Everest and Gokyo Lakes Circuit

We had a great and very successful trip. There was plenty of time for acclimatisation and the guides ensured the pace was always very doable for the whole group. They also kept us entertained in the Tea houses, especially Sunil with his riddles😂. The scenery was awesome. And we got lucky with having fresh snow for the crossing of ChoLa pass and also clear skies for a sunset trip up Kala Pattar. It was the best trip. The porters also did a great job and out bags always got to the tea house before us

Where to begin with this trip, our group of 6 had the most incredible time. Our guides Kuss and Pembe made the trip totally unforgettable. Some of the days were challenging, the most being the Cho Lo pass, but others fairly moderate and at our venues by lunchtime, so it was a good mix of hard long days and other shorter days.

We had a couple of misty days at the start but apart from that the weather was brilliant, clear skies and views for miles, and didn't rain once.

The highlights of the trip were the Gokyo Ri hike, which was hard but had the most amazing views at the top which will stick with me forever, and after 2 weeks reaching base camp was quite emotional, the other being the aforementioned Cho Lo pass which was hard but very rewarding.

Take some cards for the downtime as you will have some free afternoons, but also get to enjoy quick acclimatisation hikes to keep you awake.

Much better adventures took care of everything, and the knowledge of the guides and local history was brilliant. Also the incredible work by the porters to take our kit from teahouse to teahouse, no better feeling then having your bag there when you arrive, whatever you do please tip them all generously.

I'll be back for another adventure at somepoint.

Just incredible and so well organised local company Freedom looked after everyone so well ensuring not only everyone’s safety and wellbeing but also a fun and life long memory of a trip Kush the head guide and Pemba the assistant guide along with the support staff were all amazing and ensured we had an easy experience with little to worry about apart from Hiking and admiring the scenery

The most amazing trip of my life. Excellent organisation, phenomenal people - we were so lucky with our group of 6 and all had a wonderful time - and special thanks to our amazing guide Kush and assistant guide Pemba, who made the entire experience unforgettable. (plus the support staff Laxmi, Prassant and Assis! Couldn't have done it without them)

The scenery and views were unlike anything I've seen before, and if you have the time, would fully recommend choosing this trip over the traditional EBC route; Gokyo was the most beautiful place I've ever seen and the added sense of satisfaction we got from making it over Cho La in the snow was great.

Wish I was back playing uno, eating dal bhat and GLH with a million layers on - already planning another trip to Nepal!

Thanks a million gang

The trip was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. I feel our group of 6 struck gold with our guide Kush who was just the best. He looked after us, entertained us, encouraged us and made the trip even more incredible along with our assistant guide Pemba. They kept us safe and well and always had their eyes on us to check how we were doing. The trek was the hardest thing I have ever done, a real physical and mental challenge but so rewarding. The scenery was breathtaking and there were so many wow, amazing moments. I will treasure the memories of this trip and remember the Gokyo lakes and the views of Everest for the rest of my life.

Challenging but highly rewarding experience that was made possible with the guidance and support of the Freedom Adventures team

Airports, planes, helicopters and finally you can set off on your adventures. The Mother Nature decides, whether you will land at the famous Lukla airport and leave once all trekking is done and dusted, all due to unpredictable weather. This was 3 weeks of eating, drinking to fuel your body right to enable you to get closer to your goals, crossing Cho La pass and reaching EBC. Thanks to our guide, Gyanu and assistant guide, Roshan who cheer us up and looked after us with immense care, not to forget our 3 sherpas lagging our belongings (still in awe how they do it, when I struggled with my 5kg day pack), they made the trip unforgettable. The scenery was out of this world…so why don’t you pack your merino layers, wet wipes, bog roll and good sense of humour and venture out to Himalayas, in the footsteps of Ed Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, Rob Hall just to mention few, to tell your story.

This was, without a doubt, the most mind-blowing, life-altering experience I’ve ever had—something that feels like it happens once in many lifetimes. While the mountains were breathtaking beyond words, it was the people I shared this journey with that truly made it unforgettable.

