Gokyo Lakes Trek

Overview

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a spectacular alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp route, leading through the Khumbu to the string of turquoise glacial lakes at Gokyo (4,790m) beside the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest. The viewpoint of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) offers arguably the finest panorama in the Khumbu, taking in four 8,000m peaks Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu in a single sweep. Graded challenging, the trek shares the Lukla-Namche approach before branching up the Dudh Koshi to Dole, Machhermo and Gokyo, and can be combined with the Cho La pass to join the Everest Base Camp trail. Best in spring and autumn.

Highlights

• check_circleGokyo Ri viewpoint
• check_circleSix sacred Gokyo Lakes
• check_circleNgozumpa glacier (longest in Nepal)
• check_circleSherpa culture
• check_circleRenjo La Pass option (5340m)

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Fly Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,610m)

   Mountain flight and gentle descent to Phakding.

   Stay: Teahouse, PhakdingMax alt: 2,610 mWalking: ~3 hMeals: BLD
2. 2

   Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

   Climb to the Sherpa capital.

   Stay: Teahouse, NamcheMax alt: 3,440 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
3. 3

   Namche acclimatisation day

   Acclimatise with a hike toward the Everest View Hotel.

   Stay: Teahouse, NamcheMax alt: 3,880 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD
4. 4

   Namche to Dole (4,040m)

   Branch off the main trail and climb to Dole with Cho Oyu views.

   Stay: Teahouse, DoleMax alt: 4,040 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
5. 5

   Dole to Machhermo (4,470m)

   Short ascent up the valley to Machhermo.

   Stay: Teahouse, MachhermoMax alt: 4,470 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD
6. 6

   Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m)

   Pass the first and second Gokyo lakes to the village beside the third lake.

   Stay: Teahouse, GokyoMax alt: 4,790 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD
7. 7

   Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and lakes exploration

   Dawn climb to Gokyo Ri for the four-8000er panorama, then explore the fourth and fifth lakes.

   Stay: Teahouse, GokyoMax alt: 5,357 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
8. 8

   Gokyo to Dole

   Descend the valley back to Dole.

   Stay: Teahouse, DoleMax alt: 4,040 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
9. 9

   Dole to Namche

   Return to Namche Bazaar.

   Stay: Teahouse, NamcheMax alt: 3,440 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
10. 10

    Namche to Lukla

    Final descent to Lukla.

    Stay: Teahouse, LuklaMax alt: 2,860 mWalking: ~7 hMeals: BLD
11. 11

    Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

    Morning flight to Kathmandu.

    Stay: Hotel, KathmanduMax alt: 1,400 mWalking: ~1 hMeals: BLD

Teahouses & homestays

Lodging and food along the route. Book ahead in peak season; availability and prices vary.