Gokyo Lake Trek

Trip Information
  • Duration10 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Altitude 5,357 m
  • Best Time Spring & Autumn
Major Attractions
  • Enjoy adventurous, off-beat trek in the Everest region
  • Best alternative package to crowded EBC trek that explores the beautiful Gokyo Valley
  • Get to see the views of the four highest mountains in the world along with many other snow-capped peaks throughout the trail
  • Walk through picturesque villages and meet friendly locals, including Sherpas
  • Explore the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and hike to the Gokyo Ri viewpoint
  • Witness views of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the biggest glacier in Nepal
  • Come across a range of flora and fauna on the trekking route

Kathmandu to Gokyo Lakes is one of the most adventurous treks in the upper Khumbu Valley, where you get to see tempting glaciers and giant Himalayan mountain views. If you wish to ignore the crowded Everest base camp trail and rather walk on a tranquil, rugged path, then our Gokyo Lakes trek 10 days is a perfect package. The first few days of the Gokyo Lake trekking (up to Namche Bazaar) are very busy.

From Namche Bazaar, we ascend to Mong La pass and follow the route to beautiful Gokyo Valley via remote Dole and Machhermo villages. While trekking following the steep zigzag routes, the Himalayan mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Gyachu Kang, Island Peak, Pumori, Chamlang, Khumbila, etc gradually unfold themselves.

Many travel companies refer to this particular itinerary as the Everest Gokyo Lake trek. So do not get confused. As you might have guessed from the name of the package, you explore the turquoise freshwater lake system that ranges from 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters. The Gokyo Lakes are holy lakes and offer a surreal landscape from their shores. The latter part of the trail ascends along the biggest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier.

The night stay at picturesque villages, gorgeous snow-capped mountains, pristine glaciers, glistening lakes, and the warm hospitality of the locals along the Gokyo lake trek route make the overall venture incredible. You may come across wildlife like musk deer, blue sheep, snow leopards, etc, along with a range of birds like monal and danfe on the way. Similarly, the trail is abundant in alpine plants and flowers. 

Is this trip right for you?

Ask yourself the below questions to get the answer, whether the Gokyo Lakes trek is the right trek for you or not.

  • Are you fit enough to walk on a steep, rugged trail? Can your body handle all the pressure while ascending and descending?
  • Can you live without modern comforts and limited food options?
  • Are you willing to give the time and effort needed to prepare for the trek?
  • Are you ready to withstand all the hurdles traveling in one of the remotest parts of the world throws at you?

Difficulty & altitude sickness

In terms of difficulty, the Everest Gokyo lakes trek is very doable if you are well-prepared. The trail is not that challenging, especially for trekkers with previous experience. New trekkers can consider the Gokyo Lakes trek if they think they can push themselves and can cope with limited services. There are many steep sections. You walk on glaciers and rocky paths too.

The risks of altitude sickness demand you be aware all the time and acclimatize. You have to follow the lead of your guide and follow his instructions in case of any medical emergency. We do have ample acclimatization days in the Gokyo lake trek itinerary. Other than this, you have to be ready to live a very simple mountain lifestyle. Endurance is important.

Preparation

A well-prepared trekker can do the Gokyo Lake trek successfully and safely. The preparation involves many things, from getting your mind & body ready to packing all the essentials.

  • Body: To get your body ready for the Gokyo Lakes trek 10 days, you have to make it fit and active. Go on a hike, exercise, or do cardiovascular activities that involve high-intensity cardio, such as swimming, cycling, hiking, running, etc. You have to build your stamina and establish walking habits.
  • Mind: Gokyo lake trekking brings a drastic change in your life. Everything will be different and minimal. You do not get a strong internet connection, no food like cities, and no easy life. You have to adjust to the mountain lifestyle and appreciate it to enjoy the trek. So prepare your mind and get it ready to adjust.
  • Packing: Packing wisely is crucial. Given the unstable weather of the Himalayas, you have to prepare for all kinds of climates. It can get hot, cold, or windy at any time in the mountains. Follow the packing guidelines and talk to our travel consultants to know more in-depth about the trek.
  • Travel Insurance: We ask for travel insurance to keep you safe if any emergency occurs in the mountains. One thing about remote areas is anything can happen at any time. Therefore, you cannot take even the slightest risk. Get yourself well-covered travel insurance that covers emergency air evacuation and medical bills.

