Gokyo Lake Trek - 13 Days

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a stunning off-beaten path in the Everest Region of Nepal. It takes you to four different water bodies of the Gokyo Lake system, with an afternoon hike to the Gokyo Ri peak, which is 5,357 m (17,575 ft) high. While the Gokyo Lakes and Trek are popular destinations, the trail is less crowded, as most people arriving in the Khumbu region tend to complete the Everest Base Camp trek.

Gokyo Lake Trek

Price: USD $1650 USD $1350
    Price per person
  • 2-4 pax$1450
  • 5-7 pax$1350
  • 8-13 pax$1250
  • 14+ pax$1150
Group price only includes if you have your own group.

Gokyo Lake Trek Facts

Trip Duration 13 days
Region Everest Region
Difficulty Moderate
Max. Altitude 5,357 m (17,575 ft)
Distance 138 Km/ 86 Miles
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Mountain Lodges
Activity Per Day 5-6 hours
Transportation Airport Shuttles / Lukla Domestic Flights
Start/End Point Kathmandu - Kathmandu

Gokyo Lake Trek Highlights

  • Kathmandu Tour: Visit UNESCO sites in Kathmandu.
  • Flight to Lukla: Enjoy a scenic 45-minute mountain flight.
  • Namche Acclimatization: Acclimatize in vibrant Namche Bazaar.
  • Mong La Pass: Cross Mong La Pass with stunning mountain views.
  • Gokyo Lakes & Ri: Explore Gokyo Lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri.
  • Fourth Lake: Visit the breathtaking fourth Gokyo Lake.
  • Wildlife & Culture: Experience Sherpa culture and wildlife.
  • Return to Kathmandu: Scenic descent and flight back to Kathmandu.

Gokyo Lake Trek Overview

The 13-day Gokyo Lake trekking package will take you through the beautiful hilly landscapes and terrains to Gokyo Ri peak 5,357m, passing beautiful Gokyo Lakes. The journey to Gokyo Lakes begins from Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city, at 1400m above sea level. It takes about 45 minutes from Kathmandu via mountain flight to reach Lukla (2866m), your first gateway to Mt. Everest Region. From Lukla, trekkers walk alongside the Dudh Koshi river, passing lush green forest and bustling settlement of Sherpa & other indigenous people of Nepal. This serene path will lead you to the most famous town of the Himalayas, Namche Bazaar, from where we will continue ascending to the area of Gokyo Lakes. 

It doesn’t take long for us to venture From green forests, a heavy settlement of people to a completely isolated location due to the enigma of the Himalayan landscape. Following six days of walking we will reach our destination and start making descent as soon as your Himalayan exploration with Places Nepal is complete.

The Gokyo 13-day Gokyo Trip is a perfect trail for a quiet trek in the Everest region of Nepal.

Everything about Gokyo Lakes

The Gokyo Lake systems, located at an altitude of 4,700–5,000 m (15,400–16,400 ft), are a collection of oligotrophic (not supporting life but great for drinking) water bodies in the Khumbu Region of Nepal. The Gokyo Lake system comprises 19 freshwater lakes spread over an area of 1.9 square kilometers. Gokyo Trek is a special trek as the lakes and area surrounding them have been designated and protected as a Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance). 

Of all 19 lakes, six large water bodies are considered the “main lakes.” The largest lake of these six lakes is Thonak Lake. Other lakes are Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, and Ngojumba Cho; of which Thonak Lake is the largest. Gokyo Cho, also called Dudh Pokhari, is the main lake with an area of 42.9 ha (106 acres), and the village of Gokyo lies on its eastern shore. Thonak Cho is the largest lake with an area of 65.07 ha (160.8 acres). Gyazumpa Cho is 29 ha (72 acres) in size, followed by Tanjung Cho with an area of 16.95 ha (41.9 acres), and Ngojumba Cho with an area of 14.39 ha (35.6 acres).

Read More

Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary

Driving Distance
5 km / 3.1 miiles
Altitude
1350m / 4430ft
Duration
30 minutes

Welcome to Nepal! Once you arrive in Kathmandu, a representative from Places Nepal will welcome you and take you to your hotel in Thamel.

