Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes: Nepal Trekking Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 17 reviews.

Michaelangelo Siracusa

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Written May 2012
A strenuous but well-worth trek encompassing two spectacular and incredibly diverse valleys, encompassing two summits, a high pass and culminating in the trek to Everest Base Camp for close up views of the highest mountain in the world (when its not hidden behind the Lho La ridge).
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There are far too many to choose from, from the first proper sighting of everest through the tree-line heading up to Namche Bazaar, the crystal clear Gokyo lakes and the stunning cloud-strewn views from the top of Gokyo Ri, the sheer satisfaction in having reached the top of the demanding and icy Cho La Pass, the final trek towards the edge of the Khumbu icefall and discovering the vast tent city of Base Camp, the unrivalled views of the highest mountains on earth from the top of Kala Patthar....
What did you think of your group leader?
Jangbu Sherpa displayed tremendous knowledge of the valleys as we ascended higher up, he spent most of the time looking after the slower ones of the group and making sure they made it to the next lodge but he was sometimes reluctant from mingling with our group, we dont bite honestly!
Our assistant guide Nima was always chirpy and full of enthusiasm and often led the group during the day's trekking. Singing and dancing his way up the mountain he also got us out of bed in the morning with cups of tea and was our 'waiter' of an evening in the teahouses.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This trek is not to be underestimated, its a long haul and you have to be in good fitness and good health to really enjoy it or you will struggle with it. Dont skimp on the decent gear, particularly warm clothes for the early starts and when the weather turns (as it usually does in the afternoon). The many days spent at high altitude does have some effect on you, be it a loss of appetite or trouble sleeping and these are to be expected in even the fittest of you, altitude can affect anyone.
The Cho La pass in particular is a definate challenge involving alot of scrambling, fairly exposed sections and the glacial travel which is often uneven and slippery underfoot unless you have full crampons on your boots. Care is to be taken on this section as its a long day and you can easily lose concentration.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
For those confident in their fitness, determination, those that relish a challenge and want to be surrounded by striking and dramatic scenary with every step, all the while following in the path of climbing parties the world over in their bid to conquer the great Mt Everest, there is little to compare this trip to. The diversity of the Gokyo valley means it is a great alternative to the standard trek as it takes in a seperate route on the ascent to base camp to the descent. This trek should be on every wannabe adventurer's bucket list and is truely one of the greatest treks in the world. For those that go the extra mile the views from Kala Patthar will truely take your breath away - literally and figuratively!
Maureen Pinder

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Written April 2012
It was a great trip, but really, really hard! The actual walking was not harder than your average day in the Lake District, but with the altitude, freezing cold nights, early starts, and basic tea house washing and toilet facilities it all added up to something of an endurance test. I was the only woman with a load of adrenaline junkies, so needless to say I generally found myself bringing up the rear. Come on women, get booking - don't just stick to the easier treks. You can do it if I can!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The views from Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar were great, but I got a real buzz of excitement when we arrived at Base Camp. The climbers themselves weren't actually there yet, but there were streams of yaks and porters pouring in carrying all sorts of ridiculous things - there was a real sense of them getting ready.
The Cho La might have been beautiful, but I was in no fit state to notice - getting up there nearly killed me!
What did you think of your group leader?
Prem Gurung was our leader, and he was absolutely fantastic. Very knowledgeable, competent, calm and fun. He and the 2 guides - Indra and Norbu - did a great job, and one of them always kept me company at the back of the pack. Prem kept a sharp eye on us for signs of altitude sickness, and brooked no resistance when he thought someone needed to start on Diamox. One of our porters got altitude sickness on the Cho La (I'm not joking about how hard it was!), and they decided to quickly get him down to Pheriche 1,000m lower - no messing about: they saw the problem and acted to fix it. Just what you need in that environment.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
All you need is to be reasonably fit, being super fit won't necessarily help. Do some reading about altitude sickness, and take Diamox and loads of Paracetamol/Ibuprofen with you. Not to mention Immodium! And loads of wet wipes and hand gel. I did manage to have a hot shower every second day, and even washed my hair twice, but in between it was very dirty. Only take 1 bottle of biodegradeable soap - it goes a long way, especially when you rarely see water!
I took salted peanuts and dried fruit as snacks, plus Pepperami and biltong to supplement my post-Namche vegetarian diet. As well as chocolate bars, of course.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The trip gave me a great idea of how the different valleys and routes around Everest all fit together, and it was interesting to see the massive range of trekkers from all nations - some in groups, some independent with guides, and some totally independent on their own (not necessarily a safe option). I'd have a much clearer idea of what's available to do if I came back - which I probably will do, but maybe not next year!
Richard Weeks

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Written April 2012
I went on this trip with very little expectation or knowledge of the region - massively underprepared, however with a great bunch of people, a fantastic leader and guides I found this one of the best trips of my life. I would highly recommend it.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The trip had it's hard days, but it also had its easy days. A couple of us (with a guide) set of earlier than the main group on the morning of the Gokyo Ri summit, and although we missed sunrise by about 10 minutes it was such a spectacular view.
I also really enjoyed the scramble to the top of the Cho La Pass, the day was long and hard but very rewarding - this was more of what I was expecting of the trip.
Reaching Base Camp was amazing, there was alot of activity on the trail up, which was a bit of a shock because the route we had taken to get there past the Gokyo lakes and over the Cho La was quite quiet.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Prem was amazing. He was undoubtedly key to making the trip as enjoyable as it was. He was so easy to get on with and extremely knowledgable. We also had 2 guides, Indra and Norbu, both did a great job. Prem was always making sure we were prepared every evening for the following day, making sure we were drinking enough whilst walking, always on the lookout for signs of mountain sickness and always trying to accomodate the different demands of the group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This trip doesn't necessarily demand you be at your physical peak, I certainly am not and still managed the trip, although you do need to be prepared, half of our group were on Diamox for the higher parts of the trip. The actual walking wasn't that difficult, there were a couple of long days towards the end, and a couple in the middle, but all in all it was a nice steady pace so very managable.
Things I wish I had taken: more wet wipes - very handy when you haven't seen a shower for a couple of days; a thin buff or dust mask - the trails get very dusty, expecially when following a herd of yaks and finally a pack of playing cards (althogh thankflly someone else had thought of this) they help pass the time in the evenings when its snowing outside and there's nothing much else to do.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I booked this trip without much research into it, and how difficult it could be - I just want to say, don't be put off by the talk of how difficult it wan be. I'm not saying it can be done be a complete novice with no experience of trekking, but I hadn't been above 2000m before this trip, and I had only been on one walking holiday prior to this and that was only for 5 days, not quite the 16 days this was. If you have the mental stamina and reasonable fitness, book up - its more than worth it.
Oh, and when you're packing, if you find you've forgotten something, or after talking to people on the first couple of days of walking realise you want something you didn't even think about packing you'll be fine, you can pick up almost anything an Namche Bazaar (even a decent coffee, and a game of pool in an irish bar)
Jenny Hinton

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Written November 2011
Truely the hardest but the most amazing trip I've ever done...the wonderful memories will stay with me forever.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were many but to list a few....the amazing flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and seeing the Himalayas above the clouds at sunrise; my first view of amazing Everest; trekking past the beautiful Gokyo lakes during snowfall; reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri with amazing Himalayan views (so tough but so worth it); meeting successful Everest summitters, a real honour; the wonderful snapshots of Himalayan life along the way.
What did you think of your group leader?
10/10! Lhakpa was attentive, informative, caring and supportive, a fantastic team leader. Him and our other guides, Kaji, Kami and Nima, were all wonderful and all brought different strengths to the group.They worked together as a fantastic team to allow us all to achieve our dreams and goals, always friendly, kind and optimistic along the way.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
First of all, if you are reading these reviews wondering if you should book this trip then...yes! Do it! Now! And, definitely, if you can, book the Gokyo lakes trip as opposed to basic base camp as the lakes are stunning and you get to see more of this wonderful region. If you are comparing Exodus to other companies then all I can say is I could not fault them, would heartily recommend them to friends and definitely book with them again. I was pleased I stayed in teahouses as opposed to camping and it was good that we were able to choose our meals as opposed to getting set meals cooked for us. The sleeping bag I hired through Exodus was fab and I wasn't at all cold at night (and I really feel the cold)...I had the sleeping bag, a silk liner and also a metal water bottle which I could get filled with boiling water every night and put in a sock to act as a brilliant hot water bottle. It is really worth taking a camelbak/platypus for easy hydration on the go.
I would recommend Icebreaker (or other merino wool) thermal baselayers to keep you toasty warm and to take multiple base layers as well as a good fleece and down jacket as the temperatures vary a lot. Take a good thin pair of liner gloves so you don't need to have bare hands and don't have to take your gloves off every time to do something. Take lots of hand gel and over-use it, we all did and none of us got tummy bugs. People who had UK mobiles found they worked better than those who had Nepalese sims and we got reception some of the time when trekking so we could call and text home, even at base camp! Be aware of the weight restrictions for the Lukla flight - 12kg for hold luggage and 3kg for hand luggage so weigh and prioritise before you go (and you can leave some changes of clothes and other bits safely at the hotel in Kathmandu). Read as much about Everest and the region before you go to fully appreciate the wonder of the region.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just ask questions, take photos and soak in every moment (and start a kitty for the next trip as, as soon as you get home, you'll want to go straight back to the mountains again!)
Abigail Davies

