
Everest and Gokyo Lakes Circuit
Hike through rugged terrain and traverse the mighty Cho La Pass as you climb to Everest Base Camp the hard way
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
2 nights in a hotel, 1 night glamping and 15 nights in Nepalese teahousesMeals
2 breakfasts plus welcome and farewell dinners in KathmanduInternal flights & Transfers
Return flights between Kathmandu or Manthali and Lukla; transfers to and from Kathmandu Airport; all local transfersPorterage & Permits
Transportation of your overnight luggage, plus all trekking permits and feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?




























Stand at the foot of the highest mountain in the world on this challenging circular trek through the quiet and relatively untrodden Gokyo Valley
Snake between cairns, ice and moraine as you trek the famous Ngozumpa Glacier - the longest in the Himalayas - to reach the top of Cho La Pass (5420m)
Ascend Kala Patthar (5550m) and Gokyo Ri (5357m) for some of the best views in the Himalayas, including Everest’s summit and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes
Unsure which trek in the Everest region is for you? Check out our handy guide comparing this route with the classic Everest Base Camp trek
Key Information
Day 1
Intoxicating Kathmandu

Check into your hotel in Thamel and get your first taste of life in Kathmandu. After meeting your guides and making any last minute plans for the trek, you’ll finish the day with a group dinner alongside the rest of your team.
Day 2
Journey to Manthali

Driving
This morning, you'll hop on the bus and head to Ramechhap (Manthali) — the remote region where most Lukla flights now depart during peak trekking season.
After a long journey to Nepal, it’s crucial to rest and rehydrate before heading into the mountains. While many other itineraries rush you straight from your international flight into a midnight drive to Manthali, followed by a flight and same-day trek, we take a different approach. You’ll stay in safari tents at a glamping site near Ramechhap airport, giving your body a chance to reset before flying to Lukla and starting your trek tomorrow feeling fresh and ready.
(If your flight to Lukla is scheduled to depart from Kathmandu instead, you’ll enjoy an extra day in the city — time to explore at your own pace and pick up any last-minute gear.)
Day 3
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding

Hiking
Fly across the roof of the world on a small plane to Lukla in the Everest region – a breath-taking (and occasionally thrilling) journey and the jumping-off point for your trek. Meet the rest of your local crew and then hike along the lovely Dudh Kosi River to Phakding village where you'll stay in your first teahouse.
Occasionally Lukla flights can be delayed or cancelled - please see the FAQs for further information.
Day 4
Phakding to Namche

Hiking
Start your day with a walk through a beautiful pine forest and then cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge – be sure to check out the wonderful view of Mt. Thamserku (6618m) in the distance. Continue on to Jorsale village and up the challenging climb to Namche Bazaar where you’ll get your first glimpse of the world’s highest mountain, the immense 8,848m peak of Mount Everest.
Day 5
Acclimatise and explore Namche

You've now reached 3440m, so it's time to spend the day acclimatising to the altitude. Relax, wander the village, visit the Hillary School and Khunde Hospital, or hike to a nearby viewpoint where you can enjoy an incredible panorama of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Lhotse.
Day 6
Namche to Phortche Thanga

Hiking
Push above the 4000m line to the Mong La Pass with its amazing views of the Dudh Koshi River. Continue hiking to tonight’s destination, the village of Phortche Thanga where you can visit a local monastery or just eat and relax on the riverbank.
Day 7
Phortche Thanga to Dol

Hiking
Climb through the rhododendron forest and along a steep section to the Sherpa villages of Tonga and Gyele. Immerse yourselves in the local culture, capture some shots of the Khumbila and Tawache mountains and then get some rest ready for a big day tomorrow.
Day 8
Machhermo

Hiking
Ascend higher and higher through the jungle until it gives way to juniper forests, interspersed with yak pastures and summer camping grounds. Arrive at Machhermo around lunchtime and explore the valley with its amazing view of the 8,201m peak of Cho Oyu - the Turquoise Goddess.
Day 9
Enter the Gokyo Valley

Hiking
Begin your day with an epic view of the plunging Khantega Gorge and then follow the river as it winds its way toward the vast, 36km Ngozumpa Glacier – the longest in the Himalayas. From here its time to enter the Gokyo Valley, one of the most picture-perfect locations on earth, home to the highest freshwater lakes in the world, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 10
Acclimatise in the valley

You’re now approaching 5,000m, so it's time to acclimatise once again as you prepare for the final push. Spend some time hiking this beautiful valley, and trek between glorious lakes fed by towering peaks. If you're feeling acclimatised, do not miss the opportunity to hike up the small peak of Gokyo Ri (5,360m), a viewpoint that has to be seen to be believed - the Ngozumpo Glacier stretches for miles, a string of lakes line the valley floor, and four of the highest peaks in the Himalaya are visible (including Everest) and the Gokyo Lakes themselves!
Day 11
Trek to Thagnak village

Hiking
Trek the short distance to the small, highland village of Thangnak. The trail from Gokyo climbs up and onto the mighty Ngozumpo Glacier and undulates its way across to the far side, snaking between cairns, ice and moraine deposits to reach Thangnak - staging point for the Cho La Pass. Relax, continue acclimatising and prepare for one of the best days hiking in the morning.
Day 12
The Cho La Pass

Hiking
Climb the steep, eastern side of the Cho La Pass before dropping down into the main Everest Valley. The ascent of the pass is steep and rocky and the upper part requires some scrambling (and is often covered in snow and ice). You'll definitely feel like you've earned the astonishing Himalayan panorama that waits at the top. The glaciated top is a bit easier-going before descending via a rocky gulley to the valley floor below. Continue on to Dhzongla village and rest up for the night.
Day 13
Dhzongla to Lobuche

Hiking
Take a moment - your goal is within touching distance, so there’s plenty of time to rest up, recover and enjoy some high altitude scenery as you travel between mountain villages.
Day 14
Destination Everest Base Camp

Hiking
Navigate around the Khumbu Glacier and on to Everest Base Camp, sitting at a whopping 5364m. Spend some time enjoying your achievement and fill your camera with jaw-dropping photos.
Day 15
Sunrise from Kala Patthar

Hiking
Optional ascent of Kala Patthar (5,550m), the highest point of the trek, with a never-ending view of Everest and many of the other highest peaks on earth. After watching the sun rise from behind the mountains, return to Gorak Shep to refuel on breakfast before descending to Pangboche, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 16
Pangboche to Namche

Hiking
Cross over suspension bridges and re-enter the jungle before tackling the steep incline that leads to Phungi Than. Continue through the forest and back to Namche.
Day 17
Begin the final descent

Hiking
Trek through the pine and rhododendron forests one last time before saying goodbye to your local support staff and heading back to Lukla.
Day 18
Return to Kathmandu

Driving
Fly back to Ramechhap (Manthali) after your incredible mountain journey. You'll drive back to Kathmandu in time for some well-earned beers and a celebration dinner.
Day 19
Last chance to enjoy Nepal

Sleep in, have breakfast in your hotel and then spend some final time in Kathmandu before returning to the airport and back to reality.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Anytime on Day 1
Ends
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Anytime on Day 19
Transfers
Airport arrival and departure transfers are included no matter when you arrive and depart (even if booking extra nights before or after the trip), provided you have completed your passenger information form and have supplied your flight details in advance.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Kathmandu from major airports across the UK and Europe.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 17
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 18
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 19
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?

Breakfast is usually hot porridge, muesli or Tibetan bread served with an omelette or boiled eggs. Menus in teahouses are very similar at every stop and there will usually be a choice of traditional Nepalese dhal bhat (a mixed plate of lentils, rice, vegetables and pickles - delicious and healthy), Nepalese dumplings (momos), mixed noodles, pasta and even pizza. Although meat is available at some teahouses, we suggest you ask your guide for advice regarding its consumption, as it tends to depend on how far it has travelled as to whether or not it is a safe option.
Dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian diets can be catered for while trekking although meals may get a bit repetitive - dhal bhat will likely be your go-to staple. Gluten-free/coeliac diets are tricky to cater for on teahouse treks (beware that powdered soups and seasonings used often contain gluten, and cooking oil is commonly reused and may cause cross-contamination). Please explain your dietary requirements to your guide so that they can assist when ordering, and bringing along some extra food/snacks is advisable.
What is the accommodation like?

Kathmandu
You’ll stay in a hotel in Thamel close to the main shopping area and heritage sites. Expect an en-suite room with air-con and WiFi included.

Manthali
For your night in Manthali, you will stay in safari-style tents at the Freedom Resort Fixed Tent Camp. The permanent tents are comfortably set with wooden floors and you will share on a twin-basis with shared bathrooms. There is a swimming pool, restaurant and bar on site.

On the trek
You’ll be staying in teahouses - mountain lodges with a communal dining area and basic toilets that are usually sorted by gender. WiFi, phone charging and hot showers are often available for a small cost.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for the two nights in Kathmandu only (subject to availability). This option is not available in the teahouses. Please request this at the time of booking; see Optional Extras for prices.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This circular trek is slightly tougher than the classic linear Everest Base Camp route because of the additional challenge of crossing the Cho La Pass yet should be within the capabilities of keen trekkers who lead an active lifestyle and have good fitness and mental stamina. Still, it's important to note that trekking at altitudes above 3000m/10,000ft is more demanding on the body than walking at low elevations. The crossing of the Cho La is a long and demanding day with a steep climb on rocky terrain (often icy) followed by crossing a glacier at the top. Some training beforehand will help and we advise doing at least one weekend of back to back days walking. The guide will set the pace and as with all altitude treks, the theme is ‘slowly slowly’ to help you adjust to the altitude.
What will I need to carry?
This trip includes one porter for every two trekkers. They will carry up to 20-25kg of kit so your overnight bags and spare clothes will be transported for you (maximum 12kg per person). You will only need to carry a ‘day pack’ with essentials in (extra layer, snacks, water, suncream, camera etc).
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 20ºC) 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 10-15ºC.
Post-Monsoon / Autumn (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.
The Best Trip!!
Where to start! This was the trip of a lifetime! Held together by an amazing team lead by our head guide Pujan our assistant guides Sabin, Asman and Lama, cannot thank you guys enough! you all an incredible job keeping us safe and organised the whole time. All we had to do was concentrate on walking, everything else was taken care of. Views and memories that will last a lifetime, Thank you so much! Big shout out to the support team lead by Saila Dai, dont know how you guys carry those bags all that way! Deciding to come away on this adventure was one of the best decisions we made, We met some fantastic people and achieved so much. Thank you so much to the team for getting us all through!!
An adventure of a life time!
I went with my husband not knowing exactly what to expect apart from knowing it would be epic - and it exceeded our expectations!! We were so lucky to be in a group of really amazing, warm people who very quickly became friends. Pujan is a wonderful guide with incredible knowledge of the mountains and we always felt we were in very safe hands. Sabin, Asman and Llama, our assistant guides were also amazing-constantly going the extra mile for us and looking out for us. My husband and I have good baseline fitness but are by no means trail runners or hyrox enthusiasts ;) and we coped fine with the actual physical demands of the trek. The main challenge we faced was keeping our bodies healthy in the face of the constant threat of altitude sickness, cold and potential food poisoning and these are things that cannot be controlled for. The views have to be seen to be believed and we are so glad we decided to do the EBC trek via the highlights of Gokyo lakes and Cho La pass as it kept the whole trail novel with the extra physical challenges and incredible view points of the high altitude climbs. I cannot recommend doing this trek enough through Much Better Adventures!!
10/10
The organization of everything by MBA and freedom adventures was incredible from start to finish. I was initially a little apprehensive about the altitude and how I might respond to it, however following our initial briefing on day one I learned just how much careful planning has gone into crafting the itinerary to ensure adherence to best practice for acclimatization, and I left feeling completely confident in the knowledge and skill set of the guide team.
Our support staff (Langa, Santa, Saikumar, Bishnu & Raste) were our quiet hero’s. taking our larger bags while we were eating breakfast in the mornings, and delivering them to our next nights stay well before our arrival. On the day we did the Cho La pass, several even did the pass ahead of us, and then returned to see if anyone was struggling with their day bags, offering to carry them to the top as well.
Our assistant guides (Rosan, Sebika, and Amit) were incredibly diligent at leading us at a steady pace which made the distance, elevation, and terrain all very manageable. They kept so many things organized behind the scenes, but still had plenty of energy in the evenings to play as many rounds of dumbal (a Nepalese card game they taught us, which is a ‘must’ to learn) as we could muster. All three will make incredible lead guides.
Kush, our fearless leader, was an absolute wonder. From his knowledge of mountains, to his seemingly unending dad jokes which never fail to make you smile (even through any rain, snow, or cold), to the way we saw him support our assistant guide team to step into leadership roles to grow their confidence.
The trek itself was nothing short of a dream. In addition to the excitement of reaching base camp itself, it was a joy to witness the not to be missed views at Gokyo Lake/Gokyo Ri, before then experiencing the adventure of crossing the Cho La pass. It also allowed for several days of relative “off the beaten track” bliss before eventually joining the busier main trail to base camp. A welcome reprieve.
Overall, I couldn’t recommend the trek more. The views, experiences, people, and adventure of it all are all things I won’t soon forget.
A truely much better adventure
This was everything I'd hoped for and more. The Everest and Gokyo circuit is a stunning trek with a long list of highlights: the glorious Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri, the challenging Cho La pass, Everest base camp, the Tengboche Monastry, Hillary bridge and the exhilarating flights to and from Lukla.
The trek itself was superbly led by Kush and the team of Sebika, Rosan and Amit. Their expertise, guidance and support ensured we overcame a number of challenges, including the unseasonable snow, and made sure we got some great views and memories of the big peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, etc. Their easy going approach also set the tone and made for a great time. Their encyclopedic knowledge of all things Nepal and willingness to answer the many and varied questions made sure we got the most from the trip and provided some great bedtime stories! A special shout out also to the support team of Suman, Langa Bahadur; Santa Bir, Saikumar, Bishnu Lao and Raste, who took our bags and kit each day and delivered it to the overnight stopover before we arrived making sure everything went so smoothly.
All in all this was definitely a much better adventure that I will never forget.
Much Better Adventures(Freedom) were top
Much Better Adventures(Freedom) were top notch in organizing and implementing an incredible adventure. They had an all star team consisting of Kush(head guide), and assistant guides Rosan, Sepica and Amit. And the support staff was amazing always having our bags/supplies in the right place at the right time. These guys are amazing with their strength and endurance. Even with having altitude sickness/ virus, the staff was amazing in ensuring my(and everyone’s) safety being of paramount importance. Under Kush’s outstanding experience and knowledge, Rosan, Amit and Sepica all provided the best care possible in trying and difficult situations. I truly would not have made it without their assistance. Lesser companies, in my opinion, would not have gone the extra mile that MBA took to ensure an outstanding experience. Most of our group had used MBA in the past and now I understand why - top notch organization from start to finish. I would definitely recommend them and 100%. Use them again in the future!

