Gokyo Lake Trek - 4,800m/15,447ft

Gokyo Lake Trek

  • Trip Duration11 Days
  • Trip GradeModerate
  • Max. Altitude5,350M /17551ft Gokyo Ri
  • Cost Starting FromUS$ 1549
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Transportation: Private Transport + Flight
  • Accommodation: Standard Hotel Basis
  • Max. Altitude: 5,350M /17551ft Gokyo Ri
  • Min. Group Size: 01 Minimum - 10 Maximum

Highlights

  • Enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayas.
  • Take the scenic flight to Lukla. 
  • Explore the Sherpa and Hillary Museum in Namche Bazaar and Syangboche View Point
  • Gokyo Ri, the Panoramic view including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu others.
  • Gokyo 5th Lake close view Cho Oyu and the nice view of Mt. Everest.
  • The Ngozumpa Glacier is the largest in the Nepal Himalayas
  • Buddhist prayer stone with matra written.

Gokyo Lakes Trek trek is one of the most remarkable treks in Everest region. Tengboche Manastery, Phortse Village, Gokyo Ri, 5th and 6th Lakes are the major attraction of this trek.

Gokyo Lake or Gokyo Valley Trek is one of the most beautifully located landmarks of Khumbu region. Gokyo is the home of Nepal’s largest glacier ‘Ngozumba’ and many other stunning glacial lakes. The charming view of marvelous mountains including Mount Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,201m), Lhotse (8,516m) and Makalu (8,481m) is the most fabulous feature of the place. Join our 14 days Gokyo Lake Trekking; we will bring you to the top of the world.

The Gokyo lake trek starts with the super scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) and extends towards the impressive Himalayas of Everest region. Phakding (2,652m) would be our first day destination which becomes Namche (3,440m) for the next day. Namche is the most dramatic and developed Himalayan town of Nepal. We stop at Phorse and Machhermo village before we reach to the prime destination Gokyo valley. We appreciate the great view of lakes, glaciers and mountains from Gokyo Ri. Gokyo lake trek is design by concerning those seeking to meet the tallest mountains, biggest glaciers, lakes, remote peoples and lifestyle. If you want so, don’t think anymore, you are always welcome in this country of Himalayas.

 The Gokyo Ri (5330m/17487 feet) is considered as the best viewpoint in the Everest Region. The incredible sceneries including magnificent views of Everest (8848m), Makalu (8463m), Cho Oyo (8201m), Lhotse (8516m), Gyachung Kang (7922m) and other mountains. Set among breath-taking high mountain surroundings, the route leads through the Khumbu the motherland of Sherpa.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Our representative will meet you outside the arrival hall. Please, look for Mount Trails play card with your name. Transfer to hotel, introduce your trekking guide and check the necessities. Afternoon stroll Tourist colorful local market around Ason and Thamel
Overnight in Kathmandu deluxe hotel with breakfast.
Accommodation: Standard hotel on BB basis
Included Meal: welcome dinner
Transport: Private Vehicles as per group size.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tours to world heritage sites of Pashupatinath Temple-the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, Bodhanath Stupa-the biggest Buddhist Stupa architecture in the world! Patan Durbar Square is the oldest city in the Kathmandu valley with age old tradition also called Lalitpur-the city of fine arts. The visit covers the Durbar Square, the Krishna temple, the Kumbheswore temple, the Golden temple and many more. Swayambhunath Stupa-the 2000 years old legendary stupa on the hillock also nick-named as monkey temple. Your day tour ends Kathmandu Durbar Square Showcasing living goddess Kumari Temple, Nautale Durbar, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav, the freak Street and more. Overnight in hotel.
Accommodation: Standard hotel on BB basis
Included Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the Domestic Airport for the Trans Himalayan flight and dramatic landing on the hillside at Lukla: gateway to the Khumbu/Everest region. Meet your local porters and walk downhill to the Sherpa settlement of Cheplung. The trail then follows the side of the Dudh Koshi Valley before ascending to Ghat (2 530m/8 350ft). Another gentle hour leads up to Phakding. Overnight in Phakding at Lodge
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transport: Private transport
Flight: Domestic Flight
Escorted by: Guide

