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
- Three-night accommodation in Kathmandu
- All Ground private, comfortable transportation.
- Kathmandu to Lukla and back to Kathmandu by flight (25 min)
- Accommodation in Standard Hotels on a twin-sharing basis during the trek
- Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the trek
- Government-licensed, experienced trek guide, assistant trekking guide (for a group of 10 or more trekkers), and porters to help trekkers' luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers, combined porter weight limit -18kg).
- First Aid Kit.
- Duffel Bags for porters to carry your main luggage
- Guides' and porters' expenses - meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment.
- Sagarmatha National Park and Local Entry Permit Fee
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses.
- Rescue operations arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by your travel insurance).
What's not included
- All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
- Extra night accommodations and meals in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek.
- Personal expenses - shopping, snacks, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, bar bills, bottled or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery recharge costs, extra porters, etc.
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance that has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation is compulsory
- Additional costs or delays are caused by circumstances beyond our control, like landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policy, strikes, mass movements, etc.
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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!