You will be served welcome drinks at the hotel, and after some introductions, you will have the day to rest.

Overnight Stay at 3-Star Hotel

Altitude
1400m / 4344ft
Duration
4-5 hours

Following breakfast we will start our Kathmandu tour with Places Nepal. Today we will walk through the ancient city town of Kathmandu and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Soyambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudanath Stupa & Pashupatinath Temple among others.

Strolling through the city's gullies is like taking a time pill to a distant past that has not yet been forgotten. We will have lunch during our tour and then return to Thamel for trek preparation and some last-minute shopping.

Meals Included - Breakfast
Overnight Stay at 3-Star Hotel

Trek Distance
6.2 km / 3.9 Miles
Altitude
2,860 m / 9,383 ft
Duration
3-4 hours

Today will mark our first trek day, and the intrepid journey starts with a mountain flight to Lukla. A Places Nepal representative will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Tribhuvan International Airport. During the peak trekking season, we must drive to Manthali, Ramechhap, which takes about 5 hours to drive from Kathmandu and catch a flight to Lukla. The 45-minute flight is a great introduction to the Himalayas of Nepal. 

Once we land in Lukla, we will prepare for our trek to Phakding. Phakding is a small town north of Lukla, situated at 2,610m above sea level. The hilly town is filled with hotels and lodges that provide necessary accommodation to mountaineers and trekkers on their way to Mt. Everest. 

Along the way, we will pass through the villages of Chheplung, Nachipang, Koshigaya, and Ghat until we finally reach Pkhading. We will also cross a suspension bridge, which is great. On a clear day, we will be blessed by a view of Mt. Kusum Kanguru and Mount Kongde, among other peaks.

It will take 3 to 4 hours to reach Pkhading, where we will spend the night.

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Tourist Standered

Trek Distance
9.4km / 5.8 Miles
Altitude
3440m/11286ft
Duration
5-6 hours

The fourth day of our trek starts with an early breakfast. Today, we will travel to Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa village at 3,440m above sea level.

We will cross the village of Thulo Gumela, Tok Tok, Benkar, Manjo (the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park), and another place called Phakding, Jorsalle. From there, we’ll cross the famous Hillary Bridge (suspension) to reach Mt. Everest View Point. Here, we will first glimpse the giant Mt. Everest, standing tall at 8848 m.

We will call it a day at Namche Bazaar

 

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Trek Distance
8 km / 5 Miles
Altitude
3880m /12730ft
Duration
3-4 hours

On the fifth day of our journey, we’ll rest at Namche Bazaar to acclimatise. Namche is a popular destination and is considered one of the most significant towns in the Himalayas. It is also an “unofficial” gateway to the Mt. Everest Trek, or Climb in Nepal.

Today, you can choose where to travel as there are many places you can hike in Namche Bazaar for acclimatisation. Usually, people tend to travel to Hotel Everest View, or locally called Everest View Hotel for acclimatisation and continue to Khumjung Village for a round trip.

Among the exciting attractions on today’s hike is Khunde Hospital, established in 1966 by Sir Edmund Hillary and currently supported by the Himalayan Trust. The Khumjung School, also initiated by Sir Edmund, is even older. Furthermore, the Khumjung Monastery is a testament to Sherpa heritage, dating back centuries. Visitors may encounter an intriguing artifact inside the monastery — a purported Yeti scalp, although its authenticity remains unverified.

We will return to Namche Bazaar and call it a day for the hike tomorrow.

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Trek Distance
12 km/ 7.4 miles
Altitude
3,680 m / 12,073 ft
Duration
5-6 hours

Following an early breakfast, we will start making our way towards Dole. Deep into Sagarmatha National Park, we will start seeing rare Himalayan animals like Tahr, Munals, and, if we are extremely lucky, some Snow Leopards.

With Dudh Koshi River by our side, we will hike towards Mong La Pass and slowly descend towards Khumbila. Trekking today will be rewarding with excellent views of Kongde, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Mt Everest, and Thamerku. 

