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The Gokyo Lakes Trek offers a flawless fusion of majestic mountains and shimmering emerald lakes in Khumbu Region of Nepal
Gokyo Lake Trek is an 11-day journey through the Sagarmatha National Park in the Everest region. Gokyo Lake is a series of freshwater alpine lakes situated at an altitude of 4700m/ 15420 feet. It is well known for its breathtaking landscape, biodiversity and is surrounded by towering peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Gokyo Ri (5357m/) offers the breathtaking view of the sky towering mountains in a 360-degree panorama. Gokyo Valley Trek is the best alternative route to Everest Base Camp Trek.
Gokyo Lake Trek begins with a scenic morning flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Lukla is the starting and ending point of the Gokyo Lake Trek. Upon arrival in Lukla, inhale the purest air and follow the traditional Sherpa Village, pass the Mani wall engraving Buddhist mantra (Om Mane Padme Hun), waterfalls, Monastery, Sherpa Museum, Community market at Namche Bazar, deep valleys, and diverse flora and fauna. The Gokyo Lake is famous for its crystal clear turquoise water, hiking to Cho Oyu Base camp, and the Gokyo Ri hike. One of the highlights of the Gokyo Lakes Trek is climbing Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters / 17,575 feet), a hilltop that provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Everest massif, including Everest itself.
Gokyo Lake is the biggest among the six glacial lakes. Gokyo Valley Trek is renowned for its natural beauty, offering views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. Gokyo Valley Trek is a heavenly paradise where you can find inner peace, joy, and happiness. After exploring the Gokyo Valley, you have an opportunity to choose whether to go to EBC via Chola Pass or follow the Renjo-la (5385m/17,660 ft) pass to Thame and Namche. Gokyo Valley Trek and Gokyo Lake Trek are essentially the same, you have to go through Gokyo Valley to reach the Gokyo Lake.
Gokyo Lake and its surroundings are visually stunning and significant in terms of their religious and cultural importance to the indigenous Sherpa people. The lakes are considered sacred, and trekkers are often reminded to treat the area with respect. The Gokyo valley is less crowded than the Everest Base Camp Trek, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a more tranquil Himalayan trekking experience. Gokyo Valley is the perfect choice for eco-friendly trekking and adventure.
Highlights of the Gokyo Lake Trek
- Lukla flight: Early board the scenic flight to Lukla, which offers breathtaking mountain views. Landing on the Sherpa land to process the journey with the Guide and Porter. Lukla is the starting and ending point of the Gokyo Lake Trek.
- Namche Bazaar: The biggest village at an altitude of 3434m. Excellent place for acclimatization and offer to visit the Museum, National Park Headquarters, Monastery, and viewpoint.
- Gokyo Valley: Follow the breathtaking Gokyo Valley to reach the Gokyo Lake. It offers stunning mountain views and biodiversity through lush forests.
- Gokyo Lake: The lakes are the major highlights, with crystal clear turquoise waters. Grab the opportunity to visit the fifth lake and Cho Oyu Base Camp for inner peace.
- Gokyo Ri: A hike to Gokyo Ri (5357m/17,570 ft) takes about 2/3 hours, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
- Renjola Pass: The possible alternative descending path to Namche bazaar via Renjo-la pass without following the same path. The Renjo-la offer the best mountain views and breathtaking valley before descending to Namche.
- Ngozumpa Glacier: While trekking to Gokyo Valley, you are trekking close by Ngozumpa glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal.
- Sherpa Culture: Experience the Sherpa culture and their warm hospitality while visiting Everest region
Lonely Planet states, “For our money, the Gokyo Valley is the most spectacular in the Khumbu” as evidence of the beauty and importance of the Gokyo Valley Trek.
Best Time for Gokyo Valley Trekking
"The best time of the year for undertaking the Gokyo Valley Trek are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (mid-September to December). These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making them the peak seasons for the Gokyo Valley Trek.
Winter (late December to February) and Summer (June to August) are less favorable for hiking in Gokyo Valley. Winter brings very cold temperatures and a high chance of snowfall, while summer, or the monsoon season, is characterized by poor visibility and heavy rainfall, making the trails muddy and less enjoyable.
