The Gokyo Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in the Khumbu region of Nepal, known for its stunning mountain views, sparkling turquoise lakes, and charming Sherpa villages. It's a great alternative to the more popular Everest Base Camp trek, offering trekkers the chance to explore the remote and peaceful Gokyo Valley. The trek typically starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where trekkers begin the journey by hiking through a series of traditional Sherpa villages, lush forests, and suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. The trail then gradually ascends towards Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town known as the gateway to Everest.
After acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar, the trek continues towards Gokyo Valley, passing through picturesque villages like Dole and Machhermo, where trekkers can enjoy stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine landscapes. The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the series of turquoise Gokyo Lakes, which are located at the foot of Gokyo Ri (5,357m), a peak that offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan range including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
During the trek, trekkers also cross over the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420m), which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas but can be a challenging section of the trek. The trek concludes with a return to Lukla, where trekkers catch a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
The best time to trek in the Gokyo Valley is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild and clear, and the views are spectacular. The trek requires a moderate level of physical fitness and acclimatization to the high altitude, so it's important to take it slow and enjoy the journey. Overall, the Gokyo Lake Trek is an unforgettable adventure that offers trekkers a chance to experience the beauty and culture of the Himalayas.
Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Transfer to your hotel and take rest.
- Explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
- Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m).
- Begin trekking towards Phakding (2,652m) following the Dudh Koshi River.
- Stay overnight at a teahouse in Phakding.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m).
- Cross several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge.
- Reach Namche Bazaar, the main trading center and gateway to the Khumbu region.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
- Spend a day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.
- Explore the town, visit the local market, and enjoy panoramic views of mountains,
- including Everest, from Everest View Hotel.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Dole
- Continue the trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,038m).
- Pass through rhododendron and pine forests with glimpses of the stunning mountains.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Dole.
Day 6: Dole to Machhermo
- Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470m).
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of the landscape and the surrounding mountains.
- Learn about the Yeti folklore at the Machhermo Yeti Museum.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Machhermo.
Day 7: Machhermo to Gokyo (First Lake)
- Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,750m), the first lake of the Gokyo Lakes.
- Experience breathtaking views of Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world.
- Explore the Gokyo village and enjoy the serene beauty of the lake.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Gokyo.
Day 8: Gokyo Ri Hike and Rest Day
- Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) early in the morning for stunning panoramic views of the
- Himalayas, including Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
- Spend the rest of the day resting and acclimatizing in Gokyo.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Gokyo.
Day 9: Gokyo to Dole
- Trek back from Gokyo to Dole, retracing your steps.
- Enjoy the downhill trek and the changing landscapes.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Dole.
Day 10: Dole to Namche Bazaar
- Continue the trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar.
- Descend through forests and cross suspension bridges.
- Reach Namche Bazaar and relax.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Namche Bazaar.
Day 11: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, the final leg of the trek.
- Celebrate the completion of the trek with your team.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Lukla.
Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu
- Take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.
- Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu.
- Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to rest, explore the city, and do some souvenir shopping.
Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu
- Depart from Kathmandu with wonderful memories of the Gokyo Lake Trek.
Cost includes
- Airport transfers - Arrival and departure pick-up and transfer service
- Entry permits to Sagarmatha National Park and Tim fee
- Support staff (trekking guide and porter), as well as their necessary insurance,
- lodging and food allowances and salary (1 Guide for the group and 1 porter for 2 hikers)
- Domestic airfare - round trip (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, 3 meals a day and overnight accommodation at a tea house lodge on the way.
Cost Excludes
- International flight ticket and airport taxes.
- Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu
- Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation expenses
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled soft drinks (including cold drinks, and mineral/water
- hot/shower, tea, coffee, chocolate and hot drinks), suggestions for the guide, porter and other officials...
- Additional costs- additional days of stay, in case of flight cancellation due to natural disasters, bad forecast
- weather and other unforeseen circumstances.4Personal mountaineering for the trip