The trail ascends towards Mong La pass. Crossing the Mong La pass, 3972 metres, the trail descends into Khumbila. To the left is the route to Gokyo Lakes and we reach Mong village. The views from this ridge village reach Tengboche and beyond. Enjoy waterfalls and rhododendrons on this trail, but not so much the stone stairs.

Finally, we reach the village of Dole, where we stop for the night.

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Trek Distance
6km/ 3.7 miles
Altitude
3,870 m / 12,696 ft
Duration
4-5 hours

On the seventh day, we will travel from Dole to Machhermo. The route is relatively short and straightforward, with only a few stairs. 

Following early breakfast, we will start walking towards the village of Lazu and slowly ascend towards Machhermo. The hike today will reward you with an excellent view of Mt. Cho Oyu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. 

We will call it a day at Machhermo. 

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Trek Distance
5.7 Km/ 3.5 miles
Altitude
4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Duration
4-5 hours

Today we will say goodbye to Machhermo and start our trek to Gokyo. Grab a heavy breakfast as lodges are scarce on the path today. 

As the hike today is short we will try to reach Gokyo for Lunch. We will pass the Karnasa, Phangga, and Langpanga villages along the way. View of the Gokyo II or Yaujan Pokhari will indicate that we are closer to Gokyo Village. A couple of lakes that we pass are sure to take your breath away. The blue water body reflecting mountains often provides the best view of the Himalayas in a clear reflection. 

We will grab lunch at Gokyo, go on an acclimation hike to see Ngojumba Glacier, and return to Gokyo for the night.

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Trek Distance
6 km/ 3.7 miles
Altitude
5,357 m / 17,575 ft
Duration
4-5 hours

Today, we wake up early, finish breakfast, and try to reach the fourth Gokyo Lake via Ngojumba Glacier before sunrise. Gokyo Fourth Lake, locally called Tonak Pokhari, is one of the best glacier lakes in the Himalayas, providing a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest and other 8000m massifs. 

Once the trek to Gokyo Lake is done we will return to Gokyo and start our descent back to Machhermo.

We will call it a day at Machhermo.

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Trek Distance
10.8 Km/ 6.7 miles
Altitude
3440m/11286ft

Now that Gokyo Lake has been checked off, we continue our descent, leaving along rocky Himalayan terrain. With views of magnificent Himalayan massifs, we will cross a few bridges and pass the villages of Thortse and Phortse. 

Following lunch at one of the lodges along the way we will reach Namche Bazaar. Here we can already feel the difference in atmospheric air as breathing becomes easier. We will call it a day at Namche Bazaar. 

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Trek Distance
17.7 Km / 10.9 miles
Altitude
2840m / 9318ft
Duration
5-6 hours

Today we will travel directly from Namche Bazaar to Lukla passing the villages of Pkhading, Thulo Gumela, Tok Tok, Benkar, Manjo, and others along the way.

Following many suspension bridges and crossings we will reach Lukla in the afternoon. We will rest in Lukla before returning to Kathmandu the next day.

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Tourist Standered

Altitude
1350m/4430ft
Duration
30 minutes

Get ready for our domestic mountain flight back to the capital after breakfast. It's an easy transition from the mountains to Kathmandu's metropolitan life. Upon arrival, a private car waiting to take us to our accommodation. It's good to be welcomed back so easily and comfortably.

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner

Altitude
1350m/4430ft

Based on your flight time, a representative from Places Nepal will drop you off at the airport. 

Thank you for trekking Gokyo Lakes with Places Nepal.

