Trip Overview
Up in the mountains, there is a gorgeous blue-turquoise glacial lake. With an image of gigantic mountains on the lake water, the scenery looks purely fictitious and mythic. Sherpa, mountains, myth, and lakes present splendid holiday moments. Gokyo Lake Trek in the Everest region of Nepal is probably the most beautiful trekking route of Khumbu. This trek offers adorable scenarios of Gokyo lakes, glaciers, and fabled mountains with hidden Sherpa cultures.
The Everest region of Nepal is the epitome of all trekking adventures. It is probably the most kept travel bucket list destination. After Everest Base Camp Trekking, Gokyo Lake Trek is the most eminent trekking route in the Khumbu region of Nepal. However, you can extend the trek to Everest Base Camp as well via Chola Pass (5420m). Nepal High Trek & Expedition has probably the latest and correct itinerary of the Gokyo Valley Trek. The major reason behind this is the trekking crew members. All of our guides and porters for the Khumbu trekking are either Sherpa or locals.
Blue Turquoise Lake and Sherpa Hamlet
At an altitude of 4700 m from sea level, you can find five outstanding lakes. These lakes are listed in the Ramsar Site as well. Even if there are five lakes, the most popular one is the third lake. However, people explore all three lakes including the Gokyo Ri hiking during the trip. The lake is not only beautiful but also has religious significance. Sherpa people worship the lake every year as they believe the god resides in the lake. Interestingly all five lakes are connected underground as well. However, it is just a myth.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Lakes are on the way to the teahouse area. However, the fourth and fifth lake is above the teahouse valley. Earlier the place was the pasture land used by the Sherpa people of Khunde and Khumjung. Nowadays, a small hamlet is there but no houses. The shores of the lake are full of teahouses.
A Mesmerizing Gokyo Ri Viewpoint in the Khumbu
Probably, Gokyo Ri Viewpoint is one of the best and most marvelous viewpoints in the Khumbu region. The highlight of the Gokyo Lake Trek in Nepal is the hiking of Gokyo Ri as well. Witness either sunrise or sunset from the top of Gokyo Ri (5357 m). You can get the outstanding scenery of mountains as far as Mount Everest, Mount Makalu, Mount Choyou, Mount Lhotse, and panoramic views of the stunning Himalayas. Bask in the fantastic vantage point from where you can get the view of four of the top ten mountains of the world. The panoramic view of the mountains helps trekkers to forget all the hardships of the journey.
Gokyo Fifth Lake – The place for Unique Everest View
During the Everest Base Camp Trekking journey, trekkers get a glimpse of Mt. Everest. However, it is through a small window in between Lhotse and Nuptse walls. But the view of mount Everest from Fifth Lake is outstanding. Therefore, lots of people trek to Gokyo Lake for the splendid and different view of Mount Everest.
Route Overview of Gokyo Lake Trek
Almost every trekking trip in the Khumbu region starts from Lukla except for some classical treks. It is similar to Gokyo as well. Check out the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary for more information on the route up to Kyangjuma nearby Namche Bazaar. Trekkers leave the main Everest Base Camp Trail in Kyangjuma and head to the Mongla Danda route. After the acclimatization rest in Namche Bazaar, trekkers have to stay overnight in places like Dole and Machhermo before reaching the Gokyo Valley.
Altitude Sickness, Travel Insurance & Acclimatization
Trek to Gokyo Lake is also one of the high-altitude trekking in Nepal. The highest point on this trip is 5357 m from sea level. However, overnight high altitude resting place is an altitude of 4700 m. Therefore, the trail is prone to altitude sickness. Interestingly, trekkers don’t need to worry about altitude sickness during this trek. The acclimatization rest in Namche Bazaar is enough for the trekkers to continue walking higher.
The Gokyo Lake Trek in Nepal requires travel insurance. Trekkers must buy an insurance plan. The plan must include helicopter rescue, accidents, flight delays, and medical expenses.
Sherpa Culture & Diverse Forests
The trail is good for understanding the Sherpa people and the diverse forest environment of Khumbu. Trekkers start the trek from the deciduous forests belt and reach high up to the alpine forests belt. Therefore, vegetation lovers can find wonders on the trail.
As for the cultural attractions, Sherpa villages and monasteries are the highlights. There are many pagodas, Mane walls, and monasteries along the way. Moreover, a visit to the Sherpa villages offers an authentic chance to understand these intrepid mountain climbers. Understanding them in their comfort is always fascinating. Imagine yourselves interacting with the fierce mountain climbers. Well, it is a truly remarkable experience to view mountains and their conquering beast in just one single trip.
