Gokyo Lakes Trek 10 Days

Gokyo Lakes Trek initiates with an invigorating morning flight. The flight is from Kathmandu to Lukla, which is often named as the gateway to the Everest region.

Upon your hearty breakfast, you will be introduced to your seasoned trekking guide, and you will board the small aircraft. In the flight, you will be able to view the Himalayas, which will be one of the most beautiful views in your entire trekking journey.

Once you arrive in Lukla, we will greet the porters, who will assist you in carrying your trekking bags, to make your journey more comfortable. After a brief lunch, we will embark on the Gokyo Lakes trek, which begins with a slight downhill to Phakding.

This day is purposely designed to be easy to help you adjust to the elevating altitude, as well as to take in the serene beauty of the Khumbu region. The trail is surrounded by typical sherpa hamlets, prayer flags, mani walls and many stupas.

To Phakding on the other side at Phakding, you can rest at the teahouse after crossing a couple of beautiful swing bridges, including the one at Chheplung. You’ll spend the night at the teahouse, and the next day, the part of the trek is to Namche Bazaar. Prior to departing for Lukla, the guide will finalize the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, which is necessary for the Gokyo Lake Trek.

Important Info for Gokyo Lakes Trek Participants

During the peak trekking seasons of Spring (from March to May) and Autumn (from September to November), flights to Lukla are prone to delay and diversion of Lukla flights owing to high air traffic. Sometimes, flights are diverted from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport to Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport which is a 4 to 5 hours drive from Kathmandu. When this occurs, we will arrange private road transport for you.

In case trekkers are want a quicker or a more comfortable start to the trek, a helicopter transfer from Kathmandu to Lukla can be arranged for USD 500 to 600 per shared flight. (5 people maximum). This flight is more expensive than the road transfer and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.
Trek Preparation for the Gokyo Lakes Trek

On the day prior to the departure, all gear for the trek should be organized and packed. Prior to the start of the trek, Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport will be the last chance to enjoy a meal. Porters will be available to assist you on the Gokyo Lakes Trek. One porter will be assigned to every two trekkers to make the trek as comfortable as possible.

The trek from Lukla to Phakding will provide a good chance to acclimatize as the trail is easy. You will be able to enjoy the quiet Khumbu Valley as you walk along the Dudh Koshi River, passing small villages and crossing suspension bridges. Phakding will be the first overnight stop on the Gokyo Lake Trek. Here you will be able to rest and enjoy the local hospitality as you prepare to continue the exciting trek towards the Gokyo Lakes and Namche Bazaar.

Duration

20 nimutes drive to hotel

Max Altitude

2600 m/8530 ft

Activity

short flight/trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Tourist Standard Hotel

For the second day of the Gokyo Lakes Trek, hikers will advance from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. This portion of the journey includes a steady elevation gain through the stunning landscapes of the Khumbu Region.

The path remains the same as the previous day, with travelers continuing to follow the Dudh Koshi River, walking through foliage, and crossing the charming terrain of the Himalayas. This portion of the journey will allow travelers to appreciate the stunning nature while gaining elevation.

Travelers will notice the beauty of the area when crossing the various suspension bridges and streams. With a clear sky, travelers will have the opportunity to view Sagarmatha, also known as Mount Everest. This view will help create the perfect picture of the Himalayas.

The route also includes the small settlement of Monjos Village. This area functions as a park gate for Sagarmatha National Park. Here, the park rangers will check the permits that were distributed at the start of the trek.

Our primary stop today will be Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa town that served as a trading center for Tibet and Nepal for hundreds of years, where they exchanged goods such as salt, wool, and tea. Namche Bazaar has also become a vibrant town, scattered with eateries and shops, and has lots of trekking gear. It is an excellent place to purchase any last-minute necessities for the trek’s higher altitude.

Exploration, cultural experience, and most importantly, acclimatization, can also be done here. With wonderful views, a nice collection of shops, and a thriving cultural experience, it is a wonderful spot to add to your itinerary.

Duration

5-6 hours walk

Max Altitude

3,440 m / 11,286 ft

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Acclimatization and a rest stop will be taken in Namche Bazaar, which is part of the trek to the Gokyo Lakes. After a large breakfast, prepare to view the high peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. You will then be in the heart of the high Himalayan range.

Today, we will enjoy a breathtaking, two hours hike to Everest View Hotel, the highest luxury hotel in the world, with ever-changing, stunning views (and a great place to grab a pin). While snow-covered peaks like Kongde Ri, Khangtega, Pachermo, Tangerito, and Samdur surround us, we’ll be awe-inspired by the depth and width of the Himalayas and have perfect opportunities to capture the grandeur in photographs.

Once the hotel stop is reached, we’ll enjoy coffee or tea while resting on the terrace, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Everest region, including Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, Taboche, Cholatse, and Nuptse. This moment is perfect to prepare for the challenges of the trek ahead.

After this nice excursion, the group will return to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll continue acclimatizing. Altitude sickness happens when the body struggles to adjust to high elevations, and this can be detrimental when not properly acclimatizing. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea are all caused by lower levels of available oxygen. By acclimatizing at this altitude for the remaining time, these risks will be significantly lowered, not completely eliminated.

