Gokyo Lakes Trek
Max Altitude
5,357 m
Duration
16 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Season
Spring & Autum
Start Point
Kathmandu
Group Size
2-15 People
Trip Overview
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a scenic journey through Nepal's Everest region, leading to a remarkable chain of high-altitude lakes beneath some of the world's highest mountains. Compared with the busier Everest Base Camp trail, this route offers a quieter experience while retaining the dramatic landscapes, Sherpa settlements and mountain atmosphere for which the Khumbu region is known.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, then continues by road to Manthali, the usual departure point for Lukla flights during busy trekking seasons. After the flight to Lukla, the trek follows the Dudh Koshi valley through Phakding and into Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Suspension bridges, forests, prayer wheels and small mountain settlements shape the first few days of the journey.
A steady climb leads to Namche Bazaar, the commercial and cultural centre of the Khumbu region. An acclimatization day here allows the body to adjust before the route continues through Khumjung, Dole and Machhermo. These stages provide a gradual transition into the higher and more remote Gokyo Valley.
The principal destination is Gokyo, a settlement beside the turquoise waters of the Gokyo Lakes at approximately 4,790 metres. From here, trekkers climb Gokyo Ri, reaching 5,357 metres, the highest point of this itinerary. In clear conditions, the summit provides extensive views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu and numerous surrounding Himalayan peaks.
With a maximum elevation above 5,000 metres and several days spent at high altitude, the Gokyo Lakes Trek requires good physical preparation and a sensible walking pace. The itinerary includes acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and manageable stages as the route gains elevation. However, trekkers should still be prepared for cold conditions, basic mountain accommodation and changing weather.
Hatti Hatti Treks manages the route with an experienced, government-licensed trekking guide and porter support, subject to the confirmed baggage allowance. Accommodation, meals during the trek, domestic flights and the required permits are included, allowing travellers to focus on walking safely and experiencing the landscapes and Sherpa culture of the Everest region.
Accommodation & Food standards
Standard
- Teahouse/Lodge accommodation
- Basic but comfortable rooms
Premium (Comfort)
- Upgraded lodges or boutique hotels (where available)
- Private rooms and better facilities
Meal Types
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day-By-Day
Your 16-Day Itinerary
A Hatti Hatti Treks representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, rest following your journey and prepare for the trek. The team will provide relevant information about the route and confirm the current arrangements for travelling to Manthali and flying to Lukla.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Four-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals
Not included
Travel by road from Kathmandu to Manthali, the common departure point for Lukla flights during busy trekking periods. The approximately 5–6 hour journey passes through Nepal's middle hills, rural communities and river valleys. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare for the early flight scheduled for the following day.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Hotel in Manthali
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Weather permitting, take a short mountain flight from Manthali to Lukla. After meeting the trekking crew and organising equipment, begin the approximately 4–5 hour walk through villages and cultivated hillsides towards Phakding, along the Dudh Koshi Valley.
Max Altitude
2,840 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Phakding
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue along the Dudh Koshi River during an approximately 7–8 hour trek, crossing several suspension bridges and entering Sagarmatha National Park before the sustained ascent towards Namche Bazaar.
Max Altitude
3,440 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Spend an additional night in Namche Bazaar to help your body adjust to the higher elevation. Take an approximately 2–3 hour acclimatisation walk in the surrounding hills, with time to explore Namche's shops, cafés and local market area.
Max Altitude
3,440 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Leave Namche for the comparatively short, approximately 2–3 hour walk to Khumjung, a traditional Sherpa settlement beneath Khumbila, a mountain regarded as sacred by local communities.
Max Altitude
3,790 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Khumjung
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue towards the Gokyo Valley on an approximately 6–7 hour trek through forested slopes and smaller settlements, with both ascending and descending sections before climbing towards Dole.
Max Altitude
4,030 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Dole
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
The trail climbs steadily from Dole towards Machhermo during an approximately 3–4 hour walk. Vegetation becomes increasingly sparse, revealing wider views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
Max Altitude
4,470 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Machhermo
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue through high-altitude terrain on an approximately 3–4 hour trek towards Gokyo, passing the series of lakes for which the area is known. On arrival, settle into the lodge beside the main lake.
