Everest Base Camp (Gokyo Lakes Trek)
Everest Base Camp (Gokyo Lakes Trek)
Nepal
18 Days
Gokyo Lakes Route
Moderate +
5545 m
Approx 6-7 hrs
This 18day trek is perfect for those who crave a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. Experience the serene beauty of the Gokyo Lakes, ascend Gokyo Ri for unparalleled views, and cross the challenging Cho La Pass.
Expedition Highlights
This all inclusive Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes is an 18-day adventure designed for those seeking an unparalleled Himalayan trekking experience.
This moderate-grade trek takes you through the heart of the Khumbu Valley, combining the iconic EBC route with the stunningly beautiful Gokyo Lakes. Acclimatisation days are spent hiking to breathtaking viewpoints like the Everest View Hotel and Gokyo Ri. The trek also features the challenging Cho La Pass and culminates in visits to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks.
Route Map
Trip Details
2025 Dates
Oct 11 – 28
Nov 15 – Dec 02
2026 Dates
May 01 – 18
Aug 01 – 18
Includes
- Sagarmatha National Park permits and rubbish fees
- Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fees
- Government taxes and service charge
- International & Domestic Airport pick-up and drop off,
- 3-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast twin/double bed sharing room,
Single Room hotel supplement available at €30 extra per night. - Welcome dinner in Typical Nepali Restaurant in Kathmandu,
- Both-ways domestic flights (KTM – Lukla – KTM) with airport tax,
- Necessary land/air transportation for our involved trekking staff,
- Permit: All the necessary permits required for EBC trekking,
- Hotel/Lodge accommodation during the trekking,
- 1-night camping accommodation at EBC (Applicable for April and May only),
- 3 Meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) with Tea/Coffee during the trek,
- 1 Certified Trekking Guide,
- Personal Porter carrying up to 15 Kg.
- Insurance for all the involved Nepalese Staffs,
- Jason Black Mountaineering Duffle bag,
- First Aid Medical Kit,
Excludes
- Travel and high-altitude insurance, accident, helicopter evacuation.
- Nepali Visa fee $50 per person for 30 days paid at airport on arrival.
- Tip $150pp – to be given to lead guide to distribute among staff.
- International flight from and to your home land.
- WIFI in mountain huts
- Bottled water, soft drinks or alcohol on the Mountain
- On mountain Internet, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry etc
- Extra Accommodation in kathmandu hotel per night $70 single – $100 Double.
Gallery
PRICE €3.499
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Practical Info
Frequently asked questions
The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Jason Black Mountaineering, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated Expert Advice page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.
How Fit Do You Need to Be for the Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is more challenging than the standard EBC trek. It includes higher altitudes, longer trekking days, and the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420m). You need strong endurance, good leg strength, and the ability to handle steep ascents and descents at high altitude.
📌 Physical Requirements for Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp Trek
1. Endurance & Cardiovascular Fitness
- The trek takes 16–18 days, covering 5–15 km per day at 3,500m–5,545m altitude.
- Expect 6–9 hours of trekking per day, with some days requiring a 1,000m+ altitude gain.
- Crossing Cho La Pass (5,420m) is demanding, with steep ice and rock sections.
✅ Training Recommendations:
- Hike 12–18 km (7–11 miles) with a 10 kg pack at least once a week.
- Stair climbing (30–45 min with a 5–10 kg pack).
- Running, cycling, or swimming (3–4 times a week, 45–60 min per session).
2. Strength & Load-Carrying Ability
- You’ll be carrying a daypack (5–8 kg) while porters carry your main luggage.
- The trail has rough terrain, loose rocks, and glaciers (Cho La Pass requires crampons in winter).
- The long descent from Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Ri (5,357m) will test leg endurance.
✅ Training Recommendations:
- Squats, lunges, deadlifts (for leg power).
- Step-ups (50 cm box) with a weighted pack.
- Planks & core exercises (for balance and stability on rough terrain).
3. High-Altitude Acclimatisation
- The trek reaches 5,545m (Kala Patthar) and 5,420m (Cho La Pass), where oxygen is ~50% of sea level.
- The Gokyo Lakes section is more remote, so altitude adaptation is crucial.
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) risk is high, even for fit trekkers.
4. Mental Toughness
- Expect fatigue, freezing temperatures (-20°C), and high-altitude discomfort.
- The steep, icy ascent to Cho La Pass requires concentration and grit.
- Trekking for over two weeks tests endurance, patience, and mental strength.
✅ Mental Training:
- Train in cold weather and rough conditions to simulate discomfort.
- Push through exhaustion with back-to-back training hikes.
- Train for early morning hikes (start at 4 AM) to simulate summit days.
📍 Minimum Fitness Benchmarks for Gokyo Lakes & EBC Trek
You should be able to:
✅ Hike 1,200m+ elevation gain with a 10 kg pack (6–9 hrs).