On the rest day, you have the option to either explore Namche Bazaar, check out some of the nearby Sherpa villages, or do some light exercise to keep the blood flowing to help with acclimatization. It’s also a good day to organize your gear, hydrate, and prepare yourself mentally for the challenging trek to Gokyo Lakes. The guides are looking for any signs of Altitude Sickness, so it is important to report any symptoms for your own safety.

The rest day is a good mix of relaxation, culture, and not neglecting the important things for the trek ahead.

Duration

2-3 hours hiking

Max Altitude

3,880 m/12,730 ft

Activity

hiking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The day of rest and acclimatization should have replenished your energy, and your body is now ready for the trek to Dole Village. Today’s trek is another stunning one, although it will be another challenging one. It is one of the more difficult treks on Lakes Gokyo Trek, a mix of uphill and downhill passages.

Initially, the trail follows a path that is similar to the Everest Base Camp trek, going through the village of Sanesa. From there, the trail goes toward Phortse Thanga, leaving the main EBC trail, which leads trekkers to a quieter and less-traveled part of the Himalaya. During this part of the trek, travelers will pass near the sacred peak, Khumbila, which is a cherished mountain of the region. This brings in a more spiritual and culturally flavored touch to the trek.

With the trek progressing the skinny air and the altitude will start imposing its burden on the stamina of the trekkers. It is well paid off, though, when he reaches Dole Village, encircled in deep and spectacular valleys of the Himalayas, and it is a beautiful reminder of the grand seclusion of this portion of the world.

At this point of the trek, most of the modern niceties are gone. After Dole, trekkers will find simple facilities and lodges where some basic accommodations are provided, albeit with very limited electricity and services. The remoteness of Dole means that the comforts of urban life are lost, and trekkers are rewarded with a genuine experience of the Himalayas, where natural beauty is combined with a rustic lifestyle.

This section of the journey indicates the high level of necessity of patience and attention and makes people feel thankful for the challenges the environment puts on. Trekking is a good activity at high altitudes, and this is quite rewarding as seen in the Gokyo Lakes trek.

Duration

5-6 hours walk

Max Altitude

4,018 m/13,188 ft)

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The altitude takes its toll at this point of the Gokyo Lakes Trek, and even brief walks of the trek may feel taxing. Today it is Machhermo Village, a mere few hours walk out of Dole, though the way is difficult, as ever-increasing up-hill paths make it so. This may not be true because the short distance is deceptive and as you climb, it gets tougher and harder as you reach a high level and test your stamina.

This is a fairly challenging section, although it is an uphill trail, due to its overall shorter distance. It is advised that Trekkers should take their time, drink enough fluids and be aware of their bodies, as going too fast at this elevation will cause exhaustion or Altitude Sickness. The next point of Machhermo is many miles away, and, as a result, one needs to take the second part of the journey with a careful and slow trekking pace.

Machhermo is a miniature, old fashioned Sherpa village, similar to Dole, and an experience of the isolated and peaceful Himalayan feeling. Once there, trekkers are able to rest and adjust to the high altitude. In case of active people, there is a short hike to the higher destination as an acclimatization period before going back to the village to stay during the night. This is an optional increase that assists the body to get acclimated to the thin air and it also rewards the trekkers with views of the valleys and peaks surrounding them.

By staying overnight in Machhermo, trekkers have time to rest, acclimatize, and get ready for better ascents which are yet to be accomplished in the Gokyo Valley. This day focuses on the equilibrium between work and rest which is an essential part of safe and successful high-altitude trek

Duration

4-5 hours

Max Altitude

4,470 m / 14,665ft)

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

This day is one of the most important milestones of our entire Gokyo Lakes trek as we will finally cross the threshold into the Gokyo Valley! On the way to Gokyo Valley from Machhermo, there will be a few moderate challenges, but anticipation for Gokyo Valley will give the trekkers some encouragement to tackle the challenges and will make the trek even more enjoyable, despite the altitude.

Frosty nights and chilly mornings will make sleeping tough, but a warm breakfast and an will energize everyone for the trek. After some time, Gokyo should appear on the trail, and everyone will be able to experience the Himalayas and the breathtaking glacial lakes and villages, which will encourage everyone to continue to Gokyo without stopping.

When trekkers first arrive in Gokyo Valley, they can admire the many beautiful features the valley has to offer. It is home to three major glacial lakes, whose turquoise waters offer a stunning contrast to the towering white peaks that surround the valley.

There are traditional Sherpa settlements at the shore of the lakes, where you will find cozy lodges at which you will stay overnight. In the spring and autumn, the shores of the lakes and the surrounding villages are decorated with green pastures, while in the winter, the entire valley becomes a beautiful, white snow-covered landscape.

There are many opportunities to explore the Gokyo valley which is a nature lover’s paradise. One can walk on the shores of the main lakes, take photos, and find other lakes that are concealed in the more remote areas of the valley.

The towering peaks that surround the valley are Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu, and give the valley a stunning atmosphere that will make the experience memorable. The beauty of the valley will be a good opportunity to relax and acclimatize before the upcoming steep gains of the trek.

