Trip Facts

Duration

15 days

Trip Grade

Moderate

Country

Nepal

Maximum Altitude

5,357 meters

Group Size

4-12

Starts

Lukla

Ends

Lukla

Activities

Trekking

Best Time

Spring

Highlights

  • Hike to the stunning Gokyo Ri (5,360m) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu & Cho Oyu
  • Explore the magical turquoise Gokyo Lakes, sacred and serene at 4,700m+
  • Cross the thrilling Renjo La Pass (5,360m) for Himalayan wilderness and dramatic scenery
  • Walk along the quieter trails of the Khumbu region, avoiding crowded EBC routes
  • Beautiful alpine fly to and from Lukla Airport, one of the most daring runways in the world
  • Immerse in Sherpa culture in hidden highland villages like Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo
  • Encounter glacial wonders like Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal’s longest glacier
  • Sunrise summit of Gokyo Ri, one of Nepal’s most spectacular viewpoints

Overview

Trekking to Gokyo Lake is a beautiful way to see the Everest Region’s calmer, more peaceful side. This 15-day trip doesn’t follow the usual route to Everest Base Camp. Instead, it goes through beautiful valleys, Sherpa towns, and past turquoise and blue glacial lakes. The trek offers incredible mountain scenery, including up-close views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse—four of the world’s highest peaks. You’ll trek past Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in the Himalayas, and climb Gokyo Ri, a peak offering one of the finest panoramic views in Nepal.

This trek is great for people who want to be alone, enjoy nature, and get a real feel for the Himalayas without all the other people that go on the Everest Base Camp path. Crossing the high mountain pass Renjo La is also on the list. It’s a thrilling and rewarding task with stunning views. The Gokyo Lake Trek is a real secret gem in the Khumbu. It has beautiful scenery, quiet alpine lakes, and a lot of Sherpa culture.

Itinerary

Our agent will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu's main tourist destination. You can relax or stroll around the busy streets that are dotted with cafes, stores, and historical landmarks. After a hike briefing in the evening where you will meet your guide and other trekkers, our crew will offer a welcome meal.
Accommodations: Kathmandu's three-star hotel
Dinner is one of the included meals.

Today is a cultural immersion day. A city tour guide will take you to some of the major UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa (one of the biggest stupas in South Asia), and Pashupatinath Temple (a significant Hindu shrine) with panoramic valley views. In the afternoon, your guide will help you with last-minute gear checks and final preparations for the trek.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Dinner

We take a short but scenic 30-minute flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. After landing, we begin our trek with an easy descent to Phakding. The trail winds through pine forests, crosses small suspension bridges, and passes through Sherpa villages with prayer stones and mani walls.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start our journey along the Dudh Koshi River after breakfast. There are several high suspension bridge crossings now, including the well-known Hillary Bridge. After Monjo, the trail progressively climbs and gets steeper as we approach Sagarmatha National Park. The first distant view of Mount Everest may be seen on the difficult but worthwhile final ascent to Namche Bazaar.
Lodging: Teahouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We spend a full day in Namche to allow our bodies to adjust to the altitude. Instead of resting entirely, we take a short acclimatization hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m), one of the highest-located hotels in the world, known for its stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You may also explore Khumjung village and visit the local monastery that claims to have a Yeti scalp.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave the classic Everest Base Camp trail and branch off towards Gokyo. The path climbs steeply out of Namche before easing as we enter alpine forests of rhododendron and juniper. We go via villages like Mong and arrive at Dole, a tiny community encircled by snow-capped peaks and yak pastures.
Accommodation: The Teahouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The walk today is rather short, but it climbs steadily. The forest line disappears as we climb, and we reach high alpine landscape. The sixth-highest mountain in the world, Cho Oyu, is well seen from the hike. By early afternoon, we arrive at Machhermo, which allows us enough time to relax and further acclimatise.
Accommodation: The Teahouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The eighth day is a beautiful trekking day as we get closer to the revered Gokyo Lakes. The walk from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m) takes four hours. After ascending a ridge, we pass alongside Ngozumpa Glacier and reach the first two Gokyo Lakes. The third lake, Dudh Pokhari, is where the Gokyo village is located. The turquoise waters surrounded by mountains are truly mesmerizing.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We get up early to climb Gokyo Ri, which has one of the best views of the Himalayas. From the top, you can see four 8,000-meter peaks in all their glory: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. We explore the Fourth and Fifth Gokyo Lakes and stop at lookout points along the Ngozumpa Glacier after going down.
Teahouse as a place to stay
All meals are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