Adventure of a lifetime
The most breathtaking and humbling journey. I was fairly nervous to complete this trip on my own, but met the most incredible group of individuals who made the experience so special - it takes a certain kind of person to take the long, scenic route to basecamp and that was reflected in the exceptional company of such kind, tenacious travellers. If you are considering a trek in Nepal, this is the one to do. The variability, challenge and solitude of the circuit route was priceless. Some of the most beautiful moments and days occurred unexpectedly, beyond what you may predict in the highlights of a EBC trek. Reaching the goals of Gokyo-Ri, the Cho La Pass, and Base Camp all within days tied together a journey that was a dream come true in every single moment along the trail. The local guide team blew my mind from start to finish, making our experience so unique, safe, and outstandingly fun. Our leader Kushahari Phuyal was excellent, from the bedtime stories about Nepal to ensuring each of us were always doing okay, Kush provided constant leadership, entertainment, laughter, and carried us through hurtles with ease. When the weather proved challenging the first few days, his positive spirit and adventure kept us going so much so that we barely noticed. Our assistant guides all flourished under Kush, and throughout our journey each grew their special place and impact on our group. Thank you to Rosan Rai for leading us each day on the trail, keeping our pace slow, teaching us secrets to a happy hike and happy life 365 days a year - your passion, outlook and kindness made all the difference, and brought so much fun and adventure to our experience. Thank you to Sebika Rai for always holding us steady, inspiring us, and importantly having the patience to teach us Dumbal and school us round after round. Thank you to Amit Rai for sacrificing so much for the wellbeing of our group, and lending a helping hand to those who needed it - your strength and kindness carried us forward. Finally, without the presence of our six support staff, our journey would have been impossible. They acted with the upmost professionalism and care in transporting our big bags each day, conquering the elements and teaching us all so much about the hard work necessary to make such a journey possible. Suman Tamang, Langa Bahadur Tamang, Santa Bir Tamang, Saikumar Tamang, Bishnu Lal Taman and Raste Tamang became part of our family throughout the experience, and some of my best memories will be the Dumbal and Spoons games with them in between our treks. Much Better Adventures and Freedom Adventures have formed a team that is extraordinary, who helped foster an atmosphere that matched the beauty of this adventure. I cannot thank you all enough, and will hold these memories close in my heart for a long time to come.
Embark with an open mind and readiness to embrace adventure along the path each day. While the weather may throw some curveballs, the people you will meet and team alongside you will match the beauty of Nepal every step of the way. Simply can’t wait to return to Nepal!
WOW! Amazing!
I’d been looking to doing this trek for many years and it didn’t disappoint. Superbly led by Kush, ably supported by Sebika, Rosan, Amit and the ‘support boys’ I made it up Gokyo Ri for my first sight of Everest, over the Cho La Pass and so to Everest Base Camp despite the unseasonably snowy, difficult conditions adding to the expected challenges. Kush’s careful planning (‘anti-nap’ walks to help us acclimatise), cheery humour throughout (“we’ll go to the bakery for a film this afternoon - you are on holiday!”) and his informative ‘bedtime stories’ covering everything from Nepal’s history to main religions to the recent Gen Z ‘revolution’ to (under Kush’s coaching) education and women’s rights delivered by the assistant guides were big highlights and hugely added to the enjoyment of the trek. Combine this with Kush’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the flora and fauna we passed as we walked and my lovely group of fellow trekkers and I could not fail to be educated as well as prepared for the next stage of the trek! Can’t recommend this enough!
Outstanding Experience
We just loved our experience in Everest and Gokyo Lakes. The scenery is just incredible and the care of the local team was just outstanding. Our lead guide Kush has an incredible knowledge of Nepal, which he shared via bed time stories. The assistant guides were so helpful and positive every day. Sebika helped me with positive encouragement up many mountains and Rosan's positive attitude and jokes made for a wonderful experience. Amit was very willing to help no matter what was needed.
Highly recommend this once in a lifetime trip to experience some of the most beautiful hikes in the world. I really recommend adding the Gokyo segment to get a few days away from the crowds of people going to base camp. They were some of our favorite days.
One thing I think is missing from the packing list - wrap around sun glasses if there is snow on the mountains. The sun reflection off the snow streaming into the side of the sunglasses is blinding over even one day. We ended up making pieces out of cardboard to wear throughout the trip.
Great experience
Amazing views, great group and awesome organization from the crew. We had an amazing time!


Fabulous trip, superbly planned and guided , stunning scenery
A fabulous trip, wonderful route to Basecamp via the stunning Gyoko lakes , up Gyoko Ri which offers the best views of Everest and surrounding mountains and over the hard but beautiful Cho- La pass . Guided by the most excellent Kush and his equally impressive assistant guides . Sebica - soon to be a lead guide , who, like Kush has competed in multiple Everest marathons - that’s Basecamp to Lukla . She came 3rd! This tells You about her fitness and resilience but she also was the most helpful, attentive , positive persons as well. Rosan was great fun, excellent pace setter and great dancer and Amit was excellent too. The trip is so , so well Planned - gradual ascent and acclimatisation time and then every day more incredible views and experiences. Kush’s ‘bedtime stories’ - after dinner every few nights he would share with us his encyclopedic knowledge of everything from history to religion to culture and then , showing true leadership , encouraged led Sebica to talk to us about women’s rights in Nepal and Rosan about education. The other highlight of our trip was the wonderfully diverse and fun group that signed up - I know we were lucky , but as my second MBA trip I am beginning to think that MBA does attract people I enjoy spending time with!
Perfect adventure and grouo dynamic
The trekking has been perfect, and the group dynamic was incredible. A lot of the credit has to be given to our guides: Kush, Sebika, Rosan, and Amit, who, with the aid of the support staff, provided ua a problem-free experience. Thank you a lot!



Winter Wonderland - Oct 25
We managed to arrive in Lukla just before the flights were cancelled for a number of days due to significant levels of rain.
The bonus was at higher altitude it landed as snow and we experienced breathtaking views due to the levels of snow across Goyko Lakes and the Chola Pass.
I could not have wished for a better experience, Kush was a great leader and along with all his support staff ensured we learnt about the history of Nepal, its people and landscape. Everyone played their part to ensure our group has an unbelievable experience in some challenging conditions.

Great group!
Love the itinerary which offered a lot of time for acclimatization. The guides are very experienced and helpful, and were able to accommodate for bad weather and illnesses among the group. Highly recommend this trip. Hopefully there will be one for Manaslu in the future!
Beautiful Gokyo and unseasonal snow
This was my first trip to Nepal for 31 years and it gets a definite five star review from me.
Our guide Kanchan, assistant guide Tashi and porters Khagendra, Bhakta and Gyanju were all excellent and provided support, guidance, help and friendship on the trek. This cannot have been an easy trek for the guides in particular; unseasonal weather meant an overnight snowfall closed the Chola Pass and so our itinerary had to change, within our small group we had one person who did not seem to want to be part of the group, and one of the porters fell ill, but Kanchan and Tashi handled all this with professionalism and sensitivity to all the group. The support from them and Freedom Adventures on behalf of MBA meant that I was able to get as much out of this trip as possible given the disappointment of not being able to get to EBC.
The first eight days followed the scheduled itinerary and the scenery, people and trekking were incredible; beautiful, moving and a true joy and privilege to be in the Himalayas. We enjoyed the Tihar celebrations (the Nepali Diwali) in Manthali and Namche, we trekked in ideal conditions through the valley up to Gokyo and standing at the top of Gokyo Ri the panoramic views were spectacular (even if the peak of Everest was hiding under a cloud). Returning down to Gokyo we heard of the weather forecast showing snow for the next four days and indeed overnight a large snowfall closed the Chola Pass. This is where Kanchan and Tashi showed their experience and expertise; a lot of the groups set out back down to Dole but our guides advised only going as far as Machermo – while Dole was packed with groups coming up the valley and lots coming back down we had a quiet evening in a tea house with plenty of room to dry out our clothes around the fire following our trek down through deep snow whilst it was still snowing. Our journey back was well managed and enjoyable notwithstanding our disappointment at not reaching EBC. Our final day in Namche allowed a chance to revisit the Tenzing Norgay statue and viewpoint and I did get to see the peak of Everest; telling me I need to come back.
Whilst the trip as a whole didn’t deliver on all the itinerary highlights this was a definite five-star trip. I would strongly recommend Freedom Adventures, Kanchan and Tashi for any trek in Nepal. MBA’s administration was smooth and responsive before the trip with any questions I had and I would recommend them too.






