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Gokyo Lakes Trek

Gokyo Lakes Trek

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Cost Info
  • Faqs
  • Map
  • Gallery

Trip Highlights of Gokyo Lakes Trek

  • Gokyo Ri Summit: Ascend Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
  • Ngozumpa Glacier: Cross the largest glacier in the Himalayas on your way to Gokyo, offering stunning vistas.
  • Sherpa Culture: Experience Sherpa hospitality and learn about their unique culture in traditional villages.
  • Renjo La Pass: Conquer the challenging Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters) for incredible mountain vistas.
  • Less Crowded Route: Enjoy a quieter trekking experience compared to the Everest Base Camp route.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek starts from Lukla, which is generally reached via a flight from Kathmandu. The first week involves trekking through numerous Sherpa villages like Phakding, Namche, Dole and Macchermo to finally reach Gokyo. Even before we reach Gokyo, the scenic trail will let us admire views of Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and more.

On the way to Gokyo, we will trek up the terminal moraine of the Nzogmpa glacier. We will also pass Longpongo (4,690m) and Taboche Tsho, which are Gokyo’s first and second lakes, on our way. Gokyo village is situated right beside Dudh Pokhari, the third lake. The next day, we will have an early morning hike up Gokyo Ri if the weather looks good.

As one of the best viewpoints in all of the Everest region, Gokyo Ri presents a stunning panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, Kangtega, Changtse, Pumori and more from the top. Following the Gokyo Ri hike, we will also explore the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozumpa Tsho). If time permits, we will try to trek to the sixth lake as well. Otherwise, we will return to Gokyo for overnight stay at our lodge.

With our main goals accomplished, we will being our return journey. Be on the lookout for rarely sighted Himalayan wildlife on your way back as you might just get lucky. We will arrive at Lukla in a couple of days and catch a flight the next morning. Once at the capital, you can take part in a guided sightseeing tour if you wish. The 13 Day Gokyo Lakes Trek ends with your departure the following day.

Hoshizora Treks & Tours offers custom itinerary for the Gokyo Lakes Trek along with other treks in the region like Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three High Passes Trek,   Pikey Peak Trek and more.

Why Choose Gokyo Lakes Trek?

Discover the allure of the Gokyo Lakes trek—an enticing alternative to Everest Base Camp. Experience breathtaking turquoise lakes framed by towering peaks, a quieter trail for serenity in nature, and epic vistas from Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and Renjo La Pass (5,360m). Immerse yourself in Sherpa culture amidst traditional villages and savor a unique Himalayan adventure. Opt for Hoshizora Treks for a meticulously planned journey through Gokyo's captivating landscapes.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Difficulty

Gokyo Lakes Trek is graded as a strenuous difficulty trek. This trek can be performed by people with little to no prior trekking experience as long as they are physically fit and healthy. The only ‘hard’ part of the trek is the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m), which is also the highest point of the trek. Technical climbing skills aren’t necessary during the summit or any other part of the trek.

Best Season for Gokyo Lakes Trek

We recommend the spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) seasons as the best times for the Gokyo Lakes Trek. These periods have the most stable weather with clear skies and great views. As such, these are also peak seasons for trekking in Nepal.

Contrary to this, monsoon (June - August) trekking is generally not recommended as the unpredictable weather and rainfall can lead to mediocre views and unsafe trails. While winter trekking (December - February) is generally possible and can be quite rewarding but the temperature can get quite low and lodges may remain closed during extreme conditions. Thus, we advise being properly prepared if you choose this time for trekking.

Accommodations Facilities During The Trek

During the Gokyo Lakes trek, accommodations primarily consist of tea houses offering basic yet comfortable lodging. Rooms typically have twin beds with shared bathrooms, and some tea houses may offer attached bathrooms for added convenience. Bedding is provided, and meals are served in communal dining areas. While amenities are simple, the warmth of Sherpa hospitality and the stunning mountain views make the accommodations part of the unique trekking experience.

Meals During The Gokyo Lakes Trek

During the Gokyo Lakes trek, meals are provided at tea houses along the trail. You can expect a variety of dishes including Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and continental cuisine. Popular options include dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, momos (dumplings), and pancakes. Meals are freshly prepared, hearty, and designed to fuel your trekking adventure. Special dietary requirements can often be accommodated with prior notice.

Route Permits For Gokyo Lakes Trek

For the Gokyo Lakes trek, you will need two main permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. These permits are essential for trekking in the Everest region and can be arranged by your trekking company or obtained directly from the tourism office in Kathmandu. Having these permits ensures that you can legally access and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Gokyo Lakes region.