One of the three main high passes in the Khumbu, Renjo La Pass, is one of the first things we do when we wake up. Although the steep climb is hard, the view from the top is stunning. The trail goes down into the remote Bhote Koshi Valley and ends in the peaceful town of Lungden after crossing the pass.
Teahouse as a place to stay
All meals are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We descend along ancient trading routes used by Tibetan merchants. The trail is peaceful and lined with rock walls, stupas, and mani stones. Thame is an old Sherpa village with a beautiful monastery and strong spiritual atmosphere.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The route back to Namche is mostly downhill and offers scenic views of high peaks and terraced fields.You can take advantage of Wi-Fi, a hot shower, or a baked good when you first arrive. You have now returned to a trekking hub that is livelier and more pleasant.
Accommodation: The Teahouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We return to Lukla by going through pine forests, across bridges and rivers, and retracing our route past Phakding. Now is the moment to unwind and enjoy your team's successful voyage.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We take a morning flight to Kathmandu, where our staff will transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have the day free to shop for souvenirs, enjoy a spa, or simply relax. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner to celebrate your achievement.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Our team will drop you at the airport three hours before your scheduled international flight. We hope your time in Nepal was unforgettable and hope to see you again.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cost Details

Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicle
  • 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
  • All permits: Sagarmatha National Park & TIMS Card
  • Experienced government-licensed guide & porter
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on the trek
  • First aid kit, duffle bag, map

Excluded

  • Nepal visa fee on arrival
  • International airfare
  • Meals in Kathmandu (except welcome/farewell dinner)
  • Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging on the trek

Useful Information

Trek Difficulty and Physical Requirements

Gokyo Lake Trekking is classified as a moderate to strenuous trek. It does not involve technical climbing but does include high-altitude hiking and long walking days, especially while crossing Renjo La Pass and climbing Gokyo Ri. Trekkers should be in good health with a reasonable level of fitness. Previous trekking experience at altitude is helpful but not mandatory.

Altitude and Acclimatization Strategy

You will ascend to elevations of more than 5,300 meters, which raises the possibility of altitude sickness. To aid in your body’s gradual adjustment, the program includes appropriate acclimatisation days in Namche and Gokyo. The adage “climb high, sleep low” will guide your gradual ascent. Staying hydrated is crucial, and you should notify your guide right away if you experience any symptoms like headaches, nausea, or exhaustion.

Best Time to Go

  • Spring (March to May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, and stable weather make this the most popular season.
  • Autumn (September to November): Cool temperatures and excellent mountain visibility make it ideal for photographers.
  • Winter (December to February): Less crowded but very cold. Renjo La Pass may be snow-blocked.
  • Monsoon (June to August): Not recommended due to heavy rain, clouds, and leeches.

Accommodation on the Trek

You will stay in locally operated teahouses along the route. Rooms are generally basic with twin beds and shared bathrooms. Higher up, heating is not always available, and hot showers may come at an extra charge. Although there are blankets available, it is necessary to have a four-season sleeping bag for warmth.

Water and Food

During the hike, teahouses prepare meals that include Tibetan, Nepali, and basic Western cuisine. Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup), fried rice, noodles, soups, eggs, potatoes, and spaghetti are typical dishes. There are several vegetarian options. Safe drinking water is available but must be purified with tablets or filters. We encourage avoiding single-use plastic bottles to protect the environment.

Wi-Fi, charging, and connecting

Everest Link provides Wi-Fi in most communities, but it can be slow or unstable at higher altitudes and may cost money. You can find charging outlets in teahouses, but they may cost more. It is a good idea to bring a solar charger or power bank.

Porters and Guides

A licensed, English-speaking hiking guide who knows how to do first aid and has expertise in trekking at high altitudes will be with you. Porters can carry up to 15 kg of your gear, so you may walk with a light daypack. We treat our team well, insure them, and give them the tools they need to help you safely.

Permits Needed

We arrange all required permits for this trek:

  • Permit to Enter Sagarmatha National Park
  • Permit for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
  • Information Management System for Trekkers (TIMS) 

Travel Insurance Card

Every hiker needs to have travel insurance that includes:

  • Trekking at high elevations above 5,000 meters
  • Helicopter emergency evacuation
  • Trip cancellation and medical costs

Flight Delay Precaution

Flights to and from Lukla are weather-dependent. Delays are common due to fog or rain. We recommend you add at least one buffer day in Kathmandu at the end of your trip before your international flight.

FAQs

The trek is fairly difficult and is best for hikers who are in good shape. For Renjo La and Gokyo Ri, you have to climb steeply, but acclimatisation days make it easier on your body.

Yes, beginners with good stamina and proper preparation can complete this trek. Prior hiking experience is a bonus.

Fewer crowds, stunning lakes, and Gokyo Ri's panoramic view of Everest and surrounding 8,000ers make it a more peaceful and scenic alternative.

Yes, most villages have Everest Link or NTC/Ncell signals, but higher areas like Gokyo may have limited connectivity.

You’ll need a Sagarmatha National Park Permit and a Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit, both of which are arranged by us.