Meals Included - Breakfast
Overnight Stay at 3-Star Hotel

What’s Included

  • Private transportation for airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Lodging at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu on sharing basic, including breakfast
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Comfortable accommodations in twin-sharing lodges
  • Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and back
  • Guided city tours of Kathmandu on Day 2
  • Guidance from a highly experienced, knowledgeable, government-licensed, and high-altitude trained trek leader
  • Porters, with a ratio of 1 porter for every 2 trekkers, including their food, shelter, pay, and equipment
  • Accident insurance for all staff
  • Essential trekking gear such as maps, a trekking hat, a duffel bag, a trekking pole, and a sleeping bag
  • A certificate to commemorate your successful trek
  • A first aid kit and an oximeter to monitor your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate at higher altitudes
  • Procurement of the necessary Entry Permit for Sagarmatha National Park and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card, which requires 2 passport-sized photos
  • A local government tax of $20
  • Assistance in arranging rescue and evacuation procedures (evacuation insurance is mandatory)
  • Walkie-talkies for group trekkers

What’s Excluded

  • Individual travel insurance
  • Airfare for international flights
  • Visa fees upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenditures for snacks, beverages, and other items
  • Additional porter services, if needed, at a rate of $25 per day
  • Hot showers during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Charges for Internet and telephone usage

Gokyo Lake Trek Map

Gokyo Lake Trek Dates

Gokyo Lake Trek - FAQs

The Gokyo Lake Trek is a famous trekking path in Nepal that takes travelers to the Gokyo Lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world, located in Sagarmatha National Park. This journey provides stunning vistas of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.

Gokyo Ri, a key highlight of the trek, stands at an elevation of 5,357 meters (17,575 feet).

The best seasons for trekking are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable and the skies are clear. However, every month of the year is suitable for this trek, depending on your preference for weather conditions.

The Gokyo Lake Trek boasts several key attractions, including the pristine Gokyo Lakes and the breathtaking summit of Gokyo Ri, which offers panoramic views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks. Trekkers also experience the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the Himalayas. The route passes through traditional Sherpa villages, providing a glimpse into the local culture, with notable stops in the bustling Namche Bazaar and the gateway town of Lukla. Additionally, trekkers can enjoy the serene beauty of the Dudh Koshi River and the vibrant rhododendron forests along the way.

The duration of the trek typically ranges from 13 to 16 days, varying based on the chosen route and itinerary.

To undertake the Gokyo Lake Trek, you will need permits such as the Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.

Although it is possible to trek independently, Places Nepal strongly recommends hiring a guide for your safety, local knowledge, and logistical support.

The Gokyo Lake Trek is rated as moderately to highly challenging, mainly because of the high altitudes and steep climbs involved.

To ensure safety, it's important to heed your guide's advice, stick to marked trails, and refrain from taking risky shortcuts.

A well-equipped first aid kit should contain adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, altitude sickness medication, blister treatment, scissors, and other basic first aid supplies.

Basic medical facilities can be found in Namche Bazaar and some larger villages. However, for major medical issues, evacuation to Kathmandu is necessary.

If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, descend immediately and seek medical attention if needed. Medications like Diamox can be helpful, but consult a doctor first. Additionally, regularly report your condition to your guide or group leader to ensure proper monitoring and support.

To prevent altitude sickness, ascend gradually, stay well-hydrated, incorporate rest and acclimatization days into your schedule, and listen to your body’s signals.

Common health issues encountered during the trek include altitude sickness, dehydration, and blisters. To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to acclimatize properly, stay well-hydrated, and wear well-fitted, broken-in trekking boots. Additionally, maintaining a steady pace, eating nutritious meals, and recognizing early symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches and dizziness, can help ensure a safer trek.

Rental prices for equipment in Nepal vary, with items such as sleeping bags and down jackets typically costing between $1 and $3 per day.

You can reduce costs by joining a group trek, packing your own snacks, and selecting more economical accommodations.

Many trekking agencies provide group discounts or reduced rates during the off-season. It's advisable to ask providers directly about available discounts.

It is customary to tip, with an average of $5-10 per day for guides and $3-5 per day for porters.

Organizing the trek independently can be cost-effective, although it demands more planning and responsibility. Opting for a trekking agency provides added convenience and support throughout the journey.

The permit fees typically amount to around $30 for Sagarmatha National Park and $20 for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.

Plan to budget approximately $30-$45 per day for meals and drinks if they are not included in the trek package.

