- Enjoy a circular trek via the quieter Gokyo Valley
- Stay beside the azure glacial lake at Gokyo
- Climb Gokyo Ri for magnificent 360◦ views of the Himalaya including four 8,000m peaks - Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu
- Cross the Ngozumpo Glacier and conquer the Cho La pass
- Ascend Kala Pattar and Gokyo Ri for views of Everest and other Himalaya giants
- Trek to Everest Base Camp and stand at the foot of the highest mountain on Earth

Everest & Gokyo Lakes Circuit
Receive a $100 digital Patagonia Gift Card with any guided trip purchased in September. Learn more.
- Home
- Asia
- Nepal
- Walking & Trekking
- Everest & Gokyo Lakes Circuit
Share Your Photos...
#ExodusTravels
Reviews
Add your own reviewTrip of a lifetime
Besides the spectacular peaks and fresh mountain air, the residing memory was how attentive and hard working the staff were, from guides to porters. Every need taken care of without complaint, always with a smile and humble attitude. A joy to experience and a pleasure to be part of the group. Met some lovely people and gained interesting incites into the local culture, people and mountains. Thank you Exodus and to Oz and his team. The landscape was majestic….my favourite mountains were Ama Dablam and Cholatse. The most rewarding day was crossing the Cho La pass, via the Ngozumpa glacier. Incredible. Every day was a highlight and the wake up cup of tea was a blessing !
Most Inspirational Moment
For me the first view of the Ngozumpa glacier which looks like the surface of th moon and subsequent Cho La Pass,
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ozzy was extremely knowledge, likeable and ensured everything was taken care of from start to finish. A great asset to your company.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book....you won't regret it. To be experienced in person for yourself.
adventures in nepal Goyko lakes and Everest base camp
Simply the best organised and lead overseas trip I’ve been on in the last 30 years.( Oz ) Jaite Tamang was our very humble Nepalese Expedition leader. His natural ability to connect local Nepalese people with our group gave us a fully immersive experience of Nepal. His understanding of the local environment and wildlife added an extra dimension to our adventure and his Encyclopaedic knowledge of almost everybody we met on the trip was amazing. I’ve never seen such a young man manage our porters ,assistant guides and us under some very challenging situations with good humour and high energy. OZ has an excellent understanding of British banter which always help in taxing situations. His ability to anticipate problems ahead of time and nip them in the bud allowed our adventure to flow very well. When I come to the pool again I will definitely be asking for oZ by name.
Most Inspirational Moment
Meeting Kenton cool and a lot of the world-famous sherpas along the trail. Obviously getting to Everest base camp and goyko lakes was important . What was a bonus was the real inspirational moments in the little things like the wildlife and interaction with the local guides , Tea house owners and people along the way. also realising at almost 60 years old that there is some life in the old duffer yet
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jaite Tamang Oz was our group leader. OZ is a natural leader and demands respect amongst all his fellow guides and porters. He has a natural ability to bring people together and his good humour allows a relaxed harmonious movement across what is actually quite a difficult terrain and environment to be in. I can’t recommend him enough. I will definitely be requesting him by name on all my future trips in Nepal .
Advice for Potential Travellers
I have loads of advice for potential travellers and will probably write a whole document on this.. A few things I will definitely suggest now , do not take ibuprofen at high altitude because it is a respiratory suppressant and you may not be able to sleep well. Read up about the Khumber cough and make sure you do not exert yourself at high altitude. Make sure you bring a breathable buff to cover your lips and mouth.
Suggestions
I have done many overseas trips possibly 30+ in the last 40 years and I realise how important the group leader is to the enjoyment of a trip. Every client comes with different expectations, energy levels and immune systems. These all present challenging situations for a group moving across such difficult terrain over a long time and a good leader I will make all the difference.
Fantastic Trip
My first trip to Nepal and what a great experience. Beautiful countryside and views, had a fantastic time and now want to go back to do some of the trekking mountains. Watch out its addictive!
