Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek

19 days
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Small Group Tour
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 an...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • 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.

What's this trip about?

    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.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityKathmandu
End CityKathmandu

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Nepal

Attractions

  • Durbar Square
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Gokyo Lakes
  • Himalayas
  • Kathmandu
  • Tibet

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Kathmandu (1360m)

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Please arrive by 2pm on Day 1 as we will have an important group briefing. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. I...

Day 2 Phakding (2610m / 8563ft)

Early this morning you’ll board a plane for a quick journey from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m) (approximately 45 minutes). This is no regular flight – you’ll be flying parallel to the giants of the Himalayas and, if the weather’s good, make sure to secure a seat on the l...

Day 3 Namche Bazaar (3440m / 11286ft)

Today you’ll trek around 7 hours to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend a couple of days acclimatising to the altitude. You might also get your first look at Everest itself. From Phakding you’ll cross the river and head up the valley, following in the footsteps of the p...

Day 4 Namche Bazaar (3440m / 11286ft)

You’ll stay at Namche Bazaar for another night so that you can properly acclimatise to the altitude. One of the best ways to do this is to take strenuous walk up to a high altitude then come back down to sleep – so there’s an optional walk above the Bhote Khola River ...

Day 5 Mongla (3970m / 13025ft)

From Namche, you will ascend to the airstrip at Shyanboche, and then to a lunch spot in Khumjung, the largest village in the region. Here you can fill up on dhal bhat, noodles, and more. Towering above Khumjung is the sacred rocky peak of Khumbilya (5761m). It’s the h...

Day 6 Dole (4038m / 13248ft)

Acclimatisation is tough, so be sure to take it easy over the next three days and don't push yourself too hard. From Mongla, descend 300 metres on a series of switchback trails to the Dudh Kosi River at Phortse Bridge. The trail to Gokyo can be deceptive and some can ...

Day 7 Machhermo (4465m / 14649ft)

You might come to appreciate the term ‘short walking day’. Today will be just that, with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before a gradual ascent up the Dudh Kosi Valley, high above the river. Though the walk is quite easy you’ll definitely start to feel the effec...

Day 8 Gokyo (4720m / 15486ft)

Today you'll need a new word to describe the colour blue after seeing the Gokyo Lakes. A short, steep climb leads from the Machhermo Valley on to the steep grassy slopes of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Keep an eye open for the colourful Tibetan snow cocks, often found in thi...

Day 9 Machhermo (4465m / 14649ft)

Get up early for a couple of hours climb up Gokyo Peak, which has one of the best panoramas in the Khumbu region. It’s a straightforward but steep climb, and it can be tiring due to the altitude. View four 8,000 metre-plus peaks – Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyo (8153m), Lho...

Day 10 Phortse (3810m / 12500ft)

Today we’ve got something special to share with you. Not many groups stop in Phortse, a traditional Sherpa village that offers an insight into their life and culture (so let’s keep it our little secret). Here you’ll be almost completely above the tree-line, so the sun...

Day 11 Dingboche (4410m / 14469ft)

This morning's walk will take you across a ridge before descending on an exposed trail to the Imja Khola. Keep an eye open for Himalayan tahr, often seen perched precariously on the crags high above the trail. Join the trail coming from Thyangboche via the suspension ...

Day 12 Lobuje (4910m / 16109ft)

From Dingboche, ascend the small ridge behind the village above the Pheriche valley. From the stupa at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) make for a pretty striking scene; they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (611...

Day 13 Gorak Shep - Everest Base Camp (5140m / 16864ft)

This is the big one, the day of Everest Base Camp. From Lobuje, follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier, with a gradual ascent enabling you to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. When you reach the moraines of Cha...

Day 14 Kala Patar - Pheriche (4240m / 13911ft)

You’ll wake early today for the trek to Kala Patar (5545m), where you’ll experience sensational sunrise views from this amazing vantage point. Don’t be surprised if you get a little tear in your eye when you soak up the views of Everest. Embrace that emotion and spend...

Day 15 Namche Bazaar (3440m / 11286ft)

From Pheriche, cross the Khumbu Khola River and ascend a short steep trail to the top of a small ridge for great views of Imja Valley, Ama Dablam and Kantega. Descend through the small settlements at Orsho and Shomare before passing through Lower Pangboche. Here you’l...

