13 Days Gokyo Lake Trek- 2026

13 Days Gokyo Lake Trek- 2026

Gokyo Lake Trek is among the most stunning and serene trek in the Everest region. That combines the wonders of nature, the charm of the local culture, and a high-altitude adventure. Moreover, the classic route to Everest Base Camp has more crowds. But this trek trail leads you into a peaceful Gokyo valley. The place is known for its blue ice-fed lakes, the rugged landscapes, and the quiet trails. Those who wish to have stunning Himalayan views without the crowd will definitely find it to be one of the most satisfying choices.

The journey usually starts with a scenic flight to Lukla. The actual trek will start with an easy uphill walk through the villages of the Sherpa people like Phakding and Namche Bazaar. In the middle of Sagarmatha National Park, you are amazed with a lot of wonders. The deep valleys formed by glaciers, bright red rhododendron forests, and traditional stone houses all your way.

Your real reward on this trek comes when you arrive at the Gokyo region. The chain of six sacred Gokyo Lakes whose waters are the purest and the clearest, coming from glaciers and nestle in the lap of the white mountains. Among these six lakes, the third one, Dudh Pokhari, located right next to Gokyo village, is the most photographed one. This village is the place to stay and serves as the base for further exploration for trekkers.

The challenging part of this trek is also its most satisfying moment, where you ascend to Gokyo Ri (5,357m). And Climb through steep terrain is highly rewarding. The summit view is often praise, but the panoramic view from this point is the best one in the entire Himalayan range. From the top, the sight is truly spectacular, you can see the towering above 8000m mountain giants Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu . Below, you can see the beautiful Gokyo lake and the vast Ngozumpa Glacier. The effort you put into the climb and the view from the top create a memory, you will never forget.

Duration 13 Days
Accomodation Tea House
Starts from Lukla
Ends at Lukla
Transportation Drive/Flight
Max. Altitude 5,357m
Best Time Spring (March-May) & Autumn (Sept-Nov)
Group Size 02- 04

Highlights

  • Scenic flight to Lukla, offering thrilling aerial views of the Himalayas.
  • Gradual ascent through Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Phakding, and Dole.
  • Less crowded trails compared to the classic Everest Base Camp route, offering a peaceful trekking experience.
  • Exploration of the six sacred Gokyo Lakes, known for their turquoise, crystal-clear waters.
  • Stunning views from Gokyo Ri (5,357m) considered one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the Everest region.
  • Sight of four 8,000-meter peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
  • Walk along the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
  • Unique Sherpa culture and warm hospitality throughout the trek.
  • Rhododendron forests, alpine valleys, and dramatic mountain scenery along the route.
  • Serene and spiritual atmosphere, with the lakes considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists.
  • Ideal alternative to EBC, offering equally majestic views with fewer crowds.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft)

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) and Trek to Phakding (2610 m)

Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286 ft)

Day 04: Acclimatisation Day at Namche

Day 05: Trek to Dole (4,030m / 13,222ft)

Day 06: Trek to Machhermo (4,470m / 14,665ft)

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo valley (4,800m / 15,748ft)

Day 08 : Early morning trek to Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575ft) – back to Gokyo.

Day 09: Gokyo to Machhermo Trek (4,700m / 15,420ft) via Renjo La Pass (5,360m / 17,585ft)

Day 10: Trek from Machhermo to Namchebazaar (2,860m / 9,383ft)

Day 11: Trek to Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft)

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft)

Upon arrival at the mountainous lands of Nepal after your long flight we’ll be there to welcome you. As you arrive, our staff will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Take rest and prepare for the journey. If you want, stroll through the streets of Thamel and shop for trekking basics. In the evening, you will meet your guide, where he will provide a short description about the trek.

  • Distance covered: 0 km
  • Maximum altitude:1,350m
  • Overnight stay: Kathmandu
  • Trekking hours: 0

Day 02

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) and Trek to Phakding (2610 m)

arly this morning our trek guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Lukla from Kathmandu TIA. You will simply  be amazed by view of Himalayas from above. You then land at lukla airport and follow the trail that runs along the bank of Dudh Koshi River. En route, you will trek through the sherpa villages of Chheplung and Ghat. Overnight at the hotel in Pakhding.

