Table of Contents
Gokyo Trek Everest Himalayas in northern Nepal house an astounding array of natural and cultural landmarks. As such, the Gokyo Lakes are one of the biggest highlights in the region. Surrounded by the majestic Everest range, the turquoise Gokyo lakes are touted as the highest freshwater lakes in the world. As such, the Gokyo Trek is a glorious adventure that explores these lakes along with the vibrant Sherpa villages in the region.
The trek takes us to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) to witness the true beauty of the Himalayas. Encompassing the majestic peaks of Ama Dablam (6,812m), Imja Tse (6,189m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), and Mt. Everest (8,848m), the sights from the summit are rarely mirrored elsewhere. Trekking around the Everest Region takes us through the UNESCO world heritage site of Sagarmatha National Park.
Each season offers unique conditions on the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek. The spring months of March, April, and May are mainly known for the lush green forests with the rhododendrons in full bloom. While the autumn months of September and October are also considered ideal for trekking. On the contrary, winter and monsoon seasons are generally avoided by trekkers due to adverse trekking conditions.
The possibility of combining the tour with several other trek routes around the Everest region makes the Gokyo Ri trek even more exciting. Some other famous treks near the Gokyo Trek are Everest Base Camp Trek, Cho La Pass Trek, and Three Pass Trek, among others.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla [2,800 m/9,184ft] – Phakding (2,652 m/8,700ft): 3 – 4 Hrs
Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283ft]: 5 – 6 Hrs
Day 03: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dhole – [4110 m/ 13,480ft]: 5 – 6 Hrs
Day 05: Trek from Dhole to Machhermo-[4,470 m/ 14,663ft]: 5 – 6 Hrs
Day 06: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo [4800 m/15,744ft]: 5 – 6 hours
Day 07: Explore Gokyo Valley: Climb Gokyo Ri [5357 m/17,570ft] and hike to the fifth lake: 5 – 6 Hrs
Day 08: Trek from Gokyo to Dhole: 5 – 6 Hrs
Day 09: Trek from Dhole to Namche Bazaar: 4 – 5 Hrs
Day 10: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6 – 8 Hrs
Day 11: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu/Rest Day
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1300 m/4264ft]
Altitude: 1300m/ 4264m
Day 01: Kathmandu – Lukla [2,800 m/9,184ft] – Phakding (2,652 m/8,700ft): 3 – 4 Hrs
Altitude: 2800m/9,184ft (Lukla) and 2652m /8700ft (Phakding)
Trekking hours: 3 – 4 hours
Highlights: A thrilling mountain flight to Lukla coupled with serene Himalayan views
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We begin our Himalayan adventure with a thrilling flight heading toward Lukla. The 30-minute flight takes you to one of the most thrilling airstrips in the world with a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas. Reaching Lukla, we rest briefly before taking on the Everest Base Camp Trekking trail towards Phakding.
Day 02: Phakding – Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283ft]: 5 – 6 Hrs
Altitude: 3440m/11,283ft (Namche Bazaar)
Trekking hours: 5- 6 hours
Highlights: First look at the majestic Himalayan summit of Mt. Everest (8,884m)
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Exiting Phakding, the trail takes us beyond the Hillary Suspension Bridge towards Bengkar and Chhamuwa. Continuing on the pleasant hilly course, we ascend towards Monjo and Jorsale marking our entry into the Sagarmatha National Park. Leaving the banks of the Dudh Koshi behind, the trail climbs to Namche.
Day 03: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
Altitude: 3440m/11283ft (Namche Bazaar)
Trekking hours: 5- 6 hours
Highlights: Visit the Everest View Hotel, enjoy the Sherpa culture and lifestyle
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
On the first of our acclimatization days, we take the day off at Namche and explore the village. Exiting Namche, the trail ascends through the rugged Himalayan landscape to reach Everest View Hotel. The views include scenery of mountains like Mt. Everest (8,848m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), and Pumo Ri (7,165m).
Day 04: Namche Bazaar – Dhole – [4110 m/ 13,480ft]: 5 – 6 Hrs
Altitude: 4110m, 13,840ft (Dhole)
Trekking hours: 5- 6 hours
Highlights: Views of the Everest ranges, Sherpa culture, and Himalayan lifestyle
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Exiting Namche, the trail ascends through a series of Mani walls to reach Sanasa. Now, the path deviates from the classic Everest Base Camp Trek continuing towards Mange and then onto Phortse Thenga, located on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. The final stretch of our journey takes us over to the Tangwa Kharka before reaching Dhole.
