Gokyo Valley Trek
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the most spectacular treks in the Everest region, offering trekkers the opportunity to explore pristine alpine lakes, glacial landscapes, and panoramic Himalayan vistas. Centered around the Gokyo Valley, the trek passes through Gokyo village, Gokyo Ri, and the Ngozumpa Glacier, providing a unique perspective of Everest (8,848 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), and Makalu (8,481 m) from different vantage points. Unlike the traditional Everest Base Camp trek, Gokyo Lakes Trek is known for its tranquil and less crowded trails, which traverse remote villages and high-altitude landscapes. The trail passes through Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo, offering glimpses of Sherpa culture, Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags, all set against the backdrop of soaring Himalayan peaks. A highlight of the trek is Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), which provides a panoramic 360-degree view of the Everest region, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding peaks. The trek also explores the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, and several stunning turquoise lakes, including Thonak, Ngozumpa, and Gokyo Lakes, making it a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts. The Gokyo Lakes Trek is moderate to strenuous, with elevations ranging from 2,800 m in Lukla to 5,357 m at Gokyo Ri, requiring proper acclimatization. This trek is ideal for trekkers seeking spectacular scenery, less crowded trails, and an immersive experience in Sherpa culture, with the added opportunity to explore high-altitude lakes and glaciers.
Highlights
- Scenic mountain flight to Lukla – gateway to Everest
- Panoramic views of Everest (8,848.86m), Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu
- Hike to Gokyo Ri for one of the best Himalayan sunrise viewpoints
- Visit to the sacred and pristine Gokyo Lakes (4,700–5,000m)
- Trek through tranquil Sherpa villages like Dole, Machhermo & Gokyo
- Less crowded route than Everest Base Camp – peaceful and meditative
- Immersion in Sherpa culture, monasteries, and Buddhist traditions
- Crossing glacial moraines, yak pastures, and alpine valleys
Strengths of Gokyo Lakes
Trek
- Stunning Alpine Lakes
- Trek passes through five main turquoise lakes (Gokyo Ri region), including the sacred Gokyo Lake.
- Pristine, glacial-fed lakes surrounded by towering peaks provide unforgettable scenery.
- Panoramic Himalayan Views
- Offers one of the best views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and other peaks from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m).
- Unlike standard EBC trek, provides unique perspectives of Everest from the west.
- Less Crowded than EBC Trek
- Trails are quieter, offering more solitude and peaceful trekking experience.
- Ideal for photographers and trekkers seeking tranquil nature.
- High-Altitude Adventure
- Reaches Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), providing high-altitude trekking experience without technical climbing.
- Challenges trekkers with moderate altitude gain, testing endurance and acclimatization.
- Cultural Immersion
- Passes through Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar (optional detour) and traditional highland settlements.
- Opportunity to see monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Diverse Landscapes
- Trails pass through forests, terraced fields, glacial moraines, rivers, and high alpine meadows.
- Stunning contrasts between lush valleys and barren high-altitude terrains.
- Option for Extended Trek
- Can combine with Everest Base Camp trek, allowing a loop through Cho La Pass for adventurous trekkers.
- Flexibility to extend the trek for more mountain exposure and exploration.
- Photography Paradise
- Sunrises over Gokyo Lakes, reflections of snowy peaks, and pristine landscapes make it perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Permits Required
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- TIMS Card (not always required for solo trips in Khumbu)
Important Notes
- Best Season: Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
- Altitude Risk: Gokyo Ri and passes exceed 5,000m – acclimatization days included
- Weather: Cold mornings & nights, but clear skies offer great mountain views
- Insurance: High-altitude trekking insurance mandatory (covering evacuation)
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Gokyo Valley
- 11 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
- Kathmandu → Lukla / Lukla → Kathmandu
- Teahouse/Lodge throughout the trek
- Moderate
- 5,360 m / 17,585 ft (Gokyo Ri)
- 12+
- Flight / Domestic Airline
Best Season
- Autumn (Late September to November)
• Best Months: Late September, October, November
• Why:
• Clear skies with panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.
