Region: |
Everest |
Max-Altitude: |
5,357m/17,570ft |
Duration: |
13 Days |
Trek Grade: |
Strenuous |
Trail Access: |
Flight (Ktm - Lukla - Ktm) |
Best Season: |
Oct to Dec, Mar to May |
Trekking Style: |
Tea House |
Group Size: |
Min 2 to Max 12Pax |
Nepal, nestled in the majestic Himalayas, offers a plethora of trekking options
for adventure enthusiasts. One such remarkable trek is the Gokyo Lakes Trek.
This exhilarating journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes,
and charming villages, providing an unforgettable experience.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a mesmerizing adventure that takes you to the stunning Gokyo
Valley in the Everest region of Nepal. This trek rewards trekkers with awe-inspiring
views of towering snow-capped peaks, including Mount Everest, the highest peak
in the world. The highlight of this trek is undoubtedly the six emerald-colored
Gokyo Lakes, which leave visitors spellbound.
Trekking in Nepal is an adventure like no other. With its breathtaking landscapes,
vibrant culture, and hospitable people, Nepal offers a truly unforgettable
experience. The Gokyo Lakes Trek, with its stunning vistas and serene lakes,
is a must-do for any avid trekker. So pack your bags, lace up your boots,
and embark on an extraordinary journey through the mesmerizing Himalayas of Nepal!
Highlights of the trek
+ Scenic Beauty: Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with panoramic vistas of snow-clad mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows
+ Gokyo Lakes: Explore the tranquil Gokyo Lakes, shimmering like jewels amidst the rugged Himalayan terrain
+ Gokyo Ri: Conquer the summit of Gokyo Ri, a vantage point offering a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the Himalayas
+ Everest Base Camp: Extend your adventure by combining the Gokyo Lakes Trek with a visit to Everest Base Camp, a dream for many trekkers
+ Rich Sherpa Culture: Interact with the warm and friendly Sherpa people, known for their mountain climbing skills and vibrant culture
+ Namche Bazaar: Discover the bustling market town of Namche Bazaar, a vibrant hub for trekkers and Sherpa culture
+ Monasteries: Visit ancient monasteries along the way, immersing yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the region.
Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri Trek Itinerary
DAY 1 - Welcome to Kathmandu!
Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital and cultural hub of Nepal! We'll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel. Plan on an evening briefing on last-minute specifics about your trek and an early lights-out: you have a big day ahead.
DAY 2 - Fly Kathmandu to Lukla and Phakding
Altitude: 2,800m/9184ft (Lukla) & 2,652m/8,698ft (Phakding) Walking Distance: 8km (3-4 hours) - All distances and time estimates are approximate. Flight time: 35 min
After a short morning flight to Lukla, you'll be introduced to your guide and porter. Kick off your trek with an easy walk through Chaurikharka village and descent towards Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudhkoshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where we will be staying for the night to acclimatize. Enjoy your free time in Phakding, a popular stopping point.
DAY 3 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft: 5-6 hours trek
We'll have breakfast in Phakding before gearing up for the trek to Namche Bazaar, the biggest sherpa village in Nepal. Our trail takes us first over the Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge, and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo, about two hours away. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park for a brief permit check and then descend to Dudh Kosi River (spotting Mani stones along the way!) en route to Jorsale. Lunch will be served here, and then it's uphill to Namche. Our path along the riverbank is flanked by two crossings, one of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. It's a tough climb up the hill to our resting place, but you'll be rewarded in Namche Bazaar with your first glimpse of Everest in its majesty.
DAY 4 - Namche: Rest and Acclimatization Day
Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft
At this point, we take a well-deserved break! Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the lofty altitude. There's an optional 2 hour hike to Everest View Point, an uphill walk that will help speed acclimatization. Otherwise, spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. Check out the Sherpa museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering. On Saturdays, the Hatt Bazaar is open for trading and an intimate look at the locals' marketplace. It is part of the larger Namche Bazaar, a shopping hub filled with all manner of trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment.
DAY 5 - Namche to Phortse Tenga
Altitude: 3810 m/ 12,496 ft: 5 - 6 hours
We leave Namche Bazaar on a trail with gradual ups and downs. On the way we are likely to spot Himalayan pheasants, musk deer and Himalayan Thars. We then begin descending to Kyanjuma. From Sansa, we follow the Gokyo trails and from Mong we get a glimpse of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Khumbila mountains. Our trail descends to Dudhkoshi Khola after which it is an uphill climb through rhododendron forests before reaching Phorse. From here we get good views of Tawache and Cholaste mountains.
DAY 6 - Phortse Tenga to Machhermo
Altitude: 4,470 m/ 14,663 ft: 5 - 6 hours
After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we are likely to come face to face with local wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. Our trail passes through forests, waterfalls and bridges before reaching Dole. We climb on a steady trail through a scenic ridge with views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku mountains. We ascend from Luza village and walk above the Dudh Koshi River. We continue walking through small villages and sandy trails before reaching Machhermo. We can visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment.
DAY 7 - Machhermo to Gokyo
Altitude: 4800 m/15,744 ft: 5 - 6 hours
We ascend on a hill and enjoy views of the Dudh Koshi valley and Kangtega, Thamserku and Cho-Oyu mountains. Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangga. We descend to the river bank before climbing up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier on a steep trail. We pass through Longpongo, Raboche Tsho and Dudh Pokhari before reaching Gokyo. On the trail next to the first lake, we see what is believed to be the footprints of a Lama (Buddhist priest). We explore Dudh Pokhari before calling it a night.
