Check Availability
  • Satisfied clients
  • Safety measures
  • No booking fees
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

Gokyo Lakes Trek Package with 13 Days Itinerary

Gokyo Lake Trek is the second most famous Everest Region Trek. Similar to all other treks in the Everest region, Gokyo Lake Trek offers outstanding views of the Himalayas, gives an opportunity to explore the culture of people residing there, fills your trek with feelings of a great adventure. Additionally, it also offers the awe-inspiring beauty of turquoise green lakes. The five lakes, collectively known as Gokyo Lakes, are part of the highest freshwater lake system in the world.

Unlike Everest Base Camp Trek, this trail takes only 13 days to complete and is less crowded, even in peak seasons. However, the unique trail through Gokyo valley is no less impressive. One of the major attractions of this trek is Gokyo Ri, the highest place you will get during the Gokyo Lakes Trek. Climbing up to its top to witness the beaming sunrise is truly unforgettable. Gokyo Ri also serves as a viewpoint to get clearer views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks.

Apart from the adventure and beautiful sights, this trek is also an amazing opportunity to learn about the beautifully preserved culture of Sherpas residing within the area of Sagarmatha National Park.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Highlights

  • Explore the unique and vibrant Sherpa tradition, culture and lifestyle 
  • 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 Gokyo Ri for sunrise view over mountains 
  • Visit the highest freshwater lake system in the world, Gokyo Lakes

Gokyo Lakes Trek Route

Starting the trek from Lukla, you will reach Namche taking the same route as Everest Base Camp, and spend a day acclimatizing there. Then you will head towards Dhole, Machhermo, and finally Gokyo. On the 8th day, you will visit Gokyo's fifth lake and ascend Gokyo Ri. Taking the same route, you will return to Dole the next day and then to Namche. After trekking to Lukla, you will catch a flight to Kathmandu.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Difficulty

The difficulty of this trek is similar to Everest Base Camp and you have to be physically prepared for some steep uphill climbing, long walks, and cold weather. You will walk an average of 6 hours a day for 8 days and spend two days acclimatizing. The altitude gain increases rapidly as you move towards Gokyo keeping you at the risk of Altitude Motion Sickness. But with proper acclimatization and technique, the risk decreases rapidly. Some prior experience in trekking in the mountainous region and/or physical training at least one month prior to the trek can help a lot.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Weather and Temperature

Trekking in the Everest region during off-seasons can create hassles, discomfort, and injuries. Especially rainfall and snow can make it harder for you to complete the trek by blocking the trail and making it slippery. However, it can still be done. In higher altitudes, the temperatures can drop rapidly. With an experienced guide, proper packing, and persistence, these problems can be overcome. But if you want your trek to be smooth with less interruption, you should trek during spring and autumn. During these times, the daytime temperature is pleasant with colder nights.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Accommodation

After your arrival in Kathmandu and upon returning from your trek, you will stay at a 3-star hotel.

During the trek, you will stay at small lodges known as tea houses. The services and facilities they provide will be more minimal as you trek higher. You can get hot water and wifi on demand while they have heaters in their dining halls. Staying at tea houses also allows you to observe the day-to-day lives of local people and bond with them.

Food and Water During the Gokyo Lakes Trek

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided by these tea houses which may include fried rice, pasta, noodles, soup, Dal Bhat, eggs, potatoes, vegetables, cheese, etc. For snacks, you may have to carry a few things with you as it is very expensive in the mountains. Also, there are very fewer options you can choose from. Chocolates, energy bars, and other dry food which are easy to carry and do not spoil can be brought with you. Mineral water is expensive there, so you can either fill your bottles with boiled water while you are in tea houses or you can use tap water with water purification pills.

Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1:Arrival in KathmanduAltitude: 1345 m
  • Day 2:Fly to Lukla and trek to PhakdingAltitude: 2610 m
  • Day 3:Trek to Namche BazarAltitude: 3440 m
  • Day 4:Namche Bazaar AcclimatizationAltitude: 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 DoleAltitude: 4200 m
  • Day 10:Dole to Namche BazaarAltitude: 3440 m
  • Day 11:Namche to Lukla Airport (2804 meters)Altitude: 2860 m
  • Day 12:Flight to Kathmandu and Farewell DinnerAltitude: 1345 m
  • Day 13:Departure

Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu

  • Max Altitude1345 m
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, our representatives will come to pick you up at Tribhuvan International Airport with your name on a board. You will be transferred to a 3-star hotel where you will be taking a rest for a while. After having lunch you can go shopping for your trekking journey or stroll around the streets of Thamel and explore things. You will be given a short tour briefing of the tour. You can explore the cafes and restaurants around in the evening.

Day 2:Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

  • Max Altitude2610 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will have your breakfast early in the morning and set off for the flight to Lukla. In around 35 minutes of flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you will get a plethora of scenic views. You will catch a glimpse of the panorama of the Himalayas, bird’s eye view of the beautiful landscapes, forests and rivers.

Upon your arrival at Lukla airport, you will be introduced to your porters. Your trekking journey begins from here. You will walk for a few hours to get to Phakding. As the trail is fairly straight and you won’t have to ascend the altitude as Phakding is almost at the same altitude as Lukla. Few hours of trekking to Phakding can be taken as a warm-up for your trek journey. You will spend your night in Phakding at a teahouse.

Day 3:Trek to Namche Bazar

  • Max Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will get up early in the morning and walk towards Namche Bazaar. During the first half of the day, you will be walking alongside the Dudhkoshi river. You will cross many of the suspension bridges, and forests. After walking for a few hours, you will reach Monjo valley where you will have your lunch. You will enter to Sagarmatha National Park from here. You cross some beautiful forests and ascend uphill to get to Namche Bazaar. You may encounter the porters and Yak carrying goods for Namche Bazaar. You will spend your Night at Namche Bazaar at guesthouses.

Day 4:Namche Bazaar Acclimatization

  • Max Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Our body needs time to adapt to the rapidly changing altitude. To prevent the altitude sickness you will have to take acclimatization breaks while trekking on Everest region. As your first acclimatization rest, you will be staying at Namche Bazaar. However, you can trek around the village. You can hike up to Syangboche airport, go to Everest View Hotel, you can trek along the Dudh Koshi river as well. You can enjoy the spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas. You can hike over the Namche village. You will enjoy the views of Mt. Ama Dambal, Cho Oyu, etc.

As Namche Bazaar is the trade hub for the Himalayas, you can shop the missing gears and equipment for your trekking. Besides, you can explore the peoples and their lifestyles, foods etc while you stay at Namche Bazaar.

Day 5:Trek to Dole

  • Max Altitude4200 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

From Namche Bazaar, you will trek along with the pine and oak forests crossing the settlement of Kyangjuma. You will deviate from Everest Base camp trek route and walk uphill from the left towards the Mongla hill. The trek is quite steep and challenging and it follows the Cho Oyu mountain. You get to see mountains like Everest, Ama Dablam and Lhotse. You will also see a hamlet of Kyangjuma. You will walk a narrow and thrilling trail to reach Dhole. You will spend your night in Dhole at a teahouse.

Day 6:Trek to Machhermo

  • Max Altitude4470 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will have your breakfast early in the morning at Dole and set out for Machheromo. You will walk along with the pine and Oak forests along the way. You will be walking gentle uphill slope so it will not be as difficult as the previous day. You can catch a glimpse of peaks such as 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 descend to the river bank. Then you will climb to the Ngozumpa glacier and reach the first Gokyo Lake. Then you will follow the terrain of the first mountain and reach the second and third Gokyo Lake. You will spend your night in Gokyo village at a teahouse.