Day 05: Dhole -Machhermo-[4,470 m/ 14,663ft]: 5 – 6 Hrs
Altitude: 4,470m/ 14, 663ft (Machhermo)
Trekking hours: 5- 6 hours
Highlights: Views of Cho Oyu (8188m), Kyajo Ri (6186m), and Kongde range
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Deep within the stunning Himalayan valley of Gokyo, the final stretch of our ascending journey takes us to Machhermo. Exiting Dhole, the trail gradually ascends through the rugged terrain heading towards Kele. Enjoying the majestic Himalayan views on the horizon, we continue our journey toward Luza. Then, the trail climbs to reach Machhermo.
Day 06: Machhermo – Gokyo [4800 m/15,744ft]: 5 – 6 hours
Altitude: 4800m/ 15,744ft (Gokyo)
Trekking hours: 5- 6 hours
Highlights: Explore Gokyo Valley and the Gokyo Lake
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Past Machhermo, the trail begins its ascending run toward Phangnga. Soon, we reach Longponga Lake and explore the lake’s vicinity. After some time, we climb to the second lake of Taujung Tsho at an altitude of 4,740m. Past this lake, the trail ascends to the Gokyo village located at the banks of Gokyo Lake.
Day 07: Explore Gokyo Valley: Climb Gokyo Ri [5357 m/17,570ft] and hike to the fifth lake: 5 – 6 Hrs
Altitude: 5,357m, 17,570ft (Gokyo Ri)
Trekking hours: 5- 6 hours
Highlights: climb Gokyo Ri (5360m), views of the mountains in the Everest and Cho Oyu range
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, we take the entire day off exploring the stunning Gokyo Valley. For a closer look at the Himalayas, we ascend to the hill summit of Gokyo Ri (5360m). The peak is an ideal destination to get a closer look at the majestic Himalayas. Later, we descend and can hike towards the fifth Gokyo Lake. Enjoying the striking display of Himalayan beauty, we drop down to the hamlet of Gokyo for the night.
Day 08: Gokyo – Dhole: 5 – 6 Hrs
Altitude: 4110m, 13,840ft (Dhole)
Trekking hours: 5- 6 hours
Highlights: views of mountains in the Everest ranges, the company of Dudh Koshi River
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Past Gokyo, the trail descends through the first and second Gokyo Lakes, reaching Phangnga.
Dropping down to Machhermo, we cross over the Machhermo Khola, continuing to Luza. The final stretch of the trek takes us back to Kele before dropping down to Dhole.
Day 09: Dhole – Namche Bazaar: 4 – 5 Hrs
Altitude: 3440m/11283ft (Namche Bazaar)
Trekking hours: 4- 5 hours
Highlights: Sherpa culture and lifestyle. Numerous monasteries and Chortens along the trail in Everest Gokyo Ri trek
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Retracing our steps through the quiet hilly trail, we exit the Gokyo Valley process. Trekking around the Everest region, we follow the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. Crossing Phortse Thenga and Mang, we descend to Sanasa. The final part of the trek takes us to Namche.
Day 10: Namche Bazaar – Lukla: 6 – 8 Hrs
Altitude: 2800m/9,184ft (Lukla)
Trekking hours: 6-8 hours
Highlights: biodiversity of the Sagarmatha National Park, views of Kongde range
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Exiting Namche, we descend to Larja Dobhan and leave the Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale. Past the settlement of Bengkar and Chhamuwa, the trail reaches Phakding, where we take a brief rest enjoying the picturesque natural beauty.
Day 11: Fly back to Kathmandu/Rest Day
Altitude: 1300 m/4264ft (Kathmandu)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, we take to the skies bidding goodbye to the Himalayas. We touch down at Tribhuvan International and enjoy the picturesque beauty of hilly Nepal. Touching down at Kathmandu, we make our way directly to the hotel bringing our journey to a close.
Our representatives will once again drop you back at Tribhuvan International Airport just in time for your flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us, and we look forward to seeing you again.
Gokyo Trek Conclusion
Everest Trek is one of the best trips around the Everest region. The Gokyo Valley Trek itinerary and Gokyo Lake Trek cost are perfect for those who want to enjoy the Himalayas quickly. With the dazzling beauty of nature and ancient culture, the Everest Gokyo Trip is a must-do.
The detailed itinerary can be viewed in the Everest Treks package details on the My Everest Trip main website.
Conclusion
Hours of walking through the hilly trail, rugged Himalayan landscape decorated with flamboyant Buddhist prayer flags, and series of mani walls track to reach a Gokyo Ri lake. Everest Gokyo Ri Trek is one of the best adventurous trips around the Everest region, apprised with quaint, vibrant Sherpa culture. The eye-catching scene from the Everest viewpoint and the breeze from the pristine turquoise lake wipes out all the worries and pain. The Gokyo Valley trek itinerary and Gokyo Lake Trek cost are perfect for those who want to enjoy the Himalayas quickly.
