The Gokyo Lakes trek is a quieter alternative to Everest Base Camp, leading to a chain of turquoise lakes and the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri, one of the finest panoramas in the Himalaya.
Quick answer: the trek takes about 12–13 days from Lukla. You walk via Namche Bazaar, Dole and Machhermo to Gokyo (about 4,790 m) beside the third lake, and climb Gokyo Ri (about 5,357 m) for views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. It is a moderate to strenuous high-altitude trek.
Highlights
- The six Gokyo Lakes, part of a Ramsar wetland site.
- The Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the longest in the Himalaya.
- Sunrise from Gokyo Ri.
- Optional walks to the fourth and fifth lakes.
Typical itinerary
- Fly to Lukla, walk to Phakding
- Namche Bazaar, plus an acclimatisation day
- Dole and Machhermo
- Gokyo, with a climb of Gokyo Ri
- Return via the same route, or cross the Cho La to Everest Base Camp
Difficulty
Altitude is the main challenge; the gradual itinerary helps. See Kala Patthar vs Gokyo Ri and Gokyo vs EBC.
Best time
October–November and April–May.