Gokyo Lakes Trek 9 Days

The Gokyo Lake Trek, 9 Days, commences with a majestic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. This flight is a thrill, offering all passengers a chance to see the majestic and towering peaks of the stunning Himalayas, their valleys, and other topographical variegations. It is going to be an adventure for sure and is a perfect introduction for trekkers to the unrivaled views of the Himalayas.

After eating breakfast in Kathmandu, you will meet your trekking guide who is with you for the trek, and head to the airport for your flight to Lukla (2,800 m / 9,184 ft). The flight will arrive at the renowned Tenzing-Hillary Airport, which is going to be a wonderful experience, albeit with a little anxiety and a few clouds, as the airport is located right in the midst of the snowy peaks and has a very limited runway.

After the plane lands and you disembark, the trekking part of the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days begins, as you are now officially part of the Khumbu region. Once arriving in Lukla, you will meet the trekking porters who will help carry some of your luggage through the trek.

This will keep you from having to walk with a heavy pack. After a short break and lunch in Lukla, the last adjustments to your gear are completed and the trek starts officially with a gentle downhill walk to Phakding. This part of the trek will be the most relaxed and will help you ease into the trekking routine.

Trek from Lukla to Phakding

On the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 days, the first trekking day from Lukla to Phakding is also short. This is so trekkers can gain acclimatization to the altitude. This trek follows the Dudh Koshi River and streams through forests and small Sherpa villages. On the way, you will find prayer flags, mani stones and stupas. These are some examples of the cultural heritage of the people of the mountains.

Further along the trek, you will find many other suspension bridges, including the popular Chheplung Bridge, where you will have a view of the river and the mountains. This section of the trek is especially well appreciated after the long wait to earn the trek and the trekking routine. The fresh mountain air and gentle inclines will be a welcome treat to the trekkers.

After about three to four hours of walking, you will arrive in beautiful Phakding, a riverside village. Here you will settle into a traditional teahouse. Phakding offers the first overnight stop on the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days and provides the best authentic Sherpa hospitality. Relax and enjoy a warm meal before the trek continues to Namche Bazaar.

Guides in Lukla take time to prepare the necessary permits, so the trek can go smoothly and avoid needing to stop for logistical concerns.

Important information

During the peak trekking seasons in Autumn and Spring, flights to Lukla get delayed and diverted. Weather conditions and busy air traffic cause these delays, and should be expected when planning the trek.

Private road transport is arranged to smooth the transfer when flights go from Kathmandu to Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport. Ramechhap is about a 4-5 hour drive from Kathmandu.

For those seeking a quick and convenient method, we can arrange helicopter transfers from Kathmandu to Lukla for an extra $500-600 USD per passenger on a shared flight (5 passengers maximum). While this method is more costly, it provides a good opportunity to see the Himalayas.

Trek Preparation

All personal gear, as well as trekking equipment, needs to be organized and packed the day before departure. Lukla provides the last opportunity to get a substantial meal and do any remaining logistical tasks before the trek begins, as it is the last major settlement with a good range of services.

To make the trekking experience more enjoyable, we include porter services. Every two trekkers will share one porter, so we encourage you to enjoy the hike without the concern of heavy carrying.

The trek to Phakding is of great significance, as it aids in the acclimatisation process. The gradual terrain means that your body is able to make adjustments in a more natural way to the altitude. Teahouse accommodations provide simple and basic lodgings, but with scrumptious meals and hospitable service, you will be more than happy.

Trekking through Khumbu Valley’s stillness allows adventurers to establish their journey cadence while reveling in the beauty of nature during day one of their excursion. Phakding marks the commencement of your expedition into the Himalayas and Phakding preps you for the thrilling climb to Namche Bazaar and the dazzling blue lagoons that wait during the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days.

Duration

30 minutes flight/ 3 hours walk

Max Altitude

2600 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days’ second day hiking trip commences from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, an important and proud climb into the very core of the Khumbu. This day features a notable altitudinal increase in addition to a rich presentation of newly acquired features and formations. Excited trekkers will experience even more pronounced mountain majesty, creamy green dense thickets, and the ever lively Sherpa populace.

The journey becomes more exhilarating and challenging, and the main request will be a little more self-restraint and the creation of a personal, enjoyable cadence.

The path of the previous day is, for the most part, repeated and descends close to the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. Adventurers proceed through conifer and rhododendron thicket, cross small Sherpa settlements and range of the Himalayas. The Dudh Koshi and the majestic view won’t allow the trekkers to miss the freshest elements as altitude is gained.

During their travels, trekkers encounter many magnificent suspension bridges, which are built over gushing rivers and deep gorges. On clear days, trekkers can catch their first spectacular view of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) while navigating this section of the trek. The first sight of the world’s tallest mountain is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it is a moment that every traveler relishes.

