EBC via Gokyo Lakes Trek — 15 Days

The EBC and Gokyo Lakes Combined Trek is the Khumbu's ultimate 15-day adventure — combining both of the Everest region's iconic destinations in one circuit by crossing the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 m). One week on the classic EBC trail (Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Base Camp, Kala Patthar), then a crossing of the glacier-draped Cho La into the Gokyo valley for the turquoise lakes and the Gokyo Ri summit (5,357 m) panorama of four 8,000 m peaks. It is the most comprehensive single itinerary available in the Khumbu.

The Cho La crossing is the route's centrepiece — a technically straightforward glacier crossing at 5,420 m with fixed ropes on the steepest sections, requiring crampons for the upper snowfield (included in your gear). Your guide carries emergency oxygen and a Gamow bag as standard on all crossings above 5,000 m. The pass rewards with the wild western Khumbu landscape — the Ngozumpa glacier moraine, the silence of the Gokyo valley, and the blue-green lakes strung northward from Gokyo village.

This itinerary is appropriate for fit trekkers who have already spent 10+ days at altitude (or have prior high-altitude trekking experience) and want the most comprehensive single Khumbu experience possible.

Logistics: Which Direction?

We run this route EBC-first (Lukla → Namche → Dingboche → Lobuche → EBC → Kala Patthar → Cho La → Gokyo → Namche → Lukla). This direction front-loads the most demanding altitude work while legs are fresh and acclimatisation is building — the Cho La crossing comes at day 10 when the body is well-adapted. The reverse direction (Gokyo first) risks trekkers crossing Cho La before adequate acclimatisation at high altitude.

Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Cho La pass: Crampons required (provided). Max altitude: Kala Patthar 5,545 m.