Gokyo Lake Trek

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Gokyo Lake Trek

Start atKathmandu

DifficultyModerate

Ends atKathmandu

ActivityTrekking

TransporationFlights and Private Transport

AccomodationTea Houses

Duration12 days

Meals3X(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Max Altititude5357m

Best Seasons(March,April,May)(Sep,Oct,Nov)

The Gokyo Lake Trek offers an alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp Trek while still providing trekkers with stunning views of Mount Everest and overnight stays in the iconic town of Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu Region.

This route to the Gokyo Lakes is less crowded yet provides valuable insights into local village life along with impressive views of icy rivers, glacial debris, snow-capped mountains and of course the striking turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes themselves.

The Gokyo Lakes comprise six bodies of water located at altitudes ranging from 4,700 to 5,000 meters in the Gokyo Valley, which lies within Sagarmatha National Park. They form the world’s highest freshwater lake system, designated as a Ramsar site of international importance and hold religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Lonely Planet describes the Gokyo Valley as “the most spectacular in the Khumbu.”

By spending an additional day in the Gokyo Valley, trekkers can visit the fifth and sixth lakes situated in a high alpine bowl at the foot of Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest mountain.

Trekkers should expect to walk approximately five hours per day with one of the highlights being a steep ascent to Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) offering panoramic views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu. The trek also provides sights of Nepal’s largest glacier, Ngozumpa and surrounding ice ridges. For those unable to undertake five hours of daily walking but still wishing to experience the pristine beauty of Gokyo Lakes, helicopter tours are available.

Time spent in Namche Bazaar also allows for acclimatization before heading to Gokyo Ri and the Gokyo Valley. During this period, trekkers can visit nearby Khumjung Village to see the school established by Sir Edmund Hillary, who along with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was the first to successfully summit Mount Everest.

Since that historic ascent, Namche Bazaar has developed into a vibrant market town frequented by numerous climbing expeditions and trekkers. Here, visitors have the opportunity to exchange trekking experiences with fellow adventurers.

Fixed Departure Dates

Trip Date	Seats Remaining
September 10 - September 22	10 Seats Left	Book Now

Trip Date	Seats Remaining
October 1 - October 12	10 Seats Left	Book Now

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Your hotel is located in the heart of the city, in the vibrant and colorful district of Thamel. With its restaurants, bars and shops offering unique Nepali handicrafts and trekking gear, Thamel provides an engaging place to spend the afternoon.

You will also have the opportunity to meet your guide today and address any questions you may have regarding your upcoming trip to Everest Base Camp.

Day 2

Kathmandu – Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

The day begins with an early morning flight to Lukla, one of the highest airports in the world. The views are stunning, particularly as you fly directly into the land of the Sherpas. The clean fresh air greets you on arrival even as the scenery takes your breath away.

From Lukla, there is an approximately three-hour hike to Phakding, where we spend our first night in the mountains. Crossing a suspension bridge, passing a monastery and seeing perhaps your first mani (prayer) wall are some of the highlights of the day.

Day 3

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

After breakfast, set off for a day of ups and downs to reach the market town of Namche Bazaar. On the way, you enter Sagarmatha National Park proper, cross a few more suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and walk through rhododendron forests.

Excitement builds as you approach Namche, where dozens of trekkers and climbing expeditions have gathered before heading out on their respective adventures.

Day 4

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Today is a day to allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude and it will get even higher! We suggest staying active, as that is the best way to acclimate. There are several walks around Namche – you could head to the Everest View Hotel, which offers the finest views of Everest. So good, in fact, that some people helicopter in for breakfast – yes, breakfast with the best view in the world! From the hotel, continue on to Khumjung Village.

Here there are a number of interesting sites. Khunde Hospital was built in 1966 by Sir Edmund Hillary and is funded today by the Himalayan Trust. Even older is the Khumjung School, which Sir Edmund also established. Starting with two classrooms, the school today has more than 350 students in attendance.

Finally, there is Khumjung Monastery, which dates back hundreds of years although it was reconstructed after the 2015 earthquake. This center of Sherpa religion and culture was rebuilt with the help of all community members. You may also be interested to see a Yeti scalp (not scientifically proven) inside the monastery.

After a day of exploring Namche, don’t forget to stock up on any goodies from the abundant shops before continuing on the next leg of your trek.

Day 5

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole

Leaving Namche, the route is incredibly scenic as you hike up the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing stupas and views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamserku and many more along the way. Descending into pine and rhododendron forests, the trail divides.

The route to Gokyo Lakes is to the left. On the way, we reach Mong Village, a very small village but also very scenic. Sitting on a ridge, the views from here extend to Tengboche and beyond. Enjoy waterfalls and rhododendrons on this trail and perhaps not so much, the stone stairs you will encounter!

Finally, upon reaching the village of Dole, we stop for the night and enjoy the surrounding views.

Day 6

Trek from Dole to Machhermo

This beautiful scenic trail involves a steep climb through scrub juniper. Leaving Dole, there is an uphill gradient for around half an hour followed by a more gentle ascent for the remainder of the way.

