Everest Base Camp Trek vs Gokyo Lake: Which Adventure Best?

Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek 

EBC trek is one of most classic and famous trekking route in the world. This high Himalayan adventure takes you through heart of Khumbu while tracing the footsteps of legendary mountaineers toward base of highest mountain in the world,  Everest (8,848 meters).

Starting in Lukla, a small mountain airport village, journey winds through quaint Sherpa villages, exquisite Buddhist monasteries adorned with prayer flags, lush forests, cascading rivers and steep mountain passes. EBC trekking offers remarkable views of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Pumori, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Island, Mera and other massive peaks on the way up to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters).

You have ample time to experience culture of Sherpa people as well as to explore most famous Tengboche Monastery. Charm of Everest Base Camp Trek lets you stand at foot of earth’s tallest point. Plus, raw beauty of the Himalayas is like which can hardly be seen on other treks.

Gokyo Lakes Trek

Gokyo Lake Trek is a less crowded alternative for equally exhilarating and spectacular Everest region adventure. This mountain journey takes you to series of six alpine turquoise colored shimmering lakes lying just at foot of tallest peaks of the world, Cho Oyu, Everest and Lhotse. Gokyo Lakes are six fantastic glacial lakes lying at an altitude between 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters. This makes them one of highest freshwater lake systems in the world.

Compared to Everest Base Camp trail, Gokyo route is less trodden. The reward of this adventure is often a more serene and remote experience. Gokyo Lakes Trek passes through a beautiful Gokyo Valley, of which landscape is characterized by pristine glaciers, lakes and rugged terrain. 

Among the key highlights that one experiences is view from Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), which provides a panoramic perspective of towering peaks in Khumbu region. Other special features include crossing of Cho La Pass (5,420 meters) if you link it with Everest Base Camp route for a more challenging adventure that includes even wider scenery.

Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek​ - Quick Differences

Everest Base Camp Trek Vs Gokyo Lake Trek -  Major Differences

Focus

The main focus of EBC trek is reaching Base Camp of earth’s tallest peak and enjoying spectacular view of Himalayan giants from there. Whereas Gokyo Lakes Trek focuses on serenity as provided by off the beaten routes and tranquil lakes as well as summiting Gokyo Ri for an extensive view of the peaks around.

Crowds

Being one of most famous routes to trek in the world, EBC journey is normally crowded during peak seasons of spring and autumn. However, Gokyo Lakes Trek sees fewer trekkers on the trail due to secluded and wilderness geography, making it ideal for those seeking a more peaceful experience in the Himalayas.

Famous viewpoint at Kala Patthar, views of Everest. Hiking to Gokyo Ri viewpoint provides ethereal panorama of pristine turquoise Gokyo lakes, Cho Oyu, Gokyo Ri summit of the Himalayas.

Routes 

The traditional Everest Base Camp Trekking route go up to base camp via Everest Valley/ Khumbu Valley. Then, you walk back down same way with some short detours. Meanwhile, Gokyo Lakes Trek is a circuit that you won't have to go back same way. You trek through Gokyo Valley, which has a series of vast glacial lakes. There is an option to walk up a hill called Gokyo Ri, where you exposed to some of most incredible views in the Himalayas.

Afterward, you descend to Gokyo village and navigate Ngozumpa Glacier and Cho La Pass. From there, route descends down into Khumbu Valley and eventually joins main Everest Base Camp route.

Trekking Season

Everest Base Camp Trek is possible at any time during spring and autumn months and same applies to Gokyo Lakes Trek. While EBC trek is rewarding during early winter months, conversely, Cho La, being one of high mountain passes in the area, can be impassable during peak winter months (December and January) due to heavy snowfall.

Everest Base Camp Trek Vs Gokyo Lake Trek - Highlights and Scenery

Each trek has its own scenery to offer and unique experiences. EBC trek is an ideal choice for those seeking a remarkable exploration of iconic Himalayan destination to fullest through the vibrant, adventurous routes. Whereas for trekkers seeking fewer crowds and serenity, Gokyo Lakes trek is the one providing you with tranquil lake views and unique untouched scenery.

EBC trek offers great views of surrounding snow-covered mountains, expansive glaciers and stunning Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier. Dense forests, meadows, rugged alpine landscapes etc are the typical scenery that you observe during this classic Himalayan journey. Furthermore, expansive views from Base Camp and Kalapatthar are simply magical. 

On other hand, serene lakes, snowfields, glacial landscapes and awe inspiring mountain panoramas are major draw of Gokyo Lake trek adventure. Moreover, 360 degree view of four tallest mountains in the world, Everest (8,848.86 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,463 meters) and Cho Oyu (8,188 meters) from Gokyo Ri is best in the region. Additionally, from here, you able to see ethereal vistas of all five Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier.