An Ode To The Himalayas
The Himalayas had been on my list for years - and after four since my deposit, I finally made it.
It didn’t just live up to the dream; it blew straight past it.
There’s nothing quite like standing above 4,000 metres, lungs burning, legs questioning your life choices - and then looking up to see peaks soaring another three kilometres above you.
The scale of it all makes you laugh.
Valleys so deep they swallow the clouds, forests that feel endless, and villages that somehow exist halfway to the sky.
Each day was a climb, a test, and a reward.
Every ridge opened to another view that made you forget the thin air and fact that you were, still, indeed, on planet earth.
And somehow, amidst all that altitude and exhaustion, it was pure joy - thanks enormously to Kanchan and Tenzin, our endlessly calm, quick-witted mountain companions who made every step lighter (and every card game more competitive than it should’ve been).
And then there were our porters - Khagendra, Bhakta, and Gyanju - quiet strength and constant smiles. They’re the heartbeat of the Himalayas, the real heroes behind every summit photo.
I left Nepal a little leaner, a lot humbler, and completely hooked. One trip down - a lifetime to go back.
This place is special, the itinerary is special and the memory, never shall be forgot.

Amazing Trip!
Amazing adventure! So glad we did the Lakes and ChoLa Pass- stunning views, excellent weather and away from the crowds of Everest Base camp highway. Our guides were excellent and kept us safe - a couple of people from group got split apart on route, but the guides handled this brilliantly and manage to stay in touch with how everyone is doing.
We were so lucky with our group- everyone got on and supported each other - made for a truly memorable experience. Thank you to the guides Pusan, Uttar, Suman, and Tashi Would highly recommend this trip!!
Fantastic Trip
This trip was amazing and i'd recommend it to everyone. We were fortunate enough to have Pujan and his team of Uttar, Suman and Tashi. They were all really knowledgeable and always had a great positive attitude and made us feel like nothing was too much trouble. The route itself was great and im glad we opted in for this alternative route to base camp.
What happens when things don't work out
I set off for the Gokyo lakes with a great bunch of people but unfortunately for me things didn't go to plan. Its rare but I didn't react well to the altitude from relatively low down. At Namche it was clear I couldn't carry on with the main group. I thought my trip was over but Instead after discussing the options I was given my own guide and carried on with a friend on a shorter trek. The MBA ground crew were fantastic in enabling me to do this. Unfortunately the altitude stopped me completing this too and I had to be helicoptered back to Kathmandhu. Again MBA ground crew were amazing in sorting everything out for me hospital and insurance wise and even organised a free flight into the mountains a few days later when I was feeling better. I cannot say enough to thank all the crew and in particular Tassi and Himal who were absolutely amazing. The part of the trip I did complete. was spectacular and please don't let my very rare experience put you off. Rather be reassured you are in the very safest of hands in any event and frankly I can't give any higher praise than that.
Amazing adventure ! So glad
Amazing adventure ! So glad we did the Lakes and ChoLa Pass- stunning views and away from the crowds of Everest Base camp highway. Our guides were excellent and kept us safe - a couple of our group suffered from altitude sickness and they handled this brilliantly. We were so lucky with our group- everyone got on and supported each other - made for a truly memorable experience. Would highly recommend this trip!!
Wonderful Experience
This was a great experience, well organized and well run. The team are dedicated and try their best at all times. Things don't always run like clockwork in Nepal and the MBA team were great in dealing with the challenges we had along the way. When my friend became ill with AMS our guide, Tashi Tenzing could not have been better. He was very focused, caring (he slept on our floor!) and made good decisions. We were both very grateful for his dedication.
While I was unable to finish the walk I can highly recommend the experience and the MBA team.
wowie
What a trip! I would highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for outstanding views and wonderful guides.
A fantastic trip, definitely worth doing
If you want a challenge and want to see some incredible views this trip is for you. It’s fairly tough being at high altitude and the crossing of Cho La Pass is quite a climb, but all worth it. We had a lot of snow (mid October) and definitely needed decent microspikes.
Once in a lifetime experience!
Had a fantastic three weeks in Nepal, trekking to Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp; minus the unexpected blizzard, I looked forward to every day, walking, eating, sightseeing - and the views! Our team was fantastic, so attentive and caring - shout out to Kevin, Benja and Iceman - and our porters who carried our overnight bags the whole way. Also appreciate and respect their knowledge of the mountains, especially when we had to make the hard decision to change route due to the snow. Made no difference to my enjoyment though; highly recommend this trip, would do similar in a heartbeat.





