Everest and Gokyo Lakes Circuit

A mountain flight to Lukla is included on Day 3 of this tour, and back from Lukla on Day 18. Although we schedule departure dates outside of the main monsoon season, weather conditions in any mountain region can be unpredictable. It is not uncommon for flights to and from Lukla to be delayed or canceled during the trekking season. If your flight to Lukla is canceled then your host will revert to 'Plan B', as follows:

You will spend an extra night in Kathmandu or Manthali and attempt to fly the next day. If you reach Lukla on Day 4, you will skip a night in Phortche Thanga but otherwise follow the normal itinerary.

If flights to Lukla are canceled for two consecutive days and you arrive in Lukla on Day 5, you will skip a night in Namche Bazaar as well as a night in Phortche Thanga but will otherwise follow the normal itinerary.

If there are three days of consecutive flight cancellations then it is no longer feasible to safely complete the Gokyo Circuit to Everest Base Camp in the time available and your host will offer an alternative trek based on the majority group’s wishes. This may be the classic Everest Base Camp Trek (no longer visiting the Gokyo Valley/crossing the Cho La Pass), a trek to the Gokyo Valley only (without crossing the Cho La/visiting Everest Base Camp), or the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Sometimes it is possible to fly part-way (to Phaplu), then drive on a dirt road to Kharikhola (6-7 hrs drive), and begin trekking from there. Alternatively, there is one further option in the event of flight cancellations to Lukla: to try to charter helicopters for the group (subject to availability). Helicopters are less hindered by poor conditions and can often fly when planes cannot. Anyone taking this option will need to pay roughly USD350-500 extra per person (the full helicopter cost is more than this but your canceled Lukla flight will be refunded and deducted from this).

Please note that if you spend extra nights in Kathmandu as a result of Lukla flight cancellations, your host will ask you to pay the difference (of around USD45 per room per night) as the hotel in Kathmandu is more expensive than glamping in Manthali or a night in a teahouse.

See also "When should I book my return flight?"

The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu at the end of the trip is usually reliable, however, if the weather is poor cancelations can happen and there is the chance that you might have to fly the next day. To play it safe we advise you to consider reserving an extra night’s accommodation in Kathmandu at the end of the trip.

The preferred currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). While ATMs are available in the main cities, please do not rely on them as they are often out of order and most have a maximum withdrawal limit equivalent to about $365.

It's best to bring the bulk of your money with you in cash and exchange it at a bank or at one of the many money changers in Nepal - your guide will help you with this. Most major currencies are accepted, including British Pounds, Euros, and US Dollars, however Scottish or Northern Irish currency cannot be changed. Keep your exchange receipts in case you want to change any unused Rupees back into hard currency when you leave Nepal (it is illegal to export Nepalese Rupees as it is a closed currency).

You will need to carry a fairly large amount of cash while trekking, for the meals (see 'Not Included' above). We advise that you keep this in a waterproof bag and in your day bag along with your passport.

Your host in Nepal can arrange a variety of extra experiences in Kathmandu, should you want to explore further. Please discuss these directly with your host, who will be able to book them for you.

Kathmandu Heritage Tour: Visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple). Duration: full day (approx. 8:00 AM–3:00 PM).

Spice Markets & Durbar Square: Explore Asan Market and Thamel, visiting spice and tea markets and learning about the cultural, culinary and medicinal uses of Nepali spices from local vendors. Finish at Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to historic temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Duration: approx. three hours (flexible timing).

Master the Arts: Head to Bhaktapur Durbar Square for a pottery workshop. Learn to spin the wheel and shape clay into simple items such as cups, bowls or vases, and observe traditional drying and firing techniques used by local potters. Duration: half day (approx. 8:00 AM–12:30 PM).

Nepali Cooking Class: Learn to prepare four traditional Nepali dishes with hands-on guidance, then enjoy one of your creations. This experience supports SASANE and their work addressing human trafficking, child marriage and violence against women. Duration: half day (morning or afternoon).

We work with some of the best leaders in the industry, every one of which is government licensed and very experienced. To ensure this high standard of performance, the host provides them with top-notch in-house training that covers advanced wilderness first-aid, hyperbaric chambers, oxygen system, mountain rescue, incident management, and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles to help keep the Himalayas pristine.

Although relatively rare in the trekking season, occasionally the Cho La pass (which links the Gokyo and Everest Valleys) can be blocked by snow. If it is not possible to cross the pass you will no longer have time to trek to Everest Base Camp. You will follow an alternative trekking route (usually with the option to visit Ama Dablam Base Camp) but will ultimately have to retrace your steps back to Namche.

There is a weight restriction on the flight to and from Lukla of 22 lbs checked baggage plus 11 lbs hand luggage. It is not a problem for you to check in 2-4 lbs more than this as long as you are happy to pay an excess luggage charge (approx. $0.58 per lb). Some items may be left in the hotel in Kathmandu if necessary.

This trip includes one porter for every two trekkers. They will carry up to 44-55 lbs of gear, so your overnight bags and spare clothes will be transported for you (maximum 26 lbs per person). You will only need to carry a ‘day pack’ with essentials (extra layer, snacks, water, sunscreen, camera, etc.)

Although most teahouses have the option to buy bottled water, we advise against it to reduce the use of plastic in the mountains (this ends up being burned or dumped in landfills out of sight). You will instead be provided with cold water that needs treating. There is a wide range of products available these days that are more effective than traditional purification tablets—some trekkers like to use UV handheld devices such as a Steripen—but other options are available (just check the performance in freezing conditions).