Day 8:Trek to Gokyo Ri and 5th Lake

  • Max Altitude4790 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Gokyo is the final destination of your trekking journey. This day will be trekking to the highest elevation so far (Gokyo Ri 5357 m). You will trek to Gokyo Ri to witness the mesmerizing view of the sunrise. You can get a panoramic view of mountains like Makalu, Everest, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Pumori, Makalu, Amadablam, Cholatse and Kwangde from Gokyo Ri.

After returning back to the village and having lunch, you will head out to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes. They are almost about 2 miles north from Gokyo. You can see Ngozumpa glacier and Cho Oyu Base Camp from the northern part of the 5th Gokyo Lake. You can hike up to Scoundrel’s Hill which is a beautiful vantage point for sightseeing Himalayas.

Day 9:Gokyo to Dole

  • Max Altitude4200 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will have your breakfast early in the morning at Gokyo village, descend down the moraine valley to the bank of a river. Then you will ascend up to get to Machhermo. You will have your lunch at Machhermo and take a rest for a while and descend for Dole. You need to be extra careful while crossing this rocky and steep trail. You will reach Dole at the end of the day and rest at a teahouse there.

Day 10:Dole to Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will set out for Namche Bazaar early in the morning after having breakfast at Dole. You will descend down to Phortse Thanga during the first half of the day. The trail is steep and full of beautiful forests and waterfalls. You will catch a glimpse of mountains such as Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega. Upon your arrival at Namche, you can stroll around the Namche Bazaar exploring things, places and people.

Day 11:Namche to Lukla Airport (2804 meters)

  • Max Altitude2860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will walk down the rocky terrains to book a flight to Lukla enjoying the mesmerizing landscapes and Himalayas along the way. You will spend your day at Lukla strolling around and relaxing. You can 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

You will have an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu full of Scenic views. However, whether in the Himalayas is unpredictable. So there is always a possibility of flight delay. Once you get to Kathmandu, you can roam around the streets of Thamel and explore souvenirs, or go shopping, etc. You can explore the cafes and restaurants around.

Day 13:Departure

  • MealsBreakfast

We will drive you to the airport and bid you a warm farewell. You will return your home this day with all these beautiful and thrilling memories in your heart.

Love doing it your way?

What's Included

  • Meals: 
    12 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • Accommodation: 
    3-Star accommodation in Kathmandu for 2 days 
    Tea house accommodation along the way for 10 days
  • Transportation:   
    All land transportation with pickups and drops
    Domestic Flight to Lukla and back
  • Guides and Porters:
    One guide and assistant guide between 6 people 
    1 porter for two people (A porter can carry up to 30 kg)
  • Entry Fees and Permits:
    Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Fee
    TIMS Card
  • Miscellaneous: 
    Down jacket, a Sleeping bag which should be refunded to the company after the trip
    Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and Tax department
    All the necessary insurance for the guides and porters
    First Aid service in case of minor injuries
    Salary, food, and accommodation for guides and porters

What's not Included

  • Any meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects (We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to any reason
  • 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 drinks including mineral water
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Tipping for the Sublime crew

Departure Dates & Price

On our trip status section 'AVAILABLE' means the trip is guaranteed and available on the given price. If you book the trip through the direct booking section, you will receive a payment invoice instantly and receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.

Select Month and Year
    
Start DateStart: SundayJun 04, 2023End DateEnd: FridayJun 16, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: ThursdayJun 08, 2023End DateEnd: TuesdayJun 20, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: SundayJun 11, 2023End DateEnd: FridayJun 23, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: WednesdayJun 14, 2023End DateEnd: MondayJun 26, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: SaturdayJun 17, 2023End DateEnd: ThursdayJun 29, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: WednesdayJun 21, 2023End DateEnd: MondayJul 03, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: SundayJun 25, 2023End DateEnd: FridayJul 07, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStart: ThursdayJun 29, 2023End DateEnd: TuesdayJul 11, 2023PricePriceUS$1200StatusStatusAvailable

Additional Information

Many things come into account when we begin to prepare for the standard Gokyo Lake trek itinerary. Sublime Trails ensures that you'll get the best accommodation, meals, safety and security, temperature, weather, guides, porters, etc. 

Here's well presented details on every essentials of Gokyo Lake Trek. 
 

Accommodation in Gokyo Lake Trek

Like the Everest base camp trek, the Gokyo Lakes trek follows tea house-based accommodation. Tea houses, often termed lodges, 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. 

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 tea houses on the Gokyo trek route have firewood heating services in the dining hall for trekkers. Every trekker on the tea house loves to sit next to the oven before curling in the sleeping bags. 

Overall, we'll accommodate in the best available tea house. 
 

Weather and Temperature in Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek 

There are four seasons in Nepal: Autumn, Spring, Winter, and Summer. Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek is best during Autumn and Spring. 

Weather and Temperature in Spring

Gokyo Lakes trek is best in March, April, and May. The Spring months are known for mild temperatures, clear sky, and rain-free days. All these ideal conditions make the Gokyo valley trek fantastic. The sightseeing around mountains becomes clearer. 

The daytime temperature of Gokyo lakes averages 10 degrees, and the nighttime temperature averages -7 degrees. 

Weather and temperature in Summer

It rains in Nepal from the start of June to mid-September. Heavy monsoon rains cause no flights to Lukla. Thus, there'll be less Everest region trekking in Summer. Some trekkers fly to Lukla by helicopter to trek Everest Gokyo lakes trek in summer. 

Places above Namche over 3,500 metres receive less rainfall. But, it causes snowfall that obstructs the hike. Gokyo lake's trek is doable in such conditions, but why not wait until the start of Autumn for the best Everet viewing experience?

The daytime temperature at Gokyo lakes rises to 17 degrees, and the nighttime temperature falls around the freezing point. 

Weather and Temperature in Autumn 

Autumn is the best month to trek Gokyo lakes in the Everest region for vivid landscape, lush forests, and clear mountain viewing.

The weather becomes stable, and the days become sunny, mostly. It rains at lower altitudes during early September, but there'll be no rain at higher places like the Everest region. 

The daytime temperature of Gokyo valley in Autumn averages 13 degrees, and the nighttime temperature nears freezing. With a decent down jacket and sleeping bag, the night goes comfortably. 

Weather and temperature in Winter

The winter days are best for sightseeing. The snowfall from the start of Lukla to Gokyo valley becomes alluring. But, the cold and wind make the winter Gokyo lakes trek almost impossible. 

The temperature at Gokyo Lakes drops to 6 degrees in the daytime, and nighttime becomes harsh with a temperature drop of -10 degrees. 

In such conditions, to escape the cold, hotel owners move to lower altitudes like Namche and Lukla for some months.
 

Meals in Gokyo Lake Trek

Tea houses en route to the Gokyo trek offer hygienic and nutritious meals. You'll get choices for meals in lower regions like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche. But as we climb to Gokyo past Namche, the menu item reduces. Overall, you'll get decent meals throughout this trek.

Tea house's menu in Gokyo trek offers meals like momo, spaghetti, porridge with honey, bread butter toast, ham, sausages, and Nepali dal bhat. The menu also includes meat, but we recommend you not to eat meat on the Gokyo valley trek. 

On the 12 days Gokyo trek, you'll get fresh drinking water, but carrying water purifying chlorine prevents possible water-borne infections. 

You may also carry choco bars, dry fruits, pickles, and raw noodles to eat while trekking. Chewing these things often helps you to avoid altitude sickness. 
 

Gokyo Lake Trek difficulty 

In a nutshell, the Gokyo Lake Trek is a moderate-grade trek in the Everest region. 

You can hike comfortably from Lukla to Phakding and Namche Bazaar. The trekking trails throughout the Gokyo valley trek route are well maintained. You'll be walking through the lush vegetation in a serene environment. 

Symptoms of altitude sickness may become irritating and hinder the pace of the hike. Further, making steep hikes, slope descent, and over rugged terrain certainly tires your legs. Walking over glacier moraines sometimes gets slippery. 

The Gokyo trek becomes challenging if you hike to Cho La Pass and further to Everest Base Camp from Gokyo lake. The gradual climb to Gokyo Ri is tiring but doable. 
 

Elevation in Gokyo Lake Trek 

The 19 different Gokyo Lakes in Khumbu valley scatter between 4,7000 metres to 5,000 metres. Trekkers hike to some of the major lakes, including Dudh Pokhari and Thonak. 

The prominent spot, Gokyo village, sits at 4,750 metres. The next morning's hike destination, Gokyo Ri, sits at 5,357 metres, making it an ideal viewpoint for mountain sightseeing.

The different places in Gokyo valley trekking routes sit at different altitudes. Lukla is at 2,860 metres, Phakding at 2,651 metres, Monjo at 2,836 metres, Namche at 3,440 metres, Khumjung at 3,790 metres, and Dole sits at 4,038 metres. Likewise, Machermo is over 4,470 metres. 

If you wish to climb Cho La Pass, you must hike to 5,420 metres. 
 

Guides and Porters Safety in Gokyo Lake Trek

Guides and porters play a crucial role in making your Gokyo Lake trek successful. We value and take the proper attention of our trekking guides and porters. 

Guides employed from Sublime Trails are Government licensed with adequate guiding experience. They come with first aid knowledge. Hence, they are self enough to treat their and our valued clients like your minor injuries. 

Our Gokyo Lake trek guides and porters have proper health insurance. We only employ trek guides and porters who are in good physical fitness and health status. 

Also, during emergencies, they'll get helicopter rescue and medical attention as trekkers. The same priority applies to our Gokyo valley trek porters. 

The meals and accommodations for guides and porters are similar to what you eat throughout the Gokyo valley trek. 
 

Safety and security in Gokyo Lake Trek

Sublime Trails provides 100% safety and security to our valued clients. 

At high altitudes, you may fall sick for various reasons. Some trekkers often get loose motions, nausea, headaches, and minor injuries in high altitudes. Our Gokyo Trek guides have expertise in first aid and some mountain medicines. Thus, they'll stick with you and the team throughout this trek.

Our guides will provide you with apt medicine if you develop symptoms of altitude sickness. If things don't improve, porters will carry you to low altitudes. You'll get an emergency helicopter evacuation if the situation worsens. But, for this, you must have travel insurance. All we do is contact the helicopter and make emergency evacuation arrangements. 

In the Gokyo region, theft, robbery, and threats to trekkers are almost negligible. There'll be no one en route besides trekkers, guides, and porters. Everyone respects each other with the utmost value. 
 

Travel Insurance in Gokyo Lake Trek

While trekking at high altitudes, you must have decent travel insurance. For the Gokyo trek, Sublime Trails don't purchase insurance for you. We only insure our trek guides and porters. 

Travel insurance has many benefits for trekkers. 

First, you don't have to worry about misfortunate situations in Gokyo. Even if things worsen, you'll get an emergency helicopter evacuation from the Gokyo trek route to a hospital in Kathmandu. 

Second, travel insurance covers your entire medication bills. In such a way, you don't have to spend a single penny on expensive medications. 

You'll not only get helicopter rescue during emergencies but also during fractures and injuries at any point in the Gokyo region. 

We recommend trekkers purchase travel insurance that bears helicopter evacuation and medical bills. It lets you trek freely without worrying about misfortunes. 

Let's believe nothing unpredictable happens, but buying insurance puts you in a safe position.
 

Baggage and weight limit for the porter in Gokyo Valley Trek

Two trekkers get one porter in the Gokyo Lake trek. The maximum weight a porter can carry is 30 kg. Hence, one trekker can only assign his 15kg baggage to the porter. 

For baggage more than 15kg, we need to hire an extra porter that adds the cost to you. Hence, pack only appropriate gears for the Gokyo valley trek. Weigh your backpacks beforehand. 

Not only porters, but the Kathmandu-Lukla flight also limits the baggage weight. A person can only carry 15kg/32lbs (5kg on a handbag and 10kg on baggage). The airline charges around $1 for an extra kg each. 
 

Flight delays and transportation

You'll get a private jeep/van/taxi pick up and drop to/from the airport from/to your hotel before/after the Gokyo lake trek. These transportation costs are all-inclusive in the Gokyo Lake Trek package. 

The Gokyo Lake trek starts with a flight to Lukla. Three airlines operate 30 flights per day during Everest trekking season. 

Lukla, at 2,860 metres, has unpredictable weather conditions. Even on a clear weather day,  the overcast hinders the flights. The possible snowfall, wind speed, and rainfall are prominent causes of Kathmandu Lukla flight delays.

We may have to postpone the Gokyo trek’s fixed departures if the weather worsens for several days. There are many instances where trekkers returning to Kathmandu from Gokyo valley got stranded in Lukla for multiple days. 

The same applies to flights from Kathmandu. The air traffic and poor visibility results in flight delays from Kathmandu. Thus, prepare yourself to cope with such flight delays. 

We also offer Kathmandu to Lukla helicopter flights to trekkers to avoid flight delays. The helicopter can fly even on minor weather issues. We operate private and group-sharing Kathmandu to Lukla helicopter flights at affordable rates. 
 

Respect to Ethnic Culture in Gokyo Lake Trek

The ethnic Sherpa people you met throughout the Gokyo Lake trek practice Buddhism. 

Locals of Khumbu believe that no person is allowed to harm the plants and animals inside Sagarmatha National Park. They even revere certain herbs, shrubs, and trees. There are some peaks and monuments where the locals worship during ideal festivals. 

As a trekker and traveller, you have to respect the ethnic groups and their culture. You have to respect their languages even if you don't understand them. 

How cool would it be to experience cultural rituals during the Gokyo lake trek? Festivals like Mani Rumdi, Lhosar, and Buddha Purnima are prominent festivals in Khumbu. As a traveller, you have to experience such festivals with great respect. 

Locals don't understand foreign languages. Even if you laugh loudly at your talks, they may take it as a mockery to them. Loud chattering and playing heavy music while trekking to Gokyo often disturbs the locals. Thus, you must respect others' space while enjoying the Gokyo Lake trek. 

Gokyo Lake is also considered the home of snake God, Nag Devata. There is a temple of Lord Shiva and Vishnu at Gokyo lake, making it a Hindu and Buddhist shrine. Thus, polluting the surrounding, mocking the pilgrims, and drinking alcohol and meat products near such sites are considered disrespectful. Trekkers must avoid such acts. 
 

Tipping for guides and porters in Gokyo Lakes Trek

There's a culture of tipping Gokyo valley trek guides and porters on the last day in Lukla. Besides tips, trekkers also offer decent meals and alcohol as Sagun(a gift) to guides and porters. 

Our porters and guides work very hard to make your Gokyo Lake trip successful. They'll take care of you in your worst and most happy situation in the Himalayas. For 12 long days, they become a part of your beautiful journey to Gokyo. Thus, in the end, they expect a decent tip from you. 

Tips from trekkers and foreign tourists are a prominent source of income for the guides and porters. They work so much to make you a happy soul by taking you safely to the mountains. It's also your part to make them happy faces by tipping them an adequate amount.

After all, we all want happiness, and we do the best things to be happy. 
 

Packing list for Gokyo Trek

Trekking to Gokyo lakes demands appropriate gears. High altitude rugged terrain demands premium trekking boots. Day hike requires sleeves, thin layers, scarves, and other clothes. For overnight, you'll need decent down jackets and sleeping bags. 