EBC and Gokyo Lakes
Just finished the EBC and Gokyo Lakes trip and our guide Kevin was superb. We got caught in one of the worst snow storms they had seen for that time of year for 15 years meaning the Cho La pass was closed. Kevin suggested numerous options so we still got to see Gokyo Lakes and EBC and spent the night in a Sherpa village and trekking in a separate valley. Very authentic and a wonderful experience. I had heard great things about MBA and although this was my first trip with them it won’t be my last.
Our trip was absolutely fantastic.
Our trip was absolutely fantastic. A great experience. Our guides Kevin, benja and ice man were also fantastic. We had some issues along the way with weather and our guides had to make some tough calls but they did a truly fantastic job!




Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake.
🌏 Everest Base Camp Trek: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey
From the vibrant chaos of Kathmandu’s markets to the dramatic landing at Lukla Airport, this trek was nothing short of extraordinary. The route winds through landscapes that feel like a blend of Scandinavian pine forests, sun-scorched deserts, and snow-capped Alpine peaks—an unforgettable and challanging adventure.
✈️ Getting There We flew with Air India via Delhi. The staff at Delhi Airport were friendly and helpful. A light breakfast was served on the short 1hr 20min flight to Kathmandu—though it left room for improvement.
Tip: Be prepared for a wait at Kathmandu Airport’s visa queue. A tourist visa costs $50 and is easily obtained on arrival.
💱 Money Matters Bring GBP or USD to exchange into Nepalese Rupees (NPR) to avoid high ATM fees (NPR 700 per transaction). Despite online info, no currency exchange is available in the departures area, so convert any leftover NPR before leaving the market area. We brought around £900 for two people (approx. NPR 162,000) and had NPR 20,200 left at the end.
🏨 Where to Stay & Eat Vastu Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu is a gem—clean, cozy rooms, incredibly helpful staff, and a rooftop sunbathing area. Booking directly can save you money. Hotel Studio 16 Rooftop Bar offers excellent food at great prices—around £7 for two. The smoothie bowl is a standout. Cauchan Thakali Kitchen serves delicious chicken noodles and egg fried rice. Don’t miss the German Bakery in Gokyo—warm, welcoming, and they’ll even play mountaineering films. Free 15-minute device charging is a bonus.
🥾 Trekking Tips Food prices rise with altitude—expect to pay NPR 300+ more during the trek, and up to NPR 500 per litre for bottled water near Base Camp. Bring water purification tablets or a filtered bottle to avoid buying bottled water. Sunscreen is essential—UV exposure is intense, especially in the first five days. Always carry toilet paper—none is provided in teahouse toilets. Yaktrax or Kahtoola spikes are a must, even if not listed on your packing guide. Body wipes are useful as showers are rare and cost NPR 500–700. A sleeping bag liner is recommended, bedding is generally clean but may not be freshly laundered. Pack light—most of us overpacked. Thermals or pyjamas are perfect for sleeping. If you have food allergies, be cautious, ingredients aren’t always listed.
🌱 Sustainability & Final Thoughts We helped reduce waste by carrying down 14kg of trash from Namche in 1kg bags provided by our guide. Our final teahouse stay was a delightful surprise—private bathrooms and hot showers were a welcome luxury. Our group shared the cost of the final meal, a thoughtful gesture encouraged by our guide.
Awesome Adventure
I had been imagining this trip for some time, and was so excited for having the opportunity to finally complete it. Much Better Adventures superbly organized the adventure as described on their website. Our guides were knowledgeable, supportive, enthusiastic and encouraging throughout the trip. The hiking was amazing and the views outstanding. Seeing Mt Everest was a bucket list goal that I can say I’ve accomplished. Adding a few days to the trip in order to take the road less traveled through the Gokyo lakes region was well worth it. I’m very happy to have had this opportunity with such a wonderful group of people.
A breathtaking hike to the top of the world
I’ve wanted to go trekking in Nepal for a long time and the Gokyo & Everest Base Camp trek caught my eye. Gokyo was undoubtedly the most stunning place i've ever been to. It felt like the top of the world. I met some wonderfully gregarious people in my group which really makes all the difference when you join a trip as a solo traveller.
Pujan, our lead guide, was great, he had a calming presence, provided insightful stories, and constant encouragement, making us all feel safe and well cared for—he clearly knows exactly what he’s doing! I quite literally spent most of the trek following in the exact footsteps of our assistant guide Roshan. He was always leading the way with a lovely smile and the words “jam jam” became our favourite phrase to get us going, along with "mission is mission" and "drink mountain juice" (water). He and Pujan made a great leadership team, striking the perfect balance of motivation and reassurance.
Mingma, one of our porters, was the most attentive person in the group—so polite and kind. He astonished us by trekking from Lukla to Gokyo in a single day to join us and support the team (approximately 40km, with a huge amount of elevation)! Our other porters, Rasman, Dickman, and Amit—the true heroes behind the scenes. Watching them carry our gear up steep trails while we focused on one step at a time was humbling. Rasman, in particular, amazed us by carrying three bags at once for several days!
A quick note - please don't underestimate this trip - a good level of fitness is definitely needed to be able to keep up—it makes a real difference in how much you enjoy the journey and will ensure you can keep pace with the group. That said, the team was there to keep those who were struggling in our group motivated and pushed them to keep going.
I’m deeply grateful to the entire Freedom Adventures team for making this such a beautiful journey.
Incredible adventure
This was an adventure I'll remember for a long time - a great group, and an exceptional team of guides who helped us physically and mentally, made us laugh, led us through tricky terrain, and made it so rewarding. We had a couple of changes to planned itinerary / challenges with weather/ sickness, and the communication was clear throughout, disruption minimised, and everyone kept safe. I cannot given enough credit to our guides and support team - thank you Sunil, Uttar, Lakpa, Sunil (and Bir, who stood in for the first 2 days). Would highly recommend this over the straight EBC trip - as a circular trek rather than an out and back along the very busy EBC path. It's definitely challenging between the cold, altitude and physical demands, and really advise taking your preparation seriously in order to get the most of it while you're there - because it's so worth it!!
GOKYO RI
Gokyo Ri has been on the Bucket List for sometime so was absolutely wonderful to see this for real. The colours are off the chart you can’t believe what you are seeing. I definitely would recommend the extra few days on this trek to see this if you are weighing it up between this and the traditional EBC route. For me, Gokyo was the highlight and Base Camp an interesting aside.
