14 Apr 2024 Himalaya Trip
Gokyo Lakes Trek in the Everest region is one of the best trekking destinations for trekkers. The freshwater lake Gokyo is created from the glacial remains flowing down from these mountains. Gokyo Lake is a chain of 6 glacial lakes: Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba Cho. The Gokyo Lakes Trek distance is 100.4km in 10 days trek. Gokyo Lakes Trek takes you through scenic landscapes, serene lakes, and beautiful settlements with phenomenal views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Khumbila, etc. Also, experience the Sherpa culture, their lifestyle, and warm hospitality. Traverse the highest challenging Renjo La Pass (5,360m) which is full of adventure. Ascend Gokyo Ri (5,357m), trek through diverse flora and witness some wild animals in the vicinity of Sagarmatha National Park, visit ancient monasteries, and get mesmerized with the overall scenery of Gokyo Valley during the Gokyo Lakes Trek.
Highlights of the trek
- Varied flora and fauna in the vicinity of Sagarmatha National Park
- Ancient Buddhist Monasteries, Stupas, Sherpa culture, lifestyle, and hospitality
- Nepal’s longest Ngozumpa Glacier
- Serene Gokyo Lake and its chain of six glacial lakes
- Cross the challenging highest Renjo La Pass (5,360m)
- Gokyo Ri (5,357m) hike and get fabulous views of Gokyo Valley, Lakes and snow-capped peaks
- Phenomenal views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Khumbila, Kwande, Pumori, and Nuptse from Renjo La and Gokyo Ri
Gokyo Lakes Trek Distance and Duration
The standard Gokyo Lakes Trek duration is 11 days and the total trek distance covers 100.4 km in 10 days.
Gokyo Lakes Trek Distance and Duration in Table
| Day | Trek Destination | Distance | Duration |
| 1 | Lukla to Phakding | 8 kilometers | 3-4 Hrs. |
| 2 | Phakding to Namche | 11 kilometers | 5-6 Hrs. |
| 3 | Namche to Mong La | 8 kilometers | 4 Hrs. |
| 4 | Hike to Everest View Point | 6 kilometers | 3-4 Hrs. |
| 5 | Mong La to Machherma | 9 kilometers | 5-6 Hrs. |
| 6 | Machherma to Gokyo | 7 kilometers | 5-6 Hrs. |
| 7 | Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) | 3.4 kilometers | 3-4 Hrs. |
| 8 | Gokyo Lungdhen via Renjo La | 11 kilometers | 7-8 Hrs. |
| 9 | Lungdhen to Thame to Namche | 18 kilometers | 6-7 Hrs. |
| 10 | Namche to Phakding to Lukla | 19 kilometers | 6-7 Hrs. |
Gokyo Lakes Trek Distance Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2610m) Distance
Drive Hours: 30-45 minutes
Flight hours: 35 minutes
Trek distance: 8km
Walking Hours: 3-4 hours
Attractions:
- Scenic flights from Lukla to Kathmandu with views of snow-covered Himalayan Mountains and beautiful surroundings
- Trek through stone-paved pathways relishing beautiful settlements and surroundings
Drive to Tribhuvan airport in the morning and take a scenic flight to Lukla. An adventurous flight is more pleasing with views of snow-covered Himalayan Mountains and beautiful surroundings. Along with a guide and porters at Lukla commence the trek to Phakding. Trek through stone-paved pathways relishing beautiful settlements and surroundings. Arrive at the first stop of the journey a small riverside and beautiful village of Phakding.
Note: Flight schedule Information
All flights operate from Ramechhap to Lukla and Lukla to Ramechhap in the months of April, May, October, and November due to high air traffic in Kathmandu. First drive to Ramechhap and fly to Lukla and vice-versa.
*Direct flight to Lukla operates from Kathmandu except for the above-mentioned months.
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche (3440m) Distance
Trek distance: 11km
Walking Hours: 5-6 hours
Attractions:
- Pass through scenic Dudh Koshi River
- Walk in the vicinity of Sagarmatha National Park
- Traverse through the amazing and lengthy Hillary suspension bridge
- Vibrant Sherpa capital Namche
Pass through the scenic Dudh Koshi River and enter the vicinity of Sagarmatha National Park. March forward on ascending and descending trails and arrive at Monjo. Show the permits for registration of Sagarmatha National Park and after lunch continue to trek. Traverse through the amazing and lengthy Hillary suspension bridge and pass through forested trails. Ascend uphill as a final stretch to reach the vibrant Sherpa capital of Nepal.
Day 3: Acclimatization day (Hike to Everest View or extended trip to Khumjung) Distance
Trek distance: 6km
Walking Hours: 3-4 hours
Attractions:
- Everest View Hotel Hike
- Get the first glimpse of Mount Everest
- Panoramic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, Khumbila, etc.
- Optional hike to Khumjung Monastery
The first acclimatization day is spent hiking to Everest View Hotel. From there, get the first glimpse of Mount Everest. Also, relish the panoramic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, Khumbila, etc. There is also an optional or extended hike to Khumjung Monastery. After a short hike, later explore the Sherpa capital Namche. There are several cafes, pubs, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Savor fresh coffee, bakery items, and drinks at pubs. Do not miss the bustling Saturday market if your visit coincides with a Saturday.
Day 4: Trek from Namche to Mong La (4000m) Distance
Trek distance: 8km
Walking Hours: 4 hours
Attractions:
- Beautiful Kyanjuma Village
- Incredible breathtaking vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kongde Ri
Walk past flat trails relishing the scenery and enter the beautiful Kyanjuma village. Adore the incredible breathtaking vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kongde Ri. Ascend through the trail and arrive at Mong La.
