Gokyo Lakes Trek-17 Days

  • Duration17 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Max. Altitude 5483m
  • Starts at Lukla
  • Ends at Lukla
  • Trip Type Private
  • Accommodation Tea House
  • Transport Private Vehicle
Highlights
  • Less crowded trails in the Everest region
  • Cross Renjo La (5400m), climb Gokyo Ri for stunning views of 8000m peaks
  • Trek by Ngozumba glacier, the longest in the Himalayas
  • Visit Sherpa villages, turquoise Gokyo Lakes
  • Himalayan mountain flight to Lukla
  • Explore Kathmandu

Commence on a thrilling Everest region trek to Gokyo Lakes, navigating the high-altitude Cho La Pass at 5330m and reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp. This 18-day Himalayan adventure (20 days including your return travel to Nepal) covers 15 days of trekking through the stunning landscapes of the Dudh Koshi and Khumbu valleys, home to the Sherpa people. Discover the mesmerizing Gokyo Valley, famed for its turquoise lakes and panoramic views of four 8,000m peaks: Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the expansive Ngozumpa glacier, Nepal's largest.

Your journey begins with a short, scenic flight from Kathmandu (1400m) to Lukla (2866m), or opt for a lower altitude trek—contact us for details. From Lukla, follow the Dudh Koshi river to the vibrant market town of Namche Bazaar, soaking in the breathtaking mountain vistas. The trek to Gokyo offers awe-inspiring views of the world's highest peaks and continues through Everest Base Camp, with an ascent of Kala Patthar at 5545m for unparalleled views of Everest, and a descent to the stunning Tengboche Monastery and Khumjung village.

With key highlights like Gokyo Ri at 5483m and a total altitude gain of 2679 meters from Lukla (4145 meters from Kathmandu), this trek ensures excellent acclimatization. Ideal trekking seasons are from March to June and September to November. Private trips for groups such as families, corporate events, schools, or charities are available, with our own office and guesthouse ready for your preferred dates. Join us for an unforgettable Himalayan trekking experience in the Everest region.

Why Book With Us

  • Souvenir kit bag & savings on trek pack: sleeping bag, down jacket
  • Three meals a day, fresh water included
  • Private eco-campsites: standing tents, raised beds, thick mattresses
  • Extra acclimatisation days for high-altitude success
  • Guides with wilderness first aid, group medical kit, portable altitude chamber
  • Extra 5kg luggage allowance on Lukla flight, 20kg total

Itinerary

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Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a Golden Tibet Travels representative and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. A pre-trek briefing will occur around 4.30-5pm, during which your kit bag, sleeping bag, and down/fibrefill jacket will be distributed. After the briefing, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, providing an excellent chance to get to know each other. Overnight at the Radisson Hotel or similar accommodation.

Meals: None

    Today's activities depend on the season. You might explore the vibrant streets and significant sites of Kathmandu or take a bus journey to Ramechap, a quaint town that serves as a hub for flights to Lukla, the gateway to trekking in the Everest region. Overnight at the Radisson Hotel or a private eco-camp. *Note: Domestic flights to/from Lukla during the Spring and Autumn trekking seasons (March-May and October-December) may depart from Manthali Airport in Ramechap. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal determines this, and dates may change. Your leader will provide local updates on flight arrangements.

    Meals: Breakfast

      An early morning flight takes you to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, established by Sir Edmund Hillary to facilitate access to the Everest region and aid the Sherpa communities. This picturesque flight offers stunning views of the Eastern Himalaya. Upon arrival in Lukla, panoramic views of towering peaks that surround the village hint at the adventures ahead. Our crew will gather, and we'll commence our descent toward the Dudh Kosi, a turbulent river stemming from the region's highest peaks. The trail, broad and well-marked, winds through fields of potatoes and buckwheat, small villages, and rows of dahlia trees, leading to our first night at a private eco-campsite in Ghat.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Today involves crossing and re-crossing the turbulent, milky-white Dudh Kosi river. The trek passes through sections of pine forest, and clearings reveal terraced fields and various crops. Along the path, we'll encounter donkeys, yaks, and dzopko carrying trade goods and trekking gear. A dzopko is a crossbreed between a yak and a cow, while yaks, with their long hair, are more common at higher altitudes. The journey passes several small hamlets as we gradually ascend. Spectacular mountain peaks, such as Kusum Kangru (6369m), Nupla (5885m), Kongde Ri (6093m), and the majestic Thamserku (6808m), rise above the tree line and deep river valleys. We'll encounter our first Mani walls, stone structures inscribed with "Om Mani Padme Hum," a revered mantra in Buddhism. Buddhists traditionally walk to the left of these Mani walls and chortens, a practice not followed by those unfamiliar with Buddhism. Today's moderate pace allows for acclimatisation and the opportunity to fully appreciate the journey. Overnight at a private eco camp.

        Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

          In the morning, we traverse the vibrant green/aqua waters of the Dudh Kosi and enter the Sagamartha National Park. The park's creation is a key effort to minimize the use of firewood in the region. All self-contained trek groups, including ours, are mandated to use kerosene fuels for cooking, a practice we uphold throughout Nepal, whether within a national park or not. While tea-houses and lodges are encouraged to use kerosene, yak dung, or electricity, they predominantly utilize firewood for cooking, heating, and hot water for trekkers' showers, unfortunately leading to forest depletion. We journey along the river to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, crossing a remarkable high bridge before beginning our ascent to Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa "capital" of Nepal. The climb is challenging as the trail winds through pine forests, offering the first views of Mt. Everest. The path continues to weave and ascend to Namche, revealing the prosperous village nestled in a horseshoe-shaped valley opposite the stunning peak of Kongde Ri. After lunch, you may explore the Tibetan trader's stalls or Sherpa shops for unique finds. Overnight at an eco-lodge.

          Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

            Our journey begins with an uphill trek to the Syangboche airstrip, followed by a ridge walk towards the Everest View Hotel. Here, we are greeted by magnificent vistas of surrounding mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, Ama Dablam, and more. After a brief pause, we proceed to Khumjung, visiting Sir Edmund Hillary’s renowned "Schoolhouse in the Clouds." This pivotal educational facility, the first in the entire Khumbu region, was established in 1961 with assistance from Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust. Initially featuring only two classrooms, it now educates over 350 students. We then descend and follow the trail for approximately 25 minutes to our exclusive campsite at Kyangjuma. Those experiencing early altitude effects can opt for a shorter, 2-hour acclimatization walk directly from Namche to Kyangjuma. Overnight at a private eco-campsite.

            Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

              Venturing north-east, we initially follow the main trail towards Thyangboche, contouring around hills before branching off on a short ascent on the slopes of the sacred Khumblia peak (5761 m). We traverse yak pastures as the trail gently rises to Mon La. Below, the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and Imja Khola rivers is visible, with Thyangboche monastery, framed by Ama Dablam and Kantega, across the valley. Reaching a stupa adorned with prayer flags at a ridge top (3992 meters), we then descend steeply through forests to the Dudh Kosi. Post-afternoon tea, an optional walk up the ridge leads to the village of Portse. Overnight at a private eco-campsite or eco-lodge.

              Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                This morning, we head north, following the Dudh Kosi towards its source, the grand Ngozumpa Glacier. An initial ascent leads us onto the trail for a steady climb towards Gokyo. As we diverge from the main trail, the number of trekkers and locals diminishes, enhancing the trail's relative solitude. The journey is interspersed with red birch, fir, and dwarf rhododendron forests, as well as yak pastures, as we gain altitude. We pause by pleasant waterfalls and marvel at the glaciers emanating from Taweche and Cholatse across the valley. Spectacular ridges lead to Khumblia peak behind us, while ahead, Cho Oyu in Tibet comes into view. In the distance, Kantega and Thamserku loom over the foothills. Dole is known for one of the more recent and "credible" yeti sightings—ask your trek leader for details and form your own opinions. Overnight at a private eco-campsite or eco-lodge.

                Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                  Continuing with a steady ascent, we arrive at the "village" of Machhermo in time for lunch. Like other small villages in this valley, Machhermo consists of a few buildings that are largely unoccupied for much of the year. Villagers from Khumjung and Khunde typically own land here, using it to graze yaks during the summer. This day serves as a vital acclimatization period as we prepare for the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m). While taking it easy, you might opt to stretch your legs with an afternoon walk up the ridge behind Luza for a view of the Gokyo Valley. Overnight at a private eco-campsite or eco-lodge.

