The Everest Dream x Gokyo Ri
Off Beat
Nepal
-SIGNATURE-
20th - 9th November
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the world's most recognised high-altitude journeys, drawing you to the heart of Nepal's Khumbu region beneath the slopes of Mount Everest. Moving away from the traditional itinerary, this program invites you on an intimate journey via the Gokyo Valley, the crossing of Cho La Pass, and the ascent of Gokyo Ri. Rather than retracing the same path, this route combines glacial terrain, turquoise mountain lakes, and quieter trails before rejoining the approach to Everest Base Camp. Keeping in mind better acclimatisation, this program has been well paced out with more days and a steady ascent, allowing you to truly immerse in this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Trip Highlights
WHEN
October-november
WHERE
Nepal
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Strenuous / High-Altitude
MAX ALTITUDE
5,545 metres (18,192 feet at Kala Patthar)
TYPE
Trekking and Teahouse Lodge
HIGHLIGHT
Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Gokyo Ri, Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar sunrise
ACCOMMODATION
City Hotel (Kathmandu) & Teahouse Lodges (Trek)
At A Glance
ITINERARY
Day 1
Meet & greet at the airport upon arriving in Kathmandu, followed by a short transfer to your hotel. Kathmandu is an exhilarating melting pot of ethnicities, cultures, hidden temples, and narrow craft alleyways. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax. In the evening, gather for a detailed briefing about your upcoming adventure followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Transfer early morning to Kathmandu airport with a packed breakfast for a short, stunning flight to Lukla—the gateway to the Sherpa region. Regroup, meet the crew, and begin trekking along trails lined with traditional stone walls, pine forests, and rhododendrons. Pause for lunch at Thado Koshi framed by the twin peaks of Kusum Kangaru before continuing to the charming riverside village of Phakding.
Day 3
Following the torrent of the Dudh Koshi River, the trail climbs steadily through lush forests of rhododendron, magnolia, and giant firs. Cross suspension bridges as you make your way up to Namche Bazaar—the bustling Sherpa capital of Khumbu. Later in the afternoon, explore Namche's vibrant town and surrounding viewpoints.
Day 4
Dedicated acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar. Take a morning radial walk to the famous Everest viewpoint for your first clear glimpses of the peak, exploring surrounding high-altitude Sherpa villages before spending the afternoon at leisure in the market.
Day 5
Ascend to Syangboche airstrip and continue to Khumjung for lunch. Contour around the lower slopes of sacred Mt. Khumbilya, crossing birch forests and treeless grassy slopes to reach a ridge stupa at 3,992m. Turning toward the quieter Gokyo Valley, navigate rock staircases to Mong La before descending steep sandy switchbacks to the river village of Phortse Tenga.
Day 6
Leaving Phortse Tenga, climb steeply high above the valley with sweeping views of Kantega, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. Witness the mammoth peak of Cho-Oyo (8,153m) ahead. Trek past the tree line into open country, passing giant waterfalls and yak-herding settlements at Tongba and Gyele before reaching Dole.
Day 7
The day starts with a steady uphill climb along the valley walls high above the river. Traverse scenic, sandy spurs and open alpine terrain as you make your way to the small high-altitude settlement of Machhermo.
Day 8
Ascend a ridge where the valley broadens towards Pangka, then drop briefly before climbing steeply along a stone staircase trail near Nilibuk. The trail leads up to reveal the stunning, pristine turquoise waters of the first Gokyo Lake, continuing alongside to Gokyo village.
Day 9
Set off on a pre-dawn hike up Gokyo Ri (5,375m) for an incredible 180-degree panoramic view of Himalayan giants including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Descend for late breakfast, then resume your trek across glacial moraines and icy sections to reach the tiny hamlet of Thangnak.
Day 10
Rise very early for the trek’s most demanding pass crossing. Carrying packed lunch, navigate a rugged, icy trail of loose stones and moraine up to Cho La Pass (5,340m). Take in dramatic views from the pass top before making an easier, gentler descent down to Dzongla.
Day 11
Depart Dzongla with a gentle descent before crossing a windswept, high valley. Walk across frozen streams and vast slabs of moraine underneath towering peaks that cast long shadows across the glacier floor before arriving at Lobuche.
Day 12
An early start leads you across the desolate moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep. After a quick check-in, trek straight to Everest Base Camp (5,367m). Walk along jagged ice and boulders right up to the base of the mighty Khumbu Icefall before returning to Gorakshep for the night.
Day 13
Before dawn, make the steep, challenging ascent up Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the ultimate close-up sunrise view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Return to Gorakshep for breakfast before beginning your long descent out of the high zone down to Pheriche.
Day 14
Descend gently past alpine meadows, crossing the Dudh Koshi river torrent. Walk through forests of rhododendron on the final climb up to Tengboche, home to the region's most famous Buddhist monastery framed by Ama Dablam.
Day 15
Steeply descend through forest canopy down to Phunki Tenga, climb to Kenjoma, and re-join the main trail back through Namche Bazaar. Continue further down the valley to spend the night at Monjo.
Day 16
Savor your final day on the mountain trail as you follow the river valley back to Lukla. Arrive with time to relax and celebrate the completion of your circuit with your guides and porters.
Day 17
Board an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your city hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing, shopping, or enjoying city cafes.
Day 18
A free day in Kathmandu to explore ancient durbar squares or buy souvenirs on your own. (This day doubles as an essential weather buffer day for Lukla flights). Gather in the evening for a group farewell dinner.
Day 19
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out for your designated transfer drop-off to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.
Inclusions and Exclusions
- Transport: Airport pick-up and drop in Leh. Transport for sightseeing as per program and for trekking point drop and pickup in comfortable vehicle.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Leh on double occupancy, and alpine tents/ campsite on trekking trails.
- Meals: All meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and breakfast and dinner for the remaining itinerary
- Permits & Fees: Trek permit and other local permits.
- Staff: English-speaking tour leader, experienced local mountain guides and camping staff.
- Offloading: Porter and mule charges for ferrying all luggage except personal day pack.
- Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance.
- Personal Gear: Personal equipment (thermal wear, hiking poles, etc).
- Meals: Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Beverages: Any drinks including soft drinks, bottled water, or alcoholic beverages.
- Extra Tours: Any activities outside the planned itinerary.
- Tips: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Taxes: All applicable taxes and transactional fees.
- Contingency Fee: Any additional expenses arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks or unrest, that result in an extension or change in the program, or emergency evacuation for medical reasons.