Alternative trek packages

These are some alternative trekking packages that are beginner friendly- Langtang valley trek, Poon Hill trek, Mardi Himal trek, Mohare danda trek, Pikey Peak trek, Helambu trek, etc.

If you want to level up the adventure and thrill a little bit consider these packages instead- Annapurna base camp trek, Upper Mustang trek, Gosainkunda trek, Tilicho Lake trek, etc.

Booking

Tobook the Gokyo valley trek 2023 spring and autumn departure, you can send us your inquiry through our site or contact us at one of our given numbers. Likewise, you can also make an early booking to trek to Gokyo Valley in 2024. We take bookings for both private and big groups.

Itinerary

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The Gokyo lake trek explores the Khumbu region. Lukla is the trailhead that we reach, taking a short flight from Kathmandu early in the morning. The flight is very thrilling and offers great aerial views of the Himalayas. At Lukla airport, we meet with the porters who are going to join us for the trek. Leaving Lukla, we drop down at Phakding village on the same day to spend the night. It's a good 4-hour walk through lush forests and remote villages, crossing multiple bridges over the Dudh Koshi river.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Altitude:2,860 m
  • Time:3-4 hours

The trail from Phakding to Namche Bazaar is very impressive and lets you see a diverse range of flora & fauna. Crossing numerous suspension bridges, we walk past small settlement areas and reach Monjo village, where we register our trek permits. The trail goes through lush rhododendron and magnolia forests. The final ascent to Namche Bazaar is steep and tough. On the way, we also get to see stunning views of Mt. Khumbila and Mt. Kangtega.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Altitude:3,440 m
  • Time:6 hours

On this day, we take a break and rather explore Namche Bazaar and its nearby area. We have the option to go on a hike to Syangboche Airstrip, Hotel Everest View, and Khumjung monastery. Regardless of the place we hike to, we get to witness jaw-dropping mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Chamlang, Pumori, Baruntse, etc. Likewise, in Namche Bazaar, we can visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery. We get ample time to observe the lifestyle of the natives of the Himalayas.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Altitude:3,962 m
  • Time:4-5 hours

The trail from Namche Bazaar follows the route to Gokyo valley. We walk on a less crowded, rough path to Dole. The views are phenomenal along the way. The trail has a gentle pace to Mong, where we take a small break for lunch. From here, we ascend to Mong La and walk by the shades of trees. The route gradually gets rugged, and we reach Dole for the overnight stay.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Altitude:4,200 m
  • Time:4 hours

From Dole, we continue trekking towards Machhermo. It's a steep uphill walk that offers tempting mountain scenery. The trail is short, but as we go above 4,000 meters, we can feel the air pressure on our bodies. Do not forget to keep yourself hydrated to reduce the risks of altitude sickness. Soon, we reach Machhermo to spend the night.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Altitude:4,470 m
  • Time:4-5 hours

This part of the trekking route gets very remote. We'll occasionally see fellow trekkers on the way. From Machhermo, the route ascends and passes by two lakes before reaching the Dudh Pokhari (one of the other Gokyo Lakes), where Gokyo village is situated. The mountain views are fantastic along the way.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Altitude:4,790 m
  • Time:6 hours

Today, we’ll wake up early in the morning and hike to Gokyo Ri, following a steep, rocky trail. The hike is strenuous, so follow the lead of your guide. Upon reaching Gokyo Ri, we get to see outstanding views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, Pumori, Baruntse, etc. The sunrise is also very mesmerizing. Later, we’ll explore the Gokyo Lakes and trek back to Machhermo to spend the night.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Altitude:5,357 m
  • Time:6-7 hours

After having a delicious breakfast, we get ready for the day and retrace the trail back to Namche Bazaar. First of all, we descend to Dole and continue trekking through small villages and lush forests to Namche Bazaar. Even though we are retracing the trail, the scenery will look new and refreshing. 