                  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                    Traversing the valley high above the river, we begin our ascent towards the village of Gokyo. Along the way, at the village of Pangka, we pause to admire the stunning views of Cholatse. Now in the high alpine zone, our path leads us closer to the Ngozumpa Glacier, trekking onto the moraine and rocky expanse that descends from it. We are rewarded with splendid views of Kantega to the south and Cho Oyu to the north. Each mountain, with its unique character and presence, is deeply revered by the Nepalese. After ascending the snout of the glacier, the path becomes level. We pass Longpongo, the first of the lakes, and soon after reach Taoche Lake, a larger body of water where ducks are often seen braving the icy waters. As we continue up the valley, our path runs parallel to the Ngozumpa Glacier, with the vast lateral moraine separating us from the glacier itself. Overnight at a lodge.

                    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                      An early start maximizes our chances to fully appreciate the grandeur of the surrounding Himalaya. Today offers the choice of ascending Gokyo Ri (5483m) or walking alongside Nepal’s largest glacier, the Ngozumpa, to Ngozumba Tsho, locally known as the 5th Lake. Both options present spectacular views, with the latter considered one of Nepal's best, as it overlooks the western cwm of Everest and other peaks over 8000m. The 5th Lake is a favored local spot, relatively untouched by tourists, offering a truly breathtaking experience and viewpoint seldom seen by many. Gokyo Ri offers the quintessential postcard view of snow-capped mountains and the vibrant turquoise waters of Gokyo Lake, creating a picturesque scene. From here, you are surrounded by peaks such as Cho Oyu (8153m), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8475m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), Lobuche (6145m), and Mt Everest (8848m). Though further from Everest than the traditional Kala Pattar viewpoint, Gokyo Ri offers a broader mountain panorama and a more serene environment. The group will decide unanimously between Gokyo Ri and the 5th Lake for today's adventure, but rest assured, neither will disappoint. Overnight at an eco-lodge in Gokyo.

                      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                        Crossing the Renjo La Pass is both exhilarating and demanding. We navigate through boulders with a zigzagging incline to reach the top of this high pass at approximately 5360m. Initially, the descent is steep, leading into a remote northern valley where the landscape increasingly resembles the Tibetan Valleys beyond the border. This area is part of an ancient trading route used by Tibetan traders descending from the Nangpa La pass in the Himalayas from Tibet. Overnight at an eco-lodge.

                        Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                          Turning south and heading down the valley towards Lukla, our return to Kathmandu is interspersed with visits to Sherpa villages nestled in the gorge. Our destination for the night is the village of Thame, renowned for its spectacular monastery. Overnight at an eco-lodge.

                          Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                            As we return to civilization, a sense of achievement and celebration will undoubtedly mark the end of a challenging yet fulfilling expedition, a rare experience for many. We pause at Namche for lunch, providing another opportunity to explore the markets and find some last-minute souvenirs. Overnight at an eco-camp.

                            Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                              Our journey takes us down the Dudh Kosi valley towards the Lukla airstrip, preparing for the flight back to Ramechap. This moment is ideal for reflecting on the unforgettable adventure we have embarked upon in the high Himalayas. We relish our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we conclude this exhilarating journey. The last evening of our trek is the perfect occasion to celebrate our successful expedition and express gratitude to our team, especially the porters, who will return to their villages from here. Overnight at a lodge.

                              Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                                We begin the day with a breathtaking morning flight over forests and villages, heading directly to Kathmandu or via Ramechap. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to the  Hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon free for relaxation or some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Overnight at the Radisson Hotel or a similar accommodation.

                                Meals: Breakfast

                                  After breakfast, our arrangements come to an end unless further plans have been made. Those departing by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport.

                                  Meals: Breakfast

                                    Cost Details
                                    What's Included
                                    • 16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners (value US$650)
                                    • Airport transfers on specific days or booked accommodation through us
                                    • Return flights to/from Lukla
                                    • 5kg extra luggage on Lukla flight, 20kg total
                                    • Expert bilingual guide
                                    • Group medical kit
                                    • Quality accommodation in Kathmandu
                                    • Trek accommodations: eco lodges, private eco-comfort camps
                                    • World Expeditions trek pack: sleeping bag, jacket, liner (value over US$500)
                                    • Souvenir kit bag
                                    • Private transportation
                                    • All park entrance fees, trekking permits
                                    • Porters for personal and group equipment
                                    • Porter insurance
                                    What's Excluded
                                    • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
                                    • Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
                                    • Personal items: phone calls, laundry
                                    • Tips
                                    • International flights
                                    • Airport and departure taxes
                                    • Visa
                                    • Travel insurance
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