Everest & Gokyo Lakes Circuit – Self-Launched Trek

Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Take a pre-paid taxi or Pathao ride-share to Thamel, Kathmandu's backpacker hub (~£5). Check into a guesthouse and spend the evening exploring Thamel's streets, stocking up on any last-minute gear at the many trekking shops. Attend a trek briefing at your guesthouse or independently review permit requirements. Purchase your Sagarmatha National Park permit (£25) and TIMS card (£8) either at the Nepal Tourism Board office or through a local trekking agency.

🚌Pre-paid taxi from airport to Thamel (~£5)

🛏Hotel Encounter Nepal or similar Thamel guesthouse (~£12–18/night)

• →Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport
• →Check into Thamel guesthouse
• →Purchase Sagarmatha National Park entry permit (~£25) and TIMS card (~£8) from the Nepal Tourism Board office
• →Explore Thamel — gear shops, cafes, and street food
• →Hire a licensed local guide and porter through a reputable agency in Thamel (recommended for safety at altitude)

Depart Kathmandu at around 3am by shared jeep or private vehicle to Manthali Airport (RHP), roughly a 4-hour drive (~£10–15 per person in a shared jeep). All Lukla flights now operate from Manthali. Take a domestic flight from Manthali (RHP) to Lukla (LUA) — book well in advance through Tara Air or Summit Air (~£100–120 return, book the return at the same time). From Lukla, begin your trek northwards through the Dudh Kosi valley, descending through forested terrain to the settlement of Phakding for your first teahouse night.

🚌Shared jeep Kathmandu–Manthali (~£12); domestic flight Manthali–Lukla (~£55)

🛏Local teahouse in Phakding (~£4–6/night, often free or discounted if you eat dinner there)

• →Early morning 4-hour shared jeep transfer to Manthali Airport (~£12)
• →Domestic flight Manthali to Lukla with Tara Air or Summit Air (~£55 one-way)
• →Trek 9.3km from Lukla to Phakding along the Dudh Kosi valley
• →First night in a Phakding teahouse

Follow the Dudh Kosi north through magnificent forests and the villages of Benkar, Monzo and Jorsale. Cross the river several times by suspension bridge before the steep 300m final climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the Sherpa capital and main trading hub of the Khumbu. Arrive in time to explore the bustling town's coffee shops, bakeries, and gear stalls. If it's Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, catch the famous weekly market.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Khumbu Lodge or similar teahouse in Namche Bazaar (~£5–8/night)

• →Trek 13.3km from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
• →Cross iconic suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi
• →First potential glimpse of Everest summit behind the Nuptse-Lhotse ridge
• →Explore Namche Bazaar's coffee shops, bakeries and Tibetan souvenir stalls

A vital acclimatisation day — hike high, sleep low. Climb steeply past Shyangboche airstrip to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for tea and panoramic Everest and Ama Dablam views. Descend through forest to Khumjung for lunch near the Edmund Hillary School, then up to Kunde to visit the Edmund Hillary Hospital. Visit the Khumjung monastery to see the famed 'yeti skull' (small entry fee). Descend to overnight at Kyanjuma.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Kyanjuma (~£5/night)

• →Acclimatisation hike (11.8km loop) to Everest View Hotel, Khumjung and Kunde
• →Visit Edmund Hillary School (Khumjung) and Edmund Hillary Hospital (Kunde)
• →Visit Khumjung Monastery and its famous 'yeti skull' (entry fee ~£2)
• →Optional: stop at Sagarmatha Next waste-education centre en route

Leave the main Everest trail at Kyanjuma and climb towards the Mong La (3,972m), marked by a chorten on the ridge. From here the trail descends steeply via switchbacks to the Dudh Kosi at Phortse Tenga (3,600m) — a popular teahouse lunch stop. After lunch, climb steeply into rhododendron forests, passing summer yak-grazing settlements (kharkas) before reaching Dole, with magnificent views of Kangtaiga and Tramserku.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Dole (~£4–6/night)

• →Trek 8.4km from Kyanjuma to Dole via the Mong La pass
• →Enter the quieter, less-crowded Gokyo Valley
• →Lunch stop at Phortse Tenga teahouses
• →Observe yak-grazing kharkas (summer settlements)

A shorter day to aid acclimatisation. The trail climbs steeply through Lhabarma and Luza, high above the river, through scrub juniper before crossing sandy spurs to Machhermo (4,410m). Aim to arrive by lunchtime, then spend the afternoon on an acclimatisation walk up the ridge behind the lodge for spectacular views of Tramserku. This is the village where a yeti was allegedly reported to have attacked a Sherpa and killed three yaks in 1974.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Machhermo (~£4–6/night)

• →Trek 5km from Dole to Machhermo
• →Afternoon acclimatisation walk up the ridge above Machhermo
• →Views of Tramserku and the upper Gokyo Valley

Climb a ridge for views down to Kangtaiga and Tramserku and up towards Cho Oyu (8,201m). The valley widens as the trail passes through Pangkha then descends to the riverbank before climbing steeply onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpo Glacier. Pass the first glacial lake (Longpongo) then follow the near-level trail past the second and on to the third lake and the lodges of Gokyo (4,750m). Look for Brahminey ducks on the azure lake. In the afternoon, walk up the hill behind the lodge for views of the vast Ngozumpo Glacier.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Gokyo (~£5–8/night)

• →Trek 7.5km from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake (4,750m)
• →Walk past three glacial lakes, including Longpongo
• →Afternoon walk up the hill behind Gokyo for views of the Ngozumpo Glacier
• →Spot Brahminey ducks on the glacial lake

Early start for the steep ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,360m), one of the finest viewpoints in all of Nepal. From the summit, see four 8,000m peaks simultaneously: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, plus the vast Ngozumpo Glacier stretching below. Return to Gokyo for lunch. The afternoon is free to rest, explore the lakeshore, or walk to the fourth lake for further views towards the Renzo La.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Gokyo (~£5–8/night)

• →Early morning ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,360m) — ~3km round trip
• →360° panoramic views of four 8,000m peaks: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu
• →Optional afternoon walk to the 4th glacial lake or towards Renzo La viewpoint
• →Rest and acclimatise at Gokyo

Optional early morning exploration around Gokyo — energetic trekkers can visit the fourth lake or hike towards the Renzo La for more Everest views. After an early lunch, cross the Ngozumpo Glacier on a straightforward but awe-inspiring route, navigating moraine and ice to reach the small teahouse settlement of Thangnak (4,700m). A relatively short day to rest and prepare for the challenging Cho La crossing tomorrow.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Thangnak (~£4–6/night)

• →Optional morning walk to 4th lake or Renzo La viewpoint
• →Trek 3.5km across the Ngozumpo Glacier to Thangnak
• →Rest afternoon in preparation for the Cho La pass crossing

The most challenging day of the trek — a 12-hour crossing of the Cho La pass (5,420m). An early start is essential to cross before afternoon clouds and potential ice conditions set in. The ascent involves steep, rocky terrain and some scrambling on the glacier; trekking poles and microspikes (available to hire in Namche) are strongly recommended. Once over the pass, descend into the main Khumbu Valley and on to the small settlement of Dzongla (4,830m).

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Dzongla (~£4–6/night)

• →Trek 8.5km over the Cho La pass (5,420m) — full 12-hour day
• →Glacier walking and some scrambling on the ascent
• →Enter the main Khumbu Valley
• →Arrive at Dzongla teahouses for well-earned rest

Continue the ascent along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuje (4,930m). The trail passes memorials to climbers lost on Everest — a sobering and powerful reminder of the mountain's scale and danger. Lobuje has several teahouses; arrive early to secure a good room as this is a popular overnight stop on the main EBC trail.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Lobuje (~£5–8/night)

• →Trek 6.5km from Dzongla to Lobuje along the Khumbu moraine
• →Pass the Khumbu memorial chortens for fallen Everest climbers
• →Arrive early to secure teahouse accommodation in busy Lobuje

A long and momentous day (17km). Head to Gorak Shep (5,180m) first, drop your pack at the teahouse, then continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) on the Khumbu Glacier. Stand at the foot of the world's highest mountain among the colourful expedition tents. Return to Gorak Shep for the night — accommodation here is basic and cold, so bring your sleeping bag liner and down jacket.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Gorak Shep (~£5–8/night — very basic at altitude)

• →Trek 17km from Lobuje to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back to Gorak Shep
• →Visit Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier
• →Overnight at Gorak Shep teahouse (5,180m) — the highest overnight on the route

