Gokyo Lake Trekking

The Gokyo Lake Trek is a breathtaking journey to a series of pristine glacial lakes in the Everest region, offering stunning mountain views. Explore turquoise lakes, Gokyo Ri, and the unique beauty of the Himalayas.
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The Gokyo Lake Trek is an extraordinary adventure into the heart of the Everest region, renowned for its tranquil turquoise glacial lakes, awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas, and unique cultural experiences. This trek offers a less crowded alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp trek while still providing equally spectacular views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu – four of the world's highest peaks.

The journey takes you through traditional Sherpa villages, lush forests, and rugged alpine terrain, culminating at the serene Gokyo Valley. Along the way, you'll visit the five sacred Gokyo Lakes, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, and experience the thrill of standing atop Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), a renowned viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the Everest region and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.

This trek combines natural beauty with a sense of adventure and spirituality, as you explore high-altitude landscapes and immerse yourself in the unique Sherpa culture. Suitable for trekkers with a moderate level of fitness, the Gokyo Lake Trek is typically completed in 12–14 days, with ample time for acclimatization. It is a must-do for those seeking a unique Himalayan experience that blends tranquility, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.

Region
Nepal
Duration
15 Days
Level
moderate
Max Altitude
5343
Daily Activity
6-7 hours
Season
Sept to Nov and Mar to May
Starting From
$ 1625
Nepal New Generation Trek offer 1+10 People
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Overview
Itinerary
Date/Cost
Includes
FAQ
Gallery
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Brief Introduction

The Gokyo Lake Trek is a spectacular journey through the Everest region of Nepal, offering an alternative route to Everest Base Camp with equally breathtaking views and less crowded trails. This trek takes you to the serene Gokyo Valley, home to a series of pristine glacial lakes surrounded by towering peaks like Everest, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse.

The trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, high-altitude adventure, and cultural exploration. Along the way, you'll pass through picturesque Sherpa villages, lush forests, and rugged landscapes, while also visiting sacred lakes that hold deep spiritual significance. The trek's highlight is reaching the summit of Gokyo Ri, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Everest massif and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.

Ideal for trekkers with moderate fitness levels, the Gokyo Lake Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines stunning scenery with a unique cultural experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

