Duration

11 Days
Max. Altitude

5,360m
Trip Grade

Moderate
Activity

Tours, Hiking, Discovery
Group Size

8 People Max

Gokyo Lake Trek

The Gokyo Lake Trek 11 days is a wonderful journey to the pleasing Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri which is one of the most extraordinary viewpoints for great views of Everest and other Himalayas.

Gokyo Lakes Trek is an alternative to classic Everest Base Camp trek. Instead, it takes us to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, offering exceptional views of Everest and the Himalayas. As well as the less crowded trekking destination in the Everest region, this trek offers an amazing six glacial Gokyo lakes and the highest mountains.

Gokyo Lake Trek is for those who like to walk in the Everest region without the physical stress of reaching the Everest Base Camp or passing high passes in the region. It’s for travelers who like to try something new in the Everest region.

How Difficult is the Gokyo Lake Trek

For a trek of this length at such a high altitude, this trek is considered ‘moderate.’ The summit, at around 5,400 meters, will be reached if trekking a route that ascends Gokyo Ri. The summit of Gokyo Ri is around the same height as Everest Base Camp, making this trek likely easier in terms of altitude.

You will not be sleeping at this altitude at any point during the trek, and there are few nights spent above 4,000 meters than the Everest Base Camp trek, making it less difficult in terms of potential altitude-related concerns.

Highlights

Take a thrilling flight to Lukla, one of the most challenging airports in the world.
Enjoy yourself in the fantastic view of the Himalayas, including Everest from Gokyo Ri.
Wonderful Himalayan view of Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, Mt Cho Oyu, etc.
Walk through the landscapes, wilderness, icefalls, glacier, and the unique Sherpa villages.

Itinerary

Arrival in Kathmandu

You will be met at the Kathmandu Airport by our staff or representative who will take you to your hotel.

Meanwhile, you can take your time to stroll around Thamel, the heart of the traveler’s hub in Kathmandu with its cafes, bars, shops and restaurants. This is a great place to buy souvenirs or snacks for your trip. In the evening you will meet your guide.

Accommodation

Optional
Meal

No
Max. Altitude

1,400m
Time

Rest day

Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

The Gokyo Lake trek starts on the second day with a scenic flight from Manthali airport to Lukla Tenzing Hillary airport (2,804 m).

Update: Kathmandu to Lukla flight has been shifted to Manthali airport, Ramechhap. During peak seasons spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) due to increased traffic as well as renovation in Kathmandu airport since March 2019. Manthali airport can be reached within 4 to 5 hour drive from Kathmandu.

This means you need to wake up very early in the morning around 2:30 am to go for a drive and catch your early morning Lukla flight from Manthali. Night travel is required as there are only few hotels available in Mathali and the flights to Lukla all leave in the morning.

The flight itself is a spectacular and thrilling 20-minutes journey over the Himalayas. On arrival in Lukla, we start our trek to Phakding village, which will take about 3 hours.

Note: if you wish to avoid the night road journey to Manthali talk to us about taking a helicopter directly from Kathmandu to Lukla.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

2,651m
Time

3 hours

Trek to Namche

Our trail continues along the Dudh Koshi River. During the trek, we cross several suspension bridges and pass through several villages, monasteries and chortens. From Benker village, we can enjoy a good view of Mt. Thamserku.

Our trekking permits will be checked at Monjo as we enter the Sagarmata National Park. A descent and a gradual walk take us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar. It’s a nice walk through a river bed and we’re heading to the Hillary Suspension Bridge.

As we ascend towards Namche Bazaar, the impressive sights of Kwangde Peak, Kusum peak, Kangaru peak, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other splendid mountains greet us.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

3,450m
Time

5 - 6 hours

Rest and acclimatization day

Acclimatization is important for us to adjust to the gradual changes in the environment. It will also help us prevent Acute Mountain Sickness from catching (AMS). Today we walk to Khumjung village, enjoy the Himalayan view from Syangboche, or visit the picturesque streets of Namche Bazaar.

We can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum where we can see a variety of things related to the first Everest ascenders and the Sherpa cultur. This visit will also get us to know the different plant and animal life in the Everest region.

