Set apart from the main Everest trail, Gokyo offers turquoise glacial lakes, a climb to Gokyo Ri, and some of the region’s most breathtaking views.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a spectacular alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp route, leading trekkers into the serene Gokyo Valley. It is home to a chain of six turquoise glacial lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world. Over 13 days, this adventure takes you through lush forests, villages, rugged alpine landscapes, and ultimately to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m), one of the finest viewpoints in the Khumbu region.
The trail overlaps with the early EBC route until Namche Bazaar, after which it diverts westward toward quieter paths, offering trekkers a more tranquil journey. Along the way, you’ll encounter rich Sherpa culture, fluttering prayer flags, suspension bridges, and inspiring views of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The emerald waters of the Gokyo Lakes, nestled beneath towering snow peaks, form the breath-taking highlight of the trek.
Duration
13 Days
Location
Solukhumbu
Difficulty
Moderate
Altitude
5357 m
Best Season
Spring
The Khumbu region lies in northeastern Nepal within the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and resilient mountain communities. With three of the world’s tallest mountains, Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, and Cho Oy, located in the region, the Everest Region is the heart and pulse of the Himalayan belt, where tens of thousands arrive each year to fulfil their dream of either simply admiring or conquering the world’s highest peaks. The Khumbu area is also home to the Sherpa people, whose culture, spiritual heritage, and mountaineering legacy are deeply entwined with the Himalayas.
While the EBC Trek is the crown jewel of the Everest Region, other routes such as the Gokyo Lakes Trek and the Three Passes Trek offer equally rewarding adventures for those seeking quieter trails or more technical challenges. The Khumbu region is also home to several trekking peaks such as Island Peak (Imja Tse) and Lobuche East, for those looking to go beyond trekking without committing to a full-scale expedition.
Dive into our curated travel styles and find the perfect adventure that speaks to your heart.
Dive into our curated travel styles and find the perfect adventure that speaks to your heart.
1
Day
ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Activities: Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, and rest.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel.
2
Day
KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING AND TREK PREPARATION
Activities: Optional sightseeing of Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites; trek briefing and gear check.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel.
3
Day
FLY TO LUKLA (2,840M), TREK TO PHAKDING (2,610M) – 3/4 hours trek
Activities: Scenic flight to Lukla, descend through pine forests to Phakding.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Phakding.
4
Day
PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,440M) – 6/7 hours trek
Activities: Trek along the Dudh Koshi River, cross suspension bridges, and ascend steeply to Namche.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche.
5
Day
ACCLIMATISATION IN NAMCHE BAZAAR
Activities: Rest day for acclimatisation with optional hike to Khumjung or Everest View Hotel.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche.
6
Day
NAMCHE TO DOLE (4,200M) – 6/7 hours trek
Activities: Ascend through rhododendron forests, passing Mong La, with beautiful views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dole.
7
Day
DOLE TO MACHHERMO (4,470M) – 4/5 hours trek
Activities: Gentle climb through high pastures with views of Cho Oyu and surrounding peaks.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Machhermo.
8
Day
MACHHERMO TO GOKYO (4,790M) – 4/5 hours trek
Activities: Trek alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier and reach the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Gokyo.
9
Day
GOKYO RI (5,357M) & GOKYO LAKES EXPLORATION – 5/6 hours trek
Activities: Early morning climb to Gokyo Ri for panoramic Himalayan views; explore the chain of lakes in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Gokyo.
10
Day
GOKYO TO DOLE (4,200M) – 6/7 hours trek
Activities: Retrace the trail back via Machhermo to Dole.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dole.
11
Day
DOLE TO NAMCHE BAZAAR – 6/7 hours trek
Activities: Descend through alpine forests and Sherpa villages back to Namche.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche.
12
Day
NAMCHE TO LUKLA – 6/7 hours trek
Activities: Final day of trekking, retracing steps along the Dudh Koshi River to Lukla.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lukla.
13
Day
FLY TO KATHMANDU
Activities: Morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel.
Dive into our curated travel styles and find the perfect adventure that speaks to your heart.
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