Highlights of the Gokyo Lake Trek
  • Gokyo Lakes: Visit the serene and sacred turquoise glacial lakes, offering a tranquil and mesmerizing experience.
  • Gokyo Ri Viewpoint: Hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) for breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.
  • Everest Region Views: Enjoy stunning vistas of the Everest massif, including the world's highest peak, Everest, and the expansive Ngozumpa Glacier.
  • Sherpa Culture: Experience the rich culture and traditions of the Sherpa people in villages like Namche Bazaar and Gokyo.
  • Less Crowded: A quieter alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek, offering a more peaceful trekking experience.
  • High-Altitude Adventure: Trek through high-altitude terrain, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain landscapes for an unforgettable adventure.
  • Unique Experience: Explore the unique Gokyo Valley, its lakes, and remote surroundings, providing an authentic Himalayan experience.
Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day
Days: 1Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)  
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Nepal New Generation signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Note: If you happen to arrive after 4 pm you would be briefed about the trip by our guide, this will be the pre-trip meeting for you, so please make sure that you ask all the questions. But if you arrive earlier than 4 pm, your pre-trip meeting would be on that very day at our office. During the meeting, we will introduce your trek leader/guide. For the meeting, please make sure you bring the passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Overnight at a hotel. No meals included.
Days: 2 Guided Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley  
The very next morning, after breakfast you will be taken for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit center of pilgrimage Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhnath might make you feel calm and peace and visit Patan the city of fine arts and Durbar Square is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. On journey back to hotel, you can explore the local areas, gullies and lifestyle. After your dinner, you can perhaps take leisurely stroll through the famous streets like Thamel and Durbarmarg
Days: 3 Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2652m/8699ft (Walking Distance: 8 KM) Duration: 3 hours  
From Kathmandu, a flight to Lukla commences the trek. The Lukla flight is one of the most dramatic short flights in the world. The Lukla Airport itself is located on a hill and contains a single runway that drops off towards its end to the deep gaping valley below. Surrounded by tall mountains and jaded hills, the airstrip at Lukla is quite fascinating and the flight is deemed as a little thrilling adventure in itself. Upon arriving at Lukla, the change in the scenery is immediately felt. The mountainous landscape becomes quite prominent and the air carries a crisp freshness to it that only Himalayan atmosphere carries. From Lukla, the trekking trail slowly moves towards the Cheplung Village. View of the sacred Mount Khumbila from the village at Cheplung is beautiful. From there, a gradual walk downwards leads to the village of Phakding. The terrain is amazing and tall hills surround the trail like giant mounds of emeralds. From Phakding, the sight of the Kusum Kangraru Mountain can be seen. The village of Phakding lies in the Dudh Koshi River valley north of Lukla and contains many guesthouses and lodges that cater to tourism and trekkers. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Days: 4 Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283ft) (Walking Distance: 10-12 KM) Duration: 6 hours  
After breakfast at Phakding, the trail further opens out to reach the celebrated mountain town of Namche Bazaar. En route to Namche, several smaller villages are crossed, like Jorsale and Monjo. Monjo lies north of Phakding and is the entry point of the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail ventures through the national park and finally arrives at Namche. Walking along the trekking route through the Sagarmatha National Park presents many virtues, like its alpine woods, small rivers and brooks and deciduous forests. Thick acreages of Pine and Cedar cover the lands and provide a pleasant atmosphere to trek through. Namche Bazaar, because of its strategic location, is the commercial hub of the Khumbu region. It is located on a mountain side and views of the Thamserku Peak and the Kongdi RI Himal from here are amazing. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Days: 5 Acclimatization Day - Hike to Everest View Hotel (Walking Distance: 3-4 KM) Duration: 3-4 Hours  
Namche is a great place to acclimatize. The sights around Namche are spectacular and beautiful. After breakfast, you can visit the Syangboche Airstrip that lies on a hill above the town. From here, you can get panoramic view of Namche and can see amazing sights of the Himalayas as well. Further from Namche lies the Everest View Hotel. The hotel is the highest located hotel in the world and provides view of Mount Everest and many other Himalayan peaks from all of its windows. Back at Namche, you can visit the Everest Photo Gallery and the Sherpa Culture Museum as well. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Days: 6 Namchebazaar to Phortse Thanga  
Leave Namche along the direction of the gompa and turn right after the large rocks engraved with Buddhist images.The trek climbs the hill to Khumjung and descends to the valley of Dudhkoshi and arrives at Phortse Thanga (3,500m) which offers supreb views of Thamserku(6,608m), Kangtewa
Days: 7 Phortse Thanga to Machermo  
This will be another short day trek to aid acclimatization to the altitude.The path goes through the middle of forest and offers the first view of Cho you peak (8,153m), working , through rhododendron forest and juniper and large conifers appear as the elevation increases making the trekking beautiful in spring. The trail passes through kharkas and summer settlements to Dole after that we will work across a rocky terrain scattered with a few dwarf rhododendrons. Staying overnight at Machermo at (4,410m)
Days: 8 Machermo to Gokyo Lakes  
The trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpz glacier. A few lakes appear on the trail and finally reach to Gokyo (4,750m), which is a collection of stone houses and walled pastures on the shores of large lake. The mountain views in the Gokyo region are spectacular. A two-hour climbing on Gokyo Ri (5350m), the small peak above the lake provides panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Lhotse, Makalu, cholatse and Tawache
Days: 9 Gokyo Lake explore around  
The excurtion to the Gokyo peak usually starts early in the morning. The climb is quite steep first 30 minutes, it will take you an hour to reach the top with its traditional prayer flags. From where you will have a magnificent view of highest peaks, from the west to east are Cho you (8,153m), Gyachung Kang (7,922m), Everest ( 8848m), Lhotse (8,501m) and further way Makalu, On the way to descent you can enjoy, superb view of Gokyo Lake..
Days: 10 Gokyo lake to Dole  
From Gokyo you have the choice to walk the same way back or cross the Renjo La pass (5435 meters) and walk back through the Sherpa villages of Lungde and Thame. Already beforehand I decided not to do the challenging Renjo La Pass and with my symptoms of altitude sickness that was a wise choice. If you are an experienced hiker and well acclimatized it is certainly worth considering though. Another option is to cross the Cho La Pass and combine the Gokyo Lakes trek with the Everest Base Camp trek or Three passes trek. I walked the same way back. By the time I reached Machermo my symptoms of altitude sickness were gone. After a nice lunch of daal baat I continued till Dole
Days: 11 Dole to Namche 12 kilometers, 4.5 hours  
Today was a lucky day on the trail. Because walking down is easier you have more time to look around you. That is maybe why today I spotted the rare monal pheasant bird and the Himalayan Tahr mountain goat. Although I was walking the same way back as I came I noticed different things and enjoyed the trail just as much. Back in Namche it was time to treat myself to the comforts that Namche bazaar offers
Days: 12 Namche to Phakding 8 kilometers, 5 hours  
It is possible to walk from Namche back to Lukla in one long day, but I decided to break up the journey in Phakding to give me one more day in the mountains. I got a warm welcome in the guesthouse where I also stayed on my way to Gokyo. The lady still remembered me and I spent the evening in the kitchen watching how she made dal baat adding a local herb jimbu
Days: 13 Phakding trekking back to Lukla (2,850) walking hours: 2-3 hour  
It will be just a 3hr easy and gentle trail back to Lukla.Thetrail drops steeply and runs level through out the day.Enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village arrival in Lukla. You'll have time to stroll around the local areas. In the evening you can enjoy a typical Nepalese dinner and cultural show.
Days: 14 Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu  
Saying final goodbye to our porters, we will have a flight back to ktm of an exciting one hour. (It also can be a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla which makes the Lukla flight delayed and cancel.) At the evening you can have your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show exchanging greetings among friends and with all Nepalese people. You can buy some souvenirs
Days: 15 Farewell Departure  
Today is free or last minute you have few hour special shopping for your relatives. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. We will drop you to the International airportto catch your flight back to your home and wish for your Safe journey
Reservation & Date
Friday
10 Jan 2025
Sunday
12 Jan 2025
$175 Off
$1625
$1800
12 Seats
Available
Book Now
Inclusion/ Exclusion