The trekker’s journey continues through the tiny settlement of Monjo Village, which is also the official entrance to Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here, the park officials verify the trekking permits that trekkers had previously obtained, and this gives them access to the restricted zone. After Monjo, trekkers are faced with the first and, most likely, the most difficult uphill trek of the day toward Namche Bazaar.

Trekkers must conquer a steep ascent, which is interrupted by a succession of switchbacks, to reach Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the most sizable Sherpa town in the Everest region and is a trove of high-altitude history. Sights such as the bustling town, which over the years has transformed into a fully furnished mountain town complete with bakeries, restaurants, and cafes, will impress most trekkers.

For many, the town will be a welcome change from the trail. Historically, it was a pivotal trading point between Tibet and Nepal, where the barter trade of salt, wool, and tea was exchanged. Now it has integrated banking services and internet access.

Many trekkers choose to spend extra time in Namche Bazaar to adapt to the altitude, rest and experience the local culture. Namche has great views of the surrounding mountains and has a rich Sherpa culture.

Namche also has a great local market, a couple of museums, and a variety of stores where trekkers can get last minute higher altitude trekking gear. For Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days, a stop in Namche Bazaar is an important step in acclimatization and helps prepare for the next sections of the trek.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

3440 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

This is a rest day in Namche Bazaar on this day of the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days as trekkers enter into altitude acclimatization. The day starts after a hearty breakfast with the possibility to see the breathtaking views of the Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in the town itself. To the energetic ones, a hike of 2 hours tops will get one to the Everest View Hotel, the highest luxury hotel in the world in which there is a panorama of all the iconic peaks.

The trekkers encounter great mountains such as Kongde Ri, Khangtega, Pachermo Peak, Tangerito Peak, and Samdur Peak, on the trail. On the hotel terrace, guests are also able to have coffee or tea and the inspiring Himalayas scenery that includes Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse, and Nuptse. Once satisfied with the sightseeing, trekkers come back to Namche Bazaar to recline and this is a vital factor of acclimatizing with the high-altitude conditions.

The reduced oxygen concentration in the atmosphere at altitudes above 3,000 meters increases the risk of altitude sickness that may affect the safety and performance during the trek. This rest day helps the body to acclimatize and the chances of altitude related issues are minimized during the next parts of the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days. Trekker may spend day in Namche Bazaar which is lively, go and visit the neighboring villages, or do some easy exercises to make the body active.

The guide will also give recommendations on keeping track of the symptoms of altitude sickness and make sure that any symptoms of discomfort are taken care of in time. Relaxation, gentle exercise, and acclimatization are the ingredients that make the rest day in Namche Bazaar an enjoyable and necessary experience that equips the trekkers with physical and mental preparation of high-altitude activities that await them on their way to the Gokyo Lakes.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

After Namche, newly rested and acclimatized trekkers can proceed to Dole Village, which marks the next step of the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days. From now trekkers will avoid the Everest Base Camp route and will stay in the Khumbu’s quiet outer region. Trekkers will once again get to enjoy the views from the Everest Base Camp trail to begin the trek which is highly regarded.

After reaching the important trail junction at Sanasa, the route diverges from the main Everest Base Camp trail. From here, the trek turns toward Phortse Thanga, bypassing the heavily trafficked EBC route and gradually entering the less crowded Gokyo Valley. This transition marks a noticeable change in atmosphere, as the trail becomes quieter and more serene.

The more difficult challenges the trek has to offer become more apparent with the progression of the trek. The Sherpa sacred mountain Khumbila has hills and valleys and will require the trekker to go up and down constantly. The Sherpa play an important role in the community and help the trekkers. Having made it to a higher elevation will mean that there is less air. This will mean the trekker is likely to begin to feel the air and it is vital to maintain a steady trek and stay hydrated.

The views are offers are a great reward for the challenges the trek has to offer. The base of the mountain is very soothing and will require the trekkers to adjust their mentality to reach a higher base of the mountain. The view of the mountain will begin to be more and more rugged the higher the trekkers go.

The view will become more and more rugged as the trekkers move further and further up the mountain. The view will start to go down more steeply as the trekkers move further up to get to Dole Village. The trekkers can begin to appreciate the view of Dole Village as it offers a more remote and quiet view.

Dole Village will offer a greater contrast to Namche Bazaar, where the trekkers would find themselves in a busier view. The remote view will allow trekkers to appreciate the more authentic view of trekking in the Himalayas. The trekkers will be able to appreciate the amenities of the view more as they will become more lacking at this high elevation.

