Gokyo Lake Trek – Serene Lakes and Everest Views in Nepal

Gokyo Lake

Everest Region

Excellent

3/5

Duration

15 Days

Max. Altitude

5357m

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Season

Spring | Autumn

Transportation

Private Vehicle / Flight

Accommodation

Lodge during Trek

Starting Point

Kathmandu

Ending Point

Kathmandu

Overview

Gokyo Lake Trekking Overview

Gokyo Lake Trekking is a scenic journey through Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park, leading to the tranquil Gokyo Lakes—a series of turquoise glacial lakes nestled below Mount Cho Oyu (8,188 meters). This trek offers an alternative to the more crowded Everest Base Camp route, making it ideal for those who value peace, natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences in the Sherpa region.

Trekkers enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest and neighboring Himalayan peaks while following less-traveled trails. This Trekking combines awe-inspiring landscapes with visits to traditional Sherpa villages, giving a complete Himalayan experience.

Learn more about Sagarmatha National Park from UNESCO

Gokyo Ri Lake Trek : Booking/Inquiry

↓ Scroll to Book/Inquiry to fill out the quick booking form and click “Book Now“ button to secure your Gokyo Lake adventure andto inquire or Contact us for a free trek consultation by clicking here →WhatsApp

Small Group Tour – Per Person Pricing

We offer attractive group discounts based on the number of participants.

Group Size	Price per Person (USD)
1 person	$1499
2 people	$1459
3-4 people	$1379
5-16 people	$1319

Trekking Highlights

View of the beautiful Gokyo Ri Lake

The highlights of Gokyo Lake Trekking include the mesmerizing glacial lakes and the iconic viewpoint at Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters). From here, you get a panoramic view of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse. These views are among the finest in the Everest region.

Trekkers also explore Sherpa settlements, interact with local communities, and gain insight into traditional Himalayan lifestyles. Unlike the busier Everest base camp trek, Gokyo offers more solitude and a deeper connection to nature.

To explore more about everest regions click here: Everest Region

Best Seasons for Gokyo Lake Trekking

The best times for Gokyo Lake Trekking are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the skies are clear, and the weather is stable, offering spectacular views and comfortable hiking conditions.

Winter (December to February) is possible but very cold, especially at higher elevations. Monsoon season (June to August) is generally not recommended due to slippery trails and possible landslides.

Gokyo Lake Trekking Difficulty and Duration

Gokyo Lake Trekking is moderately challenging, with the highest point being Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters. Trekkers need to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. The trek typically takes 12 to 14 days, depending on your itinerary and pace.

The trails involve uphill climbs, rugged paths, and high-altitude walking. Trekkers should have good fitness levels and prior experience with multi-day hikes, especially at altitude.

Read our Nepal Trekking Preparation Guide

Departure Dates:

October: 9th, 22nd, 29th
November: 8th, 19th, 27th

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Rest and prepare for the trekking adventure ahead.
Explore Kathmandu if time allows, visit Thamel or other landmarks.

Day 02 :

Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small town in the Everest region.
Enjoy stunning aerial views of the Himalayas during the flight.
Upon arrival, trek from Lukla to Phakding (2,640m), approximately 3 hours of walking.

Day 03 :

Start your trek along the Dudh Kosi River.
Cross suspension bridges and pass through dense forests.
Reach Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the region, and stay overnight.

Day 04 :

Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.
Optionally, hike up to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Explore Namche Bazaar, visit local shops, and enjoy Sherpa culture.

Day 05 :

Begin the trek to Phortse Thanga via the trail that ascends through pine forests.
Enjoy stunning views of Mount Everest and Tengboche Monastery.
Arrive at Phortse Thanga, a quiet village, and settle in for the night.

Day 06 :

Continue the trek to Machermo, a scenic village offering views of Cho Oyu and Mount Everest.
Walk through alpine meadows and pass yak herders’ camps.
Arrive in Machermo, known for its pristine beauty, and rest for the night.

Day 07 :

Trek from Machermo to Gokyo Lakes, an area famous for its turquoise lakes and stunning mountain scenery.
The hike takes about 6-7 hours, passing Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Reach Gokyo and settle in for the night, surrounded by the lakes and peaks.

Day 08 :

Explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes area, which consists of six serene lakes.
You can choose to hike up to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the surroundings and take in the majestic views of the Himalayas.

Day 09 :

Descend back to Dole for a 5-6 hour trek.
Follow the same trail but experience the route from a new perspective.
Stay overnight in Dole, a scenic village with panoramic mountain views.

Day 10 :

Trek from Dole to Khumjung, a peaceful Sherpa village.
Enjoy a relatively easy trek with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Explore the village and learn about Sherpa culture and life in the high Himalayas.

Day 11 :

Trek from Khumjung back down to Phakding.
This 6-7 hour trek takes you through forests and along the Dudh Kosi River.
Enjoy the last stretch of the journey as you approach Phakding.

Day 12 :

Trek back to Lukla, retracing your steps from Day 2.
Enjoy the views one last time before reaching Lukla.
Celebrate the completion of the trek with your fellow trekkers.

Day 13 :

Fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu.
Enjoy the final aerial views of the Himalayas on the flight.
Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu and rest after your adventure.

Day 14 :

Spend a free day exploring Kathmandu or relaxing.
Visit local attractions like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, or Boudhanath Stupa.
Last chance for shopping or experiencing local culture.

Day 15 :

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Bid farewell to Nepal after an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas.

About the above itinerary

This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized based on your preferences and fitness level. It is always advisable to trek with a licensed guide and to have a proper trekking permit before embarking on any trekking adventure in Nepal.

Included

Tour Guide & Support Staff: Experienced English-speaking trek leader (First Aid and eco-trained), and one Sherpa porter.
Flights: Round-trip flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and return, including the trekking guide’s flight.
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek, as per the itinerary.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek.
Trekking Support: Trek support staff insurance.
Permits & Fees: Sagarmatha National Park entry fee, TIMS permit, and all other major permits and entry fees.
Trekking Materials: Everest Base Camp trekking map, printed itinerary, etc.
Medical Kit: Comprehensive First Aid kit.

Excluded

Visa & Flights: Nepalese visa fees and international airfare.
Excess Baggage: Charges for excess baggage (Domestic flights allow only 15 KG).
Meals in Kathmandu: Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, except for those mentioned in the itinerary.
Insurance: Travel and rescue insurance (make sure to book your insurance in advance).
Personal Expenses: Additional personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, bar bills, hot showers, battery recharges, and extra porters.
Tips: Tips for the driver, trekking guide, Sherpa, and porter.
Extended Trips: Any trips extending beyond the 16-day Gokyo Lake trek.
Other Services: Any services not included in the “Included” section.

Frequently asked questions

Gokyo Lake Trekking is a less-crowded alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek, offering stunning views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and glacial lakes in the Gokyo Valley. Instead of heading to base camp, this route takes you to the serene Gokyo Lakes and the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri, providing equally dramatic scenery with a more peaceful experience.

The best times for Gokyo Lake Trekking are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and the best mountain views. Winter trekking is possible but very cold, while summer (monsoon) conditions can make trails slippery and risky.

The trek typically takes 12 to 14 days, depending on your pace, itinerary, and acclimatization schedule. Some itineraries may include additional rest days or extensions such as the Renjo La Pass or connection to Everest Base Camp.

Yes, trekkers need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Hiring a licensed guide is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insights, and is required under new regulations for many solo travelers in Nepal.