Most Inspirational Moment
Being surrounded by famous mountains, crossing the tall suspension bridges with yak trains carrying supplies up the passes, amazing!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Experienced nice guy, took good care of us, firm when he needed to be but shared our enthusiasm for the experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yep, silk sleeping bag liner very useful, fingerless gloves for the cold evenings in the tea houses, tracksters worked great during the day and for the evenings too, merino wool thermals were absolutely brilliant, wool jumper better than synthetic fabrics for keeping smell free, cards for the evening, good (compact) camera for the scenery not my digital SLR! I used Diamox and was glad I did, no altitude sickness problems. In November it took clothes a few days to dry so pack enough. keep your bags within the weight limits, our porters had to carry our bags so please be considerate. Trek wasn't as physically demanding as I expected, get fit before you go and you will enjoy it more.
Suggestions
Watch out, if you go once you'll want to go back again! I was the only person on the trek for whom this was a first visit.
Great Trip
Amazing trip with a new adventure everyday so much happened it will take time to reflect on how amazing it was. The mountains and scenery was so impressive. Very glad we did the Gokyo Lakes trip rather then the straight Everest base camp trek as it gave us more time to appreciate the mountains and also it was a bit quieter and off the beaten track.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the mountains and taking in their magnificence. Also finally achieved a long held dream of doing such a trek and testing myself.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our Group leader DB was very good at sharing details keeping us on track and making sure we stayed safe and healthy. I think he did more than other guides to check on our wellbeing and we appreciated that.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you get fit as many of the days are long and doing 15 days trekking back to back is pretty hard especially at altitude above 5,000m. Take a metal water bottle and fill it at night with hot water and use it as a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag as the tea houses above 4,500m get very cold at night in the bedrooms (we were at -10 deg most nights). Pack warm and take snack snd toilet rolls, tissues etc as these start to add a lot to costs as you move up the trek. We didn't bother showering for six days as the showers were so cold so be prepared! Watch out for altitude effects - our group was mainly ok but we saw a lot of pope with troubles so litter to your guides advice.
Suggestions
Look after the guides and porters as they are the real hero's taking your packs over the same hard terrain that you will hike with your small day pack and arriving many hours before you!
Everest & Gokyo lakes Circuit
Do not read these trip notes and think, “oh thats a nice trip we have walked that in the lakes” This trip is a test of your physical and mental state. The views are spectacular, but so is the weather, when is snows it snows. sleep can be difficult at altitude, as can eating.
Most Inspirational Moment
seeing Everest from Namche, as the day before had been a huge slog, we needed some sunshine and a view
Thoughts on Group Leader
The leader of the group kumar, Harry and Saga were all very good and helpful. There were times that i am sure we pushed their patients
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not rely on cash machines, take new english notes and exchange them. Get fit before you go!
Spectacular and challenging
If you’re considering going to the Everest region, I strongly recommend this trip. The Gokyo Lakes and Cho La pass were stunning, and an absolute highlight and you’d miss these on a standard EBC trek. The region is absolutely breathtaking and the people welcoming and so friendly. It’s certainly not an easy trek though- don’t underestimate the effects of altitude, and also the cold. Be sure of your fitness too, the Cho La pass was very physically demanding, with a certain amount of scrambling.
Most Inspirational Moment
I really enjoyed our visits to monasteries to witness nuns and monks going about their daily prayers- incredibly special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Sherpa Dorjee, was a complete star and with his colleagues Yuma and Nima, they all kept us safe, cheerful and enlightened about the region and way of life. They knew exactly the right pace to walk at to minimise the effects of altitude, and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the surrounding peaks.
Advice for Potential Travellers
My top tips: Take merino- you're going to stink otherwise. Take plenty of hand sanitiser, you can't have too much. Take toilet paper (unless you want to pay £2 a roll up in the mountains). Steripens worked a treat for water sterilisation, but identify your Nalgene bottle somehow- when they get filled, you want to be able to identify it easily! The ATM's are variable in whether or not they work- I couldn't get one to work in Namche, and had to try about 6 in Kathmandu until one worked. I could however change cash (GBP) in Namche. The estimate of cash needs from Exodus is pretty close, but beware if you have too much left over at the end, changing it back is hard- the hotel couldn't give us GBP and airport gave change in USD. So, don't take too much! Don't forget the porters- they are like secret ninjas collecting your bag and delivering it to your door before you arrive, often dressed in trainers and a thin jacket- try to take some old gear for the porter bank. I bought them biscuits a few times in the morning- they still earn a poor wage, and it's a shame for them if their daily wage is spent on food.
