From the verdant world of the Nepalese countryside to the legendary Everest, Gokyo Lakes trek offers a complete overview of Nepalese landscapes. Villages of stone roofs, Buddhist monasteries and mani-walls mark the trail. Our 19-day Gokyo Lake trek is skillfully paced and you get to travel the Sherpa country from one end to the other.

Even before the trek, a mesmerizing and thrilling adventure awaits you; the scenic flight to Lukla, a.k.a. the gateway to Khumbu. From Lukla, the Gokyo Lakes trek begins as you gradually hike through birch forests and rhododendrons along the Dudh Koshi valley to Namche Bazar, the commercial center of the region that has developed into a natural circus facing the sacred Khumbila mountain (5761 m). Soon, ice giants, glittering snow slopes and sharp peaks will follow you all along the trail. You will then hike further along the Dudh Koshi valley through ever-changing landscapes, almost alien at times, to the famous Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri (5,357 m).

The highlight of the Gokyo lakes trek is Gokyo Ri. The ridge offers a magnificent sunrise view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu  to the east, with the turquoise Gokyo lake and the Ngozumpa glacier right below.

An exceptional trek in the heart of the Himalayas, Gokyo Lakes Trek is a pilgrimage for mountain lovers. Throughout the trail, you will have beautiful panoramas of the Himalayan Giants, and the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people. With short walking days, and an excellent acclimatization regime, you get to enjoy the mountains at a safe comfortable pace. Keep Walking Nepal would be pleased to have you along on this adventure and to introduce you to our country and way of life while you travel as part of my extended family.

If you are looking for a more adventurous program but have already completed the Everest Base Camp trek, make sure to check out our 20-day Gokyo and Renjo La Trek. Along with a scenic mountain pass, you will get to visit the Thamo and Thame village, famous for churning out great Everest summiteers like Tenzing Norgay and Ang Rita.

Trip Highlights

• Scenic Flight to Lukla.
• Walk through beautiful rhododendron and pine forest observing rare wild animals and birds.
• Explore Sherpa villages, Monasteries and lush valleys with spectacular view of Himalayas.
• Amazing view of Gokyo lake, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, thamserku.
• Views of Nagazumba Glacier - great views of Gokyo Ri.
• Experience highland Sherpa people's lifestyle and their unique cultural hospitality.

Trip Grade - Challenging

Trip Summary

• Day 1 :Arrive at Kathmandu
• Day 2 :Guided Tours & Preparation
• Day 3 :Fly to Lukla (2,820 m; 30 min) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m; 3 hrs)
• Day 4 :Trek to Monjo (2,900m; 3 hrs)
• Day 5 :Trek to Namche (3,440m; 3 hrs)
• Day 6 :Acclimatization day (Optional hike to Everest view hotel)
• Day 7 :Trek to Phortse Thanga (3,680m; 5-6 hrs)
• Day 8 :Trek to Dole (4,110m; 2-3 hrs)
• Day 9 :Trek Machhermo (4,470 m; 3-4 hrs) and acclimatization hike to Kyajo Ri ridge
• Day 10 :Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,790m; 4 hrs)
• Day 11 :Morning excursion to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m; 5 hrs)
• Day 12 :Trek to Dole (4,110m; 4-5 hrs)
• Day 13 :Trek to Tengboche (3860m; 5-6 hrs)
• Day 14 :Trek to Khumjung (3,790m; 5-6 hrs)
• Day 15 :Trek to Monjo (2,900m; 5-6 hrs)
• Day 16 :Trek to Lukla (2,840m; 4-5 hrs)
• Day 17 :Fly to Kathmandu (30 min) | Rest of day at leisure
• Day 18 :Full day at leisure (Contingency day)
• Day 19 :Trip concludes

Daily Movements

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu

Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Depending upon what time you arrive, you can enjoy a full day at leisure. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner with Keep Walking Nepal family.

Look out for the KEEP WALKING NEPAL board behind the railing once you exit the airport terminal.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (D)

 

Day 2: Guided Tours & Preparation

You will embark on a guided tour of two UNESCO world heritage sites; Pashupatinath Temple, the temple devoted to Lord Shiva – the god of creation and destruction, and Boudhanath Stupa – a Buddhist shrine worshipped by Hindus & Buddhists alike.

In the afternoon, your trek guide will brief you about the upcoming days and preparation requirements.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (B)

 

Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,820 m; 30 min) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m; 3 hrs)

You will drive to Kathmandu Domestic airport for an adventurous early morning 40m flight to Lukla’s Tenzing Hillary Airport (2,800m). The flight is an adventure in itself. In clear weather, one is rewarded with the first glimpse of Everest.

At Lukla, you meet the rest of your crew. The porters will take your duffel bag and will meet you at the lodge (this will continue throughout the trek).

