Destination
Nepal
Activity
Trekking
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge and Tea house
Region
Everest Region
Distance
144 Km
Start / End Point
Lukla/Lukla
Duration
13 Nights 14 days
Max. Altitude
5360m
Meals Included
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Group Size
2-50
Nature of Trek
Lodge to Lodge Trekking
Best Season
March-May / August-November
Trip Code
ET-G
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Transporation
FLIGHT, JEEP
Grade
Moderate
Gokyo Lake Trek: Must-go Trek of Everest Region Overview
Gokyo Lake trek is a beautiful and challenging trek in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal. Located at an altitude of 4,700 meters, the trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. The trek begins in the town of Lukla, where trekkers catch a flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla, the trek follows the Dudh Koshi river and passes through the villages of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Dole.
En route, trekkers have the opportunity to visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, which is home to one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the region. As the trek continues, trekkers will experience the changing landscape and vegetation, from lush forests to alpine meadows. Along the way, they will pass by several small lakes and streams, including the Gokyo Lakes, which are the highlight of the trek. The Gokyo Lakes are a chain of lakes of six crystal-clear bodies of water located in the Ngozumpa Glacier region. The lakes are fed by the melting glaciers and consist of deep blue water making a popular spot for trekkers to rest and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
One of the main attractions of the Gokyo Lake trek is the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri, a small peak located near the lakes. From the top of Gokyo Ri, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. In addition to the stunning natural beauty, the Gokyo Lake trek is also rich in cultural and historical significance. Trekkers will have the opportunity to visit the local villages and interact with the friendly Sherpa people, who are known for their hospitality and mountaineering skills.
Overall, the Gokyo Lake trek is a challenging yet rewarding journey through the heart of the Himalayas. With its stunning views, rich culture, and friendly locals, the trek is a must-do for any adventure seeker visiting Nepal.
- The trail has more variation as you traverse through different landscapes.
- The lakes of Gokyo are astoundingly beautiful to see.
- You can see a stunning view of Ngozumpa glacier; the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
- You will witness the more spectacular and grander sight of Everest.
Fewer tourists go on the Gokyo Valley Trek compared to the traditional Everest Base Camp Trek. However, this is arguably a better choice for a number of reasons:
The best time to do the Gokyo Lake Trek is during autumn and spring. We make sure that your trek will be adventurous as well as fulfilling. Moreover, we also ensure that you get high-quality service at the best price.
Gokyo Lake is not a single lake but a collection of 6 crystal-clear lakes that are situated between the heights of 4700 meters to 5000 meters. There are six clearest lakes comprising the Gokyo Lake. These include are Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Ngojumba Cho, Tanjung Cho, Longbanga Cho, and Gyazumpa Cho. These lakes have high hydrological value as they are permanent sources of fresh water. Gokyo lakes mostly feed on the waters from glaciers nearby such as the Ngozumpa glacier, the longest Khumbu glacier. Among these lakes, Gokyo Cho is arguably the most significant one. Not merely a heavenly destination for trekkers, it also has considerable religious significance among Hindus and Buddhists as well. On the occasion of Janai Purnima, Hindus take a holy bath in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Also, the place is worshipped and revered as the residing place of Naag Devata (Snake God). Moreover, there is also a temple of Lord Vishnu and Shiva near the lake. Religious traditions also stop anyone from harming the wildlife that exists here. The weather in this valley is unpredictable so, the viable option is to pay attention to the weather forecast. In case of bad weather, we will halt our exploring or reschedule for the next day. Usually, the average temperature during the daytime reaches 3-7 degrees celsius whereas the temperature dwindles to -5 to -8 degrees celsius. The trek can be extended further to ascend the worldly famed Everest Base Camp sitting at an altitude of 5364m. We can also further ascend to Kala Patthar which is at an altitude of 5550m. The best view of Everest is perceived from the base camp. This trek will traverse you through the blue-green alpine lakes of Gokyo valley as well as Everest base camp, it can be a little more challenging but, the rush of adrenaline and enchanting views of the Himalayas makes it worthwhile.Temperature and Weather of Gokyo Valley.