The trail meanders through pine forest, along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing many suspension bridges via the Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo and Jorsale: entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and permit checkpoint, with tranquil views of glistening Thamserku (6,618m/21,714m). The trail continues along the riverbed to the confluence of the Bhote and Dudh Koshi Rivers. It then climbs steadily, crossing the high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge with inspiring glimpses of Everest and the Nuptse – Lhotse ridge. A final three hour ascent through pine forest leads to the prosperous trading and administrative town of Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar at Lodge
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

This is a scheduled acclimatization day on the trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and health experts recommend a stop for at least one extra night. Be active and roam rather than laze around: climb high and sleep low is the acclimatisation advice.
Namche Bazaar has ATMs, cyber cafés, delicious restaurant food and bakeries, plus a colourful market each Friday evening and Saturday morning. Visit the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Visitor’s Centre on the hillock: with informative displays on Sherpa culture, local flora and fauna.
Take an entertaining side trip to the large traditional Sherpa village of Khumjung (3,780m/12,402ft): with fine views of Thamserku, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Everest – in a sea of lesser peaks. Return to Namche Bazaar for the night.
An alternative five hour walk northwest of the town, to Thame (3,820m/12,533ft) below the impressive 6,187m/20,300ft Kongde Ri ridge, offers panoramic Himalayan views not seen on the EBC route.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

The trail climbs up from the town and then contours around the hillside, offering great views including Everest and Khumjung. It then ascends along the lower slopes of Khumbila, branching northwest of the Everest trail and continuing up the Dudh Koshi Valley. It climbs steeply to the tiny village of Mong La (built around an ancient chorten), then drops to Phortse Thenga before climbing through a pine and rhododendron forest and on up to Dole – from where there are marvellous views of snow capped peaks. Look out for spotted deer, Himalayan Tahrs and birds – including the colourful (male) Danphe pheasant (Nepal’s national bird). Overnight in Dole at Lodge
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

Today calls for a slow walk along this high trail. It climbs, through thorny alpine scrub, to scenic ridges above the river. Breathtaking views of Cho-Oyo, Thamserku and Kangtega are countered by charming views into the valley below where we pass summer-grazing hamlets such as Luza that lead up to Machhermo. The Machhermo Khola flows through the village of Kyajo Ri and Pharilapche before draining into the Dudh Koshi. This is the last settlement before Gokyo and has a HRA aid post for victims of AMS. Overnight in Machhermo at Lodge
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

The trail rises gently from the village to a ridge that offers the first views of the north face of Cho-Oyo (8,210m/26,907ft) and more views of Kangtega and Thamserku. Ahead in the valley is the snout of the Ngozumpa Glacier: the trail drops back towards the river. At the hamlet of Pangka it meets an alternative route from the south before climbing onto the side of the moraine. A metal bridge crosses the edge of the frozen Longponga Tsho (4,690m/15,383ft): the first of the Dudh Koshi’s six sacred lakes. Before Taboche Tsho, a path leads up onto the glacier – and the Cho La. A strenuous half hour’s walk beyond the lake is the summer village of Gokyo set on the side of the moraine and overlooking the blue-green Dudh Pokhari which nestles in a semi circle of high peaks at the foot of Gokyo Ri. Cho-Oyo and the ice ridge to Ghyachung Kang, from which the Ngozumpa glacier flows, are clearly visible behind ridges.
Overnight in Gokyo at Lodge
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

Another scheduled rest day is stipulated to guard against AMS. Gokyo offers two major viewpoints.The first is Gokyo Ri (5,360m/17,586ft) which begins on the northern side of the lake, opposite the village. Its panorama invites an early start and involves a two hour climb to its summit. It overlooks the broad, rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest, gouged out beneath a wall of towering peaks on its south-eastern flank. From the flag bedecked summit is the unforgettable vista of the Himalayan chain that includes Cho-Oyu and Ghyachung Kang, the north face of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kangru (all over 6,300m/20,670ft) and many more, some unnamed.
The second attraction explores the fourth to sixth lakes north of the village. These lakes, together with melt water from the glacier are the source of the Dudh Koshi: followed from Lukla.
A trail rises gently, for three kilometres, north of the village to Thonak Tsho (4870m/15980m), the Ngozumpa Tsho (4,980m/16,340ft) and Scoundrel’s viewpoint (5,000m/16,405ft). From here there are tremendous close-up views of Cho-Oyu, Ghyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu. Approximately two hours is needed for the 200m descent back to Gokyo. If there is time, continue north along the path to the Cho-Oyo Base Camp at the northern end of the sixth lake; the Gyazumba Tsho. Return to Gokyo for the night.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

Rather than retrace the upward route, follow the eastern side of the valley to gain different views of Khumbila. This path also offers warmer weather, as the sun stays on these slopes longer in the late afternoon. Overnight in Phortse at Lodge
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

A slippery trail descends from Phortse to the bridge at Phortse Thenga and then rejoins the original route from Khumjung. It is easy to reach Namche Bazaar and then descend to the Dudh Koshi for a lower final night. Overnight in Monjo at Loge
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

After breakfast retrace your steps to Phakding, cross the suspension bridge at Thado Koshi, walk on to Cheplung and round off the adventure with the final 700m/2,300ft, 35min ascent to Lukla: and say goodbye to your porters. Overnight in Lukla at Lodge.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of day free. Overnight in Kathmandu at deluxe hotel with breakfast
Accommodation: Standard hotel basis
Included Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
Flight: Domestic Flight
Escorted by: Guide

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight to your next destination.
Included Meal: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Transportation

Trip Cost Details

Cost Include

  • All airport pick up and drop off as per program by private vehicles.
  • Flight fare from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmadu with taxes.
  • 15 KG personal baggage during the trek & flight
  • 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with breakfast.
  • Mountain local lodges during the trekking on twin sharing basis
  • 3 meals a day during the trekking (breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with tea or coffee ).
  • Everest National Park Fee and TIMS card 
  • 1 extensively experienced and licensed trekking guide
  • 1 porter between two trekkers ( Porter carry max 20 kg)
  • Insurance, wages, food allowances, accommodation and flights for trekking guide and porters
  • 1 farewell dinner in Kathmandu at local authentic restaurant.
  • Assistance in case of emergency (if required) and First Aid Kit
  • All applicable government taxes

Cost Exclude

  • All personal expenses like alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, telephone calls, laundry services etc.
  • Medical and travel insurances
  • International airfare and taxes
  • Nepal Visa fees i.e. USD 25 for 15 days visa
  • Emergency helicopter rescue charges
  • Main meals in Kathmandu  (lunch & Dinner )
  • Tips and gratuities to guide and porter.
  • All extra services if required (except motioned in 'The Price Include' section)

Trip Map

Gokyo Lake Trek Map

Useful Info

Meals

Eating is a big part of Holiday. Travelling with Mount Trails , you experience the vast array of wonderful local  fresh Nepalese , Chinese, Continental, Italian and several local cuisines. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included in the package. Your guide will suggest delicious, hygienic and each place special food during your trip. Mountain restaurant owner prefer not to order many dishes and waste food as they would like to cater more trekkers with limited food before run off stuck. Its a week or more days hard work to porters and caravans to bring food to these places. During this trek you will usually have breakfast and dinner at the same Lodge, lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants en-route.

Accommodation

A Local Tea House is the combination of guest house in Himalayas, restaurant. Private rooms are available in most Tea Houses, except for high altitudes ones where it will be just dormitories. The lodges are fairly basic and the rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided at the local lodge. There is a large dining room-cum-lounge, warmed by the bukhara stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted. There is normally no electric lighting in the rooms unless the village has hydroelectric power. The dining room usually hassolar lighting. Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging mobile phones and cameras and it will be extra chargech which will be minimun

Drinking water

Mount Trails provides unlimited chlorine/Iodine treated water during the trek. All tea houses have mineral water and boiled water for trekkers upon additional cost. We discourage the purchase of Mineral water and bottled water while on the Trek as plastic bottles aredifficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem

Route Map

Mount Trails Trekking and adventures offers you complementary route map of the trekking region.

Trip Note

What to take

This is a very active trip, meaning you will be on the move most of the time, so pack as lightly as possible. We provide one porter for every two travellers; your trekking gear will be carried by the porter in a duffel bag that we will provide. The maximum the porters are allowed to carry 15 kgs per trekker means 30 kgs from 2 trekkers . Unnecessary luggage can left in Kathmandu Hotel and its absolutely free of cost. .

Important to note

Please read the Checklist section of this trip notes for additional details of what you need to bring for the trek on this trip. You will need to bring a comfortable medium sized day pack to carry the things that you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt. The weather is subject to change in high altitude so layered clothing is recommended throughout the year.