We had amazing weather which was great, but it was the sunny dispositions of all the team that really kept us all going. Pujan and Roshan our guides, made great encouragers as well as setting a great pace to keep as all going and believing we could achieve our goal! Really positive and caring personally, but also in practical ways - which you definitely need when you are not really yourself with the compounding effects of lack of sleep and altitude etc…!
Pujan, has a really broad knowledge of the areas we walked through, all the mountains in the different ranges, heights and facts, info on local cultures and way of life and plenty of stories to share. Really interesting getting offline, and listening and learning about lots of new things. The trip itinerary is well considered with when you move, what times, where you sleep and at what altitude, so you are set up the best for the next day. I took each day one at a time, fully trusting Pujan had this totally planned out, whether that came to Plan A B or C! You know he had it covered.
None of the trip would have been possible without our incredible porters. To say they made trekking look easy is an understatement! So grateful for their support and smiles skipping off up the mountains with our big bags while we struggle with our little day packs! Rasman, Dickman and Amit were superstars and joined later with Mingma who magically seemed to cover about 4 days of our level trekking in one day to arrive and support the team in Gokyo from Lukla in just a day! The guys went ahead of us every day to make sure when we arrived we had everything all ready in our rooms and were comfy. Magic behind the scenes. Thank you guys for your strength and support.
The trip isn’t easy and you may find yourself questioning your life choices sometimes along the way! But, it is exceptionally beautiful to be off the beaten path and experiencing something not many get to. I am sure you will feel a great sense of achievement when you complete the trek and may well find yourself thinking which one next…!
Itinerary Activities
- 13 days guided hiking on the circular Gokyo Lakes route to Everest Base Camp, via the Cho La pass and Kala Patthar
- 2 acclimatisation days (with optional short hikes in Namche and to Gokyo Ri)
Guides
- Local, expert, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
- 2 nights in a central hotel in Kathmandu
- 1 night glamping in safari tents
- 15 nights in traditional Nepalese teahouses
Meals
- 2 tasty breakfasts
- A welcome dinner in Kathmandu on Day 1
- A farewell dinner in Kathmandu on Day 18
Internal flights
- Internal flight from Kathmandu or Manthali to Lukla
- Return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu or Manthali
Transfers
- Arrival transfer from Kathmandu Airport at any time
- Departure transfer to Kathmandu Airport at any time
- All transfers during the trip
Porterage
- Your overnight luggage is carried for you by a team of porters
Permits
- All fees and trekking permits are taken care of
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Meals
We do not include meals on the trek, as from experience we know that altitude and physical exercise can mean appetites vary hugely. The cost of food rises as you ascend as it is all carried in by porters and yaks and as you get higher up, very little food can be grown. How much you spend per day will vary according to your choice of meal but generally, people spend between $25-$35 per person per day on meals and hot drinks. Below is an approximate breakdown of some items:
- Dal baht: $4 to $7
- Chow mein: $2 to $4
- Eggs: $2 to $4
- Toast: $1.50 to $3
- Tea/hot chocolate: $1 to $3
- Chocolate bars: $2 to $4
Teahouses will provide cold water free of charge; however, it needs to be treated to enable you to drink it. Please read the FAQ regarding our advice here.
Miscellaneous Costs
Other extra costs to be considered are:
- Shower: $2-$4
- WiFi: $2-5
- Electricity: $2-5
See the FAQ 'What's Plan B in case of Lukla flight cancellations?' also.
Tips
It is customary in Nepal to tip guides and porters. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. You can give any tips to your lead guide at the end of your trip. This will then be shared amongst the whole team. For full transparency, the lead guide will distribute the tips to the guides and porters in your presence. It is customary for the guides to receive a higher share than the porters as they are more highly qualified.
A good rule of thumb is around $185pp as a tip, although the amount you give is entirely your choice.
If you would like to give an additional tip to a member of the team who has supported you personally, please do so directly and discretely.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities. Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (5550m) as well as for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
What do I need to bring?
- Day pack with rain cover (30 litre +)
- Rucksack or duffle bag (for the porters to carry overnight kit)
Clothes
- Waterproof jacket
- Lightweight down jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Lightweight trekking trousers
- Hiking shorts (if trekking in the summer)
- Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)
- 2/3 trekking t-shirts/shirts
- Fleece or warm mid-layer
- Waterproof thick gloves
- Glove liners
- Hiking socks and lighter walking socks
- Wool hat
- Sun hat
- Spare underwear
- Buff or similar
Shoes
- Worn in waterproof hiking boots
- Lightweight trainers (for the evenings)
Sleeping
- 4-season sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pillow case (optional)
Other
- Microspikes (for the Cho La Pass, which is glaciated)
- Trekking poles
- Travel towel
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
- 2 water bottles (1 litre each)
- Metal SIGG bottle (useful to fill with hot water to use as a hot water bottle at bedtime)
- Headtorch
- First aid kit and/or personal medication
- Water purification tablets/system
- Hand gel
- Biodegradable wet wipes
- Small biodegradable bags to take toilet tissue off the mountain
- Toilet paper/tissues
- Powerbank
- Universal plug adaptor
- Book/kindle/cards for downtime
Winter departures only (end Nov-March)
- Gaiters
- Extra warm layers (add an extra warm item to all key items above)
- Extra set of thermals (pair to walk in, pair to sleep in)
- Merino trekking socks
- Merino glove liners
What's available to hire?
The below can be rented in Kathmandu:
- Down jacket: costs approx. $1.5/day with a deposit of $50
- Sleeping bag (3-season only available): costs approx. $2/day with a deposit of $80
- Microspikes: costs approx. $1.5/day.
(Please ask your host if this is needed so they can assist you with how to arrange the hire)
What can you buy in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu has many outdoor gear shops - some are real with kit that is the same price you will find it at home and some are filled with cheaper imitation gear that may not be of the same quality. You will however find a soft duffel bag easily that the porters can carry.
Weight Restrictions