Duration

4-5 hours

Max Altitude

4,790 m / 15,715 ft)

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

One of the most rewarding parts of the Gokyo Lakes Trek, and perhaps the most unforgettable, is the early morning trek to Gokyo Ri, which is an astonishing viewpoint of the Gokyo Valley. Gokyo Ri is 5,330 m (17,483 ft) tall, and is famous for having views of some of the tallest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha), Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. On clear days, the view encompasses the 8,000 m+ peaks, lakes, and other stunning landscapes of the Himalayas.

Because of Gokyo Ri’s high elevation and steep ascent, it is imperative that trekkers go in a slow and steady manner to help keep the group safe. Failure to do so runs the risk of endangering the trek’s success, and could prove to pose serious risk to one’s health should they become acclimated. Even if a participant fails to reach the very top of Gokyo Ri, there is stunning scenery to view including lakes, towering snow covered peaks, and a plethora of other jagged mountains.

At the top, trekkers are able to rest, hydrate, and take in the beautiful views in every direction. The highlight of the trek is definitely the experience of being able to look down at the Gokyo Valley and have the breathtaking Himalayan mountains all around. After the group has enjoyed the view and taken pictures, they start to descend to Gokyo Valley to take a rest and have lunch.

After lunch, the trek heads back to Machhermo. To do this, the group must backtrack some of the trail that they have previously walked. On the way back, they still have a chance to enjoy the view of Gokyo Valley, take photos, and slowly acclimatize. The time in Machhermo is perfect to unwind and enjoy the calm of the Himalayas before the next section of the trek.

Duration

6-7 hours

Max Altitude

4,470 m / 14,665ft)

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

After the night’s rest in Machhermo, the trek continues to Namche Bazaar as we backtrack most of the trails we’ve traversed before on the trek. The trail takes us to Dole Village, where we will have to negotiate most of the uphill and downhill stretches again.

Although downhill sections may appear to be easier, your legs are bound to be tired from the high altitude trekking during the previous days. Make sure to watch every step during this trek and use your trekking poles to avoid injuries from muscle strain, sprains, and other associated injuries.

This trek is more than just physical work. It gives the chance to appreciate the seclusion of the trails and the different views of the high altitude rivers, valleys, and the numerous bridges on the rivers we have previously crossed.

It also gives the sense of achievement that comes with the completion of the trek to the Gokyo Valley. The views on the landscapes and the mountains are also very rewarding and will make the trekkers appreciate the beauty of the region even more. Amenities at Namche Bazaar offer trekkers a chance to rest, enjoy modern conveniences, and shop for souvenirs and local crafts before continuing their journeys. Interactions with local vendors and a well-stocked market add to the experience while leaving time for the cultural immersion Namche Bazaar provides. After Lukla, Namche Bazaar is the last stop before continuing on the journey towards Lukla.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

3,440 m / 11,286 ft

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Now on the tenth day, we will complete a large portion of the journey from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. Retracing our old path to Lukla, we will stop over Phakding, a town we have previously stayed in. With Phakding and the rest of the scenery are leg-groomed to phlegmatic, calm legs. The downhill trek is easier than the altitudinal ascents, but still requires diligence to rest the legs and joints.

As we arrive in Lukla, our excitement peaks as it is home to the world’s most dangerous commercial airport, where the plane lands on a sloped, short, and rocky runway surrounded by high mountains. Arriving in Lukla in the morning will give us sufficient time to relax, wander, and think about the fantastic journey that we are completing through Gokyo Valley and the Himalayas.

In contrast to the other remote tourist gers along the trek, Lukla has decent tourist accommodations, making it a nice resting spot after the trek. Additionally, an overnight stay allows us to ensure we catch the flights, as Lukla airport only has flights in the morning due to weather. Trekkers will have the privilege of a nice warm night, exchanging stories with fellow hikers, and enjoying the final views of the mountains before we end the trek to the Himalayas.

Duration

5-6 hurs

Max Altitude

2,800 m / 9,186 ft

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

You begin your most exciting yet mundane journey to Kathmandu the day after your last night in Lukla. You eat breakfast, and as per the standard schedule, you arrive at Lukla Airport with all your passenger bags, and the airport staff quickly check you in for your flight. The trekkers can get geared up for the flight and for the last flight over the Himalayas.

The take-off from Lukla Airport is as memorable as its legendary landing. The flight is surrounded by steep mountains and narrow valleys. It provides panoramic views of the Everest region, offering trekkers one additional spectacular view of the peaks and trails they’ve just conquered.

The Lukla Airport has a most impressive reputation for its difficult operations and its Lukla pilots. This provides customers with the best pilots for a safe and comfortable flight back to the Kathmandu Valley, defying the place of operating Lukla.

After the long and arduous trek, you arrive in Kathmandu, where we will take you to your assigned hotel/ guesthouse. You can finally lie down and relax as you have just come back from trekking through some of the best landscapes the Earth has to offer. This is the Gokyo Lakes Trek, which is now a finished chapter of your life. You will always remember the views, and the journey should bring you a great sense of achievement.

Max Altitude

1350 m/5,143 ft

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Tourist Standard Hotel