The Gokyo Lakes trek leaves the busy Everest Base Camp trail at Namche Bazaar and climbs the quieter Dudh Koshi valley to a string of turquoise glacial lakes beneath Cho Oyu. Many trekkers add the Renjo La pass and return via Thame, which turns the journey into a loop. The itinerary below follows about 14 days from Kathmandu and builds in two acclimatisation stops. Altitudes are approximate and times depend on pace and weather.
Days 1 to 3: Lukla, Phakding and Namche Bazaar
You fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (about 2,860 m) and walk a gentle few hours down to Phakding at roughly 2,610 m. On day 2 the trail climbs through pine forest, crosses long suspension bridges and reaches Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m) after a final steep ascent. Day 3 is an acclimatisation day. Walk up to the Everest View Hotel area or the Khumjung and Khunde villages, then return to sleep at Namche. The rest day is not optional if you want to enjoy what comes next.
Days 4 and 5: Dole and Machhermo
From Namche you climb to the ridge above the valley and then follow the Gokyo branch of the trail. The path is quieter than the one toward Everest Base Camp. You pass through rhododendron and juniper forest, stay at Dole (about 4,200 m) and continue the next day to Machhermo (about 4,470 m). This is where you start to feel the altitude, so walk slowly and drink plenty of water.
Days 6 and 7: Gokyo and the first lakes
The route continues to Gokyo village at about 4,790 m, on the shore of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. The trail passes the first two lakes and climbs on moraine beside the Ngozumpa glacier. Take the afternoon to walk around the lake edge and rest. Day 7 is often a second acclimatisation day, with a morning climb of Gokyo Ri at about 5,357 m for the view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, which is the highlight of the whole trek.
Days 8 to 10: Renjo La and Thame
From Gokyo you can cross Renjo La (about 5,360 m) to Lungden on day 8, a long and demanding day. The next days descend through the Bhote Koshi valley via Marlung to Thame and back to Namche. The descent is dramatic and quiet, and the pass is guarded by prayer flags and stone steps. If weather or health is poor, the alternative is to return the same way via Machhermo and Dole.
Days 11 to 14: return to Lukla
You walk from Namche to Lukla in two days, then fly back to Kathmandu. Keep a spare day at the end for flight delays. Lukla is notorious for weather cancellations, so do not schedule a tight connection with an international flight.
Tips for comparing itineraries
- Check that there is a true rest day at Namche and at Gokyo.
- Ask where you sleep each night, not only how many days the trek takes.
- Find out whether Renjo La is included or optional, and what the alternative is.
- Ask about spare days for weather, since the pass can close in bad conditions.
What each stage feels like
The days to Namche are lively, with yak trains, suspension bridges and plenty of other trekkers. Beyond Namche the Gokyo trail quietens as the Everest Base Camp traffic turns left. Dole and Machhermo feel remote and alpine, with only a handful of lodges and the sound of the river below. Gokyo itself is a small settlement beside a lake, with a few lodges and the huge moraine wall of the Ngozumpa glacier behind. Many trekkers describe the arrival as one of the best moments of their trip.
Using the rest days well
Rest days are for gentle activity, not lying in bed. At Namche, walk up to a viewpoint, visit the market, museum or monastery and return to sleep. At Gokyo, climb a little higher, perhaps to the fourth lake, then return. Light exercise followed by a lower night improves acclimatisation and keeps you comfortable.
Weather decisions
Guides watch the sky at Machhermo and Gokyo to decide when to climb Gokyo Ri or cross Renjo La. If cloud and wind are forecast, they may recommend using a spare day. Respect this advice, because pass conditions can change quickly and a missed window can mean turning back.
Packing your day bag
- Down jacket and windproof shell.
- Two litres of water in insulated bottles.
- Snacks and a small thermos of hot tea.
- Sunglasses, sun cream and lip balm.
- Gloves, hat and a spare pair of socks.
