Gokyo Lake Trek – 14 Days

Trip Facts

Trip Points Kathmandu- Pokhara-Ghandruk-Tadapani-Dobato-Khayerlake-Swanta Village-Ghorepani
Duration 14 Days
Max. Altitude: 5,350M/17551ft Gokyo Ridge
Group size Min. 2 – Max. 12
Best Time for Visit Spring (Feb-May) & Autumn (Sep-Dec)
Activity Trekking
Trip Guide & Porter Experienced | Licensed | Strenuous
Meals Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse
DIFFICULTY Difficult
LOCATION Gokyo Lake
Flights Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
Departure From Kathmandu Nepal

Trek Attractions

  • Trek to Gokyo Valley – one of the most scenic valleys and lies towards the west of the famous Khumbu Region in Nepal.
  • Broad pasture for yaks and unspoiled turquoise lake
  • It offers fantastic scenery and views
  • Rhododendron/oak forest and waterfalls
  • Pass through the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier – the largest glacier in Nepal
  • Cho Oyu (8,153m), one of the eight-thousanders
  • Enjoy anoutstanding panoramic view extending from Cho Oyu and Everest to Lhotse to Makalu.
  • Cross two high-passes leading to Gokyo Valley – the Cho La &Renjo La
  • Fly between giant mountains – heart-pounding moments landing at Lukla airport
  • Acute mountain sickness friendly itinerary
  • Sherpa villages, culture, tradition, and hospitality
  • Kathmandu Valley Tour – the city full of World Heritage Sites, Nepali culture, and many more to explore

Overview

The Gokyo Late Trek is a much more scenic, slightly easier, and less crowded route to Everest Base Camp Trek. This Trek offers you a melodramatic sight of Mt. Everest’s northwest face and other massive mountains. The Gokyo Valley (one of Nepal’s most beautiful valleys) is located west of the more well-known Khumbu Himalayan region.

With a 30-35 minutes short scenic mountain flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, your Everest Base Camp Trip via Gokyo Lake starts officially. After two days of the Trek, you reach Namche Bazaar, acclimatize, and rest here. At Namche, you explore the Sherpa villages of the Khumjung Region, observe their lifestyle, and enjoy their culture/beliefs.

From Namche, the trail climbs steadily to Mong La Pass, and then you drop to the DudhKoshi River‘s banks. After that, the trail passes through rhododendron and oak forests, as well as ice waterfalls. After a few hours ‘walk on this rustic trail, you’ll arrive in Dole, where you’ll spend the night in a teahouse. The Cho La pass, which leads on to the Khumbu valley at Lobuche, is the most visited of the two high passes that lead out of the Gokyo Valley; the other is Renjo La Pass, which connects the trail between Thame and Nangpa La Pass.

You get with the Himalayan forests, birds, animals, trails, gorges, valleys, rivers, frozen lakes, glaciers, cliffs, and mountain views, making you feel outstanding, energetic, and heavenly pleasure.

What an unforgettable trip!

Book your Gokyo Lake Trek with Nomadways Adventure. We promise you to provide the best quality trekking services, security, proper guidance, and assistance. So be ready to collect the most beautiful memories, natural-thrilling moments, and life-changing activities.

Itinerary

When you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transport you to our luxury hotel/guesthouse and assist you to check-in. So, look for someone holding a placard with your name or our company’s name – Nomadways Adventure– waiting for you.

On this day, you simply relax at Hotel/Guesthouse overnight and restore your energy to accomplish your upcoming adventurous trip.

Our company organizes a short introductory meeting in the evening. You will meet your trekking guide, and our trekking expert will provide you with all the detailed information about the Trek.

 Meal : Breakfast
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

On this day, you will enjoy the Kathmandu Valley Tour – the city full of World Heritage Sites, Nepali culture, and many more to explore.

We offer you a warm breakfast at dawn, and your sightseeing starts with our city guide. At first, you visit Pashupatinath Temple – the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, then move to Boudhanath Stupa – the massive Buddhist Stupa architecture in the world. After that, we will drive you to Patan Durbar Square. In addition, we take you to Swayambhunath Stupa – the 2000 years old legendary stupa on the hilltop also nick-named monkey temple. In the end, we come to Kathmandu Durbar Square, observe Kumari Temple (living goddess temple), Nautale Durbar, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav, the freak streets, and more.

Your city tour ends in the evening. So, you take a light dinner and take a rest restoring energy for the upcoming adventure.