Extended Gokyo Lake Trek.
Gokyo Lake Trek
Gokyo Lake Trek: Must-go Trek of Everest Region
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day
1
Arrival at Airport and transfer to hotel
Highest Altitude 1330m After arriving at Tribhuwan International Airport, our representative will greet you and welcome you. After briefing about the trek, we go to our hotels.
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- Overnight stay in a Hotel
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- Included meal Breakfast
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day
2
Kathmandu Sightseeing (Optional)
Highest Altitude 1400m After having breakfast, we start our guided tour of Kathmandu sightseeing. We will visit many of the World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, and Durbar Squares. These places are of vital historical and cultural significance. The temples are sacred sites for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Similarly, the durbar square areas represent the various kings and rulers throughout Nepal’s rich history. We will have lunch during the day along with dinner in the evening before returning to our hotel.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
3
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2860m) and trek to Phakding (2610m)
Flight Hours 40 minutes Highest Altitude 2860m Trek Duration 3 hours We take an early morning flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. We fly across some lush mountain views and verdant hills. After the 40-minute flight, we will finally reach Lukla airport. Our trek begins from here. We only walk for about 3 hours to Phakding
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
4
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Highest Altitude 3440m Trek Duration 6-7 hours We will hike to the commercial site of Khumbu, which is Namche Bazaar. We mostly walk alongside the Dudh Koshi River and walk along rhododendron forest. Moreover, we walk across several suspension bridges. After 6 to 7 hours of walk, we reach Namche Bazaar.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
5
Rest and Acclimatization at Namche
Highest Altitude 3440 m We will spend the fourth day acclimatizing. However, we will not sit still as we will hike to the Syangboche Airport and Everest Hotel. Syangboche Airport is the highest airport in the world. On the other hand, Everest Hotel offers some splendid views of mountains like Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, etc. We will also visit a museum and a photo gallery.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
6
Namche Bazaar to Dhole
Highest Altitude 4200m Trek Duration 3 hours After leaving Namche, we follow the Dudh Koshi further ascend on a trail filled with prayer flags. We pass through small monasteries and Sherpa villages.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
7
Dhole to Machhermo
Highest Altitude 3870m Trek Duration 4 hours We hike along a narrow path with a continuous view of snow-clad peaks like Cho Oyu, Toboche, Cholatse, and Everest, among others. After ascending from the valley and passing through human settlements at Kele and Luza, we finally reach Machhermo.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
8
Machhermo to Gokyo
Highest Altitude 4800m Trek Duration 4 hours We will reach our ultimate destination today, which is the Gokyo Valley. We ascend further along the banks of Dudh Koshi and pass through monasteries and chortens along the way. We then arrive at the first Gokyo Lake. After hiking along the moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier, we arrive at the second lake. After walking further, we finally reach the third lake. There is an ancient Sherpa settlement of Gokyo near the lake where we will spend the night.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
9
Explore Gokyo valley/ Hike to Gokyo Ri (5483 m)
Highest Altitude 5483m We will spend this day entirely near Gokyo. We can stroll around and explore the village. However, a better alternative will be to hike up to Gokyo Ri from where we can witness some mind-blowing vistas of Everest and Cho Oyu. In that case, we will trek back to Gokyo village for the night.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
10
Trek back from Gokyo (4800m)-Dole (3680m)
Highest Altitude 4800m Trek Duration 7 hours We now start our way back. We trace back our steps through the Gokyo Lakes and pass through the settlements in Phanga, Luza, Machhermo, and Kele to finally arrive in Dhole.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
11
Dole to Namche Bazaar
Trek Duration 7 hours We head back to the vibrant village of Namche Bazaar. We pass through Phortse to join the Everest Base Camp trail. Walking further, we then reach Namche Bazaar in about 4 hours.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
12
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Trek Duration 7 hours We trace our steps from Namche to Lukla, passing through the same rhododendron forests and Sherpa villages. As the flight from Lukla to Kathmandu only takes place in the morning, we spend the night in Lukla.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
13
Lukla to Kathmandu flight
Flight Hours 40 minutes We board the plane early in the morning, which will bring us back to Kathmandu. However, we will enjoy the flight back as we look over the mountains and feel satisfied for completing the trek. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will head to your hotel. Additionally, you can explore different sites of Kathmandu valley during the day.
