The Gokyo Lakes Trek is an alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp trek while still providing the trekker with plenty of stunning views of Everest as well as overnight stays in the iconic town of Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu Region.
The route to the Gokyo Lakes is less busy but still affords the trekker with an insight into local village life, impressive views of icy rivers and stony, glacier debris, snow-capped mountains, and of course the dazzling turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes themselves.
The Gokyo Lakes are actually made up of six bodies of water, or lakes, located at an altitude of 4700 to 5000m in the Gokyo Valley. Gokyo Valley falls within the Sagarmatha National Park area.
The lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system and have been designated as a Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance) as well as being sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. And if you need any more testaments to the beauty and importance of this area, the Lonely Planet states, “for our money the Gokyo Valley is the most spectacular in the Khumbu”.
Key features of Gokyo Lakes Trek
- Scenic, breathtaking mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back, Explore the Namche Bazaar, the capital of Sherpa people & gateway to Mt Everest
- Explore the Everest National Park & Observe Sherpa Buddhist culture and village lifestyle in the heart of the Himalayas of the Khumbu region
- Explore the Tengboche monastery, one of the biggest Monasteries in the Everest region
- Hike to Kalapatthar 5550m, one of the highest points of this trek & ultimate destination to have a great panoramic mountain view from a very close.
- Remarkable view of the Khumbu icefall and Glacier in Khumbu region of Nepal
Day 01: Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu Airport, our airport representative will welcome you and give you short info about Kathmandu and directly drive to the Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing for a full day in Kathmandu Valley.
World heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhu Nath, Boudha Nath, Pasupati Nath, etc. Preparation for the trekking.
Day 03: Kathmandu fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,620m)
Morning flight to Lukla (35 Minutes) and start the trek through Sherpa village. The trail goes gradually flat and easy to Phakding.
Day 04: Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
You are approaching the Himalaya. Viewing all mountain and pine forest and following the yak trail takes you to Namche Bazar. On the way, you will have the first encounter of Mount Everest, Amadablam, Thamserku and many more.
Day 05: Rest day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization
Optional hike to Thame/Khumjung Monastery/Everest View Hotel.
Day 06: Namche Trek to Dole (4,200m)
After a wonderful time here at Namche the walk starts with a short uphill on the main trail to Everest base camp for a while, then on the gradual winding track to Kyangima near Shanasa a small settlements with few houses, here might see some wildlife as this area if full of colourful Danphe pheasant (Impeyan Pheasant) National bird of Nepal and elusive musk deer, Himalayan Thar (mountain goat).After a good walk trek diverts leaving the main trail behind then continue trek towards Gokyo with steep climb to Mong ridge top at 3,973 meters, from here walking downhill path to Phortse Thanghka near Dudh Kosi River. From here walk heads to Dole for the overnight stop, after a climb into small woods of rhododendron trees as it changes to juniper and conifers bushes tree lines then to Tongba 3,950m and Gyele 3,960 m small settlements before Dole, here at Dole with fascinating views of Khumbila and Tawache peaks.
Day 07: Trek Dole to Machermo (4,410m)
From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements. The view ahead of you presents majestic views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch. Stay overnight in a tea house lodge.
Day 08: Trek Machermo to Gokyo (4,760m).
Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melted-water Rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.), and your route to Lobuche. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
Day 09: Climb to Gokyo Ri enjoy Himalaya Sunrise and trek back to Macchermo (4410m).
Early morning we climb to Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri (5360m), a small peak above Gokyo village. As we climb the views become even more fantastic and from the top we can see four of the seven highest peaks in the Nepal Himalaya: Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Stretching out for miles below us is the longest glacier in Nepal – the Ngozumpo glacier, which tumbles down from the slopes of Cho Oyu. One of the best all round views in Nepal. After Himalaya Sunrise view, we will return to Macchermo same way. overnight lodge in Macchermo.
Day 10: Macchermo - Dole - Namche Bazzar (3460m).
Leaving Machhermo, we continue towards the heart of the Khumbu region, i.e. Namche Bazaar. It’s a simple walk down the vibrant town with some magnificent views of mountains and dense forests. We get back to Namche Bazaar via the same path that we had taken earlier. If we reach Namche early, we can explore the market area and interact with locals for the remaining time. Tonight, spend your time at a guesthouse in Namche Bazaar.
Day 11: Trek Namche Bazar to Lukla
After enjoying some impressive views of mountains in the Everest region of Nepal from Namche Bazaar, we start our journey back to Lukla. We descend via the same well-paved path along Jorsale, Monjo and Phakding to Lukla. The lush forests and amazing mountainous terrain will keep us engaged throughout the trek. Tonight, spend your night at a guesthouse in Lukla.
Day 12: Lukla-Morning fly back to Kathmandu
Take a Mountain scenic flight over the Himalaya to Kathmandu. Arrivals and transfer to Hotel. The trip will conclude here. You are open for your wellness day in Kathmandu. Evening, farewell dinner in Nepali typical restaurant.
Day 13: Free day in Kathmandu sightseeing and shopping
One reserved day in Kathmanud if lukla flight might be cancelled.
Day 14: Kathmandu Hotel-Transfer to Airport (TIA)
After having the breakfast we will transfer you to The Kathmandu Airport with private vehicle for your final departure.
Note: This itinerary is meant only as a guideline and is subject to change to suit the local conditions. Walking hours are based on an average walking pace and may change as per individual pace.
Free airport transfer on arrival and departures by private vehicles.
4 Nights hotel in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
Kathmandu- Lukla-Kathmandu regular flight ticket with departure tax
Meals on a full-board basis (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner/ the main course) during the trek in the mountain.
Trekking lodges (Tea House) throughout the trek.
Adventure High Mountain experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.
Compressive first aid box (Guide will carry it throughout the trek).
All salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance for the guide.
All government, Local taxes, and official Expenses.
Kathmandu Sightseeing by Private Car/Van/Bus.
Farewell Dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant with traditional music and dance.
International airfare.
Nepal entry visa and airport fees.
Personal equipment and clothing.
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, shopping, hot shower, hot and cold drinks, alcohols, snacks, water, Wi-Fi, battery re-charge, heater charge, etc.)
Personal porter.
Alcoholic and bottled beverages.
Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy.
All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure.
Guide Gratuity - Tipping is always a personal choice, but is greatly appreciated by your guides.
The following booking terms and conditions represent the contract between the customer and Adventure High Mountain. Adventure High Mountain is a government registered tour and trek company based in Kathmandu, Nepal, established with an aim to provide quality travel services.
At the time of booking, you are expected to read all the terms and conditions carefully. The booking confirmation will be given, thinking that you have read all the terms and conditions entitled by the core values of this company. After the booking process, you are completely obliged by the conditions mentioned below.
These booking conditions are only applied to the bookings you have made with this company.
The following terms and conditions apply, however the circumstances and regulations, contractual obligations to suppliers and affairs related to locations, and product type may slightly vary depending upon the situation.
Payment Schedule
$700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee.
Balance due 60 days prior to departure.
Payment must be paid in full prior to the beginning of the trek.
Payment Procedure:
Bank Name : MEGA BANK NEPAL LIMITED.
Beneficiary Name : ADVENTURE HIGH MOUNTAIN (P)LTD.
Account Number : 0570010151011
Swift Code: MBNLNPKA
Bank Address: Thamel, Saraswati Sadan - 29 Kathmandu Nepal.
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility.