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Altitude:3,440 m
  • Time:6-7 hours

From Namche Bazaar, the trail to Lukla descends steeply. We walk past small villages and dense forests of rhododendrons. On the way, we'll be crossing numerous suspension bridges on the Dudh Koshi river. The trail goes through villages like Jorsale, Monjo, and Phakding. From Phakding, we gradually walk on an uphill trail that leads to Lukla.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Altitude:2,860 m
  • Time:8-9 hours

We’ll wake up early in the morning to catch a flight back to Kathmandu. The flight is mesmerizing. Our team will transfer you to the hotel from Kathmandu airport upon landing. Explore the tourist sites and local markets on the remaining day. We meet you in the late evening over farewell dinner. It's your last full day in Kathmandu, so do not forget to window shop in Thamel.

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast & farewell dinner
  • Altitude:1,300 m
  • Time:35 minutes flight
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Useful Info

Best time

To enjoy the magnificence of the Gokyo Lakes, we recommend trekking in spring from March to April and autumn from October to November. Trekking in these two seasons ensures your safety and assures a pleasant walk. You will not have to deal with the unstable weather of the Himalayas. The visibility is crystal clear, therefore the mountain views are phenomenal. The climate is neither too hot nor cold, and the chances of perception are very low.

Itinerary

The Gokyo lake trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Manthali airport. The porters join you at Lukla. The first night is spent in Phakding village instead of Lukla, which will let you acclimatize. From Phakding, the trail crosses many suspension bridges and goes through lush rhododendron & magnolia forests to Namche Bazaar.

You will spend an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar and hike to Hotel Everest View. Following a less crowded trail, the trek proceeds to Dole via Mong La. Further, spending a night in Machhermo village, walking past the largest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier, makes it to Gokyo village. You will explore the Gokyo Lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri before retracing the trail back to Lukla.

Accommodation

The Gokyo Lakes trek is a tea house trek. Up to Namche Bazaar, there is very good availability of lodges as well. From here onwards, the trail begins to get more remote, and the accommodation basic. Our Gokyo Lakes trek cost covers double occupancy rooms. It means you will share the room with another trekker. The rooms are small, with two separate beds and clean blankets. It will be wise to carry a sleeping bag for more warmth and comfort.

The washrooms are common at higher elevations. You may get private toilets up to Namche Bazaar if you wish to upgrade your accommodation by paying extra money. Single rooms may cost you more and are only available on prior notice.

Meals

You have three meals a day during the trek. In Kathmandu, all breakfasts are covered in the cost of the room. The company gives two complementary dinners at the start and end of the trip. The meals option on the Everest Gokyo lake trek is expensive. We eat breakfast and dinner in the same place we spend the night and lunch on the way. It is common and taken as a respect to have dinner in the same place you will spend the night.

Dal bhat, roti, curries, momo, noodles, pasta, sandwich, burger, pizza, mashed potatoes, porridge, soup, Tibetan bread, thenduk, thukpa, dhido, eggs, bread, etc are available on the menu of the tea houses/lodges. You can carry snacks and bars with you to munch. Many beverages are available too. Likewise, you can get boiled drinking water to refill your water bottles in the tea houses.

Guide & Porters

The guides of Info Nepal Trekking are very reliable and experienced. They have many years of trekking experience and have taken many individuals to Gokyo Lakes and beyond it in the Himalayas. They can communicate well in different languages and are quite friendly. You'll have a great time trekking with them and also get to learn in-depth about the Everest region.