Rise before dawn for the ascent of Kala Pattar (5,545m), the iconic viewpoint for close-up views of Everest's South Face, Nuptse and the Khumbu Icefall — one of the most dramatic mountain panoramas on Earth. Descend back to Gorak Shep, then continue all the way down the valley to Pheriche (4,243m), a significant drop in altitude for much-needed recovery.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Pheriche (~£4–6/night)

• →Pre-dawn ascent of Kala Pattar (5,545m) for classic close-up Everest views
• →Trek 14km total — Kala Pattar summit, back to Gorak Shep, then down to Pheriche
• →Visit Pheriche's Himalayan Rescue Association altitude sickness clinic (recommended)

A long day with a rewarding highlight: Thyangboche Monastery (3,867m), the most famous monastery in the Khumbu, set against a backdrop of Ama Dablam, Everest and Nuptse. Visit the monastery — modest entry fee applies. Descend steeply to Phungki Tenga, then ascend back up to overnight at Kyanjuma.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Kyanjuma (~£4–6/night)

• →Trek 17km from Pheriche through Thyangboche to Kyanjuma
• →Visit Thyangboche Monastery (entry fee ~£2–3)
• →Views of Ama Dablam, Everest and Nuptse from the monastery grounds

Trek back through familiar terrain to Namche Bazaar for a well-earned coffee and pastry stop — enjoy the town's cafes with fresh legs after the high altitude. Continue descending past Jorsale to overnight at the village of Monzo (2,850m). The lower altitude and thicker air feel noticeably restorative.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Monzo (~£4–6/night)

• →Trek 11.8km from Kyanjuma through Namche Bazaar to Monzo
• →Coffee and cake stop in Namche Bazaar
• →Enjoy the recovering effects of lower altitude

The final day of trekking. Follow the Dudh Kosi south back to Lukla (13km). Celebrate completing the circuit with dinner and local Tongba (millet beer) in one of Lukla's lively teahouses or restaurants. Confirm your morning flight back to Manthali at the airline office.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Lukla (~£5–8/night)

• →Final 13km trek back to Lukla along the Dudh Kosi
• →Celebratory dinner in Lukla
• →Confirm Manthali flight departure time at the Tara Air or Summit Air office in Lukla

Take the early morning flight from Lukla back to Manthali Airport (~£55), then a shared jeep transfer back to Kathmandu (~4 hours, ~£12). Arrive by early afternoon — check back into your Thamel guesthouse and treat yourself to a hot shower and a proper restaurant meal. Explore Kathmandu's Durbar Square or Boudhanath Stupa in the evening.

🚌Domestic flight Lukla–Manthali (~£55); shared jeep Manthali–Kathmandu (~£12)

🛏Hotel Encounter Nepal or similar Thamel guesthouse (~£12–18/night)

• →Domestic flight Lukla to Manthali (~£55)
• →Shared jeep transfer Manthali to Kathmandu (~4 hours, ~£12)
• →Evening visit to Boudhanath Stupa or Thamel night market

A well-earned rest and exploration day in Kathmandu. Visit Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hindu entry fee applies), Boudhanath Stupa (entry ~£3), or the medieval Patan Durbar Square (~£5). Treat yourself to a proper Newari set meal or a rooftop café lunch in Thamel. Pick up souvenirs, get a post-trek massage, or book a city sightseeing tour via GetYourGuide (~£15–20 for a half-day cultural tour).

🚌Walking and local taxi (~£5–8 for the day)

🛏Hotel Encounter Nepal or similar Thamel guesthouse (~£12–18/night)

• →Visit Boudhanath Stupa (entry ~£3) — largest stupa in Nepal
• →Explore Pashupatinath Temple complex and ghats (~£8 entry for non-Hindus)
• →Visit Patan Durbar Square and its museums (~£5)
• →Optional: half-day Kathmandu cultural tour via GetYourGuide (~£15–20)
• →Post-trek massage at a Thamel spa (~£8–12)

Trek complete! Enjoy a final Nepali breakfast in Thamel before your departure transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Pre-booked taxis to the airport are readily available through your guesthouse (~£5). Allow at least 3 hours before your international flight for check-in and security.

🚌Taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport (~£5)

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Final breakfast in Thamel
• →Pre-booked taxi transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (~£5)