Our little group of three had an absolute blast from start to finish. The accommodations were beyond what we expected for such a remote region, the food was delicious, and we always felt safe and well taken care of. The trek itself was the perfect balance—challenging enough to feel rewarding but comfortable and flexible, with plenty of time for breaks and rest.

What really set this trip apart was our guide, Kanchan. He didn’t just lead us through the trek; he created an incredible group dynamic and kept our spirits high every single day. Most importantly, he made us feel completely safe. Each night, we’d gather for a debrief—covering the next day’s plans, how we were feeling emotionally, and even checking our oxygen levels. By the end of the first day, we trusted Kanchan completely, and I can honestly say the trip wouldn’t have been nearly as magical without him. We also had a fabulous time with our assistant guide in training, Nabeen, and our porter, Khagendra. I have an enormous smile on my face even reading this review back.

I'll absolutely be booking with MBA again!

This was one of the most amazing experience's i've ever gone through. Unfortunately we we were unable to make Cho la Pass and EBC due to unprecedented weather in Nepal. Although this felt disappointing our guide Kanchan made sure we got to Gokyo which felt like the 8th wonder of the world and a place I will NEVER forget! We also went to Ama Dablam base camp, a really good hike in lieu of EBC. I felt so blessed with our small group and have made friends for life. I cannot recommend Much Better Adventures / Freedom adventures enough for how we were looked after as soon as we landed to when we were departing. Be aware that the sun was intense, pack light / UV resistant long sleeve tops to protect yourself as much as possible as we all suffered with sunburn. Although this was physically challenging I feel so proud and accomplished and would do it again in a heartbeat! Don't hesitate, just book it....

The Gokyo Lakes and EBC trek was an epic experience. I was fortunate to be part of an amazing group of nine, whose camaraderie and support made the journey even more special. The Himalayas are truly majestic, and walking among the towering peaks, snowy valleys, crossing glaciers, and swinging bridges was an experience like no other. While the Gokyo region's lakes were spectacular, the clear highlight for me was the Cho La Pass. It was difficult and challenging, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top was unparalleled. Each stretch of the trek rewarded us with incredible scenery, making it a trip of a lifetime. This incredible adventure was made possible by our exceptional leader, Nurbu Sherpa, and our amazing assistant guides, Benja Rai and Roshan Rai. They were our constant companions, cheering us on and ensuring our well-being every step of the way. Nurbu Sherpa was always available to answer questions and address any concerns, and the trip ran smoothly thanks to the excellent organisation by Freedom Adventures. While there were undoubtedly some extremely challenging days, their unwavering support and positive attitudes kept us going. Our health and safety were their top priorities. None of this would have been possible without our incredible "iron men" – the porters. They carried our loads, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the surroundings. Each morning, they greeted us with the warmest smiles, making our journey even more memorable. Special thanks to Narendra Rai, Laxmi Tamang, Dikman Rai, Nabaraj Rai, and Saila Rai.

A heartfelt thank you to the team and the friendships made along the way.

What an amazing experience, trekking through the Everest region via the Gokyo lakes. Stunning scenery and just awesome views of the Himalayas! We had an amazing team of professional guides, lead by Kanchan and assistants Anil and Fhurpa, who were very accommodating and gelled really well with our group. Same goes for the porters who made sure we always had access to our luggage when we arrived in the tea houses after a long day of trekking. Accommodation and food varied from good to basic (in more remote areas) but perfectly suited for the trek. It's been an experience of a lifetime for me I can only recommend Freedom Adventures very highly!

I cannot say enough about how wonderful this trip was - lifechanging, challenging, beautiful and truly an adventure of a lifetime. A huge thank you to the following for being the BEST team of assistant guides (Benja Rai, Roshan Rai), porters (Narendra Rai, Laxmi Tamang, Dikman Rai, Nabaraj Rai, Saila Rai) and the greatest sherpa of all time - Nurba Sherpa. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. The mountains, teahouses, culture, hospitality and most importantly the people on this trip. Forever grateful. Thank you.

