Trip Overview
Gokyo Trek is the most enticing and beautiful trekking trip to the blue turquoise Himalayan lake of Khumbu. It is probably the most picturesque place in the Everest region of Nepal. Trekkers doing the Gokyo Lake Trek will get the wholesome experiences of Sherpa culture and Himalayan wilderness adventures during the trek. Moreover, the trek is relatively safer than other trekking trips of the Everest region. Even if the journey takes trekkers to places as high as 4700 m, you will not get altitude sickness! This statement is rather controversial as the risk zone for altitude sickness is a place beyond 2500 m. The gradual ascent and the course as well as the acclimatization activity make it easier for trekkers to do the trek.
There are five lakes in the Gokyo Lakes system. It is listed under the Ramsar Conservation Site. The accommodation during the Gokyo Trek is on the shores of the Gokyo Lake which is the third lake. Therefore, trekkers will be able to experience all the lakes but spend overnight on the shores of the third lake. There are no lodging facilities in the shores of other lakes. In fact, trekkers reach the third lake on the foothill of Gokyo Ri hill after traversing through 1st and 2nd lakes.
What is the myth behind Gokyo Lakes?
According to the Sherpa community mythology, the lake has the great significance. Among five lakes of the Gokyo Lake system, the third lake is considered as the holy lake. Every year during festivals like Dumji and Mani Rimdu, people of the region worship on the shores of the third Gokyo Lake. It is believed that the water of the region is pure and holds the power to rinse all the sins that you have committed in this lifetime.
It is also believed that all the five lakes are connected through a natural underground tunnel. The transfer of water is possible through these lakes via underground tunnels that connect all!
Can I see Mt. Everest during the Gokyo Trek?
You can see Mt. Everest during the Gokyo Trek and the trekking routes combine the Chola Pass with Everest Base Camp too. There are two places from where you can see Mt. Everest during the trip of Gokyo Valley. The first one is from the top of the Gokyo Ri and the other is from the place on the way to Gokyo Fourth Lake. These two places are the only place from where you can see Mt. Everest. However, during the acclimatization break around Namche Bazaar also you can see Mt. Everest. Remember that the scenery of Mt. Everest (8848.86 m) is different from the visuals of Mt. Everest seen during the Everest Base Camp Trek route. You will be able to see the mountain visuals on a large scale while doing this trek.
Interestingly, you will be able to see the world’s 5th tallest mountain Mt. Makalu during this trek. While trekking to the top of the Gokyo Ri, you will be able to see the summit of Mt. Makalu. Apart from this mountain, you will be able to witness the three other mountains that are within the top ten mountains of the world. They are Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Choyou, and Mt. Makalu. Therefore, the trek can be labeled as the Himalayan wonderland trekking adventure in terms of best vantage for mountain vistas.
Is it possible to do Renjo La Pass or Chola Pass Trek in Gokyo Trek?
The Gokyo Lake is in a crossroads. The valley is between Renjo La Pass and Chola Pass. Therefore, it is possible to do Renjo La Pass or Chola Pass Trek during Gokyo Trek. In fact, you will have to spend overnight in Gokyo Lakes during either of these trekking in the Everest region. During Three High Passes Trek, Two High Passes Trek, Renjo La Gokyo Lake, and Everest Base Camp Chola Pass Trek trekkers have to include the stay at Gokyo Lake. Therefore, the place is a significant place in Khumbu that can be called as the Sherpa heartland with the majestic blue turquoise lake.
What is the altitude of Gokyo Lake?
The maximum altitude during the Gokyo Lake Trek is around 5400 m. However, you will be spending overnight at an altitude of 4700 m. The ascent is gradual via Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Machhermo, and Dole. Therefore, you will not have high risk of altitude sickness! Don’t underestimate though! The trek is in the high altitude places of Khumbu and is a highly risky zone for people to get caught by the altitude sickness. Heed the instructions of the trekking guide and you will be able to successfully complete the trekking journey of Gokyo Lake.
Do I need to acclimatize in the Everest region for the Gokyo Lake Trek?
In high altitude trekking acclimatization is the utmost necessity. You must do the adjustment activities if you are to avoid altitude sickness. AMS also known as the Acute Mountain Sickness then acclimatization to high altitude is mandatory. During the Gokyo Lake Trek, trekkers have to go through one acclimatization rest day. Don’t assume that acclimatization rest day is all about spending overnight in a hotel or lodge. You must reach the high altitude places and return back to low altitude place for overnight sleep. In this case, trekkers reach the Everest View Hotel and the village of Khumjung before spending overnight at Namche Bazaar. Trekkers reach as high as 3800 m and return back to the place that is located at an altitude of 3400 m.
Accommodation and Meals during the Gokyo Valley Trek
The Everest region of Nepal has the best accommodation and meal options during the trek. There are many luxuries to basic facilities available in the trekking trail of Gokyo Lake Trek. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about the options available in terms of food and lodging. From continental to local dishes, trekkers can choose to eat diverse cuisines! As for the lodging, trekkers can get sumptuous places to basic facilities where they can rest and relax. Book the Gokyo Trek with us and enjoy the majestically impeccable hospitality of all the trekking crew members of Nepal High Trek.
Related Picture Gallery
Details Itinerary
Day 02: Flight to Lukla (2,820 m) and trek to Phakding (2,660 m) – 3/4 hrs.
Morning flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport Lukla Solukhumb with grand views of Himalayan peaks during 35 minute flight with Everest. After landing at Lukla with time to refresh and breakfast. Before heading to Phakding village, we should buy the Pasang Lhamhu Rural Municipality entrance fees at Lukla and per entrance fee cost in NPR 2000. Then our real journey begins with scenic views of mountains, local culture, and landscapes. The trail continues walking on a gradual trail with few ups and downs past Sherpa village to reach at Phakding for an overnight stay.
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – 7/8 hrs.
Have a first night at the mountain journey and head to the beautiful Himalayas Namche Bazar. The morning starts on the gradual trail following the Dudh Kosi River upstream to reach at Monjo and Sagarmatha National Park. Here we must obtain the required Sagarmatha National Park permit and each permit fee is NPR 3000. From here the trail towards on river valley within a forested area. The trail will pass separate Sherpa villages like Toktok, Benker, Monjo, and Jorsale. After that, the trail climbs up for a few hours to reach at famous Namche Bazaar for a night's stop.
Day 04: Acclimatization Day Hike
Namche is a perfect spot to discover the hidden gems of nature and culture. Today we have an acclimatization day hike to Hotel Everest View or and Khumjung/Khunde Village. Acclimatization is very crucial to adjust on high altitude and very helpful to complete the trip without hassle. Along the trail, you can explore the stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku Amadablam, and other ranges of mountains. As well walking high resting and sleeping helps to acclimatize better before heading highest areas.
Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazar to Dole (4,110 m) - 6/7 hrs
Today our journey to Dole through the beautiful village and spectacular scenery of the mountains. After a nice pleasant stop at Namche Bazaar, the morning leads to scenic walks with a view of the Mountains, on a winding trail as our route, divert to a climb to reach a high to Mongla Danda. This place highly offers excellent views of Everest with magnificent Amadablam. After a short break downhill within the cool shade of woodland reach Phortse Tenga a village on a Valley and gorge of Dudh Kosi River valley, from here slow climb takes you to Dole village for an overnight stop with having few nice lodges to stay.
Day 06: Trek from Dole to Machherma (4,470 m) – 4/5 hrs.
After breakfast we toward the Machherma and it takes a maximum of 5 hours to reach there. The trail leads towards higher terrain but the walk is pleasant after a short climb up to a ridge with magnificent peaks. Where leaving tree lines stops for short alpine bushes of juniper and Burberry, after steep and short ups from Dole. The walk gets better on nice scenic trails with grand views of Mt. Cho-Oyua than on the downhill to a lovely valley where Machherma, a small settlement located with nice good lodges to stay on route Gokyo Lake.
Day 07: Trek from Machherma to Gokyo Lake (4,750 m) – 3/4 hrs.
After a pleasant overnight at Machherma the trail leads to an uphill climb, then on an easy trail to Gokyo Lake walking beneath Ngozumba glacier. Reaching the first lake and the second lakes of Gokyo with mesmerizing views of Mt, Cho Oyu. Eventually, we reach the third lake of Gokyo Lake and it's the massive Lake surrounding the world's legendary peaks. Our goal and mission will be accomplished today with a strenuous walk a high altitude. As well the third main lake also called Dudh Pokhari where the summer settlement of Gokyo located with good lodges at Gokyo.
Day 08: In the early morning hike to to Gokyo Ri (5357 m)viewpont then trek to Dole (4010m ) - 6/7 hrs
In the early morning hike to Gokyo Ri at 5,357m for the stunning sunrise view on the Everest with a spectacular panoramic views of Khumbu valley. The Gokyo Ri viewpoint is one of the highlights of this adventure with a panorama of the world’s highest mountains Mt. Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Cholatse, Taweche, and to the east views of Mt. Makalu.
Enjoying a lovely time at Gokyo Lake, Gokyo ri and its simmering glacial lakes return journey leads to a long descent past the main lakes of Gokyo walking close beneath Ngozumba glacier. As the trail leads to reach Machherma. From here afternoon walk leads to a climb on a ridge, and then on a winding scenic path to reach back at Dole walking past nice areas and the settlement of Luza, reaching at Dole overnightstop after a good scenic day walk.
Day 09: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar (3440 m) – 6/7 hrs.
Today we're decent to Namche Bazar through the beautiful places with marvelous scenery. From Dole, the trail leads you to the main trekking trails of Namche Bazaar on leaving the Gokyo Areas, where the walk follows Phortse Tenga with a climb up to Mongla Danda. From Mongla danda the trail is completely downhill towards Namche via Kyanjuma and reach to Namche. You will have a late chance to explore around the Namche before heading to Lukla.
Day 10: Trek from Namche Bazar to Lukla (2820 m) – 7/8 hrs.
The trip is very close to the end and with unforgettable adventure memories in the majesty Khumbu Himalayas. Today a long walk to reach our last stop in the Khumbu area at Lukla. We should walk more than 17km from Namche to Lukla. From Namche on the downhill to a river with a short climb to Monjo and then on a good trail to Phakding village. At Phakding we can have lunch and then toward to the Lukla via Ghat and Thadokoshi village. In addition from here, you will reach Lukla within a few hours and a final overnight stop within Everest and Khumbu area.
Day 11: Fly back to Kathmandu (35 m) and transfer to hotel by taxi
Morning as per your flight time transfer to Tenzing-Hillary air terminal in Lukla. It is very close to the airport and takes 5 minutes to get to the airport. After boarding a smaller aircraft for the scenic flight back to Kathmandu and then to your hotel, after a most amazing time on Gokyo Lake trekking. You should be prepared in mentally because the Lukla flight is highly complicated flight due to the bad weather and geographical terrain.
Day 12: Final Departure
Last day in the land of Himalayan wonders and we hope you had wonderful adventure experiences with us. As per your international flight time, our team will drop off you at the airport with farewell greetings and you should reach at airport before two and a half hours.
Cost Includes
- All ground transportation.
- Full board meal during the trek: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
- Domestic airfare (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu)
- An experienced, government license holder trekking Guide including Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation, and Insurance.
- Three cups of tea during the trek.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
- Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Ticket.
- Good tea house accommodation on the trek.
- Fresh fruit during the trek
- NHTE’S Dawn jacket, sleeping bag & duffle bag. (If required )
- An arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
- Medical kit bag.
Cost Exclude:
- Your Travel insurance.
- A personal porter costs $20 per day.
- Hotel in Kathmandu.
- 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.
Nepal High Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. 