The Gokyo Lake Trek perfectly encapsulates the remote and wondrous nature of the Gokyo area. Less busy trails mean a more tranquil communion with nature. The stay in Dole is a perfect stop to adjust to the altitude and prepare for the stunning landscapes that lie ahead at the Gokyo Lakes.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

4,030 m / 13,225 ft

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The Gokyo Valley and Dole trek takes you deeper into the grand and stunning landscapes of the upper Khumbu region. After leaving the isolated village of Dole, the trail begins to climb through the stone rubble and juniper bushes. During this segment, you may encounter stone shelters and even Yaks. As you gain altitude, the trail opens up to a rugged wilderness that provides expansive views of the Khumbu valley and the towering peaks of the Himalayas.

The trail follows the western bank of the Dudh Koshi river, with more placid surroundings and far fewer trekkers than the busy Everest Base Camp path. The gentle but steady incline allows trekkers to acclimatize properly and highlights the natural splendour and remoteness of the Gokyo valley. Seasonal mini settlements appear along the way, showcasing traditional high altitude settlements of the herding Sherpa peoples of this region. They use these areas for summer pasturing of livestock.

Further on, the straight trail gains altitude with a rising dramatic alpine landscape of snow dusted far peaks and of forsaken moraines and glaciers. The dry air of the altitude encourages trekkers to maintain a slow, steady pace for the highest enjoyment of the most scenic and impressive mountain views, growing more closer with every curve on the path.

As the most critical way point along the path, the village of Machhermo affords trekkers the most important opportunity of a final rest and more acclimatization. The trail beyond Machhermo is the most scenic on the trek, with the first of a sequence of four stunning turquoise glacial lakes, and then the wondrous open valleys with glacial rivers of this Gokyo region. The first lake is the most important and most trail defining of the trek, for it is also the first point to the Upper Gokyo Valley and marks the most important portion of the journey.

The path ahead consists of rocky and glacial terrain and subsequently arrives at the main settlement of Gokyo Valley, located beside the third and largest of the Gokyo Lakes. It is located across from the breathtaking azure waters of the largest Gokyo Lakes, framed by Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest mountain. This area is in stark contrast to the noise and congestion of the other trekking routes in the Everest region.

Trekkers are rewarded with one of the most stunning high-altitude landscapes in the Himalayas. The Gokyo Lakes region is truly one of a kind. The shimmering glacial lakes and towering, all around quiet peaks are in stark contrast to the populated trekking routes. Gokyo Lakes is truly one of a kind and an incredible masterpiece of nature and truly an incredible contrast to the populated trekking routes.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

4,790 m / 15,715 ft

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Ascending to Gokyo Ri (5,330 m / 17,483 ft) is an essential part of the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days, and is an early day start to revel in one of the most incredible panoramic views the Himalayas has to offer. This view is one of the most celebrated moments in the trek and enjoys an early morning start to assist in a climb during clear weather with no obstructions.

The trek to Gokyo Ri is demanding and steep, and undertaken at a slow and steady pace to mitigate safety and altitude issues. This trek is as much a journey of physical and mental well-being, and the well-being of each hiker is a priority for the crew. Summits of mountains are often an obnoxious goal, and many are frequently satisfied with views along the trail from Gokyo to Machhermo, so don’t feel obliged to push yourself or your crew too hard.

Trekking Gokyo Ri is a mesmerizing experience, giving trekkers views of quad 8000 meters peaks such as Sagarmatha (Mount Everest), Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Trekkers are also rewarded with views of the Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest glacier in the Himalayas) and the emerald colored Gokyo Lakes. Trekkers are rewarded with views of such spectacles and more, making this experience unforgettable on the Gokyo Lake Trek.

Once trekkers are done enjoying the views and have taken all necessary pictures, they carefully make their way down to the Gokyo Valley. After returning to the Gokyo Valley, there is some time to relax and enjoy a well deserved lunch.

In the afternoon, the trek continues, following the same route to Machhermo, which encompasses the upper Gokyo area and finally down to Gokyo Valley. Unlike the first part of the trek, this time is a long downward trek and is more relaxed, giving trekkers some time to enjoy the mountainous valleys once again.

Once reaching Machhermo, trekkers are able to reflect and relax in a teahouse for the night after a long and strenuous day of trekking. This day is considered one of the main highlights of the 9 day Gokyo Lake Trek due to the combination of mesmerizing views, adventures, and acclimatization.

Duration

6-7 hours

Max Altitude

4,470 m / 14,665 ft

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Before the Gokyo Lake Trek continues to Namche Bazaar, Machhermo must be visited again, as the trek includes an out and back section to the Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Ri.

This stretch of the trek involves re-navigating sections of trail that were encountered on the trek in and will likely be recognized again, including the village of Dole. While it may seem at first that going downhill on a trek is easier than going uphill, a number of trekkers will experience considerable fatigue and soreness in the leg muscles from high altitude walks. Rocky, uneven terrain and careful head-down walks will need to be navigated in order to avoid the injuries that can result from settlements that make this descent in its own right an arduous trek.