This was the trip of a lifetime! Nurbu Sherpa, and assistant guides, Benjamin Rai and Roshan Rai were amazing, as well as all the porters (Narendra Rai, Laxmi tamang, Dikman Rai, Nabaraj Rai, Saila rai) who supported us throughout the trek. The views were incredible and the trekking was challenging but rewarding, it was the best trip and would 100% recommend to others.

The Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp trek was a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. The views were magnificent: the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes, the yellow tents of Everest Base Camp among enormous mountants, the challenging and rewarding sunrise on rocky Kala Pathar, and the breathtaking (figuratively and literally) Cho La Pass. The trek is physically and mentally demanding but 100% rewarding.

Huge thanks to our lead guide, Nurbu Sherpa, and assistant guides, Benjamin Rai and Roshan Rai, for providing support, expertise, and encouragement throughout the journey. I also greatly appreciate our porters, without whom we wouldn't have enjoyed the experience.

Had a great time trekking the Gokyo lakes and EBC route. Our guide Kanchan was excellent, very knowledgable and always made sure we were comfortable. Would definitely recommend to others.

This was a trip I will remember for a very long time - a real once in a lifetime experience. Our guide Kanchan was always so informative, friendly, and knowledgeable, with infectious high energy and enthusiasm. He’s a better chess player than he’ll admit too.. The whole trip was well organised and ran very smoothly, which allowed us to really enjoy the surroundings without worry. The trecking is challenging at times but always more than worth it, and part of the experience. The Gokyo route provides a quiter alternative to the main EBC trek with stunning scenery. Many thanks to Kanchan and assistant Uther for an amazing experience.

Everest and Gokyo Lakes Circuit was the most amazing experience. Our guides, Nurbu, Nima and Benjamin, were wonderful. They put 110% effort into making this an unforgettable adventure for all of us. They knew how to adapt to the needs of the group and individuals. Prefesionals who make it a fun and enjoyable trip.

Furthermore, the trip is very well put together. The alternation of heavy and less heavy days makes it easy to do! Well ‘easy’ because there are hard days for sure.

I also have a great deal of appreciation for the porters who helped us with our belongings. We could never have done this without them!

The views keep changing and this is one of the coolest things I have ever done, I would recommend it to everyone!

The EBC Gokyo Trek was phenomenal! From the breathtaking views to the challenging yet rewarding trails, every moment was filled with awe! Special thanks to the guides (nurbu sherpa, nijma sherpa and benjamin rai) and host team, who were incredibly attentive and friendly, making the journey safe and enjoyable. Plus, the trek was well-organized, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Highly recommend!

I had been looking forward to this trip for many months and it certainly did not disappoint. From start to finish I felt comfortable and cared for. Already having some experience hiking at altitude was a definite help and allowed me to feel prepared for what to expect. Nonetheless, being in the mountains at such a height for two weeks is not easy. The Gokyo route is absolutely stunning and a definite must to avoid the busier trails linked to the standard Everest Base Camp trek. I would strongly recommend this to everyone considering a trekking holiday in Nepal. A huge thank you to Nurbu, Nima and Benja along with the porting staff for allowing the trip to run effortlessly with constant laughter throughout. These three made the trip so special, it definitely would not have been the same without them, and I can confidently say the whole group would agree.

Embarking on this journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal was nothing short of transformative. If you have the time I would highly recommend to take the few extra days and travel through the Gokyo Lakes and Valley rather than going straight to Base Camp.

Despite the challenges (there were at least 3 days that really really tested me!), this adventure was completely worth it! We completely lucked out and had the most amazing guides with Nurbu Sherpa, Lima Sherpa and Benjamin Rai! They made our trip for us and helped me significantly on my challenging days.

From the awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas to the warm hospitality of the locals, hosts and the cute tea houses, every step of the way was filled with wonder and discovery! You won't regret this trip <3

This was an epic Himalayan Adventure, one that challenges you mentally & physically but is equally rewarding. We had a brilliant group of trekkers, guides and porters which was well managed by lead guide Nurbu Sherpa and his assistants Nima Sherpa & Benjamin Rai. They were professional, knowledgeable, considerate, funny and very entertaining. This trip had it all and made for a very memorable time with great people. I would recommend this trip over the regular EBC trip as you get to see so much more of the region as it a circuit. It’s a longer itinerary, and more expensive but it’s so worth it !! Alan

Hi: Lot's to mention here - first off, I want to thank you for ALL the intricate preparations that go into making an adventure this complicated happen. Also, thank you to all the Nepali, most specifically 9 individuals that I will get to later, for opening their hearts and their land to a bunch of strangers with a wholesome, kind and warm hearted way that will literally stay lingering in my mind forever. Nepal will never be far from my thoughts now. There are three folks that I want to highlight: first off, Benza and Neema, the two assistant guides were a combination of expertise, coach, best friend, encourager and servers. When I couldnt move one more step, when my mind and my heart and my soul was crushed, there were those two young men offering me a cup of coffee, a hand up a hill, a Sherpa stew or maybe just the right words to keep me going up one more hill. And they do it with calm and equanimity that here in America, we've really lost. Then there is Nurbu. WOW. I dont think I can do justice to describe the level of professionnalism, grit, level-headedness, earnesty that could be in one human being. I was significantly older than the rest of the group who were young single Millenials. My strong point has never been group situations either! So, a few days into it Im thinking: 'Why on Earth did I sign up for this?' Nurbu felt it to and with his signature kindness, he navigated the delicate situation to make it better. It's those small kindnesses that really count. I then fell ill with a very bad bronchitis. I really fell apart since I was coughing non-stop, barely able to breathe. Again, Nurbu, a person who must hold so many hats in his very complex job, stepper into action to try to find cough medicine for me, to assure me that my body could still do this, and that honestly it was not a big deal, that they all had my back. So thank you for a trip to the highest mountains, but also an internal trip to see what mettle we are made of. This was the adventure of a lifetime.

Amazing amazing amazing. I had never hiked before but had a decent level of fitness and it was very challenging but rewarding. What I would say is don’t underestimate the intensity of the trip. There are some easy days but also some long days fuelled by jelly babies and Oreo’s.

Freedom Adventures was a great company and were very organised with everything we needed.

I was very lucky to have an amazing group of people on the trip but the most amazing part of the trip were the guides. Nurbu is someone you should actually ask to be your guide on your trip. He is a legend. He is warm, knowledgable and one of the funniest people around. His team love him and it makes the experience wonderful as they’re all an incredible team. The assistant guides Nima and Benja are also amazing. Nima is very kind and patient with those who need a little extra help and as an experienced climber he is great as the team walking lead for the more difficult parts of the trip like Cho La or scrambling at the glacier. Benja is very kind and funny and always ready to help people who need some more one to one support. He spent a lot of time with my friend who has trouble going down on steep areas and he held her hand and took her slowly down everytime.

Another think important about freedom is that they look after their porters. There are strict weight limits on what they carry and it’s clear the porters loved being part of the team. After a hard day going across the Cho La pass we stopped to make a snow man and have a snowball fight and everyone joined in.

I’d love to come back and do Annapurna and if I do there is no one else I’d use except Much Better Adventures. And of course I’d insist on Nurbu, Nima and Benja again!

Thank you everyone! Charlotte (Charlie)

I have just returned after an unforgettable trip to Nepal. My partner and I completed the Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, and EBC trek. Thanks to Dakman, Ugan and, our porters I had most incredible time. Dakman is such a calming, wise, and good spirited presence and Ugan always provided lots of laughter and always had a smile on his face. We would have never got through the 18 days without all of the team and are so thankful to them for creating the best memories, in such stunning, and magical surroundings. For anyone who is considering the trek I would recommend the Gokyo Lakes circuit over the standard EBC trek. Whilst it's a little longer, it provides more time/practice for acclimatisation and the views are unreal. Thank you to Dakman and the team for an incredible 3 weeks.

What an incredible trip! We had an amazing group of six who became almost instant friends, and our guides made sure we had a wonderful, successful adventure!

Our team was led by our main guide, Dakman Thapa, and assistant guide, Ugen Sherpa, and we had three porters: Furi Sherpa, Nishan Tamang, and Visan Rai. Dakman and Ugen handled everything professionally (from accommodation and trekking permits to Lukla flight delays) so that our trip ran smoothly. Dakman is an exceptional guide. His knowledge, openness, kindness, and encouragement got us through even the toughest days, and he really made this adventure special. He always made sure to check on everyone individually, and knew exactly what to say to motivate us. Ugen was brilliant and very knowledgeable, and his infectious laugh and positivity made everyone smile. Our porters were wonderful, and when we met them on the trails they were kind and friendly, even on tough trekking days. Furi especially often had a smile and a joke ready to share.

The scenery is, needless to say, stunning. The vastness of the Himalayas is something you really have to see to comprehend. The view from Gokyo Ri and the sunrise from Kala Patthar were incredible, but there were so many highlights along the way, from the colourful rhododendrons to the peaceful Tengboche Monastery, and all the yaks, jhopkyas and cute dogs along the trail.

The teahouses were basic but always provided a clean room (shared between two people), a warm common room, and a good selection of food. The hot drinks were great (masala tea and hot mango juice were popular choices for our group). As we got higher the amenities become more basic and the temperature dropped below freezing, but we always had hot drinks, warm water in our flasks at night, and plenty of snacks to get us through.

Overall a fantastic adventure, and I can definitely recommend it!

This was an excellent trip, well organised and great fun. Our guide, Dakman, made the whole experience for me - knowledgeable, kind and with a great sense of humour, I feel lucky to have had him for the 15 days. The teahouses were on the whole very good, some more basic than others, specifically the one at basecamp, which I felt was unhygienic. The tour and route was varied, extremely beautiful and comfortably challenging. The group were great and we bonded very quickly with the help from our guides.

What can I say about this trip it was hard, painful, cold, breathtaking, inspiring add to that the lack of oxygen and you have a well rounded adventure. The group consisted of three women one of them my daughter and one man me. The guides were Nurbu Sherpa and Bijaya Rai these guides were informative and carried out their duties admirably.All questions were answered in detail in fact further information was given voluntarily which added to the richness of the trip. It was noted also that theses guides were assessing the group for possible health problems at each stage of the trip, which was reassuring. Also the guides had a sense of fun, interacting with the group lightening the mood when times become difficult on the trek. Overall, once I had forgotten the pain the adventure has become very enjoyable, keep up the good work Thankyou Colin Platt

The trip was everything and more I could have asked for. Kanchan, Birdhoj, Anil and all of the porters were incredible. They went through each of the next days plan the night before and were always there for any help needed as well as being the most lovely and fun people to spend time with on the trip. I can’t recommend it enough.

This trip was a highlight of my life, and surpassed every expectation I had. Our guides Dakman, Phurba and Bir made this experience unforgettable. It was a privilege to learn about Nepal and Sherpa culture through their excellent knowledge. Their professionalism, organisation and hard work behind the scenes meant that our trek ran smoothly and according to plan, with everyone's safety made a priority. We shared special memories not only when trekking and experiencing the awe-inspiring, humbling scenery Khumbu has to offer, but getting to know each other during quiet moments at our teahouses in the evening are memories I will treasure forever. Dakman, Phurba and Bir joined in and had so much patience for our British sarcasm and relentless jokes at each others expense! I am so grateful to have been led by this wonderful team - dhanyabād. The pace of the trip was well suited to all, and resulted in reaching base camp successfully and safely. I feel so fortunate to have shared this with such a great group of people. For anyone thinking of booking this adventure, I cannot recommend highly enough. Two and a half weeks of experiencing the Himalayas is an adventure you will never forget. Till next time, Nepal!

The Gokyo Lakes trip far exceeded my expectations on every level. It was an incredible experience in the most beautiful setting only made better by the amazing team of guides and porters led by Dakman. I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone considering it, just make sure you do some training and bring the right kit as there are some tough and very cold days - the scenery and team experience make it all worth it though!