Once out of Lukla, you will descend past small fields and cozy little wooden houses with vegetable gardens; all with a picturesque mountain backdrop. Along the way, you might encounter some pack animals as they are the only means of goods transportation up and down the mountain.

Along the way, in clear weather, one can catch views of the ice-covered 6000m high Kusum Kanguru. The trail is marked by impressive black mani stones painted with Tibetan inscriptions and a large stupa which indicates our destination for the day, Phakding, is nearby.

Overnight at guesthouse in Phakding (B, L, D)

 

Day 4: Trek to Monjo (2,900m; 3 hrs)

After breakfast, you will continue on the trail. It is a relatively short day as you cross suspension bridges over raging streams, past small hamlets and fields. Though the trail isn’t difficult, it is undulating – what we call the Nepali flat.

You will reach Monjo for lunch and the rest of the day is at leisure. You can visit the local school, visit the local snooker house for some beer or just call it a day.

Overnight at guesthouse in Monjo (B, L, D)

 

Day 5: Trek to Namche (3,440m; 3 hrs)

Shortly after Monjo, you will arrive at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike is beautiful with beautiful pine forests, raging rivers, and mountains in the backdrop. Another hour and we cross the milky river (Dudh Koshi) – over an iconic suspension bridge hanging a 100m above the river bed.

Once across the bridge, you will definitely feel the mountain as you climb the steep uphill to Namche. The trail is frequented by porters carrying humongous loads and trains of pack animals. In clear weather, Everest is also visible.

After the 600m vertical ascent in about 4 – 5 hours, you will arrive at Namche, the Sherpa capital of Khumbu.

Overnight at guesthouse in Namche (B,L,D)

 

Day 6: Acclimatization day (Optional hike to Everest view hotel)

An important rule for a successful trek is successful acclimatization. Following the mantra, you will spend a second night in Namche but visit higher grounds to adapt our body.

We suggest an hike early morning hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) and enjoy a breathtaking 360 panorama of Everest, Taboche, Thamserku, Kongde Ri and Ama Dablam.

Overnight at guesthouse in Namche (B,L,D)

 

Day 7: Trek to Phortse Thanga (3,680m; 5-6 hrs)

You will start on the frequented trail to EBC till the rest point at Kyangjuma. From Sansa, the trail branches off west hugging the mountains on your left. The tenacious climb to Mong la (3,990m) is rewarding with distant view of Ama Dablam to the east.

After lunch, you will descend down the valley in a series of steep switchbacks through a rhododendron and pine forest to cross a suspension bridge over the raging Dudh Koshi river. A short ahead lies the village of Phortse Thanga, your camp for the night.

Overnight at guesthouse in Phortse Thanga (B,L,D)

 

Day 8: Trek to Dole (4,110m; 2-3 hrs)

It’s a short day’s hike to Dole today. The trail through red birch, fir and dwarf rhododendron forest that surround yak pastures, and numerous cascading waterfalls that freeze during winter. Plus, you would also see the glacier flows from Taweche and Cholatse.

Above 4,000m the landscape and vegetation changes dramatically. Windswept valleys favor only a few species of ground-hugging rhododendrons and distinctive alpine flowers like edelweiss, gentians, anemones and stellera.

Overnight at guesthouse in Dole (B,L,D)

 

Day 9: Trek Machhermo (4,470 m; 3-4 hrs) and acclimatization hike to Kyajo Ri ridge

It’s about 6 km from Dole to Machhermo but it will take about 4 hours to climb the 270 meters vertical height. Machhermo valley lies in a windswept valley on the banks of Machhermo river, a drainage of the Ngozumpa glacier and the longest glacier in the Himalayas.

You will keep high above the Dudh Koshi river, going in and out of side valleys, along the settlements of Lhabarma and Luza. The trail can be quite steep at times but the views of Cholatse and Taboche will keep you company.

By lunchtime, you will be in one of the lodges in Machhermo, but don’t laze off. After lunch and some rest you will go on an acclimatization hike up the Kyajo Ri ridge (5000 m). In the evening, you will visit the village first-aid post for a brief understanding on mountain sickness.

Overnight at a guesthouse in Machhermo (B, L, D)

 

Day 10: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (4,790m; 4 hrs)

Leaving Machhermo, you will climb a ridge, from which the entire valley of Kangtega is clearly visible. From here, China is a stone’s throw away – right behind Cho-Oyu (8,261 m).

After lunch and some rest at the village of Pangka, which lies right behind the ridge, you will cross the river to arrive at the front of Ngozumpa Glacier’s moraine. The glacier feeds the famous Gokyo lakes.