Transportation Service For Gokyo Lakes Trek

For the Gokyo Lakes trek, transportation typically involves a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by trekking through the Everest region. The flight to Lukla offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and is the gateway to the trekking adventure. From Lukla, you'll trek through picturesque villages and landscapes to reach the stunning Gokyo Lakes area. Transportation logistics are organized by your trekking company to ensure a seamless journey to and from the trailhead.

Guides and Porters For Gokyo Lakes Trek

During the Gokyo Lakes trek, experienced guides and reliable porters are essential for a successful journey. Local Sherpa guides provide valuable insights into the region's culture, history, and terrain, ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the trek. Porters assist with carrying luggage, allowing you to trek comfortably with just a day pack. Their expertise and support enhance the overall trekking experience in the spectacular Gokyo Lakes region.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival At TIA Kathmandu (1400M)

Day 02: Flight to Lukla (2,840m), Trek to Phakding (2,820m), 3-4 hours trek and 25 min flight

Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), 7-8 hours trek

Day 04: Acclimatization day at Namche

Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,200 m), 5 hours trek

Day 06: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m), 3-4 hours trek

Day 07: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m), 5-6 hours trek

Day 08: Exploration of Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri (5,357m) hike

Day 09: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), Trek from Gokyo to Dole, 4-5 hours trek

Day 10: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), 4-5 hours trek

Day 11: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,840m), 7-8 hours trek

Day 12: Return flight to Kathmandu, free day

Day 13: Final Departure



Our representative will receive you outside the Tribhuwan International Airport. Look for signboards of your name or group. Once you are transferred to the hotel, you are free to spend your leisure time as you see fit.

Accomodation: Hotel

Meals: D

If you haven’t taken part in any briefings regarding the trek yet, then now is the time. After breakfast, we will head to TIA for a short and scenic flight to Lukla. Enjoy the first aerial views of the Himalayas for half an hour before the intrepid landing experience at Lukla. The porters will handle your luggage and be on their way. We will follow soon after with our first destination being Phakding. This ‘warm-up’ trek will take you through a few small villages before you arrive at the Sherpa village of Phakding in just a few hours.

Accomodation: Tea House

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration: 3-4 Hours

The real trek starts now as we head to Namche Bazaar, the economic center of the region. Also known as the gateway to Everest, Namche is a modern town with ATMs, cyber cafes, restaurants and various other commodities generally unseen in the Himalayas. We will first trek through the pleasant forests and pass a couple of villages before arriving at Monjo. At Monjo, we will have our permits checked as past this point is the Sagarmatha National Park. Continue trekking through the pleasant forested trails and hills dotted with rhododendrons to Jhorsale (2,830m) before soon arriving at Namche.

Accomodation: Tea House

Meals: B L D

Our first acclimatization day will be at Namche. Although it has only been a few days on the trek, we are already at quite high altitudes and will be ascending even higher on the coming days. As such, taking a day or two off for acclimatization is important to combat the risk of altitude sickness or AMS. You can spend the day exploring Namche, enjoying its various facilities and interacting with the locals and children. If you’re feeling rather energetic, trekking to Khumjung village is also a popular option among trekkers. You’ll get to witness the traditional Sherpa lifestyle and culture there along with some good views of mountains as well.

Accomodation: Tea House

Meals: B L D

The trek today will offer us superb views of Thamserku, Katenga, and Ama Dablam soon after we climb out of Namche. Our first stop will be at Mong La, a settlement known for the iconic chorten at its centre. After lunch at Mong La, we will continue along the trail dotted with wildflowers and rhododendrons. We may also spot pheasants, blue sheep or musk deer in their natural habitats. In a few more hours, we will arrive at our destination, Dole.

Accomodation: Tea House

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration: 5-6 Hours

As the trek today is a short one, you’ll get to rest all morning. We will head out after breakfast as usual and climb up the ridge up to Lhabarma. While enjoying the pleasant sight of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku, we will pass through Luza and enter the Dudh Koshi valley. Shortly after, we will have arrived at Machhermo. Machhermo is the last major settlement before we reach Gokyo.

Accomodation: Tea House

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration: 3-4 Hours

Our trek will start with an ascent up the ridge to a chorten. This location is a fantastic vantage point to view the valley as well as various peaks. We will continue our trek past Pangka (4480m) and gradually climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier, which is Nepal’s largest glacier. We will pass Gokyo’s first lake, Longpongo (4,690m) and the second lake, Taboche Tsho during our trek. Soon after, we will reach the third Gokyo Lake, Dudh Pokhari as well. Gokyo village is located right beside the lake. After checking in at our lodge, we will spend the afternoon exploring the turquoise waters of the lake and its vicinity.

