Gokyo Lake Trek
Trip Highlights of Gokyo Lake Trek
- Visit the beautiful Gokyo Lakes surrounded by high Himalayan mountains.
- Climb Gokyo Ri for wide views of Everest and other famous peaks.
- Explore the traditional Sherpa villages and the local culture.
- Discover Namche Bazaar, the entrance to the Everest region.
- Explore a less-travelled path away from the main road to Everest Base Camp.
- Sleep in comfortable teahouses and enjoy fresh local meals each day.
- Take a guided trip with Nepal Wanderlust Treks and have a safe and well organized trip.
Overview of Gokyo Lake Trek
The Gokyo Lake Trek is a 13 day journey through the Everest region that takes you to the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri. It is an excellent option when a traveler wishes to visit the Khumbu region in a less-busy trail and wants to see the mountain views, traditional Sherpa villages, and stay in a comfortable teahouse. On the path, you will pass through forests, mountain valleys, yak grazing grounds, and glacial lakes to the serene Gokyo Valley.
At Nepal Wanderlust Treks we’ve planned this trip with proper acclimatization, experienced guides and reliable local support. Your permits, domestic flights, accommodation and other travel arrangements will be taken care of by our team from the moment you land in Kathmandu. As we trek we will walk at an easy pace, support you when needed and always prioritize your safety.
It starts with a flight to Lukla and trails the Dudh Koshi Valley by Phakding and Namche Bazaar. We proceed to Dole, Machhermo and Gokyo after spending an acclimatization day at Namche. The Gokyo Lake trek Nepal trail follows the traditional Sherpa villages, open mountain valleys, and a sequence of glacial lakes without going through the busier parts of the Everest Base Camp trail.
An early morning hike to Gokyo Ri is one of the main highlights of the trip. The Gokyo Ri Trek provides expansive perspective of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and many other Himalayan ranges. We also visit the Fifth Gokyo Lake before returning to Gokyo for the night.
Our Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary includes proper acclimatization because we believe safety should always come first. Weather in the Everest region can change quickly, and flights to and from Lukla are sometimes delayed. Our team will keep you informed, make practical adjustments when needed, and provide reliable support throughout the journey.
Itinerary of Gokyo Lake Trek
Kathmandu Airport
Welcome to Nepal. After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our team members will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Once you have check in, you can have a little relaxing time or visit the surrounding area provided that there is time.
During the evening we will inform you about the Gokyo Lake Trek, prepare your trekking gear and clarify any questions you might have prior to the trek.
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Early in the morning, we will fly to the starting point of the trek Lukla. After observing our porters and last details, we begin our walk in small villages and forests along the Dudh Koshi River. The trail is mostly moderate and it will introduce you to the journey in a mild way before the village of Phakding where you will stay overnight.
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
After breakfast, we continue along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through small settlements. After entering Sagarmatha National Park, the trail gradually climbs towards Namche Bazaar. If the weather is clear, you may catch your first distant view of Mount Everest before reaching this lively Sherpa town where we will spend the night.
Acclimatization Day with a Hike to Hotel Everest View and Khumjung Village
Today is an important acclimatization day. We will have a brief hike to Hotel Everest View, and then we will proceed to Khumjung Village which is one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the area. We then spend some time sightseeing and get to know the locals and go back to Namche Bazaar in the evening. This additional day will allow your body time to adapt to the rising altitude.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole
Leaving Namche Bazaar, we follow a quieter trail towards Dole. The route goes through rhododendron woods, open hills and small yak herds. The higher we climb the more open the terrain is and the greater the panorama of the mountains. We will walk at a steady pace and take regular breaks before reaching Dole, where we stay overnight in a local teahouse.
Trek from Dole to Machhermo
After breakfast, we continue climbing gradually through open hillsides and small yak pastures. It is a trail that runs through Luza to Machhermo, a village silent in the upper Gokyo Valley. As we gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and the landscape changes noticeably. Our guides will remind us to take it slow and frequent rests so that we can all get used to it before reaching our teahouse.
