True spirit of adventure since 1990
Nepal Environmental Trek
Nepal Environmental
Treks & Expedition

Gokyo Lake Trek

Duration
11 days
Max. Elevation
5545m
Group size
Min 1
Level
MODERATE
Transportation
Flight
Best Season
Autumn: SEP-OCT-NOV, Spring: MAR-APR-MAY
Accomodation
2-3 Star Hotel Accomodation in Kathmandu. Lodge Accomodation during Trek
Meals
3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Starts at/ Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip Route

Highlights

Overview

Gokyo Lake Trek takes you to the world famous Everest region. The trek offers you a rare experience of knowing Sherpa culture, traversing highest passes, and catching spectacular glimpses world’s highest mountains including Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7861m), Ama Dablam (6812m) among others. 
 
This trek gives you the grand tour of the famous Khumbu valley. This is a strenuous trek leading to Gokyo Lake and over the Cho La at 5,430m making a circuit of Tawache (6,367m.) and Cholatse (6,440m). Emerging into the Khumbu valley above Lobuje, the trail continues up to Kalapatthar and then back to Lukla via Tengboche and Namche Bazaar. The small herding settlement of Gokyo (4750m) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small turquoise mountain lakes. From the ridge above Gokyo, you can see the four peaks above 8000m, namely Cho You, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. In addition to this you can also see the amzing ice ridge between Cho You and Gyachung (7922m), considered one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu region. There are many options for additional exploration and high-altitude walking, including the crossing of Cho La, a 5420m-high pass into Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo Ri.
 
Breathtaking mountain vistas are complemented by visits to Sherpa villages, homes and monasteries offering you an insight into the quiet but culturally vibrant Sherpa way of life.
 
The best seasons to do Gokyo Lake trek is either during Spring  (March, April , May) or Autumn (September, October, November). 

Trip Itinerary

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) and it takes about 30 minutes. Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640 m.) which takes approximately three hours. You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about five hours. This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La.

Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization and excursion around the places. Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization at the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or an hour walk up to the Tyangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town.

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040m.) via Khumjung and it takes about six hours. From Namche the route heads up all the way to Kumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of town. Here you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek steeply descend passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. You can enjoy delicious meal at Phortse Tenga (3650m.).

Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4150m) and it takes about five hours. From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch.

Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m) which takes about four and half hours. Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melt-water rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.), your route to Lobuche and Everest and later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.

Rest day at Gokyo and excursion in and around Gokyo valley. Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to the trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can make a side trip to Fifth Lake via Forth Lake.

Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5483m) and trek back to Machhermo (4150m.) via Gokyo village and it takes about four and half hours. Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machhermo.

Trek from Machhermo (4150m.) to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) which takes about five hours. The trail gently descends to Dole and then starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga (3650m.) passing through rhododendron forests. Then the path immediately ascends steeply to Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends up to Kyanjoma (3500m.) following small ups and down to the destination.

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) and it takes about six hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay.

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes 30 minutes. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.

Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
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Includes

    • All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C car or van
    • Entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park
    • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
    • Trekking guide/s
    • Porter/s (One porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
    • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) including fresh fruits, 3 times tea/coffee every day and drinking water
    • Accomodation in Lodge during the trek
    • Flight ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
    • Insurance and equipments for the trekking staffs
    • First aid kit
    • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
    • One farewell dinner with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
    • Souvenir (t-shirt, mug, pen, bag, etc.)

Doesn't Include

    • Personal nature expenses
    • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
    • Travel insurance
    • Tips
    • Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

My First Visit To Nepal And It Was Wonderful !

This was my first visit to Nepal and it was wonderful ! We did a 9 day trek to Gokyo Lake, and it was an incredible journey worth telling. We experienced rain, hail, snowstorm and lots of sun, but it was a great journey and well worth trekking for. Our guide Dinesh ad porter was excellent and professional, I would love to come back and do it again!

C
Claire

An Amazing Tour To Gokyo.

It was an amazing tour to Gokyo. Thanks for my good guide Kaji. He shows me a lot about culture, mountain and nature. I'm happy ? coming back soon !

A
Andrea
Swaziland

We Have A Wonderful Trek

We have a wonderful trek with Ratna and porter from ‘Environmental treks’. We spent 15 days in Everest region. We did Gokyo Ri, Chhukung Ri,and Ama Dablam Base Camp. We are very greatful for having the best guide – Ratna and nice weathe(!).

S
Sebastian and Anna
Poland

We Had A Wonderful Trek To Gokyo

We had a wonderful trek to Gokyo. Great wether everything went smoothly. Our guide; Ramesh was very attentive and helpful. It was nice to have everything arranged at the end of a long day. Thanks to Ramesh and environmental treks.

K
Kiely and Moose
United States

Great Organization !!!

The trip was fantastic! Fulfilled one of my long time dreams. Great organization and quick, effective handling of all challenges that came up-in spite of unpredictable mountain weather we completed the Gokyo trek! And I am leaving for home with lifetime of memories!

L
Lukas Prochazka
Canada

Great Arrangement!

Thank you Nava for arranging the trek to Gokyo(fabulous) and Bardiya National Park-Lumbini-Pokhara. We enjoyed out 6 weeks in Nepal, with your assistance.

J
Jim LeMaistre, Maureen Collier
Canada

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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal