Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary

Gokyo Lake Trek is less crowded, Scenic, slightly easier alternative route to Everest Base Camp trek and It offers magnificent view of the mountain peaks and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest one in the Nepal Himalayas. It includes most popular mountains views of the northwest face of Mt. Everest (8848m), set amongst other giants like Mt. Cho-Oyo (8201m), Mt. Lhotse (8501m), Mt. Makalu (8463m) etc. which are clearly visible in a panorama from Gokyo Ri (5483m) above Gokyo Lake.

Gokyo Lake trek or Gokyo Valley Trek is certainly one of the most stunning mountain areas on earth. This short route is designe for those who have a limited time to discover the most famous beauties of  Khumbhu region. Set amongst breath-taking high mountain scenery, the route leads through the Sherpa community. Gokyo Lake can be done in two different routes that is Renjo Pass trek or an alternative itinerary with out high pass. The trail to Gokyo is a gradual ascent up the valley passing through patches of birch and rhododendron forest where the elusive musk deer can sometimes be seen. Through small yak-grazing settlements, we reach the Gokyo lakes.

The Gokyo Peak (5480m) ascent is the one of the highlights of this circuit. We stay here to savor the incredible scenery, including magnificent views of Everest (8848m), Makalu, Cho Oyo (8153m) and Lhotse (8511m), to name but a few. But on the other hand , the Renjo Pass route is off the usual beaten track. At the pass, a great view of the Gokyo lakes on one side, the RermoPokhari lakes on the other side, and a myriad of snowy peaks in the background provides this incredible atmosphere. The alternative route is much easier. From Gokyo, the trail descends along the opposite bank of the Dudh Kosi.

After a 35min short Mountain flight to Lukla, follow the Everest Base Camp trail for two days to Namche Bazaar, a rest and acclimatization day. Walk to the friendly Sherpa village of Khumjung to explore their lifestyle, culture and beliefs. 

Highlights of Gokyo Lake Trek

  • Scenic flight to Lukla the gateway to any trek to Everest Region 
  • Experience Sherpa Culture and tradition
  • Tibetan Buddhism and practice, high suspension hanging bridges
  • Breathtaking view of Mount Everest and Himalayan wide range 
  • Comfortable Accommodation and hygiene meals everyday during the trekking 
  • Day 01: Kathmandu – Lukla (2,642m/8,668ft) – Phakding (2,562m/8,700ft): 35 min flight, 8km, 3-4 hrs trek
    After breakfast, transfer to the Domestic Airport for the Trans Himalayan flight and dramatic landing on the hillside at Lukla: gateway to the Khumbu/Everest region. Meet your local porters and walk downhill to the Sherpa settlement of Cheplung. The trail then follows the side of the Dudh Koshi Valley before ascending to Ghat (2 530m/8 350ft). Another gentle hour leads up to Phakding.
    Overnight in Phakding at Lodge.
    • Kathmandu
    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Standard Hotel
    • 1326 M
  • Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft): 10km, 6-7 hrs
    The trail meanders through pine forest, along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing many suspension bridges via the Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo and Jorsale: entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and permit checkpoint, with tranquil views of glistening Thamserku (6,618m/21,714m). The trail continues along the riverbed to the confluence of the Bhote and Dudh Koshi Rivers. It then climbs steadily, crossing the high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge with inspiring glimpses of Everest and the Nuptse – Lhotse ridge. A final three hour ascent through pine forest leads to the prosperous trading and administrative town of Namche Bazaar.
    • Namche Bazaar
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Mountain Lodge
    • 3,440m/11,280ft
  • Day 03: Namche Bazaar -Acclimatization and exploration day.
    Today is acclimatization day on the trek. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and health experts recommend a stop for at least one extra night. Be active and roam rather than laze around: climb high and sleep low is the acclimatization advice.
    Friday evening and Saturday morning. Visit the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Visitor’s Center on the hillock: with informative displays on Sherpa culture, local flora and fauna.

    Take an entertaining side trip to the large traditional Sherpa village of Khumjung (3,780m/12,402ft): with fine views of Thamserku, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Everest – in a sea of lesser peaks. Return to Namche Bazaar for the night.
    • Namche Bazaar
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Mountain Lodge
    • 3,440m/11,280ft
  • Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,110m/13,152ft): 11km, 5-6 hrs
    The trail climbs up from the town and then contours around the hillside, offering great views including Everest and Khumjung. It then ascends along the lower slopes of Khumbila, branching northwest of the Everest trail and continuing up the Dudh Koshi Valley. It climbs steeply to the tiny village of Mong La (built around an ancient chorten), then drops to Phortse Thenga before climbing through a pine and rhododendron forest and on up to Dole – from where there are marvellous views of snow capped peaks. Look out for spotted deer, Himalayan Tahrs and birds – including the colourful (male) Danphe pheasant (Nepal’s national bird). Overnight in Dole at Lodge
    • Dole
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Mountain Lodge
    • 4,110m/13,152ft
  • Day 05: Trek to Machhermo (4,470m/14,663ft):9km, 4-5 hrs
    Today calls for a slow walk along this high trail. It climbs, through thorny alpine scrub, to scenic ridges above the river. Breathtaking views of Cho-Oyo, Thamserku and Kangtega are countered by charming views into the valley below where we pass summer-grazing hamlets such as Luza that lead up to Machhermo. The Machhermo Khola flows through the village of Kyajo Ri and Pharilapche before draining into the Dudh Koshi. This is the last settlement before Gokyo and has a HRA aid post for victims of AMS.
    • Machhermo
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Mountain Lodge
    • 4,470m/14,663ft
  • Day 06: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800m/15,744ft): 7km, 3-4 hrs
    The trail rises gently from the village to a ridge that offers the first views of the north face of Cho-Oyo (8,210m/26,907ft) and more views of Kangtega and Thamserku. Ahead in the valley is the snout of the Ngozumpa Glacier: the trail drops back towards the river. At the hamlet of Pangka it meets an alternative route from the south before climbing onto the side of the moraine. A metal bridge crosses the edge of the frozen Longponga Tsho (4,690m/15,383ft): the first of the Dudh Koshi’s six sacred lakes. Before Taboche Tsho, a path leads up onto the glacier – and the Cho La. A strenuous half hour’s walk beyond the lake is the summer village of Gokyo set on the side of the moraine and overlooking the blue-green Dudh Pokhari which nestles in a semi circle of high peaks at the foot of Gokyo Ri. Cho-Oyo and the ice ridge to Ghyachung Kang, from which the Ngozumpa glacier flows, are clearly visible behind ridges.
    • Gokyo Lake
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Mountain Lodge
    • 4,800m/15,744ft
  • Day 07: Acclimatisation and exploration of the Gokyo Valley
    Another scheduled rest day is stipulated to guard against AMS. Gokyo offers two major viewpoints.
    The first is Gokyo Ri (5,360m/17,586ft) which begins on the northern side of the lake, opposite the village. Its panorama invites an early start and involves a two hour climb to its summit. It overlooks the broad, rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest, gouged out beneath a wall of towering peaks on its south-eastern flank. From the flag bedecked summit is the unforgettable vista of the Himalayan chain that 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 more, some unnamed.

    The second attraction explores the fourth to sixth lakes north of the village. These lakes, together with melt water from the glacier are the source of the Dudh Koshi: followed from Lukla.

    A trail rises gently, for three kilometres, north of the village to Thonak Tsho (4870m/15980m), the Ngozumpa Tsho (4,980m/16,340ft) and Scoundrel’s viewpoint (5,000m/16,405ft). From here there are tremendous close-up views of Cho-Oyu, Ghyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu. Approximately two hours is needed for the 200m descent back to Gokyo. If there is time, continue north along the path to the Cho-Oyo Base Camp at the northern end of the sixth lake; the Gyazumba Tsho. Return to Gokyo for the night
    • Gokyo Ri
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Mountain Lodge
    • ,360m/17,586ft
  • Day 08: Trek from Gokyo to Phortse (3,810m/12,500 ft): 5km, 5-6 hrs
    Rather than retrace the upward route, follow the eastern side of the valley to gain different views of Khumbila. This path also offers warmer weather, as the sun stays on these slopes longer in the late afternoon. Overnight in Phortse at Lodge

    • Phortse
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Mountain Lodge
    • 3,810m/12,500 ft
  • Day 09: Trek back to Monjo (2,835m /8,500ft): 12km, 4-5 hrs
    A slippery trail descends from Phortse to the bridge at Phortse Thenga and then rejoins the original route from Khumjung. It is easy to reach Namche Bazaar and then descend to the Dudh Koshi for a lower final night. Overnight in Monjo at Loge
    • Monjo
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Mountain Lodge
    • 2,835m /8,500ft
  • Day 10: Trek back from Manjo to Lukla (2,780m/9,175ft): 12km, 5-6 hrs
    After breakfast retrace your steps to Phakding, cross the suspension bridge at Thado Koshi, walk on to Cheplung and round off the adventure with the final 700m/2,300ft, 35min ascent to Lukla: and say goodbye to your porters. Overnight in Lukla at Lodge.
    • Lukla
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Mountain Lodge
    • 2,780m/9,175ft
  • Day 11: Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft): 35 min flight
    After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of day free.
    Overnight in Kathmandu at Boutique Hotel with breakfast
    Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
    • Kathmandu
    • Breakfast and Lunch
    • Standard Hotel
    • 1,300m/4,264ft
  • Day 12: Final departure or join another Tour / Trek
    Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight to your next destination.
    Meal: Breakfast only
    • Breakfast
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