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Gokyo Lakes Trek Complete Guide
Gokyo region in the Everest region is the second best choice among trekkers after the renowned Everest base Camp trek. Gokyo is one of the freshwater lakes created from the glacial remains flowing down from these mountains. This turquoise Gokyo Lake has a chain of six glacial lakes in its surroundings which is mesmerizing. Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba Cho are 6 oligotrophic lakes. Gokyo Lakes Trek is a challenging yet adventurous trek and the best alternative for adventurous trekkers.
This 11-day Gokyo Lakes trek offers phenomenal panoramic vistas of surrounding snow-capped peaks. The amazing trekking experience in the vicinity of breathtaking landscapes, and serene lakes, with a blend of geological wonders and cultural experiences, is surreal. Ascend Gokyo Ri (5357m) and witness impressive views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Khumbila, Kwande, Pumori, Nuptse, Gokyo Valley, and lakes. Traverse the challenging Renjo La (5360m) and trek along the longest Ngozumpa glacier. Complete this phenomenal journey navigating through diverse flora and fauna in the Sagarmatha National Park, attractive villages in Gokyo, lush green forest, changing landscapes, and experiencing Sherpa culture, lifestyle, and hospitality. Come and experience the wholesome adventure in the mountains, in nature.
Highlights of the trek
- Sagarmatha National Park and its diverse flora and fauna
- Explore the oldest Thame monastery, Buddhist Monasteries, stupas, Mane Walls
- Sherpa culture, lifestyle, and hospitality
- Trek along the longest Ngozumpa Glacier
- Turquoise Gokyo Lake and its chain of six glacial lakes
- Ascend Gokyo Ri (5357 m) and witness impressive views of Gokyo Valley, Lakes and snow-capped peaks
- Traversing the challenging Renjo La Pass (5360 m)
- Impressive views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Khumbila, Kwande, Pumori, and Nuptse from Renjo La and Gokyo Ri
11 Days Gokyo Lakes Trek Map
11 Days Gokyo Lakes Trek Itinerary
- Day 01: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
- Day 02: Trek Phakding – Namche
- Day 03: Acclimatization day
- Day 04: Trek Namche – Mong La
- Day 05: Trek Mong La – Machherma
- Day 06: Trek Machherma – Gokyo
- Day 07: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5330m) and 5th Lake
- Day 08: Trek Gokyo – Renjo La (5360m) – Lungdhen
- Day 09: Trek Lungdhen – Thame – Namche
- Day 10: Trek Namche – Phakding – Lukla
- Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu
Gokyo Lakes Trek
11 Days
Adventure Treks
USD 1,199 per person
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek
15 Days
Adventure Treks
USD 1,349 per person
Trekking permits for Gokyo Lakes Trek
1. Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
- For Foreigners: NPR 2000 (Approx. USD 20)
- For SAARC Nationals: NPR 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
2. Sagarmatha National Park (SNP)
- For Foreigners: NPR 3000 (Approx. USD 30)
- For SAARC Nationals: NPR 1500 (Approx. USD 15)
3. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
- For Foreigners: NRS. 2000 (Approx. USD 20)
- For SAARC Nationals: NRS. 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
Best time to visit Gokyo Lakes Trek
Throughout the year, we organize treks but the best times for Gokyo Renjo La Pass Treks are:
Spring (March-May):
Perfect season, Moderate Temperature, Awesome stable weather, Panoramic Vistas, Lush Greenery, Comfortable Trails, Blooming Seasonal Flowers, Availability of Teahouses.
Autumn (September-November):
Second-best season, Clear weather and skies, warm temperature with comfy trekking trails, wonderful scenic views, and availability of teahouses.
Winter (December-February):
Not suitable, very cold, unpredictable weather and temperature, snowy and slippery trails, limited views, high chances of flight cancelations, and less availability of teahouses with limited amenities.
Summer (June-August):
Monsoon season in Nepal, Heavy rainfall, cloudy and cold weather, unstable temperatures, slippery trails, high chances of flight cancellations, less availability of teahouses with limited facilities, and unfavorable conditions.
Unforgettable experience !!!
An unforgettable experience!! We traveled 3 friends from Spain to hike the Gokyo Lakes for 11 days. Our guide was Ramesh and took great care of us throughout the trek, making us feel like a real family. He looked for the best lodges and worried every day that we were as good as possible in every way. He adapted the planning every day according to our tastes and needs.
I hope to return and will definitely repeat with Himalaya Trip and especially with Ramesh!! Thanks for everything!!
Best Trekking Agency for Gokyo Trek
Recently got back from an intended trek to the Renjo La Pass which was organized by Harka Gurung at Himalaya Trip.
I must say Harka did a 1st class job in arranging our trek and was very quick to respond to all of our emails (I must have sent him a million emails covering every possible concern imaginable and he patiently replied to all of them addressing my concerns/questions!!).
On the trek we were assigned Jay as our guide and Dil as our porter – two great chaps who were tremendous company during our stay in the Everest region and really ensured our trip went smoothly. Jay was a responsible guide who, when I got some altitude sickness took the wise decision to wait it out for a day to acclimatise. This meant our trip could continue as normal once the symptoms dissipated.
Be warned we saw some trekking agencies taking stupid risks with their clients by going up 800+ meters in a day only to have to come straight back down during the night as both the client and guide got altitude sickness. Thankfully we were blessed with intelligent and caring guide/trekking firm which actually had the best interests of their clients in mind meaning we were kept safe during our visit.
Before we arrived for our trek, there was heavy snow in Nepal which meant the Renjo Pass was covered in 3m meters of snow making it inaccessible. Harka/ Jay were very flexible and adapted our itinerary in order to ensure we still managed to see a great deal and thanks to Harka’s foresight, he asked us to bring crampons and ice axes with us which meant we could summit to the top of Gokyo Ri for absolutely stunning panoramic views of Everest and the top of the world.
In short, I highly recommend Himalaya Trip and the next time I visit Nepal I will be sure to utilize them for my trek.
UK, March 2015
Incredible Renjo La Pass Trek!!!
With a plethora of trekking companies offering services in Kathmandu, sorting through them and deciding on a quality trekking company can be difficult. Luckily for us, Himalaya Trip is already known to one member of our group. With familiarity of the company and knowledge of the quality service they offer, we began our preparation of our trek about 6 months before our planned trek dates of early April 2018. Himalaya Trip is a family business. Our lead guide, Hari, is one of the brothers in the family business. Hari was as friendly as anyone could be. He constantly had a smile on his face, and really demonstrated his problem solving ability when the airline we were flying on would not allow my brother board our KTM bound flight from Hong Kong due to his passport had an expiration date less than 6 months from our travel date. Hari coordinated with Nepal Immigration at KTM as well as the airline service desk, and was able to resolve the issue for us. Kudos to Hari right from the beginning! Through out our 11-day trek, which culminated with our reaching the top of Renjo La Pass at 5360m on day 9, Hari and his crew of one assistant guide and 3 porters made our trek an unforgettable experience. Trekking at high altitude in the Himalayas is a physically demanding endeavor. As such, you are the best judge of whether you are physically capable of doing something like that. That being said, hiring a professional trekking company like Hari and his crew will ensure a successful and memorable experience of a lifetime! I highly recommend Himalaya Trip for your Nepal trekking adventures. In fact, we are heading back to Nepal this December for another trek with Hari and his crew.
USA, April 2018
Amazing Gokyo Trip
We had the pleasure to hike through Gokyo Valley and up to Gokyo Ri with our guide Hari and our porter Bikash, who both not only did a great job but really became our friends along the way. The trek was extremely well planned and we felt very well cared for, with all our needs and wishes immediately catered for. Hari even made it possible to spontaneously adapt our route so that we could cross the Renjo La Pass and hike back through the neighboring valley.
When planning the trip from home, Harka was very helpful and always replied immediately to E-mails. We absolutely recommend this company!
Switzearland, March 2019
Gokyo Ri and Renjo La Pass circuit- excellent company, guide and porter.
My father and I recently went on a 12 day trek with Himalaya Trip. We met Harka the day after we arrived, showing and telling what we would be doing. He had organised the trek whilst we were still in Australia very well, and we were both easily able to understand what the trek would entail. Nauser our guide and Parksh our porter were excellent. Both very friendly and very knowledgeable about the surrounds and trek itself. I am hoping to come back to Nepal for a trek in the next 2 years and would certainly choose this company and the guide and porter we had – Nauser/Parksh. They were fantastic, I would highly recommend.
Australia, May 2019
Review About Gokyo Lake Trek
My partner’s no stranger to the services provided by Himalaya Trip and for good reason. This is his second time trekking with them and my first. The team were a pleasant and adaptable group who ensured we had the best experience possible. Harka, our organiser, did a great job at mapping out our itinerary and keeping us prepared and informed throughout our trip to Gokyo and we extend that thanks to Jay for his assistance before the start of this trek. We commend our lovely guide, Ramesh, whose support and dedication were deeply appreciated especially for a beginner trekker. Our porter, Dill, was a delightful companion, but unfortunately, had fallen slightly ill during the trek. After reaching one of our stops, Ramesh made the journey to retrieve our baggage from where our porter had to stop. We were impressed by the effort he made to do this all after a days trekking and as it was getting dark. Another porter, Depak, was quickly organised. Despite the short notice, he promptly made his way to Namche from Lukla to trek with us and luckily our trip went on.
We were well looked after on this trek. Even as I grew tired and a bit sick, the team remained supportive and their care and encouragement helped me endure. The views were beautiful and unforgettable. The lakes at Gokyo were as stunning as the mountains around us. I felt grateful to have shared this experience with our little family as Ramesh had called us. It was a hard good bye but I’m sure we’ll return.
Australia, Oct 2023Preparation and fitness for Gokyo Lakes trek
The Gokyo Lake trek’s highest point is Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5330m followed by 5th Lake at an elevation of 4990m. Traversing Renjo La Pass at an elevation of 5360m along with the high elevation is the challenging part. It demands an excellent level of preparation and fitness. We suggest trekkers prepare well in advance by participating in physical cardio exercises, cycling, jogging, swimming, and short hikes to build stamina. Eat a balanced diet and avoid unhealthy foods and drinks. Consult a doctor and do necessary check-ups if necessary before venturing into this Gokyo Renjo La Pass trek.
Accommodation and Internet facilities for Gokyo Lakes Trek
Locally operated teahouses or lodges are accommodation types that offer one twin-bed private common room for 2 people. Western toilets are very rare and prepared to share toilets and bathrooms. Pay an additional amount for the use of the shower, hot water, Wi-Fi, laundry, boiled water, charging electronic devices, and other services. Everest Link’s Wi-Fi serves as an internet provider throughout the trek. Networks are stable in lower regions.
Meals for Gokyo Lakes Trek
Lodges have meal options where trekkers can select their choices. Meal choices are limited but hygienic. Mostly veg foods are served and non-veg foods are not recommended. Full-board meals are served from teahouses that include options such as Nepali Dal-Bhat, vegetables, noodles, soup, eggs, tea, coffee, etc.
Drinking water
Drinking water options during the Gokyo treks are natural spring water and bottled water. Always carry a water purification kit for pure water treatment. Stay hydrated and always carry a water bottle.
How to get to Gokyo Lakes trek?
A flight to Lukla from Kathmandu is the quickest and easiest option to get to Gokyo. From Lukla, commence the trek following the itinerary schedule.
Note: In the months of April, May, October, and November due to air traffic in Kathmandu, flight schedules are operated from Ramechhap. Take a 4-hour drive from
Kathmandu to Ramechhap and then take a flight to Lukla during peak seasons.
What to do in case of Flight cancelations from Kathmandu to Lukla?
There is an alternative option of Kathmandu to Lukla by helicopter which costs around USD 500 per person in case of flight cancelations from Kathmandu to Lukla.
How hard is the Gokyo Lakes trek?
Gokyo trek’s highest point is Gokyo Ri (5330m) and 5th Lake (4990m). The difficulty level for this trek is graded 4 which means it is very hard. Traversing Renjo La Pass at an elevation of 5360 m is very arduous. The high elevations, the challenging pass, the unconventional trail routes, the high steep ascend and low steep descend, the changing temperature and weather, altitude sickness, and the limited availability of teahouses and amenities can be challenging factors during this trek.
Packing List
- 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 a long-sleeved shirt 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
Conclusion
Gokyo Lakes trek treats trekkers with scenic panoramic mountain vistas, and beautiful changing landscapes, along with turquoise lakes in its vicinity. Traversing through the longest Ngozumpa Glacier, challenging Renjo La Pass, and ascending Gokyo Ri are major highlights of this trek. Gokyo Lake and its 6 chain lakes are enchanting. A trek full of adventure provides trekkers with new beautiful insights, picturesque scenery, and impressive views of snow-capped peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc. Indeed this trek is a rewarding and memorable experience for all trekkers.
