Annapurna Base Camp
Walk from forested foothills into the Annapurna Sanctuary, with village stops and a visit to Poon Hill.
16 days4,130 m
View itinerary Khumbu, Nepal / Trek
Everest Base Camp, Gokyo and Cho La
Link the Gokyo lakes with the Everest valley on a high route across Cho La.
- Duration
- 18 daysOutline programme
- Optional Kala Patthar viewpoint
- 5,545 mRoute objective
- Season
- Spring and autumnAsk for current dates
- Experience
- Challenging high-pass trekTrek
A closer look at the journey.
This journey reaches the Everest valley by way of Gokyo rather than following the direct Base Camp trail throughout. Walk through Namche and Machhermo to the lakes, spend time exploring Gokyo, then cross Cho La into the valley below Lobuche. The programme continues to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp.
The pass makes this a more demanding choice than the direct trek. Snow, visibility and the condition of the route can affect the crossing, so the guide sets the final walking stages. Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar are viewpoint options to discuss alongside the main programme, rather than reasons to rush a rest day.
- Gokyo lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Cho La crossing into the Khumbu
- Everest Base Camp and an optional viewpoint
The route, day by day.
This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.
Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu
Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.
Day 2Kathmandu: sightseeing and preparation
Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.
Day 3Fly to Lukla and walk to Phakding
Take the planned flight connection, subject to the operating schedule and weather. Coordinate the onward stage with the local team.
Day 4Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Follow the walking route from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.
Day 5Rest and acclimatisation at Namche
Remain in the area with time to rest. Any local walk is selected with your guide according to the conditions and the group.
Day 6Namche to Phortse Thanga
Follow the walking route from Namche to Phortse Thanga. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.
Day 7Phortse Thanga to Machhermo
Follow the walking route from Phortse Thanga to Machhermo. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.
Day 8Machhermo to Gokyo
Follow the walking route from Machhermo to Gokyo. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.
Day 9Explore Gokyo
Remain in the valley, with an optional Gokyo Ri walk agreed with your guide.
Day 10Gokyo to Thagnak
Follow the walking route from Gokyo to Thagnak. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.
Day 11Cross Cho La to Dzongla
Make the pass crossing when conditions allow, then descend into the valley beyond.
Day 12Dzongla to Lobuche
Follow the walking route from Dzongla to Lobuche. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.
Day 13Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Visit Base Camp and return to the overnight stop at Gorak Shep.
Day 14Kala Patthar and descent to Pheriche
An optional early viewpoint walk precedes the return down the Khumbu.
Day 15Pheriche to Namche
Follow the walking route from Pheriche to Namche. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.
Day 16Namche to Lukla
Follow the walking route from Namche to Lukla. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.
Day 17Fly to Kathmandu
Take the planned flight connection, subject to the operating schedule and weather. Coordinate the onward stage with the local team.
Day 18Depart Kathmandu
Complete the programme with the agreed departure transfer and onward travel arrangements.
A clear plan and quotation.
Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.
Services to discuss
- Local guiding and mountain support arrangements
- City and mountain accommodation, equipment and meal plan
- Ground travel and any domestic flights shown in the agreed programme
- Local access and trip arrangements required for the route
Budget separately
- International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
- Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
- Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
- Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme
Before you set out.
Previous multi-day walking experience and preparation for consecutive mountain days are useful. Discuss the altitude, terrain and pass requirements with the team.
Accommodation: Hotels on the travel stages, with mountain lodges or camps as agreed for the walking route.
Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.
Can the daily walking plan change?
Yes. Weather, trail conditions and the group's pace can affect individual stages. Agree the overall route and any important alternatives with the team.
How does this differ from the direct Base Camp trek?
The approach visits Gokyo before crossing Cho La into the main Khumbu valley. The pass adds difficulty and depends on suitable conditions.
Tell us where you want to stand.
Bhim PaudelExecutive Director
- +1 415 792 7531
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- 3815 Havenparke Way, Sacramento, CA 95834
Dates and quotation
Tailored to your plansEnquire
Tailored to your plansEnquire