Gokyo Lake Trek Blog

Gokyo valley trek an introduction

The Gokyo valley is considered as the scenic mountain valley which is located in Everest Region of Nepal. Trekking to beautiful Gokyo valley is also regarded as trekking in less crowded area of famous Everest trekking region and hence provides peaceful/beautiful adventure.

The actual trail of Gokyo valley trekking starts from Lukla. To reach to Lukla, you have to take scenic short flight of 25 minutes from Kathmandu.

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Trekking towards Gokyo will also lead you to chola pass through which Everest Base Camp trek route and Gokyo trail meets. From Kyangjuma village the trail to Gokyo divides from Everest Base Camp trail.

The Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the lesser-known trails in Nepal’s Everest region, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t just as breathtaking and full of heart-pumping excitement as its more famous neighbors. In fact, in some ways, it might be even better.

If you’re looking for a great way to see mountains other than Everest, this is your ticket: Gokyo offers gorgeous views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, among others. You’ll also have a front-row seat to the Ngozumba Glacier—the largest glacier in the Himalayas—and you’ll get to visit six beautiful lakes along the trail.

Gokyo village & lake

Gokyo village which is situated at an altitude of 4750 meters. It is common to see yak herds in this village. The Gokyo lakes are group of freshwater lakes and locals also consider Gokyo lakes as holy site. Gokyo village is on the 3^rd Lakeside among 6 lakes of Gokyo valley.

Not only Gokyo lakes but also the glaciers and wildlife around Gokyo Lake makes best excursion while visiting Gokyo village.

Other things that can be explored during Gokyo valley trek are famous Sherpa village settlement, chortens, rural monasteries, compass etc..

Apart from Gokyo village; during the trek, you will get time to acclimatize yourself such as in the famous village like Machhermo and Dole.

Gokyo lake altitude

Gokyo lake trek starts from Kathmandu with an elevation of 1300 meters. From Kathmandu you will take a short flight to lukla and hike to Phakding which is situated at an elevation of 2600 meters. One of the major highlights of Everest region trek is “Namche Bazaar” also known as the hub of Everest trekking region. Namche Bazar is situated at an altitude of 3438 meters.

Following the trail from Namche Bazar, it will lead you towards the Gokyo Lake in 4 – 5days. Gokyo village is the highest overnight destination of Gokyo lake trekking which is situated at an elevation of 4800 meters above the sea level.

The pristine blue and green water are the major attraction of the famous Gokyo Lake. Gokyo Lake is regarded as ideal for those visitors who want to trek to the famous Everest region of Nepal while spending less number of days. Best view of Everest Himalaya including Mt Everest itself – Gokyo trek is the best trek in the region.

Gokyo Ri is the maximum altitude

Gokyo ri is one of the best view point of entire Everest region. As famous and beautiful as Kalapatthar view point, Gokyo ri trek is one of the best thing to do in any Everest region trekking.

Gokyo ri is 3 meters below Everest base camp and equal to Renjo la pass top. The summit stands at 5360 meters.

Once you reach top of the Gokyo RI, you will be offered to witness the six highest mountains of the world including the Mount Everest (8848.86 meters).

As stated, highest point on the trail is Gokyo Ri, from where you can see amazing views of mountains such as Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Choyu (8188m) etc. Apart from these mountains, you can also see a panoramic view of Khumbu Glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier and Dudh Koshi River from Gokyo Ri.

Gokyo Lakes Trekking Itinerary

You begin your Gokyo lake adventure in Lukla and finish your trek in a week or so. The recommended itinerary for this trek is as follows:

• Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. You will then walk from Lukla to Phakding (2610m/8563ft) which should take around 3-4 hours.
• Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11286ft). This will involve crossing the Dudh Koshi River and walking up a steep hill for about 5-6 hours.
• Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.
• Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4110m/13484ft) which will take around 6-7 hours.
• Day 5: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4470m/14665ft), taking 6-7 hours.
• Days 6: Trek to Gokyo village
• Day 7: Excursion including Gokyo ri
• Day 8: Trek back down to Namche Bazaar
• Day 09: Namche to Lukla
• Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu

Note – For itinerary modification & detailed itinerary you can contact us.

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Easy option for Everest Gokyo lake Trek Itinerary

According to the trekker’s perception, Everest Gokyo lake Trek itinerary can also be tailor – made. Here, we are providing you basic Everest Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary;

• Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla and hike to Phakding; 2610 m, 30 min flight and 3-4 hours hike
• Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar; 3480 m, 5-6 hours
• Day 3: Rest day at Namche Bazaar
• Day 4: Namche to Khumjung; 3750 m, 4-5 hours
• Day 5: Khumjung to Dole; 4110 m, 6-7 hours
• Day 6: Dole to Machhermo; 4470 m, 4-5 hours
• Day 7: Machhermo to Gokyo; 4790 m, 4-5 hours
• Day 8: Gokyo to Gokyo RI and back to Gokyo; 5483 m, 4-5 hours
• Day 9: Gokyo to Dole; 5-6 hours
• Day 10: Dole to Namche; 5-6 hours
• Day 11: Namche to Phakding; 5-6 hours
• Day 12: Phakding to Lukla; 4-5 hours
• Day 13: Lukla to Kathmandu; 30 min flight

Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Cost

Trekking to Gokyo lake cost depends on how you choose the way to trek. It means it depends upon your accommodation, food and service you choose.