Day 5: Trek from Mong La to Machherma (4470m)
Trek distance: 9km
Walking Hours: 5-6 hours
Attractions:
- Trek through trails decorated with shrines and prayer flags
- Stunning views of the world’s 6th highest Mount Cho Oyu, Mount Kantega, and Thamserku
- Beautiful landscapes and grazing animals
After breakfast, start the trek and adore the beautiful landscapes and grazing animals. Trek through trails decorated with shrines and prayer flags. Continue to trek to Dole where you witness the stunning views of the world’s 6th highest Mount Cho Oyu, Mount Kantega, and Thamserku. Enjoy the surrounding views, pass the scenic Luja Valley, and reach the charming village of Machherma.
Day 6: Trek from Machherma to Gokyo (4790m) Distance
Trek distance: 7km
Walking Hours: 4 hours
Attractions:
- Crystal-clear water lake of Longpongo Lake
- Nepal’s largest glacier-Ngozumpa Glacier
- Mesmerizing 6 Gokyo Lakes
Start trekking after breakfast and cross Phanga leading to an iron bridge. Cross the bridge and relish the sight of the crystal-clear water lake of Longpongo Lake. Trek further to pass through Nepal’s largest glacier-Ngozumpa Glacier. Adore the beautiful scenery after crossing the glacier’s rugged moraines. Get mesmerized by the stunning views of 6 Gokyo Lakes: Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba. Gokyo Village is nestled near Dudh Pokhari in the vicinity creating beautiful scenery.
Day 7: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357m) and 5th Lake Distance
Drive distance: 3.4km
Drive Hours: 3-4 hours
Attractions:
- Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
- Phenomenal views of Himalayan mountain ranges including Everest, turquoise glacial lakes, and expansive glaciers.
- Enchanting Gokyo Village
The second rest day starts with a hike to Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,357m. Ascend slowly relishing the surrounding views. From the top, adore the phenomenal views of Himalayan mountain ranges including Everest, turquoise glacial lakes, and expansive glaciers. Take some pictures and slowly descend. Explore the enchanting Gokyo Village post-lunch.
Day 8: Trek from Gokyo to Lungdhen (4380m) via Renjo La (5360m) Distance
Trek distance: 11km
Walking Hours: 7-8 hours
Attractions:
- Crossing the challenging highest Renjo La Pass (5360m)
- Impressive panoramas of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, etc.
Trek commences with a slow ascend to the highest Renjo La Pass at an elevation of 5,360m. Crossing it is challenging but the views from the top are magical. Get the impressive panoramas of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, etc. Descend slowly from the top and trek further to arrive at Lungdhen.
Day 9: Trek from Lungdhen to Thame to Namche (3440m) Distance
Trek distance: 18km
Walking Hours: 6-7 hours
Attractions:
- Traverse through a zig-zag trail along the riverside
- The old village of Thame that connects the was once traditional pathway for the Tibet-Nepal trade route
- Oldest Thame Monastery
Traverse through a zig-zag trail along the riverside from Lungdhen to arrive at Thame. Have lunch at this old village that was used as a connection for the traditional pathway for the Tibet-Nepal trade. Explore the oldest Thame Monastery. From Thame, the trail is mostly straightforward forward that leads to Namche.
Day 10: Trek from Namche to Phakding to Lukla (2840m)
Drive distance: 19km
Drive Hours: 6-7 hours
Attractions:
- Admire the natural beauty of the surroundings, passing small villages, and crossing numerous bridges
Walk on a descending trail from Namche admiring the natural beauty of the surroundings. Pass small villages while walking on ascending and descending trails, and cross numerous bridges to arrive at Lukla.
Day 11: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Flight hours: 35 minutes
Drive Hours: 30-45 minute
Attractions:
- Scenic flights from Lukla to Kathmandu with views of snow-covered mountains.
Take an early morning scenic flight to Kathmandu. Adore the fabulous views of snow-covered mountains, green hills, and Kathmandu Valley. Transfer to the hotel after reaching the airport.
Note: For flexibility, you may book your own accommodations Hostel to a 5-star Hotel in Kathmandu and you can stay more than one night in Kathmandu before and after the trek at your preferred place.
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)
Gokyo Lakes Trek FAQs
How many lakes are there in Gokyo?
Gokyo Lake consists of 6 lakes which are Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba Cho.
What is the altitude of Gokyo 5th Lake?
Gokyo 5th Lake is at an altitude of 4,990m.
What is the altitude of the Gokyo Lakes Trek?
Gokyo Lakes Trek highest altitude is Renjo La 5,360m and Gokyo Ri 5330m.
Can you see Everest from Gokyo Lakes?
Yes, the Everest view is possible from Gokyo 5th Lake, Gokyo Ri and Renjola Pass.
How long is the Gokyo Lakes Trek?
The standard Gokyo Lakes trek is 11 days from and to Kathmandu which is flexible to customize according to your preferences.
How difficult is the Gokyo Lakes Trek?
The maximum elevation gain during this trek is 5,360 m (Renjo La Pass) and for many days the trek elevation is between 4,000 and 5,360 m. Hence, the Gokyo Lakes Trek is moderately difficult.
How much does it cost to trek to Gokyo Lake?
Gokyo Lakes trek cost for a standard 11-day itinerary starts from USD 1049 to USD 1149 per person depending on group sizes.
