beautiful view of the mountains in everest himalayas, tranquil gokyo lakes and ngozumba glacier with prayer flags at gokyo ri in gokyo lakes trek.
  • placeholder
    Nepal
  • mountain
    Moderate
  • trekking
    Lodge to Lodge Trek
  • car
    Private Transport+Plane
  • cutlery
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • tent-handmade-outlined-symbol
    Lodge To Lodge
  • group
    Group Size: 1-16 Pax
  • altitude
    5360m.

Highlights of Gokyo Lakes Trek

  • Explore the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri
  • Visiting all of the high Valley of the Khumbu with the extra time.
  • Enjoy with the magnificent views of the most Popular Mountains in Nepal.
  • Cultural Wonder of Everest Region.
  • Adventurous trek through the Everest route.
  • Cultural Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.

About Gokyo Lakes Trek

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a quiet route in the Everest Region compared to the 'Everest Base Camp Trail." Suppose you like to Trek in a peaceful environment and want to see fantastic mountain views of the Everest Himalayas. In that case, Gokyo Valley is the best option. On this Trek, you see tranquil Gokyo Lakes and magnificent views of great mountains, including the four highest mountains above eight thousand meters (Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, and Makalu).

After getting a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Manthali, the trail follows the exact itinerary of the base camp Trek until Namche Bazaar and Kyangjuma. Then it goes left, ascending toward Mong Hill (3957m), which provides magnificent views of Mt. Khumbila, Thamserku, Khangteka, Amadablam, and Taboche, with beautiful views of Khumbu Valley, Tengboche monastery, and Phortse village.

You descend for about half an hour to Phortse-Tenga from Mong Hill and walk through the dense forests on a gradually ascending trail up to Dole. In this forest, you may see rare animals, musk deer, and some ice climbing spots. After spending a night in Dole, you head forward to Machchhermo for a short day of walking, and the trail is gentler with open views. You can see amazingly standing ahead Mt. Cho-Oyu (5th highest in Nepal and 6th in the world) with other towering white peaks. The town of Machchhermo is located in a valley surrounded by the Himalayas.

After Machchhermo, the trail goes to the final destination, Gokyo, after another 3–4 hours of walking on a gradually ascending path. The lodges are close to the third Lake. You hike Gokyo Ri the following morning and trek back to Dole. Still, you can visit Gokyo Peak in the evening after lunch if you like to see the beautiful color of the Everest Himalayas at sunset, which is an even better look at the mountains than in the morning.

The 4th and 5th Lakes are further ahead from the 3rd one, which takes around 3–4 hours of walking from the Gokyo Lodge. There is no place to sleep after the 3rd Lake, so you must hike back after visiting the 4th and 5th Lakes to near the 3rd Lake.

It takes 3 days to walk back to Lukla, following the same trail where you visited on the way up from Gokyo Lakes, and fly out to Kathmandu or Ramechhap.

Frolic Adventure operates Trekking trips to the Gokyo Lakes at a reliable cost. We provide experienced and friendly guides with beneficial, honest helpers. We have a special discount for couples, families, and group trekkers for the Gokyo Valley Trek in the Everest Region.

The trail to Gokyo Lakes Goes through the Gokyo Valley.


Tranquil Gokyo Lakes and beautiful mountain view from Gokyo Ri on Gokyo Lakes Trek

Leaving behind the Dudhkoshi Valley on the 4th day, the main route to Gokyo Lakes goes through the Gokyo Valley. You walk for around 3 hours to Sanasa from Namche Bazaar and then take a left for the Gokyo Lakes tour, where the Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail goes right.

You see magnificent views of Mt.Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khangteka, Taboche, Cholatse, Cho-Oyu, Ghyachungkhang, and many other high mountains while Trekking in Gokyo Valley in the Everest Region. The Trekking Route right after Mong Hill until Dole looks beautiful when the rhododendron bloom in spring. You can also see the massive amount of ice in this area in the winter after December, when people do ice climbing. Also, there are Himalayan Thar (wild mountain goats), musk deer, Brahmin ducks, Himalayan Monal, Mountain hawks, and other animals and birds along the way to the Gokyo Valley Trek.

Gokyo Lakes: difficulties during the Trek

The first and last few days are long with ups and downs in the lower region, so walking is difficult if you are not a regular hiker. But you walk 3–4 hours for the last two days before reaching your final destination while Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes.

The significant difficulty of the Gokyo Valley trip is the altitude problem. When you cross Dole during the Trek after the 4th day, there is less oxygen in the air. You may find it hard to breathe at these higher elevations. Still, you can make it comfortable by strolling and taking several breaks to catch your breath.

The cold temperature makes you uneasy in the morning and evening while you Trek to the Gokyo Lakes in the Everest Himalayas. You won't feel frozen while walking on the trail. However, you will have a fire-heating dining hall in every lodge in the evening.

Besides the above difficulties, hiking to Gokyo Ri to see magnificent Everest Himalayan Views and the 5th Lake makes walking more challenging. Still, these are the most highlighted attractions of the Gokyo Valley Trek.

The best time to visit Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri

You can Trek to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri at any time, but spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November) are the Best times. The forests with blooming rhododendrons look beautiful, and the temperature will be warm in spring. Still, the Lakes are frozen at this time. Although you can see stunning mountain views from Gokyo Ri and 5th Lake,

The visibility in autumn in the mountains is transparent, so you can see bright mountains and darker green vegetation. However, the temperature is colder at this time compared to spring. The Lakes look amazing and unfrozen on the autumn trek to the Gokyo Lakes. Winter starts in December and ends in February. The winter months are freezing, but the views of the mountains are not wrong. Winter can be the best if you do not mind cold temperatures and love to Trek in a quiet environment. On the other hand, summer is not the perfect time to hike to the Gokyo Valley.

Trekking preparation for Gokyo Lakes

Gokyo Ri is a moderately strenuous Trekking destination. Still, if you have some hiking practices, it will make this trek easier. Suppose you have done short hikes above 3000m of elevation earlier. In that case, it makes you more comfortable being at the altitude of the Everest Himalayas.

You carry a 3-5kg daypack on the Trek with your daily snack, one warm layer, water, and valuables for a whole day, so try to carry that much weight when you have some hiking before Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes. Besides hiking and short treks, you can run a few kilometers at home daily, making your body and muscles flexible.

Gokyo Valley—who can go on this trek?

Everyone who loves mountains and hiking can go on the Gokyo Valley trek. Children above ten years, the elderly up to 80, and all other usual hikers are recommended to trek to the Gokyo Ri. It is a quiet Trekking route compared to the base camp, so we recommend this trek in the Everest Region if you prefer to avoid crowds.

Panoramic 360° Everest Himalayan views, including the world's 5th highest (Makalu) from Gokyo Ri, tranquil Lakes, the biggest Glacier, Ngozumpa, and a whole body of Mt.Everest from 5th Lake, are the most highlighted attractions of this Trekking trip.

What to pack to Trek to Gokyo Lakes?


Main bag for trekking gear

Quality and warm Trekking equipment are vital to a thriving mountain trip. Hence, you must pack hiking gear well to Trek to Gokyo Lakes. You bring regular warm clothing with you, but we provide a down jacket and a sleeping bag to pack the gear if you do not have your own.

The trekking equipment for this Trek needs to be the same as for the base camp Trek because it is in the same region and the temperature is also similar, so check out Gokyo Valley Trek Equipment here.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Map


Gokyo Lakes Trek Map with altitude detail

Here, you can see the 15-day Gokyo Lakes Trek Map, which goes through the Gokyo Valley in the Everest Region to see pristine Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Peak. However, we can shorten or extend it according to your time and fitness. You can combine this Trek with Everest Base Camp or Renjo La Pass.

Our Trip Map of the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri begins with welcoming you at the International Airport in Kathmandu on the first day and a full-day Kathmandu City Tour on the second. You depart for the mountain on the third day and stay until the 12th. This Trekking Map of the Gokyo Lakes does not include the fifth Lake, so if you like to visit that one, we can make you a different itinerary for the Gokyo Valley Trek.

Please feel free to ask anything about this Trek Map if you are confused.

Explore Tranquil Gokyo Lakes and Magnificent Mountain Views from Gokyo Ri.

After knowing a bit about Trekking to Gokyo Lakes from above, of course! You love the views of the Everest Himalayas, including the four highest mountains above 8000m (Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, and Makalu) from the Gokyo peak, the biggest glacier in the Everest Region (Ngozumpa), and beautiful glacial Lakes on this Trek.

Frolic Adventure makes your Gokyo Valley Trekking memorable, operates the trip very safely, and provides experienced, friendly guides and honest, helpful Sherpas for you. Booking the trip to the Gokyo Lakes is easy with us, so you can follow our online payment link and make your seat safe now.

Itinerary

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As you arrive at Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will greet you and drops you at your hotel. After the hotel checkout, you can have some rest and relax in the hotel. If you want to make the place familiar, you can stroll around the Thamel Bazaar in the evening. You can also enjoy the welcoming dinner with our team and stay overnight at the hotel.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Van/Bus
  • Departure Time: According to the arrival time
After a good night at the hotel, you will have a morning breakfast. We will manage you to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as; Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Royal Kathmandu Durbar Square. After the city tour in Kathmandu, In the evening, our representative will provide you with an explanations short class about our Gokyo Valley trek, and you will be ready for the next day's trek. You will stay overnight at the same hotel.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Van/Bus
  • Departure Time: 9:00 am
Today, we will have breakfast and take an air flight to Lukla, the gateway town, to the Everest Trek. Around 45 minutes of flight offers magnificent views of the white and green mountains and various settlements. As we reach Lukla, after short rest, we will begin our trek toward Pakhding at an altitude of 2610m. You will trek downhill for around four hours by following the wonderful Dudh Koshi River and reach the small village called Phakding. Stay overnight at Phakdhing.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Place: Phakding
  • Altitude: 2610m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Van/Bus + Domestic flight + Walk
  • Departure Time: 6:30 - 9:00 am
On this day, we will have an early breakfast and continue our good trek, mostly uphill, to Namche Bazaar, by crossing the several teahouses. We will also cross several suspension bridges with stunning views of the Himalayas. As you reach the Namche Bazaar, you can interact with the Sherpa People and get involved with their unique culture and traditions. Stay overnight at Namche Bazaar.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Place: Namche Bazaar
  • Altitude: 3440m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
Today is the day for rest and stroll around and explore the mysterious mountain market. You can make the short hike to the top of the Namche and visit the Sherpa Museum and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas, such as; Everest, Ama Dablam, Kantega, Thamserku, Tawoche, and any other peaks. You will also hike up to Syangboche Airport, where you can witness the Everest view Hotel and see rewarding views of the Himalayas and Khumbu Peaks with spectacular sunrise and sunset views. After exploration, you will descend and stay overnight at Namche Bazaar.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Place: Namche Bazaar
  • Altitude: 3440m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
As morning rises, we will have breakfast and continue our trek onwards Dole by following the beautiful forest of Pine and rhododendron. You will also cross the lively Tengboche Village, where you will explore the highest Monastery and surrounding. You can also enjoy fascinating mountain views of the serene forest and cultural and spiritual vibrations overnight at Dole.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Place: Dole
  • Altitude: 4110038m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
After breakfast, we will continue our trek with magnificent views of the Himalayan Peaks of Cho Oyu, Tawache, Thamserku, Kungtenga, and many more. Today we will trek for around 4 hours to reach Machhermo, south of Gokyo. Overnight at Machhremo.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Place: Machhermo
  • Altitude: 4470m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am
Today after early morning breakfast, we will continue our trek towards Gokyo, situated at the elevation of 4750m. we will trek uphill by following the ridge with the stunning views of the Himalayas. You will cross the Glacier moraine and the first Lake and finally reach the Gokyo Valley. Stay overnight at Gokyo.
  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Place: Gokyo
  • Altitude: 4790m.
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00 am

This is our special day to see all the mountains of the Everest range. We hike up to the Gokyo Ri early morning; about two hours from here, we see four high peaks above eight thousand meters, like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho-Oyu, with hundreds of other beautiful mountains. We see the Renjola trail to our right and lakes, Gokyo valley, and the biggest glacier in the Everest region to the bottom. After some beautiful pictures from the top, we hike back to the lodge and have breakfast. After packing here than we trek back to Dole. Overnight at the club.

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Place: Dole
  • Altitude: 4110m
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00am

Crossing the non-foresty area, we trek back to the forest again with our familiar trail and climb to Mong danda. Descending from Mong Danda, we return on the beautiful course and trek to Namche Bazaar, with a beautiful view. Overnight at the lodge.

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Place: Namche Bazaar
  • Altitude: 3440m
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 8:00am

Descending from Namche through the pine forest, we cross the high bridge and other bridges back to Phakding, where we stop for lunch and trek another 3 hours to Lukla. We celebrate our last mountain stay here and are ready to fly back to Kathmandu the following day. Overnight at the lodge.

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Place: Lukla
  • Altitude: 2840m
  • Mode of Transportation: Walk
  • Departure Time: 7:30am

The next day, early morning, you will head towards Kathmandu through the flight. Around 35-minute flights provide a panoramic view of the Himalayan range and Mt. Everest for the last time. After you reach Kathmandu airport, you will be taken back to the hotel for the rest and recall all the memories you captured in your cameras. You will be invited to a farewell dinner this evening and discuss the successful trip. Overnight you will stay in the same hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1350m
  • Mode of Transportation: Domestic flight and private car/van/bus
  • Departure Time: According to the flight schedule

It is the final day of your trip to Nepal with us, and it is time to say goodbye. A representative will help you to reach your final destination. You will drop at the airport 3 hours before your flight.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Mode of Transportation: Private Transport
  • Departure Time: 3 hrs earlier from the flight departure time

Cost Details

  • Airport picks up and drops by private car/van/bus.
  • 3 nights Accommodation in tourist standard hotel including breakfast as per the above itinerary twin sharing basis.
  • Private car/van/bus and a guide for the cultural tour.
  • All ground and air transportation during the trip.
  • Your standard meal BLD during the trek with a cup of hot tea/coffee for breakfast
  • Fresh fruit after every dinner in the mountain
  • All necessary papers works, national park entry permits, Pasang Lhamu entry fees, and monument entrance fees
  • All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the treks.
  • An experienced, helpful, and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people).
  • Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation, and insurance for the guide and porter.
  • An arrangement of an emergency helicopter service will be paid for by your travel insurance company.
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets, and duffle bags if you don't have any 
  • Certificate of achievement
  • Frolic Adventure invites you to farewell dinner last night.
  • All government taxes (Gst) and Stationery expenses.
  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuvan international airport  (Kathmandu). 
  • Your travel insurance (compulsory).
  • Lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu.
  • All entry fees for heritage sites.
  • Your personal expenses.
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Sweet things like dessert/chocolate.
  • Hot shower/batteries charge/heater during the trek.
  • International airfare.
  • Tips for the guide, porter & driver. 
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned in including section.

PRICES & DATES

Trip DatesAvailabilityNotesPrice  
03 Nov, 2024 - 15 Nov, 2024AvailableUS$1250
06 Nov, 2024 - 18 Nov, 2024AvailableUS$1250
10 Nov, 2024 - 22 Nov, 2024AvailableUS$1250
13 Nov, 2024 - 25 Nov, 2024AvailableUS$1250
17 Nov, 2024 - 29 Nov, 2024AvailableUS$1250
20 Nov, 2024 - 02 Dec, 2024AvailableUS$1250
24 Nov, 2024 - 06 Dec, 2024AvailableUS$1250
27 Nov, 2024 - 09 Dec, 2024AvailableUS$1250

Useful Info

Knowing about the scenery, difficulties, and other information about Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes, you should have some extra information about the trip. We have provided essential details below, which can be helpful and make it easier to plan the trip to the Gokyo Valley. If you still need to see what you want about the tour, you can contact us and ask anything about this Trekking trip. We are happy to provide every piece of information for you.

Book The Trip in advance.

The Gokyo Valley Trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. Flight tickets for the high season sold out a few months earlier than the earlier scheduled ones because early morning flights have fewer chances of being canceled. That is why Booking a trip for a few months is always a good idea to reserve the flight.

Don't Travel to Gokyo Lakes in a limited amount of time.

Trekking to Gokyo Lakes starts with a flight to the mountain airport. The climate in the mountains changes very fast. It does not open for a few days, so if you travel with limited or tight time and the weather is unfavorable, the trip plan can be changed. We suggest adding extra days to the Trekking itinerary, making organizing the difficulties easy.

Also, you are flying directly to 2840m above sea level; this altitude is pretty high for people who are coming from sea level and traveling to such a higher elevation. Take at least one rest day in Kathmandu before flying at that altitude. You can use your free day in Kathmandu to visit cultural heritage sites by making a trip before Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes for altitude adjustment.

Leave the things in Kathmandu that You do not need for the Gokyo Trek.

You don't need everything for the Gokyo Trekking you bring from home to Kathmandu, so you can leave those things in your hotel in Kathmandu and take them back after the trip. Also, there is a weight limit on the plane to Lukla, so try to pack only compulsory Trekking gear to minimize the load for the flight. You can take 15kg of baggage, including hand luggage, on the flight to Lukla.

Trek Safely to Gokyo Lakes

Trekking in the mountain region and to the Gokyo Lakes can sometimes only be safe for some, so you must be careful while walking in the Himalayas. The walking trail will be slippery if it is wet and icy. Rain makes the track wet, especially at the end of May and the beginning of September. Also, it snows in the spring. Melting snow makes the path slippery and muddy, so be careful while walking close to the cliff.

If you are on a Trek to Gokyo Lakes in winter (after December), you will not see ice on the trail. The Trekking path becomes slippery. You need to walk carefully, knowing if there are icy surfaces or not. During high seasons, the hiking route stays crowded with trekkers, animals, and porters. Be careful while crossing bridges and encountering a crowd in a narrow space.

Wild animals and yaks are moving above the Trekking trail of the Gokyo Lakes, so stones might fall from them sometimes. Check those areas well, do not stop, and keep walking if you are below them. Stay away from the riversides and close to the waterfalls if you are on the Trek from November to February because there is a lot of ice, which you may not see easily and makes you fall.

Prevent Altitude Sickness while Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes.

Altitude sickness is sometimes the biggest problem for someone, so staying away from this problem is the primary key to a successful Gokyo Valley Trek. It is not sudden, so people will have some early symptoms, which you can find earlier rather than getting worse. Always consult the guide if you feel something unusual or strange during the Trek.

It is an excellent idea to amble, drink plenty of fluids, sleep well at night, keep warm, and take enough acclimatization rest days while ascending toward the high altitudes to prevent altitude sickness in the mountains.

FAQs

You might need more information than we have given above. You may still seek further information before booking a trek to Gokyo Valley to see the tranquil Lakes and magnificent Everest Himalayas. Here, we have provided short answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes.

Where are the Gokyo Lakes Located?

The Gokyo Lakes are located in the Everest Region. You can see five beautiful Glacial Lakes while Trekking in the Gokyo Valley.

Are the Lakes lovely to see?

Of course! These Lakes are gorgeous and blue, so you will love these tranquil Lakes.

Are the lakes unfrozen all the time of year?

The Gokyo Lakes freeze in winter and don't melt in spring, so if you like to see unfrozen Gokyo Lakes, it is recommended to trek in autumn and summer.

How is the view from Gokyo Ri?

Gokyo Ri is the best hill to see all the mountains of the Everest Himalayas. You see the four highest mountains above 800m and 360° views of the high snow-capped peaks. The views of the biggest glacier (Ngozumpa) and attractive lakes from the Gokyo Ri are amazing. You may not judge Everest as the highest mountain in the world from other places, but you will once you see it from this hill station.

How long is the Gokyo Valley trek?

The Gokyo Valley Trek is a 10-day round trip from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. Still, if you like to visit Fifth Lake, you need one extra day, so including Fifth Lake, the trip will be 11 days.

Can I Combine Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp?

You can go to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass, combining these two Treks in a clockwise direction. Still, if you have time and are interested in doing both tours, it is a better counter-clockwise route for the Cho La Pass.

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Rajesh Thapaliya

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