Accomodation: Tea House

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration: 5-6 Hours

Enjoy a full day of trekking and exploration around the breathtaking Gokyo valley. This day will also serve the purpose of our second acclimatization day. If the weather looks good and we have enough energy, we will go for an early morning hike to Gokyo Ri. The summit of Gokyo Ri is popular as one of the best viewpoints in all of the Everest region. On a clear day, you can witness a panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, Kangtega, Changtse, Pumori and more from the top. For the rest of the day, we will hike to the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). If time permits, we will try to trek to the sixth lake as well. Otherwise, we will return to Gokyo for overnight stay at our lodge.

Accomodation: Tea House

Meals: B L D

If we didn’t hike to Gokyo Ri the earlier day, then we will go for it today. The hike will be fairly strenuous and take us roughly 4-5 hours to complete. Once we’ve properly enjoyed the glorious view from the summit, we will head back down to Gokyo. Next, we will pass the first and second lakes again on our way to Machhermo, and eventually arrive at our destination, Dole.

Accomodation: Tea House

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration: 4-5 Hours

As we’ve now explored all the major highlights, we will make the return journey to Namche. Be on the lookout for rarely sighted Himalayan wildlife on the trail today.

Accomodation: Tea House

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration: 4-5 Hours

Enjoy the final day of trekking in the Everest region. We will mostly follow the same route we used on our trek earlier. We will begin our trek after breakfast and reach Phakding in a few hours. After the lunch break at Phakding, we will continue past Chopling and a few other villages to Lukla.

Accomodation: Tea House

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration: 7-8 Hours

We will try to catch the earliest flight from Lukla to Kathmandu today. Once more, you will get to enjoy aerial views of the glorious Khumbu region. Once you’re back at the capital, we will drop you off at your hotel and you can spend the day as you wish. We offer a guided sightseeing tour around the valley if you’re interested. As part of the tour, we will visit the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath early in the morning. You’ll get to observe various rituals and funeral processions taking place on the riverbanks of Bagmati here. For breakfast, we will head to Boudhanath chaitya, which is only a short distance away. During the afternoon, we’ll head to Swayambhunath and stop at the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, the old palace of Kathmandu, on our way back. Spend the evening exploring Thamel if you wish to shop for souvenirs.

Accomodation: Hotel

Meals: B L D

Today will be your last day with us. If you have a flight scheduled, our representative will escort you to Tribhuwan International Airport a few hours before your flight. Otherwise, you are free to continue your holiday as you have planned.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Cost Include

  • Airport pickup and drop off via private vehicle
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with licensed driver
  • All the hotel and lodge accommodation as per the itinerary
  • Domestic flights airfare
  • Land transportation cost
  • An experienced English speaking trek leader, assistant trek leaders and guides as well as one porter per 2 people (2:1)
  • Necessary trekking and camping equipment
  • Special permits and all necessary governmental documents
  • All food costs (B,L,D) as included in the itinerary
  • Emergency medical supplies and first aid kit

Cost Exclude

  • Nepal entry visa
  • International airfare
  • Extra food costs (B,L,D) outside of those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips for drivers, guides and porters
  • Personal trekking equipment and clothing
  • Personal expenses (Phone calls, extra food and showers, laundry, water)
  • Travel and rescue insurance

Faqs

The Gokyo Lakes trek is a scenic trekking adventure in the Everest region of Nepal, renowned for its turquoise glacial lakes and stunning mountain views.
The Gokyo Lakes trek typically takes around 12 days, including trekking to Gokyo Lakes, ascending Gokyo Ri for panoramic views, and crossing Renjo La Pass.
The best time to undertake the Gokyo Lakes trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is favorable with clear skies.
You'll need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, which are organized by your trekking company.
The Gokyo Lakes trek is considered moderately challenging. While it doesn't require technical climbing skills, it involves trekking at high altitudes and ascending Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters).
Accommodations along the Gokyo Lakes trek are basic tea houses with twin-bed rooms and shared facilities. Some tea houses may offer attached bathrooms depending on the location.
Meals during the trek are served at tea houses and include a variety of Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and continental dishes. Dal bhat (rice and lentils) is a popular choice among trekkers.
Proper acclimatization is crucial. The trekking itinerary includes rest days and gradual altitude gain to help your body adjust to higher elevations.
Essential items to pack include trekking gear (boots, clothing layers), a sleeping bag, trekking poles, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and personal medication.
While prior trekking experience is beneficial, it's not mandatory. A good level of fitness and preparation through regular exercise are recommended for the trek.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Route Map:

Map of Gokyo Lakes Trek

Trip Facts

Starts From
$ 1200.00 / Person
accommodation: Hotel/ Tea House
Height: 5,357Meters – Gokyo Ri
Best Season: Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November)
Grade: Adventure / Moderate
Duration: 13 Days
Activity: Trekking
Treks Type: Trekking
Transportation: Flight/ Private Vehicle
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