This remarkable journey enters the Everest region through a scenic road drive to Salleri, avoiding the Lukla flight at the start. The trail gradually climbs through lush forests, river valleys, and traditional Sherpa settlements before entering the high-altitude world above Namche Bazaar, the gateway of the Khumbu region.
The route unfolds dramatic contrasts dense pine forests, suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, and finally barren alpine landscapes surrounded by towering peaks like Mount Everest (8,848m), Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
The Gokyo Valley introduces turquoise glacial lakes, while the Cho La Pass connects two iconic routes into one epic circuit. Every step offers raw Himalayan wilderness, glacier crossings, and breathtaking viewpoints like Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar.
Why Choose This Trek?
- Unlike the standard Everest Base Camp route, this trek combines:
- A road-access start (Salleri route) reducing flight dependency
- Two legendary destinations in one itinerary: Everest Base Camp + Gokyo Lakes
- Fewer crowds in early sections
- More cultural immersion in lower Khumbu villages
- High adventure element with Cho La Pass crossing
- Extended viewpoints of Everest from both Gokyo and Kala Patthar
- This is the most complete Everest trekking circuit experience in Nepal.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m)
Day 02: Drive Kathmandu (1,350m) → Salleri (2,485m), 8–9 hrs
Day 03: Drive Kharikhola & Surkhe, Trek to Phakding (2610m), 4+4 hrs.
Day 04: Trek Namche Bazaar (3,438m), 6 hrs
Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche (3,440m), hike 2–4 hrs
Day 06: Trek Phortse Thanga (3,680m), 6 hrs
Day 07: Trek Machhermo (4,470m), 5 hrs
Day 08: Trek Gokyo (4,800m), 5 hrs
Day 09: Hike Gokyo Ri (5,357m), rest day
Day 10: Trek Thagnak (4,750m), 5 hrs
Day 11: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) → Dzongla, 7 hrs
Day 12: Trek Lobuche (4,940m), 3 hrs
Day 13: Everest Base Camp (5,364m) → Gorak Shep, 7 hrs
Day 14: Kala Patthar (5,550m) → Descend to Pheriche, 8 hrs
Day 15: Trek Namche Bazaar, 6 hrs
Day 16: Trek Lukla (2,860m), 6 hrs
Day 17: Trek Surkhe/Paiya Trek to Salleri (2485m), 8hrs.
Day 18: Drive Kathmandu (1350m)
Day 19: Final departure
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May): Clear skies, rhododendron bloom, ideal trekking weather
- Autumn (Sept–Nov): Best visibility, stable weather, peak trekking season
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold but fewer crowds, limited high-pass accessibility
- Monsoon (June–Aug): Not recommended due to rain and landslides
Difficulty Level
This is a hard-level trek requiring:
- Good physical fitness
- Ability to walk 6–8 hours daily
- Experience with altitude above 5,000m preferred
- Risk of altitude sickness above 3,500m
Key challenges:
- High altitude (up to 5,550m)
- Long trekking days
- Cho La Pass crossing (technical section)
Food & Accommodation
- Comfortable tea houses and mountain lodges
- Freshly cooked meals: dal bhat, noodles, soups, pasta, eggs
- Tea, coffee, snacks available
- Wi-Fi available in lower regions (extra cost)
- Charging facilities (solar/electric, paid in high altitude)
- Basic twin-sharing rooms in higher altitude
Culture & Local Experience
The Khumbu region is home to the legendary Sherpa community, known for their mountaineering heritage and hospitality. Along the trail, you will experience:
- Buddhist monasteries like Tengboche-style prayer culture
- Mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags
- Traditional stone-built villages
- Local festivals such as Dumji and Mani Rimdu
- Warm hospitality and Himalayan lifestyle
Transportation Details
- Kathmandu - Salleri: Private jeep (road journey)
- Lukla → Kathmandu: Scenic Mountain flight
- All local transfers included as per itinerary
Safety & Travel Tips
- Acclimatization days included (Namche & Gokyo)
- Drink 3–4 liters of water daily
- Travel insurance covering high altitude rescue is mandatory
- Carry layered warm clothing
- Follow guide instructions at all times
- Diamox or altitude medication (consult doctor)
- Trekking poles and good boots recommended
- Emergency helicopter rescue available if needed
Why Book with Ghumnajaau?
At Ghumnajaau, we focus on safe, meaningful, and authentic Himalayan experiences:
- Experienced licensed local guides
- Strong safety & altitude management system
- Ethical & responsible tourism practices
- Personalized customer support
- Well-planned itineraries with real field expertise
- Fair wages & insurance for all staff
- Trusted Nepal trekking operator
Your journey to the roof of the world begins here. Walk through legendary Sherpa villages, stand at Everest Base Camp, and witness the turquoise beauty of Gokyo Lakes all in one unforgettable adventure.
Contact Ghumnajaau today to book your Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lake via Road Trek (GJHTFM203) and start your Himalayan story.