There are journeys in the Himalayas that feel like a privilege rather than a plan and the Gokyo Lake Trek with Renjo La Pass is one of them.
This 13-day trek takes you to the quieter side of the Everest area where scenery is expansive; walks are peaceful, and each move is nearly nature. Out of the busier route leading to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes Trek gives a glimpse of another view to the Himalayas which is much calm, open, and spectacularly breathtaking.
The Gokyo Trek route takes you over the enchanted valley of Gokyo Lakes which has crystal clear turquoise water reflecting the sky and the mountains around like a mirror. Further on, the path leads to the great Ngozumpa Glacier, a huge river of ice glacier.
The climax comes at the Renjo La Pass(5,360 m/ 17,585 ft) where the world simply opens all around. You will see the expansive view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, incomparable, a single view is spectacular.
The trek is made to suit the adventurers who do not like having destinations only. It is to people who appreciate space, silence, as scenery that remains long after the journey.
The Gokyo Valley has five sparkling, pristine green water lakes at a height of 4790 meters (15,715 ft). 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.
The Everest base camp trek combined with Gokyo Lake 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 Trek route. Finally, flying back to Kathmandu, an extraordinary journey to the Gokyo Lake Trek ends.
Witness the spectacular views of all the lakes of Gokyo Valley, namely Gokyo Cho, Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Kyajumba Cho, and Ngozumpa Cho. Skip the crowds of the Everest Base Camp while witnessing an even better and more exciting view within the solitude of nature.
| Lake Name | Altitude (m / ft) | Area Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari) | 4,750 m (15,499 ft) | 42.9 ha (106 acres) |
| Thonak Cho | 4,834 m (15,827 ft) | 65.07 ha (160.8 acres) |
| Gyazumpa Cho | 5,200 m (16,240 ft) | 29 ha (72 acres) |
| Tanjung Cho | 4,800 m (15,482 ft) | 16.95 ha (41.9 acres) |
| Ngozumba Cho | 4,950 m (16,371 ft) | 14.39 ha (35.6 acres) |
| Kyajumba Cho | Not specified | Not specified |
Want an easier trek on Everest? Look for the Everest View trek instead.
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.
The Gokyo Lakes are in Khumbu, northeastern Nepal, Ward No. 4 of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality of the Solukhumbu District. These lakes are of high altitude and are located within Sagarmatha National Park.
The lakes lie in the upper part of the Gokyo valley, right on the western side of the main trail of Everest Base Camp, and thus it is a less busy and more tranquil option within the Everest region.
Gokyo Lake is about 17 km (10.5 miles) away from the famous Everest base camp trek route and about 10.6 km (6.58 km) away (aerial distance) from the Namche Bazaar. You can hike to Gokyo Lake from Namche in just two days. From Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Gokyo is about 136 km (84.5 miles) away.
To be more precise, the Gokyo Lakes are situated to the north of Namche Bazaar and above the small villages of Dole and Machhermo that are used by trekkers on their way to Gokyo.
The lakes are along the eastern side of the huge Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. They are located in the Himalayan alpine region at approximately 27.95° N latitude and 86.69° E longitude.
To reach the Gokyo Lakes, you follow the traditional route of the EBC trek from Lukla to Namche. Then, you head north towards Dole and climb to Machhermo before hiking to Gokyo.
On the west, you can find another route separating from Monjo. From Monjo, you must go to Thame, Lungden, and Renjo La Pass before getting to Gokyo Ri.
If you want to include the Everest Base camp trek on the same journey, there is another route from Lobuche to Dzongla and Thangnak that takes you to Gokyo Lake Trek.
Gokyo Lake Trek is culturally rich and has a wonderful view of nature. The Sherpa people are so welcoming. Their culture is different; Buddhism influences it.
It covers the traditional Sherpa villages that include Namche Bazaar and Khumjung, where one is able to talk with the locals, understand how they live their lives, and study customs and traditions.
Further up the trek, one goes through Sagarmatha National Park, a part of UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites. It is highly known for its diverse flora, fauna, and equally rare species like the snow leopard and red panda.
You might also encounter Himalayan Thar, musk deer, and various species of birds on the trek, more so golden eagles. So, with such a rich cultural background and added diversity in the wildlife, this is one unique trek.
Trekkers get up in the morning with stunning mountain views at their hotel windows and enjoy a hot breakfast at the lodge. After breakfast, the trekkers pack their things and head off hiking.
The trails vary from easy to strenuous, often with gentle slopes and steep ascents. Generally, trekkers walk anywhere from 5 to 8 hours daily, depending on the itinerary. One can always stop and rest at various spectacular views or, besides that, local teahouses.
Lunch is usually taken en route and normally consists of local recipes. At the end of a day’s trek, the trekkers generally reach their next destination by late afternoon or early evening. They freshen up and sit around the dinner table, narrating the day’s tales.
Most days end with relaxation among fellow trekkers or sightseeing around the nearby areas. At night, the trekkers prepare for a night’s sleep to rise fresh the next morning to see another brilliant day among these awesome landscapes.
| Day | Itinerary | Sleep Altitude | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding | 2,610 m | 144.2 km | 25 min & 4 hrs |
| 02 | Trek to Namche Bazaar from Phakding | 3,440 m | 12 km | 6-7 hrs |
| 03 | Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | 9 km | 4 hrs |
| 04 | Trek to Dole from Namche Bazaar | 4,200 m | 11 km | 6-7 hrs |
| 05 | Trek to Machhermo from Dole | 4,470 m | 6.8 km | 6-7 hrs |
| 06 | Trek to Gokyo from Machhermo | 4,790 m | 6 km | 7-8 hrs |
| 07 | Hike to Gokyo Ri and back to Gokyo | 5,360 m | 1.8 km | 5 hrs |
| 08 | Hike to Fifth Lake and back to Gokyo | 4,990 m | 4.2 km | 5 hrs |
| 09 | Trek to Lungden via Renjo La pass | 4,368 m | 8 km | 6-7 hrs |
| 10 | Trek to Thame from Lungden/Lumde | 3,820 m | 10 km | 6-7 hrs |
| 11 | Trek to Monjo from Thame | 2,835 m | 13 km | 4-5 hrs |
| 12 | Trek to Lukla from Monjo | 2,840 m | 13 km | 5-6 hrs |
| 13 | Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla | 1,400 m | 138 km | 25 min |
We’ll talk about the details of the full itinerary below.
Flight Route: Kathmandu → Lukla
Trek Route: Lukla → Chheplung → Chauri kharka → Thado Koshi→ Phakding
Beginning Point:Â Kathmandu (1400 m/ 4593 ft.)
Ending Point:Â Phakding (2610 m / 8563 ft.)
Lukla to Phakding Distance: 5-7 kmÂ
Total Ascent:Â 1210 meters (3969 ft.)
Lunch:Â Thado Koshigaon
Overnight:Â Phakding
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.
During the peak season, you might also need to take a flight from Ramechhap for Lukla. So in that case we will drive up to Ramechhap then take the earliest flight to Lukla if possible.
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla:
The flight to Lukla is one of the most exciting part of this whole trek. It takes around 20-25 minutes to reach Lukla from Kathmandu via flight. But it takes 18-20 minutes to reach from Ramechhap.
During the flight you can enjoy the surreal views of the deep valleys, mountains, and gradually rising snow-peaks. On clear days you can even spot Mt. Everest from the Lukla flight itself.
About Lukla:
Lukla is a small village where our Everest or Gokyo Lake trek begins. There are many Sherpa communities in the area, and there are around 50-60 houses of local Sherpa people. Most of the people are engaged in trekking and guiding.
After some stops here, we slowly moved along the Dudh Koshi River. After a few hours of upward and downward walking, we will reach our destination for the day, i.e. Phakding. This will be your first tea house experience during the Gokyo EBC trek.
About Phakding:
Phakding is also a small village located at a lower altitude than Lukla. Around 150-200 people reside in the area, which includes a health post, a school, and several monasteries.
