Everest Base Camp via Gokyo & Cho La Pass + Island Peak

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo & Cho La Pass + Island Peak - 21 Days

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo & Cho La Pass + Island Peak – 21 Days

The great Everest Base Camp circuit via Gokyo, the Cho La pass and Island Peak is a Himalayan odyssey of rare intensity. This extraordinary journey introduces you to the hidden gems of the Khumbu region, including the sacred turquoise lakes of Gokyo and the breathtaking panorama from Gokyo Ri. You will then cross the formidable Cho La pass at 5,420 meters, before joining the moraine of the Everest glacier. The adventure culminates with the technical and physical ascent of Island Peak (Imja Tse) at 6,189 meters, offering an unforgettable mountaineering experience facing the dizzying walls of Lhotse and Nuptse.

Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek landscape view

Signature Experiences

Expedition Highlights

The ultimate Khumbu grand tour combining turquoise Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, EBC, and Island Peak.

Climb the thrilling 6,189m summit of Island Peak (Imja Tse) with certified climbing Sherpas.

Cross the challenging, glaciated Cho La Pass (5,420m) connecting Gokyo Valley and Khumbu.

Witness emerald-blue alpine lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas.

Summit two iconic viewpoints: Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and Kala Patthar (5,555m).

Trail Logs & Itinerary

Scenic Flight & Trek Elev: 2,652 m

• Scenic mountain flight offering sweeping Himalayan aerial vistas.
• Arrive at airstrip and assemble with local trekking crew and porters.
• Commence trail walk towards Phakding; evening rest at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day Elev: 3,440 m 5-6 hrs

• Trek route: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), (5-6 hrs)’ trek).
• Grab the early morning breakfast, then start the hike towards Bazar.
• Arrive at Namche Bazaar; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day

• Trek route: Visit Everest View Point and explore Namche Bazar.
• Trek up to Everest viewpoint (2 hours’ hike) for the magnificent mountain views including Everest.
• Arrive at Visit Everest View Point and Namche Bazar; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day Elev: 3,860 m 5-6 hrs

• Trek route: Trek from Namche Bazar to Tengboche (3,860 m), (5-6 hrs)’ trek).
• Marvel at panoramic vistas of mountains along the trail.
• Arrive at Tengboche; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day Elev: 4,410 m 5-6 hrs

• Trek route: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m), (5-6 hrs)’ trek).
• Marvel at panoramic vistas of Danphe- the national bird of Nepal along the trail.
• Arrive at Dingboche; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day Elev: 5,100 m 4-5 hrs

• Trek route: Dingboche to Nagarjun Hills (5,100 m), (4-5 hrs)trek) and Dingboche.
• Get out most of the acclimatization day by hiking up to Nagarjun Hills.
• Arrive at Nagarjun Hills and Dingboche; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day Elev: 4,910 m 4-5 hrs

• Trek route: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m), (4-5 hrs)’ trek).
• Marvel at panoramic vistas of mountains from there along the trail.
• Arrive at Lobuche; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day Elev: 5,364 m / 5,181 m 6-8 hrs

• Trek route: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), (6-8 hrs)’ trek) & back to Gorakshep (5,181 m).
• Breakfast at Lobuche then gets to Gorakshep for lunch.
• Arrive at Gorakshep; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day Elev: 5,545 m / 4,410 m 4-5 hrs

• Trek route: Hiking to Kalapatthar (5,545 m), (2 hrs)’ hike) then to Dingboche (4,410 m), (4-5 hrs)trek).
• Start early morning (around 4:00 am) and hike to Kalapatthar where the fascinating sunrise in Mount Everest awaits.
• Arrive at Dingboche; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day Elev: 5,240 m 6-7 hrs

• Trek route: Dingboche to Island Peak Base Camp (5,240 m), (6-7 hrs)trek).
• Set off to Island Base Camp, the hike toward Island Base Camp will be of six to seven hours.
• Arrive at Island Peak Base Camp; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Summit Day Elev: 6,189 m

