward Pangboche. The route continues north into the open Imja Valley, passing beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. The valley widens as we approach Dingboche, a well-equipped mountain village with beautiful stone-walled fields protecting crops of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the high-altitude winds.

 

Max Altitude

4,360 m/ 14,300ft

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A second important acclimatization day. We hike to the ridge north of the village for expansive views of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Cholatse, and Taboche. This high-altitude conditioning hike also offers sweeping views of the Imja Khola valley and the terraced fields and pastures of Dingboche below - one of the finest short hikes on the entire route.

Max Altitude

4,360 m/14,300ft

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 6 hours

The trail climbs through the Khumbu Khola valley with commanding peak views on all sides. We pass through Phulung Karpo - the camp site of the historic 1953 Everest expedition - before ascending steeply over the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. At the top of the ridge, stone memorials with prayer flags stand in tribute to climbers who have lost their lives in the Himalayas. Lobuche sits just beyond, with Pumori, Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Nuptse rising in all directions.

 

Max Altitude

4,940 metres /16,210 ft

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 8–9 hours

We follow the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, surrounded by Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Nuptse. After a rest and lunch, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the rocky terrain of the former Gorak Shep Lake. At Base Camp, the sight of expedition tents, prayer flags, and the towering Khumbu Icefall is profoundly moving. For those with energy remaining, the sunset hike to Kala Patthar this evening offers a magnificent view and can be arranged with guides before returning to Gorak Shep.

 

Max Altitude

5,170m

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 7–8 hours

We rise well before dawn and hike by headlamp to Kala Patthar at 5,545 m - the highest point of the journey - in time for sunrise. As the first light touches the summit of Everest and the surrounding peaks, the panorama is among the most celebrated in the trekking world. After descending to Gorak Shep for breakfast, we retrace our steps to Lobuche and continue west to Dzongla, our overnight base for the Cho La Pass crossing.

 

Max Altitude

5,545 m/4,830 m

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Trek Duration: Approximately 7–8 hours

An early start is essential to cross Cho La Pass before afternoon winds strengthen. The initial trail from Dzongla is relatively straightforward before steepening significantly as the pass approaches. The upper section may involve icy terrain and micro-spikes are strongly recommended. From the pass at 5,367 m, the views are extraordinary in both directions. We descend the western side through rocky glacial terrain to the grassy meadows below and make our overnight stop at Thagnak.

Max Altitude

5,367m/17,604 ft

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours

A shorter day brings us to the celebrated village of Gokyo on the shores of the third and largest of the sacred Gokyo lakes. The route crosses the active Ngozumpa Glacier - the longest glacier in the Himalayas - requiring careful navigation across shifting glacial terrain. On arrival, the turquoise water of the lake set against towering peaks creates one of the most memorable scenes of the entire journey. The afternoon is free to rest and acclimatize ahead of tomorrow's summit.

 

Max Altitude

4,800 m/15,744 ft

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours

The day begins with the ascent of Gokyo Ri - the defining summit of this journey. From the top at 5,357 m, a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the full length of the Ngozumpa Glacier unfolds across the horizon in one of the most extraordinary mountain vistas in Nepal. After descending to Gokyo, we hike north to the fourth and fifth sacred Gokyo lakes. A short climb to the viewpoint known as Scoundrel's View above the fifth lake reveals Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, and the Cho Oyu Base Camp below.

 

Max Altitude

5357 m/17,570 ft

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours

We begin the descent from Gokyo along the trail beside the first Gokyo lake and the Dudh Koshi River, with views of Cholatse and Taboche accompanying the walk. The trail passes through the villages of Machhermo, Luza, and Lhafarma before reaching Dole, where rhododendron forests and the warmer air of lower altitude mark a welcome transition.

 

Max Altitude

4,800 m/4,200 m

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours

The trail descends steeply to Phortse Thanga through rhododendron forest where mountain goats, musk deer, and colorful pheasants are commonly spotted. From Mong, fine views of Khumbila peak accompany the walk toward Namche. The familiar skyline of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Taboche, and Kangtega frames the descent before the trail rejoins the main Khumbu route above Namche Bazaar.

 

Max Altitude

4,200 m/3,440 m

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours

The final trekking day descends from Namche on a rocky trail through suspension bridges and forested river valleys, following the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla. The air grows warmer with every hour of descent, and the energy of Lukla - with its returning trekkers and celebrating crews - marks a fitting close to the mountain journey. The evening is spent celebrating with guides and crew.

 

Max Altitude

3,440 m/2,860 m

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Flight Duration: Approximately 20 minutes | Drive Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours

An early morning flight from Lukla returns us to Manthali, from where we drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel for a long-awaited hot shower and rest. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping in Thamel or exploring the heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley. In the evening, Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your Everest Gokyo Trek.

