Highlights
- Discover the sacred Gokyo Lakes, shimmering turquoise against the barren landscape.
- Summit Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.
- Walk along the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas.
- Experience quieter trails than the classic Everest Base Camp route.
- Explore Namche Bazaar and immerse yourself in Sherpa culture.
- Visit the remote Fifth Lake for views deep into the glacial system.
Gokyo Lake Trek
The Gokyo Lake Trek offers a stunning alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp route, trading the crowds for solitude and glacial moraine for shimmering turquoise lakes. This 13-day journey leads to the sacred Gokyo Lakes, a chain of six high-altitude lakes at the foot of the Ngozumpa Glacier—the largest glacier in the Himalayas.
The trek follows the same route as Everest Base Camp through Namche Bazaar and the rhododendron forests of the Khumbu, but then turns west into the quieter Gokyo Valley. Here, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic: the massive glacier dominates one side of the valley while the turquoise lakes reflect the surrounding peaks. The highlight is the climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), where sunrise reveals an extraordinary panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—four of the world’s six highest mountains.
This trek is perfect for those seeking the magnificence of the Everest region with fewer fellow trekkers. The sacred lakes, considered holy by both Hindus and Buddhists, add a spiritual dimension to the journey.
Route Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Rest | Elevation: 1,400m
Welcome to Nepal. Transfer to your hotel and spend the evening preparing for your adventure into the Khumbu.
Day 2: Drive to Ramechhap, Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Kathmandu → Ramechhap
Drive: 4 hours | Elevation: 1,400m
An early start for the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap through the middle hills.
Leg 1: Ramechhap → Lukla
Flight: 1 hours | Elevation: 2,840m
Board the thrilling flight to Lukla, threading between massive Himalayan peaks before landing on one of the world's shortest runways.
Leg 2: Lukla → Phakding
Trek: 3 hours, 8 km | Elevation: 2,610m
Begin trekking immediately, following the Dudh Koshi River to the peaceful village of Phakding.
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Leg 3: Phakding → Namche Bazaar
Trek: 6 hours, 10.4 km | Elevation: 3,440m
Enter Sagarmatha National Park and cross iconic suspension bridges before the steep climb to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. Explore the village's markets, cafes, and monasteries.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche
Namche Bazaar → Khumjung
Acclimatization: 3 hours, 4.3 km | Elevation: 3,790m
Hike to Khumjung Village via the Everest View Hotel for spectacular panoramas of the Himalayan giants. The extra day at altitude is essential preparation.
Khumjung → Namche Bazaar
Acclimatization: 4.3 km | Elevation: 3,440m
Return to Namche for the evening.
Day 5: Trek to Dole
Leg 4: Namche Bazaar → Dole
Trek: 6 hours, 6 km | Elevation: 4,038m
Leave the main Everest trail and head into the quieter Gokyo Valley. The path climbs through rhododendron forest with views of Khumbila and Thamserku. Dole is a small settlement surrounded by juniper bushes.
Day 6: Trek to Machhermo
Leg 5: Dole → Luza
Trek: 3 hours, 4 km | Elevation: 4,360m
Continue ascending the valley, passing through Luza with its stone walls and yak pastures. Views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku accompany you.
Leg 6: Luza → Machhermo
Trek: 3 hours, 4 km | Elevation: 4,470m
Machhermo is the highest permanent settlement in the valley.
Day 7: Trek to Gokyo
Leg 7: Machhermo → Gokyo
Trek: 5 hours, 8 km | Elevation: 4,750m
The trail climbs alongside the massive Ngozumpa Glacier before reaching the first sacred lake. Gokyo village sits on the shore of the third lake (Dudh Pokhari), its emerald waters reflecting Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang.
Day 8: Explore Fifth Lake
Leg 8: Gokyo → Fifth Lake
Trek: 3 hours, 4 km | Elevation: 4,990m
A day trip to the Fifth Lake (Ngozumpa Tse) offers breathtaking views of the glacier's upper reaches. The trail crosses moraine and provides perspectives of Everest and Makalu that few trekkers experience.
Leg 9: Fifth Lake → Gokyo
Trek: 3 hours, 4 km | Elevation: 4,750m
Return to Gokyo for the evening.
Day 9: Summit Gokyo Ri, Trek to Machhermo
Leg 10: Gokyo → Gokyo Ri
Trek: 4 hours, 3 km | Elevation: 5,357m
The defining day of the trek. Climb Gokyo Ri for sunrise over Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—an extraordinary panorama of the world's highest peaks.
Leg 11: Gokyo Ri → Machhermo
Trek: 3 hours, 8 km | Elevation: 4,470m
Descend and continue to Machhermo for the night.
Day 10: Trek to Khumjung
Leg 12: Machhermo → Khumjung
Trek: 7 hours, 14 km | Elevation: 3,780m
A long descent through the valley, retracing your steps past rhododendron forests and Sherpa settlements. Khumjung is a traditional village with views of Ama Dablam and a famous yeti scalp in its monastery.
Day 11: Trek to Monjo
Leg 13: Khumjung → Monjo
Trek: 5 hours, 10 km | Elevation: 2,835m
Descend through Namche and continue along the forested trail. The air grows thicker and warmer. Monjo marks the edge of the national park.
Day 12: Trek to Lukla
Leg 14: Monjo → Lukla
Trek: 5 hours, 8 km | Elevation: 2,860m
The final day of trekking returns you to Lukla, where you can celebrate with your Sherpa crew and reflect on your journey through the Gokyo Valley.
Day 13: Fly to Ramechhap, Drive to Kathmandu
Lukla → Ramechhap
Flight: 1 hours | Elevation: 1,400m
Board the morning flight from Lukla for the thrilling descent to Ramechhap.
Ramechhap → Kathmandu
Drive: 5 hours | Elevation: 1,400m
A vehicle will be waiting for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu, carrying memories of turquoise lakes and Himalayan giants.
Journey Gallery
Himalayan SnowcockA Himalayan snowcock forages on the rocky alpine ground with a snow-capped peak rising against a deep blue sky.
Ama DablamThe striking pyramid of Ama Dablam rises above the rocky moraine with an alpine chough silhouetted on a boulder.
Joy at Ama DablamA trekker leaps into the air with peace signs as the towering face of Ama Dablam rises behind.
Himalayan Griffon in FlightA Himalayan griffon vulture glides low over the sunlit rocky slopes of the Khumbu.
Vultures Over the HimalayaTwo Himalayan griffon vultures soar against the massive ice-streaked face of a Himalayan peak.
Himalayan TahrA Himalayan tahr with its dark mane and curved horns peers over a moss-covered boulder beside pine branches.