The Everest region of Nepal is home to a myriad of adventures and trekking routes, each with different things to offer which satiates the adrenaline rush of each kind of visitor.
The crown jewel of this majestic realm are the two iconic trekking routes: Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Lakes Trek. These treks beckon adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.
Both of these treks offer unparalleled vistas, immersive cultural experiences, unmatched feeling of accomplishment, and a chance to explore the region home to the highest peak in the world.
However, when it comes to picking the best one among the two, the choice between Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Lakes Trek can be quite challenging even for a frequent trekker and it turns out to be a delightful dilemma.
But worry not as in this blog, we have made a detailed comparison between these two trekking routes to help you make the best choice depending on your trekking preferences. So, read on.
Everest Base Camp vs Gokyo Lakes: Key Differences and Similarities
To make it easier for your understanding, below is a table which highlights a brief overview of both the trekking routes and what sets them apart from each other:
| Feature | Everest Base Camp Trek | Gokyo Lakes Trek |
| Duration | 12 to 14 days | 10 to 12 days |
| Altitude | 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) | 5,360 meters (17,585 feet) at Gokyo Ri |
| Distance | approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) | approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) |
| Difficulty | Strenuous | Strenuous |
| Highlights | Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Sherpa culture | Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri |
| Cost | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
| Best Time to Go | Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) | Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) |
| Accommodation | Guesthouses | Guesthouses |
| Permits | Sagarmatha National Park permit, Khumbu Pasang Sherpa National Park permit | SagarmathaNational Park permit, Khumbu Pasang Sherpa National Park permit |
Everest Base Camp Trek
Arguably considered one of the best trekking routes in the world, the Everest Base Camp Trek is an iconic adventure that takes you to the foot of the highest mountain in the world.
A dream for trekkers all over the world, it takes you through remote Sherpa villages, across suspension bridges, glacial crevasses, icefalls, and gives you an enriching cultural experience combined with the thrill.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
An underrated yet equally thrilling adventure in the Everest region, the Gokyo Lakes Trek offers a more serene and off-the-beaten-path experience over the Everest Base Camp trek.
Think of it as a less crowded alternative where you will be surrounded by the stunning beauty of turquoise lakes and panoramic views. You can also ascend to the viewpoints nearby to add to the panorama as well as the thrill.
The main highlights of the Gokyo Lakes trek are the pristine Gokyo Lakes, vantage points like Gokyo Ri and the majestic views of Cho Oyu and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Comparing the Treks
Landscapes and Scenery
The Everest Base Camp trek is known worldwide for its iconic and dramatic Himalayan landscapes where you will be treated to a constant parade of towering peaks as you make your way through the alpine landscapes.
The landscapes vary and change as you move upwards after crossing the lush rhododendron forests, suspension bridges, and alpine meadows to make your way towards the icy glacial crevasses.
You will also be treated to spectacular views of some of the tallest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many more.
On the contrary, the Gokyo Lakes Trek features a different kind of beauty where you will see a series of turquoise lakes arranged in a system amidst the high-altitude mountains, and these mountains are reflected on the clear surface of these lakes.
You will notice that the landscape in the Gokyo Lakes Trek is rather vast and expansive, and you will notice meadows and glacial valleys dominating the landscape of the trek.
As you cross Gokyo Ri, you will get spectacular views of Himalayan giants including Mt. Everest, although not as close, and other peaks like Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu which makes this trek equally captivating.
Difficulty and Altitude
As far as difficulty is concerned, both the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Gokyo Lakes Trek are on a similar scale. However, the Everest Base Camp Trek is slightly more difficult as it takes you to a higher altitude.
In the Everest Base Camp Trek, you will be starting at an altitude of 2,840 meters at Lukla and going as far as 5,555 meters at Kalapathhar, which is the highest point of the trek. You will see many steep ascents and descents on the trek.
When it comes to the Gokyo Lakes Trek, while your starting point will be at the same altitude at Lukla, your highest altitude will be slightly lower at 5,483 meters at Gokyo Ri. The trails are not as steep as that of the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Having said that, both these treks are similarly challenging, and they both require you to acclimatize well as you ascend. If not, you might face a severe challenge in the form of acute mountain sickness.
Trekking Duration and Distance
Following a similar path halfway through the trek, both the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Gokyo Lakes Trek are similar in terms of the trekking duration. However, they do vary in terms of the distance covered.
Starting from Lukla and following the route from Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, to the Everest Base Camp and retracing the steps back, the Everest Base Camp Trek distance is approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles)
For most trekkers, covering this trek is an event of around 12 to 14 days, including the acclimatization days. The pace of the trek is quite gradual which allows you to acclimatize well.
When it comes to the Gokyo Lakes Trek, you will be covering a distance of approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles). However, this might change depending on the side trips that you have included in your itinerary.
