Trekking to Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes together is considered to be one of the most rewarding treks of the Himalayas. The standard Everest Base Camp trek has its own charm and appeal, but adding the Gokyo Lakes and the Cho La Pass makes for an even more rewarding trek. Trekkers get the benefits of the turquoise-colored Gokyo Lakes, the serene trails of the Everest Base Camp, the major passes of the Himalayas, and the most spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Unlike our usual out-and-back trek to EBC, this route allows us to explore a variety of valleys and landscapes without having to backtrack. We'll wander from isolated Sherpa villages and ancient monasteries to the vast Ngozumpa Glacier and the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri. Craving adventure, seclusion, cultural complexity, and some of the most amazing mountain scenery in the world? The combination of Everest Base Camp and the Gokyo Lakes is the ultimate Himalayan experience.
The sunset view from the Gokyo Ri viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Why combine Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes?
The Tengboche Buddhist Monastery.
One of the most popular Buddhist monasteries is situated at an elevation of 3,860 meters on Tengboche Hill, along the Everest Base Camp Trek route. Visitors can appreciate the architecture and witness the chanting of the monks. This monastery serves as a spiritual gateway where trekkers and mountaineers come to seek blessings for a safe journey to Everest.
The Mani Rimdu festival, held annually in October or November, features vibrant traditional masked dances (Cham) performed by monks to celebrate the triumph of Buddhism over evil.
The Everest Base Camp, 5364 meters.
The Everest Base Camp, known as the highest mountain base camp in the world, is situated at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). It is a dream destination for every adventure lover to visit at least once in their lifetime. Our trek package, which includes the Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Lake, will guide you on an unforgettable journey to stand at the base of Mount Everest, following in the footsteps of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.
The camp is located on the Khumbu Glacier, beneath Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse. On this trip, you'll have the unique opportunity to stand at the foot of the world's tallest peak as well as the base camp of the fourth-highest peak.
The Everest Base Camp, located at an elevation of 5,364 meters, serves as the Everest Climbers Camp over the Khumbu Glacier.
The Kala Patthar View Point, 5550 meters (18209ft), is the highest Point of the trek.
The Kala Patthar viewpoint is the highest point we will reach during our trek to Everest Base Camp, Cho La Pass, and Gokyo Lakes in the heart of the Khumbu region of Nepal. Located above Gorakshep, the viewpoint requires a non-technical climb that takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. However, climbing to this altitude can be challenging due to the cold weather and the effects of high elevation. Kala Patthar viewpoint offers 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, and Pumori, as well as views of the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp.
Experience stunning views from the Kala Patthar viewpoint, which is located at an elevation of 5,550 meters.
The Crossing the Cho La Pass 5420 meters.
The Cho La Pass (5,420 m) is a major highlight of combining the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes. This high mountain pass connects the Gokyo Valley with the classic Everest Base Camp route near Dzongla and Lobuche, adding both challenge and adventure to the trek.
Crossing Cho La Pass involves navigating rocky terrain, snow-covered sections, and a small glacier crossing, making it one of the most exciting non-technical passes in the Khumbu region. With proper acclimatization and experienced guides from Visit Himalaya Treks, the crossing is safe and immensely rewarding. The dramatic scenery and sense of achievement make Cho La Pass one of the most memorable moments of the journey.
Breathtaking Gokyo Lakes 4790 meters.
One of the most compelling reasons to combine Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes is the opportunity to witness the spectacular Gokyo Lakes, a series of six pristine glacial lakes located at altitudes above 4,700 meters. These lakes are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists and are among the highest freshwater lake systems in the world.
The vibrant turquoise color of the lakes, set against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks and massive glaciers, creates an otherworldly landscape rarely found on the classic EBC route. As trekkers ascend the Gokyo Valley, they pass through tranquil alpine terrain, yak pastures, and glacial moraines before reaching the main settlement of Gokyo. The peaceful atmosphere and untouched beauty of this area provide a striking contrast to the busier Everest Base Camp trail.
Glacier Lake, part of the Gokyo Lakes, is situated at an elevation of 4,870 meters.
Less Crowded Route Compared to the Direct EBC Trail.
The traditional Everest Base Camp route via Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche attracts a large number of trekkers during peak seasons. By diverting toward the Gokyo Valley, trekkers enjoy a quieter and less congested trekking experience, particularly between Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo village.
This less crowded section allows for a slower pace, better acclimatization, and a deeper connection with the Himalayan environment. The serenity of the Gokyo route is ideal for trekkers who value solitude, photography, and a more authentic trekking experience without sacrificing iconic Everest views.
Gokyo Ri – One of the Most Stunning Viewpoints in the Everest Region.
Standing at 5,360 meters, Gokyo Ri is considered one of the finest viewpoints in the entire Everest region. From its summit, trekkers are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama that includes Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — four of the world’s fourteen highest peaks.
In addition to these giants, the view over the sprawling Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest glacier, is unmatched. Many trekkers consider the sunrise or sunset from Gokyo Ri even more impressive than Kala Patthar due to the wider angle and fewer crowds. This viewpoint alone makes the Gokyo Lakes extension a highlight of the combined trek.
A beautiful sunset view of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang from the Gokyo Ri viewpoint.
Majestic Himalayan Local Villages.
The combined EBC and Gokyo Lakes trek passes through a wide range of traditional Sherpa villages, offering deeper cultural insight than the standard route alone. Villages such as Pangboche, Dingboche, Dole, and Machhermo showcase different aspects of high-altitude Himalayan life.
Trekkers experience warm hospitality in teahouses, observe daily life centered around yak herding and mountain trade, and encounter ancient monasteries and prayer walls that reflect the region’s strong Buddhist heritage. These interactions add cultural richness and authenticity to the trekking experience.
A Scenic Circular Journey.
One of the greatest advantages of combining Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes is that it forms a complete circular trek. Instead of retracing the same path, trekkers journey through multiple valleys, experiencing constantly changing landscapes and perspectives.
From forested lower valleys and alpine meadows to glacial basins, high passes, and iconic Everest landmarks, this loop-style trek offers unmatched variety. The circular route ensures that every trekking day feels fresh, making the overall experience more fulfilling and adventurous.
The traditional Buddhist stupa offers a stunning view of Mount Ama Dablam from the Mongla viewpoint.
Conclusion.
Combining Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes transforms a classic trek into an extraordinary Himalayan expedition. With breathtaking glacial lakes, fewer crowds, panoramic viewpoints like Gokyo Ri, the thrilling Cho La Pass, authentic Sherpa villages, and a rewarding circular route, this trek delivers the very best of the Everest region in one journey.
For trekkers seeking a more complete, scenic, and adventurous Everest experience, Visit Himalaya Treks strongly recommends the Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes trek as the ultimate choice in the Khumbu Himalaya.
