Gokyo Lake Trek | Everest’s Turquoise Gems
Overview
The Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the Everest region, offering a serene and scenic alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp trek. This high-altitude journey leads you to the sacred turquoise glacial lakes of Gokyo (at 4,790 m), nestled beneath the towering peaks of Cho Oyu (8,188 m) and surrounded by some of the most breathtaking Himalayan vistas imaginable.
A highlight of the trek is the climb to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m), one of the best viewpoints in Nepal, where you’ll witness an unmatched panorama of Mount Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,481 m), and Cho Oyu, along with the vast Ngozumpa Glacier — the largest glacier in Nepal.
This trek is ideal for those seeking fewer crowds, peaceful alpine scenery, and authentic Sherpa culture. You’ll pass through iconic villages like Namche Bazaar and Dole, stay in traditional teahouses, and experience high-altitude wilderness that remains pristine and awe-inspiring.
FAQs
Q: Is the Gokyo Trek harder than Everest Base Camp?
A: Similar difficulty, but Gokyo Ri’s steep climb adds extra challenge.
Q: Can I combine Gokyo with Everest Base Camp?
A: Yes! Add 3-4 days via Cho La Pass for the Three Passes Trek.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Activities: Airport pickup, hotel check-in, and welcome dinner.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860m); Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Activities: Scenic 35-minute flight to Lukla; 3-hour descent to Phakding.
- Key Sights: Dudh Koshi River, prayer wheels.
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Distance: 12 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge; enter Sagarmatha National Park.
- Key Sights: First views of Everest and Lhotse.
- Elevation Gain: +830m
Day 4: Acclimatization in Namche
- Activities: Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m); explore Sherpa markets.
- Key Sights: Panoramic Himalayan vistas, traditional handicrafts.
Day 5: Trek to Dole (4,040m)
- Distance: 10 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Ascend through rhododendron forests; yak pastures.
- Key Sights: Views of Thamserku and Kantega peaks.
Day 6: Dole to Machhermo (4,470m)
- Distance: 8 km (4-5 hours)
- Activities: Traverse alpine meadows; visit the Machhermo avalanche memorial.
Day 7: Trek to Gokyo (4,790m)
- Distance: 10 km (5-6 hours)
- Activities: Cross Ngozumpa Glacier; reach the third Gokyo Lake.
- Key Sights: Turquoise waters, towering peaks.
Day 8: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m); Explore Lakes
- Activities: Pre-dawn climb for sunrise over Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
- Key Challenge: Steep 2-hour ascent; 360° Himalayan panorama.
Day 9: Gokyo to Dole
- Distance: 14 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Descend through glacial valleys; farewell to the lakes.
Day 10: Dole to Namche Bazaar
- Distance: 15 km (7-8 hours)
- Activities: Retrace steps through forests; celebrate in Namche.
Day 11: Namche to Lukla
- Distance: 18 km (7-8 hours)
- Activities: Final descent to Lukla; farewell dinner with guides.
Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu
- Activities: Morning flight to Kathmandu; free time for shopping/sightseeing.
Day 13: Buffer Day in Kathmandu
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Optional sightseeing or contingency day for weather delays
What's included
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✈️ Domestic Flight: Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu (round-trip), including airport transfers
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🧾Permits & Fees: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality Fee.
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🧑🏫 Trekking Guide: Government-certified, English-speaking trekking guide with high-altitude experience
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🍽️ Meals: Three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with tea or coffee during the trek.
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💧 Drinking Water: Boiled/filtered water provided during trek
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🏨 Accommodation:
- 3 nights, 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (with breakfast)
- Teahouse lodges during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
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🧳 Porter Service: 1 porter per 2 trekkers (max 20 kg luggage allowance per person)
- 🩺 First Aid & Safety: First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, satellite phone (for emergency communication)
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🎒 Trip Briefing & Equipment Check: Pre-departure orientation in Kathmandu
- 🚁 Medical Evacuation: Rescue operations arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by your travel insurance)
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🌐 Government Taxes & Service Charges
What's not included
- International Airfare: To/from Kathmandu.
- Nepal Visa Fee: Payable upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory; must cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation.
- Personal Gear: Sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles, boots (available for rent in Kathmandu).
- Meals in Kathmandu: Lunch and dinner are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Bottled drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, etc.
- Tips & Gratuities: For guide, porter, and support staff (customary in Nepal).
- Unscheduled Costs: Extra nights due to early return, flight delays, or itinerary changes.
- Emergency Evacuation: Helicopter rescue or medical evacuation if required.
- Optional Add-Ons: Side trips or excursions beyond the stated itinerary.
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Book Your Gokyo Lake Adventure!
📞 +977- 9856011727 | ✉️ info@amazingnepaladventure.com
Extend your trip with a Bhutan tour or a Chitwan jungle safari!