Gokyo Lake Trekking

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

The Gokyo Lake Trek is a beautiful route through Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal. It leads trekkers to the serene Gokyo Lakes, a series of turquoise lakes at the base of Mount Cho Oyu (8,188 meters). Along the way, trekkers enjoy stunning views of Mount Everest and other neighboring peaks. Unlike the crowded Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo offers a quieter alternative. This trek is perfect for those seeking natural beauty and cultural experiences in the Sherpa region.

Trek Highlights

The Gokyo Lake Trek is known for its natural beauty. The turquoise lakes are surrounded by towering peaks, creating a tranquil atmosphere. From Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), trekkers enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse. The trek also offers cultural experiences with Sherpa villages. You’ll learn about the local way of life and traditions. The quiet trails provide an opportunity to enjoy the mountains without the crowds.

Best Time to Trek

The best times to trek to Gokyo Lake are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons have clear skies and moderate temperatures, offering the best views. Winter (December to February) is very cold, requiring extra preparation. Monsoon season (June to August) is less ideal, as it brings risk of landslides and slippery trails.

Trek Difficulty and Duration

The Gokyo Lake Trek is moderate to challenging. The highest point is Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters, so proper acclimatization is key to avoid altitude sickness. The trek usually lasts 12-14 days, depending on your pace. The trail is physically demanding due to its elevation and rugged terrain. However, trekkers with good fitness and high-altitude hiking experience will find it manageable.

Departure Dates (not necessarily 2025):
23 Feb 2025 | 08 Mar 2025 | 19 Mar 2025 | 26 Mar 2025 | 02 Apr 2025 | 09 Apr 2025 | 18 Apr 2025 | 25 Apr 2025 | 30 Apr 2025

And every week Tuesday

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.