Best time for Gokyo Lakes Trek

19 Apr 2024 Himalaya Trip

‘When is the best time for Gokyo Lakes Trek?’-Himalaya Trip presents the article with brief details for travelers to plan and choose their preferred time to trek. Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the interesting destinations in the Everest region that treats trekkers with phenomenal views of freshwater lakes. It is one of the best alternative treks and most visited trek destinations after Everest Base Camp. The best time for the Gokyo Lakes Trek is during Spring (Mar-May) followed by Autumn (Sep-Nov) season.

Gokyo Lakes is a chain of 6 oligotrophic glacial lakes at an elevation between 4,700-5,000m. These six lakes Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba Cho are the world’s highest freshwater lake system. Gokyo Lakes is naturally mesmerizing and it is also a sacred site for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Gokyo Lakes Trek pleases travelers with incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Khumbila, etc.

Highlights of the trek

• Enchanting Gokyo Valley and its surroundings

• Friendly Sherpa locals, their culture, and lifestyle

• Nepal’s longest Ngozumpa Glacier

• Ascend Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)

• Everywhere greenery during Rainy/Monsoon

• Trails covered with Rhododendron and seasonal flowers in Spring

• Beautiful Landscapes in Autumn

• Fabulous views of snow-covered mountains in Winter

• 6 Gokyo Lakes: Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba Cho

• Incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Khumbila, etc.

Best time for Gokyo Lakes Trek

Nepal has mainly four trekking seasons: Spring, Autumn, Summer/Monsoon, and Winter. Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) are the ideal seasons for the Gokyo Lakes Trek. The stable weather, moderate temperature, and clear blue skies make these peak seasons for trekking.

Winter (Dec-Feb) and Monsoon (Jun-Aug) seasons are not preferred for the Gokyo Lakes trek due to unstable weather and temperature. These seasons are off-seasons and only a few experienced and adventurous dare to trek with proper planning and preparation.

Average Day and Night Temperatures

All Seasons Average Monthly Temperature Chart

Which season is best for the Gokyo Lakes Trek?

Gokyo Lakes Trek in Spring (March to May):

• An ideal time for trekking
• Warmer and longer days
• Dry, amusing, and stable weather
• Clear blue skies and excellent visibility
• Relaxing trekking environment
• Light Windy and cold temperatures during the night
• Temperature variations at high elevations
• Lovely landscapes and fantastic views of Gokyo freshwater lakes
• Trails covered with blooming Rhododendrons and seasonal flowers
• Teahouses or lodges availability
• Peak season hence Crowded trails
• Costs are slightly higher
• Witness the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon on 29^th May 
• Enjoy Gyalpo Lhosar (Sherpa New Year) in the month of March

Gokyo Lakes Trek Autumn (September to November):

• The second ideal season for trekking
• Shorter days with moderate temperature
• Warm, clear, and stable weather
• Slightly cold night temperature
• Unique local Sherpa culture and lifestyle
• Clear skies and bright sunny days
• Pleasing colorful landscapes
• Breathtaking views of snowy mountains
• Availability of teahouses
• Slightly crowded
• Costs are slightly higher
• Attend the vibrant Mani Rimdu festival

Gokyo Lakes Trek Monsoon (June to August):

• Cloudy skies and continuous rainfall
• Lush greenery and beautiful landscapes
• High humidity and high chances of heavy rainfall
• Muddy and slippery trails
• Night temperature is chilling
• Difficult to navigate the trail
• Cross the river with caution as the river flow or current is high
• Most teahouses remain closed in higher regions
• Limited availability of teahouses or lodges
• Landslide chances due to continuous rain and roadblocks
• Carry insect repellent or medicines to prevent leeches and other insects from bite
• Pack a rain poncho or umbrella
• Plan wisely to trek considering the weather and trail conditions
• Get an off-season discount offer

Gokyo Lakes Trek Winter (December to February):

• Clear and dry skies
• Limited daylight but awesome visibility
• Unpredictable weather, and severe temperatures
• Chilly wind and continuous snowfall
• Dropping freezing temperatures in higher regions
• Spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains
• Avalanche risk and snow landslide chances high
• Slippery due to Snow-covered trails
• Less crowded and limited availability of teahouses or lodges
• Be well-prepared, and be responsible for trekking during this season
• Appropriate for experienced and adventure-seeking trekkers
• Crampons are recommended for this trek
• Get an off-season discount offer

How to get to the Gokyo Lakes Trek?

Kathmandu to Lukla flight is the quickest and best option to get to the Gokyo Lakes Trek. The flight operates from Kathmandu Airport during the months of January to March and the second half of May months to December.

In the months of April and the first half of May months, the flight operates from Manthali Airport, Ramechaap due to air traffic in Kathmandu. Take a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and then take a flight to Lukla.

Lukla Flight Operation Table

What to do in case of flight cancelation during the Gokyo Lakes trek?

Kathmandu to Lukla by helicopter is an alternative option in case of flight cancelations during the Gokyo Lakes trek which costs around USD 500 per person (one-way).

Packing List for Gokyo Lakes Trek

Gokyo Lakes Trek has a maximum elevation of above 5,000m and mostly the weather and temperature remain unstable and unpredictable. You can take a comprehensive packing list from the tour operator for a comfortable trekking experience. The packing list for the Gokyo Lakes Trek is mentioned below:

• Trekking boots (If new boots are purchased, “break them in” to avoid blisters) and spare laces
• Hat (Warm), scarf and gloves
• Trousers (Warm trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
• Running shoes, sandals, or thongs (To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet).
• Shorts and trousers
• Wool-blend socks, liner socks, and underwear (three pairs)
• Thermal underwear
• Sunhat
• Fleece jacket
• T-shirts (two or three) and long-sleeved shirts with a collar (a long-sleeved shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.)
• Laundry soap powder or bar
• Toilet paper
• Sunscreen (SPF 20+) and lip guard
• Sunglasses
• Pocket knife
• Iodine, water-purification tablets, or filter
• Insect repellent (for lower elevation)
• Stuff Sacks
• Earplugs
• Backpack
• Sleeping back and silk liner
• Water bottle
• Torch (flashlight), spare batteries and bulbs
• Duffle bag
• Crampon
• Down jacket or down vest
• Camera, memory card, and battery charger (spare batteries)
• Books and magazines
• Trekking Poles
• Quick-drying camp towel
• Daypack (This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g. toilet items, cameras, towel, soap, chocolate bar, etc.)
• 2-4 large plastic bags: to separate clean clothes from dirty ones
• Personal medical supplies

Gokyo Lakes Trek FAQs

Is Gokyo Ri difficult?

Gokyo Ri is at an elevation of 5,330 m and due to high altitude and ascending and descending trails climbing Gokyo Ri is difficult but it is achievable.

How do you trek from Lukla to Gokyo?

From Lukla, pass through the beautiful settlements of Phakding, Namche, Dole, and Machhermo to reach Gokyo.

How to go to Gokyo Lake from Kathmandu?

First, fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and trek through Phakding, Namche, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo. From Gokyo, trek to Gokyo Lake.

How far is Gokyo Lake from Everest Base Camp?

Gokyo Lake is 26 km far from Everest Base Camp – Gorak Shep – Lobuche – Zhonglha – Dragnag – Gokyo Lake.

Is Gokyo Lake frozen in March?

Gokyo Lake is frozen till early March.

How hard is the Gokyo Lakes trek?

Gokyo Lakes trek is graded as 4 which means it is hard due to the maximum elevation ranging between 4,000 and 5,360 m during this trek.

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