gokyo lake trek
12 days | altitude 5350m
trip details
Duration
12 Days
Starting point
kathmandu
end point
pokhara
activiteis
treking
Pickup Point
TIA Airport
altitude
5350 m
Price from
US$ 500$
Overview
The Gokyo Lake Trek offers an incredible alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek, leading trekkers through serene landscapes in Nepal’s Everest region. This 12-14 day adventure features stunning views, including the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, panoramic vistas from Gokyo Ri, and the dramatic Ngozumpa Glacier. Trekkers experience Sherpa culture, visit bustling Namche Bazaar, and explore diverse terrains from lush forests to high-altitude meadows. While moderately challenging due to high altitudes, the trek is rewarding for those seeking a quieter, picturesque Himalayan experience. Best trekking seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Trip Highlights
- Gokyo Lakes: A series of pristine, turquoise glacial lakes, with Gokyo Lake being the largest and most stunning.
- Gokyo Ri Summit: Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from 5,357 meters. The sunrise view is particularly spectacular.
- Ngozumpa Glacier: Trek along one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas, with its dramatic ice formations.
- Sherpa Villages: Experience traditional Sherpa culture in villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and Dole.
- Diverse Landscapes: Walk through lush valleys, dense forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude desert terrain.
- Everest Viewpoints: Spectacular vistas of Everest and surrounding peaks from multiple vantage points.
- Namche Bazaar: Explore the bustling market town, a hub of Sherpa culture with stunning mountain views.
Program Itenary
Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel, and spend the day resting or exploring the city. Prepare your trekking gear and permits. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner.
Take an early morning flight to Lukla, offering beautiful views of the Himalayas. From Lukla, begin a 3-4 hour trek through lush forests and small villages to reach Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
Trek for 6-7 hours, ascending steadily to Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters. Along the way, catch your first glimpses of Everest. Namche is a bustling Sherpa town with shops, restaurants, and beautiful mountain views. Overnight in Namche.
Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude with a short hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung Village. Enjoy panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks. Explore Namche’s markets and local culture.
Trek for 5-6 hours to Dole, situated at 4,200 meters. The route follows the Dudh Koshi River through forests, with stunning scenery as you ascend. Overnight in Dole.
Hike 4-5 hours to Machhermo, located at 4,470 meters. The trail offers gradual ascents and incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Spend the night in this peaceful village.
Continue trekking for 4-5 hours to Gokyo at 4,790 meters. The highlight is reaching the beautiful Gokyo Lakes, surrounded by towering peaks. Overnight in Gokyo.
Spend the day exploring the pristine Gokyo Lakes. In the afternoon, hike up Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) for breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Return to Gokyo for the night.
Begin your descent with a 5-6 hour trek back to Dole. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you lower in altitude. Overnight in Dole.
Trek 5-6 hours back to Namche Bazaar, passing through lush forests and Sherpa villages. Spend the night in Namche, reflecting on your trek.
Retrace your steps for a 6-7 hour trek to Lukla. Celebrate your accomplishment with an evening in Lukla, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas.
Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. Spend the day exploring Kathmandu or resting. In the evening, enjoy a final dinner to celebrate your trek.
Costs
- Airport transfers (pickups and drop-offs) by car
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and overnight stays during the trek
- A trekking guide for the entire trek
- Guide and porter expenses covering meals, insurance, wages, lodging, transport, airfare, and necessary gear
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card
- All government taxes, local fees, and official charges
- International flights and visa fees
- Lunch and dinner while in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- Extra nights’ accommodation during the trek (including drinks, hot showers, beer, and bottled water)
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for the staff, expected at the end of the Khopra Danda Trek with Khayer Lake