Everest Gokyo Lake trek follows the most picturesque less-trodden trail in Everest region and unveils the solitary valleys, lakes, stunning glacier and parade of snowy peaks together. This trek is for those who wish to trek in Everest region without enduring the Physical stress of getting to the base camp or crossing high passes.

Several ornate and age-old monasteries are located along the trekking route. This helps you to get the in-depth knowledge of local culture and tradition firsthand. During the trek, you will explore the Sherpa village which adds extra nuggets to your Himalayan adventure.

Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary takes you through the natural habitant of Himalayan wildlife and emerge deep into Sargarmatha National Park (world heritage site) which encompasses almost the entire Everest region. The park is home to variety of rare Himalayan floral and faunal species including mountain goats, pheasant, monal, musk deer and Pheasant (Danphe) – the national bird of Nepal. Highly endangered Himalayan species like red panda and elusive snow leopard are also habitant of this park. One can witness abundant Pine and birch cluster in the forest as well as colorful rhododendron flowers.

With a trek to six glacial-fed Gokyo Lakes, trekkers can include a hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri, which is almost at the same height as Everest Base Camp. From the summit: one can witness the great views of Everest, soaring peaks and glaciers.

A great Himalayan experience in Everest region, Gokyo Lake trek is one of best trek in upper reaches of Khumbu region. It is said to be an optional to the well-known Everest Base Camp Trek which most backpackers begins with when planning trips in the Everest region. The trek is a stage to witness magnificent Himalayan views over 8,00m including Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu and Ngozumpa Glacier – the largest glacier in Nepalese Himalaya. The turquoise-tinted and pristine green water of the Gokyo Lakes are also one of memorable sights to witness during the trek.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1300m/4264ft)

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), a representative from Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition will receive you and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, trip discussion with the management and trek leaders. In the evening, enjoy welcome dinner hosted by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural shows.

Included Meals: Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu: Cultural tours to Buddhist and Hindu Shrines and preparation for the trek

Today, your trek leader will introduce you to the city tour expert who guides you to the most revered Hindu and Buddhist religious sites that are listed in the world heritage sites.

Here are the list of cultural and religious sites that you will be visiting during the city tour:

Pashupatinath (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

Pashupatinath is one of the most significant Hindu temple in the world. It is located along the back of sacred Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu city, close to Kathmandu airport. While the entrance to the main Pashupatinath temple is strictly forbidden to non-Hindus, there’s quite a bit to explore and discover around the rest of the area. Ritual activity are conducted on daily basis and one can observe the Hindu cremations on the bank of the river. You can discover mystic Sadhus to nearby temples and stupas. A vantage point located opposite to the temple, across the river offers the clear look of the main Pashupatinath temple.

Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

Located 7 km north of mid Kathmandu city, Boudhanath is one of the largest and oldest stupa in the world- dating back to 5th century. It is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet and Tibetan merchant rested here and offer prayers for centuries. When Tibetan refugee entered Nepal in 1950, many of then decided to live around Boudhanath. They established many Gompas and celebrate Tibetan tradition and since then “Little Tibet” of Nepal was born.

The stupa is surrounded by beautiful stupas that houses many Gompas and traditional shops selling singing bowls, thankas, prayer wheels and more. You can also find few cafes and guesthouses in the immediate area.

Boudhanath was partially affected by earthquake in 2015 but the repartition was carried out throughout 2016.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

Swayambhunath, revered Buddhist stupa, is located within walking distance (3km) west of Thamel in Kathmandu on a hillock. Swayambhunath is commonly known as “Monkey Temple” due to the large number of rhesus primates living there. Travelers need to climb 365 stone steps to reach the main Stupa complex (can be tiring and slippery if raining). This stupa is believed to date back to 5th century. The large dome shaped stupa, two big Buddha eye and surrounding small shrines and temples are the major attraction of the temple. This hilltop temple offers the 360 degree view of Kathmandu city. This significant heritage site holds immense cultural, religious, architectural and historical values for Nepalese people.

After exploration, we gather to Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition to get better acquainted with our travel plans and fellow trekkers.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03: Flight: Kathmandu – Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) and trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) – 3 – 4 hours

Early morning transfer to the Domestic Airport and catch short Trans-Himalayan flight to Lukla: gateway to Everest region. You will be introduced to your rest of trekking crew. Start your trek with an easy hike through Chaurikharka village and drop off towards Dudhkoshi Ghat (2530m/8300ft). Follow the bank of Dudhkoshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where you stay overnight to acclimatize. Enjoy your leisure time in Phakding, a famous stopping point.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Phakding

Day 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280ft) – 11km/5-6 hours trek

Follow the beautiful forest of pine and take the north trail that leads up to the valley of Benkar. Then, cross Dudh Koshi River and walk across the village of Chumao and Monjo, the entrance to the Everest National Park. Next, cross the suspension bridge and walk across Jorsale village. Further, follow the tail the goes alongside of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers. A steep ascend takes us to the heartland of Khumbu region – Namche Bazaar. En route – enjoy the excellent view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Phakding

Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft)

At Namche Bazaar, we take a well-deserved break! There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar and we spend a day here acclimatizing the body at lofty altitude. Namche Bazaar is the major hub of Khumbu region and houses government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants and colorful markets. Our guides helps you explore the real charm of this fascinating town.

Hike to Sangarmatha Nation Park to enjoy the fabulous view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If you wise, you can take part in a day hike to Khumjung village – a beautiful Sherpa village.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Namche Bazaar

Day 06: Namche Bazaar – Phorse (3,810m/12,496ft) – 5 – 6 hours

After breakfast, we leave Namche Bazaar behind and walk with gradual ups and downs. En route - Look out for exotic wildlife like Pheasants, Musk Deer and Himalayan Thars. The train descends to Kyanjuma and finally to Sansa. From here, we follow the main Gokyo trail and as we reach Moong, we get the excellent view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Khumbila mountains. Further, the trail descends to Dudh Koshi Khola and start ascending uphill through the forested route of rhododendron before reaching Phorse. Here we can catch the fascinating view of Tawache and Cholaste mountains.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Phorse

Day 07: Phorse Village – Machhermo (4,470m/14,663ft) – 5 – 6 hours

Today we follow the trail that crosses the bridge over Dudh Koshi River and now onwards, we are likely to come face to face with highland wildlife like Pheasants, mountain goats and musk deer. We climb through the forested route and walk across the waterfalls and bridges before reaching the village of Dole. We ascend on a scenic ridge with view of lofty Cho Oyu, Kantega and Thamserku mountains. Further, we climb from Luza village and walk above the Dudh Koshi River to reach the Machhermo village. Here we visit Himalayan Rescue Hospital to learn about altitude sickness, its precaution and primary treatment.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Macchermo

Day 08: Machharmo – Gokyo (4800m/15,744ft) – 5 – 6 hours

After breakfast, we ascend on a hill and enjoy the fascinating view of Dudh Koshi Valley and Kangtega, Thamserku and Cho-Oyu mountains. The valley starts to open up and passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangga. Descending to the river bank and climbing up to the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier, we reach the trail route that leads us to Gokyo Lake. We walk across Longpongo, Raboche Tsho and Dudh Pokhari before reaching Gokyo.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Gokyo

Day 09: Gokyo Valley: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,570ft) and trek to the fifth lakes – 5 – 6 hours

Another acclimatization day is scheduled to protect against AMS. Gokyo valley offers to major viewpoints:

The first is Gokyo Ri (5,357m) which is located to the northern side of the lake, opposite of the village. The Gokyo Ri hike starts very early in the morning and involves two hours of scramble to its summit. The summit features the best view of broad, rubble-covered Ngozumpa Glaicer – Nepal largest Glacier. Furthermore, it commands the surreal view of incredible Himalayan chain that includes Cho-Ouy, Ghyachung Kang, north face of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche, Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kangru and more (all over 6300m).

The second highlight is the fourth, fifth and the sixth lake that is located to the north of the village. These lakes along with the melt of glaciers are the major source of Dudh Koshi River, which we followed from Lukla.

Day 10: Gokyo – Dole – 3 – 4 hours

Today, we climb down to join a trail of Dudh Koshi River and walk across the first Gokyo Lake. En route – we get the astounding view of Cholatse and Tabohce Peak. Next, we descend first and climb a hill to follow the trail that leads us to Machhermo, Luza, Lhafarma and finally to Dole village.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Dole

Day 11: Dole – Namche Bazaar – 4 – 5 hours

After breakfast, we climb down through the steep terrain to Phortse Thange via the thick cluster of rhododendron. Admiring the exotic Pheasant, Musk Deer and Mountain Goats and walking across the waterfalls, we reach Mong. From here, we get the great view of Khumbila Peak. After walking for a while, we reach a confluence point of Sansa. From here, we take a trail that clings to the forested slopes and negotiate several uphill and downhill terrain to reach Namche Bazaar.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Namche Bazaar

Day 12: Namche Bazaar – Lukla (2,860m/9,186ft) – 19km/6-7 hours

Today is the last day of our trek. The trail drops downwards steeply so we need to walk carefully as our tired legs continuously battel the rocky terrain. Upon arrival at Lukla, we stretch those legs and rest overnight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Lukla

Day 13: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Today we catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, we drive back to the hotel and take a rest day off. In the evening, we will reunite again for farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurant in town, where we will be eager to hear the feedback of your trip.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 14: Final Departure

It’s your last day in Nepal! Take some breakfast and if your wish, you can catch last-minute shopping Kathmandu. Our airport representative will transfer you to airport with plenty time before your flight home.

Farewell!!