All Inclusive
Gokyo Lakes Trek

Gokyo Lakes Trek

Thrilling alternate to busy Everest Base Camp

  • Group Size:Min 1 Max 15
  • Duration:14 Days
  • Max Altitude:5,357m/17,575ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse/Lodge
  • Activity:Trekking in Nepal
  • Meal:Meals Included
  • Trip Grade:Challenging
  • Start Point:Kathmandu
  • End Point:Kathmandu
Package difficulty Challenging  

Trip Overview

Highlights

  • Thrilling alternate to Everest Base Camp
  • Panoramic mountain view and emerald lakes
  • Climb Gokyo Ri for awe inspiring views 
  • Visit Sherpa homeland and monasteries 

Gokyo Lakes Trek Overview

Gokyo Lakes Trek covers the main attractions of the Everest Region and is a thrilling alternate trek to the busy Everest Base Camp Trek. Gokyo Valley has marvellous mountain scenery and provides a look into traditional Sherpa culture. Along the way, we enjoy breathtaking views of Everest and surrounding peaks. The highlight of our journey will be Gokyo Ri (5340 m, 17,519 ft), an awe-inspiring panorama of Everest and nearby peaks, the beautiful Gokyo lakes alongside Ngozomba Glacier. The mountain views along the Gokyo Valley Trek include unforgettable peaks of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Pumori, Thamserku and many more. This extraordinary trek visits the Sherpa homeland and their stately monasteries with a chance to witness the surrounding flora and fauna.

Our trek begins with a scenic morning flight to Lukla, from where our real trek begins. We then enter the Khumbu region through Namche Bazaar, a lively market town. Our itinerary includes 2 nights in Namche Bazar (3,450m/11,319ft) and 2 nights in Machermo (4,470m/14,655ft) before we make our way to Gokyo Valley and Lakes. The trek follows up the pristine Gokyo Valley surrounded by constant views of peaks. For better acclimatization, we have two nights in Machermo (4,470m/14,655ft) before we make our way to Gokyo and Gokyo Ri. We enjoy a hike to Gokyo Ri viewpoint, before eventually making a relaxed, satisfying journey back to Lukla to board a flight back to Kathmandu. 

Looking for a similar trip covering Everest Base Camp too? Have a look at our Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek, which continues as less than 3 weeks itinerary to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain and Cho La Pass. 

Is this trek for you?

  Grade   Challenging
  Physical Rating   5-6
  Total Duration   13N/14 Days
  Trekking Duration   11N/12 Days
  Maximum Elevation   5,357m/17,575ft at Gokyo Ri

Longer treks reaching up to an elevation of 5500m where some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps are located and you need to sleep at an elevation of 5000m for a few days. Physically challenging, involving daily trekking of approximately   6 – 8 hours.   No previous trekking experience is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions.

Please Note: We will go the lengths to follow the itinerary given above, at times local trails or unpredictable weather patterns may necessitate slight changes if necessary. The trekking itinerary may also sometimes vary slightly depending on our trekkers' acclimatization rates. This adventure goes into wild territory above the timberline, so we seek to request maximum flexibility if and when required for the success and safety of your trip and your life.

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,455ft]

    Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggage in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. After you’ve checked in and refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street.

    • Meal: None
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 02 - Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding [2,600m/8,531ft]

    Today we take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on STOL aircraft. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort out and load the trekking equipment. In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaurikharka at 2713m. The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat at 2550m, it’s a short walk to Phakding

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • Day 03 - Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]

    We will continue our journey along Dudhkoshi River which will take us through pine forest. After crossing suspension bridges at several points and passing through small settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, we will reach Monjo. Ahead of Monjo is the entry to the Sagarmatha National Park planned to look after and preserve the fragile mountain environment. Lowering down from the park, crossing another suspension bridge, we will proceed towards high Hillary Bridge located at the foot of the hill. Crossing this bridge, we will climb uphill to the Namche Bazaar. We can get view of Thamserku Mountain. If weather is clear, we can also have first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kusum Khangru mountains.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • Day 04 - Acclimatization day and O/N at Namche [3,450m/11,319ft]

    We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large protected hollow. After breakfast, there are a number of options: perhaps a hike up to Everest view hotel, Khumjung and Khunde, or walk towards Thame (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley, or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and escort you on your walks.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • Day 05 - Trek to Dole [4,040m/13,255ft]

    Today it’s a steep climb out of Namche Bazaar up to Kyangjuma Village. At Kyangjuma, we can contemplate on terrific views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam. The tough part of today is sure going to be the ascent of the Mong La, a very appealing place hanging on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. A medieval historical Chorten stands at the centre of the settlement of Mong La. We spend some time at the top of Mong La to look with awe at the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while enjoying lunch. The most eye catching feature of the trail today is the wealth of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons that we see on the way. We may even spot wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the subtle musk deer. Continuing our hike through forests, some waterfalls and bridges, we reach Dole, a small village with few teahouses.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • Day 06 - Trek to Machermo [4,470m/14,655ft]

    Today it’s another short day starting with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before ascending more gradually up the Dudh Kosi valley, high above the river. The walking is easy, but we will still feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hillock. The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrub juniper is a stark contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After two hours, we will arrive at Luza (4360m), and after a further hour's walk we reach our lodge at Machhermo (4465m) where you will spend the evening. After lunch there is an option to take an excursion across rocky moraines to the base of Kyajo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). However, keep an eye open for the Yeti! It was here, in 1974 that three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl injured when trying to fight off a hairy, ape-like intruder that could have been a hungry grizzly bear!

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • Day 07 - Rest and Acclimatization day [4,470m/14,655ft]

    We are more or less nearing an altitude of 4500m, so we haul up at Machhermo for an extra day to acclimatize by getting our bodies used to the thin air as we climb up. There are plenty of outlets for exploration around the camp and just above the village there is a gracious vista that encircles Cho Oyu at [8210m] and the mountains which flank the Ngozumpa Glacier.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • Day 08 - Trek to Gokyo [4,800m/15,750ft]

    After breakfast, we climb through a crest Chorten from where we enjoy master views of the valley below and Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and the northern part of Cho-Oyu at (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley opens out as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangka at (4480m) after a brief soft hike. Phangka is an area where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over a stream the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to see the Lama footprints on a stone. As we see the sights of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we watch in awe the glimmering turquoise blue mass of water dazzling in the sunshine. Just ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two connected by a heaving stream. Gokyo village is neatly placed by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountains stand tall in the backdrops, setting off stunning scenery, an ideal spot for our video cams to go on overdrive at this awesome area. After lunch, we discover more of the third Lake, Dudh Pokhari.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
  • Day 09 - Hike to Gokyo Ri [5,357m/17,575ft] and trek to Dole [4,040m/13,255ft]

    Today will be the highlight of our trip as we hike to Gokyo Ri early in the morning to catch the spectacular sunrise over Everest and surrounding peaks. Afterwards we retrace back to our hotel in Gokyo for breakfast before we head down to Dole.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6
  • Day 10 - Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]

    We continue along the same trial to Namche Bazar passing through pasture land and remote territory with splendid views. We eventually reach the Namche Bazar and rest of the evening is free to explore the town.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6
  • Day 11 - Trek to Lukla [2,800m/9187ft]

    Our last day of trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. This is our final day on these fantastic mountains. Later we celebrate our successful completion of trek with our Sherpa guides and porters who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends. It’s a pleasure to end this wonderful trip on a happy note. We then slumber into blissful sleep.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7
  • Day 12 - Fly back to Kathmandu

    We get up early in the morning, enjoy our b/fast & get ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Kathmandu. On our touchdown at the Kathmandu airport, we will be met by our office reps and transferred to your hotel. Rest of your day is free to do your own things.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 13 - Free day in Kathmandu

    Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Gokyo Lakes Trek.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

    • Meal: (B,D)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 14 - International departure

    Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: None

    • Warning: Undefined array key "_package_itinerary_trek_hours" in /home/expeditions/www/www/wp-content/themes/highland/single-package.php on line 307
    • Trekking Hours:
      Warning: Undefined array key "_package_itinerary_trek_hours" in /home/expeditions/www/www/wp-content/themes/highland/single-package.php on line 309

    Warning: Undefined array key "_package_itinerary_gallery" in /home/expeditions/www/www/wp-content/themes/highland/single-package.php on line 317

Dates & Price

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private group basis.

If you are looking for a group to join this trip please click the Fixed Departures tab for more information on departure dates, availability and price. All our fixed departures are guaranteed to run. Or, if you would like to do this trip alone, or with your friends, families & colleagues in a private group style, please fill out the contact form in Private Group tab and send us your message. We will organize a private trip for you at your preferred dates catering any request you may have.

Check Available Dates

Trip Start Date
Trip End Date
Price
Status

Sep, 2021

Trip Start Date19 Sep, 2021
Trip End Date02 Oct, 2021
PriceUSD 1550
Status Available

Oct, 2021

Trip Start Date03 Oct, 2021
Trip End Date16 Oct, 2021
PriceUSD 1550
Status Available
Trip Start Date17 Oct, 2021
Trip End Date30 Oct, 2021
PriceUSD 1550
Status Available
Trip Start Date31 Oct, 2021
Trip End Date13 Nov, 2021
PriceUSD 1550
Status Available

Nov, 2021

Trip Start Date14 Nov, 2021
Trip End Date27 Nov, 2021
PriceUSD 1550
Status Available
Trip Start Date28 Nov, 2021
Trip End Date11 Dec, 2021
PriceUSD 1550
Status Available

Cost Inclusion

  • All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on trek with tea & coffee.
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 4 nights with breakfast
  • All required permits for trek (TIMS Card and Everest National Park )
  • Accommodation at clean and cozy teahouses/lodges on trek
  • Internal flights (KTM-LUA-KTM)
  • Experienced local trek leader with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio
  • Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts
  • Comprehensive first aid kit with high altitude medicines and supplementary oxygen system
  • Satellite phone for emergency purpose and nominal charge for personal use
  • Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
  • Staff insurances and allowances
  • Trek completion certificate (Upon request)

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
  • Meals at Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for staff

Reviews

Are You Interested?

If Interested please hit the button

  • TRIP DOSSIER FORM

Affiliated with

LATEST BLOG

Top 10 Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Are you dreaming of trekking to Annapurna Circuit? Then read this blog where we present you with our top 10 tips for Annapurna Circuit trek to ensure a safe and […]

REVIEWS Real People, Real Stories

A group of 4 of us did the Everest base camp and Gokyo Lakes heli trek with Highland Expeditions and we had the most incredible experience. From the moment we […]

Jonathan

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

We accept

Enquiry