✅ Run 10 km in under 60 minutes (for cardio endurance).
✅ Climb stairs for 45 min with a 5–10 kg pack.
✅ Walk/hike for 6–9 hours multiple days in a row.
⛏ Who Should NOT Attempt This Trek?
🚫 If you have never done multi-day trekking or long hikes.
🚫 If you cannot walk uphill for 6–9 hours per day.
🚫 If you struggle at high altitudes (above 3,500m)
🚫 If you lack mental resilience for extreme weather and exhaustion.
Final Thoughts
The Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp trek is more demanding than the standard EBC trek. You’ll need strong endurance, high-altitude experience, and good mental resilience.
Would you like a 12-week training plan for this trek? Let me know your current fitness level, and I’ll tailor one for you!
If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated Expert Advice page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.
12-Week Training Plan for the Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp Trek
This 12-week structured training plan is designed to build cardiovascular endurance, strength, altitude adaptation, and mental resilience to successfully complete the Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp trek. Since this route is more demanding than the standard EBC trek, the training plan emphasises multi-day trekking stamina, steep ascent/descent strength, and mental preparation for high-altitude challenges.
📌 Weekly Training Schedule Overview
|
Day |
Activity |
|
Monday |
Strength Training + Stair Climb with Pack |
|
Tuesday |
Cardio (Running/Cycling) + Core |
|
Wednesday |
Weighted Hike (10–18 km) |
|
Thursday |
Strength + Endurance (Step-ups, Stability) |
|
Friday |
Rest or Light Recovery (Yoga, Stretching) |
|
Saturday |
Long Hike (15–25 km, 1,000–1,500m ascent) |
|
Sunday |
Active Recovery (Swimming, Cycling) or Technical Skills |
🏋️♂️ Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Building Base Endurance & Strength
Goal: Develop a strong endurance base, core stability, and pack-carrying strength.
✅ Hiking & Trekking
- 8–12 km (5–7.5 miles) hikes with a 5–10 kg backpack.
- 500–800m elevation gain.
- 3–4 hours duration.
- Use trekking poles to reduce knee impact.
✅ Strength Training (2x per week)
- Squats – 3 sets of 12 reps.
- Lunges – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg.
- Step-ups (40 cm box) with a weighted pack – 3 sets of 12 reps per leg.
- Planks – 3 x 1 min (for core strength).
- Pull-ups – 3 sets of 6 (for upper body endurance on steep terrain).
✅ Cardio Training
- 45–60 min runs or cycling/swimming at moderate intensity.
- Stair climbing (30 min with a 5 kg pack).
✅ Mental Preparation
- Train in uncomfortable weather (rain, cold, wind).
- Break in your boots and test your trekking gear early.
🏔 Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8): Strength, Endurance & Altitude Preparation
Goal: Increase hiking difficulty, elevation gain, and multi-day trek preparation.
✅ Hiking & Trekking
- 12–18 km (7–11 miles) with a 10–12 kg pack.
- 800–1,200m elevation gain.
- 5–7 hours duration.
- Back-to-back hikes on weekends (Saturday & Sunday).
✅ Strength & Stability (2x per week)
- Step-ups (50 cm box) with a 12 kg pack – 3 sets of 15 reps per leg.
- Deadlifts – 3 sets of 8 reps (for lower back strength).
- Farmer’s Carry (15 kg per hand) – 3 sets of 30m (for grip & backpack strength).
- Planks & Hanging Leg Raises (for core & balance).
✅ Cardio & Endurance
- 60 min continuous run, cycling, or swimming.
- Interval running (5x 3 min fast, 3 min slow).
- Rowing or stair climbing for 40 min with 8 kg pack.
✅ Technical & Terrain Adaptation
- Practice walking on rocky, uneven terrain.
- Use trekking poles effectively on steep descents.
- If climbing in winter, train with crampons and ice axe.
✅ Acclimatisation & Altitude Prep
- If possible, train at high altitude (above 3,000m).
- Use an altitude tent or hypoxic mask for simulation.
- Increase exposure to cold weather & strong winds.
🏆 Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12): Peak Performance & Trek Simulation
Goal: Simulate multi-day trekking, maximise endurance, and finalise preparations.
✅ Hiking (Most Important)
- 15–25 km (9–15 miles) with a 12–15 kg pack.
- 1,200–1,500m elevation gain.
- Back-to-back long hikes (Saturday & Sunday) – 7+ hours per day.
- Summit a local peak (if possible) to simulate long trekking days.
✅ Final Strength & Endurance Training
- Stair Climbing (45–60 min with 12 kg pack).
- Bulgarian Split Squats – 3 sets of 12 per leg.
- Planks & Hanging Leg Raises – 3 sets of 1 min.
