Everest Gokyo Lake Trek - 14 Days

based on 4 reviews
  • Duration 14 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Type Lodge Based Trekking
  • Best Season Spring (March - May) & Autumn (Sept - Nov)
  • Group Size 1 to 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,357 m

Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the most mesmerizing journeys in the Everest region of Nepal. The trek offers a magnificent view of the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest (8,848 m), and its surrounding peaks. The Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) is the highest point offering four peaks over 8000 m at a time. They are Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho Oy (8,201 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), and Mt. Makalu (8,463m). The trek also offers tranquil turquoise lakes and a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Sherpa community. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

Trek Route Overview

The trek normally starts from Lukla, a small settlement village with a bustling mountain airport. Lukla Airport serves as the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, the trail goes mostly gradually upward, but somewhere it goes steeply upward and descends too. The trek route goes through picturesque Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Phortse before reaching Gokyo Valley. The trails also pass high-altitude villages with tea houses like Dole, Machhermo, and Phanga to reach Gokyo.

Beautiful Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lakes

Nestled in the core of the Himalayas, Gokyo Valley is well-known for its untouched glacial lakes. The valley includes the famous Gokyo Lakes (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, and Ngozumpa Cho. There are three lakes up to Gokyo Valley and two more lakes further up. Trekkers can go up to the fifth lake to explore the fourth and fifth lakes following the valley. The lakes are set against the backdrop of gigantic peaks, creating an incredibly beautiful landscape.

Breathtaking Views from Gokyo Ri

The highlight of the Gokyo Valley Trek is Gokyo Ri. From the top of Gokyo Ri, trekkers can witness panoramic views of some of the world's highest mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Trekkers can also witness the stunning view of Nagzompa Glacier cascading down the valley.

Flora and Fauna 

The Gokyo Valley Trek Route passes through diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush rhododendron forests to barren high-altitude lands. Trekkers may encounter a variety of flora and fauna along the way, including musk deer, Himalayan thar, and various species of birds.

Interact Sherpa Community

During the journey of this wonderful trek, the trekkers have a chance to meet and interact with Sherpas. Sherpas are the community that inhabits the Everest region. Sherpas are extremely famous for their hospitality as well as their honesty in surviving under such difficult conditions. The villages of Sherpas on the path give insight into their fascinating culture, traditions, and lifestyle.

Cultural Experience

While going to the Everest Gokyo Lake trekking trail, there are monasteries and chortens along the way. It forced everyone to stop along with prayer flags that give a glimpse of spirituality through culture. If their trek coincides with local events such as festivals or celebrations, then trekkers may partake in a few activities alongside the event.

In sum, the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek provides an ideal combination of natural scenery, exhilaration, and cultural awareness. From Gokyo Ri, where you are awed by the majestic peaks, explore and meditate on the more suitable reflections of tranquil lakes in Gokyo Valley. As well as experiencing authentic Sherpa hospitality, this trek will leave lasting impressions.

Have you ever wondered what a lake at 5,000 meters looks like? Well, our Gokyo Lake Trek 14 days itinerary allows trekkers to explore the holy Gokyo Lakes and its underrated beauty.

This popular trekking in the Everest region is also known as Everest Gokyo Ri Trek, so do not get confused. Gokyo Ri is the highest point of Gokyo Lake Trek situated at 5,357 m. Everest Gokyo Lake Trek 14 Days Itinerary is a moderate trek with decent ascents & descents. This trek is recommended to both new and experienced trekkers in the Everest region. 

The Gokyo Lake Trek route gradually ascends through beautiful Sherpa village, lush forests of rhododendrons, and yak pastures. Icy rivers, thrilling suspension bridges, colourful prayer flags, and glacier debris are other parts of the Gokyo Valley Trekking. The trekking route is very impressive and will leave you spellbound.

When is the Best Time for Trek to Gokyo Lakes?

The best time to trek to Gokyo Lakes is from March to April and October to November. The flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are mostly on time because of stable weather, so you'll be on the itinerary. The pleasing climate and clear sky are all you need to enjoy the trek to the fullest.

The views are fantastic, and the trail bloomed with seasonal vegetation. Recently, skaters trekked or took a helicopter ride to Gokyo Lake to skate on one of the highest ice skating rinks in the world in the winter season.

How hard is the Gokyo Lake Trekking Route?

The Gokyo Lake Trekking Route is rugged and steep. The trail passes through a series of ups and downs through lush forests and along cliffsides. The trekkers have to be able to walk 6 to 7 hours a day and leave modern comforts behind while trekking. 