A standard Gokyo Lakes Trek itinerary starts from Lukla and follows the route same as the EBC trek till Hotel Everest View. After that, the trek moves towards Phortse Thanga, Machherma, Gokyo, and then retraces its steps back.
The total journey of Gokyo Lakes Trek is of around 10 to 12 days for an average trekker with ample days for acclimatization included. Therefore, Gokyo Lakes Trek would be an ideal adventure for people with time constraints.
Culture and People
Contrary to popular belief, despite the popularity of the trek and the crowds on the EBC trail, cultural immersion is still a significant part of the Everest Base Camp Trek.
You will be going through some of the typical Sherpa villages, visiting ancient Tibetan monasteries like the Tengboche monastery, and experiencing the hospitality and the resilience of Sherpa people firsthand.
The Everest Base Camp trek will give you a deeper glimpse into the lives of Sherpa people, Buddhism, Tibetan culture, their festivals, rituals, and their lifestyle.
When it comes to the Gokyo Lakes Trek, this trek might have an upper hand in terms of cultural immersion as due to the smaller number of crowds, you will be able to have a more intimate cultural experience.
You will be able to witness the true essence of living in the remote corners of the Himalayas as the villages here are less touristy. A closer interaction with the locals will be possible on the Gokyo Lakes Trek.
Fitness Level and Experience
As we know, both the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Gokyo Lakes Trek are quite challenging, and they might not be everyone’s cup of tea. While the EBC trek takes you to higher altitude, you need a similar level of fitness for both these treks.
You need to have good cardiovascular strength to bear the low level of oxygen at high altitude. On top of that, you will also be walking for long hours every day with an additional weight on your back.
Therefore, irrespective of the trek that you choose, make sure to indulge in a comprehensive fitness routine well in advance before the trek. Start at least three months before the trek.
Include basic cardiovascular exercises like running, swimming, jumping, climbing stairs, and go on hikes that mimic the conditions like that of the trek. Also indulge in strength training and focus on your back, shoulders, core, and calf muscles.
Prior trekking experience comes in quite handy on these treks as you will know what to expect from the treks and how to deal with the challenges that might come along your way.
Therefore, while it is not a golden rule to have prior experience of trekking, it is best to have gone on at least one trek or a long hike before embarking on either of these treks as it can be even more challenging for a beginner to tackle these challenges.
Crowds and Popularity
As mentioned earlier, the Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous treks throughout the world and it is a dream adventure for many trekkers, beginners and experienced ones alike.
Therefore, this trek beckons trekkers in the count of lakhs every year in different seasons. So, you will definitely come across a considerable amount of crowd on the Everest Base Camp Trek, especially in the seasons of Autumn and Spring.
However, this crowd can be a good thing for people who want to create camaraderie on the trek and make lifelong memories with their fellow trekkers. Being a part of the group will also make the trek physically more doable.
Having said that, if you are someone who prefers a tranquil and more intimate trekking experience over staring at the back of somebody’s backpack, Gokyo Lakes Trek is a more suitable option for you.
This trek can be considered a well-kept secret and a hidden gem of the Himalayas and not many people prefer it over the Everest Base Camp Trek. So, while you will still find fellow trekkers, they won’t be swarming the trails.
If you want an even quieter experience and more like a social detox, go to the Gokyo Lakes Trek during off seasons like winters and you will truly have found your perfect silent getaway.
Choosing the Right Trek for you
The best pick between the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Gokyo Lakes Trek is quite subjective and it depends on the personal preferences as well as many other aspects of an individual trekker.
If you are someone who is seeking solace along with the ultimate Himalayan experience, it is best to opt for the Gokyo Lakes Trek as you will come across a lot of footfalls on the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Both these treks demand a similar level of physical fitness which might level the grounds in terms of difficulty. However, if you are just looking at the treks in terms of duration, the Gokyo Lakes Trek is usually shorter than the Everest Base Camp Trek.
For someone craving solitude and having enough time on their hands, the Gokyo Lakes Trek is the best option. But for someone with limited time and wanting to enjoy the ultimate Everest experience, Everest Base Camp Trek is the answer.
When it comes to budget, both these treks have a similar budget given the similarity in terms of trekking duration, distance, as well as similar permits being needed.
However, the Everest Base Camp Trek might be slightly on the more expensive side. So, if you are a budget conscious trekker, the Gokyo Lakes Trek might be the best pick for you.
Combining Both the Treks
Even after the thorough comparison of these treks, if you are still not able to pick the best trek between the Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Lakes Trek, or if you simply want to experience the goodness of both these routes, worry not.
You have another way out which is to combine both these treks. The Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek allows you to combine your itinerary and explore both these routes within an extended time. Although slightly more challenging, the trek is completely worth it.
Starting from Lukla, you will first make your way to the Gokyo Lakes via Namche Bazaar and explore the region after which you will be crossing the Chola Pass to reach Dzongla from where you will be entering towards the Everest Base Camp side of the trek at Lobuche. Consider this option if you want the best of both worlds.