Additional costs to budget for may include tips for guides and porters, personal expenses, and optional activities or upgrades during the trek.

Typically, the trek package covers permits, accommodation, meals, services of guides and porters, as well as transportation. For detailed information, please refer to the "What's Included" section of the trek packages.

The cost of the Gokyo Lake Trek generally ranges from $1,200 to $3,000, varying based on factors such as the chosen itinerary, included services, and the duration of the trek.

The Gokyo Lakes system consists of six primary lakes, among which Thonak Lake stands out as the largest and Gokyo Cho, also known as Dudh Pokhari, as the most renowned. These lakes are nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks and are revered for their pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters, attracting trekkers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Indeed, the Gokyo Lake Trek offers the flexibility to be combined with other iconic treks such as the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Three Passes Trek, providing adventurers with an extended and diverse Himalayan experience.

A typical itinerary typically involves flying to Lukla and trekking through scenic villages such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, and Machermo. The trek culminates in reaching the serene Gokyo Lakes and ascending Gokyo Ri for stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. Trekkers often return via the same route or choose to extend their adventure by crossing the Renjo La Pass and returning via a different route to explore more of the region.

Certainly, itineraries for the Gokyo Lake Trek can be personalized according to individual fitness levels, specific interests, and the amount of time available for the adventure.

Other options include returning via the Renjo La Pass or extending the trek by combining it with the Everest Base Camp or Three Passes Trek.

It's advisable to include at least two acclimatization days, usually scheduled in Namche Bazaar and Gokyo, to adjust to the high altitude effectively.

Each day brings unique experiences such as the exhilarating flight to Lukla, traversing picturesque suspension bridges, immersing in the vibrant culture of Namche Bazaar, marveling at the panoramic vistas from Gokyo Ri, and discovering the serene beauty of the Gokyo Lakes.

Typically, daily trekking durations range from 3 to 6 hours, varying based on the day's destination and the altitude of the terrain.

The trekking terrain features steep ascents, rocky paths, and occasional glacier crossings, presenting varying levels of challenge throughout different sections of the route.

The Gokyo Lake Trek demands a good level of physical fitness, requiring preparatory activities such as hiking, jogging, and cycling to ensure endurance and stamina on the trail.

Essential items to pack include a comfortable backpack, warm and waterproof clothing suitable for varying weather conditions, sturdy trekking shoes for rough terrain, a comprehensive first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses to protect against high-altitude glare, and a suitable sleeping bag for warmth and comfort during nights on the trail.

To maintain hydration during the Gokyo Lake Trek, it's recommended to carry at least 3-4 liters of water each day.

The primary health concern on the Gokyo Lake Trek is altitude sickness. Therefore, it is crucial to acclimatize properly and be vigilant about recognizing symptoms related to high altitude.

Along the Gokyo Lake Trek, teahouses offer a variety of meals blending Nepali and Western cuisines. You can enjoy local favorites such as dal bhat, noodles, pasta, and momos, ensuring there's something satisfying for every palate.

Certain teahouses provide charging facilities, typically for a nominal fee. It's wise to bring along a power bank or solar charger to ensure you can recharge your devices as needed.

Accommodation along the Gokyo Lake Trek primarily consists of teahouses, which range from basic lodges to more comfortable ones.

A responsible approach involves collecting all waste generated during the trek and ensuring it is properly disposed of through designated waste management systems. It's crucial to adhere to Leave No Trace principles by packing out all non-biodegradable waste and utilizing available facilities at teahouses for disposing of organic waste. This helps in maintaining the pristine environment of the trekking route for future visitors and wildlife.

Yes, it is highly advisable to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation, particularly to safeguard against the risks associated with altitude sickness.

Weather conditions can vary, characterized by cold temperatures at higher altitudes, especially noticeable with significant drops in temperature during the night. Each morning brings breathtakingly beautiful views along the trekking route.
Couldn't find the information you were searching for?
No problem, we're always available to help and provide answers.
We are associated with
gov

Department of Tourism

ntb

Nepal Tourism Board

nma

Nepal Mountaineering Association

taan

Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal