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13 days
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Everest
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Moderate
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5,360 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- The turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world
- Sunrise over Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu from Gokyo Ri (5,360 m)
- The Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal
- Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu
- Quieter trails than the main Everest Base Camp route
- Scenic mountain flights to and from Lukla
Overview
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a quieter alternative to the Everest Base Camp route. After an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, you leave the main trail at Mong La and follow the Dudh Koshi valley north via Dole and Machhermo to Gokyo, on the shore of the third of the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
After a night in Gokyo, you climb Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) at dawn for a panorama of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu above the lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. You then return to Lukla via Dole and Namche Bazaar.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is possible but cold, especially at night. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and slippery trails, so we do not recommend it for this trek.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a moderate high-altitude trek. Most days involve five to six hours of walking, and the high point is Gokyo Ri (5,360 m), climbed early in the morning for the view over Everest, Cho Oyu and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
No technical skills are needed. An acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar and a gradual climb through Dole and Machhermo help your body adjust to the altitude. Good general fitness and some training with long walks before the trip are recommended.
Permits
You need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
An early morning flight takes you to Lukla (2,860 m), a short and spectacular flight into the Khumbu region. After meeting your porters, you begin with an easy walk of around 3–4 hours, mostly downhill along the Dudh Koshi river. Please note: in the main seasons (March–May and October–November), Lukla flights usually depart from Manthali airport in Ramechhap, about a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu, so the day starts very early. Overnight in a teahouse in Phakding (2,610 m).
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi upstream across several high suspension bridges and enters Sagarmatha National Park. A long, steep climb then brings you to Namche Bazaar, the main Sherpa trading town of the Khumbu. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
A rest day to help your body adjust to the altitude. A morning hike climbs to the Everest View Hotel for views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, returning via the Sherpa village of Khumjung. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
You climb out of Namche to the ridge of Mong La, with views of Ama Dablam, then descend through rhododendron forest to the river before climbing again to Dole. Overnight in a teahouse in Dole (4,200 m).
A short climb up the Gokyo valley brings you to Machhermo, with views of Cho Oyu at the head of the valley. The short day gives your body time to adjust. Overnight in a teahouse in Machhermo (4,470 m).
The trail climbs past the first and second Gokyo lakes, with their turquoise water, and continues to Gokyo on the shore of the third lake. The afternoon is free to rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Gokyo (4,790 m).
A sunrise climb of Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) rewards you with panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu above the lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier. After breakfast back in Gokyo, the rest of the day is free to rest or walk along the lakeshore, which also helps your acclimatization. Overnight in a teahouse in Gokyo (4,790 m).
You descend the Gokyo valley past the lakes and through Machhermo, with views of Cho Oyu behind you, before continuing down to Dole. The walk takes around six to seven hours, but the descent makes it easier on the body. Overnight in a teahouse in Dole (4,200 m).
Today you continue back down the valley and retrace the trail over Mong La to Namche Bazaar. The afternoon is free to enjoy the town's bakeries and shops. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
On your final trekking day you descend to the Dudh Koshi and retrace the trail back to Lukla. In the evening you can celebrate the end of the trek with your guide and porters. Overnight in a teahouse in Lukla (2,860 m).
A morning flight takes you back to Kathmandu. Flights from Lukla depend on the weather, so departure times can vary. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
