Gokyo Lakes Trek
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a stunning alternative to the Everest Base Camp route, leading through the quieter western side of the Khumbu valley to a chain of turquoise glacial lakes at the foot of Cho Oyu (8,188m). The trek culminates at Gokyo Ri (5,357m), where the sunrise panorama includes four of the world’s six highest peaks — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — spread across the horizon in a single sweeping view.
Unlike the crowded EBC trail, the Gokyo route sees far fewer trekkers, especially past Dole. You walk alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier — the longest in the Himalayas — through high-altitude Sherpa settlements where families have lived for generations. Our guides are from the Khumbu region and share their knowledge of the landscape, Buddhist traditions, and mountain ecology throughout the trek.
Community Impact
Your trek supports Sherpa families who run teahouses in Namche, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo. Porter wages, guide employment, and lodge fees stay in the Khumbu valley. By choosing the Gokyo route over the busier EBC trail, you help distribute tourism income to communities that receive fewer visitors.
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu, hotel transfer, trek briefing
- Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860m), trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche — hike to Everest View Hotel
- Day 5: Trek to Phortse Tenga (3,680m)
- Day 6: Trek to Dole (4,110m)
- Day 7: Trek to Machhermo (4,470m)
- Day 8: Trek to Gokyo (4,790m)
- Day 9: Gokyo Ri summit (5,357m), explore Gokyo Lakes
- Day 10: Trek to Dole (4,110m)
- Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2,860m)
- Day 13: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
- Day 14: Departure day
Best Season
October-November (clear skies, stable weather) and March-May (warmer, rhododendron season). Winter is possible but very cold above 4,000m.
Permits
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality permit required. We arrange all permits before your trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Gokyo Lakes Trek?
Moderate to challenging. The highest point is Gokyo Ri at 5,357m. You need good fitness for 5-7 hours of walking per day at altitude. No technical climbing is involved.
Is Gokyo Ri harder than Everest Base Camp?
The altitude is similar (Gokyo Ri 5,357m vs EBC 5,364m). Gokyo Ri involves a steep morning ascent from 4,790m but the overall trek has fewer long walking days. Both require proper acclimatisation.
Can I combine Gokyo Lakes with Everest Base Camp?
Yes. The Cho La Pass connects Gokyo to the EBC route via Dzongla. This adds 3-4 days and requires experience with high passes. Ask us about the combined itinerary.