Teahouses at Phakding:
Consists of 20-30 teahouses with basic services like wifi, electricity and charging, hot showers, etc. You will find warm and cozy beds on Phakding.
: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
: Tea House
: 25 mins flight and 4 hours trek
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Gokyo Lake Trek difficulty is considered moderate to difficult. Gokyo Lakes Trek Nepal is a 13-day trek in tough mountain terrain, where you must hike for 6 to 8 hours a day, protecting a distance of 12 to 18 km.
Gokyo Ri climb is not technical, and you do not need any previous high-altitude climbing skills or mountain gear.
A beginner trekker with decent physical strength and prepared well can reach the Gokyo Lakes safely. Gokyo Valley to Gokyo Ri Lake is simply a mile of a soothing uphill hike; hence, there is no need to worry about it.
The Gokyo Lake trek is relatively moderate in trek difficulty, and average trekkers with good fitness levels can enjoy it. The daily walk is to journey for 5-7 hours.
To ensure a successful trekking, preparing well in advance is crucial. Regular exercises, such as jogging, hiking, or cardio workouts, for several months before the trek will empower you to conquer the challenges of this trek.Â
The major point is that health and medical issues are vital to trekking in Nepal; no one can debate this.
The altitude of the high mounts can cause uneasiness and illness. Therefore, a good sun exposure habit or sun protection is vital. Enjoy a walk at the park, rest throughout the day, and don’t try to hurry it all up.
The main trouble of the Gokyo Lakes in Sagarmatha National Park Nepal is altitude sickness since the height is high due to the high altitudes. The hike begins at Lukla (2,860 meters) and Gokyo (4,750 meters), which comes a bit later as we gradually gain height.
Therefore, as you move higher in the atmosphere, the air gets thinner, so your body cannot breathe the oxygen it requires. Symptoms of mountain sickness include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and considerably reduced ability to breathe. It is important to take immediate action on the identified signs and ensure the business stays on track.
Acclimatization is the best of all solutions by far. Gokyo Trek Nepal will have day-long trips where you rest, like in Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters), to let your body adjust to the high altitude.
The Gokyo Lake trek is a unique experience that combines the excitement of adventure, the beauty of nature and the cultural heritage. The trail begins in Lukla, where trekkers go through the jungle, villages of Sherpa, and towns like Namche Bazaar, where they have a market.
As you get higher, the surroundings become more spectacular, with panoramic views of the mountain ranges such as Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.
The trekking Gokyo Nepal is famous for its stunning glacial lakes; above all, the lakes are the epitome of natural beauty, offering a wonderful reflection of the surrounding mountain ranges.
The journey consists of an uphill walk to the peak of Gokyo Ri Nepal (5,357 meters), allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the Himalayas.
During the hike, you will meet the friendly locals and monastic complexes and be immersed in the Sherpa culture.Â
There are options for evacuation and medical assistance in emergencies during the Gokyo Lake trek. Most trekking agencies provide guides trained in basic first aid and altitude sickness management. They can assist with minor injuries and illnesses.
For more serious cases, helicopters can be called to evacuate hospitals in Kathmandu or nearby towns. It’s necessary to have travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation and medical expenses. Trekkers should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers.
In an emergency, notify your guide immediately and follow their instructions. Being prepared and informed about emergency procedures ensures a safer trekking experience.
Clothing
Footwear Â
Equipment
Miscellaneous
Optional
Special training for the Gokyo Lake Trek Nepal is not essential. Yet, cardio exercises and weight lifting are valuable to get the body ready for the physical strains of the trek. Increase endurance, leg strength, and stamina through hiking, jogging, riding a bicycle, and going up and down.
Besides, take a couple of walks with a loaded backpack to adapt to the trekking conditions. Adaption and adequate hydration are essential; therefore, learn about the specific hazards and acclimatization of high-altitude hiking.
Favourable weather climates will contribute to a memorable travel experience you are having. Numerous travellers and agencies advocate travelling at the following times:
Between March and April and between October and December. During these months, before and after the monsoon season, you’ll enjoy good weather with a clear sky full of dry and delightful paths to your hiking route.