• Moderate temperatures during the day; chilly but manageable nights.
• Ideal for photography and trekking.
• Lodges are fully operational. - Spring (March to May)
• Best Months: March, April, May
• Why:
• Blooming rhododendrons and alpine flowers along the trail.
• Moderate weather with good mountain visibility.
• Fewer trekkers than autumn, offering a more peaceful experience. - Seasons to Avoid
• Winter (December to February): Very cold, heavy snow, risk of trail closure, limited lodge services.
• Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rain, slippery trails, cloud-covered mountains, and leeches in lower forests. Key Notes
• Autumn is generally considered the best season for the Gokyo Lakes Trek due to stable weather and maximum visibility.
• Spring is excellent for floral scenery and moderate trekking conditions.
• Trekking outside these seasons is risky due to weather hazards and limited facilities.
Inclusions
- Airport pickups & drops (private vehicle)
- Round-trip flight: Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu
- 3 meals/day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Accommodation in standard lodges/teahouses during the trek
- Government-licensed English-speaking guide
- Porter services (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- TIMS (if required)
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
Tour Plan
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) & trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Early morning flight to Lukla (2,840m) – 35 minutes
- Trek 3–4 hours through the Dudh Koshi Valley
- Breakfast in Kathmandu or Lukla
- Lunch on the trail (Ghat or Manjo)
- Enjoy suspension bridges, Buddhist shrines, and village walks
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight in Phakding (2,610m)
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Breakfast at lodge
- Trek 6–7 hours via Monjo and Jorsalle
- Lunch at Jorsalle
- Cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge with forest and river views
- Steep uphill climb to Namche
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
- Breakfast with panoramic views
- Optional hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung (2–3 hours)
- Lunch in Namche or during the hike
- Views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and the Khumbu Valley
- Explore local shops, cafes, and the Sherpa museum
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight in Namche Bazaar
Trek from Namche to Dole (4,200m)
- Breakfast at lodge
- Trek 6–7 hours via Kyangjuma, Mong La, and Phortse Tenga
- Lunch at Phortse Tenga
- Forest trails, wildlife, and scenic views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight in Dole (4,200m)
Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470m)
- Breakfast at Dole
- Trek 4–5 hours via Luza and Lhabarma
- Lunch at Luza or on the trail
- Open valleys with distant views of Cho Oyu
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight in Machhermo (4,470m)
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m)
- Breakfast at lodge
- Trek 4–5 hours along the Dudh Koshi River
- Lunch at Gokyo
- Pass the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gokyo Lakes (Longponga, Taujung, Dudh Pokhari)
- Arrive at Gokyo village beside the 3rd lake
- Dinner at lakeside lodge
- Overnight in Gokyo (4,790m)
Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m) and explore Gokyo Lakes
- Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri (2–3 hours uphill)
- Breakfast after sunrise views
- Panoramic mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
- Lunch at Gokyo
- Optional walk to the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes
- Dinner at Gokyo lodge
- Overnight in Gokyo
Trek back to Dole
- Breakfast at Gokyo
- Trek 5–6 hours downhill retracing the trail
- Lunch at Machhermo or Luza
- Walk through alpine meadows and glacial valleys
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight in Dole (4,200m)
Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Breakfast at lodge
- Trek 5–6 hours via Mong La and Kyangjuma
- Lunch at Kyangjuma
- Beautiful ridges and pine forests along the way
- Dinner at lodge
- Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Trek to Lukla
- Breakfast in Namche
- Trek 6–7 hours downhill via Jorsalle, Monjo, and Phakding
- Lunch in Phakding
- Cross the final suspension bridges with views of the Dudh Koshi River
- Dinner in Lukla
- Overnight in Lukla (2,840m)
Fly to Kathmandu
- Breakfast at lodge
- Morning flight to Kathmandu (35 minutes)
- Trip ends in Kathmandu