Before trekkers can once again experience the towering heights and vast elevation of the Khumbu Region, the skies and the terrain will be collected slowly around alpine meadows, dense piles of conifer trees, and old yaks. They will be greeted by sections that were previously uphill on the trek out, and sections that will be downhill on the trek out, both of which will provide a new experience and relative concept.

When the trek is nearing the end, the breathtaking views and smooth trekking will once again provide the Khumbu Region. Trekkers will once again have multiple opportunities to take photos and view the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

As one moves closer to Namche Bazaar, the trekkers get excited as they get to enter the biggest Sherpa town in the region. Namche Bazaar is a designated place of rest and resupply since the trek has fewer facilities, such as cafes and restaurants on the more isolated parts of the Gokyo Lake Trek.

There is a wide range of food, and local markets and trekking equipment/souvenirs available in the town. The trekkers are also able to take the time to reflect on the scenic journey that they had on the Gokyo Valley and the stunning high altitude scenery. Namche bazaar gives a nice resting place after the amenities before proceeding to Lukla. Trekkers are able to rejuvenate and reminisce about the memorable trek to take others along to Lukla.

Duration

5-6 hours walk down

Max Altitude

3,440 m / 11,286 ft

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The last day of the Gokyo Lake Trek is the most eventful, as it takes trekkers from Namche Bazaar to Lukla and is full of memorable moments that capture the essence of the Himalayas. This final descent from Lukla is always longer than the previous downhill sections of the trek, but it is less strenuous because it is simply an easy downhill hike instead of a high-altitude climb. After a hike through the lush greens of the Khumbu region and a trek through small villages, suspension bridges, and trails along the river, trekkers will arrive at Lukla.

On the 9 Day Gokyo Lake Trek, trekkers will be retracing parts of the trail from the start of the trek. This final descent will allow and encourage your legs to recover and will offer spectacular views surrounding you. On this portion of the trek, trekkers will arrive at Monjo Village which is the entrance point to Sagarmatha National Park. This is where park officials will be checking and validating permits one final time.

After this, trekkers will travel through Phakding. The views and suspension bridges of this stretch will be familiar but it is simply a nostalgic end to your trek. From the view of the Khumbu Valley and other surrounding villages, you will reflect on your last couple of days and the trek. These final few moments capture the essence of the Himalayas and will always be memorable.

As trekkers arrive in Lukla, they are greeted by the small town of the airport which serves as the starting point of the trek. This last stop provides a moment to relax and eat a meal before the return flight back to Kathmandu, the stop where the adventure ends.

Completing the trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla is not only a physical accomplishment but an emotional one, as trekkers reflect on the memories of the Gokyo Lake Trek. Trekking through the high-altitude lakes and the magnificent mountains, the quaint Sherpa villages, and the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas is an adventure of a lifetime.

Duration

5-6 hours walk down

Max Altitude

2,800 m / 9,186 ft

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

On the last day of the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days, after a filling breakfast in Lukla, trekkers get ready for the last part of the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days, a flight back to Kathmandu. Once more, participants do a round of checks on their belongings to confirm that nothing is left behind. Our staff assists with all airport duties at Tenzing-Hillary Airport.

Leaving Lukla is just as exciting as arriving. The mountainous terrain, short airport runways, and extensive views of the Himalayas make the flight an experience to remember. Skilled aviators are able to deal with the tough landings, and because of their experience, the flight is safe and leaves an unforgettable impact.

Air traffic is particularly busy in the peak trekking seasons (March to May and September to November), so flights from Lukla to Kathmandu may be full or diverted. When this happens, flights may go through Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport, where travelers will have to take a flight from Lukla to Ramechhap and then drive for 4-5 hours to Kathmandu.

The upside is that trekkers can take in the breathtaking mountain views from the plane. Off-peak season offers travelers direct flights from Lukla to Kathmandu, providing a more efficient and uncomplicated journey.

Trekkers once they arrive in Kathmandu Valley will be welcomed by our staff to transfer them to the hotel. This brings an end to the Gokyo Lake Trek 9 Days. It gives trekkers time to enjoy a few minutes and reflect on the stunning experience of Gokyo Valley, its high altitude lakes, and the awe inspiring mountains of the Khumbu.

The expedition is a journey to be appreciated and it will provide trekkers with the memories of magnificent views of the Himalayas, calm alpine lakes and huge, snow covered mountains. It is something that is unforgettable even after tourists have left Nepal.

Duration

30 minutes

Max Altitude

1350 m/5,143 ft

Activity

Flight

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Local Teahouse