Gokyo Lakes Trek

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Trip Overview
  • Duration: 13 Days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Trip Start and End: Kathmandu
  • Trip Area: Everest Region
  • Trip Style: Adventure/ Active
  • Age Group: 10 or Above
  • Trip Type: Private and Group
  • Trip Method: Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant Booking
  • Max. Altitude: 5360m
  • Best Season: March - May and Sep-Dec,
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is an exhilarating 13-day trekking expedition to the six glacial-fed Gokyo Lakes. But the journey is more than just a visit to these beautiful lakes with pristine turquoise waters. It is an adventurous undertaking in the Khumbu-Everest region that enables access to the most majestic mountain peaks in the world, high passes, and glaciers.

You will trek to some of the most significant highlights in the Everest region. Most notably, you will trek to Gokyo Ri, a prominent peak that’s at the same altitude as Everest Base Camp. The undisturbed views of 8,000 meters plus mountains like Mt. Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu are a sight to behold.

But before all this, you will tread rhythmically along the Dudh Koshi River, through the homelands of the Sherpa people. These meditative villages are much sought-after respites after a challenging day-long trek. But more than that, these villages allow you to truly understand the lifestyle and culture of the brave Sherpas.

Moreover, you will also get a chance to behold the Ngozumpa Glacier on the Gokyo Lake Trek, the largest of its kind in the Himalayas.

The trip starts from Kathmandu and the actual trek starts from Lukla after a scenic mountain flight. This way, you’ll get a variety of views till the final destination. You will trek to Phakding on the same day and proceed to Namche Bazaar after your first night in the Himalayas.

After reaching Namche and acclimatizing for an additional day, you will commence your trek through green forests to Dole. The trek continues to Machhermo and then to Gokyo in the subsequent days.

On day 8, you will finally behold the regal view from Gokyo Ri and visit the Gokyo Lakes. Traversing through the Renjo La Pass on Day 9 concludes the primary highlights of the trek and you begin your descent in the days after. All in all, the Gokyo Lake Trek, or the Gokyo Ri Trek is a transformative 13-day journey with a total of 9 trekking days.

Gokyo Lake Trek Highlights

  • Visit the 6 Gokyo Lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world
  • Trek inside the Sagarmatha National Park, the habitat of exotic animals like Musk deer, Himalayan giant Thar, and Snow Leopard
  • Enjoy the panoramic view of mountains like Tawache, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and Thamserku
  • Ascend the Gokyo Ri for spectacular sunrise views
  • Explore the unique and vibrant Sherpa tradition, culture, and lifestyle

Gokyo Lake Trek Cost

The Gokyo Lake Trek cost starts from USD 1200 per trekker and can get to USD 1400 depending on the group size.

Group Size
Cost Per Trekker
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1 pax
USD 1400
2-3 pax
USD 1350
4-5 pax
USD 1300
6-10 pax
USD 1250
More than 10 pax
USD 1200
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This cost includes the most essential services like food, accommodation, transportation, guides and porters, permits, etc. Meanwhile, personal and additional expenses like travel insurance, hot shower, WiFi and electricity fees, and other amenities are not included.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1:Welcome to KathmanduAltitude: 1345 m
  • Day 2:Flight to Lukla and trek to PhakdingAltitude: 2610 m
  • Day 3:Trek to Namche BazaarAltitude: 3440 m
  • Day 4:Acclimatization at Namche BazaarAltitude: 3440 m
  • Day 5:Trek to DoleAltitude: 4200 m
  • Day 6:Trek to MachhermoAltitude: 4470 m
  • Day 7:Trek from Machhermo to GokyoAltitude: 4790 m
  • Day 8:Trek to Gokyo Ri and 5th LakeAltitude: 4790 m
  • Day 9:Gokyo to Renjo La Pass (5435 m) and LungdenAltitude: 4380 m
  • Day 10:Lungden to Namche BazaarAltitude: 3440 m
  • Day 11:Namche to Lukla AirportAltitude: 2860 m
  • Day 12:Flight to Kathmandu and Farewell DinnerAltitude: 1345 m
  • Day 13:Departure

Trip Map

Gokyo Lakes Trek Map

Day 1:Welcome to Kathmandu

  • Max Altitude1345 m
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel

A Sublime Trails representative will receive you at the Arrival terminal of the Tribhuwan International Airport. Look for a cheerful man holding your name tag. You will then follow a brief ride to your hotel while adjusting to the cultural shock all around. A 3-star hotel serves as your abode in Kathmandu, most probably located in the bustling streets of Thamel.

Look forward to a brief orientation session and an otherwise leisurely day of rest and exploration.

Day 2:Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding

  • Max Altitude2610 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

An early hot beverage or breakfast should prepare you for your exhilarating mountain flight to Lukla. Flights are operated either from Kathmandu or Ramechhap.

Your porters will introduce themselves after you land at the Lukla airport. Your trek to Phakding begins after you hand over your luggage. This trek lasts only a few hours, serving as a pleasant welcome trek in the Everest region.

Day 3:Trek to Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will get up early in the morning and commence your trek to Namche Bazaar. During the first half of the day, you will be walking alongside the Dudhkoshi River through suspension bridges and forests.

After trekking for a few hours, you will stop at the Monjo Valley for lunch. The second phase of trekking through beautiful forests and uphill ascents will get you to Namche Bazaar. Bustling with busy porters, excited travelers, and welcoming local Sherpas, Namche Bazaar has a life of its own.

Day 4:Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

At Namche, you’ll wake up to a wonderful sunrise and views of Mt. Ama Dambal, Cho Oyu, and more. This is an acclimatization day, so feel free to sleep in all day if you like. But if you want to fill the day with more interesting activities, you can hike up to the Syangboche airport, visit the popular Hotel Everest View, or hike along the Dudh Koshi River.

Day 5:Trek to Dole

  • Max Altitude4200 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

On Day 5 of the Gokyo Ri Trek, you will trek along pine and oak forests to Dole. The trail passes through the beautiful settlement of Kyangjuma. This is where you will deviate from the classic Everest Base Camp trek route and walk uphill from the left towards Mongla Hill.

The trek is quite steep and challenging and it follows the Cho Oyu mountain with majestic views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. The narrow and thrilling trail will finally take you to Dole where you will spend the night.

Day 6:Trek to Machhermo

  • Max Altitude4470 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

An early breakfast at Dole sets the pace for Machheromo. The trail winds through gentle uphill slopes, a big relief from the journey the day before. This makes it convenient to enjoy amazing views of Mt. Taboche, Cholatse, Cho Oyu, and Everest along the way.

Day 7:Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo

  • Max Altitude4790 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

From Macchermo you will first descend to the river bank and climb to the Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier of the Himalayas. Located below the world’s 6th highest mountain, Cho Oyu, the glacier is a sight to behold.

You will then reach the first Gokyo Lake. Then you will follow the terrain of the first mountain and reach the second and third Gokyo Lakes. We’ll spend the night in Gokyo village at a teahouse.

Day 8:Trek to Gokyo Ri and 5th Lake

  • Max Altitude4790 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Gokyo Village is technically the final destination of the Gokyo Lakes Trek itinerary. However, the Gokyo-Ri peak (5,357m) and the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes are the final highlights.

You will trek to Gokyo Ri to witness the mesmerizing sunrise. You can get a panoramic view of mountains like Makalu, Everest, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Pumori, Makalu, Amadablam, Cholatse and Kwangde from Gokyo Ri. Perhaps this is why the Gokyo Lake Trek is also called the Gokyo Ri Trek.

After returning to the village and having lunch, you will head out to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes, about 2 miles north of Gokyo.

Day 9:Gokyo to Renjo La Pass (5435 m) and Lungden

  • Max Altitude4380 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will trek to one of the high passes of the Everest region, the Renjo La Pass (5,435m). The trail is first steep and then leads to a flat surface. After reaching the flat surface, you will climb a gentle uphill. Prayer flags you see at a distance mark the arrival of the Renjo La Pass.

Just before reaching the Pass, you will climb a steep uphill. Superior views of Mt. Makalu, Tengi Ragi Tau, the Rolwaling Range, and Gyachung Kang are visible from the Renjo La Pass. You will descend towards Lungden, have dinner, and stay the night.

Day 10:Lungden to Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Leaving Lungden, you will first trek towards Thame where Tenzing Norgay spent his childhood. You will first ascend a narrow valley, then cross Marulung and descend the trail of Tangga. The trail to Namche Bazaar traverses through rhododendrons and pine forests. 

You will finally get to Namche after a few hours of moderate hiking with no extreme ascending or descending.

Day 11:Namche to Lukla Airport

  • Max Altitude2860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

The team descends through rocky terrains to book a flight to Lukla. You can spend your day at Lukla strolling around and relaxing. You can also visit the school established by Sir Edmund Hillary. You will spend your night at Lukla waiting to get back to Kathmandu the next day.

Day 12:Flight to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

  • Max Altitude1345 m
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast and Dinner

You will have an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, just as scenic as the first time. Weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable and there is always a possibility of flight delay, so expect sudden changes in the schedule. Once you get to Kathmandu, you can roam around the streets of Thamel and surf through souvenirs, go shopping, visit a spa, etc.

Day 13:Departure

    The Sublime Trails crew will shuttle you to the airport for your international flight. After heartful hugs and goodbyes, it is time to return home with sweet memories and incredible stories to tell.

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    Cost Includes / Excludes

    Cost Includes

    • Airport transfers
    • 12 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
    • 3-Star accommodation in Kathmandu for 2 nights
    • Tea house accommodation along the way for 10 nights
    • All land transportation with pickups and drops
    • Domestic Flight to Lukla and return to Kathmandu
    • Professional trekking guide and porter ( 1 porter between 2 trekkers)
    • Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Fee
    • Local government tax
    • Down jacket, a Sleeping to use for the trekking
    • Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and the Tax department
    • First Aid service in case of minor injuries
    • Salary, food, and accommodation for guides and porters

    Cost Excludes

    • Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu
    • Emergency evacuation and travel insurance
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival and late departure
    • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
    • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
    • Nepal entry visa fee
    • Tipping for the Sublime crew

    Gokyo Lakes Trek Available Dates

    Select Month and Year
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    Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
    Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 02, 2023End DateEnd: ThursdayDec 14, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayDec 03, 2023End DateEnd: FridayDec 15, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 07, 2023End DateEnd: TuesdayDec 19, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayDec 10, 2023End DateEnd: FridayDec 22, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: WednesdayDec 13, 2023End DateEnd: MondayDec 25, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 16, 2023End DateEnd: ThursdayDec 28, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: WednesdayDec 20, 2023End DateEnd: MondayJan 01, 2024PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayDec 24, 2023End DateEnd: FridayJan 05, 2024PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 28, 2023End DateEnd: TuesdayJan 09, 2024PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayDec 31, 2023End DateEnd: FridayJan 12, 2024PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable

    Trip Essential Information

    Permits and Fees

    In the Gokyo Lake Trek, you will be trekking inside the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These are the permits needed for the journey:

    Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: $30 per trekker
    TIMS Card Fee: $10 per trekker

    When you book this trek with us, you won’t have to worry about these fees. Sublime Trails manages all your permits for you. Additionally, the cost of these permits is included in the booking cost so you won’t have to pay separately.

    Accommodation in Gokyo Ri Trek

    The Gokyo Lake trek features tea house-based accommodation. These tea houses are well-regulated, hygienic, standard, and budget-friendly. The lodges at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche are luxurious compared to those at the small settlements of Dole and Machermo. You'll get hot showers and comfortable beds at most tea houses. The star-rated hotels in Namche and Lukla offer an electric blanket.

    Similarly, tea houses at Gokyo Village also offer comfortable overnight sleep. You may get a hot shower at Gokyo, but it's risky to shower in such a cold region as you might suffer from cold and pneumonia. Most lodges in the region have sit-down flush toilets while some have squat toilets.

    The tea houses on the Gokyo trek route have firewood heating services in the central communal area of the dining hall. After a tiring day, who doesn’t love to sit next to the oven before curling up in the sleeping bags?

    Meals in Gokyo Lake Trek

    The staple dish during the trek is Dal Bhat (rice, curry, lentil soup, leafy greens, pickles, etc.). You can also enjoy various Tibetan-Nepali cuisines like Thenduk, Thukpa, fried rice, soups, noodles, Momo dumplings, and various items of potatoes.

    Nonetheless, teahouses serve plenty of Western dishes if you’re too concerned about the change of taste. Most lodges have now included bread, coffee, burgers, pasta, macaroni, chips, and pastries on the menu.

    Beer, wine, and locally prepared moonshine drinks are also available, but alcoholic beverages can interfere with your acclimatization goals.

    You can refill drinking water at tea houses on the trail. While generally safe, we recommend carrying water-purifying tablets or other devices just to stay safe.

    Gokyo Lake Trek Difficulty

    In a nutshell, the Gokyo Lake Trek is a moderate-grade trek in the Everest region but it is certainly no walk in the park. The rugged trails, high passes, and steep terrains certainly require you to be in good shape.

    You will sleep at elevations higher than 3,500m for multiple days, and trek to altitudes of around 5,000m multiple times. Although the itinerary includes acclimatization days, altitude sickness is still a possibility.

    Lastly, the 6 to 7 hours of trekking requires some preparation beforehand. While teahouses provide the best services possible in the region, you will have to adapt to different eating choices and sleeping constraints.

    Documents required for the Gokyo Lake trek

    You must have government-issued legal documents for your identification and to obtain an on-arrival visa in Nepal. Your passport copies are also required to get Gokyo Ri trek permits.

    The items include, but are not limited to:

    • Passport, Citizenship Card
    • Travel Insurance Card
    • Photos (Multiple copies just for peace of mind)
    • Contact details of your family to contact during emergencies
    • Name tag for your luggage

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    FAQs

    • Route of Gokyo lake is comparatively more serene and less travelled. It gives you the feeling of communicating with nature and the lakes are outstandingly beautiful. But, Everest Base Camp trek is equally rewarding but is a lot more popular. You can see several trekkers, expedition teams and locals quite so often. Both treks are similar if compared which one is more difficult. If you want to feel a sense of accomplishment and love talking to fellow trekkers, you should choose Everest Base Camp trek. If you want to enjoy solitude and experience the overall landscape of the Everest region, you should choose Gokyo Lake trek.

    • No, Gokyo Lake trekking doesn’t require you to cross any high mountain pass. If you wanted to go to Everest Base Camp in addition to Gokyo Lakes, you would have to cross Cho La pass. Gokyo Ri serves as the viewpoint to get an outstanding view of Gokyo village, lakes, glaciers, and several mountains.

    • In addition to the outstanding view of Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, you can also view mountains like Tawache, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and Thamserku during Gokyo Lake trek. Gokyo 4th & 5th lakes are the best places to get amazing views of Everest.

    • There are two major service providers NTC and NCELL which cost just around $1. The network quality, however, decreases as the altitude increases. There are at least a few places during a day’s trek where you can make calls. You can also use these sims for internet subscribing to data packages. Charging your cell phones and batteries may cost you extra money.

    • Gokyo Trek in the Everest region is better than Everest Base Camp Trek, most Gokyo trekkers admit. Why? 

      First, the Gokyo Lake trek offers a magical view of all four 8,000 peaks of the Everest region. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse are visible from Gokyo Ri, which is not possible from Kala Patthar.

      Second, Gokyo is home to 19 freshwater lakes over 4,700 to 5,000 metres altitude. These turquoise lakes add considerate scenery to the Gokyo Landscape.

      Further, the Gokyo lake trek route is less crowded than other treks on Everest. Thus, for peaceful trek admirers, Gokyo stands best.

    • There are 19 different Gokyo Lakes and of which six are prominent. These freshwater Gokyo lakes are at an altitude near 5,000 metres. Dudh Pokhari and Thonak Lake are renowned among all.

      Gokyo valley sits at 4,750 metres on the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari, a member of Gokyo Lake. The Gokyo Ri viewpoint sits at 5,357 metres.

    • Gokyo lake trek is a moderate grade trek destination in Sagarmatha National Park. The trek route is firmly maintained and not so difficult to hike on. You'll be guided by our expert Gokyo trek guides throughout this trek. Porters will carry your backpacks so that you can trek comfortably.

      The only challenge on the Everest Gokyo Lake trek will be altitude sickness which hinders the pace of the hike. Also, our guides will provide you with medicines to overcome such situations.

      Many trekkers get tired as they reach Namche Bazaar and opt for a horse ride to Gokyo. A horse ride from Namche to Gokyo and back to Namche would be best to incase you feel tired early.

    • Yes! You can complete the Gokyo Lake Trek as a solo traveler. There will be trekkers en route to give you company. It'll be a joyous adventure in the Himalayas.

      But, what if you get an injury or get altitude sickness? While trekking, your safety and security matter most. Hence, with your local agencies like us, it will become safe to trek to Gokyo.

      Further, you have to manage all the logistics, preparations, and flight tickets (hard to get one). We'll make the complete Everest Gokyo lakes trek arrangements, and you'll keep the hike.

    Price Per PersonUS$120013Days
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    Gokyo Lakes Trek Reviews

    5.0based on 14 reviews
    • Terry Crew
      Terry CrewJune 07, 2022
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      Beautiful Gokyo, EBC, and Three High Passes

      Sublime Trails was my trekking partner for Thee High Passes. I had great time at Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass, Renjo La Pass, and Kongma La Pass. The trekking experience was the best. The company was best. Their toup operation style was best. A successful trip at best rate.

      A must recommended trip on Nepal. Blessed being there.

    • Christine
      ChristineJune 06, 2022
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      A fantastic groups on Gokyo Trek

      I was individual trekker in Nepal but I later changed my mind and joined Sublime Trails fixed departure trip to Gokyo. There were altogether five people in the trip They were all cheerful and enthusiast. There was not a single moment I got bored in Gokyo Lakes Trek this June.

      Mr. Ram promised me to put on a best group and he did. Everyone were the first time hikers to Everest. Our trek guide was best while anvigating, photographs, and communication. He was flawless in every aspect on the mountains. The trek cost was affordable. The best value service is what I admire most of Sublime Trails. They operate the tour professionally. This is what I like more about them.

      Anyone looking for Gokyo Lakes trek can contact these guys. You'll be amazed by their service.

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