Gokyo Lakes Trek landscape
Trekkers walking beneath the Himalayan peaks
Snowy mountain pass in Nepal
Mountain trail above the clouds
Forest trail on a Himalayan trek
Sunrise over a high mountain valley
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Gokyo Lakes Trek · 12 days

Take the quieter route through the Everest region to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, glaciers and one of Nepal’s finest high viewpoints.

Country

Nepal

Duration

12 days

Difficulty

Challenging

Max. altitude

5,360 m

Start / end

Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Accommodation

Tea house

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Best season

Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Why this trip

Trip highlights

  • Fly to Lukla and begin the trek through Sherpa country
  • Acclimatize in Namche Bazaar
  • Walk beside the Ngozumpa Glacier
  • See the turquoise Gokyo Lakes
  • Climb Gokyo Ri for a panoramic summit view
  • Enjoy views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu

The experience

Gokyo Lakes Trek overview

The Gokyo route trades some of the busier Everest trail for glacial lakes, wide valleys and spectacular views from Gokyo Ri. It is a beautiful alternative for trekkers who want the high Himalaya with more space to breathe, while still travelling through the heart of Sherpa country.

Every departure is paced to give you time to adjust to the altitude, enjoy the trail and connect with the communities along the way. Your guide handles the practical details, while you focus on the views, stories and small moments that make a Himalayan trek your own.

A day-by-day route

Short itinerary

Day 01–02Arrive in Kathmandu and fly to Lukla

Complete the briefing, take the mountain flight to Lukla and trek into the Dudh Koshi Valley.

Day 03–04Trek to Namche Bazaar

Cross suspension bridges and climb through forest to Namche, with time to acclimatize and explore.

Day 05–07Trek to Gokyo Lakes

Leave the main Everest trail, pass Dole and Machhermo, and arrive beside the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.

Day 08Climb Gokyo Ri

Rise early for the summit viewpoint, with wide views toward Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu.

Day 09–11Descend through the Khumbu

Return through the Sherpa villages and forests to Lukla at a steady pace.

Day 12Fly back to Kathmandu

Take the return flight from Lukla and finish the trek with time for onward travel.

Included in your package

Travel with confidence

Experienced local team

Licensed guide, porter support and first-aid kit.

Tea-house stays

Clean, welcoming accommodation along the route.

Meals on the trail

Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.

Permits and planning

Permits, transfers and pre-trip briefing included.