A quieter route up the next valley west of Everest Base Camp, to the turquoise Gokyo lakes and the summit of Gokyo Ri, with views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Days vary · highest point Gokyo Ri 5,357 m · Strenuous · best months Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov · Start and end: Lukla · Protected area: Sagarmatha National Park
Fly to Lukla, as for Everest Base Camp, and walk up through Namche Bazaar.
You sleep at about 4,750 m in Gokyo, so take the climb slowly. Lukla flights can be delayed for days by weather. Our sources don't agree on a standard number of days: it's usually a few days longer than Everest Base Camp.
The Tourism Board's licensed-guide rule covers this route, but the Everest region's local government said in 2023 that guides were not compulsory there. Check before you go.
Most of these treks go above 3,000 m. The US CDC advises: once above 3,000 m, sleep no more than 500 m higher each night, add an extra day for every 1,000 m you gain, never go higher with symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness), and go down if they get worse.
Fees and rules checked on 2026-11-02.
Trekking and sightseeing in Nepal
General guidance from the sources listed, not a guarantee. Rules, fees and trail conditions change; confirm with the official source or a registered trekking agency before you go.