The Dudh Koshi River lies far below. Hiking toward the tiny teahouse settlement of Machhermo, the trail reaches a ridge above the village with stunning views of Thamserku.

Day 7

Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (Afternoon Hike to Gokyo Ri)

Leaving Machhermo, the trail heads up to another scenic ridge with views of Kangtega before passing through a narrow valley that opens into a wider valley. Overall, the trail today is not too tiring with only one or two short steep sections. The trail descends to the Dudh Koshi River and then climbs steeply to the Ngozumpa Glacier and the first Gokyo Lake.

Continuing north, the second lake comes into view. Unlike the small first lake, this lake is quite long and runs parallel to the hiking trail. Further on, you reach the third lake and some teahouses (there are six lakes in total, all collectively called Gokyo Lake).

Here we stop for lunch before climbing Gokyo Ri. The ascent takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The viewpoint at Gokyo Ri, at 5,357 meters, offers a spectacular panorama of mountains above and lakes and glaciers below. Sunset from here is breathtaking and highly recommended.

Day 8

Gokyo to Machhermo (Morning Hike to Gokyo 4th Lake)

This morning hike to the fourth Gokyo Lake follows a mostly flat trail and takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. After spending some time at the lake, return to Gokyo for breakfast before continuing on to Machhermo.

Day 9

Trek from Machhermo to Namche Bazaar

After an early breakfast, begin the trek toward Namche Bazaar.

Namche feels lively and busy after the quiet of the smaller villages and we spend our final night of the trek here.

Day 10

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing the suspension bridges you passed at the beginning of your trek and once again arrive in Lukla, where we spend the night while waiting for our early morning flight back to Kathmandu the next day.

Day 11

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

A scenic flight carries you back to Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. Upon arrival, your hotel will be ready to welcome you. You’ll also have some free time to explore the city, pick up souvenirs, or enjoy a final taste of local culture.

Day 12

Departure

We will accompany you to the airport for your onward journey. If you are extending your stay in Nepal, we wish you a wonderful continued adventure and can help arrange your next experience!

Includes/Excludes

Arrival-Departure as Per Itinerary.
Kathmandu Hotel two nights with bed and breakfast plan.
Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu flight tickets for clients & guide only 15 kg luggage allowed.(10 kg big bag and 5 kg hand bag)
Best available lodge and tea house accommodation during the trek
All food ; Breakfast, Lunch and dinner during the trekking.
A trekking or hiking leader - Fluent English speaking, experienced, knowledgeable with assistant trek guide (4 hikers:1 assistant guide) and needed Sherpa porters (2 trekkers:1 porter) together with their payments, assurance, gears, foods and accommodations.
All necessary national park fees, permits and paper works (Sagarmatha national park permits and TIMS)
Entire administration and local Taxes.
All guide and porter salary and food insurance.Gov taxes.
Fresh Fruit after dinner everyday
1 PC snickers or mars chocolate each person every day.
3 cup tea, or Coffee with meal B/L/D.
Trekking certificate
Complimentary Trekking Kit bag
Farewell Dinner
Trekking Map
First Aid Kit
Nepal Visa fees on your airport arrival (You should bring accurate USD cash and two passport size picture)
Personal expenses (Shopping, Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water or boiled water, Phone calls, hot shower etc)
Your Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu (This apply also early come back from trek then the fixed itinerary)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu than above itinerary.
Tips for guides and porters
Rescue incase emergency.

FAQs

If you want big mountain views without the heavy crowds of the EBC trail, Gokyo is a great pick. The lakes are peaceful, the terrain is more open and the climb to Gokyo Ri gives a wider Everest panorama than the one from Kala Patthar. Many trekkers say the turquoise lakes alone make this route feel more special.

They are genuinely that vibrant in clear weather. The color comes from glacial minerals reflecting sunlight. On cloudy days the tone softens but when the sun hits the surface, the lakes glow in a way that feels almost unreal.

Nights can drop well below freezing even in peak trekking seasons. Expect thin ice on puddles in the morning and cold winds around sunset. A warm sleeping bag and solid layering system make a huge difference.

It is short, steep and done at high altitude. Most trekkers feel breathless on the climb. The good news is that the trail is safe and well marked and the pace is slow. The view from the top makes the effort feel worth it.

This region is quieter than the EBC trail, so lodges are less crowded. Still, during October and November rooms fill up fast. Booking through a reliable operator ensures that you have accommodation arranged ahead of time.

Yes. The route does not involve technical climbing. The path across the glacier is rocky and uneven, so you walk slowly and follow the guide. People with no glacier experience complete it regularly.

Yes, but you need purification tablets or a filter. Bottled water gets expensive as you go higher. Tea houses provide boiled water at a small cost if you prefer that option.

You’ll get network in Lukla, Namche and some scattered higher spots. Gokyo itself usually has patchy connectivity. Lodges sell paid Wi-Fi, though it can be slow when the weather changes.

Price Per Person

USD 1,450

Package Info