  • Distance covered: approx. 15 km
  • Maximum altitude: 2,860m
  • Overnight stay: Phakding
  • Trekking hours: 3–4 hours

Day 03

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286 ft)

Today you will be trekking along the Dudh Koshi River passing through many suspension bridges including the well known Hillary Bridge. The trek goes up through Sagarmatha National Park, via pine forests and the village of Sherpas. There is a strenuous climb before reaching Namche, a central hub of Khumbu. On a clear day, you will get to see your first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.

  • Distance covered: approx. 12 km
  • Maximum altitude: 3,440m
  • Overnight stay: Namche Bazaar
  • Trekking hours: 6–7 hours

Day 04

Acclimatisation Day at Namche

Acclimatization is very important as you go to higher altitudes. For better acclimatization today you will hike to Everest view Hotel at the height 3,880 meters. From there you can enjoy the magnificent views of towering Mt.Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. We can also walk through the Khunde village for a glance of the daily local life where monasteries and schools are located. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind, enjoy cafes, shop for souvenirs etc.

  • Distance covered: approx. 5 km
  • Maximum altitude: 3,880m
  • Overnight stay: Namche Bazaar
  • Trekking hours: 3–4 hours

Day 05

Trek to Dole (4,030m / 13,222ft)

Upon leaving Namche, the trail climbs gently through forest and hills. You pass through villages on the way. Prayer flags are now flying from trees and rocks. Dole is a very quiet village surrounded by the steep peaks, so it’s a good place to relax in the lap of Himalayas. Today’s trek isn’t especially hard, and you’re distracted by the magnificent mountains and glaciers around you.

  • Distance covered: approx. 11 km
  • Maximum altitude: 4,030m
  • Overnight stay: Dole
  • Trekking hours: 5–6 hours

Day 06

Trek to Machhermo (4,470m / 14,665ft)

Today from dole onwards, the trail becomes quite steep as you near the top. You hike the moraine paths, going from the smallest villages. Machhermo is the beautiful village in Himalayas where you can enjoy breathtaking View of Gokyo Ri and other mountains around the region. Here, you’ll need to acclimatize and allow your body to adapt to the thinner air before trekking over the high passes. It is a pleasant village despite being small, with friendly people and also accommodates a couple of teahouses to enjoy some rest.

  • Distance covered: approx. 6 km
  • Maximum altitude: 4,470m
  • Overnight stay: Machhermo
  • Trekking hours: 4–5 hours

Day 07

Trek to Gokyo valley (4,800m / 15,748ft)

The first day begins with a walk up the moraines of the glacier and then passes on to gentle ridges to reach Gokyo village. Where theBright blue Gokyo Lakes, reflecting the snowy peaks surrounding them. The third lake, Dudh Pokhari, is the most famous and most photographed. At Gokyo, you can relax by the lake and wander into the lake’s beauty. It’s one of the really nice days on the trek.

  • Distance covered: approx. 7 km
  • Maximum altitude: 4,800m
  • Overnight stay: Gokyo
  • Trekking hours: 4–5 hours

Day 08

Early morning trek to Gokyo Ri (5,357m / 17,575ft) – back to Gokyo.

We wake up early in the morning while it is still dark and trek to the top of Gokyo Ri. The climb is quite steep though, but more rewarding. Above: For miles in all directions and this is what you get from the top of Gokyo Ri. It offers views of four of the planet’s tallest mountains: Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Lhotse. Far below, the Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier. After spending some time, taking photos and admiring the scenery you descend to Gokyo village for a bit of rest and sleep.

  • Distance covered: approx. 4 km
  • Maximum altitude: 5,357m
  • Overnight stay: Gokyo
  • Trekking hours: 5–6 hours

Day 09

Gokyo to Machhermo Trek (4,700m / 15,420ft) via Renjo La Pass (5,360m / 17,585ft)

This day is one of the hardest days in your trek and at the same time one of the most rewarding days. You climb Renjo La Pass, through rocky area and glacial region. You can look across from the top and gaze at Everest and all of the surrounding peaks, and it is simply stunning. After enjoying with the nature, slowly descend down to peaceful village, you will spend over night in warm tea house.

