Gokyo Lakes Trek
"Four 8,000m Peaks. One View."
Trek Gallery
Your Journey to Departure
Follow every step of the Gokyo Lakes Trek — from Phakding to Departure. Click on any waypoint to see detailed information.
5,357m
Highest Point
Gokyo (via Gokyo Ri)
90 km
Total Distance
Estimated trail distance
9
Key Waypoints
Villages, camps & peaks
+2,747m
Elevation Gain
From Phakding
💡 Tip: Click on any waypoint on the map to see detailed information about that stop
Trek Overview
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the Khumbu region's most rewarding high-altitude journeys, leading to a chain of turquoise glacial lakes cradled beneath Cho Oyu, the world's sixth-highest peak. Less crowded than the main Everest Base Camp trail, this route follows a quieter branch of the Khumbu valley, offering some of the most striking mountain panoramas in Nepal without the same volume of foot traffic. Along the way, you'll trek through Sherpa villages, cross the Dudh Koshi valley, and climb alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier which is the largest glacier in Nepal before reaching the sacred Gokyo Lakes. The journey culminates at Gokyo Ri (5,357m), a viewpoint often described as offering the best panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from any trekking peak in the region. This is a trek for those who want the scale and grandeur of the Everest region without following the crowds all the way to base camp giving a chance to stand before four 8,000m giants at once, beside lakes so still they mirror the mountains above them.
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Take an early morning scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Meet your guide and porter at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, then begin trekking along the Dudh Koshi River through pine forests to the riverside village of Phakding.
Altitude
2,610m
Distance
8 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Tea House
What's Included
Included
- Airport pickups and transfers in Kathmandu
- 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights) with breakfast
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
- Tea house accommodation during the trek
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit
- First aid kit and oximeter
- Trekking map and trip completion certificate
- All government and local taxes
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal visa fee ($50 for 30 days)
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory, covering helicopter evacuation)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone, hot showers, charging)
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended)
- Emergency evacuation/helicopter rescue
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
Throughout the trek, you'll stay in traditional teahouses (lodges). These are comfortable mountain lodges run by local Sherpa families, generally better-equipped than those on more remote routes like Manaslu, since Gokyo shares infrastructure with the well-established Everest Base Camp trail. Rooms are twin-share with a bed, blanket, and pillow. Above Machhermo, facilities become more basic, with shared squat-style toilets and limited hot water. Hot showers and Wi-Fi are widely available in Namche and mid-route villages (extra charge), but become pricier and less reliable near Gokyo itself.
Meals
All meals during the trek are included. Breakfast typically consists of porridge, eggs, pancakes, and Tibetan bread. Lunches and dinners feature local dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), thukpa (noodle soup), momos, and simple pasta and noodle dishes. Vegetarian options are always available. Menu variety narrows above Machhermo and in Gokyo itself, where supplies must be carried in by porter or yak.
Difficulty & Fitness
Requirements
- Ability to walk 5–7 hours per day on high-altitude terrain
- Comfortable hiking sustained days above 4,000m
- No serious heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions
- Some prior hiking experience helpful, though not mandatory
- Mental resilience for a cold, early-morning summit push
Training Tips
- Start cardio training 4–6 weeks before the trek
- Include regular hiking with a light-to-moderate backpack
- Add stair climbing into your weekly routine
- Build up to walking 8–12 km comfortably
- Work on core strength for balance on uneven terrain
Packing List
- Moisture-wicking base layers (3-4)
- Insulating fleece/down jacket
- Waterproof outer shell jacket
- Trekking pants (2 pairs)
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Warm socks (4-5 pairs)
- Comfortable camp clothes
Best Time to Trek
March - May (Spring)
Pros
- Rhododendron forests in full bloom along the Namche-to-Dole stretch
- Clear mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from Gokyo Ri
- Warmer temperatures at lower elevations
- Longer daylight hours
Cons
- Busy trails and lodges
- Occasional late-season snow possible near Gokyo Ri
- Afternoon haze at lower elevations
Safety & Altitude Awareness
Safety Measures
- All guides are certified by Nepal Mountaineering Association
- Guides carry first aid kits and pulse oximeters
- Regular altitude/health checks throughout the trek
- 1:6 guide-to-trekker ratio (maximum)
Altitude Sickness
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) affects many trekkers above 3,000m
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping
- Prevention: proper acclimatization, hydration, gradual ascent
- Our itinerary includes 1 acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Emergency Protocol
- 24/7 emergency contact support from Kathmandu office
- Helicopter evacuation can be arranged (5-6 hours to Kathmandu)
- Portable oxygen available at high camps
- Rescue coverage must be included in your insurance
- Nearest medical facilities: Pheriche (HRA clinic), Namche, Lukla
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for Your Adventure?
Join trekkers from around the world on this life-changing journey.
$1,148
per person
12 Days
adventure
5
0 reviews
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