Overview
The Gokyo Lakes trek takes you up a quieter valley in the Everest region to a string of stunning turquoise lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier. Many trekkers think the view from Gokyo Ri is even better than the view from Kala Patthar.
From the top of Gokyo Ri you can see four of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, along with the huge Ngozumpa Glacier below.
Why I love this trek
Gokyo gives you the big Everest views with fewer people around. The colour of the lakes in the morning sun is unreal, and the small lodges by the water are a cosy place to rest.
Good to know
- Fitness: Similar to Everest Base Camp. Good cardio fitness is important.
- Altitude: We take the climb slowly with short days above 4,000 m.
- Big loop: Strong trekkers can cross the Cho La pass (5,420 m) from Gokyo to join the Everest Base Camp trail.
- Flights: As with Everest Base Camp, Lukla flights can be delayed by weather, so a spare day is a good idea.
Trek highlights
- A chain of bright turquoise lakes, protected as a Ramsar wetland
- Views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
- The Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal
- A quieter alternative to the Everest Base Camp trail
- Sherpa villages, monasteries and the market town of Namche Bazaar
Day-by-day itinerary
A typical plan. Every trip is flexible, so days can be added for rest, side trips or bad weather.
- Day 1
Fly to Lukla (2,860 m) → Phakding (2,610 m)
Fly into the mountains and take an easy walk to Phakding.
- Day 2
Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Cross the Hillary Bridge and climb to Namche Bazaar.
- Day 3
Acclimatisation in Namche
A short hike to a viewpoint and time to explore the town.
- Day 4
Namche → Dole (4,040 m)
Leave the main Everest trail and climb past Mong La into the quiet Gokyo valley.
- Day 5
Dole → Machhermo (4,470 m)
A short day to help acclimatise, with views of Cho Oyu ahead.
- Day 6
Machhermo → Gokyo (4,790 m)
Walk past the first and second lakes to the village of Gokyo on the shore of the third lake.
- Day 7
Gokyo Ri sunrise (5,357 m)
Climb Gokyo Ri for a giant panorama including Everest. Optional walk to the fourth and fifth lakes.
- Day 8
Gokyo → Dole
Descend back down the valley.
- Day 9
Dole → Namche Bazaar
Return to Namche for a well-earned bakery treat.
- Day 10
Namche → Lukla
The last day on the trail.
- Day 11
Fly Lukla → Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu (weather permitting).