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Written November 2011
I throughly enjoyed the trek, it was the experience of a lifetime. So many memories I will never forget. The expertise of the Exodus guides was certainly an integral part of the enjoyment of my trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The summit of Goyko Ri, with the exceptional panaromic views of the mountain. This was a particularly challenging walk as it snowed the day before our hike up to the top. But this made it all the more beautiful and rewarding as we slipped at slide all the way down!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Lhakpa Tenzing Sherpa was an excellant leader. He made everyone feel safe, well fed and looked after. He made the trek extra special for us by letting us meet members of his family.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
To hire kit in Nepal from Shona's Trekking gear, as its very reasonably priced and good quality equipment.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The price of the trek is quite expensive. I was pleased that we had the choice of food and could budget for our own food, but I felt the price of the whole trip should have reflected the fact that accomdation is very reasonably priced and no equipment was provided by exodus (such as crampons!).
Emily Stead

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Written November 2011
This was a brilliant trip and offers a more interesting walk than just going up to Everest Base Camp and back the same way. You walk round in a loop so each day is different and the view from Gokyo Ri is not to be missed!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It was brilliant to complete the whole trip - Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar. Seeing Everest for the first time was amazing and then seeing it up close from Kala Pattar was a real highlight.
What did you think of your group leader?
Nothing was too much trouble for Pasang. He was a brilliant leader and was seriously tested on our trip. Due to bad weather in Lukla he had been stuck there for 5 days with a school party. Shortly after they left our group arrived. We were also 2 days late because of the weather but Pasang changed our whole intinerary and fit a 15 trek into 13 days. He got all of our group all the way round the trip and made us laugh along the way. I couldn't have asked for a better person to lead our trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You are very likely to come down with a cold and cough so make sure you have cold and flu medication and lots of strepsiles and throat sweets. The tea houses all have thick blankets and duvets so a good synthetic sleeping bag is fine ( a down bag is not essential). I down jacket did come in handy in the evenings and on several of the days.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was a fantastic trip but it was hard work. I would recommend this trip to anyone but you need to have a strong desire to do the trip yourself. It is hard work and some of the days are very long so you need determination to do the trip but the rewards are worth every penny and every step. Exodus were fantastic as well. We were delayed by 2 days because of bad weather in Lukla but Exodus kept us up to date all of the time and did all of the negotiating at the airport and ensured we got to Lukla on the first day the flights were going again. Exodus are clearly well connected in the area and all of the tea houses they use are a good standard.
Anne Ramsden

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Written November 2011
Owing to bad weather we lost 4 days of the trek because we were unable to get to Lukla and this meant that the Goyko Lakes and Cho La section was cancelled. Exodus did in the end organise helicopters so we were able to make it to Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Pattar. I am still disappointed at missing Gokyo and the Cho la pass but the trek was fantastic and the helicopter journey was a great experience. I was on my own and the only female in the group, but it worked out really well.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It was inspirational just being close to all those wonderful Himalayan peaks. Walking on the lateral moraine alongside the icing of the Khumbu glacier to base camp was amazing. The weather on the trek could not have been better, so the views were excellent.
One advantage of the bad weather was that there were few trekkers ahead of us, so not only did we have the lodges mostly to ourselves, but it was the same at base camp and the top of Kala Pattar. Such freedom.
Constant reminders of the Everest Expeditions, such as the work done by Sir Edmund Hillary in the Khumbu Region and knowing that we were trekking on the same paths to Base Camp taken by mountaineers determined to reach the summit of Everest.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was young, energetic, enthusiastic and he did his best for all of us.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just bear in mind that if your trek relies on a flight to Lukla, bad weather can mess things up, so be prepared for a changed itinerary. Take your credit card in case you do have to contribute towards a helicopter flight.
Don't worry about being a solo traveller and the only female. You can probably put up with more discomforts than men!
Take a pack of cards.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
You do get very cold at night, the food is a bit boring. you go for days without a shower, the loos smell, you may get the odd headache, but I just can't wait to trek at high altitude again.