Nepalgram has 4 different types of trip packages as service trip package, self-guided trip, all inclusive trip, luxury trip.

For trek cost permit fee is compulsory. In around $1350 (roughly), the Gokyo trek can be completed for an individual in a decent way of trek.

However based on number of days, transportation, route, facilities you choose, price may vary.

The cost of your trek will depend on the length of your stay and the amount of support you need. Some people choose to go with just a guide, while others prefer to have a guide and a porter. You should plan on spending between $500 and $2,000 for this trip depending on the level of support you want as well as how long you want to spend there.

Everest Gokyo lake Trek Route Variation

There are different route of Everest Gokyo lake trek; such as return to lukla via Renjo la or follow back the same route of Dole village or trek over chola pass and mix trek Gokyo trek with Everest basecamp trekking.

All these trekking variations will take you to Namche Baazar and eventually to Lukla.

You will walk through the trail of beautiful Sherpa settlements from either of the options. From Renjo la pass side – you will get to Thame village; from EBC side – you will get to the villages like Dingboche, Pheriche, Pangbpche, Khumjung etc. Whereas from same route back to Namche will explore Dole & machhermo village from another prospective/orientation.

Among route variation one of Gokyo valley trek, famous one is, you can merged this trek with famous Everest Base Camp. You can trek towards east from Gokyo valley and cross over cho la pass along connecting with Everest Base Camp. After chola pass the trail descend to join EBC trail.

Also, you can merged Gokyo valley with Everest Three high passes trek. If you want Gokyo lake trek to merge with Everest three passes trek then we recommend you to start you trek from Kongma la pass and exit at Thame by joining with Gokyo lake. This is recommended in consideration with altitude and acclimatization.

Solo Trekking – independent trek to Gokyo

The Gokyo Lakes trekking route is fairly straightforward and well-marked with signposts and painted trail stones. The trail to Gokyo Lakes from Lukla is actually the first leg of the EBC trekking route.

While both trails start in Lukla, you separate from the main trail at Kyanjuma village, after about a week of trekking, heading towards Dole instead of continuing over Cho La Pass towards Gorak Shep.

For independent trekkers, short length of daily walk is recommended, so as to make sure you will have plenty of time, in case of you miss the trail at any worst case scenario.

So as to make solo trip more interesting and safer – Nepalgram has Self-guided trip. In this trip package, we have our trekking guides in phone contact with you and you will be able to call our guides any times in case of confusion.

This package also include – hiring of satellite phone for top-up charge.

The route is quite easy to follow once you are on it, although given the fact that the path sometimes merges with the EBC trail (especially around Namche Bazaar) it’s always worth checking your map or asking your phone guide if you are unsure which way to go (and there will be plenty of signs along the way).

The ascent itself involves a few steep ascents and descents, but nothing too difficult. The one thing I would definitely recommend preparing for is how quiet this trail can get compared to other treks in Nepal – trail has very little traffic past Dole – so make sure you have everything you need for an overnight stay just in case!

Accommodation on the Gokyo Lakes Trek

Gokyo section of trek route has enough tea houses in certain distance. Alike Everest basecamp trekking route – you will find accommodation and verities of room from dorm to attached ones.

One of the great things about staying at a teahouse is that you can meet people from all over the world. That makes the evenings fun and interesting. However, if you are sharing with a stranger, just make sure you respect their sleep as you probably don’t want to be kept awake by snoring either!

If you want some more privacy, then it is possible to book a private room in advance but its availability is limited.

Good quality accommodation doesn’t come cheap on the Gokyo Lakes Trek, so expect to pay around US$10-15 for a shared room in the lower altitudes (below 4000m) and US$20 or more once above 4500m. As for dining, there are usually only one or two options available even at popular stops like Namche Bazaar, so when it comes to food choices are limited. It also tends to be quite basic – consisting mainly of pasta and potato dishes along with various types of soup – although many places do offer pizza which goes down very well after several days trekking!

Weather and Climate on the Gokyo Lakes Trek

Although Gokyo valley is different than Everest base camp trail’s valley – you can rely on the weather forecast of Everest region as a whole.

The weather in Nepal fluctuates wildly depending on the time of year. One day could feel like summer while the next day feels like deep winter. The best time to go on this trek depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for—if you want deep winter-like conditions, then the best time would be in December

Frequent snowfall in this trail is not dangerous. But if you are in solo trek in a foggy day, it might be dangerous.

Spring and autumn are good weather in comparison to other months. Spring is March to May and autumn is September to November.

Monsoon trek to Gokyo valley is trekking in the wild garden, but cloudy sky will forbid you to get the best view of the mountains.

Winter trek might be tricky with snow. But in case of guided trek and proper gear – winter trek will be with less people and peaceful trail. However, cold temperature in the winter is bothering.

The best time for this trek is March through May and September through November. During these times, you will have great weather and very little chance of rain—which is important when you’re going to be camping at such high altitudes.

We highly recommend doing this trek during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather shouldn’t be too cold, and the views should be beautiful!

What to Pack for Your Gokyo Lakes Trek?

Neplagram has a list of materials needed for the trekking in Nepal. Most of the items in the list are recommended.

If you have special request – we can help you with information you might be looking for, so as to pack for the trek.

If you’re going on this trek, you’ll need to bring comfortable shoes or hiking boots, a few pairs of socks, warm clothes (it can get chilly!), and a sleeping bag. Don’t forget your camera! And if you’re looking for other ideas of what to bring with you when traveling, check out our ultimate travel packing list here.

Since you’ll be trekking up to 5,357 meters (17,576 feet), remember that many places will not have electricity.

Looking forward to Gokyo ri trek

Looking for a Himalayan adventure you’ll never forget? Gokyo lake trek is the trek for you! Here’s everything you need to know.

Difficulty: 3 out of 5. If you’re in decent shape and used to hiking, this shouldn’t be too challenging. But make sure you’re not afraid of heights, as some parts require a little bit of mountaineering.

Best time to go: Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November). The weather is good and visibility is clear, but there are fewer tourists.

How much will it cost? You can do the Gokyo lake trek on a budget, or you can splurge and have an even more luxurious experience. Base camp (tea house) lodges cost $5-15 per night, including meals.

Altitude: The base camp is at around 5000m and the highest point on the trek is at Gokyo Ri at 5360m. Make sure you acclimatize well before starting the trek so you don’t get altitude sickness.

Itinerary: The standard itinerary takes about 10 days in total, but you can add or subtract days depending on how much time you want spend exploring different areas along the

For the experienced trekker, Gokyo Lake Trek is an adventure on par with any of Nepal’s other classic treks. In fact, many argue that this is the country’s most beautiful trek.

Gokyo ri Trek difficulty

The Gokyo lake trek is an adventure that appeals to hikers of all levels. Although it can get pretty strenuous, the trek can be completed by anyone who has a good level of fitness. The average trekking distance per day is about 8 hours, but if you’re feeling extra fit, you can always opt for longer days or even some side excursions. With proper planning and support from a guide, this trek is open to almost everyone!

One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a beginner’s trek. While it’s not as long or as difficult as Everest Base Camp, it still goes to heights above 5000 meters and can last up to 14 days. For this reason, it’s important to come prepared with all necessary equipment, supplies, and clothing. If you’d like to hire a guide or porter, please feel free to contact us.

With a maximum altitude of 5357 meters at Gokyo Ri, this trek brings you to a greater height than any other trek in the country. It also offers one of the most unique views of Everest and its surrounding peaks that you can find. And if you’re interested in seeing some high-altitude lakes? You’re in luck: there are about 20 of them along this route!

When you’re looking for a trek that’s challenging, but not too difficult, the Gokyo lake trek is the perfect option for you. It is one of the most beautiful treks in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The 6-day trek takes you through many village areas, and it offers some spectacular mountain views along the way.

You should be aware that altitude sickness is still a risk on this trek, so you’ll need to take the appropriate precautions when you’re planning your trip.

Attraction of the trek

The biggest draw of this trip is Lake Gokyo Ri, which stands at an impressive 5360 meters above sea level. While this is quite high up, it’s lower than Everest Base Camp (where trekkers can also get superb views). View of Mt Everest is the best view of Mt Everest – from Gokyo ri top.

Sprawling across the top of the world, Nepal’s Himalayan region is one of the most incredible destinations on earth. There are few places you can go to feel so close to the heavens, and even fewer where you can take a multi-day trek that will change your life.

When it comes to trekking in Nepal, many people head straight for Everest Base Camp (EBC). But if you’re looking for an equally breathtaking alternative, we’ve got just the trip for you: Gokyo Lakes Trek.

Some people do EBC because it’s what they’ve heard about, and some people do it because they want to see Everest from every possible angle. And that’s great! EBC is lovely, too. But there’s something about Gokyo Lakes Trek that we think is even better.

It has all of the best things about EBC with none of the cons.

Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the most serene and beautiful treks in Nepal. It takes you to the mountains that are home to numerous glacial lakes, including 6 Gokyo Lake and many other.