Gokyo Lake Trekking - 15 Days

Trip Photos
Watch Video
Customize Trip
Gokyo Lake Trekking
gokyo-photo
Gokyo -Lake -Trekking.jpg
At a Glance
Duration15 Days
CountryNepal
Trip GradeStrenuous
i
Maximum Altitude5360 Meter
Group Size1+ Pax
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Travel StyleTrekking
MealB/L/D
AccomodationTea House accommodation in Mountain and 3 Star hotel in Kathmandu
Best TimeMar-May, Sep-Dec

Highlights:

  • Embark on an adventurous journey to one of the high-altitude lakes in the Himalaya
  • Discover the pristine corners of the Khumbu region and experience tranquil trails
  • A perfect alternative to the EBC trail, enjoy the less crowded trekking route
  • Ample acclimatization days to avoid altitude sickness and exciting side hikes
  • Experience the mountain lifestyle while spending nights in beautiful villages along the trail
  • Trek through dense forests, bushes, moraines, and glaciers
  • Enjoy offbeat, steep terrain
  • Get to see the lifestyle of Sherpas and other mountain communities
  • Explore Gokyo Lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri
  • Witness jaw-dropping views of Mount Everest and many other mountains
  • The trek offers diverse landscapes as you walk across different climatic zones

Overview

The Gokyo Lakes are one of the high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas with stunning beauty. You will get a chance to discover the pristine corners of the Khumbu region and experience tranquil trails on the Gokyo Lake trek. The location of these lakes offers an exhilarating trekking adventure to the trekkers and an alternative to the famous Everest Base Camp trek.

Like any trek in the Khumbu region (Everest region) in Nepal, the Gokyo Lake trek 15 days also begins with a flight to Lukla. From here, you will follow the usual route and ascend to Namche Bazaar. Namche onwards, the route diverts to Gokyo Valley. The Gokyo Lake trek route is off of the main EBC trail, so there is no crowd.

*You can upgrade the commercial Lukla flight to a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa.

With offbeat and steep trails, trekking to Gokyo Lakes is not easy but very much achievable if you are well-prepared and supported by our experienced guide and porter. This is an adventure trek with daily 5-6 hours of walking, so trekkers have to be fit. Moreover, a previous trekking experience will be beneficial as you will not be new to high altitude and its added challenges.

If you want to join the Gokyo Lake trek 2024 departure, book your trek now. We have many departure dates in the upcoming autumn season (September, October, and November). You can book a group or private trek with us. For any help, feel free to contact us.

Why do Gokyo Lakes trek in Nepal?

The Gokyo Lake trek route offers some of the best views of Mount Everest and other eight-thousanders. Starting the journey from Lukla, you will walk through rhododendron forests, following the Dudh Koshi River. The trail then follows steep, rocky tracks above the tree line and takes you close to the biggest glacier in Nepal, Ngozumpa Glacier.

You will cross the Ngozumpa glacier moraine and walk past the first and second Gokyo Lakes to reach the Gokyo village. There are 19 Gokyo Lakes all together. Six of them are the main lakes and are situated from 4,700 to 5,000 meters. The Gokyo village is located near the third Gokyo Lake, called Dudh Pokhari. It is also the biggest Gokyo Lake.

The landscape changes with the progress of the trek. From the lushness of the Sagarmatha National Park to its desolate, you will get to see a diverse panorama. The turquoise colors of the Gokyo Lakes, with snow-capped mountains around it, make the scenery truly heavenly. Every suspension bridge and major point along the trail is fastened with colorful prayer flags.

These are some of the notable mountains you will get to see during the Gokyo Lake trekking: Everest (8,849 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Cholatse (6,440 m), etc. Likewise, the mountain vistas from the Gokyo Ri viewpoint, the highest point of this trek, are jaw-dropping.

Meet Sherpas and other mountain communities

On this 15 days trek in the Khumbu region, you will spend nights in picturesque mountain villages. Sherpas are one of the famous communities along the Gokyo Lake trek route. However, you will also meet with ethnic groups like Rai, Bhotiya, Lama, Limbu, etc. In general, the locals are very welcoming and friendly.

Most of them communicate in English because of regular tourist visits. You will get to see their lifestyle and culture. Experience simple mountain life and enjoy nature and its tranquility. You will spend nights in Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo Village, Khumjung Village, Monjo, and Lukla.

Who can do the Gokyo Lake trek?

The Gokyo Lake trek is ideal for travelers who have decent physical and mental fitness. It is a high-altitude trek in the remote Himalayas, so participants also have to be fine with the changing environment, thin air, and limited facilities. Previous trekking experience is not mandatory for the Gokyo Lake trekking, however highly recommended.

If you are trekking for the first time, then go on a few day hikes and make sure your body is ready to take on the challenges of the Himalayan trail. Our team will help you prepare for the Gokyo Lakes trek after you book the trip. We will share what exercises and activities you can do to improve your stamina, endurance, and strength.

Gokyo Lake Trek Packing:

You will need the following things for the Gokyo Lake trek in Nepal:

  • Clothing: Underwear, base layer, thermal layer, windproof/waterproof outer layer, fleece jacket, down jacket, dry towel, socks, gloves, beanie, trekking boots, casual shoes/slippers, etc
  • Gear: Trekking poles, daypack, duffel bag, map, traveler knife, sleeping bag, torch, adapter, spare batteries, camera, cell phone, etc
  • Toiletries and first aid: Wet tissues, deodorant, SPF, lip balm, moisturizer, toilet paper, soap, toothpaste/brush, band-aid, insect repellent, ointment, crack bandage, general medicines, etc
  • Miscellaneous: Cash, travel insurance, passport, travel visa, passport-sized photos, permits, snacks, journal & pen, etc

Why do the Gokyo Lake trek with Trekking Guide Team Adventure?

The Gokyo Lake trek, also known as the Gokyo Valley trek, requires careful planning and support. Our experienced team and tested Gokyo Lake trek itinerary allows hassle-free journeys. We will obtain all the necessary permits on your behalf and arrange all logistics.

You can travel freely with us. Likewise, you will get the best Gokyo Lake trek price with us. There is no hidden cost involved in our trips. You will pay what you see. Most importantly, our service surpasses the Gokyo Lake trek cost.

You will get more than the value of the money. We, Trekking Guide Team Adventure, are one of the oldest and most reputed local trekking and tour companies. You can trust us for a safe and fantastic travel experience in Nepal.

 

Itinerary

Trip information about Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu flight

The Everest trek includes a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Sometimes the weather of Lukla becomes bad, at which time the flight cannot take place. So, in this case, there may be a delay or cancel of the flights.

You will have to be prepared for this. This does not always happen but may sometimes happen depending on the weather condition. The weather of Lukla is unpredictable, that’s why.

We recommend you to have a few more days after the trek in case the flight is delayed or canceled. If you have a tight schedule, it will be hard to manage your return flight.

So, even the Gokyo Lake Trekking is of days 15 days, we recommend you to have 2 to 3 extra days. If the flight does not happen for 2 to 3 days, then we will divert you to Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Kathmandu to Pokhara flight for your benefit.

We also recommend you to have an extra budget for helicopter charter to return back from Lukla to Kathmandu. The helicopter cost is 3500 USD charter flights. It will be approx 500 USD per person which you can pay us by cash or credit card.

Trip booking information

Please send your flight details arrival Kathmandu airport, passport photocopy attached by email. You may deposit 25% trip advance money in our bank account, the rest of the money can be paid when you arrive in Kathmandu before trekking departure.

Tour PlanExpand All

The Trekking Guide Team will pick you up from the airport and escort you to the hotel in a private car. The remaining day is free in Kathmandu. Explore Thamel and its bustling streets.

Meals: No MealsAccommodation: Hotel

In the morning, we will go on a sightseeing tour with a professional guide. We will visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites- Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Bouddhnath Stupa. All these famous tourist sites present intricate Nepali art, architecture, culture, and history.

After the tour, spend a couple of hours resting and have lunch. We will meet in the late afternoon for an introduction to mountain guide and trek briefing. Buy or rent the trekking clothes, gear, and other essentials.

Meals: Breakfast onlyAccommodation: Hotel

The Gokyo Valley trek begins with an early morning flight to Lukla, either from Kathmandu Airport or Ramechhap Airport. It is a short but beautiful flight with stunning Himalayan mountain views. From Lukla, we will begin trekking with porters and descend to Phakding for the night stay. The trail goes through forests and small villages, offering stunning views of mountains like Kongde Ri and Chamlang.

*Note: If you take a Lukla flight from Ramechhap Airport, you will leave the hotel in Kathmandu around 1:00 AM and dive to the Ramechhap airport. During the peak trekking seasons, the Lukla flights get shifted to Ramechhap Airport because of very high air traffic.

Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: LodgeDuration: 35 minutes flight & 3 hours trekDistance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles

The trail continues from Phakding to Toktok and then to Monjo. We will trek through rhododendron and magnolia forests, crossing the Dudh Koshi River many times on the way. Cross the long Tenzing Hillary suspension bridge on the way to Monjo and register your permits here. Further, as the trail ascends to Namche Bazaar, it gets steep and requires extra attention.