 Gokyo Lake Trek Inclusion/Exclusion

Services Included
  • Professional, English-speaking guide and porter services.
  • All necessary permits: Sagarmatha National Park Permit and TIMS card.
  • Accommodation in teahouses/lodges along the trek.
  • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu to Lukla and return).
  • Transportation to and from the trekking trailhead (Lukla) via flights.
  • First aid kit carried by the guide.
  • Insurance for guide and porters.
  • Comprehensive trip briefing and itinerary customization.
Services Excluded
  • International airfare to and from Nepal.
  • Nepal visa fees.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory, covering high-altitude trekking).
  • Personal expenses: snacks, drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging during the trek.
  • Tips for guides and porters.
  • Extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances (weather, delays, or emergencies).
  • Optional activities, such as additional excursions or sightseeing in Kathmandu.
  • Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusions.

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

The Gokyo Lake Trek is considered moderately challenging. It involves high-altitude trekking, with daily walking of 5–7 hours on steep and rugged trails. Basic fitness and proper acclimatization are key to a successful trek.

The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is clear, skies are bright, and temperatures are moderate, providing excellent visibility and trekking conditions.

The highest point is Gokyo Ri, which stands at 5,357 meters (17,575 feet).

Yes, acclimatization is essential due to the high altitude. The trek includes rest days in places like Namche Bazaar and Gokyo to help your body adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Accommodation is provided in teahouses or lodges along the route. These are basic but comfortable, with beds, blankets, and shared bathroom facilities.

Yes, meals are provided in teahouses along the trail. The menu typically includes a variety of Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, soup, and tea.

Yes, most teahouses offer charging facilities for a small fee. It’s a good idea to bring a power bank as backup.

Basic trekking gear is required, including warm clothing, sturdy trekking boots, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a first aid kit, and a camera. Your guide will provide a detailed packing list.

Yes, the trek is generally safe. However, it’s important to be prepared for high-altitude conditions. It’s advisable to trek with an experienced guide, follow acclimatization schedules, and listen to your body.

In case of health issues or unforeseen circumstances, your guide will assist with evacuation plans. It’s always recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation.