Gokyo Lake Trek
5 USD 1420 Per Person
TRIP DURATION
16 Days
MAX. ALTITUDE
5555 meters
TRIP GRADE
Moderate
LODGING
Tea house
BEST SEASON
12 months a year
MEALS
Breakfast lunch dinner
COMMUNICATION
Local sim card
PER DAY WALK
5 to 6 hours

Gokyo Lake Trek

Everybody has imagined returning to Everest for a rejuvenating hike. But have you ever considered what might be on the other side of the magnificent Mount Everest? Have you ever thought there might be a better view than the one from Everest Base Camp? If you haven’t, please take a moment to read this article, and you cannot resist booking the Himalayan master’s Gokyo Lake trek.

The Gokyo Valley houses six sparkling, pristine green water lakes at a height of about 5,000 meters. Placed right before the beautiful mountains and the semi-arid Himalayan landscape, these glacier lakes represent the most beautiful creation of Mother Nature. This trek is the most wholesome experience you will ever have.

And combined with the Everest Base Camp trek, you will create the most unforgettable views of your life. The Gokyo Valley trek starts with an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After landing at Lukla, we follow the classic trail to the Namche Bazaar. Moving further north from Namche, we follow a recently opened trail via Dole to Machhermo and reach Gokyo on the 8th day.

Walking along the alpine grasslands of Everest, we will soon reach Gokyo. Exploring one of the highest settlements in the world and an incredible panorama from Gokyo-Ri is a blessing. But the adventure is yet to come.

Returning a few more steps on the same route, we get to Namche. A short walk takes us to the Lukla airport on a classic Everest Base Camp route. Finally, flying back to Kathmandu, an extraordinary journey to the Gokyo Lake Trek ends.

Highlights Of Gokyo Lake Trek

Witness the spectacular views of all the lakes of Gokyo Valley, namely Gokyo Cho, Phonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, and Ngojumba Cho. Skip the crowds of the Everest Base Camp while witnessing an even better and more exciting view within the solitude of nature.

  • A very challenging climb to the high passes of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and Renjo La pass (5,340 m).
  • A very thrilling flight to Lukla Airport, one of the highest-altitude airports in the world.
  • Witness the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna within the Sagarmatha National Park.
  • A glimpse into the rich Tibetan Buddhism of the Sherpa people on Everest.

Want an easier trek on Everest? Look for the Everest View trek instead.

ITINERAY

Day 01: Arrival

Altitude: 1400 m

The representative of the Himalayan master picks you up from the airport and transfers you to the hotel in Thamel. Or, we shall pick you up from any other places around Kathmandu Valley. After recovering from the Jet lag, you can visit the places around Thamel. After a briefing session in the evening, it’s time to gather for the farewell dinner and some exciting gossip about Gokyo Lake Trek.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Meal : Dinner

Accomodation : 3-star hotel

Walking / Driving : 30mins drive

Day 02: Sightseeing and trek preparation

Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital is an ideal tourist destination. It is famous as the City of Temples and houses different UNESCO world heritage sites. Sightseeing in this historical city helps to comprehend the cultural and historical values of this tiny country.

We visited Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, your Everest guide helps you with shopping or renting the trekking gear and packing the bags. We are all set for the Gokyo-Ri trek.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Meal : Breakfast

Accomodation : 3-star hotel

Day 03: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Altitude: 2,651m

Duration: 25min flight/ 3-5 hrs trek

In the morning, a private car picks us up from the hotel gate and drives us to the airport. Soon, we will fly above the lush hills beyond Kathmandu valley. Flying above the beautiful valley of Jiri, the plane heads to the Lukla airport. After landing, we met the rest of the crew and handed our bags to the porter.

After some stop here, we slowly moved along the Dudh Kosi River. After a few hours of upward and downward walk, we reach our destination for the day i.e. Phakding. This will be your first tea house experience during the Gokyo EBC trek.

Overnight in Phakding

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Tea house

Walking / Driving : 30mins flight/ 4 hours trek

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Altitude: 3,438m

Distance: 5-6 hours

Leaving Phakding we further head towards the north. Walking closer to the mountains along the river bank is itself very relaxing. Our highlight of the day is crossing several suspension bridges including the Hillary suspension bridge.

Moving to the classic village of Monjo, we stop to get our permits checked. This is the entry point of the Sagarmatha National park. From Jorsale, we take a steep ascent directly to the Namche Bazaar. The beauty and lights of Namche will surely captivate you.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Guest house

Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours

Day 05: Rest day in Namche

Namche Bazaar Trek

Our plan for the day is to relax in the mountains and let our souls feel peace before we succeed in Gokyo Chola’s pass. If you are feeling excited, you can hike to the Everest view hotel for the awesome panorama of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, Kwangde Peak, Kusum peak, Kangaru peak, and other peaks. Or, you can just stay in your hotel and visit the Namche Village in the evening. There’s a local museum, school, classic village, and a large market you can visit in the daytime.

Overnight at Namche

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Guest house

Day 06: Trek to Dole

Altitude: 4,200 meters

Distance: 5-6 hours

Climbing beyond Namche, we first reach the lower slopes of Khumbila. Further moving deep into the Khumbu region, our next stop shall be Mong La. Climbing along with the occasional colourful prayer flags and the beautiful forest of pine and Rhododendron, we reach Dole before sunset. The beautiful view of the mountains and the glacier lakes keeps on joining us towards Gokyo village.

Overnight in Dole

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Tea house

Walking / Driving : 6 to 7 hours

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo

Altitude: 4410m

Duration: 3 hours

From Dole, we plan to reach Machhermo before lunch. Today’s short walk to Machhermo helps us acclimatize before we enter the highlands of Gokyo. The tiny village has new lodges that remain empty most of the year. People of Khumjung and Khunde often use the land of Machhermo for grazing their cattle. In the summer, you can see many yaks and sheep in these highlands.

Overnight in Machhermo

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Tea house

Walking / Driving : 6 to 7 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo

Altitude: 4,800m

Distance: 3hours

This is going to be a short and relaxing day in the mountains. First, we hike up via the thorny alpine vegetation. Above the village, we can see Cho-Oyo, Kangtega, and Thamserku smiling down at us. Here, we see the first glimpse of the Ngozumpa Glacier before ensuring the long walks to Gokyo. With the prodigious blue-green Dudh Pokhari before us, we stop at one of the small tea houses in Gokyo

Overnight in Gokyo

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Tea house

Walking / Driving : 7 to 8 hours

Day 09: Hike to Gokyo- Ri

We plan to start the day with the Gokyo Ri hike. The steep walk to the Gokyo Ri isn’t ever easy, however, the tranquil Gokyo Lakes make it all worth it. We can see the beautiful Makalu (8485 meters), Cho Oyu (8201 meters), and Lhotse (8516 meters). Everest looks magical. This hilltop at 5,357m is going to be one of the highest points of our trek. After an awesome view from the top, we get back to Gokyo.

Overnight in Gokyo

Trek to Gokyo Lakes
Trek to Gokyo Lakes

If you don’t want such long trek just to see the lakes, we have Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour that can take you to Gokyo Lakes Also.

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Tea house

Walking / Driving : 5 hours

Day 10: Hike to Gokyo Lake

Today, we hike to the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes. Gokyo You is almost 3km from central Gokyo. After that, we hike to the 5th lake called Ngozumpa Glacier. Gokyo Ri lakes are just magnificent. For a more distinct view, you can also hike to Scoundrel’s viewpoint. After all the visits, we get back to Gokyo for the night.

Overnight in Gokyo

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Tea house

Walking / Driving : 5 hours

Day 11: Trek to Lungden

Altitude: 4380m

Distance: 7-8 hours

This is going to be another long day in the mountains. We start the trek early in the morning and initially walk to the Renjo La Pass. This can be an exciting walk to the high pass at approx 5360m. From the top, the entire view of the Everest region looks more beautiful.

However, instead of heading to Everest from Gokyo-Ri, we descend steeply into the northern valley. We can see the Tibetan Valleys beyond the border quite close to your eyes. After a couple of hours from Renjo La, we crashed at the tea house of Lungden.

Overnight in Lungden

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Tea house

Walking / Driving : 6 to 7 hours

Day 12: Trek to Thame

Altitude: 3800m

Distance: 5 hours

As we head downwards, we plan to walk slowly without any rush. We start the trek late in the morning and descend to the gorge of Thame. This beautiful Sherpa settlement will be a great time to learn about the unique mountain culture. The village will be even more vibrant during the season of festivals and celebrations.

Overnight in Thame

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Tea house

Walking / Driving : 6 to 7 hours

Day 13: Trek to Monjo

Altitude: 2850 meters

Duration: 5-6 hours

Instead of taking the classic route where we stop at Namche, this Itinerary directly takes us to Monjo. We leave the Thame after breakfast and start heading to the south. With a satisfying expedition to Namche, we stop here for lunch. If you want to celebrate in the restaurant and bars of Namche, we can also end the day here. Otherwise, we plan to stop at the traditional village of Namche.

Overnight in Monjo

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Tea House

Walking / Driving : 4 to 5 hours

Day 14: Trek to Lukla

Flight to Lukla For Everest Base Camp Trek
Flight to Lukla For Everest Base Camp Trek

Altitude: 2860m

Distance: 5 to 6 hours

On a familiar path downwards from the Dudh Kosi valley, we walk from Monjo to Lukla. Here, we cross multiple suspension bridges and walk beyond the village of Phakding. However, This is our last day of trekking during the Gokyo Lake trek. Reaching Lukla, we shall all gather for the celebration of victory over Gokyo Ri Lakes. Since most of the Himalayan master’s crew are from the Everest region, you are likely to see them for the last time here.

Overnight in Lukla

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Guest House

Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours

Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu

The stunning morning flight from Lukla is prodigious. Flying parallel to the Himalayas, we see a final glimpse of the mountain from our window plan. Then, we soon see the sub-tropical forest and the small houses of Kathmandu.

moreover, In less than 30-mins, we landed at Kathmandu airport. Here, a driver takes you to the hotel. Back at the hotel, you have some time for souvenir shopping and visiting the places around Thamel. Later, you can enjoy the nighttime and colourful streets of Thamel.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Wanna extension to you trip? Check our All Nepal Trip.

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch

Accomodation : 3-star hotel

Walking / Driving : 30 mins flight

Day 16: Departure

As per your flight schedule, we will check out from the hotel and move toward the airport. We shall drop you at the airport three hours before your schedule. Here, we will save you a final goodbye as you fly to your new destination.

Meal : Breakfast

Accomodation : 3-star hotel

include / exclude

Trip Cost Includes

    1. International and Domestic Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
    2. Three nights at a Three-star hotel in Kathamndu (2 nights before the trek and one night after the trek)
    3. Kathmandu or Ramchechap to Lukla to Kathmandu airfare
    4. A Professional English-speaking Trekking Guide for 10 Days
    5. 1 set breakfast, 1 set lunch, and 1 set dinner with tea and coffee during trekking days
    6. 3 cups of hot drinks a day
    7. The best available private room accommodation during the trek We provide private bathrooms with hot showers in Phakding, Namche, and Lukla.
    8. In the Namche, three nights of accommodation with electricity blankets
    9. Sagarmatha National Park fees
    10. Khumbu municipality area permits
    11. Guide and Porter Insurance
    12. Khumbu municipality permits
    13. All government taxes and company service charges

    Complementary services from Himalayan Masters

    1. A 25-degree sleeping bag during the trip.
    2. A 20-degree down jacket during your trip
    3. Check your spo2 and bpm with a pulse oximeter at high altitudes.
    4. Water bottles and purification tablets by Himalayan Masters
    5. first aid kit box.
    6. Seasonal fruits for dessert.
    7.  Himalayan Masters Brand Duffle Bag for the Trip (Porter will carry the duffel bags)
    8. Himalayan Masters Brand Trekking T-Shirt and Cap

    Trip Cost Excludes

    • International Flight Ticket
    • Nepal visa fee
    • One trekking porter for 13 days, USD 286 (optional)
    • Tips for guide and potters

    useful info

    Best Time For Gokyo Lake Trek

    best time for gokyo lake trek

    What we must say is that each Gokyo trekking season has different perks and excitement for the trekkers. However, pleasing weather conditions will enhance your travel experience. Many travellers and agencies recommend travelling between March and April and October and December.These months before and after the monsoon marks a more transparent sky and dry trekking path, making a pleasing experience. Autumn is the month for festivals such as Mani Rumdi in the mountains and Dashain/ Tihar in Kathmandu. So, if you want a beautiful blend of cultures in your trekking experience, this is the best season for trekking in Nepal.On the other hand, spring is famous for the beautiful hues of Rhododendron that enhance the entire forest. This national flower of Nepal takes the beauty of the trekking trail to a whole new level. In short, the views of the Mountains are clearer in autumn, and the trekking trail is at its best in spring.

    Which One Would You Prefer?

    That being said, we cannot miss the perks of the summer and winter trek in Nepal. Yes, the summer trek is relatively hard due to the slippery trail and leeches all over. But it’s also the warmest and greenest month in the mountains. If you have a pretty flexible Itinerary, trekking in Gokyo in June/ August is also possible. On the other hand, we have the beautiful months of winter. Many claim that winter is not the best time for the Gokyo trek, but the truth is, the thick layers of snow in the mountains and the frozen lakes make everything heavenly. The winter trek takes the trill to a new level if you pack the right gear and travel with great determination. We, Himalayan, can help you with the rightful preparation for the off-season Gokyo Lake trek in Nepal.Also Read: Nar Phu Valley Trek In Nepal

    Do you need a guide for Gokyo Lakes?

    Yes, the Nepal government has now made it compulsory to hire guides for all trekking in Nepal, including the Gokyo Valley trek. You must hire a licensed guide before you get the permit for the Gokyo Lake trek. Although porter is not compulsory, it is recommended if you do not have the physical strength to carry about 15 KG of backpack while hiking in the mountains.

    How big are the Gokyo lakes?

    The Gokyo Lake system of 19 lakes is spread over an area of 196.2 ha (485 acres), lying between 4,600 and 5,100 m (15,100 and 16,700 ft). The Gokyo Cho or Dudh Pokhari, located south of Gokyo Valley, is the major lake here and spreads over an area of 42.9 ha (106 acres).

    Is Gokyo Ri difficult?

    Gokyo Ri is a 16-day trek in the challenging Mountain landscape where you need to hike for 6 to 8 hours each day, covering a distance of 12 to 18 km. So yeah, obviously, it is a difficult trek. However, the Gokyo Ri climb is not a technical climb, and you do not need any previous high-altitude climbing or skills in using mountain gear. Any beginner trekker with a good level of physical strength and some preparation can make it to Gokyo Lake successfully.

    Gokyo Valley to Gokyo Ri is only one mile from a relaxing uphill hike; there is no need to worry about that.

    How high is Gokyo Ri?

    Gokyo Ri, also called Gokyo Peak by some, is at a height of 5,357 m (17,575 ft) above sea level. Gokyo Valley, the base of this climb, is at 4,750 m (15,584 ft), which means Gokyo Ri is about 500m above in this region.

    Where Are Gokyo Lakes?

    Gokyo Lakes is the glacier lake formed by Cho You Mountain at the Khumjung Village, which lies in the east-north of Nepal in Solukhumbu District. Gokyo Lake is about 17 km away from the famous Everest base camp track and about 10.6 km away (aerial distance) from the Namche Bazaar. From Namche, you can hike to Gokyo in just two days. From Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Gokyo is about 136 km away.

    How many peaks can you see from Gokyo Ri?

    The summit of four mountain peaks, i.e. Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Also, this is the most amazing viewpoint for other 7000 and 6000 m peaks located in the Everest region. The views of Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Valley at the same time look amazing.

    How long does it take to climb Gokyo Ri?

    From Gokyo Valley, the 500 m altitude gain to Gokyo-Ri is about one and a half hours long. From Namche, it would take three days to reach the top of Gokyo Ri, while from Kathmandu, the hike to Gokyo-Ri and back is about 16 days for beginners. People with good physical strength and some previous hiking experience can actually hike to Gokyo Ri in just five days from Lukla.

    Can you see Everest from Gokyo Lakes?

    Yes, it is average diesel from Gokyo Valley and Gokyo-Ri. Not just Everest, but you can’t see three other 8,000-metre peaks, including Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

    How high is the Gokyo Pass?

    Gokyo Pass, also called Gokyo Ri, is at a height of 5,357 m (17,575 ft) above sea level in the eastern North of Nepal.

    Where is the route to Gokyo?

    To reach the Gokyo Lake, you follow the traditional route of the EBC trek from Lukla to Namche. Then, you head north towards Dole and climb to Machhermo before you hike to Gokyo. On the west, you can find another route separating from Monjo. From Monjo, you need to Thame, Lungden, and Renjo La Pass before getting to the Gokyo Ri. If you want to include the Everest Base camp trek on the same journey, then there is another route from Lobuche to Dzongla and then Thangnak that takes you to Gokyo.

    How many days in the Gokyo Lake Trek?

    Starting from Kathmandu, the entire Gokyo Lake Trek for beginners takes about 16 days. People with experience and good physical fitness can complete this Gokyo trek in about eight days as well. Most travellers prefer to complete the Gokyo Lake Trek along with the Everest base camp trek, which can also be finished In 16 days but requires a bit more hiking than the initial Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary.

    How far is Gokyo to Dole?

    From Dole, the hiking distance to Gokyo Lake is about 14 km or 8.6 miles. Mostly, travellers stop at Machhermo before hiking to Gokyo directly from Dole.

    FAQs

    How long is Gokyo Lake Trek?

    As per the Himalayan Master’s Itinerary designed by the experts, this Gokyo Lake trek is 16 days long. If you add some rest days, it might extend up to three weeks. However, if you skip the trek to Everest Base Camp and directly head down from Gokyo Valley, the overall trek can be completed in less than 12 days (Similar to Manaslu Circuit Trek). The answer to how long the Gokyo Lake trek also depends on your physical strength and walking capacity.

    How hard is Gokyo Lake Trek?

    How do I get to Gokyo Lake?

    Is there internet in the Everest region?

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    How much does it cost to do the Gokyo Lake trek?

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    Based on your preferences, location, timeframe, and budget, our team can design your dream trek based on our extensive knowledge and experience of the Himalayas. Get in touch with us for detailed information and assistance planning your dream trek. With our 97% success rate on trekking and climbing trips in 2022 and 2023 spring season, we will answer any questions you may have and guide you for an unforgettable experience.