Max Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: LodgeDuration: 6 hoursDistance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

Today, we have an acclimatization day to adjust to the elevation. So, in the morning, we will hike to the Hotel Everest View and return to Namche Bazaar to spend the night. The hike offers stunning views of Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, and Mt. Ama Dablam. We can also continue the hike to Khumjung Monastery as per our wish.

Max Altitude: 3,962 m/13,000 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: LodgeDuration: 4-5 hours

Leaving Namche Bazaar, you will follow a different route to Dole. First, walk downhill and then ascend to Mon-La pass. From here, you will walk to Phortse Tenga. The trail goes through lush rhododendron forests. Further, you will follow an offbeat uphill route to Dole, enjoying superb mountain vistas.

Max Altitude: 4,038 m/13,248 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: LodgeDuration: 5 hoursDistance: 12 km/7.4 miles

From Dole, you will follow a stunning valley route and hike to Machhermo. The trail ascends via rhododendron forests and hillsides. The views of Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Kantega, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Ama Dablam, Island Peak, etc, are heavenly along the way. The trail is steep and rugged, so you have to be careful.

Max Altitude: 4,470 m/14,665 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: LodgeDuration: 4 hoursDistance: 6 km/3.7 miles

You will spend the second rest day in Machhermo. In the morning, hike to a higher elevation to acclimatize and witness stunning mountain views. Later, spend the day in the Machhermo village, resting and chit chatting with the locals.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Lodge

The trail from Machhermo ascends to Phanga. It is a landslide area. You will reach here in one hour of walking. From here, cross an iron bridge and trek pass Longpongo Lake. The trail then traverses the Ngozumpa glacier moraine and goes past the first two Gokyo lakes to Gokyo village. Rest and later hike to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes.

Max Altitude: 4,790 m/15,584 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: LodgeDuration: 4 hoursDistance: 5.7 km/3.5 miles

You will hike to Gokyo Ri early in the morning. It is a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view of Mount Everest and many other mountains, such as Makalu, Cho Oyu, etc. After the hike, have breakfast in Gokyo village and then start descending to Dole. You will retrace the route via Machhermo village.

Max Altitude: 5,357 m/17,575 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: LodgeDuration: 6 hoursDistance: 14 km/8.6 miles

Leaving Dole, you will trek to Khumjung village for the night stay. The trail is tranquil and offers superb mountain views. You will pass by small settlements and see the local's daily lives. In Khumjung village, you will get to explore one of the oldest monasteries of the Khumbu region.

Max Altitude: 3,790 m/12,434 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: LodgeDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 9 km/5.5 miles

From Khumjung monastery, you will ascend to Syangboche Airstrip. The trail offers stunning mountain views. On the way, you can also visit the Thamel village and explore the ancient Thame monastery. Soon, you will reach Namche Bazaar. From here, the trail steeply descends via lush forests to Monjo.

Max Altitude: 2,835 m/9,301 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: LodgeDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 11.5 km/7.1 miles

Today, you will trek back to Lukla. From Monjo, you will trek following a forested route, crossing many suspension bridges on the way. The trail goes through villages like Phakding. From Phakding, follow an uphill route along the Dudh Koshi River to Lukla.

Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: LodgeDuration: 5 hoursDistance: 9.5 km/6 miles

An early morning flight will take us back to Kathmandu. The guide will drop you at your hotel upon landing in the city. You have the rest of the day free. Rest and freshen up. Explore local markets and buy souvenirs. In the late evening, meet with us for the farewell dinner.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ftMeals: Breakfast & Farewell DinnerAccommodation: HotelDuration: 35 minutes flightDistance: 9.5 km/6 miles

Today is the last day of the trek in Nepal. Our representative will help you to drive to the airport for the departure.