In autumn, we celebrate mountain festivals like Mani Rumdi, and Kathmandu districts celebrate Dashain/Tihar. Therefore, if you want to blend different cultures in a single trekking experience, this will be the best time of year for trekking in Nepal.
However, the blooming of the Rhododendron in the spring is the very picture of the forest, especially its arrangement and hues. The most important thing is that this national flower of Nepal will be the cherry on top of the beauty of the trekking trail.Â
The weather in the region of Gokyo Lake is diverse from the point of view of a season. During the spring season (between (March and May), the weather is mostly gentle and rarely cloudy, with blossoming flowers flanked close.
Temperatures are variable; temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius at midday and -5 degrees Celsius at night are the extremes. The weather is better in late autumn (September to November), with mild, warm days and cool nights.
The mean temperature in the daytime ranges from 10-15 degrees Celsius, but at nighttime, it can reach -10 degrees Celsius.Â
You will need two permits for the Gokyo Lake trek: permits for the Sagarmatha National Park Entry and the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek, which are now issued in electronic form.
The permit entree fee for Sagarmatha National Park is approximately USD 30 per individual, obtained in Kathmandu or Monjo.
Also, a Khumbu Rural Municipality Local Area Permit costs around 20 dollars per person. It would help if you had the permits with you during the whole hike because they will be controlled on the checks of the trail’s intervals.
Teahouses in this trek can be as simple as basic accommodation and as luxurious as comfortable beds. Tearooms are basic dorm-style accommodations that may come with simple linen beds.
Toilet facilities and maybe even washbasins are usually shared. Lodges offer way more comfort in the secluded rooms and even with an attached bathroom in some places. The accommodation at Gokyo Lake costs from USD 5 to USD 20 per good night, depending on where you’re staying.
It is so that the trail food options are small in number, with a typical teahouse offering a menu that is quite similar to many of its neighbouring teahouses. Regular meals usually contain rice, noodles, soup, Tibetan bread, and tea or coffee.Â
It’s good advice to stick with vegetarian dishes and avoid eating meat to reduce the risk of foodborne disease. Bottled water and other beverages for sale are placed on the path to quench your thirst while you are on your journey.
Though the accommodation and food choices are not luxurious in any of these places, they are the essentials trekkers need to get through the trip.
The majority of the teahouses along the Gokyo Lake trek have electricity. Generally, it is provided either through solar power or hydroelectricity. Nevertheless, one should mind having a USB charger or power bank to charge out the devices in the event of an electricity outage. It might cost extra to charge.
The trekking to Gokyo Lakes costs around $1,400, and upon its inclusion, the Everest base camp trek will cost $200 per trip. Here comes the reward you deserve and the reason for all – trek to the Gokyo Ri and EBC (including).
You will spend approximately $50 per day on food and accommodation, $40 on Porter/guide, $50 on everything that needs to be permitted, and about $400 on that flight.
Travelling together in a larger group, you can affordably share the trek cost of the accommodation of porters and guides. Thus, your journey itself will not be quite expensive.
As far as talking about insurance, it is imperative to have travel insurance yourself. The additional expenses that make up the case for taking an insurance plan for yourself can be medical attention or emergency evacuation, though it may cost extra.
Most advanced features of the insurance are intended to cover such situations. The need for a travel insurance policy from a very respectable and credible firm is high.Â
Further expenses for trekking towards Gokyo Lake may include permits, accommodation expenses, dining charges, some drinking and snack bills, trekking gear for rent, tips for guides and porters, and personal expenses.
Let’s not forget tipping, one of Nepal’s few conventions. Also, visitors should add money for souvenirs and internet usage among the expenses they should have in their budget. In summary, USD50 to USD100 per day is an acceptable budget equal to Gokyo Lake.
Namche Bazar is the only ATM at the last point on the Gokyo Lake trek. So please make sure to carry enough cash for the trek.