11 Day Gokyo Valley Trek Itinerary
Gokyo Valley is a 11-day trek that begins from Lukla and the adventure ends at Lukla. There are a few options to return from the Gokyo Valley Trek. One can go over a Renjo-la Pass (5,385 m) to Marlung Valley or go over a Chola Pass (5380 m) and follow the classical EBC trek route to Lukla. we have meticulously planned a 11-day Gokyo Valley itinerary to suit everyone's expectations. Our itinerary is outlined and we are happy to customize and include your requirements.
Details of daily walking Altitude chat of Gokyo Lake Trek
| Day | Destination | Altitude | Distance | Approx. Time Taken | altitude gain | Altitude loss |
| 01 | KTM-LUK (2840m)-Phakding | 2,600m | 7km | 4 hrs | -- | 240 m |
| 02 | Trek to Namche Bazar | 3,440 m | 11 km | 5 hrs | 840 m | --- |
| 03 | Acclimatize day (day hike to Syangboche and back) | 3,440 m | 7km | 4/5 hrs | 280 m | 280 m |
| 04 | Trek to Dole | 4,200 m | 10 km | 5 hrs. | 760 m | -- |
| 05 | Trek to Machhermo | 4,470 m | 7 km | 6 hrs | 270 m | -- |
| 06 | Trek to Gokyo Lake | 4,790 m | 6 km | 5 hrs. | 320 m | -- |
| 07 | Hike to Gokyo Ri and back to lodge | 5,360 m | 6 km | 4/5 hrs m | 570 m | 570 m |
| 08 | Trek to Dole | 4,200 m | 23 km | 8 hrs | --- | 590 m |
| 09 | Trek to Namche Bazar | 3,440 m | 10 km | 4 hrs | --- | 760 m |
| 10 | Trek to Lukla | 2,840 m | 18 km | 7 hrs | --- | 600 m |
| 11 | Fly to Kathmandu | 1350 m | 135 km | 35 minutes | --- | 1490 m |
A Typical Day at Gokyo Lake
While trekking to Gokyo Valley, one should expect to walk 5 to 6 hours daily in high-altitude terrain, covering a distance of 500 to 600 meters each day. The Gokyo Valley Trek is an 11-day tea house trek, with each teahouse serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will spend two nights beside the lake to enjoy the serene environment, and hike to Gokyo Ri for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. A hike to Gokyo Ri is the highlight of the trip, offering a 360-degree view that includes Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), and Makalu (8,463 m). A spare day is planned at Gokyo to explore the Fifth Lake and Cho Oyu Base Camp. Enjoy the largest Ngozumpa glacier on the eastern side of the lake. In the evening, meet fellow trekkers and share your experiences.
Does Gokyo Lake Trek Suits You?
Embarking on the Gokyo Lakes Trek is a moderate level of physical fitness and mental courage is required. Expect at least 5 hours of daily trekking through fragile terrain among high-altitude mountain landscapes following the Dudh Koshi River to Gokyo Lake. As you traverse through rugged paths and remote areas, you'll find yourself away from the comforts of modern life, immersing yourself in the natural diversity. Rest assured, our precisely designed Gokyo Valley Itinerary includes ample time for acclimatization, minimizing the risk of high-altitude-related problems. Fewer nights are spent above 4000m as compared to Everest Base Camp climb, enhancing safety and comfort. In addition, our experienced Guide and Sherpa porters will be with you to accompany you in every step of the route, prioritizing your well-being.
Lastly, we believe 2025 and 2026 will be favorable year to explore Gokyo Valley.. We, Global Eco Trails is a bunch of experts with decades of experience in the trekking and mountaineering industery. It is expected physical fitness, proper gear, and good preparation are the fundamental needs. Considering your safety and sounds we provide professional Guide with latest information before embarking on Gokyo trekking. Our guide is not only a guide, he is a story teller, a travel companion and a supporter and have a deep knowledge about the local culture and tradition. So, book your journey with us and live your dream. Connect us for instant responses on Whatsapp at +977 9841485631.