Meals: Breakfast only
Route Map
Gokyo Lake Trekking - 15 Days
Cost Details
Included
  • Airport pick up and drops by car/van/bus.
  • 3 Night’s standard accommodation in Kathmandu twin sharing basis with breakfast. (on the arrival day and after the trekking).
  • Your meals main course (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking.
  • All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
  • Domestic Flight Ticket (LUK-KTM-LUK)/domestic airport tax.
  • All accommodations in lodges/Tea houses during the treks.
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). National Park Entry Permits
  • An experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 peoples). If you are a solo traveller porter is not included.
  • Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation and insurance for the guide and porter.
  • All transportation .
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your travel insurance company.
  • Medical supplies (First aid kit will be available).
  • Our service charge and government tax.
Excluded
  • Nepal entry visa fee, you can easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu. You will require 2 passport size photos, $30 USD per person .
  • Your personal travel insurance covers helicopter rescue, medical bill
  • Your personal equipment for trekking. [Sleeping bag(-15), down jacket, Trekking shoes, sun glass, sunscreen, gloves, trekking stick].
  • International airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Your all meal lunch & dinner while you stay in Kathmandu.
  • Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality  permit per person Rs 3000.
  • In the Lukla flight, the luggage of 12 kg is only included. If you have extra baggage, You will have to pay extra per kg Rs 100.
  • If there is early arrival or late departure other than the trek date, and if you are back to Kathmandu early from the trek due to any problem or rescue, the extra accommodation is not included.
  • Your trip includes only one time airport transfer to and by Lukla. If you have to return back to hotel again and again go to lukla airport because of weather problem, it will be your additional pay.
  • Your personal expenses, personal hygiene.
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. (Tea, Coffee, Mineral Water, hot water)
  • Sweet things like chocolate and desert.
  • Hot shower and laundry during the trekking.
  • Tips for the guide and porter as per your interest, how you are happy with them
  • Kathmandu sightseeing entry permit. (USD$26)
  • Wi-Fi, internet, phone calls, battery charging.
Add-ons & Options
  • Extra Night Accomodation: If you plan to arrive early or depart late please make sure you make extra hotel arrangement.You can mail us at [email protected] It is available by adding extra cost.
     
  • Extra Programs: If you want extra programs like 2 night/ 3 days Chitwan  Jungle safari package , 1 day River Rafting and 1 day hiking in Kathmandu valley Please contact us on What's App 977-9851229400. It is available by adding extra cost. We will organize it as per your wish and requirement. 
     
  • Porter:  For solo travellers porter is not included. If you want a porter in the trek it will be available in an additional cost of USD 250
     
  • Single Supplementary: On our holidays tour/trek packages, rooms or tents are provided in twin sharing basis. Thus, single room supplement charge will be imposed to client who does not have another tour participant to share room/tent with according to your trip. When you are traveling alone, single supplementary charge must be paid.
Dates & Availability
StartsJuly 29, 2024
EndsAugust 12, 2024
AvailabilityGuaranteed
US$1299
Book Now

Looking for a date? Please get in touch. The departure dates are flexible and can be customized as per your schedule. 

Additional Info

Gokyo Lake trek difficulty:

The Gokyo Lake trek difficulty is 6.5 out of 10. It is an offbeat trek, so considered a bit challenging. You will explore a less touristy side of the Everest region with limited infrastructure. The terrain is rocky, steep, and rugged. You will walk 6 hours a day at minimum. Starting the journey from lush forests of rhododendrons, fir, etc, you will ascend to the subalpine belt. It goes via juniper, mosses, and lichen forests and finally touches the glaciers and moraines.

While you trek through these different vegetation and climatic zones, you will experience a rise in elevation. The highest point of this trek is Gokyo Ri, situated at 5,357 meters (17,575 ft). High-altitude travel like this has a risk of altitude sickness. Trekkers of any age and fitness can suffer from it if they are not well-acclimatized. To avoid it, you have to take rest days in between trekking.

Our Gokyo Lake trek itinerary has two acclimatization days that hugely lower the risks of altitude sickness. Likewise, if you keep yourself hydrated, maintain your pace, and listen to your body, you can further lower the risk of altitude sickness. Be aware of your body condition, and if you feel any discomfort, inform your guide.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is necessary for foreigners if they want to do the Gokyo Lake trek or any trek in the Himalayas of Nepal. It must cover emergency helicopter evacuation and medical bills. You can include other coverages in the insurance as well. Do understand that the Himalayas have a very unpredictable nature.

Weather can change at any time, you may get injured, sick, or suffer from altitude sickness. First, we do our best to assess the situation and provide first aid. If the trekker needs more medical assistance, we provide helicopter rescue.

*Note: At the moment, foreigners cannot purchase travel insurance in Nepal for trekking, so they are requested to buy in their country. There are many travel insurance providers out there. Make sure your insurance covers evacuation from the Himalayas up to 5,000 meters for the Gokyo Lake trek.

Best Time to Trek:

The Gokyo Lake trek's best time is March to May (spring) and late September to November (autumn). The most optimum times of the year are April, May, October, and November. In general, these months have stable weather and moderate climate, which makes the finest weather conditions for Gokyo Lake trekking.