 

Accommodation

Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals

Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Your Nepal adventure comes to a close today. Depending on your international flight schedule, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your departure. We hope the turquoise lakes of Gokyo, the sunrise from Kala Patthar, and the extraordinary landscape of the Khumbu have left a lasting impression, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal.

 

Max Altitude

1,400m

Meals

Breakfast

Inclusion & Exclusion

Inclusion
  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Domestic flights as per itinerary
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit and local area permits
  • TIMS Card
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and porter
  • Tea house accommodation and all meals during the trek
  • First-aid kit and emergency coordination
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Exclusion
  • International airfare and Nepal visa fees
  • Personal travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and laundry services
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Any personal expenses not listed in the inclusions

Expedition preparation

Essential Gear

Clothing: Thermal base layers, fleece jacket, insulated jacket, waterproof shell jacket and pants, trekking trousers, gloves, warm hat, sun hat, and a buff or neck gaiter.

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp sandals, and comfortable trekking socks. Micro-spikes are recommended for the Cho La Pass crossing.

Equipment: Trekking poles, headlamp, daypack, and duffel bag.

Personal Items: UV-protection sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, reusable water bottles, water purification tablets, sleeping bags rated to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), personal medications, and toiletries.

Preparation Advice

Physical Preparation: Begin training two to three months before departure with regular hiking, stair climbing, and walks with a loaded pack. The trek involves sustained daily elevation gains and a high pass crossing that reward strong cardiovascular fitness and good overall endurance.

Technical Preparation: No technical climbing skills are required. Solid trekking fitness and prior experience on high-altitude mountain trails are recommended. The Cho La Pass crossing involves rocky and potentially icy terrain where careful footing and trekking pole use are important.

Altitude Awareness: The trek reaches 5,545 m at Kala Patthar and 5,357 m at Gokyo Ri. Take all acclimatization days seriously, stay well hydrated, and always inform your guide immediately if you experience any symptoms of altitude discomfort.

Mental Preparation: The Gokyo valley rewards patience and presence. The quieter trail, the sacred lakes, and the vast mountain panoramas create an experience that is as meditative as it is physically rewarding. Allow the journey to unfold at its own pace.

Insurance: Ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation to at least 6,000 meters.

Gear Preparation: Warm layers and a quality sleeping bag are particularly important for the cold nights at Gokyo. Test and break in all gear - especially your trekking boots - before arriving in Nepal.

Terms & Conditions

Booking and Payment: A booking deposit is required to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance must be paid in full before the trek departure date. Please contact our team for specific deposit amounts and payment schedule details.

Travel Insurance: All trekkers must carry valid travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation in Nepal. Coverage must extend to at least 6,000 meters.

Flight Delays and Itinerary Changes: Flights to and from Lukla and Manthali are weather dependent and subject to delay or cancellation. Any additional costs incurred as a result of weather-related delays or necessary itinerary adjustments are the responsibility of the client.

Cho La Pass Conditions: The Cho La Pass crossing at 5,367 m may involve icy or snow-covered terrain depending on the season. Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition reserves the right to modify the route for safety reasons if pass conditions are deemed unsuitable. An alternative return via the main Khumbu trail may be used in such circumstances.

Guide and Safety Authority: All clients are required to follow the instructions of guides and trekking staff at all times. Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition reserves the right to modify the itinerary if necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email or through our official communication channels. Refund eligibility and the amount refunded will depend on how far in advance the cancellation request is received before the scheduled trip, service, or booking date. Cancellations made well in advance may qualify for a partial or full refund, while late cancellations may incur cancellation charges due to operational and administrative costs. Failure to attend without prior notice may result in the booking being treated as non-refundable.In the event that Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition must cancel or reschedule a trip or service, guests will be offered an alternative departure date, travel credit, or refund where applicable. Refund processing times may vary depending on the payment method and financial institution. Certain deposits, permit fees, or third-party service charges may be non-refundable. Please contact our team directly for complete cancellation terms, refund details, and policy information related to your booking.

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Pasang Lee Sherpa
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Pasang Lee Sherpa

CEO/Founder

Pasang Sherpa is the Managing Director and one of the principal trekking and mountaineering guides behind Virgin Nepal Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., a government-approved outdoor adventure company based in Kathmandu. Known for his dedication to client safety, cultural sensitivity, and deep knowledge of Nepal’s terrain, Pasang has played a central role in shaping the company’s guiding philosophy rooted in professionalism and authentic Himalayan experiences.Travelers frequently highlight Pasang’s language skills, leadership, and mountain expertise, noting his ability to create comfortable, informative, and memorable journeys across a variety of terrains — from classic treks like Everest Base Camp to more challenging expeditions.“He speaks fluent English and Chinese and was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and a great guide.” — from a traveler review.

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