Gokyo Lakes Trek 14 Days

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the hidden gems of the Everest Region with fabulous views, excellent tea houses and to top it off it's less crowded than the traditional Everest Base Camp trek. The trek offers views of Mount Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), the Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest in the Himalayas) and five beautiful lakes. The journey starts when you land in Kathmandu and the trek starts with a flight to Lukla the following day. You will cross over a series of impressive suspension bridges as you make your way up to Namche, the largest Sherpa village in the region. Continuing from Namche the trail diverges from the main path which continues to Everest Base Camp. The trail to Gokyo follows the Dudh koshi River to its starting point at the terminus of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Enjoy two days at the Gokyo Lakes with day hikes up to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for fantastic views of the region and to Gokyo's 5th Lake which offers amazing views of both Everest and Cho Oyu. After exploring the Gokyo Region we will head back down to Namche and Lukla before catching a flight to Kathmandu.

What's Included?

• 14 day adventure, 11 of which include 3 meals a day
• 2 nights of accommodation in Kathmandu, breakfast included
• Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Ramecchap and Lukla
  *
• Accommodation while trekking
• Airport transfers
• Everest trekking permit and TIMS (traveler security) Card
• Fully-licensed, English-speaking guide
• Porter service
• Local and government taxes
• Farewell dinner

* Lukla Flight Delays (read more)
* Travel Insurance is required on all Treks (read more)

Day 1 - Kathmandu: Arrival Day

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital and cultural hub of Nepal! We'll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel. Plan on an evening briefing on last-minute specifics about your trek and an early lights-out: you have a big day ahead.

Day 2 - Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Phakding

Altitude: 2,800m/9184ft (Lukla) & 2,652m/8,698ft (Phakding)
Walking Distance: 8km (3-4 hours)
Flight time: 15 min from Ramecchap
Drive time: 4 hours & 30mins (Kathmandu to Ramecchap)

After a short morning flight to Lukla, you’ll be introduced to your guide and porter. Kick off your trek with an easy walk through Chaurikharka village and descent towards Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudhkoshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where we will be staying for the night to acclimatize. Enjoy your free time in Phakding, a popular stopping point.

Please Read: Lukla Flights are departing and returning to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport. Its about a 4 hour drive to Ramechhap from Kathmandu so we will get started for the airport around 2 am. The return drive at the end of the trek is between 4 and 6 hours depending on traffic.

Day 3 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft
Walking Distance: 10-12km (5-6 hours)

We’ll have breakfast in Phakding before gearing up for the trek to Namche Bazaar, the biggest sherpa village in Nepal. Our trail takes us first over the Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge, and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo, about two hours away. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park for a brief permit check and then descend to Dudh Kosi River (spotting Mani stones along the way!) en route to Jorsale. Lunch will be served here, and then it’s uphill to Namche. Our path along the riverbank is flanked by two crossings, one of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. It’s a tough climb up the hill to our resting place, but you’ll be rewarded in Namche Bazaar with your first glimpse of Everest in its majesty.

Day 4 - Namche Bazaar: Rest and Acclimatization Day

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft

At this point, we take a well-deserved break! Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the lofty altitude. There’s an optional 2 hour hike to Everest View Point, an uphill walk that will help speed acclimatization. Otherwise, spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. Check out the Sherpa museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering. On Saturdays, the Hatt Bazaar is open for trading and an intimate look at the locals’ marketplace. It is part of the larger Namche Bazaar, a shopping hub filled with all manner of trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment.

Day 5 - Namche Bazaar to Dole

Altitude: 4,110m/13,490ft
Walking Distance: 8km (6-7 hours)

We will leave Namche and follow the trail that cuts across the slopes high above the Dudh Koshi Canyon. As you leave Namche the trail offers great views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. It's a gradual climb to the small village of hilltop where we make a stop for lunch and to enjoy the views. After lunch the trail descends through Rhododendron forests toward the river before gradually ascending to Dole.

Day 6 - Dole to Machermo

Altitude: 4,470m/14,660ft
Walking Distance: 5km (4-5 hours)

Today is a fairly short day of trekking through the high country above tree line. One has great views of Machermo peak to the west and Cholatse to the east. The slower pace today will help us with proper acclimatization. Cho Oyu, an 8000m+, peak is visible far up the canyon.

Day 7 - Machermo to Gokyo

Altitude: 4,790m/15,715ft

The trail continues up the Dudh Koshi although the canyon is fairly open here. The Dudh Koshi is a raging torrent fed by the Ngozumpa Glacier. The trail skirts around the terminal moraine of the glacier before paralleling the lateral moraine and we reach the first of the Gokyo Lakes. It's easy walking from the first lake up to the 2nd lake and finally to Gokyo Lake.

Day 8 - Gokyo Lakes

Altitude: 4,790m/15,715ft
Walking Distance: 12 km (6-8 hours)

Today we will enjoy a day hike up the glacial valley to the higher lakes. The trail here is not as used but the terrain is relatively flat and the views are amazing. Depending on your level of ambition you can continue up to either the 4th or 5th lake. If you have the energy it's well worth continuing to the 5th lake for great views of Mount Everest and the Ngozumpa Glacier.

Day 9 - Gokyo Ri

Altitude: 5,357m/17,575ft
Walking Distance: 7km (5-6 hours)

We will take an early morning hike up to the summit of Gokyo Ri at 5,357m. The views here might even be better than those from Kala Patthar. In front of you are 4 of the 14 tallest peaks in the world, namely, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Although further away the views of Everest are great and you get to look down on one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas below you. We will head back to the tea house for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the tea house.

Day 10 - Gokyo to Dole

Altitude: 4,110m/13,490ft (Dole)
Walking Distance: 10km (5-6 hours)

Day 11 - Dole to Namche

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft (Namche)
Walking Distance: 8km (5-6 hours)

Today is a relatively long hike but it's a good trail and all downhill. The lower elevation makes things easier as well. The trek spends most of the day going down the Gokyo Valley with some good views of the peaks before you intersect back with the main route up to Everest Base Camp and head back to Namche. Will spend the night in Namche Bazaar.

Day 12 - Namche to Phakding and Lukla

Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft
Walking Distance: 16km (6-7 hours)

After breakfast, we trek toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then pass through several local villages. Our arrival in Lukla brings an evening in our last Tea House and, traditionally, a party with your trekking crew: you made it! Thanks to great teamwork and perseverance, you’ve accomplished a physical feat of which others only dream. This is your last night on the mountain, which can be bittersweet.

Day 13 - Lukla to Kathmandu

Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Flight time: 35 min

In the morning, you'll hop a brief flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (See Note), where your journey both began and ends. You'll transfer to your hotel upon landing for some much-needed solo rest and reflection after your trek conquering the Himalayas. We'll reunite in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants in town, where we'll be eager to hear your feedback on the trip.

Please Read: Lukla Flights are departing and returning to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport. Its about a 4 to 6 hour drive from Ramechhap back to Kathmandu depending on traffic.

Day 14 - Kathmandu: Departure Day

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft

It's your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We'll make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty time before your flight home. At this time, we'll say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.
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* All distances and time estimates are approximate.

Our latest terms and conditions can be found here - "Terms and Conditions."

For details on the following please check:
Travel Insurance - (click here)
Extra Costs - (click here)
Schedule Delays - (click here)
Cancellations - (click here)

Please review the "Terms and Conditions" carefully before booking and don't hesitate to ask us if any questions.

Please find the complete packing list and suggestions at our blog (click here). You can also download a pdf version of the packing list (click here). If you are missing gear, Kathmandu is a pretty good place to shop and prices are very reasonable. You can pick up pretty much any trekking equipment you will need however we do suggest you get your hiking boots before you arrive and make sure they fit well. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

• We'll give you a duffel bag when you arrive in Nepal to repack your gear into, and the porters will carry that.
• You should bring a small day pack that you will carry during the day with essentials like water, camera, sunscreen, extra layers, etc.
• You can store any extra luggage in the hotel.
• Total luggage allotment for the Lukla flight is 10Kg / 22lbs for luggage and additional 5Kg / 11lbs for carry on.
• We offer rental sleeping bags for $20 and down jackets for $15
• Remember to keep all your personal items like passports, medications and other valuables in your carry-on during the flight to Lukla.