fbpx
MENU

Gokyo Lake trek | Most Beautiful Everest Panorama with Gokyo Lake

12 Days

Gokyo Lake Trek is a challenging yet adventurous trek experience that takes you through the heart of the Everest region of Nepal. It is renowned for its spectacular alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and eyeswarming views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest.

As you embark on this remarkable journey, you will get to experience rich Sherpa culture, witness ancient trails, and get yourself immersed in the land of the Himalayas. Our trek begins in the picturesque village of Lukla, which is accessible by a thrilling mountain flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla, we follow the well-trodden path through charming Sherpa villages, lush forests, and high-altitude landscapes. Along the way, you’ll encounter hospitable Sherpa communities, allowing you a glimpse into their unique way of life.

The Gokyo Lakes trek provides a perfect way to visit six turquoise, glacial-fed lakes in the Everest region. Many visitors throughout the year trek to Gokyo for its extremely famous lakes with great mountain scenery that just adds perfection to the beauty. It is also a great alternative to escape the crowd of the Everest Base Camp trek.

The trek comes with several challenges too. It demands physical stamina and proper acclimatization, but don’t worry the rewards are limitless. Gokyo Ri, with its panoramic views, serves as a testament to your hard work and determination and allows you to stand in awe of nature’s majesty.

So let’s get together for our remarkable journey to Gokyo Lakes through everyone’s trusted travel company Himalayan 360. And Yes, if you are thinking about the route of Gokyo Lake towards Everest base camp or Renjo-la pass Contact our team, Our operation Team will customize your trip instantly.

Best season for the Gokyo Lake trek

The best seasons for the Gokyo Lake Trek in the Everest region of Nepal are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is generally stable, and the trekking conditions are ideal.

Spring (March to May)

The spring season brings mild and pleasant daytime temperatures, making trekking comfortable. However, nights can still be cold, especially at higher altitudes. Spring can be the most favorable season for people loving flowers as well. The rhododendron forests along the trekking routes burst into bloom during spring, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. Spring offers clear skies with excellent visibility, allowing you to enjoy panoramic mountain views, including Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is considered the best overall season for trekking in the Everest region. The weather is stable, with minimal rainfall and the chances of snow are also low. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, and the nights are not as cold as in winter. The teahouses and trekking trails are well-maintained and accessible during this season, as the monsoon rains have subsided.

Seasons to avoid during the trek

The monsoon season (June to August) is generally not recommended for the Gokyo Lake Trek due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and poor visibility. Similarly, winter (December to February) can be extremely cold, with many teahouses closed at higher altitudes.

Ultimately, the choice of when to undertake the Gokyo Lake Trek depends on your preferences for weather, trail conditions, and the level of crowding you are comfortable with.

Permits

To trek on any part of Nepal, there are several permits required that a trekker should know. These permits are necessary to ensure the safety of trekkers and to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

This is the primary permit required for trekking in the Everest region, which includes the Gokyo Trek. The Sagarmatha National Park is a protected area that encompasses the Everest region.

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card

The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card is another essential permit for trekking in the Everest region. There are two types of TIMS cards: the blue card for individual trekkers and the green card for trekkers traveling as part of an organized group.

Where can I get these Permits?

You can obtain the necessary trekking permits for Nepal from various locations, including Kathmandu and certain entry checkpoints in trekking regions.

For most trekking regions in Nepal, including popular destinations like the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Makalu regions, you can obtain your trekking permits in Kathmandu. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the respective government offices in Kathmandu issue the permits. The specific offices may vary depending on the trekking region.

In some trekking regions, you can obtain permits at the respective entry checkpoints. In the Everest region, you can get your Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and TIMS card at the entry checkpoint in Monjo.

Overview

The Gokyo Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. It is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, pristine glacial lakes, and opportunities to witness the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. The Gokyo Lake Trek is situated in the Sagarmatha National Park within the Everest region of Nepal which starts and ends in the village of Lukla and takes you through the Khumbu Valley. The duration of this trek is typically 12-15 days depending upon your pace, the itinerary you choose and your acclimatization stops. Before embarking on the Gokyo Lake Trek, it’s important to make thorough preparations, including obtaining the necessary permits, gear, and acclimatization plans.

Highlights

  • The series of glacial lakes, including the main Gokyo Lake, are the centerpiece of this trek. The pristine turquoise waters against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks create a breathtaking sight.
  • You'll cross the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, which is a unique and adventurous part of the trek. The glacier's crevasses and ice formations make for a surreal landscape.
  • Throughout the trek, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the local Sherpa people and experience their unique culture and traditions.
  • The trek takes you along the moraines of the Khumbu Glacier, where you can witness the immense scale of this glacier that flows down from the Everest region.
  • The trekking trails themselves are stunning, passing through lush rhododendron and pine forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain. The changing landscapes provide a visual feast for trekkers.
  • Sagarmatha National Park, where the trek takes place, is a protected area with diverse flora and fauna where you may encounter various wildlife species, including Himalayan thar, musk deer, and various bird species.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal. Our representative from Himalayan 360 will be there to receive and escort you to your hotel. On the way you will get a short briefing about the trip. You will be having welcome dinner hosted by our team. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2:
Kathmandu to Lukla (Flight) to Phakding

Flight duration: 35-40 minutes
Trek time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Trek Distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles

We wake up early in the morning to catch a flight to Lukla, one of the highest airports in the world. The spectacular view from the plane will leave you speechless. We will stop at Phakding for our first stay, which is approximately three hour hike from Lukla. The main highlights of the day can be crossing a suspension bridge, passing a monastery and so on.

Day 3:
Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Trek Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

After breakfast, we will prepare our self for the ups and downs on the way to Namche Bazaar. We even enter Sagarmatha National Park and cross a few more suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River walking through rhododendron forests. We also get to meet many trekkers and those who are here for expedition in Namche Bazaar. Overnight.

Day 4:
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Trek Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

On this day, we will acclimatize in order to make us familiar with the environment at the higher altitudes. You can explore the area, know about the history and experience the culture of Sherpa community.

Day 5:
Namche Bazaar to Dole

Trek duration: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Trek Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

Leaving Namche, the route is incredibly scenic as you hike up the Dudh Koshi valley, passing stupas and views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamserku, and many more on the way. Descending into pine and rhododendron forests, the trail divides.

The route to Gokyo Lakes is to the left. On the way, we reach Mong village – a very small village but very scenic as well. Sitting on a ridge, the views from here reach Tengboche and beyond. Enjoy waterfalls and rhododendrons on this trail, and perhaps not so much, enjoy the stone stairs you will encounter.

Finally reaching the village of Dole, we stop for the night here, enjoying the surrounding views.

Day 6:
Dole to Machhermo

Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Trek Distance: 7 km/4.3 miles

This beautiful scenic trail is a steep climb taking you through scrub juniper. Leaving Dole, there is an uphill gradient for around half an hour, then a more gentle uphill the rest of the way. The Dudh Koshi River lies far below. Hiking on towards the tiny teahouse settlement of Machhermo, the trail comes to a ridge above the village with stunning views of Thamserku.

Day 7:
Machhermo to Gokyo (Afternoon hike to Gokyo, RI)

Trek duration: 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Trek Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

Leaving Machhermo, the trail heads up to another scenic ridge with views of Kangtega before heading through a narrow valley that leads into a wider valley. The trail descends to the Dudh Koshi River. It is a steep climb to the Ngozumpa Glacier and the first Gokyo lake.

As we continue north, the second lake appears. Unlike the small first lake, this lake is quite long and runs parallel to the hiking trail. Further on, we come to the third lake and some tea houses (there are 6 lakes in total, all falling under the name Gokyo Lake).

Here we stop for lunch and then climb up to Gokyo Ri. This takes 2.5 to 3 hours to climb up. The viewpoint at Gokyo Ri is a high 5,357 meters, with a great panorama of mountains above and lakes and glaciers below. Sunset is spectacular and highly recommended.

Day 8:
Gokyo to Machhermo (Morning hike to Gokyo 4th Lake)

Trek time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Trek Distance: 5.7 km/3.7 miles

This morning hike to the 4th Gokyo Lake is mostly a flat trail and will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour. After viewing the lake for some time, return to Gokyo for breakfast, then to Machhermo.

Day 9:
Machhermo to Namche Bazaar

Trek duration: 8 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Trek Distance: 21 km/13 miles

After an early breakfast, head on towards Namche Bazaar. Namche feels quite lively and busy after the quiet of smaller villages, and we spend our final night of the trek here.

Day 10:
Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Trek time: 8 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Trek Distance: 13.5 km/8.3 miles

Follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing the suspension bridges we crossed at the beginning of our trek, and once again, we are in Lukla, where we overnight, waiting for our flight back to Kathmandu early the next morning.

Day 11:
Lukla to Kathmandu flight

Flight duration: 35 to 40 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel

A short flight brings us back to Kathmandu. You can get engaged in some souvenir shopping in the streets of Thamel. Overnight.

Day 12:
Departure

Finally our Gokyo trek comes to an end. Our representative from Himalayan 360 will be there to drop you at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight. We hope you had a good time here. Remember us for your next trip to Nepal.

COST

Cost Includes

  • AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
  • ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : Stay at a hotel in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis.
  • WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome or Farewell Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
  • PERMITS : TIMS and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
  • STAFF INSURANCE : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
  • MAP : Trekking map.
  • MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
  • FOODS & LODGING : 3 meals a day (BDL; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing a twin bedroom at Hotel/Lodge during the trek.
  • PORTER : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
  • STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff & porter's daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
  • MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit.

Cost Excludes

  • INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
  • NEPAL VISA FEES : Nepali Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
  • LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
  • INSURANCE : Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
  • RESCUE EVACUATION : Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Medication, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization costs.)
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
  • PERSONAL EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
  • TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
  • FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
  • INTERNET SERVICE : Internet facility during the trek is not included.
  • EXTRA PORTER : $25 USD for an extra porter per day (If an extra porter is demanded).
  • TIPS : Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.

FAQs

Expand all Collapse all
How hard is the Gokyo lake trek?

Though it is a high-altitude trek, the Gokyo Lake trek difficulty is moderate. But with the rewarding view comes the strenuous difficulty. So, before you opt for this trek, it is necessary to understand the challenges and complexity of the trek so that you can learn how to overcome them for a safe journey.

How much does it cost to do the Gokyo Ri trek?

The cost of the Gokyo Ri Trek per person typically ranges from USD 1400 to USD 2500. It includes the price of your permit, travel, lodging, guide, porter, and other expenses. The price, however, varies according to the time of year you travel and the activities you plan to perform while on your walk.

How long is Gokyo Lakes Trek?

The Gokyo Lake trek takes 12-15 days to complete. However, the length of the trek depends upon the route you choose, itinerary, and acclimatization days.

Not satisfied with this Itinerary?
Reach out to travel experts.

Overall Trip Rating:

Write a Review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Personal Information

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Gokyo Lake trek | Most Beautiful Everest Panorama with Gokyo Lake