Can I do Everest Base Camp Trek after Gokyo Lake?
Yes, it is possible to do Everest Base Camp Trek after the Gokyo Lake excursion. Moreover, you can buy the Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek package. It includes Everest Base Camp, Everest Three High Passes Trek, Chola Pass, and Gokyo Valley. Therefore, if you wish to add the base camp then it is wise to get the EBC Chola Pass Trek package.
Apart from the Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley is also the focal point during the Everest Three High Passes Trek. After crossing the Renjo La Pass, trekkers can reach the Gokyo Lake area. The Khumbu Circuit Trek consists of Gokyo Valley as well. The place is at a crossroads. Therefore, you can add either three pass trek or Everest Base Camp to your itinerary.
Nepal High Trek – A reliable Trekking partner for Everest Region Travel Activities
It’s been more than a decade since the company is operating trekking in the Everest region of Nepal. Our guides and porters are from Khumbu. Therefore, we have the latest information and authentic data about mountains, people, culture, and climate. For high-altitude trekking, it is essential to have the perfect guidance and itinerary. We have the highest success rate. So, without any delay contact our travel planners. Plan your Gokyo Lake Trek in Nepal.
Related Picture Gallery
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
The representatives from Nepal High Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. will welcome you at TIA. Then we will take you towards the hotel arranged by our company for the overnight stay. We will have a discussion about trekking with delicious dinner.
Day 02: Fly to Lukla 2,820m and trek to Phakding village 2,640 m – 04 hrs.
Everest Base Camp Trek begins with the sweeping short flight to land at Lukla, during 30 minutes on air view of stunning mountain range with Mt. Everest, as the plane lands at Lukla named as ‘Tenzing-Hillary Airport’ in honor of legendary climbers’ first summiteers of Mt. Everest.
From Lukla, our first-day walk starts on winding downhill path with short climb passing many traditional Sherpa farm villages with views of peaks, after a pleasant walk reaching at Phakding for an overnight stop near the glacier-fed Dudh Kosi (river).
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m – 06 hrs.
After a pleasant overnight stop in Phakding, morning walk starts following Dudh Kosi, and crossing bridges to reach Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo village, from here walk to last Jorsalle village before Namche Bazaar and then on crossing a last high bridge climb leads with beautiful views of Everest and other peaks, walk finally ends at famous Namche Bazaar for two over nights in this prosperous town or large village with facilities of ATMs, Cybercafes, stores, shops, restaurants, banks and fresh bakery with a busy colorful Saturday market.
Day 04: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.
Namche an ideal spot for rest and acclimatization, free day with morning short hike up to park museum with necessary information of mountaineering, flora/fauna with Sherpa culture and Buddhist religions, this scenic spot offers grand views of mountains Mt. Everest and stunning Amadablam, for interested people hike uphill to Everest View Hotel for best views of Mt. Everest and other mountains.
Day 05: Trek to Dole 4,110 m – 05 hrs.
After a pleasant stop at Namche Bazaar, our walk leads to a short climb and then on the gentle winding trail with eye-catching views as the walk leads near Shanasa village. From this spot, our route diverts away from the main Namche-Everest base camp trail towards quiet areas towards Gokyo Lake. The path climbs with the steep climb to reach a Mong 3,973 meters with amazing views and then downhill walk to Dudh Kosi River at Phortse Thanghka for lunch.
After Phortse, continue to walk to Dole as the trail climbs steeply out of the valley through a patch of rhododendron forest which gives way to juniper and conifers trees. In the springtime, this place will be magic with wildflowers in full bloom. This path passes summer Yak pastures. The trek leads past Tongba and Gyele villages to reach at Dole with super view of Khumbila and Tawache 6,542m.
Day 06: Trek to Macherma 4,470 m -04 hrs.
Morning walk from Dole climbs along the side of the valley, where rhododendron forest stops, giving way to smaller bushes of juniper as you gain altitude slowly. Finally, walk leads on the level path for an hour to Lhabarma Kharka and to Luza at 4,390m; and then skirting around a ridge with downhill to Macherma village. Arriving at Macherma for lunch and overnight stop with time in the afternoon for a short walk or just relax.
Day 07: Trek to Gokyo 4,790m -04 hrs.
From this small settlement, our walks continue to Gokyo 3rd Lake, following a scenic path to Pangka small area and then descend slightly, following one of the glacial fed rivers which flow from Ngozumba Glacier of high world 6th highest Cho-Oyu and other adjoining peaks.
The walk leads to a climb by the side of a glacier, passing first lake and the second lake, crossing the path to reach at the third lake known as Dudh Pokhari or Gokyo Lake a summer settlement with fantastic views of Mt. Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang that reflects on emerald green waters of Gokyo Lake.
Day 08: Morning hike to Gokyo-Ri and walk to Na or beyond – 04 hrs.
Morning hike uphill to Gokyo Ri one of the highlights of this trip, a small peak above the lake, Gokyo Ri at 5,357m offers the panorama of Mt. Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, Taweche and far as to Mt. Makalu.
After a wonderful stop at Gokyo Ri, head downhill to Gokyo for lunch and rest, afternoon short walk of few hours to Na, a small place located at the foot of Ngozumba glacier with time head further for another hour for an overnight stop.
Day 09: Trek to Phortse village 3, 810 m – 04 hrs.
Starting from this isolated area beneath towering Cholatse peak on the least trekked trail to Phortse village, morning walks leads downhill for short 3-4 hours, to reach another sleepy village at Pangboche for lunch and overnight stop. Afternoon explores this nice small Sherpa village, where trekkers seldom walk on this route.
Day 10: Trek to Tengboche 3,867 m – 05 hrs.
Leaving Phortse village with super views of Amadablam, on the gradual winding path uphill to reach upper Pangboche near an old Gompa (monastery), after a rest with lunch break then downhill back into tree lines, from the bridge few hours climb to Tengboche Monastery, located on a small plateau with marvelous views of mountains including Mt. Everest and majestic Amadablam surrounded with pristine rhododendron-pines-oaks and birch tree woodland.
Here with time to visit this interesting monastery which was badly damaged by fire in 1991 and rebuilt back into original shape
Day 11: Trek to Monjo 2,880 m through Namche Bazaar – 06hrs
Morning walk leads to long descend reaching at Imjatse River in Phunge Tenga, after crossing a bridge with short steep uphill and then on gradual winding trail to Namche Bazaar, after a short break at Namche, continue to walk on downhill to Dudh Kosi River valley, and then with short ups and downs to reach at the entrance and exit gate of Sagarmatha National Park, a short walk from brings you at Monjo village for overnight stop.
Day 12: Trek back to Lukla for last overnight in Khumbu area – 04 hrs walk.
After a marvelous and enjoyable time on high Khumbu valley and ridges around Gokyo Valley, our last day walk of this adventure leads back on the same trail to Lukla, arriving in Lunch by lunchtime with last overnight stop within Everest region, after lunch free and celebrate dinner with fellow members, staff and guides.
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Waking early morning to catch the flight back to Kathmandu, transfer to Lukla airport terminal and then board in a small aircraft either twin otter or Dornier, for super scenic flight to reach at Kathmandu, on arrival in Kathmandu airport, transfer to your respective hotels with rest of day free for individual activities and souvenirs shopping.
Day 14: In Kathmandu free and reserve day for individual activities.
An important and necessary to have one extra day in Kathmandu in case of flight delay and cancellation, due to bad unfavorable weather which can happen sometimes as Himalayan weather is unpredictable. If all goes well as per our itinerary days, one can join in our delightful and interesting tour of Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur, all these places full of world heritage site of historical-culture and religious importance.
Day 15: International departure for homeward bound.
Your last day in Nepal, amazing country of Himalayan wonders, as per your flight time leaving your hotel where our staff transfers you to an airport, after a great memorable adventure with enjoyable time on Gokyo Valley trekking.
- All ground transportation.
- Meals During Trek: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
- Two-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Three cups of tea during the trek.
- Everest National Park Permit.
- Khumbu Municipality Entrance Ticket.
- Domestic Flight Ticket From Kathmandu to Lukla / Kathmandu.
- Good Accommodation on the trek.
- Fresh fruit during the trek
- NHTE’S Dawn jacket, sleeping bag & duffle bag. (If required )
- An experienced, expert, helpful and friendly Guide and Their well-paid Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation, and Insurance for the Guide.
- Adventure Certificate: NHTE provides Adventure Certificate.
- An arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
- Medical kit bag.
- Farewell dinner.
Cost Exclude:
- Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Katmandu).
- Your Travel and rescue insurance.
- Personal porter for carrying your luggage.
- All the Food in Kathmandu. Also in the case of early return from the mountain (due to any reason) then the scheduled Itinerary.
- All the expenses in the mountain over than scheduled itinerary (due to strike, delay, or canceled flight)
- Extra night Hotel in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure than scheduled Itinerary.
- All the Bar bills and personal expenses (phone call, laundry service, battery recharge, a bottle of water, hot water, shower.
- Tips for the guide and porter.
Gokyo Lake Trek Route Map
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