The temperature ranges from 18°C to 5°C. You will experience warm daytime and a bit of cold nights and mornings. The weather has to be favorable for the best trekking experience to Gokyo Lakes. Pack layers of clothes and warm pieces for the journey. The climate gets cold as the elevation increases.

Mountain views are clear and breathtaking in these months. Likewise, the clear, bright days and long daylight hours allow you to not rush and enjoy nature. For the past few hours, Gokyo Lakes are also famous for ice skating in the winter season. Some trekkers travel to Gokyo Lakes in the peak of the winter season when the lakes are frozen and open for ice skating.

Accommodation

The accommodation during the Gokyo Lake trek are basic lodge. You will spend 11 nights in the mountains. The lodges are runned by local families. You will get clean and comfortable twin-shared rooms to spend the night. Rooms are small and basic. Likewise, private washrooms are not usually available. The rooms are not heated, so you have to carry a high-quality sleeping bag.

*Note: Single rooms cost extra money. You will get the option to include single rooms while booking.

Dining is the common area in the lodges where you will have meals and mingle with other trekkers. It is also the warmest place in the lodge. Facilities like WiFi, charging, and hot showers are available but cost extra money. Trekkers are advised to carry money to buy these services. Our package cost does not cover them.

Meals

In Kathmandu, you will get all breakfasts and one complimentary farewell dinner. During trekking, you will get three meals a day- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can pick the choice of your food from the menu. The food option along the Gokyo Lake trek route is great. You will indulge in delicious Nepali flavors.

Some common mountain foods are thukpa, dal bhat, momo, noodles, stew, fried rice, eggs, porridge, soups, dhido, pancakes, etc. You will also get burgers, pizza, pasta, rice with curries, chapati, thenduk, oatmeals, cornflakes, fruits, bread, and many bakery items.

Tea and coffee are common beverages. You will get a variety of options in them. There is also no issue of drinking water. You will get boiled water to drink and can use water purification tablets for more safety.

 

Trip Gallery
Gokyo Lake Trekking 11
Gokyo Ri Everest 2023
Gokyo Lake Trekking 21
Gokyo Lake Trekking 20
Gokyo Lake Trekking 17
Gokyo Lake Trekking 16
Gokyo Lake Trekking 15
Gokyo Lake Trekking 14
Gokyo Lake Trekking 13
Gokyo Lake Trekking 1
Gokyo Lake Trekking 12
Gokyo Lake Trekking 9
everest-gokyo-lake-trek.jpg
FAQs

The Gokyo Lakes are a high altitude fresh-water lake system. It is located in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal, close to Mount Everest. There are 19 Gokyo Lakes, and six of them are major. The lakes are situated from 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters. These lakes are also part of the Mansar Site and have huge global significance.

All Gokyo Lakes have different depths. The deepest Gokyo Lake is the fourth lake. It is called Thonak Cho in the Nepali language, and its depth is 62.4 meters.

To travel to Gokyo Lake from Kathmandu, you can trek or take a helicopter flight. We have both options available.

Our Gokyo Lake trek itinerary is 15 days long. Usually, it takes 12 to 13 days to do this trek. You will trek around 115 kilometers on this trek, including all side hikes.

The Gokyo Lake trek is on the difficult side. Compared to the EBC trek, ABC trek, and Langtang Valley trek, the Gokyo Lake trek is harder. This trek is good for someone with strong fitness or previous trekking experience.

The Gokyo Lake trek cost starts at USD 1,350 per person. The cost of the package varies as per the group size, trekking month, and itinerary.

You will get to see outstanding views of Mount Everest during the Gokyo Lake trekking. The views are excellent from many parts of the trail, including Gokyo Ri.

For a safe and hassle-free trekking experience, you will need a guide. Our Gokyo Lake trek package includes guide and porter expenses. Trekking with a guide makes the journey safe, fun, and fantastic.

The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes are two different destinations in the Khumbu region. There are a few routes to trek to either of these places. The most common one diverts from Namche Bazaar onwards. Compared to EBC, the Gokyo Lakes route is challenging.

Yes, a beginner can do the Gokyo Lakes trek. However, the participant has to be physically and mentally fit. If you can walk 6 hours a day on varying terrain and are fine with high altitude, you can join us for this trek.

From Lukla, first, you have to trek to Namche Bazaar. From here, you will follow a different route to Dole and trek to Gokyo village. It takes three days of walking from Namche Bazaar to reach Gokyo village.

Expert Consultation
kabiraj
Talk to Kabiraj+977 9851229400 (Kabiraj)
sujan
Talk to Sujan+977 9841035868 (Sujan)