  • Distance covered: approx. 9 km
  • Maximum altitude: 5,360m
  • Overnight stay: Machhermo
  • Trekking hours: 7–8 hours

Day 10

Trek from Machhermo to Namchebazaar (2,860m / 9,383ft)

The trek from Machhermo to Namchebazaar is downhill. You pass through the villages of Thame and Marlung, enjoy several different landscapes as you descent down to Lukla. As you descend down you cross suspension bridges and walk along the valley of the Dudh Koshi River. Evening, we celebrate the time of achievement of Gokyo Ri Trek with all our trekking team.

  • Distance covered: approx. 13 km
  • Maximum altitude: 4,700m
  • Overnight stay: Namche Bazaar
  • Trekking hours: 6–7 hours

Day 11

Trek to Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft)

This is your last trekking day in the Khumbu region. The day starts after breakfast, you start from Namche Bazaar going down amidst pine woods. On the trail, you can take one last look at the Himalayan Foothills and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in this area. Prayer wheels spinning in the breeze, prayer flags flapping away. You will reach lukla in the late afternoon. That’s the end of your trek now.

Distance covered: approx. 18 km Maximum altitude: 3,440m Overnight stay: Lukla Driving hours: 0 Trekking hours: 6–7 hours

Day 12

Fly back to Kathmandu

You will be taken on a morning short flight to Kathmandu. You then have the afternoon at your own to shop for souvenirs. Or, get a farewell Nepali dinner which adds the perfect touch to your epic Himalayan adventure.

Distance covered: 0 km Maximum altitude: 1,350m Overnight stay: Kathmandu Driving hours: 0 Trekking hours: 0

Day 13

Departure from Kathmandu

On​‍​‌‍​‍‌ this final day, we will manage the necessary transfer for your departure. With this, your superb Himalayas tour gets concluded.

Distance covered: 0 km Maximum altitude: 1,350m Overnight stay: Kathmandu Driving hours: 0 Trekking hours: 0

Cost

  • 3-star​‍​‌‍​‍‌ hotel standard twin/double room accommodation in Kathmandu for 2 nights including breakfast. Private rooms can be available for an additional cost.
  • During the trek, the guests will be provided with twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation for 10 nights. In Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, the toilets will be attached.
  • During the trek, all the meals will be provided (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • Purified drinking water is to be provided during the trek. The purification will be done through water filters or water purification tablets.
  • The farewell dinner will be arranged on the last night in Nepal.
  • All the international and domestic airport transfers will be done.
  • Round-trip domestic air travel is included with the flight between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla.
  • Shared tourist vehicle transportation from Kathmandu to Manthali and vice versa.
  • An experienced, government-licensed, first-aid-trained, English-speaking, locally hired trekking guide will be provided to the client(s). (In case of groups larger than seven people, two guides will accompany the group.)
  • During the trek, porters will help in carrying the luggage, and for every two clients, one porter will be assigned.
  • Complete coverage of the wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all the trekking staff.
  • The required permits include Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Permit, Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee, and TIMS ​‍​‌‍​‍‌card.
  • Food​‍​‌‍​‍‌ for lunch and dinner in Kathmandu is not part of the package.
  • The price doesn’t include international flights and airport departure taxes.
  • The visa to Nepal is not part of the package (You can obtain it upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport: USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 125 for 90 days).
  • Besides that, travel insurance and emergency rescue at high altitude are not included in the price.
  • There is no mention of drinks being included in the price, whether it is bottled or boiled water.
  • Trekking staff and drivers will be grateful for your tips, which are not included in the price.
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment are not included in the price.
  • If you have any other expenses that are not listed in the “Price Includes” section, they will be your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌own.

Reviews

Duration 13 Days
Accomodation Tea House
Starts from Lukla
Ends at Lukla
Transportation Drive/Flight
Max. Altitude 5,357m
Best Time Spring (March-May) & Autumn (Sept-Nov)
Group Size 02- 04