Standard Gokyo via EBC 18 Days Package
Overview
The Standard Gokyo via Everest Base Camp 18 Days Trek is an unforgettable Himalayan adventure combining the stunning Gokyo Valley with the legendary Everest Base Camp experience. This journey takes you through beautiful Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, glacial lakes, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Ama Dablam, explore the peaceful Gokyo Lakes, hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), and stand at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) with a sunrise view from Kala Patthar (5,645m).
With proper acclimatization, experienced guides, and carefully planned routes, this trek offers the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and unforgettable Himalayan scenery.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Detailed breakdown of your trekking journey
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our Apex Himalaya representative will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You can rest after your journey or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, filled with traditional shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions. In the evening, we will organize a trek briefing where your guide will explain the itinerary, safety procedures, required equipment, and answer any questions before beginning your Everest adventure.
After an early morning breakfast, we take a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. The flight offers spectacular views of Himalayan peaks and landscapes. After meeting our trekking crew, we begin our first walk through the Khumbu region, following the Dudh Koshi River through beautiful Sherpa villages. Passing through Chaurikharka and Phakding, we continue towards Monjo, located near the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Overnight stay at a local lodge in Monjo.
Today we enter Sagarmatha National Park and continue our journey deeper into the Everest region. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River through pine forests, traditional villages, and several suspension bridges decorated with colorful prayer flags. After crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, we begin a steep uphill climb towards Namche Bazaar, the cultural and trading capital of the Khumbu region. From Namche, we enjoy the first magnificent views of Everest, Thamserku, Kongde, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploring the beautiful Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. We take a short hike to the Sherpa Museum and viewpoints above the village, where we enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. The afternoon is free to explore local markets, bakeries, cafes, and learn about Sherpa culture. Proper acclimatization today helps prepare our bodies for higher elevations ahead.
To further adapt to the increasing altitude, we take another acclimatization hike towards Khumjung and Khunde, two traditional Sherpa villages located beneath the sacred Khumbila Mountain. The trail offers excellent views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku. We visit ancient monasteries, explore Sherpa settlements, and experience the unique mountain lifestyle before returning to Namche Bazaar for another comfortable night.
Leaving the main Everest Base Camp trail, we head towards the beautiful Gokyo Valley. The trail climbs above Namche Bazaar towards Khumjung village and continues through forests, waterfalls, and scenic mountain viewpoints. We cross Mong La, a beautiful viewpoint surrounded by Himalayan peaks, before descending and ascending through alpine landscapes to reach Dole, a peaceful mountain settlement surrounded by towering peaks.
Today we continue our gradual climb through the upper Gokyo Valley. The trail passes through Lhabarma and Luza villages while offering impressive views of Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and Kantega. Walking above the Dudh Koshi Valley, we reach Machhermo, one of the last major settlements before Gokyo. We may visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital to learn about altitude sickness prevention and safety at high elevations.
We continue towards the spectacular Gokyo Valley, one of the most beautiful destinations in the Everest region. The trail passes through the first and second Gokyo Lakes before reaching the stunning third lake, Dudh Pokhari. The turquoise waters, surrounding glaciers, and the backdrop of Cho Oyu create an unforgettable Himalayan landscape. Overnight stay beside the beautiful Gokyo Lake.
Today we explore the hidden beauty of the Gokyo Valley. We hike towards the fourth and fifth lakes, enjoying incredible views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. This peaceful day allows us to enjoy the remote Himalayan environment and prepare for the challenging sections ahead.
Early morning, we hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri, one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. From the top, we enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and countless Himalayan peaks. After returning to Gokyo for breakfast, we continue across the Ngozumpa Glacier towards Thangnak, preparing for the upcoming Cho La Pass crossing.
Today is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek as we cross the famous Cho La Pass. Starting early, we climb through rocky terrain and glacier sections before reaching the pass decorated with Buddhist prayer flags. From the top, we enjoy spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche Peak, and surrounding mountains. We carefully descend to Dzongla for overnight stay.
After the challenging Cho La crossing, today is a shorter trekking day. The trail follows beautiful alpine landscapes with magnificent views of Cholatse, Ama Dablam, and Lobuche Peak. We reach Lobuche, a small Himalayan settlement located near the Khumbu Glacier, where we prepare for the upcoming Everest Base Camp journey.
