Trekking to Everest Base Camp via the Gokyo Valley Circuit - Is it worth it?

Pride Expeditions has been visiting Nepal since the beginning. Our first ever gay friendly holiday was to Everest Base Camp in 2017. From the outset we have chosen not to follow the standard route but to divert up the Gokyo Valley and travel over the Cho La pass in order to get to base camp. This route adds 4 days of trekking to the itinerary and all of them above 4,000m . Trekking at this altitude is a challenge initially but you do acclimatise and by the time you get to base camp you will be one of the most oxygenated trekkers there!

We go to Gokyo Ri and over the Cho La pass rather than directly via Dingboche

Going via this route we are asking people to add on a week to their holiday. We often think is it worth it?

  • It’s off the beaten track - you will see the quieter side of the Everest region

  • You will not see large groups of charity trekkers on this route

  • You will not have to share the trail with noisy and dangerous yak trains carrying supplies up to EBC

  • You will see four of the World’s 8,000m peaks - At the head of the Gokyo valley you will see breathtaking views of Cho Oyu 8,188m. From Gokyo Ri and the Cho La pass you will see Everest, Lhotse and Makalu!

  • You will meet the friendly and welcoming Sherpa families of the Gokyo Valley

View of the Worlds 8,000m peaks from Gokyo Ri Sumitt with Pride Expeditions

In short it adds on extra time and certainly an extra challenge but the value it adds to our adventure is immeasurable. Our thought is that if you are travelling all the way to Nepal to trek you should truly experience what the Everest region has to offer. To be welcomed by our Sherpa hosts in smaller cosy tea houses and meet their families. To experience the breathtaking views without the crowds. To trek over a pass renowned for its views of Everest.

Why Kalapattar is not on our itinerary?

“To put it simply you have already seen way better views than you get from Kalapattar. It is something that people do when they trek directly to EBC. They have not yet seen the views you will have been immersed in for the four previous days”. Nick Read, Pride Expeditions Director

Nick Read