✅ Mental Training & Simulation
- Practice early morning hikes (start at 4 AM) to simulate the trek to Gokyo Ri or Kala Patthar.
- Train in cold conditions (if possible).
- Simulate long trekking days with full gear and a loaded backpack.
✅ Recovery & Injury Prevention
- Cold showers & ice baths to prepare for extreme temperatures.
- Stretching & foam rolling to prevent muscle tightness.
📍Final 2 Weeks (Taper & Recovery)
🔹 Reduce heavy training (Taper).
🔹 Focus on mobility, stretching, and rest.
🔹 Test your full gear & pack during a light hike.
🔹 Hydration & nutrition strategy practice.
💡 Key Training Tips
✔ Train with your boots & backpack early.
✔ Use trekking poles to protect knees on long descents.
✔ Train slow, steady breathing at altitude.
✔ Practice on mixed terrain (rock, snow, loose scree).
✔ Hydration & nutrition practice – Know what fuels you best.
✔ Recovery matters! – Foam roll, stretch, and prioritize sleep.
🚀 Are You Ready for Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp?
✅ Can you hike 1,500m+ with a 12–15 kg pack?
✅ Can you handle 8-hour hikes back-to-back?
✅ Have you trained in cold, high-altitude conditions?
✅ Are you comfortable with long trekking days and steep descents?
If you check all the boxes, you’re ready for the ultimate Everest region trek!
Would you like customised adjustments based on your fitness level? Let me know!
Valid Passport
Credit/Debit Card
Insurance
Merino wool Underwear (2-3 pair)
1x Lightweight Long leg Base Layer
2x long sleeve base layer merino wool doesn’t smell
2x Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt or T-shirt for low down on the trail
Mid Layers
- 1x Trekking shorts for low down on trail.
- 1x Soft Shell or hoodie or fleece top to be worn over other layers
- 1x Lightweight walking Pants
- 1x Heavyweight walking Pants (higherup)
Windproof/Rain Layers
- 1x Hard Shell Jacket with hood: waterproof and breathable
- 1x Hard Shell Pants: waterproof and breathable
Insulation Layers
- 1x good quality heavy Insulated Down fill puff Jacket with hood (gets cold at night)
Headwear
- 1x Warm Hat: synthetic or wool hat (ski hat)
- 1x Baseball Cap or other sun hat: to shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day
- 2x Buff: to protect your neck/face from the sun and high winds
Eyewear
- 1x Good quality Sunglasses.
Gloves
- 1x Lightweight Base Layer Gloves: for wearing on cool morning starts.
- 1x heavier ski Gloves: to wear for cold days, Cold nights or days with high winds
Footwear
- Comfortable Wool or Synthetic hiking Socks (3 pairs)
- Hiking Boots/Shoes: comfortable boots or shoes for the trek to base camp.
- Crocs style footwear for wearing in lodges with good thick warm socks
Sleeping Equipment
- Sleeping Bag: rated to at least -10°C
- Pillow case to put over the pillow supplied in the tea houses.
- Earplugs (A must if a light sleeper)
Trekking Gear
- Trekking Backpack: to carry on the trek to base camp. Simple and light 40ltrs.
- Compression Stuff Sacks: for reducing the volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc., in your pack/duffels
- A few strong trash/Black Bag: to line backpack.
- Trekking Poles adjustable
- Headlamp: with 2/3 extra sets of new batteries or can charge each night in tea houses
Travel Items
- Large 120L Duffel Bags with Locks for porters to carry each day transporting your gear head
- 2 sets of Travel Clothes, for days while back in kathmandu
Other Equipment
- Water Bottles (2): wide mouth bottles with 1-liter capacity (easy buy in KMD)
- Water Treatment (optional): UV-based or tablets
- Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
- Lip Screen (2 sticks): SPF 30 or better
- Toiletry Bag: include small towel, toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Pee bottle: 1-liter minimum bottle for convenience at night (personally a must, to avoid cold night walk to outdoor toilet)
- Female Urination Device (FUD)
- Small Personal First-aid Kit: include athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, cough drops, etc.
- Medications and Prescriptions: bring antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), and altitude medicine such as Diamox and dexamethasone
- Country-appropriate plug adapters to charge phone camera etc.
- Camera: bring charger, and memory cards.
Optional Electronics
- books, iPad or Kindle
You may pay your deposit and balance using any lawful means. If sending money by electronic bank transfer then you will be responsible for covering the cost of the fees associated with the transfer, so that the company receives the full amount shown on your invoice, in the denomination shown on your invoice.
See more about our payment policy Here
On Booking your expedition our returns policy can be viewed here
Participants must carry travel insurance that covers hillwalking/scrambling (non-technical) up to 6,000 m in Nepal, including trip interruption and medical cover. Bring your policy details in the event required. We recommend True Traveler
