Gokyo Lake

  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Altitude: 5,357m
  • Best Season: Spring, Autumn
  • Duration: 10–12 days
All Regions Annapurna Region Everest Region Langtang Region Manaslu Region

Overview

Gokyo Lakes Trek is a spectacular high-altitude trek in Nepal’s Everest region, offering stunning views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and surrounding Himalayan peaks. The trail passes through traditional Sherpa villages, rhododendron and alpine landscapes before reaching the beautiful Gokyo Lakes at around 4,700–5,000 m. The trek also includes an optional climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft), which provides a panoramic view of the Everest region. The trek usually takes 12–14 days and is considered moderate to challenging, requiring good fitness and proper acclimatization. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are generally the best seasons for clear mountain views and favorable trekking conditions.

Trek Route Map

Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu, meet our representative at the airport, transfer to your hotel, and attend a trek briefing. Trek permits will be arranged. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (about 35 mins) and begin trekking toward Phakding through scenic mountain trails and small Sherpa villages. Flight: 35 mins, Trek: 3–4 hrs. Altitude: 2,610 m / 8,563 ft

Trek alongside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and entering Sagarmatha National Park before climbing toward Namche Bazaar. Trek: 5–6 hrs. Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,286 ft

Spend the day acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar. Take a short hike to nearby viewpoints and enjoy spectacular views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. Trek: 3–4 hrs. Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,286 ft

Continue through beautiful alpine landscapes, passing rhododendron forests and traditional settlements before reaching Dole. Trek: 5–6 hrs. Altitude: 4,038 m / 13,248 ft

Trek gradually uphill through the Dudh Koshi Valley with stunning views of Cho Oyu and surrounding mountains before reaching Machhermo. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 4,470 m / 14,665 ft

Continue along the Dudh Koshi River and pass several beautiful glacial lakes before reaching Gokyo village beside the turquoise Gokyo Lake. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 4,790 m / 15,715 ft

Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri for spectacular panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and surrounding peaks. Return to Gokyo for rest. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 5,357 m / 17,575 ft

Descend along the scenic Dudh Koshi Valley, passing alpine landscapes and mountain villages on the way back to Dole. Trek: 4–5 hrs. Altitude: 4,038 m / 13,248 ft

Continue descending through rhododendron and pine forests before reaching Namche Bazaar. Trek: 5–6 hrs. Altitude: 3,440 m / 11,286 ft

Trek back through familiar trails, crossing suspension bridges and following the Dudh Koshi River toward Lukla. Trek: 6–7 hrs. Altitude: 2,860 m / 9,383 ft

Fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Flight: 35 mins. Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure, marking the end of the Gokyo Lakes Trek.

Highlights

  • Stunning views of Mount Everest (8,849m)
  • Spectacular panoramic views from Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
  • Beautiful turquoise Gokyo Lakes
  • Views of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam
  • Diverse landscapes: rhododendron forests, glaciers, valleys, and alpine terrain
  • Traditional Sherpa villages and Buddhist culture
  • Scenic trails through Sagarmatha National Park
  • Close views of the Ngozumpa Glacier
  • Beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas

Hotels and Accommodation on the Gokyo Lakes Trek

Teahouses (Most Common)

Teahouses are the standard accommodation along the Gokyo Lakes route. They usually offer:

  • Twin-sharing rooms with simple beds
  • Foam mattress, pillow, and blanket
  • Shared bathroom and toilet
  • Common dining hall with stove heating
  • Basic charging and Wi-Fi (extra cost)

At lower elevations, accommodation is generally more comfortable, while facilities become more basic as you approach Gokyo.

Lodges and Guesthouses

In villages such as Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo, trekkers can find simple lodges and guesthouses with:

  • Basic private or twin-sharing rooms
  • Dining areas with stove heating
  • Hot showers at some locations
  • Local and basic Western food options
  • Charging facilities, usually for an extra cost

Accommodation becomes more limited and basic at higher elevations, particularly around Gokyo.

Accommodation at a Higher Altitude

As you climb toward Machhermo (4,470m) and Gokyo (4,790m), accommodation becomes more basic:

  • Small and simple rooms
  • Thin walls and colder sleeping areas
  • Shared toilets
  • Limited hot water
  • Limited electricity and Wi-Fi
  • Basic food choices

Temperatures can become very cold at night, particularly during winter, so trekkers should carry warm layers and a suitable sleeping bag.

Cost of Accommodation

Room prices are generally affordable, although prices may increase at higher elevations.

Approximate room cost per night:

  • Lower villages: NPR 300–600
  • Dole / Machhermo: NPR 500–800
  • Gokyo: NPR 500–1,000

Hot showers, charging, and Wi-Fi may cost extra depending on the lodge.

Best Place to Stay

Namche Bazaar is one of the best places to stay on the Gokyo Lakes Trek because it offers:

  • Better quality teahouses and lodges
  • Hot showers
  • More food choices
  • Internet and charging facilities
  • Shops and trekking services
  • Excellent mountain views

Gokyo is another important overnight stop, offering beautiful views of the Gokyo Lakes and surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Emergency Contact

Emergency Contact

Nepal Tourist Police – Number: 1144

Nepal Police Emergency – Number: 100

TAAN (Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal) – Contact: +977-1-5369770

Helicopter Rescue Services – In serious emergencies, helicopter evacuation may be required from locations such as Namche, Machhermo, Gokyo, or other accessible points. Rescue is usually arranged through:

Your trekking agency
Travel insurance provider
Local lodge owner
Guide or porter
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