# Gokyo Lakes Trek > The Gokyo Lakes trek is a 13-day guided trek in the Everest region to a chain of turquoise glacial lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. After the flight to Lukla and an acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar, you leave the busy Everest Base Camp trail for the quieter Dudh Koshi valley and climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for a sunrise panorama of four 8,000-metre peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.Many trekkers consider the view from Gokyo Ri even finer than from Kala Patthar. The trek is strenuous but non-technical, best from March–May and September–November, and includes Lukla flights, national park and municipality permits, a licensed guide, porters and teahouse lodges with meals, all arranged by our team in Kathmandu. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 13 days - **Difficulty:** Strenuous - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 5,357 m / 17,575 ft (Gokyo Ri) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$1,390 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/gokyo-lakes-trek - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=gokyo-lakes-trek ## Overview The **Gokyo Lakes trek** is the great alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek. It shares the first days of the classic route, through Lukla and Namche Bazaar, but then turns up the quieter western valley of the Dudh Koshi, past yak pastures and summer settlements, to **Gokyo**, a small village of lodges on the shore of the third Gokyo lake at about 4,790 m. The six main Gokyo lakes are part of a high-altitude wetland system protected under the Ramsar Convention, and their colours, from turquoise to deep blue, change with the light and the season. Above the village, **Gokyo Ri** offers one of the greatest mountain panoramas in the Himalaya, and the vast grey Ngozumpa Glacier stretches beside the lakes towards Cho Oyu. ### Gokyo Lakes trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration13 days from Kathmandu (10 days of trekking)Highest pointGokyo Ri, 5,357 m (17,575 ft)Highest overnight stopGokyo, about 4,790 mGradeStrenuous, non-technicalDaily walking5–7 hoursStart and finishKathmandu, with return flights to LuklaAccommodationHotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges on the trekPermitsSagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural MunicipalityBest timeMarch–May and September–November### Why trek to Gokyo? - **Gokyo Ri sunrise** over Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. - **Turquoise Gokyo lakes**, a protected high-altitude wetland. - **Ngozumpa Glacier**, the longest glacier in Nepal. - **Quieter trails** than the Everest Base Camp route. - **Namche Bazaar** and Sherpa villages of the Khumbu. - **Optional Fifth Lake** viewpoint towards Cho Oyu and the Everest massif. ### The Gokyo trek route After flying to **Lukla**, you walk to **Phakding** and climb to **Namche Bazaar**, where you spend an acclimatisation day. From Namche, the trail climbs to the ridge at **Mong La**, with superb views of Ama Dablam, then descends to the river and climbs through rhododendron forest to **Dole**. Beyond Dole, the valley opens into yak pastures at **Machhermo**, and the next day you pass the first and second lakes to reach **Gokyo** beside the third lake. Early the next morning you climb **Gokyo Ri** for sunrise, and fit trekkers can walk further up the valley to the **Fourth** and **Fifth Lakes**. The return follows the same valley to Dole, Namche and Lukla. ### How difficult is the Gokyo Lakes trek? The trek is **strenuous** but non-technical. Walking days are 5–7 hours, and the altitude above 4,000 m is the main challenge. The climb to Gokyo Ri is steep, gaining about 550 metres from the village in two to three hours. Fit walkers who prepare well and acclimatise sensibly can complete the trek. ### Altitude and acclimatisation The itinerary includes an acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar and gains height gradually through Dole and Machhermo, keeping daily altitude gains modest above 4,000 m. Many trekkers find the Gokyo route easier to acclimatise on than the base camp route because the ascent is more gradual. Your guide monitors everyone daily, and Machhermo has a Himalayan Rescue Association health post in the main seasons. ### Best time for the Gokyo trek **Autumn (September–November)** offers the clearest views and calm, clear lakes. **Spring (March–May)** is warmer, with rhododendrons in the lower forest. In **winter**, the lakes may freeze and nights are very cold, but skies are often clear. The **monsoon** brings cloud and frequent Lukla flight delays. ### Gokyo or Everest Base Camp? Choose **Gokyo** for quieter trails, glacial lakes and what many consider the best viewpoint in the Khumbu. Choose **Everest Base Camp** to stand at the foot of Everest and walk beside the Khumbu Icefall. With extra days, you can do both by crossing the **Cho La pass** (5,420 m) between Gokyo and the base camp trail. ### Accommodation and food Lodges in Namche are comfortable, and those at Gokyo are surprisingly cosy, with dining rooms overlooking the lake. Rooms higher up are simple twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Menus include dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, pasta, pizza and pancakes. ### Why book the Gokyo Lakes trek with Himalayan Hiking? - **Gradual ascent** with an acclimatisation day in Namche. - **Lukla flights and permits** arranged, with a buffer day in Kathmandu. - **Options** to add the Cho La and Everest Base Camp. - **Local team in Kathmandu** and licensed Sherpa guides. ## Highlights - Sunrise from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) over Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu - The turquoise Gokyo lakes, a protected high-altitude wetland - The Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal - Namche Bazaar and the Sherpa villages of the Khumbu - Quieter trails than the Everest Base Camp route - Scenic mountain flights to and from Lukla ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Our driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Trek briefing and equipment check. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m) Early flight to Lukla (from Kathmandu, or Ramechhap in peak season), then an easy walk down to the Dudh Koshi and Phakding. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 2,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_ ### Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) Cross suspension bridges, enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, and climb to Namche Bazaar, with a first view of Everest on a clear day. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar Hike to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung for views of Everest and Ama Dablam, then return to Namche. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,880 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 5: Trek to Dole (4,040 m) Climb to the Mong La ridge (3,970 m) with views of Ama Dablam, descend to Phortse Thanga and climb through rhododendron forest to Dole. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,040 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 6: Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m) A short day through yak pastures and summer settlements with views of Cho Oyu and Kangtega, to Machhermo. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 4,470 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 7 km_ ### Day 7: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m) Climb beside the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine, passing the first and second lakes, to Gokyo on the shore of the third lake. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 4,790 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 7 km_ ### Day 8: Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and the Fourth Lake Climb Gokyo Ri before dawn for sunrise over Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. After breakfast, walk to the Fourth Lake (or the Fifth Lake if energy allows) and return to Gokyo. _Walking: 6–8 hours · Altitude: 5,357 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 9: Trek to Dole (4,040 m) Descend past the lakes and Machhermo back to Dole. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,790 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) Descend through forest and climb back over Mong La to Namche Bazaar. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,040 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 11: Trek to Lukla (2,860 m) Descend steeply to the Dudh Koshi and walk back through Phakding to Lukla. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 18 km_ ### Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu Morning flight to Kathmandu. Free afternoon; this day is also a buffer for flight delays. _Altitude: 2,860 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 13: Final departure Our driver takes you to the airport for your departure. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Return flights Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) – Lukla, with transfer to Ramechhap when needed - Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (10 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - Sleeping bag and down jacket on loan if needed - First-aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by the guide - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day for several days in a row on hilly, uneven trails. Start training two to three months before the trek with long hill walks, stair climbing and cardiovascular exercise, and break in your boots before you travel. ### Altitude sickness The highest point is 4,790 m at Gokyo and 5,357 m on Gokyo Ri. Most people feel the altitude a little: a mild headache, poor sleep, less appetite. Go slowly, drink 3–4 litres a day, skip the beer until you are back down, and tell your guide straight away if you feel worse. Going down is the cure that always works. Ask your doctor before you travel whether altitude medication makes sense for you. ### Weather and temperatures Days in the lower valley can be mild, but nights at Machhermo and Gokyo are well below freezing, and the lakes can freeze in winter. Mornings are usually the clearest time of day. ### Domestic flights and baggage Flights to Lukla depend on mountain weather and are often delayed; the last day in Kathmandu is a buffer. The baggage limit is around 15 kg per person including hand luggage. ### Permits The Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits are included. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Carry Nepali rupees for drinks, snacks, showers and charging, and get them in the city; mountain ATMs are rare and unreliable. Wi-Fi is available in many lodges for a small fee. A power bank is worth packing. ### Drinking water Buy boiled or filtered water at lodges or use purification tablets or a filter with a refillable bottle, instead of buying plastic bottles. ### Travel insurance You need travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,500 m, medical care and helicopter rescue. We ask for your policy details before you arrive. ### Visa You can usually get a Nepal visa on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months, and pack a few passport photos for permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Microspikes in winter and early spring ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Gokyo Lakes trek? This itinerary takes **13 days** from Kathmandu, including 10 days of trekking from Lukla and an acclimatisation day in Namche. ### How hard is the Gokyo Lakes trek? It is **strenuous** but non-technical, with 5–7 hours of walking a day and altitudes above 4,000 m. The climb to Gokyo Ri is steep but short. ### How high is Gokyo Ri? Gokyo Ri is **5,357 m (17,575 ft)**. Gokyo village is at about 4,790 m. ### What can you see from Gokyo Ri? Four of the world's 8,000-metre peaks: **Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu**, plus the Gokyo lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier below. ### Gokyo Lakes or Everest Base Camp: which is better? Gokyo is quieter, with lakes and arguably the best viewpoint; Everest Base Camp lets you stand at the foot of Everest. You can combine them via the Cho La. ### When is the best time for the Gokyo trek? **March–May** and **September–November**. Winter is cold with frozen lakes but clear skies; the monsoon is cloudy. ### What permits are needed for Gokyo? The **Sagarmatha National Park permit** and the **Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit**, both included. ### Do I need a guide for the Gokyo trek? Yes. Since 2023, most foreign trekkers in Nepal's national parks have to walk with a licensed guide. The price covers a licensed guide and porters. ### Can beginners do the Gokyo Lakes trek? Fit beginners can complete it with good preparation. The gradual ascent makes acclimatisation easier than on some other high treks. ### What happens if Lukla flights are delayed? We rebook you on the next available flight and use the buffer day in Kathmandu. A helicopter can be arranged at extra cost if needed. ### Can I combine Gokyo with Everest Base Camp? Yes. Crossing the Cho La pass (5,420 m) links Gokyo with the Everest Base Camp trail for a loop of about 16–18 days. ### How much does the Gokyo Lakes trek cost? You pay per person, and it gets cheaper from two people up (see the price box). It includes Lukla flights, permits, hotel, lodges, meals on the trek, a guide and porters.