Gokyo Lake Trekking does not demand a very fit body, but the stamina and walking capability of the participants are a must. Likewise, you must be able to adjust to the limited available services. The Gokyo Lake Trek is a good way to test your endurance and challenge yourself. 

Why choose us for the Gokyo Valley Trek Package 2024?

We are a local trekking company with a great history of organizing treks and expeditions in the Himalayas. Our teams are professionals and experts in what they do, and we always focus on planning the best holidays for our clients. We offer the best price for the Gokyo Valley Trek Package 2024 which assures safety, service quality, and a rewarding journey.

Itinerary

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Our Gokyo Lake trek package includes airport pick up. So our office representative pick you up from kathmandu airport and assist to check in the hotel in thamel. Thamel is touristic hub.

You meet other tour members with manager in the evening for breifing the program, check the equipment, settle the payment. After that guide will be introduced with necessary supplies i.e. duffel bags, sleeping bags, down jackets etc. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Today, your trekking guide meet you at hotel lobby in the early morning. You drive to Kathmandu airport to catch up your short and scenic flight to Lukla. At Lukla, you meet with the porters and refreshment time at guest house. Then, load the luggage and begin descending towards Phakding village. The trail passes nice settlement villages with farming lands. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,640 m

It's an exciting day ahead. This part of the trail is very adventurous. You cross the river called Dudh Koshi "Milky River" five times by suspension bridges. The route goes through dense forests and small remote villages.

Before reaching Namche Bazaar, you come across a steep uphill climb. You get a chance to see the glimpse of Mt Everest while clibming a hill. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,441 m

The Sherpa village, Namche Bazaar has a lot of things to look around and many short hiking options. You spend the morning with the day hiking to the Hotel Everest View. It is a famous hotel and holds a position in Guiness World Record Book. You can see the view of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, etc from all of its windows. Later in the day, you can explore Namche Bazaar and Monastery.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,441 m

Leaving Namche behind, the trail ascends towards the hamlet of Tengboche. The village with the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. You start your trek with little climb to reach the top from where the trail leads mostly flat to Kanjuma and Sanasa village. You enjoy your walk with the tunning views of Mt Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Then, you go down to Punki Thanga, a lunch stop. After lunch, cross the river and climb for 2 hours to reach Tengboche hill through  lush forests of rhododendron.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,860 m

The trail descends through lush forests to reach the bottom of the hill. Crossing over the Imja River and ascends towards Phortse village. It's a relatively short trekking day, so you get time to relax your body after reaching the lodge. You can explore Phortse village and Monastery in the afternoon if you want. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,780 m

From Phortse, the trail goes gradual down to the Dudh Koshi River. The trail starts climbing after crossing the river. It is 3 hours climb through dense rhododendron forest. You can see the first view of Mount Cho Oyu (8,201m) while ascending to Dole. Along the way, you may come across yaks and mules. Keep in mind, always walk on the cliffside while passing by yaks or mules.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,010 m

Today is little easy and a short trekking day from Dole to Machhermo. It is 3-4 hours hike. The trek begins with relishing wonderful views of the Himalayas. The trail leads ascending to Lapharma. Then the trek goes mostly flat with somewhere little climb to Machhermo village. 

You will be taken for short acclimatize hike in the afternoon after you lunch. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,410 m

After breakfast, you  follow an impressive trail that finally leads to the Gokyo Valley. Today is moderate climbing after Phanga to First Lake of Gokyo valley. The trail goes on rocky terrain to the beautiful Gokyo village where the third lake is. You pass second lake to reach third  lake.  Gokyo village is one of the most gorgeous villages you have ever seen in the mountain. The route to Gokyo valley offers the tremendous views of Mt Cho Oyo. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,780 m

You hike Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) in the very early morning for sunrise view. It is the highest point of the Gokyo Valley Trek. The trail from Gokyo village steeply climbs following rocky terrain to Gokyo Ri. It is 2-3 hours tough climb. From the top, you get to see a glorious sunrise and breathtaking panorama of mountains. You will see four peaks over 8,000 m i.e. Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu and Mt Cho Oyo and surrouding other peaks with glacier, gokyo lakes and valley.

Then you descend to lodge, have breakfast before heading down to Dole.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,010 m

From Dole, you follow the same trail back to Namche Bazaar. The trail ascends & descends through remote villages and lush forests. The landscapes along the way are excellent. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,441 m

Today is the last trekking day in the mountain. The trail steeply drops down through dense forests to Jorselle. We cross numerous suspension bridges again and pass some villages to Phakding. From here, you gradually climb uphill along a stream to Lukla.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,840 m

An early morning flight takes you back to Kathmandu. You have a free afternoon in Kathmandu for shopping and relaxing after the big trek. Later in the everning, you join on farewell dinner program organized by the company. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Farewell dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Our team drops you at the Kathmandu airport as per your flight departure time in a private vehicle.

  • MealsBreakfast

This is our standard itinerary.
We customize the trip accordingly client's interests and time-frame.
Click for Tailor-Made Program

Map

Everest Gokyo Lake Trek - 14 Days map

Includes

  • All grounded transportation as per itinerary
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive breakfast
  • Round flight ticket (Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu) inclusive domestic airport taxes
  • Three times meal (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) and accommodations during the trekking
  • One highly experience English speaking & friendly trekking guide and required porter including their expenses
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit and TIMS card
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • Gokyo Lake Trekking map
  • Nepal Gateway Company T-Shirt
  • Duffel bags for trekking 
  • Local fresh fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Evacuation assist 
  • Government taxes
  • Office service charge

Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Your medical travel insurance
  • Nepal Visa. 
  • Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
  • Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit
  • All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverage in trekking
  • Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free
  • Tipping to field staffs (Tipping is not mandatory but expected)

Dates & Price

Date StatusPrice 
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 20, 2024End DateEnd: TuesdayApril 02, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1320
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 23, 2024End DateEnd: FridayApril 05, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1320
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 27, 2024End DateEnd: TuesdayApril 09, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1320
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 30, 2024End DateEnd: FridayApril 12, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1320

The departure date and price are specified for group joining. The arrival and departure date are to/from Kathmandu.
For Private Trip

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness on Trek to Gokyo Lake

First thing, do not worry. Altitude sickness is a common illness that trekkers face because of drastic changes in air pressure on their bodies. We make sure while trekking with us, your body properly adjusts to the elevation. 

You have to keep yourself hydrated and not ascend more than 500 meters in a day to not get altitude sickness during the Gokyo Lake Trekking. Your itinerary should have rest days and short hikes to higher points while spending the nights in the lower points. 


Extra nights in Kathmandu on the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

If you arrive in Nepal earlier than the fixed date or decide to stay a few extra days, you have to bear the expenses of an additional stay. The company will not be liable for it. We can book the extra accommodation in the same hotel on your request.  

 

Gokyo Lake Trek for Solo/Group

To do the Gokyo Lake Trek solo, we request you to let us know. We will send you the price of the solo Gokyo Lake Trek according to your requirements. Likewise, you can join our Gokyo Lake Trek fixed departure dates and trek with other fellow trekkers from around the world if you are a solo traveller. 
 

Permits Required for Trek to Gokyo Valley

The Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Local Area permits are required for the Trek to Gokyo Valley. 

Sagarmatha National Park permit fee: NPR 3000.00 per person

Local Area Entry permit fee: NPR 2000.00 per person
 

Travel Tips for the Gokyo Valley Trekking Route

Accommodation: There are lodges available on the way to Gokyo Lakes. Lodges are run by the locals. The rooms are twin-shared with a common washroom.

Food: Meals during the trek are given as per the menu of the lodges. You can choose what suits your taste. Dal bhat is the most nutritious & delicious one. You can add curry or chapati too.

ATM: The last ATM is in Namche Bazaar. You may need Nepali cash to buy services like hot showers, charging, internet, etc, while trekking. 

Charging: Charging stations are available in all lodges. You can charge your camera and phone battery. Due to the lack of electricity, the lodge owners may ask you for a few extra bucks for the service. 

Luggage: The luggage weight limit is 10 kg per head. The heavy duffel bags are carried by our porters. Store extra clothing and suitcases in the hotel's locker room free of cost. 

Personal Expenses: Some things like extra drinks, meals in the city, shopping, travel insurance, tipping, etc, are not covered by our Gokyo Valley trek package cost. We recommend you make a daily budget of USD 12 to USD 15 at least.

Travel Insurance: Gokyo Valley Trek is a remote trek with underlying risks of altitude sickness. Not only that, even in any medical emergency, we might end up rescuing you to the nearest hospital in Kathmandu. So, we need travel insurance that covers medical bills and emergency evacuation to offer medical assistance promptly. 