Today is one of the biggest highlights of our Everest journey. We trek through the rocky moraine landscape towards Gorak Shep and continue to Everest Base Camp. Standing beneath the world's highest mountain, we experience the incredible atmosphere of the Khumbu Glacier and surrounding Himalayan giants. After exploring Everest Base Camp, we return to Gorak Shep for overnight stay.
Early morning, we hike to Kala Patthar, the most famous viewpoint in the Everest region. From the summit, we enjoy breathtaking sunrise views over Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and surrounding peaks. After returning to Gorak Shep for breakfast, we descend through Lobuche and Thukla towards Pheriche village.
We continue our return journey through Pangboche and Tengboche. Along the way, we visit Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Everest region. The trail descends through forests and rivers before climbing back to Namche Bazaar, where we enjoy a comfortable evening after completing the high-altitude section.
Our final trekking day follows the Dudh Koshi River back through Phakding and traditional Sherpa villages. After crossing suspension bridges and enjoying the last views of the Everest region, we reach Lukla. In the evening, we celebrate the successful completion of our Everest Three Passes adventure with our trekking team.
After breakfast, we take the scenic morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, sightseeing, shopping, or exploring cultural heritage sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, Apex Himalaya hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful Himalayan journey.
Today marks the end of your incredible Everest Three Passes Trek. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you again for another Himalayan adventure with Apex Himalaya.
Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers (pick-up and drop)
- Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- All necessary permits and entry fees for the Standard Gokyo via EBC 18 Days Trek
- Experienced, English-speaking trekking guide and porter team
- All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trekking period
- Comprehensive first aid and medical kit
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Government taxes and service charges
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and flight tickets
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation and rescue coverage
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, Wi-Fi, battery charging, hot showers, drinks, bottled water, and other personal items
- Extra porter services if required
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
- Any expenses not mentioned under Cost Includes
Payment Terms
Advance Deposit Payment (40%): 40% advance payment is needed to ensure your booking.
Balance (60%): Balance payment has to be made prior to the tour departure date as agreed upon at the time of booking.
Such procedure guarantees your booking while providing an opportunity for additional payment arrangements.
Equipment Lists
- Sturdy and comfortable trekking boots (waterproof recommended)
- Warm down jacket (suitable for high-altitude conditions)
- Sleeping bag (rated for around -15°C)
- Thermal innerwear (base layers)
- Trekking poles for stability on steep and uneven trails
- Water purification tablets or filtration system
- Personal first-aid kit and essential medications
- High UV protection sunglasses (Category 3 or 4 recommended)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and moisturizing lip balm
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Warm trekking socks and spare socks
- Fleece jacket and warm layers
- Waterproof trekking jacket and pants
- Trekking trousers and comfortable hiking clothes
- Gloves (inner and insulated outer gloves)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and neck gaiter/buff
- Backpack (40–50L) with rain cover
- Duffel bag for porter support
- Water bottle or hydration bladder
- Personal toiletries and quick-drying towel
- Lightweight trekking snacks and energy bars
- Camera/phone with extra batteries or power bank
Note:
Proper preparation is essential for the Standard Gokyo via Everest Base Camp 18 Days Trek, as the route reaches high elevations above 5,000m. We recommend bringing quality, lightweight trekking gear suitable for cold Himalayan conditions. Most trekking equipment can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu before departure, including sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and other essential items. Your guide will assist you with final equipment checks before starting the trek. Pack light but ensure you have enough warm layers, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations, especially around Gokyo, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar.
Additional Information
Best Season
The best seasons for the Standard Gokyo via Everest Base Camp 18 Days Trek are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). During these periods, the weather is stable, skies are clear, and the Himalayan views are at their best. The temperatures are comfortable for trekking, making it ideal for enjoying the landscapes and mountain scenery.
Required Fitness Level
This trek requires a good level of physical fitness as it involves long walking days at high altitude, including passes above 5,000m. Trekkers should be prepared to walk approximately 5–8 hours per day on varied terrain with gradual altitude gain. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory; a positive attitude, endurance, and proper preparation are essential.
Visa Information
Travel Insurance
Important Notes
Altitude sickness is possible during high-altitude trekking. Our itinerary includes proper acclimatization days and a gradual ascent to help reduce risks.
Our experienced guides monitor your health throughout the trek and provide support whenever needed.
Flexibility is important as mountain flights to and from Lukla may be delayed due to weather conditions.
Respect for local culture, traditions, and the natural environment is expected throughout the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Summary
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Have questions about this trip? Our team is here to help!
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