Similarly, porters will be there to help you with your luggage during the trek. The porters are the natives working to make a living. They are strong and know how to handle such a weight on rough terrain. You do not have to worry about them or your stuff. Our porters are very reliable and friendly too.

Personal Expenses

  • Charing & Internet: You can charge your mobile or camera at the charging station in the teahouses. There are no charging slots in the room. Likewise, WiFi is available up to Namche Bazaar. Above this place, you can use cellular data to surf the internet. You can ask our team to help you get a Nepali sim with enough data. The connection will not be stable and strong all the time. Both charging and internet services are paid.
  • Tips: Tip your guides, porters, and drivers. Trekking in a group allows you to tip less per head yet offer a good amount as a group. Individuals can tip USD 2 to the driver, USD 5 to the tour guide, and USD 100 to the trek guide & porter. Tipping in restaurants and cafes is not normal in Nepal.
  • Shopping & Emergency Fund: Our Gokyo Lakes trek package cost does not cover your shopping expenses. Make sure to have an additional fund for shopping. Thamel is famous for handicrafts, paintings, souvenirs, etc. Similarly, have some money aside to use if you happen to stay longer in Kathmandu or have to cover some other unseen expenses.
  • International Flight: The travelers are responsible for their international flight ticket and have to be available in Kathmandu on the fixed date to join the trip. Failing in doing so may postpone or cancel your trip, and you have to bear the cancellation charges.

Luggage

The duffel bag weight limit is 10 kg per person, and the backpack weight limit is 5 kg per person. You have to pay additional money if the weight increases. We give duffel bags to our guests, so you do not have to buy them. You can buy or rent a daypack in Thamel. You can store all the surplus luggage and your suitcases in the hotel's locker room during trekking.

 

FAQs

How long is the Gokyo Trek?

The Gokyo trek can range from 10 days to 18 days depending upon your itinerary. You can combine EBC in the route too, and make it a long venture or keep it short and only trek to Gokyo Lakes.

How hard is the Gokyo lakes trek?

The Gokyo Lakes trek is a moderate to difficult trek. The trail is steep and rough, so good fitness and understanding of the Himalayas trail are needed. You have to walk 6 hours a day at minimum, therefore your stamina and health matter a lot.

How do I get to Gokyo lake?

You have to trek to Gokyo Lakes. From Lukla, it'll take six days of walking to reach Gokyo Lakes. Or you can opt for a helicopter flight from Kathmandu or Lukla airport to Gokyo Lakes.

Is Gokyo lake worth visiting?

Standing at the shore of Gokyo Lakes will blow your mind away. The beauty of the Gokyo lakes is impeccable, and the journey to this point is life-changing. The destination and the process both are worth all the money and time you spend trekking there.

What is the depth of Gokyo lake?

There are six Gokyo Lakes ranging from 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters (15,400 ft to 16,400 ft). Thonak Cho, the fourth Gokyo Lake, is the deepest one, with 62.4 meters in depth.

Can you see Everest from Gokyo Ri?

Yes, you can see Mt. Everest from Gokyo Ri. Moreover, Gokyo Ri offers one of the most stunning perspectives of Everest, along with a sensational view of Mt. Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest mountain in the world.

How can I reach Dudh Koshi?

The Dudh Koshi river falls on the way from Lukla to Namche Bazaar. The trekkers cross this river numerous times while on the way to Namche Bazar. You can take a short flight to Lukla and trek following the trail to Phakding village and beyond. You will come across Dudh Koshi many times.

Can I join the Gokyo Lake trek as a beginner?

Yes, you can join a Gokyo lake trek as a beginner, but make sure to be prepared and learn about the trail. The trail is surely a level up than the EBC trek in terms of difficulty.

I need to customize the Gokyo lake trek itinerary, is it possible?

Yes, you can customize the Gokyo lakes trek itinerary with us. Our travel consultants will help you with that. You can get in touch with us for more information.

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