Important Information

Region
Everest Region Trek
Duration
12 Days
Max Altitude 5360 meters
Best Season March, April, May and September, October, November
Activity Per Day
Itinerary
Grade
Level 3
Group Size
2 - 16 people
Transportation 2 way Flight

“Gokyo lake trek is the perfect destination in the Everest region for those who detest crowds and expect jaw-dropping scenery”

Gokyo lake trek is the second most popular destination in Everest Region which offers an alternative to the traditional trek to Everest base camp. The view of the Gokyo region is incredible. The trekking trail follows the Everest base camp route to Sanasa, next to the tea house place from Kangjuma after leaving Namche Bazar. Then the trail continuously goes through the left side of the Dudh Koshi River to its source, a couple of lakes, and Ngozumpa Glacier. Gokyo village (4750m) is a more satisfying destination than Gorak Shep, a proper Sherpa village with a huge herd of Yaks. Gokyo RI (5360m) is sometimes also called Kala Pattar because it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and mesmerizing three sacred lakes (Dudh Pokhari, Taujung Tso, and Longpongma Tso).

Most of the trekkers want to include Gokyo Lake in their itineraries whether they are trekking to Everest base camp or doing three passes because of its amazing scenery.

Contact us to customize your trip - Customize My Trip 

Highlights of the Gokyo Valley Trek

  • Gokyo Ri features the panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Taboche with the Ngozumpa Glacier.
  • The sacred lake of six languid pools that surround Gokyo.
  • You will see the herd of yak and mountain goat grazing over the hills and mountains.

Outline Itinerary ( 12 Days )

Day 1

Flight to Lukla (2828m) and trek to Phakding 4 hours

 

Your trek to Everest base camp starts from today and you will be transferred to the airport and will enjoy a 40min short scenic flight to the Himalayan foothills. The views from the plane are stunning, providing dramatic sights of terraced hills and the distant giant Himalaya. After landing at Lukla airport, we walk for 3 hours to the town of Phakding with a few ups and downs along the Dudh Koshi River.
Stay overnight at the teahouse in Phakding. 

Day 2

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) 5-6 hours

 

After breakfast, we continue trekking along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River and crossing this majestic river numerous times on exciting suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park from Larja Dobhan, the trail climbs up steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Everest region.
Overnight at a guest house.

Day 3

Rest day at Namche Bazaar

 

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Namche is a colorful village with many wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, fabulous food, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An early hike above town, before the clouds move in,  reward trekkers with a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, the beautiful Ama Dablam, and many more. On the way down, we can visit Sherpa Museum that houses an exhibit on a traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a fabulous photography display by a local Nepalese naturalist.
Overnight at a guest house.

Day 4

Trek to Phortse Tanga (3690m) 4 hours

 

You will climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading the Dudh Koshi, from where the route turns to the north. There is a Chorten on the ridge top at 3973m which descends from Khumbila (5761m). You will visit Mohang, the birthplace of the re-incarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet who introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region. The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dush Koshi.
Stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 5

Trek to Dole (4200m) 4 hours

 

You will climb steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests. The trail passes through many Kharkas-the summer settlements used by Sherpas while bringing herds of yaks to graze. The route passes through the settlements of Tongba (3950m), Gayle (3960m).
Overnight at a guest house.

Day 6

Trek to Machermo (4470m) 4 hours

 

From Dole, the trail climbs steadily along the side of the valley.  Rhododendron forest giving way to scrub Juniper and as altitude increases, you will pass through many summer settlements, used when Yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of us are excellent views of Cho Oyu while backing down the valley are the peaks of Kantiaga and Thamserku. This is a short day trek and we will arrive at Macherma (4410m), around lunchtime.
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 7

Trek to Gokyo (4790m) 5 hours

 

We start our today's trek by climbing a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kantega and up towards Cho-Oyu (8,153m). Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangram at 4,390m. The route descends to the river bank before beginning the climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. Afterward, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past a second lake, known as Longponga at 4,690m, where you will find the footprints of the Great Lama. Then you will move up a boulder-strewn path to Gokyo at 4,750m, on the edge of the third lake. Gokyo is ­­a small settlement but slowly growing with about 6-8 lodges at present. Gokyo with its glacial lake and the surrounding high snowcapped mountain certainly makes this place one of the gems of the Khumbu region. 
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 8

Exploring full day in Gokyo

 

Today in the early morning your guide will take you to the Gokyo Ri (5463m/17923ft) for a sunrise view. From here you will have a chance to get a view of the full face of Mt Everest (8850m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m). You can also see a lake in the valley and a big glacier which is named NaJumpa glacier. Back to the hotel for breakfast and in the afternoon you will have a chance to explore up to the fifth lake to enjoy the view. 
Overnight at guest house.

Day 9

Trek to Dole (4200m) 5 hours

 

After spending a wonderful time in Gokyo we will re-trace back to Dole via Machhermo.
Overnight at a guest house.

Day 10

Trek to Namche (3440m) 5 hours

 

Today after breakfast, we'll follow the same trail with a big descend till Phortse Tanga then ascend to the Mongla Danda from where the trail goes slow down all the way to Namche.
Overnight at a guest house.

Day 11

Trek to Lukla (2828m) 6 hours

 

Today after breakfast you will re-trace back to Lukla with a few ups and downs.
Stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 12

Fly back to Kathmandu(1350m)

 

In the morning your guide will take you to the airport and you will have a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. After landing at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel, and the rest of the time you can enjoy exploring the evening ambiance of Thamel or Boudha.
Overnight at the hotel.

 

Include

All airport pick-up & drop by private vehicle (international and domestic)
Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant in Kathmandu
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight including airport tax
National Park entrance fee and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS card)
English speaking, government licensed guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance
Twin/double shearing accommodation in the mountain during the trekking
Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
First aid kit
Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
trekking route maps
All necessary government taxes and service charges
Porter (For two-person)

Exclude

Your Nepal visa fees and 2 passport size photos
All the International airfare from and to Kathmandu
All meals and Accommodation/ hotels in Kathmandu
Food and accommodations in case of early arrivals from the trek or late departures from the airport
Your extra personal expenses during trek such as (laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold shower, extra porter, etc)
Tips for the trekking crew
Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control

Important Information

CHECKLISTS

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Lodging
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN NEPAL

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.

Trekking or running shoes, Camp shoes or thongs, Socks (polypropylene)

Down or fiber-filled jacket, Jumper or piled jacket, Hiking shorts, Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella Hiking pants, T-shirts or blouses, Underwear, Sun hat

Rucksack, Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional), Water bottle, Torch, batteries, and bulbs