• Early pre-dawn start to cross Island Peak Base Camp to Summit Peak before afternoon high winds.
• Challenging high-altitude ascent rewarded with breathtaking summit panoramas.
• Steady descent to valley floor; celebratory dinner and overnight at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day

• Trek route: Reserve Day for Contingency.
• The day is reserved for just in case of bad weather or any other exceptional cases.
• Arrive at Reserve for Contingency; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day Elev: 3,440 m 6-7 hrs

• Trek route: Chhukung to Namche (3,440 m)/ (6-7 hrs)’ trek.
• With the greater memories and leaving the super mountains views today you will get back to Namche Bazar for the night.
• Arrive at Namche; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day Elev: 2,800 m 5-6 hrs

• Trek route: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,800 m), (5-6 hrs)’ trek).
• Follow the same way back to Lukla from Namche Bazar via Phakdingn heading to Lukla.
• Arrive at Lukla; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Scenic Flight

• Scenic mountain flight offering sweeping Himalayan aerial vistas.
• Arrive at airstrip and assemble with local trekking crew and porters.
• Commence trail walk towards Kathmandu and do last minute shopping; evening rest at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day

• Trek route: Final Depature.
• Be transferred to Kathmandu International Airport to catch your return flight.
• Arrive at Final Depature; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek landscape view

Inclusions

Welcome dinner
Airport transfers (international & domestic)
Roundtrip Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla
Professional French-speaking guide (salary, meals, accommodation and insurance included) as well as 1 porter
Assistance from a Sherpa for the ascent (technical support and accompaniment during the climb)
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Tax
3 meals per day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Accommodation in lodge/teahouse (twin room to share)
Fresh fruit served every evening
All government taxes and service charges
1 night camping
Island Peak Climb Permit
Climbing equipment: altitude tents, fixed and dynamic ropes, snow bars, cooking equipment, mattresses, snow shovel, gas stove, rocky peaks, etc.
2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu

Exclusions

Nepalese visa fees
Travel insurance including high altitude evacuation
Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu
Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, hot shower, snacks, charging, drinks, etc.)
Additional costs due to weather conditions, flight delays or itinerary changes
Tips for guide and porter
Mountaineering shoes, crampons, harness, helmet, carabiners, prusik rope
Descender (figure 8) and ascender (Jumar)

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to do this trek?

The best seasons for trekking in Nepal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is generally dry, the skies are clear and daytime temperatures are pleasant for walking, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas.

What level of fitness is required?

Good physical fitness is recommended. You must be able to walk between 5 and 7 hours per day over mountainous and sometimes steep terrain. We advise you to practice cardio activities (running, hiking, cycling) a few weeks before your departure.

What happens in case of acute mountain sickness (AMS)?

Our itineraries include gradual acclimatization days to minimize risks. Our guides are trained to detect the symptoms of AMS. In the event of persistent or severe symptoms, the guide will immediately arrange descent to a lower altitude and coordinate an emergency evacuation by helicopter if necessary.

What type of accommodation and food can we expect?

Accommodation is in 'teahouses' (small local mountain refuges). The rooms are simple and shared, with two single beds. Meals are prepared on site and feature energetic local cuisine like Dal Bhat (rice, lentil and vegetable soup), as well as Western dishes (pasta, soups, eggs, bread).

Is special travel insurance required?

Yes, it is strictly obligatory to take out travel insurance covering high altitude trekking (up to the maximum height of your route) as well as search, rescue and emergency medical evacuation costs by helicopter.

How do we manage drinking water during the trek?

To protect the fragile Himalayan environment, we discourage the purchase of single-use plastic water bottles. We recommend bringing reusable water bottles and using water purification tablets (like Aquatabs) or a portable filter. You can also buy safe boiled water at teahouses.

Is there mobile network and Wi-Fi in the mountains?

The mobile network (Ncell and NTC) works correctly in the lower valleys but becomes weak or non-existent at high altitudes. Most teahouses offer paid satellite Wi-Fi (around $2-$5 per day), but the speed can be slow and unstable depending on weather conditions.