Gokyo Lakes Trek
A quieter Everest — turquoise glacial lakes, the Ngozumpa glacier and the unbeatable summit panorama from Gokyo Ri.
About this trek
If the headline Base Camp route is the Khumbu’s pilgrimage, Gokyo is its hidden jewel: a string of six sacred, impossibly blue lakes set beneath Cho Oyu, reached on noticeably gentler, emptier trails. The climb of Gokyo Ri delivers a view many trekkers rate above Kala Patthar — four eight-thousanders, Everest among them, in a single sweep.
It’s a shorter trip than Base Camp but still a serious high-altitude walk, so we acclimatise carefully in Namche and Dole before the final push. A wonderful choice for those who want big mountains with smaller crowds.
Trek highlights
- Six turquoise Gokyo lakes
- Summit panorama from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
- Walk beside the vast Ngozumpa glacier
- Far fewer crowds than the main route
- Sherpa villages of Dole and Machhermo
- Four eight-thousanders in one view
The itinerary
A typical day-by-day plan. We tailor pace and rest days to your group, and your guide adjusts on the ground for weather and acclimatisation.
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Arrive in Kathmandu
1,400 mAirport transfer, evening briefing and gear check.
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Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
2,610 mMountain flight and an easy first walk down the valley.
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Trek to Namche Bazaar
3,440 mBridges and forest to the Sherpa capital.
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Acclimatisation in Namche
3,440 mA view hike toward Everest, then rest.
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Trek to Dole
4,040 mBranch away from the Base Camp crowds into the quiet Gokyo valley.
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Trek to Machhermo
4,470 mA short, scenic stage with an afternoon altitude-awareness talk.
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Trek to Gokyo
4,790 mPass the first lakes to reach the village beside the third, largest lake.
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Climb Gokyo Ri
5,357 mA dawn climb for the great panorama, with the afternoon to rest by the lake.
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Trek to Dole
4,040 mBegin the descent back down the valley.
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Trek to Namche Bazaar
3,440 mRejoin the main trail and drop back to Namche.
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Trek to Lukla
2,840 mThe final valley stage and an evening with your crew.
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Fly to Kathmandu & depart
1,400 mMorning flight to the capital and onward travel.
What's included
In your trip price
- Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla flights
- Licensed, English-speaking local guide
- Insured porter team (one porter per two trekkers)
- All national-park entry and trekking permits
- Teahouse lodging throughout the trek
- Three freshly cooked meals a day on the trail
- Group medical kit, pulse oximeter and first aid
Not included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (required)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
- Tips for your guide and crew (at your discretion)
From people who walked it
4.8 / 5 from 87 verified reviews
The lakes are even bluer in person. Quieter than I expected and beautifully organised throughout.
Gokyo Ri at sunrise is burned into my memory. Brilliant guiding and genuinely fair to the porters.
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Make the Gokyo Lakes yours
Tell us your dates and we’ll tailor this itinerary around you — at no cost until you book.