Gokyo lakes are the mesmerizing high altitude lakes in the Everest region of Nepal. And Gokyo valley, it is a picturesque valley in the midst of incredible snow giants. The amazing Gokyo valley is an idyllic valley consisting of incredible pastoral landscapes and five turquoise blue lakes.
The Gokyo lake trek is an incredible trek to the amazing Gokyo valley, Gokyo village, and Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri, 5357 meters, is the highest altitude on the trek. While trekking to Gokyo lakes, you will be walking through the amazing trekking trails, lush jungles, eye-catching Himalayan vistas, and varying landscapes.
Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier on Gokyo valley trek is a major highlight of the trek. The small Sherpa settlements, the basic way of life at the villages, practices of unique traditions and culture at the villages are something that’ll grab your attention.
The trek begins from Kathmandu. You will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla on a scenic flight and will trek to the stunning Gokyo lakes via amazing trekking trails passing through the exotic landscapes and beautiful settlements.
There are some trekkers who want to combine the Everest base camp with Gokyo lake trek. Also, there are two high passes: Cho La and Renjo La that connects the Gokyo valley with Khumbu valley. If you want to visit these passes, you can also do EBC Chola pass Gokyo trek or Gokyo Renjo la pass trek.
If you want to visit Everest base camp with Gokyo lake trek, check our Gokyo lakes and Everest base camp itinerary. If you want to go trekking at any destinations in Everest, let us know. We will organize the best treks and tours for you.
Some Highlights of Gokyo Lakes Trek
- Sunrise view from Gokyo Ri, 5357 meters
- Amazing Himalayan panoramas of Mt. Kongde, Thamserku, Mt.Tawoche, Mt. Cholaste, and several others
- The five tranquil Gokyo lakes
- Incredible Gokyo village
- Namche Bazaar and acclimatization day
- Cultural wonders of Sherpa people in the Everest region
- The Ngozumpa glacier
- Several photograph opportunity
Gokyo Altitude and Weather: Best Time to Go
The highest elevation on Gokyo trek is at the Gokyo Ri, 5357 meters. This altitude is nearly the same as the altitude of Everest Base Camp. So, the highest altitudes at Everest and Gokyo lakes trek are almost equal.
The Gokyo village is a small settlement at 4800 meters. The Gokyo weather varies with different months. During Autumn and Spring seasons, the weather remains fairly stable. You will see a clear atmosphere, great scenic views, and a suitable temperature range occurring while trekking. This makes these times the best time for Everest Gokyo Ri trek.
In winter and summer, the weather is frequently varying. In Summer, it rains frequently in the lower regions. At higher regions, it does not rain but it snows. The trekking trails become tough. In winter, there are chances of heavy snowfalls, cold blizzards. The trails at higher altitudes will be snowy.
You don’t have control over the weather, but you certainly have on your choices. Make the right choices of trekking equipment and gear and you’ll have a wonderful Gokyo lake trekking at any time of the year.
Related: Everest Region Weather and Temperature
Gokyo lake trek difficulty
- The highest point on this trek is at Gokyo Ri, 5357 meters. At this altitude, one can get altitude sickness. So, you must be cautious if you get any symptoms. Descend down to a lower altitude as soon as possible.
- This is a long trek. If you are someone who is not used to long and remote treks, this trek can be difficult.
- You walk for 5 to 6 hours a day on average during this trek. So, train your muscles before you go. Do some training and exercises.
- Your body dehydrates quicker when you trek to the higher altitudes. This might cause altitude sickness. So, you must sip on plenty of water while trekking. Take water breaks at intervals while trekking.
- You might get blisters if you wear uncomfortable hiking shoes. So, make sure you get a pair of comfortable hiking boots. Practice some short hikes wearing the boot before your actual trek.
Gokyo Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
You will arrive at the airport in Kathmandu. Our local representative will welcome you and will drive you to your hotel in Thamel. Take some rest. In the evening, you can walk around the bright streets. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Free and arrangement day.
You will have an arrangement day in Kathmandu. On this day, you can go shopping and buy some trekking gear if you need them. If you need help, our staff will help you buy them.
If you have everything ready for the trek, you can spend this day by touring around the beautiful cultural and historical sights in Kathmandu. Some of the places that you can visit are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambunath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and several others.
Prepare for the trek and take a good sleep.
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Trek to Phakding
Lukla Altitude: 2,800 meters
Phakding Altitude: 2,652 meters
Flight Duration: 40 to 45 minutes
Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Early in the morning, we will take a flight, Kathmandu to Lukla from the domestic terminal of TIA. The flight is a short duration flight. As the plane flies eastwards, you will see the astonishing aerial views of Kathmandu valley.
As we fly closer to the Everest region, you will see the amazing Himalayan range moving close. The views of the variable landscapes, rivers, valleys, and lakes from the flight looks magnificent.
After landing at the short airstrips in Lukla, we will start to trek. Following the incredible trek route across the Dudh Kosi river, we will trek towards Phakding. The trail is a flat descent through beautiful forests.
Three to four hours from Lukla and we will reach the guesthouse in Phakding. At the teahouse, you can have a dinner of your choice. Overnight there.
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar Altitude: 3440 meters
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
You will be trekking to the administrative center of Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar. We will have a nice breakfast at the teahouse in Phakding and will begin to trek.
We will walk through the paved road in Phakding. After some time, the trail descends to the suspension bridge over Dudh Kosi river. This is the first suspension bridge of the day. You will be crossing many.
We will follow the rugged and dusty trail alongside the river. There is again an ascent followed by a descending trail and so on. The trail is uneven. You’ll also see a big waterfall en route. Passing through the small settlements, we will halt at Jhorsale for lunch.
We will get your permits at the Sagarmatha National Park entry point. Walking through amazing trails and crossing high suspension bridges we will continue. There is this steep ascent of nearly two hours before Namche.
Finally, we will reach the Sherpa town in Namche. We will check in to a beautiful lodge and will stay overnight there.
Day 05: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
It’s your first acclimatization day in Namche. There are two acclimatization days during Namche Bazaar to Gokyo Lake. For acclimatization, we will hike to the Everest View Hotel. At the hotel, we will have a scenic breakfast/lunch with incredible panoramic views of Mt. Everest and several other Himalayas.
If you want to you can also hike to Khumjung and Khunde village and trek back to Namche. From the villages, you will see some portions of Namche Bazaar to Gokyo trek. Adapt to the increasing altitude and weather in Everest on this day. Take some rest. Overnight in Namche.
Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazzar to Phorse Village
Phorse Thenga Altitude: 3810 meters
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
From Namche, we will trek to a beautiful village called Phorse village. Starting from Namche, you will see the eye-catching view of Mt. Thamserku, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
We will trek through the amazing flat terrain and will descend to Kayangjuma. Sansa is the junction of Everest base camp and Gokyo trek. From Sansa, we will trek through Mongla pass. From the pass, you will see some incredibly beautiful Himalayan vistas.
Walking for several hours, we will finally arrive at Phorse village. The village sits beautifully under Mt. Tawoche and Mt. Cholatse.
Day 07: Trek from Phorse Village to Machhermo
Machhermo Altitude: 4,470 meters
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
We will have a nice and warm breakfast at Phortse village. We will begin to trek through amazing landscapes consisting of forests and waterfalls. On the trail between Phortse and Macchermo, there is Dole. At Dole, there are some lodges and teahouses. You can have lunch there.
From Dole, the trail climbs steadily on a beautiful ridge over Dole. From the trail, you will see the highly scenic views of Mt. Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku.
We will walk across the small settlement in Luza. Walking through the pastoral landscapes, we will have an amazing time. We will see the rushing Dudhkosi river deep below from the trekking trails there.
Finally, we will reach Machhermo. Overnight there.
Day 08: Trek from Machharmo to Gokyo
Gokyo Altitude: 4800 meters
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
We will begin to trek climbing over a scenic ridge. There, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Himalayas and the tranquil valleys. As we walk further, the trail becomes wider and even more exciting with amazing views of Mt. Kangtega and Thamserku.
After reaching Phangka, the trail descends to the Dudh Kosi riverbank. Now, we will begin climbing towards the Ngozamba Glacier. The Gokyo trek route is refreshing! The Gokyo second lake comes into sight now. Taboche Tsho is a tranquil blue lake.
There is the third Gokyo lake at a small distance. On the edge of the third lake is the tiny Gokyo village. You can explore the third lake. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 09: Exploration Day in the Gokyo Valley
Gokyo Ri Altitude: 5357 meters
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Early in the morning, we will hike to Gokyo Ri for the sunrise view. The Gokyo Ri trek is amazing! From Gokyo Ri, the amazing Gokyo lakes are visible. You will feel heavenly there. This day is also a Gokyo lake trekking day. We will explore the five Gokyo lakes and the Ngazumpa glacier.
After a beautiful day hike, we will return to Dudh Pokhari, Gokyo third lake. Overnight at a lodge in Gokyo village.
Day 10: Trek from Gokyo to Dole
Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Today is an easy day. We will walk downhill along the bank of the loud Dudh Kosi river. The trail is remote, rugged, peaceful, and highly scenic. From the trekking trail, you will continuously see glorious views of Mt. Cholatse and Taboche.
Walking for nearly four hours, we will reach Dole. Overnight there.
Day 11: Trek from Dole to Namche
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
We will trek back to the Namche Bazaar retracing back the previous trail. Most of the trail is a downhill walk. You will have fun. The trail isn’t difficult. Walking through the beautiful forests, there are chances that you spot some wildlife and birds in their natural habitat.
After a scenic and happy walk, we will reach Namche. At Namche, you can visit the shops to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones, friends, and families. Overnight in Namche.
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Trek Duration: 6 to 8 hours
Trust me, today is a long day. But with the excitement of returning back, you will not feel so tired. The other thing is on your way from Lukla to Namche, you will walk slow keeping in mind about altitude sickness. But while returning, your mind will be free of any kind of fears or doubts.
There are many teahouses and lodges in Lukla where we can stay overnight.
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the Kathmandu hotel.
Today is your last day in the Everest region. We will take a flight back to Lukla airport in the morning. In good weather, the flights operate regularly. If in case the weather is not good, your flights can be delayed. Sometimes, it even gets canceled due to the worse weather conditions.
After arriving in Kathmandu, we will drive you to your hotel there. Overnight in Kathmandu.