DAY 8 - Gokyo to Gokyo Ri and Gokyo
Climb Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft) and hike to fifth lakes: 5 - 6 hours
We spend another day in Gokyo to acclimatize to the high altitude. If the weather is good, we climb Gokyo Ri today. From the top of Gokyo Ri we admire the Himalayan vista and the tranquil Gokyo lakes. We also hike to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo lakes. The 4th lake is only about 3km north of Gokyo. It is marked by high cliffs and Himalayan peaks rising above it. We continue to walking a little further and reach the 5th lake. A climb up a nearby hill will guarantee us remarkable views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We can see a lot more from here - the spot is called Scoundrel's Viewpoint. From the northern part of the 5th lake we see the Cho Oyu base camp and Ngazumpa Glacier which is the biggest glacier the world. We walk back to Gokyo to spend the night.
DAY 9 - Gokyo to Dole
5-6 hours
We descend on a trail along the Dudh Koshi River and pass the first Gokyo lakes. On the way we also enjoy views of the Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Our trail descends before climbing a hill. After reaching the chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains. We walk past Machhermo, Luza and Lhafarma villages before reaching Dole.
DAY 10 - Dole to Namche
5-6 hours
We descend on a steep trail to Phortse Thanga admiring rhododendrons, wildflowers and waterfalls. We also come across mountain goats, musk deer, pheasants, etc. From Mong, we can admire a good view of Khumbila peak. On our way to Namche the view of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega mountains are ours to admire. After walking for a while, we reach an intersection where the trail from Sanasa meets our trail. We walk on a trail that clings to a forested slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. After reaching Namche army camp hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche for one last time. About a kilometer from here is Namche Bazaar.
DAY 11 - Namche to Lukla
6- 7 hours
We descend on a rocky trail and cross several suspension bridges before walking on a leveled trail. The air is warmer as we walk on the same trail to reach Lukla. Our trek in the mountain ends after we reach Lukla. We spend our time reminiscing about our time spent in the mountain
DAY 12 - Lukla to Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu on the earliest possible flight. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off to rest. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to enjoy with our trek leader to mark the end of our trip in Nepal.
DAY 13 - Kathmandu: Departure Day
A company representative will pick you up from you hotel and drop you off at the airport 3 hours before our scheduled flight.
What is Included?
Domestic airport transfers on the first day and end of the trek
Teahouse accommodation with meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) while on the trek
All hot drinks such as Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate a day while trekking
Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu as per itinerary)
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide
Necessary porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Respective region (Everest) trekking map
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, food and accommodation
All government and local taxes
What is Not Included?
Nepal entry Visa fees
Your travel insurance (compulsory)
International airfare and airport tax
Hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara (if you need this service we are happy to help you booking
your hotels as per your requirements.)
Sightseeing tours (if you need this service we can help you as
per your requirements)
Trekking equipments
Tips for trekking staff
Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks, desserts, laundry etc.
Any other expenses which are not mentioned on the service included section.
Additional Services
During your time in Kathmandu, we could provide: Hotel booking, Sightseeing Tour, Flight booking
(Mountain flight, domestic and international), Transportation arrangements (Tourist bus,
private car and jeep), Helicopter Rescue and chartered flights, Helicopter tours, Mountain
Biking, Village walk, Culture show, Airport pick up, Bus park pick up, Bungy jumping,
Paragliding, Rafting, Jugle Safari according to your requirements. Sam can help to arrange
any of these Excursions for you!
Travel Insurance
Proof of travel insurance is mandatory before starting the trek. Standard policies often only cover medical evacuation to 4000m so make sure the policy you get covers up to 6000m. We usually suggest World Nomads which costs around $125. You only need to be covered on the policy for the days you will actually be trekking.
Extra Costs and Exclusions
Nepal multiple entry visa 30 days ($50 USD).
Sleeping Bag Rental $12 and Down Jacket $12 if needed.
All the meals are included on the trek but we only include breakfast while you are in Pokhara.
We suggest a tip for the guide and porter after the trek - Plan on a at least $80 (more will be appreciated).
We don't include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find the good places to fill your water bottle).
The other things not included on the trek are like Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few for around $4 and charging costs about $1.50 an hour.
Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($30/night) and meals in Kathmandu for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.
Solo Travelers
We generally don't charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Kathmandu but will need to share a room with other group members during the trek. If availability allows we will arrange private rooms on the trek as well upon request.
If you are a solo travelers and planning and not joining one of our group treks
you will be charged an extra $20 a day for a porter.
Cancellation Policies
We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your fund minus
a 25% cancelation fee. If your travel dates change we can
generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least
7 days advance notice.
Equipment list
Head
* Sun hat or scarf
* Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
* Sunglasses
* Head torch
Upper Body
* Cotton t-shirts or thermals
* Fleece jacket
* Waterproof jacket
* Down jacket
Lower Body
* Lightweight cotton pants (long)
* Waterproof pants
Feet
* Thin inner socks
* Thick, warm wool hiking socks
* Comfortable hiking boots
Hands
* Gloves
Accessories
* Sleeping bag rated to 0°C
* Trekking bag/duffel bag
* Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
* Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
* Water bottle or camel bag
* Toiletries