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake
We will proceed to Gokyo today, and pass the first and second Gokyo Lakes before arriving at the general settlement along the third lake. As we enter the Gokyo Valley, the trail provides us with gorgeous sights of the mountains and glaciers around. Once you arrive in Gokyo you will get to relax and enjoy the serene environment before you start planning what to do the following morning in order to climb Gokyo Ri.
Sunrise Hike to Gokyo Ri and Visit the Fifth Gokyo Lake
The climbing to Gokyo Ri, the peak of the trek will commence before sunrise. At the highest peak, there are panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains which include Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu among many others. After returning for breakfast, we continue to the Fifth Gokyo Lake before heading back to Gokyo for another overnight stay.
Trek from Gokyo to Dole
We leave Gokyo after breakfast, and follow the same trail back down the valley to Dole. Going down on the lungs is less strenuous and you can have a different view of the mountain. We pass Machhermo and then proceed to Dole where we have a night. This is a comfortable walking day with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar
The walk today takes the trail that has been followed previously back to Namche Bazaar. We go through woods, small villages, and streams of mountainous origin as we tend to go deeper to a lower height. The trail gets easier as you can experience the changing landscape before reaching Namche. In the evening we will relax and rejoice in the successful accomplishment of the upper part of the trek.
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Today is the final day of trekking as we make our way back to Lukla. It is a route which follows the river Dudh Koshi and goes through known villages, forests and suspension bridges en route. In the afternoon we pass a few minor settlements and arrive at Lukla. We will spend the evening celebrating the completion of the Gokyo Lake Trek with our guides and porters before returning to Kathmandu the next day.
Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
We will take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, weather permitting. You will have a final glimpse of the Himalayan landscape before reaching the capital in the course of flight. Once we arrive at Kathmandu, we will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, explore the city, or shop for souvenirs before your departure.
Departure from Kathmandu
Today is the end of your Gokyo Lake Trek. Our team will pick you and take to Tribhuvan International Airport depending on your flight schedule to continue your journey. We hope you leave Nepal with wonderful memories of the mountains, local culture, and the friendships made along the trail. We look forward to welcoming you again for another adventure in the future.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Airport pickup and drop off by private vehicle.
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Round trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
- An experienced, government licensed English speaking trekking guide.
- One porter for every two trekkers during the trek.
- Guide and porter salary, food, accommodation, insurance, and transportation.
- Accommodation in local teahouses during the trek.
- Three meals a day during the trek including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Seasonal fresh fruits after dinner during the trek.
- Tea or coffee with breakfast during the trek.
- First aid kit carried by the guide.
- Duffel bag for use during the trek.
- Official trekking completion certificate.
- All government taxes and company service charges.
What's Excluded?
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance, including emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Personal trekking gear and clothing.
- Extra nights in Kathmandu for early arrival, late departure or flight delays.
- Hot and cold drinks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages and snacks.
- Wi-Fi, charging fees, hot showers and personal laundry during trek.
- Tips for guide, porter and driver.
- Personal expenses and any services not listed in the cost includes section.
Essential Information - Gokyo Lake Trek
Best Time for the Gokyo Lake Trek
The Gokyo Lake Trek is best in spring (between March and May) and autumn (between September and November). The months are generally stable, warm days and the mountain views are clear. The winter is colder and the snowfall is better at higher altitudes whereas the monsoon season is characterized by much rain and cloudy weather.
The Gokyo Lake Trek Nepal trail can be accomplished during all the year except in case of improper planning, spring and autumn are the most favorable months. Our team will help you choose the most suitable departure date based on the season and current trail conditions.
Gokyo Lake Trek Difficulty
The Gokyo Lake Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek because of the high altitude and daily walking hours. Average trekking days are 5 to 7 hours, and the ascending is slow to allow your body time to adapt. Prior experience in trekking is not mandatory as long as you are in good shape.
We will have guides who will walk at a comfortable pace and will have sufficient rest breaks along the way. The Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary is structured with adequate acclimatization to enable you to complete the trek safely and have fun every day on the trail.