Since,Gokyo Lakes Trek is a circular trip, you see more varied landscapes than Everest Base Camp Trek. You walk through two different valleys: Khumbu and Gokyo. The latter one is far less explored and boasts an array of beautiful deep turquoise lakes and isolated villages.

While both treks offer spectacular mountain views, Everest Base Camp mainly focuses on iconic Everest landscape. On other hand, Gokyo Lakes journey provides a far reaching view of the Himalayas and captivating Gokyo Lakes.

Everest Base Camp Trek Vs Gokyo Lake Trek - Difficulty and Fitness Level

Both EBC and Gokyo Lakes treks are multi day remote alpine Himalayan adventures. They are challenging with significant altitude gain and you quickly out of breath owing to the thinner air. You walk about six hours daily with backpacks and weather often changes, making walking more troublesome. 

Still, Gokyo Lake trek can be somewhat more strenuous, with the added challenges of Cho La Pass. Ascent to top of this pass is steep and rocky. Final sections potentially covered with snow and ice, especially during winter months. Hence, you need crampons or micro spikes to negotiate the slippery terrain.

Moreover, this trek is also slightly more difficult because of additional altitude of Gokyo Ri. However, Gokyo Lakes trek promises a more varied route through high altitude lakes and glaciers.

To undertake both Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp trek​, you need to be in good health. We recommend you follow a solid training plan (cardiovascular workouts and strength exercises) and do short multi day hikes. However, no technical mountaineering training is required. While both treks are demanding in their own way, they are manageable and attainable with right amount of preparation.

Everest Base Camp Trek Vs Gokyo Lake - Accommodation and Facilities

Accomodation Options

Accommodation for both Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes trek​ is mainly teahouses and lodges. These are found along the trekking routes and are usually operated by a local family, providing healthy meals and comfortable sleeping spaces for trekkers. 

Meal Options

The teahouse menu includes a wide variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian food options. Likewise, a diverse mix of local and international dishes is available here. During both Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trekking journey, you enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in different teahouses on the way. If you are on a particular dietary routine, you can also place a special order for meal.  Teahouse staff seems available at any time and happy at your service.

Amenities 

The dining rooms and rest areas in teahouses are communal. This provides you with an opportunity to communicate and connect with fellow trekkers from different corners of the world who gather for a meal and refreshments. Moreover, living spaces are also shared where you will typically find two to three beds in a single room. Additionally, toilets and bathrooms are also commonly used. While toilets are mostly traditional squat pit holes, some provide solar powered hot showers for additional costs. 

Again, you have to pay extra to teahouse owner to use internet and charge your electronic gadgets. However, the fee is very low. If you opt for a more up scale hotel in the area with private rooms with attached bathrooms, WiFi and hot showers, you have to pay high charges.

Since both treks pass through Namche Bazaar, lodging facilities are pretty qualitative during initial days. Slowly, both treks go up into higher zones where is less availability of accommodations and services. In addition, Gokyo Lakes trek follows solitary mountain trails into more remote wilderness locations and the facilities for food and shelter become more basic.

Crowd Conditions 

EBC trek is longer in distance and frequently traversed. Hence, you need to be prepared for crowds and busy tea houses that come your way. Conversely, Gokyo Lakes trek is a lot quieter and the accommodation is less crowded.

Everest Base Camp Trek Vs Gokyo Lake Trek - Cultural Experiences 

Both EBC trek and Gokyo Lake trek are culturally enriching, though the degree of cultural involvement and focus varies. During EBC trek, hike through iconic Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, etc and take you to Buddhist monasteries, chortens and mani walls.

Tengboche Monastery is one of largest and most famous in the region, offering a chance to witness Buddhist rituals firsthand. Likewise, during festivals of Lhosar and Mani Rimdu, Everest route comes alive with traditional dances, music and colorful celebrations.

On other side, Gokyo Lake trek is culturally less crowded. It is less commercialized but still allows glimpses into Buddhist practices in villages and monasteries. You are still going to see mani walls, prayer flags and small stupas. In comparison, EBC trek is more vibrant and culturally mixed due to bigger villages and spiritual attractions. In contrast, Gokyo trek sees fewer people and thus provides a culturally serene trekking experience.

Everest Base Camp Trek Vs Gokyo Lake Trek - Cost

EBC trek and Gokyo Lake trek have similar range costs with slight differences caused by nature of the route, popularity of destination and duration of the journeys. In both treks, expenses prevail for obtaining trekking permits, transportation, accommodation, meals, guides and porters.

