An incredible hike with an amazing group of people. Badri managed to get us in and out of Lukla on days when we thought flights may not be possible and he tried his very best to accommodate the needs of the group. The team of porters supporting Karen Darke were out of this world and did an incredible job, with big smiles. Wonderful people. The trek itself was incredible and we had fantastic weather during the whole trip. Although the ‘B Team’ snail ed it, we had an excellent adventure thanks to Badri and his very supportive team.
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Himalayas Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trekking: The Emerald Journey
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Gokyo Lakes and enjoy panoramic views of Everest and other Himalayan peaks on this less-crowded alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp trek. Explore glacial lakes, traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier, and immerse yourself in Sherpa culture.
Gokyo Lake Trek is one of picturesque less crowded alternative to an Everest Base Camp trek. The trek unveils the fascinating scenery of solitary valleys, turquoise-tinted lakes, wonderful glaciers and in particular, a parade of glistering peaks.
The scenery is magnificent and, from a high point above Gokyo, includes: Cho Oyu, a dramatic view of the northwest face of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu: five 8000m peaks at the turn of a head! Moreover, below is an extensive view of the kilometer wide Ngozumpa Glacier as well as the ice fields from which it flows.
How to get to Gokyo Lake?
Gokyo Lake Trek starts after the short flight to Lukla, walk for two days to Namche Bazaar – for a rest and acclimatization day. And then, we walk to Khumjung valley to experience the
lifestyle, culture and beliefs of the friendly Sherpa people. There, we explore several Buddhist monasteries and memorials along the trail and at same time enjoy incredible backdrops.
The Gokyo lake trekking trail follows the tranquil Dudh Koshi Valley west of the Everest Trail. From there we leave the main Everest trekking trail and walk across sleepy village of Dole and Machhermo. Afterwards, we walk up to the snout of the Ngozumpa Glacier (Nepal’s longest) beneath impressive peaks. Follow its moraine past two lakes to the summer grazing hamlet of Gokyo – on the side of the moraine overlooking the blue-green Dudh Pokhari (lake).
The village is surrounded by towering peaks, with Cho Oyu visible to the north. It is a valley filled with exotic glacial lake. Gokyo Lake Trekking route is less trodden and sees very less
number of trekkers, so you can enjoy the vacation without disturbance. During the short growing season, selected crops are grown whilst yaks freely graze. Beside tourism, people herd yak for their livelihood. Spend two nights here and explore the glacial lakes, surrounding landscapes and at a same time perceive the local culture and tradition.
The return journey requires three days: staying at different villages.
You can look Gokyo Lake Trek Map for more information about the Gokyo Lake trekking route.
Gokyo Village in Everest
Gokyo is small settlement located in the heart of Kumbu region of Nepal, at the foot of Gokyo Ri and to the eastern shore of the third Gokyo Lake, Dukh Pokhari. Located at an elevation of 4,750m, Gokyo village is one of the highest settlement in Himalaya. Almost every house in the village serves as a tea-house.
Gokyo Lake is sparkling, pristine blue and green waters which is one of highest mountain lakes in the world. The Gokyo Lake system of 19 lakes is spread over area of 485 acres and locates at an average altitude of 4,700m. The distance from Kathmandu to Gokyo Lake is approx. 136km.
Beside its natural magnificence, Gokyo Lake is equally famous as sacred sites for both Hindus and Buddhist. During Janai Purnima festival, flocks of Hindu pilgrims makes Gokyo Lake Trek to perform holy bath and religious activities.
A stiff yet rewarding climb up Gokyo Ri at 5360m, the major highlights of Gokyo Lake Trek, offers soaring views of the 8 000m peaks, set amongst other giants. Gokyo Ri summit features the grand view of soaring peaks such as Mt. Cho-Oyu (8201m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8501m) and Mt. Makalu (8463m). In addition to mountain peaks, trekkers get to witness the the Ngozumpa glacier below the Cho Oyu Himal, the longest glacier in the world (36 km). Moreover, a gentle walk further up the valley – to two more lakes – is also possible.
Best Season For The Trek
The best season for Gokyo Lake trip is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these seasons, the sky remains clear and the view are excellent. Furthermore, the weather is moderate and receives no rain which is very suitable for trekking.