Altitude and Acclimatization
The peak of Gokyo Lake Trek is Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m (17,575 ft). As the altitude increases, it is important to allow your body enough time to adjust. Taking lots of water, walking at a slow pace, and taking the advice of your guide can all help avoid this condition of altitude sickness.
We plan to spend an acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar and then proceed to the higher villages. Throughout the Gokyo Ri Trek our guides will check on you frequently and alter the pace where necessary to ensure that you trek comfortably and safely.
Food and Accommodation
The local teahouses in the Gokyo Lake Trek are comfortable with clean rooms, twin beds, and will house you. The teahouses are usually sharing bathrooms, and some also have attached bathrooms which are in lower levels at an extra charge. Food is made to order but typically consists of Nepali, Tibetan, and basic foreign cuisine.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served during the trek and the foods include dal bhat, noodles, rice, soup, potatoes, eggs and bread. Our team will advise you on the appropriate meals to take every day to keep you warm and active throughout the Gokyo Lake Trek Nepal trip.
Transportation
The Gokyo Lake Trek starts with a domestic flight between Kathmandu and the Lukla which forms the main entrance of the Everest region. During busy trekking seasons, flights may operate from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. All domestic flights and airport transfers in your package will be handled by our team.
Weather in the mountains can sometimes delay or cancel flights to and from Lukla. If this happens, we will keep you informed, adjust the schedule when necessary, and do our best to make your Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary continue as smoothly as possible.
Permits
You need two permits to complete the Gokyo Lake Trek. They are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Both permits are checked at different points along the trail and are required for all trekkers.
Prior to the start of the trek, our team will make all the needed permits, and you do not have to go to the permit offices on your own. We will ensure that all the paperwork is completed prior to your Gokyo Lake Trek Nepal adventure, so that you can concentrate on the adventure.
Travel Insurance
Before the Gokyo Lake Trek, we highly recommend that the tourists buy travel insurance and join the Gokyo Lake Trek. Your policy should include high altitude trekking to at least 5,500 m (18,045 ft) in case of an emergency, medical care in case of an emergency, and a helicopter evacuation in case of necessity. Travel insurance will provide you with an additional coverage in case of any unforeseen circumstances during the trek.
Before the trek begins, please provide us with a copy of your insurance details. Our team will be used to help in emergency activities in case of an emergency and also to coordinate with your insurance provider during the Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary.
Communication and Charging
The Gokyo Lake Trek has mobile network coverage in most of the villages, though the signal gets weaker as you ascend to greater heights. In some teahouses, WiFi is also available at a higher fee, yet the speed of the connection can be slow, depending on the place and weather conditions.
Shops and most teahouses will provide phone and camera charging services, typically at a minimal charge. We recommend carrying a power bank so you can keep your devices charged during the Gokyo Ri Trek, especially on longer trekking days.
Packing List
Packing the right equipment will make your Gokyo Lake Trek more comfortable. Pack warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, nice trekking boots, gloves, a warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and personal medicine. The most effective method of adapting to changing temperatures is by wearing in layers.
Our team will send you a detailed packing list after your booking is confirmed and can also advise you on equipment rental in Kathmandu if needed. To make your backpack light and comfortable during the trip, we suggest carrying only what is necessary.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
Prior trekking is advantageous yet optional. People of good physical shape and with the necessary preparation can go through the trek at the instructions of the guide and walk at a decent pace.
Yes. Leaving Namche Bazaar, the path is usually less busy than the Everest Base Camp path, and thus, is suitable to those travelers willing to have a more relaxed experience with their trekking.
Yes. We are able to tailor the itinerary according to your schedule of travel and fitness level and preferences. Extra days or other activities are also possible.
One porter usually carries up to 20 kg of luggage, shared between two trekkers. We suggest carrying only the necessary things to the trek.
Yes. Solo travelers can join a group departure or book a private trek with their own guide according to their preference.
Flight delays are frequent due to weather conditions. Our team will organize the most appropriate option and update you during the process.
Yes. We will assist you in setting up other tours, trekking or sightseeing in Nepal following the Gokyo Lake Trek.
No particular age restriction. Any person with good health and appropriate fitness can participate in the trek upon proper preparation.
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