  Activity Duration : Full-Day City Excursion
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : Full day Kathmandu City Tour

On this day, we fly from Kathmandu to Lukla & Hike to Phakding most significant tourism hub in the Everest region.

  Activity Duration : 30 Min Flight + 8 Km, 3-4 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

On this day, we trek from Phakding to Namche – the most significant tourism hub in the Everest region.

Passing through the dense fir, alpine, and rhododendron forest along Dudh- Koshi River, we go up to Benkar. From Benkar, we further walk through dense forest and cross suspension bridges which take us to Chhumuwa and Monjo.

At Monjo, you must register your trekking permit at the check-post and then trek inside the Sagarmatha National Park. You feel completely enthusiastic about the wonderful environment of the park. Also, you may encounter wild animals and several species of vegetation. Watch them out!

Ahead, we cross the Tenzing-Hillary suspension bridge over Dudh-Koshi River ascend via the pine and fir forest to the ridge.

We have the first glimpse of Mt. Everest on the trail toward the ridge. Enjoy it.

Continue your pace uphill pace for a couple of hours; finally, you arrive at Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the rest of your time at Namche – standard lodging and modern facilities like ATMs, internet, cyber cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

  Activity Duration : 11 Km, 6-7 hrs
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

Today, we acclimate, explore, and rest in Namche. As a part of acclimatization, after taking breakfast, we walk towards the Sagarmatha National Park Museum. Enjoy and learn about the Sherpa culture, local flora, and fauna of this region.

After leaving the museum, we head towards the Everest view hotel – one of the world’s highest hotels. You find yourself speechless when you see the panoramic view of snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Khumbila (5,761m/18,901ft), Mt. Thamserku (6,623m/21,729ft), Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft) and Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,349ft) mirroring and shining in front of you.

Other places to explore are Khumjung and Kunde villages with Hillary school, Hillary Hospital, and Syangboche Airstrip.

In the end, you come down to Namche Bazaar. We take a rest or explore the beautiful tourist hub and enjoy other facilities at Namche Bazaar.

  Activity Duration : 4 Km, 4-5 Hours Hiking
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

On this 6th day of your Trek, we hike up to the slope from Namche,loving outstanding views of Everest and Khumjung. After that, we continue up the Dudh-Koshi Valley, branching northwest of the Everest trail and climbing the lower slopes of Khumbila. Then, we ascend steeply to Mong La (a small village built around an ancient chorten), then lowers to Phortse Thenga before climbing through a pine and Rhododendron woodland on up to Dole. From Dole, you can observe spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. Look for spotted deer, Himalayan Tahrs, and a variety of birds, including the Danphe (Nepal’s national bird).

  Activity Duration : 12km, 6-7 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

Today is the perfect day for a leisurely stroll along this high trail. It ascends to picturesque peaks above the river, passing through thorny alpine scrub. Relish the magnificent vistas of Cho-Oyo, Thamserku, and Kangtega contrast with delightful views into the valley below. We pass summer-grazing settlements like Luza on our way up to Machhermo. Before draining into the Dudh-Koshi, the Machhermo Khola passes through the villages of Kyajo Ri and Pharilapche. This is the final settlement before Gokyo, and it houses an HRA assistance station for AMS victims.

  Activity Duration : 7km, 4-5 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

The trail slowly ascends from the settlement to a ridge that provides the first views of Cho-Oyo’s north face (8,210m/26,907ft), plus the views of Kangtega and Thamserku. Ahead in the valley, you ace the snout of the Ngozumpa Glacier, and the trail returns to the river. It joins an alternative route from the south near the hamlet of Pangka before climbing onto the moraine’s side. Finally, we cross a metal bridge and reach Longponga Tsho (4,690m/15,383ft), the first of the Dudh Koshi’s six sacred lakes.

A trail leads up onto the glacier — and the Cho La – just before Taboche Tsho. After a tough half-hour hike beyond the lake, we reach the summer settlement of Gokyo, perched on the slope of the moraine and overlooking the blue green Dudh Pokhari, nestle in a semi-circle of high hills at the foot of Gokyo Ri. Behind ridges, Cho-Oyo and the ice ridge to Ghyachung Kang, from where the Ngozumpa glacier flows, can be seen.

  Activity Duration : 7km, 3-4 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

To guard against AMS, another scheduled rest day is required. Gokyo offers two significant viewpoints. The first is Gokyo Ri (5,360m/17,586ft), which starts on the northern side of the lake. We need a two-hour climb to the summit to enjoy its breathtaking scenery. It looks out over Nepal’s longest glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier, carved out beneath a wall of towering peaks on its south-eastern slope. The view of the Himalayan chain from the flag-draped peak includes Cho-Oyu and Ghyachung Kang, the north face of Everest, and Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kangru (all over 6,300m/20,670ft).