This trip includes a round-trip domestic flight to Lukla. Nepal's mountainous terrain and weather create challenging flying conditions, and unfortunately, more incidents (including fatalities) occur here than in other countries. Since 2013, the EU has banned all Nepalese domestic airlines from flying within EU airspace to raise awareness of the poor safety record (although no Nepalese airlines were operating routes within the EU prior to the ban). You should be aware that flying in Nepal is an identified risk: please consider this carefully before making a reservation. Additional info can be found on the Aviation Safety Network entry for Nepal as well as the U.S Department of State travel advice for Nepal. Domestic airlines in Nepal are generally not accredited by any internationally recognized safety audit systems, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.

What does Much Better Adventures do about this?

Much Better Adventures collaborates with other UK travel companies that arrange for independent air-safety auditors to visit Nepal annually to assess the local airlines. Much Better Adventures then only uses the carriers that were approved as part of the most recent audit. If any concerns are subsequently raised about an approved airline between audits, we put them on hold until the auditors are satisfied that safety standards are being met.

Due to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides coverage to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (18,209 ft) as well as for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location, and accommodation, and in some places, options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip, depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully before your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

BACKGROUND

Nepal’s cuisine is shaped by its mountainous geography, agricultural traditions, and strong cultural ties to India and Tibet. Meals are typically hearty and practical, centered around rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables, and preserved foods, with meat used more sparingly in many regions.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, there is a wide range of hotels and restaurants serving high-quality food. However, in the remote trekking regions, limited infrastructure (including a lack of refrigeration) means teahouses tend to offer a similar, simple menu throughout. It is generally advisable to avoid meat in more remote teahouses, as freshness cannot be guaranteed—your guide will advise accordingly. A vegetarian or vegan diet is often the most suitable, while a lactose-free diet is also not too restrictive. Gluten-free diets, however, can be accommodated but are more limited and repetitive.

Meals in trekking regions are built around dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables), along with variations of potatoes, noodles, soups, breads, rice, pasta, and even pizza—sometimes with egg, vegetables, cheese, or tinned tuna. Desserts may include apple pie, chocolate pudding (often with custard), or cake. Breakfast typically consists of toast, eggs, pancakes, Tibetan bread, porridge, or muesli.

Fresh fruit is rarely available, and fresh vegetables become scarcer at higher altitudes. While carbohydrates are plentiful, meals can lack variety and certain nutrients, so bringing snacks such as nuts or dried fruit is recommended.

Some dietary requirements and allergies may not be well understood in remote areas. Your guide will help communicate your needs, but flexibility and preparation are essential when trekking in these regions.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian Vegetarian diets can be well catered for on this trip, provided your host is informed in advance. There are plenty of options available both in cities and along trekking routes. Common dishes include dal bhat, vegetable momos (dumplings), vegetable noodle soup, and fried rice or noodles with vegetables and/or egg. Potatoes, Tibetan bread, pasta, and pizza are also widely available.

Vegan Vegan diets can be well catered for on this trip, provided your host is informed in advance. Porridge is a common breakfast and can be made with water on request, though it is often prepared with milk powder by default. Dal bhat is the main staple, though some versions may include ghee - so do check. Momos may contain egg in the dough. While carbohydrates are easy to find, sources of vegan protein are limited, so bringing snacks is recommended.

Kosher Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are not available in remote teahouses, so a Kosher diet cannot be accommodated on this trip. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

Halal Certified Halal meat is not available in remote teahouses, although it can be found in Kathmandu and other major cities. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free (for Celiac, please see Allergies section below) Gluten-free diets are difficult to accommodate in trekking regions of Nepal. Please inform your host in advance, but be aware that options are limited and often repetitive. Many staple foods—such as Tibetan bread, noodles, pasta, pancakes, and muesli—contain gluten, making breakfast particularly restrictive. You may often rely on eggs as an alternative. Additionally, powdered soups, seasonings, and soy sauce frequently contain gluten, and cross-contamination is a significant risk in teahouse kitchens. Naturally gluten-free options do exist, including dal bhat, potatoes, eggs, plain rice, and simple soups. However, flexibility and preparation are essential, and your guide will assist in communicating your needs.

Lactose Free Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Many dishes are naturally lactose-free, but you will need to specify at each meal that you require food without milk, milk powder, ghee, butter, or cheese. Porridge and muesli can be prepared with water on request. As sources of healthy fats may be limited, bringing supplementary snacks is recommended. Flexibility remains important in remote areas, and your guide will help communicate your requirements.

ALLERGIES

Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life-threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our Customer Experience team before booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip.

This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip, and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when traveling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods, and labeling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. While your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

There are 3 different seasons for trekking in Nepal:

Winter (Dec-Feb): Despite being seen as ‘off-season’ this is often the best time to trek in Nepal. The nights can be very cold (down to minus 4ºF) but the trails are quieter and the mountain views are often at their best due to the clear, sunny skies.

Pre-Monsoon / Spring (March-May): Temperatures rise significantly in Spring and flowers are in full bloom in the lower lands. Although it can still drop below freezing at night, the daytime temperatures tend to sit between 50-59ºF.

Post-Monsoon / Fall (Sept-Nov): This is the most popular time to trek in Nepal with sunny days generally. It can get cold and windy at higher altitudes - particularly in November, however, skies are usually clear.

Of course, mountain weather is notoriously hard to predict and snow can be expected on any trip so come prepared.