Suggestions
Just book this trip!
Trip of a lifetime, but it's tough
We started this trip at the end of October. The organisation was superb. Our leader Silas was brilliant and very helpful. He was professional, was in control and incredibly knowledgeable. This is a long trip and it is tough. By choosing this trip over the standard Base Camp trek you are giving yourself three more days trekking at more than 5,000m so don’t be under any illusion that this will be any easier / the same as EBC trek. Climbing Gokyo Ri and Chola Pass are very hard. The scenery is absolutely incredible and the sense of achievement is unreal. This really is a trip of a lifetime and a huge tick off the bucket list.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching base camp.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Amazing! Absolutely faultless.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you are fit and have resilience. This isn't a trip for the faint hearted.
Gokyo Lakes
What can I say, it really has been a trip of a life time!!!
Most Inspirational Moment
Two very different experiences stand out for me; the first being the day we crossed the Cho La Pass. An early start and steep climb led to fantastic views and sense of achievement at the pass. This was followed by a decent over the glacier and stunning walk into the next valley. The second was the opportunity to meet Mr Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving team member of the 1953 Everest expedition and listen to his memories, arranged by and translated by our guide. Another once in a life time experience provided by this trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our lead guide, Tsering Dorgee Sherpa, met us from the plane and and looked after us until departure. His experience and knowledge ensured the whole group gained as much as possible from the trip and stayed safe. He along with our other guides Uwa and Nima were always professional but still made the trek entertaining and had a great sense of humor. I really felt the group were lucky to have been guided by this team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't under estimate the trek, its tough but worth it. If you are going in the cooler season then prepare for the cold on the earlier starts, it really will make a difference to your trip. The Tea house accommodation was, on the whole, a lot better than expected and the food was always good. I took plenty of snacks, didn't need them all but glad I did. If you do take snacks make sure its food you really enjoy, peanut M&Ms were a great idea for me. If you are undecided between this and the normal EBC trek I would go for this without a doubt. Gokyo is stunning and Cho La pass an adventure.
Hard but great trip
This was an amazing adventure. Don’t underestimate this, it is tough, but totally worth the effort.
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing over the Chola Pass. I honestly didn't think I would make it! And walking up to Gokyo was just so beautiful. The colour of the water is out of this world.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Dorjee was amazing. So knowledgeable. He really looked after us all, making sure we weren't suffering the affects of altitude sickness. He was a really nice guy and I have to thank him personally for getting me over the Chola Pass.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip is hard so don't underestimate it and you will have a great time
Suggestions
Keep breathing!
Hard but great trip
This was an amazing adventure. Don’t underestimate this, it is tough, but totally worth the effort.
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing over the Chola Pass. I honestly didn't think I would make it! And walking up to Gokyo was just so beautiful. The colour of the water is out of this world.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Dorjee was amazing. So knowledgeable. He really looked after us all, making sure we weren't suffering the affects of altitude sickness. He was a really nice guy and I have to thank him personally for getting me over the Chola Pass.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip is hard so don't underestimate it and you will have a great time
Suggestions
Keep breathing!
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Thursday Wednesday
19 Oct 2023 18 Oct 2023
Monday Monday
06 Nov 2023 06 Nov 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From Usually CAD 4,749Now CAD 4,195Saving CAD 554 Usually CAD 7,314Now Saving CAD 554
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 219
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
09 Nov 2023 08 Nov 2023
Monday Monday
27 Nov 2023 27 Nov 2023
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From CAD 4,775
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 219
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
07 Mar 2024 06 Mar 2024
Monday Monday
25 Mar 2024 25 Mar 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 5,095
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 238
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
11 Apr 2024 10 Apr 2024
Monday Monday
29 Apr 2024 29 Apr 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 5,095
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 238
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
26 Sep 2024 25 Sep 2024
Monday Monday
14 Oct 2024 14 Oct 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 5,095
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 238
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
10 Oct 2024 09 Oct 2024
Monday Monday
28 Oct 2024 28 Oct 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 5,095
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 238
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
17 Oct 2024 16 Oct 2024
Monday Monday
04 Nov 2024 04 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 5,095
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 238
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
07 Nov 2024 06 Nov 2024
Monday Monday
25 Nov 2024 25 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 5,095
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 238
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.