There is a weight restriction on the flight to and from Lukla of 10kg checked baggage plus 5kg hand luggage. It is not a problem for you to check in 1-2kg more than this as long as you are happy to pay an excess luggage charge (approx. £1 per kg). Some items may be left in the hotel in Kathmandu if necessary.
Please remove all unnecessary packing before you leave home and ensure you take all plastic off the mountain to be disposed of in Kathmandu.
Optional Private Room Upgrade (Kathmandu x 2 nights)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade (Kathmandu x 2 nights)
…
Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Single)
…
Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Twin/Double)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Twin/Double)
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 612kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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 cancelled during the trekking season. If your flight to Lukla is cancelled 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 cancelled 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 cancelled 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 cancellations 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 booking an extra night’s accommodation in Kathmandu at the end of the trip.
The preferred currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Whilst 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 GBP300.
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 GBP (Sterling), 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.
We work with some of the best leaders in the industry, every one of which is government licensed and very experienced. In order 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 10kg checked baggage plus 5kg hand luggage. It is not a problem for you to check in 1-2kg more than this as long as you are happy to pay an excess luggage charge (approx. £1 per kg). 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 20-25kg of kit so your overnight bags and spare clothes will be transported for you (maximum 12kg per person). You will only need to carry a ‘day pack’ with essentials in (extra layer, snacks, water, suncream, camera etc.
We’ve sourced some great optional activities for you to do in and around Kathmandu should you wish to explore the area a little bit further. Please discuss these directly with your host who will be able to book them for you.
Cook Like a Local: This cooking workshop (approximately 3 hours) teaches you how to cook popular Nepali dishes, like momo and dal bhat. You’ll meet your teacher and accompany them shopping, then head to the kitchen and learn to cook alongside them. Price: Pay what you think the workshop is worth!
Shop Local: A 2 to 3 hour guided exploration of the markets of Kathmandu. Learn about the vendors that line the narrow and crowded alleyways and witness everything you could ever imagine being sold, haggled or bargained for. It’s a great chance to learn about the melting pot of cultures that exist in Kathmandu. Price: $9-$50pp, depending on the group size
Master of the Arts: Patan Durbar Square is popular for its handicrafts and this trip will explore the local factories where they are produced. You’ll visit 2-3 factories and learn about the traditional processes they use and see artwork being produced. Price: $14-$59pp, depending on the group size.
Introduction to Shamanism: Shamanism, which is believed to heal many diseases, is not practiced widely these days, however this trip enables you to meet a practising Guru and learn all about this age-old tradition. You’ll visit a small house for an introduction, followed by lunch and then a drumming session where you’ll learn the importance of rhythm to healing. Price: $90-$150, depending on group size.
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 burnt or dumped in landfill out of sight). You will instead be provided with cold water that needs treating. There is a wide range of products available these days which 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 return domestic flight to Lukla. Nepal's mountainous terrain and weather make for challenging flying conditions and sadly 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 in order 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 booking. Additional information can be found on the Aviation Safety Network entry for Nepal as well as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for Nepal. Domestic airlines in Nepal are generally not accredited by any internationally recognised 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.
Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (5550m) as well as for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
This trip reaches elevations above 4500m, where the risks associated with Altitude Sickness (AMS) are higher, and where more serious conditions like HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) can occur.
Previous high-altitude experience doesn’t guarantee the same reaction every time, but it can be a helpful indicator. It gives you insight into how your body might respond, helps you recognise symptoms early, and prepares you mentally and physically for the demands of high-altitude trekking.
Your guide is trained to manage altitude risk by carefully managing the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and taking action if anyone becomes unwell.
Before travelling, think about your own physical condition and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have underlying health issues. If possible, arriving a day or two early at altitude is a great way to help your body adjust.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
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 are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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 on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
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.
Reviews

Adventure of a lifetime
Andrew C. November 2025

Fabulous trip, superbly planned and guided , stunning scenery
Suzanne G. November 2025

Winter Wonderland - Oct 25
Gordon M. November 2025

Great group!
GIA-YUN H. November 2025

An Ode To The Himalayas
Neil P. November 2025

Amazing Trip!
James S. November 2025

EBC and Gokyo Lakes
Sarah D. October 2025

Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake.
Stuart L. June 2025
The Best Trip!!
Matthew P. November 2025
"Where to start! This was the trip of a lifetime! Held together by an amazing team lead by our head guide Pujan our assistant guides Sabin, Asman and Lama, cannot thank you guys enough! you all an incredible job keeping us safe and organised the whole time. All we had to do was concentrate on walking, everything else was taken care of. Views and memories that will last a lifetime, Thank you so much! Big shout out to the support team lead by Saila Dai, dont know how you guys carry those bags all that way! Deciding to come away on this adventure was one of the best decisions we made, We met some fantastic people and achieved so much. Thank you so much to the team for getting us all through!!"


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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 21st March 2026
to Wednesday 8th April 2026
2026 Early Bird Sale Offer - Next 1 spot available at 15% off