One last spurt and you will arrive at the Gokyo valley, decorated with several lakes. There are 5 of them, and today you will pass the first three: Longpong (4650 m), Tauzhun (4710 m), Dudh Pokhari (4750 m).

You will stay the night in a lodge on the edge of the Dudh Pokhari lake.

Overnight at a guesthouse in Gokyo (B, L, D)

 

Day 11: Morning excursion to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m; 5 hrs)

In complete darkness, you will begin a radial ascent to the summit of Gokyo-Ri (53,57 m).

It will take about three hours to storm the summit, and somewhere in the middle of the road you will see how the dawn colors the white peaks of the Himalayas. The Himalayan giants reveal themselves – Everest, Makalu, Nuptse with Lhotse, and Cholatse with Taboche along with the Ngozumpa glacier.

After spending about 30-40 minutes on the top to take pictures and admire the view, you will descend about one and a half hours to our lodge for breakfast.The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at a guesthouse in Gokyo. (B, L, D)

 

Day 12: Trek to Dole (4,110m; 4-5 hrs)

You will retrace your steps back to Dole.

Overnight at guesthouse in Dole (B,L,D)

 

Day 13: Trek to Tengboche (3860m; 5-6 hrs)

Today’s hike will take you through an off-the-beaten-trail to Tengboche. You will have the mountains all to yourself, an amazing feat during busy season when Khumbu becomes a trekkers ‘Disneyland’.

You will retrace your steps till Phortse Thanga to cross the Dudh Koshi river and gently ascend to Phortse village for about 45 minutes. It is a quaint little village which, unlike the Tengboche – Pangboche, doesn’t see a lot of trekkers. There is, however, a seldom used trail to Gokyo, via Thare, along the eastern bank of the Dudh Koshi river.

After some rest at Phortse, you will begin the arduous descent. Just beyond the village, you will take a left turn from a spur which switchbacks steeply all the way to the Imja river. Across the river, you will gradually climb through a rhododendron forest all the way to Tengboche. While the mountains are obscure on this section of the trail, chances are you will encounter the Himalayan Musk, partridge and even the elusive Danphe (Himalayan Monal), the national bird of Nepal.

Tengboche monastery, largest in Khumbu, was completely destroyed by fire some decades ago but has been completely restored thanks to donations, especially from abroad. The double top view of Kongde Ri with the monastery in the front is picture-perfect. The monastery houses art, a large Buddha statue and musical instruments and robes of the Lama.

Overnight at guesthouse in Tengboche (B,L,D)

Day 14: Trek to Khumjung (3,790m; 5-6 hrs)

You will join the ‘main trail’ from Namche to Everest Base Camp here on. Just outside of the village, you will descend down for about 1.5 hrs through a dense Himalayan forest to the river crossing at Phunke Thanga. Again, the mountains are obscure, but chance encounters with Himalayan wildlife should be in the cards.

After some rest, you will ascend through a well trodden trail to Kyangjuma, the rest point before a few days on your way from Namche to Phortse Thanga, and follow the higher trail via Sansa to Khumjung.

The only high school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961 in Khumjung is definitely worth a visit. Also, don’t miss the mysterious Khumjung monastery where a Yeti scalp and skull are said to be “preserved”.

Overnight at Khumjung (B,L,D)

 

Day 15: Trek to Monjo (2,900m; 5-6 hrs)

It’s all down hill from here. You will hike directly down to Namche and after some rest retrace your steps back to Monjo.

The decrease in elevation from Khumjung to Monjo is almost 1,000m, but it isn’t all descends. Just out of Namche, you will have the famed “Nepali Flats” all to yourself till Benkar. You shouldn’t rush as it can be hard on the knees; we suggest you pace yourself and don’t be intimated by the scampering footsteps of children’s and grannies.

Overnight at Monjo (B,L,D)

 

Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2,840m; 4-5 hrs)

Backtracking to Lukla on the famous ‘Nepali Flats’, your journey in the homeland of the Sherpas will have come to an end. Alas, its your last day with your crew of Sherpas and porters, and rightfully calls for a celebration.

Overnight at Lukla (B,L,D)

 

Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu (30 min) | Rest of day at leisure

Bidding farewell to your crew, you will fly back to Kathmandu, where Keep Walking Nepal’s diligent staff will be waiting for you.

The rest of the day is at leisure. We recommend a quick shower and a visit to the laundromat.

Overnight at Kathmandu (B)

 

Day 18: Full day at leisure (Contingency day)

You have the whole day at leisure to explore Kathmandu valley. This extra day also ensures a contingency plan, in case flights out of Lukla are hampered due to inclement weather.

In the evening there will be a farewell dinner by Keep Walking Nepal to celebrate your achievements.

Overnight at Hotel (B, D)

 

Day 19: Trip concludes

A KWN representative will accompany you to the Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight back home.

(B)

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