A strenuous 18-day Khumbu trek combining Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), the glaciated Cho La (5,420 m), Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m).
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The Gokyo Ri with Everest Base Camp trek is a strenuous 18-day high-altitude route in the Khumbu region of Nepal that combines two of the most rewarding objectives in Himalayan trekking. It reaches Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m above the turquoise glacial lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, crosses the Cho La at approximately 5,420 m linking the Gokyo valley to the Khumbu valley, visits Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m, and climbs Kala Patthar at 5,545 m for the highest and closest ground-level view of Mount Everest (8,848 m). The route flies into Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla (2,840 m), reaches Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) as the main trading hub of the Khumbu, and weaves through Sherpa villages and glacial terrain before descending for the return flight.
Gokyo is a cluster of high-altitude glacial lakes at 4,750 m beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal at around 36 km. Gokyo Ri rises 600 m above the valley to a summit at 5,357 m with a panorama that takes in Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, four of the world's six highest peaks. The Cho La, a glaciated high pass at about 5,420 m, is the demanding link between the Gokyo and Khumbu valleys, requiring an early start, crampons and ice axe if conditions dictate, and a guide familiar with the crossing. Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m sits at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, where expedition teams assemble each spring and autumn, and Kala Patthar at 5,545 m is the trekking high point and the finest viewpoint for the south face of Everest.
This trek is serious, high-altitude work. Nights are cold across the Khumbu, with temperatures dropping well below zero above 4,000 m, and acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar and Dole are built into the schedule to reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness. The Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit are required for all trekkers; the old TIMS card is no longer required inside the Khumbu. Flights to Lukla operate from Kathmandu, and in peak spring and autumn seasons from Manthali (Ramechhap airport) to shorten the approach. The sections below cover permits, difficulty, the Cho La, seasons and what to bring.
Last updated June 2026
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Included
8 items
Not included
4 items
The Gokyo Ri with Everest Base Camp trek is strenuous and high-altitude. It crosses the Cho La at approximately 5,420 m, climbs Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar above 5,300 m, and spends multiple nights above 4,500 m, with sub-zero temperatures throughout the high sections.
In-depth guides on accommodation, food, permits, insurance and special considerations — tap any topic to expand.
The Gokyo Ri with Everest Base Camp trek is graded strenuous, and altitude is the core challenge. The route crosses the Cho La at approximately 5,420 m, climbs Gokyo Ri to 5,357 m, visits Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m and reaches Kala Patthar at 5,545 m, the high point of the entire route. Several consecutive nights are spent above 4,500 m at Gokyo (4,750 m), Lobuche (4,920 m) and Gorak Shep (5,170 m), where sub-zero temperatures are the norm and acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk at any time of year.
The itinerary includes two acclimatisation days: one rest day at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) before the climb to Dole, and the Gokyo Ri summit day, which also functions as an acclimatisation day at 4,750 m before the Cho La crossing. Days average 5 to 7 hours of walking on rocky, glacial and sometimes icy terrain. The Cho La is the crux: it is a glaciated pass that requires an early start, careful footing and a guide who knows the route, and crampons may be needed depending on conditions. Anyone with a respiratory or cardiac condition should have a pre-trip health check. Swotah guides carry a pulse oximeter and first-aid kit and are trained to recognise AMS.
The full kit list. Anything we loan (sleeping bag, down jacket) is called out — bring everything else.
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100% locally owned since 2016. Trek profits support Sherpa families and village schools directly.
Every date on our calendar runs — no minimum group size. You never pay to be cancelled.
NATHM-licensed, WFR-certified, English-speaking. Most were born within two valleys of the trail.
Small groups, typically 6–8 trekkers. You get a real experience, not a convoy.
Sleeping bag and down jacket loaned at no extra charge — both rated to –20°C.
Deposit from 10% to confirm, balance before departure or in cash on arrival. Reschedule up to 30 days prior.
Kathmandu office and dedicated WhatsApp emergency line. We answer at 2am if needed.
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