Day 16 Phakding (2610m / 8563ft)

Take some time to enjoy your final opportunity to visit the shops in Namche Bazaar, before descending steeply down to the large suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. You’ll follow the trail through Jorsale and back to Monjo, where you’ll stop for lunch. In the a...

Day 17 Lukla (2840m / 9318ft)

You’ve done it, your last day of trekking! It’s only a short walk in the valley before making the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla, where you’ll say goodbye to your Sherpa crew. When you’re back in Lukla, celebrate with a hot shower, a sleep, or with a few drinks with your group. You earned it – you conquered the Himalayas!

Day 18 Kathmandu

Take the short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu this morning (approximately 45 minutes). Return to your accommodation and then enjoy some free time during the afternoon for further sightseeing or shopping. Located in the south of the city, Patan is also worth a visit wi...

Day 19 Kathmandu

The trip ends this morning, but there's plenty more to see in Kathmandu for those who wish to stay on. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,634
Price per day$86
Last Updated: 6/4/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
16 Nov 2024
04 Dec 2024
$2,066
23 Nov 2024
11 Dec 2024
$2,006
15 Mar 2025
02 Apr 2025
$2,450
22 Mar 2025
09 Apr 2025
$2,555
29 Mar 2025
16 Apr 2025
$2,555
05 Apr 2025
23 Apr 2025
$2,650
12 Apr 2025
30 Apr 2025
$2,650
19 Apr 2025
07 May 2025
$2,555
26 Apr 2025
14 May 2025
$2,555
10 May 2025
28 May 2025
$2,450

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Teahouse (16 nights),Hotel (2 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Plane,Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Plane,Private vehicle
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines STRIKES: Demonstrations and protests are common in Nepal, with strikes regularly occurring that may result in curfews or roadblocks being enforced at short notice. At these times, businesses may close and vehicles may not be allowed on the roads. You should avoid any demonstrations or political gatherings and follow local advice, including that of your group leader or local representative in the event of any disruptions. PETTY THEFT & CRIME: Pickpocketing and other petty theft is common, especially in places where tourists or foreigners frequent. Take care when walking around at night. Avoid walking on your own and don’t carry large sums of cash. Keep valuables in a hotel safe if possible. Bars and restaurants now close at midnight as part of a government crackdown on illegal activities. Foreigners remaining in bars and clubs after hours have been detained by the police. Police have increased their presence in Thamel and Durbar Marg, popular tourist districts in Kathmandu, in an effort to reduce crime in these areas. You should seek out police if you have been robbed or affected by any crime. ALTITUDE: Altitude sickness is a risk, including on the Annapurna, Langtang and Everest Base Camp treks. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms before you depart and monitor your own health during your trek. INSURANCE: Make sure your insurance covers you for your intended activities, including travel and trekking above 3000m if this is included on your itinerary, mountain rescue services and helicopter evacuation costs. If your insurer does not provide this level of cover, helicopter evacuation will not be possible without upfront payment. FESTIVALS: Travelling in Nepal during Holi Festival (23-25 March 2024), can at times be dangerous due to revellers consuming intoxicating substances. The day is often associated with physical violence and danger. Your group leader or local representative will advise you and your group on what places to avoid on this day and it may even be necessary for us to alter your itinerary for the day to avoid putting you or your group leader or local representative in a high-risk situation. Travelling during the Hindu festival Diwali (12 Nov 2023, 1 Nov 2024) can also be dangerous. During this time there are many displays of fireworks in the streets. It can be very noisy for several days and there is also a lot of pollution caused by the fireworks. As there are no restrictions on buying fireworks there are often injuries caused by people exploding them inappropriately. During this festival, your group leader or local representative may be required to alter your itinerary to avoid any dangerous areas to avoid putting the group at risk. INTERNAL FLIGHTS: There have been a number of air accidents in Nepal. We only use airlines that have passed strict safety audits for included internal flights in Nepal, including Buddha Air, Summit Air.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Holy Himalaya Hotel
  • Brahmakumari Marg Jyatha Road
  • Thamel
  • Kathmandu
  • +977 1 4263172
  • NEPAL
Trip ID
intrepid-HNXL

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