Let's explore each of the gears in detail.

Upper Body Wearables ( Day hikes/Evening/Overnight)

  • Warm down jackets. Down jackets are best against extreme cold and wind over 4,000 metres. 

  • Sweat absorbing Fleece, Woollen Sweaters

  • Thermal inners, pants, air and water resistant pants

  • Inner wears, underwears.

  • Woollen gloves (one thin and one thick to wear in layers)

Footwears

  • Trekking boots (medium-weight, ankle high).

  • Flip Flops , Crocs for overnight comfort.

  • Trekking socks, thin and woollen.

  • Trekking slippers.

  • Sleeping Bags, 


Other accessories

  • Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Body spray, wet wipers.

  • Skin care products like Sun block lotion, lip balm, lotion, etc.

  • Cosmetics for female trekkers.

  • Water purifying tablets, electrolytes, Vitamin supplements, and some first aid kits.

  • Camera, binoculars, additional batteries, power banks, Swiss Knife.

  • Umbrella/Poncho/Raincoat 

  • Trekking poles, polarising glasses, water pouch.

  • Novels of your choice are recommended, You won’t have internet access at some places. Thus, a book becomes a great companion for your travel.  
     

Documents required for 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 Lake trek permits. 

The items include, but are not limited to:

  • Passport, Citizenship Card

  • Travel Insurance Card

  • Photos, Covid-19 vaccination card.

  • Contact details of your family to contact during emergencies.

  • Name tag for your baggage. 

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.

  • Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is the best trekking that gives scenic adventure to high-altitude trekkers. The sublime trails to Gokyo, alluring mountains, Gokyo lakes, and landscape are its features. On top, viewing all four 8,000ers, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, is possible from Gokyo Ri.

    Trekkers can enjoy peaceful trekking on the Gokyo Route. The less crowded Gokyo Trek route gives a serene trekking experience to you. Also, most trekkers consider the Gokyo Lake trek a wholesome Everest region experience.

  • Everest Gokyo Lake trek follows the Everest Base Camp trail via Namche and deviates left from Sanga.

    You'll hike through Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, Phortse Tenga, Machermo, Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lakes, and Gokyo Ri. There'll be a day of acclimatisation at Namche Bazaar.

    You'll reach Gokyo Ri on the 7th day morning with a three-hour hike from Gokyo village.

  • The different packages to Gokyo Lakes make its cost different. But, on average, the Everest Gokyo Lake trek costs around USD 1,400. The cost of the Gokyo Lake trek for Indians averages 1,80,000 INR.

    Gokyo Lake trek is further customizable to Everest Base Camp trek on return. If you wish to go to base camp from Gokyo via Cho La pass, the cost of the Everest Gokyo Lake trek increases. We have many instances where our clients who first went to Gokyo desired Everest Base Camp trek while returning.

  • 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.

  • Trekker's Information Management System card, a TIMS card, is a mandatory permit for foreign trekkers in Nepal. Further, you'll need specific area trekking permits.

    For the Everest Gokyo lake trek, the TIMS card no longer exists. Instead, to trek to Gokyo, you must purchase Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. You can get one of these permits at the check post at the end of Lukla/Monjo. IT costs USD 20.

    Another permit, the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, is necessary for the Everest Gokyo Lakes trek. You can get this permit from Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. If you forget to buy one, you'll also have a chance of getting on at the Monjo trekkers check post.

    For worry-less Gokyo lake trek, book it with us and get your permits, logistics, guides, and porters arranged.

  • Yes! You can complete the Everest Gokyo Lakes trek as a solo traveller. 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.

Gokyo Lake Trek Reviews

5.0based on 14 reviews
  • Terry Crew
    Terry CrewJune 07, 2022
    logo

    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
    logo

    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.

Send Inquiry