The second attractions that you explore are the fourth to sixth lakes. Along with glacial melt-=water, these lakes are the source of the Dudh Koshi River. Relax in Gokyo and roam around Gokyo Lake in the afternoon.

  Activity Duration : 7km, 3-4 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

Gokyo Ri, the region’s second important viewpoint, begins on the northern side of the lake, directly across from the settlement. Its breathtaking scenery necessitates an early start and a two-hour climb to the summit. It looks out over Nepal’s longest glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier, which has been carved out beneath a wall of towering peaks on its south-eastern slope.

The view of the Himalayan chain from the flag-draped peak includes Cho-Oyu and Ghyachung Kang, the north face of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kangru (all over 6,300m/20,670ft), and many others, some unidentified. Finally, you return to Gokyo and take an afternoon stroll around Gokyo Lake before relaxing at the hotel.

  Activity Duration : 18km, 7-8 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

From Phortse, a slick trail descends to Phortse Thenga’s bridge, where it rejoins the original route from Khumjung. But, first, you reach Namche Bazaar and then descend to the Dudh Koshi for spending a night at Monjo.

  Activity Duration : 17km, 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

On this 12th day, we keep on retracing back. From Monjo, we catch the trails down to Dudh Koshi River and reach Phakding. Further, we trek passing by various Sherpa settlements and cross a suspension bridge above Thado Koshi. Ultimately, after ascending for about 45 minutes, we reach Lukla. You are thankful that you have accomplished Everest Panorama Trek successfully. Reconfirm your flight Ticket and say goodbye to the hard-working local porters.

In the evening, you can participate in a farewell ceremony; and thank your hard-working and ever-smiling local porters. And take ample rest.

  Activity Duration : 14km, 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : Luxury Hotel/Guest house

On this second last day of your Trek, we fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla. Restore your memories in the plane flying between giant mountains. After landing at TIA, you will be transferred to your hotel. Relax!

Also, you can explore local markets nearby, taste Nepali and other continental cuisines at various restaurants and observe the hustle-bustle lifestyle in Kathmandu.

  Activity Duration : 30-40 min flight
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

On this final day, offering you a light breakfast, we transfer to the Tribhuvan International airport via our private transportation. We bid you a happy ‘Goodbye’ and wish you a safe flight.

 Meal : Breakfast

Cost Includes

  • All airport transfers
  • Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu for two nights with breakfast
  • Flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu
  • All airport taxes
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park permit and TIMS)
  • An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and local porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Guide and porter salaries, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
  • Full meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner of your choice
  • Supplementary snacks: energy bar and cookies
  • Seasonal fresh fruits desert every day
  • Unlimited Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • A comprehensive First Aid kit
  • Oxi-meter: To check heart rating and oxygen saturation to Everest Base Camp and return
  • All government and local taxes
  • Trekking equipment: down-filled sleeping bag, walking poles, and duffel bag
  • Souvenir: Trekking Route map printed T-Shirts

Cost Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Hot and bottled drinks
  • Electronic device re-charge
  • Wi-Fi
  • Hot shower
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation
  • Tipping

Equipment

Trekking requires careful selection of gear to ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency on the trail. Depending on the conditions (terrain, weather, duration), the equipment you need may vary, but here’s a comprehensive list of essential trekking gear:

  1. Backpack
  • Capacity: Typically, for a multi-day trek, a 40-60L pack is ideal.
  • Fit: Adjustable straps for shoulder, chest, and hip.
  • Features: Hydration system compatibility, side pockets for easy access, and a rain cover.
  1. Footwear
  • Trekking Boots: Look for boots with good ankle support, durable soles (Vibram is a popular choice), and waterproof features.
  • Trail Shoes: For lighter treks or well-maintained paths, trail shoes may suffice.
  • Sock Layers: Merino wool socks or synthetic socks that wick moisture and reduce blisters. Avoid cotton.
  • Gaiters: To keep debris, mud, and snow out of your boots.
  1. Clothing (Layering System)
  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (synthetic or merino wool) long-sleeve top and bottoms.
  • Mid Layer: Insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket.
  • Outer Layer (Shell): Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants. Gore-Tex or similar fabrics are excellent choices.
  • Trekking Pants: Convertible pants (with zippers for shorts) can be useful.
  • Trekking Shirt: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
  • Gloves: Lightweight gloves for warmth, plus an additional heavier pair if trekking in cold climates.
  • Hat/Cap: A sunhat or beanie depending on the weather.
  • Neck Gaiter/Buff: For sun protection, warmth, or dust.
  1. Sleeping Gear
  • Sleeping Bag: Temperature-rated for the conditions you’ll face. Down bags are warmer and lighter but lose effectiveness if wet, while synthetic bags dry quicker.
  • Sleeping Pad: Inflatable or foam pads that insulate from the cold ground.
  • Tent: Lightweight trekking tents (1-3 person) that suit your conditions. Some options include 4-season tents if you're trekking in harsh weather.
  1. Hydration System
  • Water Bottles: Collapsible or hard plastic bottles (ensure they’re BPA-free).
  • Hydration Reservoir: Camelbak or similar bladder systems for easy access to water.
  • Water Purification: A filtration system (e.g., Sawyer, LifeStraw) or chemical tablets to purify water from streams or other sources.
  1. Food and Cooking
  • Stove: Compact gas or alcohol stove for cooking on the trail.
  • Cookware: Lightweight pots or pans, often titanium or aluminum.
  • Fuel: Compatible fuel for your stove (check for availability in the region you’re trekking).
  • Food: Dehydrated meals, energy bars, trail mix, nuts, and fruits. Lightweight, high-calorie, and easy-to-prepare foods are best.
  1. Navigation Tools
  • Map and Compass: Always have a paper map as a backup, even if you use a GPS.
  • GPS Device or Smartphone with a Trekking App: Make sure to download offline maps.
  • Altimeter Watch (optional): Useful for tracking elevation and route progress.
  1. Lighting
  • Headlamp: Hands-free lighting for night-time use, with extra batteries.
  • Flashlight: A backup to your headlamp.
  1. First Aid Kit
  • Include basic supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Personal Medications: Always bring enough for the whole trip, plus extras in case of delays.
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin from sun exposure.
  1. Safety Gear
  • Multi-tool/Knife: A good multi-tool (like a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman) is very useful for repairs and emergencies.
  • Whistle: For signaling.
  • Emergency Blanket: Lightweight and compact for warmth in case of emergency.
  • Firestarter: Matches or a lighter, and waterproof if needed.
  1. Miscellaneous
  • Trekking Poles: Help with balance, reduce strain on knees, and improve traction on uneven terrain.
  • Towel: Quick-dry, compact towel.
  • Sunglasses: UV protection for your eyes.
  • Camera/Smartphone: For documenting the journey, with extra storage or a portable charger.
  1. Personal Hygiene and Toiletries
  • Toilet Paper: Always carry biodegradable toilet paper and a small trowel for digging a "cathole" if there are no facilities.
  • Hand Sanitizer: To keep clean without access to water.
  • Wet Wipes: For cleaning yourself when there's no shower.
  • Biodegradable Soap: If you need to wash, use eco-friendly soap.
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Compact travel versions.
  1. Weather Protection
  • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunblock, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
  • Rain Gear: A high-quality waterproof jacket, pants, and gaiters, especially if you're trekking in areas with unpredictable weather.
  • Cold Weather Gear (if needed): Depending on the trek, you might need additional gear like down jackets, insulated gloves, or even crampons for ice or snow.
Extra Considerations for Specialized Treks:
  • High-altitude Treks: Consider gear for altitude sickness (like Diamox), extra layers for extreme cold, and an oxygen system if necessary.
  • Long-distance Treks: You might need additional gear like extra food storage, a larger stove, or a lightweight trekking umbrella.
Always check the weather forecast and understand the terrain and altitude of your trek to fine-tune your gear selection.

FAQ's

The Gokyo Lakes are situated at an altitude of around 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). The highest point on the trek is Gokyo Ri, which is at 5,357 meters (17,575 feet).

The trek typically takes around 12 to 14 days to complete, depending on the pace, acclimatization, and weather conditions. The trek starts from Lukla (after a flight from Kathmandu), and the route includes several days of trekking to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri.

The Gokyo Lake Trek is a high-altitude trek in the Everest region of Nepal, leading to the Gokyo Lakes, a series of beautiful glacial lakes at an elevation of about 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). The trek offers stunning views of the Everest massif, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, as well as the chance to visit the Gokyo Ri viewpoint for panoramic views of the Himalayas

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