Trekkers can enjoy the verdant and lush vegetation coupled with excellent mountain views.
Trek Difficulty
Gokyo Lake trekking trip is moderate trek and offers same degree of difficulty as EBC trek.
The biggest potential problem is that the people run to complete the trek as soon as possible.
Trip Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (4 260ft)
- Day 02: Kathmandu – Lukla (2 800m/9 190ft) – Phakding (8 560ft)
- Day 03: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (11 290ft)
- Day 04: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization and exploration day
- Day 05: Namche Bazaar – Dole (13 450ft)
- Day 06: Dole – Machhermo (14 440ft)
- Day 07: Machhermo – Gokyo (15 580ft)
- Day 08: Gokyo – machermo (12 500ft)
- Day 09: Machermo – Namche (9 320ft),
- Day 10: Namche – Lukla (8 850ft)
- Day 11: Lukla – Kathmandu (4 260ft)
- Day 12: Final departure
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (4 260ft)
After completing passport, immigration and visa requirements, we will meet you outside the terminal building (look for your name board) and transfer you to your hotel: afternoon free. Evening: a welcome dinner, introduction to your guide and a briefing on the trek with a check on necessities. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer: car
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: welcome dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu – Lukla (2 800m/9 190ft) – Phakding (8 560ft)
After breakfast, drive to the Domestic Airport for the flight to Lukla in the Khumbu region – south of Everest. Meet your local porters and begin the discovery by trekking into the Dudh Koshi Valley: to Cheplung (2 700m) and Ghat (2 530m). Another hour’s walk takes you to Phakding. Overnight in Phakding
Transfer: 35 min flight
Trek: 3-4 hrs
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 03: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (11 290ft)
Walk through pine forests along the Dudh Koshi, crossing tributaries, to the Sherpa villages of Benkar (2 710m), Chumoa (2 820m), Monjo (2 840m) and Jorsale (2 830m). This is the gateway and permit checkpoint to the Sagarmatha National Park. Thamserku (6 618m) glistens east of the village. Follow the river to its confluence with the Bhote Koshi: the major rivers draining the Khumbu District. Climb steadily, crossing the high Tenzing- Hilary Bridge, to the first glimpses of Everest and the Nuptse-Lhotse ridge. A further 3hr forested climb leads to the region’s administrative and trade centre at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Trek: 5-6 hrs
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 04: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization and exploration day
This is the first scheduled acclimatization day. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) experts recommend at least a 24 hr rest period. Keep active: climb high and sleep low is the acclimatisation advice. Only Namche offers ATMs, cyber cafés, restaurants and bakeries, plus a colourful market each Friday evening and Saturday morning. The Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Visitor’s Centre has informative displays on Sherpa culture, local flora and fauna. The village of Khumjung (3 780m) will present a more traditional view of Sherpa life than Namche. Spend a morning walking up to the village. A circular trail is possible. At very least visit the closer Everest View Hotel (3 880m). A more adventurous five hour trek west to Thame (3 820m): below the impressive Kongde Ri Ridge (6 187m), offers panoramic Himalayan landscapes not visible from the Gokyo or Everest trails.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 05: Namche Bazaar – Dole (13 450ft)
From the top of Namche, the trail contours around a hill to Sanasa (3 600m); and a trail fork: NW to Gokyo, NE to Everest. Look for Himalayan tahrs on high ground, shy spotted deer, and birds – including the colourful (male) national bird: the Danphe pheasant. Turn NW along the slopes of Khumbila (5 761m) into the Dudh Khosi Valley and head up to Mong La (3 975m, with a central chorten). Descend to Phortse Thenga (3 680m) through pine and rhododendron forest before rising to Dole: and great snow-capped views.
Trek: 5-6 hrs
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 06: Dole – Machhermo (14 440ft)
Scrub vegetation confirms the altitude; trek slowly to minimise AMS risks. Climb to scenic ridges overlooking the valley’s summer grazing kharkas: snowy Cho Oyu appears ahead; Kangtega and Thamserku stand south of the valley. Machhermo lies in a broad valley below the moraine. Dwellings are spaced within stone walled fields. Overnight in Machhermo.
Trek: 4-5 hrs
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 07: Machhermo – Gokyo (15 580ft)
Walk from the basin to a ridge; where the south face of the mighty Cho Oyu – Ghyachung Kang glacier field starts to come into view. Ahead is the snout of the glacier from those fields. The trail gradually descends to the river. At Pangka (4 390m) a second path from the south joins the trail before it ascends the side of the moraine. There are six small lakes on the western side of the moraine. A bridge crosses the edge of the first; the Longponga Tsho (4 690m). Next is the Taboche Tsho (4 710m, just after a trail onto the glacier – to Tagnag and the Cho La). A final 30 min strenuous walk leads to the Dudh Pokhari, set in a horseshoe of high peaks. Gokyo village is perched above it on the side of the glacial moraine. The last three lakes lie further up the valley towards the huge ice wall: which is partially visible above ridges from the village. Overnight in Gokyo.
Trek: 3-4 hrs
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 08: Gokyo – machermo (12 500ft)
If time permits, walk up and onto the glacier from the path just below the second lake. At Pangka branch onto the eastern, warmer, trail: with better views of Khumbila. This is “game country” including musk deer. Overnight in Phortse.
Trek: 5-6 hrs
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 09: Machermo – Namche (9 320ft),
Continue south, through Mong La (3 975m) to Sanasa (3 600m). Then follow the wider trail back to Namche before descending into the greener valley and Jorsale (2 830m). Exit the National Park and walk down to Monjo; at a more comfortable altitude. Overnight in Monjo.
Trek: 6-7 hrs
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Namche – Lukla (8 850ft)
- Follow the Dudh Koshi, through the farming villages to Phakding (2 610m). Cross the suspension bridge at Thado Koshi and walk to Cheplung (2 700m). Descend and then climb steeply back to Lukla: where your porters will take their leave. Overnight in Lukla.
Trek: 6-7 hrs
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: Lukla – Kathmandu (4 260ft)
After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of day free.
Transfer: 35 min flight
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner
Day 12: Final departure
Final departure from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport
- Inclusions: breakfast
Cost Details
What Included
- Airport pickup and drop.
- Kathmandu–Lukla flights.
- Hotel in Kathmandu (with breakfast).
- Tea house stay during trek.
- Meals during trekking days.
- Licensed guide and porter support.
- Trek permits.
- Down jacket, sleeping bag, duffel bag.
- Medical kit and oxygen check.
What Is Not Included
- Nepal visa and international airfare.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Alcohol and bottled drinks.
- Snacks and bakery items.
- Hot shower, Wi‑Fi, charging fees.
- Tips for trekking staff.
FAQ
Cost & Date
| Departure Date | Duration | Availability | Cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Route Map
Gallery
Client Reviews
Mitchedberg
Vicky S
Date of experience: March 2025
Clare B
Date of experience: March 2025
An amazing experience – went trekking with 14 others in March / April 2025 and had a wonderful time. A big thank you to Badri and his crew for taking care of every logistical detail; flights, hotels, transportation in Kathmandu, transportation to and from the airport, money exchanges, restaurant reservations, sightseeing, optimal route pacing, gear transportation, and 100 other small details that would have left me flummoxed.
He and his team allow for a trek that’s as simplified as possible, you can focus your energy on getting to base camp, and they do everything else. They even bring you hot towels and lemon ginger tea at the end of each day (every morning too). I can’t say enough good things about the porters / guides, they were unbelievable, true heroes of our trip. We had some very unique challenges in our group, and without expert guides and porters we would absolutely not have had the same high quality experience. When I go back to Nepal for a second trek, I’m calling Badri. Badri is the guide you want – generous, personal, and you can tell he and his team deeply care about the well-being of their clients.
One more thing: Not once, but twice, Badri got our entire group flown from Kathmandu to Lukla (and back) on days when the weather was uncooperative. Both times, there was only a brief window when the clouds cleared — just enough for a single plane to make the journey — and guess whose plane was first in line? Even more impressive: while we were waiting at the airport, Badri already had a backup helicopter option lined up, just in case the planes didn’t fly. This kind of foresight and preparation gave us total peace of mind.