To access both EBC and Gokyo routes, you should take trekking permits: TIMS Card 22 USD and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit 22 USD. Likewise, guides and porters will cost roughly the same price, with a guide going for about USD 25 to 30 a day and porters for about USD 20 to 22 each day.

Similarly, accommodations for both treks are usually in teahouses, though the prices differ according to altitude and demand. On Gokyo trekking routes, cost is relatively lower because of fewer crowds and less demand. Normally, you have to pay from USD 2 to 5 for every night stay in lower villages and up to USD 7 to 12 per night in high altitude villages. Also, for both treks, meals cost about the same, which is about USD 8 to 10 per meal.

Both treks include a flight to and from Lukla, costing about USD 180 to 25 in total. Plus, services like hot showers, Wi-Fi and battery charging are available at an individual rate of USD 2 to 5 per head.

Overall Comparison

In all, Everest Base Camp Trek costs about USD 1,500 to 3,000 plus and Gokyo Lake trek usually costs a bit less i.e., between USD 1,100 to 2,500 plus. Cost for Gokyo Lakes Trek is relatively less due to the quieter nature of the trail with fewer amenities. On other hand, high cost of EBC trek is because of the higher tourist traffic and additional expenses that might occur for either luxury accommodations or helicopter rides in cases where comfortable trekking is preferred.

Everest Base Camp Trek Vs Gokyo Lake Trek - Altitude and Acclimatization

Both Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Lakes Trek are high altitude mountain adventures. Highest points reached during these Himalayan expeditions are the Base Camp of Everest at 5,364 meters and Kalapatthar at 5,545 meters in the first one and Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters in the latter one. 

The air is thin more you ascend to alpine altitudes. And the level of oxygen is significantly low in thinner air. This is very reason for being susceptible to altitude sickness (AMS). 

Symptoms of mountain sickness start to appear once you go up 2,500 meters. Include headache, lightheadedness, nausea, sleeplessness, loss of appetite and breathing difficulty. Proper hydration and well acclimatization strategies are essential to prevent risk of altitude sickness.

Usually, two acclimatization days are needed for Everest Base Camp trek to get acclimatized to increasing altitude and to avoid altitude sickness. 

The first acclimatization day is usually in Namche Bazaar, bustling hub of Khumbu region. On this day, you can indulge in magnificence of town and the spectacular vista of snow capped peaks in all directions. On the second acclimatization day in a quaint Dingboche, you prepare for your onward journey to the Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar.

In same way, Gokyo trek requires two acclimatization days to adapt rising altitude of the journey more easily. First acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar lets you wander around its attractive narrow streets with a panoramic view of majestic peaks. On second day, you take an acclimatization break in Gokyo village. Side trip to stunning Gokyo Ri viewpoint on this day treats you to the brilliant views of surrounding mountains and lakes.

Which Trek to Choose? 

Depending on your interests, preferences for landscape, and experience level you choose between the two exhilarating Everest region adventures: EBC trek and Gokyo Lakes trek. 

Everest Base Camp Trekking you are looking for! if you are drawn to iconic landmarks and are not bothered by a more social atmosphere. On other hand, if you prefer solitude, scenic lakes and views with fewer trekkers around you, then Gokyo Lake Trek is your perfect match.

You combine Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lake​. EBC trek is same way up and down the trail. Whereas adding Gokyo Lakes extension, navigation of Cho Lo Pass makes the whole trek more of a circuit and involves much less back tracking. 

It is ultimate experience of fully exploring the breathtaking Khumbu region. Since you are not covering same ground twice you get to take in more of  beautiful scenery of the mountain from different perspective. 

As a whole, both treks are very rewarding, gloriously presenting beauty of Everest region. They provide deep immersion into the virgin landscapes, rich culture and resilient lifestyle of the mountain communities. The decision to select one of two is entirely on you. 

Everest Base Camp Trek Diffivulty Level and Gokyo Lake Trekking Difficulty are key travel blog to know details guide and cause of difficulty. 

Why Nepal's Outdoor Activities with Us

• Customize Itineraries: Ace Vision Trek's base is Porter, Guide and Company, So Customize treks, tours and peak climbing service. Which is suit for your Physical level, Interest and Vacation limits.
• Excellent Support: Our Licence holder Staffs are: Helpful, Logistics, and Informatived. Which is valued your vacation and worth. 
• Hassle-Free Planning: From flights to accommodations, we handle it all—leaving you free to enjoy your journey.
• Exceptional Support: Our Experties is available 24/7 to ensure your experience is seamless and stress-free.
• Secure Online Transfer to conform Trip: You can conform your trip by our website. On this way save your time and delivering results.