Tipping: Trekkers tip guides and drivers at the end of the trek as their gratitude. Tip whatever you feel like, and no need to feel bad if you can't tip.

FAQs

  • Q1. How long is Gokyo Trek?

    Our Gokyo Lake itinerary is 14 days long. You can do this trek in 10 to 12 days or cut the day shorter to a week by adding helicopter return. 

  • You can reach Gokyo Lake by flying to Lukla and trekking for 6 to 7 days from there. Or, there is an alternative option to reach Gokyo valley by a quick helicopter ride.

  • There are altogether 19 lakes in the Gokyo Lake system ranging from 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters. Among them, six are the main lakes. Thonak Cho is the largest one, and Dudh Pokhari is the main lake. The other four are Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Gokyo Lake.

  • Gokyo Peak or Gokyo Ri is 5,357 meters above sea level. It is the highest point of our Gokyo Lake Trek, located above picturesque Gokyo village.

  • Yes, Dudh Koshi is a real place. It is a river in easter Nepal.

  • You can book the Gokyo Lake Trek through our site. Once we receive your booking inquiry, we will get in touch with you and answer all your queries as well as begin the easy booking process.

  • Yes, you take a helicopter ride from Kathmandu or Lukla to Gokyo Lakes. There is also the possibility to trek to Gokyo Lakes and return in a helicopter. You can easily upgrade to a helicopter ride with us at a reasonable price. For more information contact us.

  • Gokyo Lake Trek is easier than the Gokyo Cho La pass trek because you will not be crossing a high challenging pass. And because of this reason, Gokyo Lake Trekking is recommended to beginner trekkers, but Gokyo Cho La pass trek is not.

Client Reviews

tatp
  • Trekking to Gokyo Lake

    This past December, I had the chance to go to Nepal with my dad for his 50th birthday. Upon arrival at the Kathmandu international airport, we were greeted by our guide DB. He was not only our guide he was also are doctor, chef, comedian, ... and our friend. When we arrived at Lukla the well-known airport 😯 we met our new friend and porter Sujan. If you ever meet him don’t hesitate to ask him about his waterproof shoes and the techniques to sliding in the Himalayan(😂😂). Throughout our trek, DB explains the cultural elements of the Nepal people but he also entertains us with dancing at Gokyo lake, jokes around the fire at night, sliding in the Himalayas with a garbage bag, the names of all the high peaks, and much more. Unfortunately, when we got to Phadking I was all stuffed up but DB had a trick up his sleeve he gave me his local medicine which helped a lot. DB showed us the way to Gokyo and we had incredible views of Everest, the biggest glacier of the Himalayas, and the lakes. When we got back to Kathmandu we had a week left in Nepal so my dad and I decided we wanted to do the Poonhil trek. We had a pretty special bus ride to Pokhara with the traffic and sharp turns. The Poonhill sunrise was beautiful. When we finished our trek we went back to Pokhara and celebrated New Year with DB, his Uncle, and the thousands of Nepal people. We had a great time. Throughout our trip, DB made sure we were not hungry, cold and made sure we had fun. Thanks again DB and Sujanfor the trip of a lifetime! Thank you Raj and Ram for ensuring the logistics of our trip was flawless! Can’t wait to be back in a few years to complete the four passes! See you again DB...

    Anthony Wanner
    Anthony WannerCanada, Travel Date: 03/03/2020
  • Gokyo Ri Trek April 2015

    We went trekking with Ram and company this April with 3 other friends. It was our first trip to Nepal and loved it. Second trip for our friends with Ram. Even though I was a bit unsure at first, Ram was very helpful, caring, and thoughtful. At all times we were his main concern, I would highly recommend this company for their attentive service, knowledge, and great company. We did not get to Gokyo Ri as we were snowed in at Dole for 2 days, but we still had the best adventure going to other villages as suggested by Ram. We will b returning in 2018 to finish our trip but adding Everest Base Camp and the men want to climb Island Peak I think, not me. Nepal gets under your skin, the views, people, food, and most of all the Yaks. I just love them as our friends and Ram will tell you, so peaceful there. We only made it to Bangkok 2 days before the Quake. Not our time thank god.
    I wish the people a quick recovery from this awful Quake and may they keep their beautiful nature and great faith. Thank you Ram for introducing us to Nepal and your great work in helping your people through this horrible time. Namaste.

    Annette Williamson
    Annette WilliamsonAustralia, Travel Date: 29/05/2015

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