We can even visit a monastery in Khumjung that houses a yeti scalp! We also hike up to the airstrip above Syangboche and enjoy the incredible views of the Kongde, Thamserku and Khumbila Mountains.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

3,450m
Time

5 - 6 hours

Trek from Namche to Dole

The trail climbs steeply out of the valley through the Rhododendron forest, the juniper and the large conifers begin to appear as the elevation increases, making trekking very pristine in spring time. The route passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbila and Tawache peak are outstanding throughout the day.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

4,200m
Time

5 hours

Trek to Machhermo [4,470m, 6 hrs]

We ascend a ridge for an awesome view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again ascends steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpz glacier. We’ll reach Machherma by noon.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

4,470m
Time

3 hours

Trek to Gokyo

After breakfast, we’ll continue along the ridge trail for more exotic views. Majestic Cho Oyu will stand in front of you. Below is the magnificent view of the gorge of Khantega and more.

The valley continues beyond the edge as the trail goes side by side to Pangram at 4,390m. Before we ascend up to the fetal glacial of the Ngozumpa glacier, we will go down towards the riverside. After a slightly higher ascent, we’ll get to Gokyo for a night stay.

After lunch, we’ll visit and enjoy the magnetic view of Fourth and Fifth Lake for a close view of Mount Everest and the other mountains. After a while, we will walk back to Gokyo.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

4,790m
Time

3 hours

Summit Gokyo Ri (5,360m) and trek back to Dole

Today, early in the morning, we will summit Gokyo Ri, from where you can admire Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, among others. Likewise, you have a great opportunity to discover the world’s largest and deepest Nagzumba glacier. We will then descend to Dole.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

4,470m
Time

6 hours

Trek to Namche

We will continue our trek through the Sherpa village Khumjung, leaving the mountains behind. We will hike to the village of Namche bazaar, the epitome of Sherpa culture, where we will spend the night.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

3,450m
Time

5 hours

Trek to Lukla

It’s about 6-hour walk downhill to Lukla. This day, our time at the exotic Sagarmatha National Park is coming to an end. The next day, we’ll board a plane to the capital. You will say goodbye to this trek with a memorable hike down to Lukla.

Accommodation

Lodge
Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max. Altitude

2,850m
Time

6 hours

Fly back to Kathmandu

Early morning flight to Kathmandu. Don’t forget to pick a seat to the right, to see again the insatiable mountains. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, we will take you back to your hotel.

In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with culture show.

Accommodation

Optional
Meal

Breakfast, Dinner
Max. Altitude

1,400m
Time

20 minutes

Free day / Fly to home

Today is rest and relax throughout the day or say goodbye to Nepal. Enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu with a city stroll or souvenir shopping.

In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with culture show.

Our representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the Airport for your return flight home.

What to Expect

What's Included

Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
Airfare both ways (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu).
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
All accommodations during the trek.
English speaking Sherpa trek guide.
Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staffs.
Everest National park entry permit and local entry permits.
Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
Magical Summits duffel bag.
Hiking pole for the trek, if needed.
Trek map.
Farewell dinner including a cultural show.

What's Excluded

International airfares and Nepal visa.
Any personal medical or evacuation expenses incur.
International Travel insurance which included rescue.
Tips for the guide & porter(tipping is expected).
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the ‘Included’ section.

FAQs

1. How to Reach Gokyo Lake?

There are a few ways to reach Gokyo lake. You can either choose to take a flight or helicopter to Lukla or take a bus ride from Kathmandu to Jiri/Bhandar, then walk to Gokyo Lake.

2. What is the best time to trek Gokyo Lake?

3. How difficult is the Gokyo Lake trek?

Travel With

Magical Summits

Magical Summits is your key to seeing the Himalayas through a local lens. Being a native Sherpa-owned active holiday company, by providing unparalleled and personalized customer service, Magical Summits is born to the top of Nepal’s very competitive travel market.

At Magical Summits, we pride ourselves in making that extra effort to give all of our clients our personal touch, crafting each holiday to suits your needs, desires, and budget, to create unforgettable vacation experiences. Ready? Let's go!

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I was born and raised in Nepal, nearby Everest region. I am proud to be a native Sherpa, and I have been a Mountain guide over a decade now. Following my passion, I decided to start helping travelers with their travel plans! I think life is a journey, a trip where you collect experiences when you share with other people and with nature. I started Magical Summits because I was ready to see a new kind of travel brand, one built on the simple idea of feeling good and doing good. Since its start, Magical Summits has been super-powered by you, our community; when you "travel" it, we create it. We're on a mission to make travel better with clean, award-winning adventures that are sustainable and conscious of the planet we share. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey!

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