The Gokyo Trek in the Everest Himalayas of northern Nepal offers an astounding array of natural and cultural landmarks. As such, the Gokyo Lakes are one of the region’s biggest highlights. Surrounded by the majestic Everest range, the turquoise Gokyo Lakes are touted as the world’s highest freshwater lakes. As such, the Gokyo Trek is a glorious adventure that explores these lakes and the region’s vibrant Sherpa villages.
The trek takes us to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) to witness the true beauty of the Himalayas. From the summit, you’ll see 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), a view rarely matched 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. March, April, and May are best known for lush green forests and rhododendrons in full bloom. September and October are also ideal for trekking. In contrast, trekkers generally avoid the winter and monsoon seasons due to adverse trekking conditions.
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11 Days Gokyo Trek: Gokyo Trek Conclusion The Gokyo Trek in the Everest Himalayas of northern Nepal offers an astounding array of natural…
Combining this trek with several other routes around the Everest region makes the Gokyo Ri trek even more exciting. Other famous treks near the Gokyo Trek include the 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 world’s most thrilling airstrips, with a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas. After reaching Lukla, we rest briefly before starting the Everest Base Camp Trekking trail to 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 to Monjo and Jorsale, entering 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 our first acclimatization day, we take the day off in Namche and explore the village. Leaving Namche, the trail climbs through the rugged Himalayan landscape to the Everest View Hotel. Enjoy views 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. The path then deviates from the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, continuing to Mange and then on to Phortse Thenga, on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. The final stretch takes us to 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 in the stunning Himalayan valley of Gokyo, the final stretch of our ascent takes us to Machhermo. Leaving Dhole, the trail gradually ascends through rugged terrain toward Kele. With majestic Himalayan views on the horizon, we continue toward Luza. Then, the trail climbs to reach Machhermo.
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11 Days Gokyo Trek: Gokyo Trek Conclusion The Gokyo Trek in the Everest Himalayas of northern Nepal offers an astounding array of natural…
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 Gokyo Lake
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Past Machhermo, the trail begins its ascent toward Phangnga. Soon, we reach Longponga Lake and explore the area around it. After some time, we climb to the second lake, Taujung Tsho, at an altitude of 4,740m. Past this lake, the trail ascends to Gokyo village on 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 offers an ideal vantage point for the majestic Himalayas. Later, we descend and can hike towards the fifth Gokyo Lake. After enjoying the striking Himalayan views, we descend 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 range, the 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.
We drop down to Machhermo, cross the Machhermo Khola, and continue to Luza. The final stretch 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 on the 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. As we trek 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 the Khumbu 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 settlements of Bengkar and Chhamuwa, the trail reaches Phakding, where we take a brief rest and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Day 11: Fly back to Kathmandu/Rest Day
Altitude: 1300 m/4264ft (Kathmandu)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, we take to the skies and bid goodbye to the Himalayas. We land at Tribhuvan International Airport and enjoy the picturesque beauty of hilly Nepal. After landing in Kathmandu, we head directly to the hotel, bringing our journey to a close.
Our representatives will drop you back at Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight home. We hope you had a lovely time with us, and we look forward to seeing you again.
11 Days Gokyo Trek: Gokyo Trek Conclusion The Gokyo Trek in the Everest Himalayas of northern Nepal offers an astounding array of natural…
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 its dazzling natural beauty and ancient culture, the Everest Gokyo Trip is a must-do.
View the detailed itinerary in the Everest Treks package details on the My Everest Trip website.
Conclusion
Hours of walking through hilly trails, a rugged Himalayan landscape decorated with flamboyant Buddhist prayer flags, and a series of mani walls lead to Gokyo Ri Lake. Everest Gokyo Ri Trek is one of the best adventurous trips around the Everest region, enriched with quaint, vibrant Sherpa culture. The eye-catching views from the Everest viewpoint and the breeze from the pristine turquoise lake wipe away all worries and pain. The Gokyo Valley trek itinerary and Gokyo Lake Trek cost are perfect for those who want to enjoy the Himalayas quickly.