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- Overnight stay in a Lodge
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- Included meal Breakfast
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day
14
Farewell
We will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All permits such as National park, and TIMS Permit.
- All nights lodge accommodations on the mountain.
- 3 times meals day such as Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trekking.
- Trekking gear duffel bag for your trekking stuff.
- Sleeping Bag, Trekking pole ( Return after trekking)
- Medical Kit Bag on every trip. Eco trained English Speaking professionals guide.
- Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu flight tickets.
- Domestic airport Tax.
- Farewell dinner in a famous Nepali restaurant with a Nepali culture dance program.
- Staffs insurance, well-paid salary, equipment, food & Hotel Rescue Arrangements of course, not the rescue bills!
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
- International airfare & Nepal visa fee.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal Insurance & personal expenses.
- Tips for Guide and Porter (it is expected).
- Cold drinks; coke, mineral water, beer, Fanta, etc.
Gokyo Lake Trek Map
Gokyo Lake Trek Trip Information
Guided Gokyo Lake Trek Package Information
You will be arriving at Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu where our company’s representative will receive you. We can arrange hotels for your stay at Kathmandu although our trek package does not cover hotel expenses before we depart for the trek.
Our trekking journey will start with a flight to Lukla the next day which will take approximately 40 minutes.
Accommodation details
Gokyo Lake trek is an 11days trek with 10 nights in lodge-to-lodge accommodation. We select the best available services for your stay.
For solo trekkers, a single private room with an attached bathroom is easily available throughout the journey. You will get standard rooms at Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo, and Phortse.
Meals
As you climb higher the choices of food will get short. But you will get nutritious food as the trek demands. Basic meals for lunch and dinner that we get around the trekking regions are national foods such as Daal, Bhaat, Tarkari, pickles, and curry. For breakfast, you can find bread, fruits, local porridge, sandwiches, noodles, and soft drinks.
We do not recommend meat items because of quality concerns in higher regions. It is best you take fresh vegetables, fruits, hot liquids, green tea, lemon tea, and garlic soup that assists you in your trekking journey.
Mineral water bottles are available in all lodges, you can also fill your water bottle with boiled water which you have to pay extra for.
Electricity for mobile and camera, internet for communication is available throughout the trek in all lodges but comes with an extra service charge.
Trip Difficulty and Best Season to Trek
The Gokyo Lake trek is a moderate trek. Those who can hike for 4 to 6 hours a day with an 8-12 kilogram bag pack can complete the trek easily. In case of any medical conditions such as respiratory, or heart it is best that you consult with your doctor before you decide to go on a trek.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the two most popular trekking seasons in Nepal as they have moderate climates with warm days and chilly mornings and evenings.
During the winters, the Gokyo lake trek is challenging due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall.
Travel Insurance Policy
This trip comes with high-altitude trekking risks such as potential altitude sickness. Hence, travel insurance is compulsory.
All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy to North Nepal Trek. The policy must cover medical and emergency repartition above 3000 meters- including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses.
Permit Requirements for the Gokyo Lake trek
As the trekking destination is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, it requires a permit from the Nepal government for tourists. You need to have a TIMS card and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) which you can receive at the Tourism Information Center in Pokhara. For issuing the permit, you need to bring the following documents:
- Passport
- Insurance
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