The teahouses and villages also accept cards, but sometimes, due to an internet issue, the card might not work.
Some places only accept Nepali cash. Make sure that you have essential Nepali cash for the trek.Â
Having enough water in your body is crucial during the Gokyo Lake Trek. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily while trekking is recommended. Even though it might be cool in temperature, the body still needs ample hydration.
Easy purification methods include boiling, chlorine or iodine tablets, and a portable water filter.
Get a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, you can add electrolyte tablets or flavour packs of drink mixes in your water for taste and to help replace salt lost in your sweat.
Buying a local SIM card in Kathmandu is the best way to be connected during the trek. It is supposed to give you mobile data; you can call anyone wherever the coverage is good.
The Landline services are available in bigger villages like Namche Bazaar. These are not that reliable for urgent communications, so it’s better to depend on mobile networks for as long as possible.
A postal service is in place, although it can be very slow and unreliable. Letters and packages can take weeks to get delivered, so plan accordingly if you must send items back home.
Walkies-talkies can be a workable communication device for groups trekking together. They will allow immediate, effortless communications over short distances without relying on mobile networks.
You can find wifi in most places in the Everest Region. One can buy EverestLink wifi, which works in the region. It will cost you a few dollars.
Safety is the most important aspect when trekking in the Himalayas. Always let someone know your itinerary and when you plan to return. Stick to well-marked paths and avoid solitary treks into remote areas.
Carry a first-aid box and understand basic first-aid procedures for common injuries. Acclimatization is very important; ascend gradually to avoid altitude sickness. Trust your instincts, and if you start feeling worse, seek help.
Whether you hire a guide to trek with or go solo, it is up to experience. Guides can give you great security, local knowledge, and enhancements in the experience of the local culture. They can also help with navigation or even communication at some point.
The advantage of solo trekking is the quantity of freedom that one experiences, but it requires decent planning and good navigation skills. If you have no experience in this field or are unfamiliar with trekking at high altitudes, it’s best to hire a guide due to safety concerns and proper support.
This pays off greatly by lightening your load and giving you more time to enjoy the views. Moreover, a porter can carry roughly 25 kg of gear, making the trek easier.
Most of the porters are hired from the local villages for economic support. Talk about rates before the trek. The average wage maybe $15 – $25 per day on an ordinary day. Ensure they have all the proper equipment for the trip. Respect. The porters should be treated as respectfully as possible; they are part of your tour.
Tipping in Nepal is a kind of appreciation for the services provided. In the case of guides, normal tipping amounts to 10% of the total cost of a trip, while for porters, it is about $5 to $10 per day, according to their service quality.
Tip according to the service rendered at all times. Also, giving tips directly at the end of the trek and not via an agency would be better.
You may try the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit routes if you want an alternative to the Gokyo Lake Trek. The treks have magnificent scenery and good cultural experiences but differ in difficulty and duration. Another option may be the Langtang Valley Trek,
If you wish to extend the days, then you will have the opportunity to visit nearby attractions like Gosaikunda Lakes or explore the cultural diversity of Kathmandu Valley. Further days can be used for shorter treks or cultural sightseeing to make the trip full.
Online booking through Himalayan Masters is possible through their website, or one may reach them directly through email or phone. They have different packages to suit a range of tastes and budgets.
To book a last-minute trip with Himalayan Masters, You can contact them instantly through their phone or email address for availability. Or you can even book through their site.
Himalayan Masters presents a company dedicated to Tourism. Our familiar staff will be happy to help tailor your trips to your individual needs for an unforgettable adventure in the various stunning landscapes of Nepal.
In the event of a trip cancellation, the amount you paid will not be refunded. However, you can use that amount to book a trek or trip with us at any time in the future. If you’re unable to trek with us yourself, you also have the option to refer friends, family, or relatives to use the same amount for their trip.
Feedback from previous trekkers always speaks highly of the quality of the services provided by Himalayan Masters and the lifetime memories created with them. Most of them felt grateful for the knowledgeable guide services and well-organized Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary, which suited people with different skill levels.