Max Altitude
4,790 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Gokyo
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Begin the approximately 3–4 hour hike to Gokyo Ri, the highest point of the trek. The ascent is steep and physically demanding but requires no technical climbing under normal trail conditions. In clear weather, the viewpoint offers panoramic views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu and other Himalayan peaks. Descend carefully to Gokyo for a second night.
Max Altitude
5,357 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Gokyo
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Leave Gokyo and retrace the trail through the valley during an approximately 6–7 hour trek towards Dole, descending to a lower elevation.
Max Altitude
4,790 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Dole
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue descending through the settlements and hillsides of the Khumbu region during an approximately 6–7 hour trek, returning to Namche Bazaar.
Max Altitude
4,030 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Descend from Namche Bazaar to the Dudh Koshi River and follow the trail back through the lower Khumbu during an approximately 6–7 hour trek, including several suspension bridge crossings, before reaching Lukla.
Max Altitude
3,440 m
Accomodation
Teahouse in Lukla
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Weather permitting, take the morning flight from Lukla to Manthali and continue to Kathmandu by road. Transfer directly to your hotel on arrival.
Max Altitude
2,840 m
Accomodation
Four-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to rest, organise belongings, purchase souvenirs or explore Kathmandu independently. This day also provides limited flexibility following the weather-dependent flight from Lukla.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Not included
Meals
Not included
Your Gokyo Lakes Trek concludes today. A Hatti Hatti Treks representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international departure schedule.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Not included
Meals
Not included
We Accept
What's Covered
Inclusion And Exclusions
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Two nights at a four-star hotel in Kathmandu
- Hotel accommodation in Manthali as specified in the itinerary
- Ground transportation between Kathmandu and Manthali
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the scheduled Manthali stay
- Domestic flights between Manthali and Lukla
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Experienced, government-licensed trekking guide
- Porter service, subject to the confirmed baggage allowance
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card / local entry permit
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
- Guide and porter salaries, meals and accommodation
- Insurance for the guide and porter
- Group medical and first-aid kit
- Applicable government taxes and service charges
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Emergency evacuation and helicopter rescue expenses
- Additional Kathmandu accommodation outside the two scheduled hotel nights
- Accommodation and meals on Day 15 unless separately arranged
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment
- Hot showers during the trek
- Wi-Fi and internet charges
- Battery and device-charging fees
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks and bottled water
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and porters
- Excess baggage or additional porter services beyond the confirmed baggage allowance
- Additional accommodation, meals or transportation caused by delayed, diverted or cancelled domestic flights
- Costs resulting from weather, route changes or itinerary modifications
- Expenses caused by illness, early withdrawal or unforeseen circumstances
- Costs resulting from changes requested by the participant
- Services not specifically mentioned under Cost Includes
Common Questions
FAQs
This package lasts 16 days, including arrival in Kathmandu, transportation to Manthali, the trek to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, the return via Lukla and Manthali, a free day in Kathmandu and final departure.
The highest scheduled point is Gokyo Ri at 5,357 metres.
No. This route includes Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri but not the Renjo La crossing.
No. This itinerary follows the Gokyo Valley route and does not visit Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar. It is an alternative Everest trek offering distant views of Mount Everest and access to the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri.
Previous trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory. You should have good physical fitness and be prepared for consecutive walking days at high altitude.
No technical climbing is normally required. The ascent is a steep high-altitude hike, and conditions may become more difficult if there is snow or ice.
The package includes two nights of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, hotel accommodation in Manthali, and teahouse accommodation during the trek, with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided throughout the Manthali stay and trekking section. The Day 15 free day is not included.
The package includes the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Trek-Card/local entry permit, and the TIMS Card.
Hatti Hatti Treks will assist with available alternatives, but weather-related delays are outside the company's control. Extra accommodation, transport, meals or helicopter costs are not included unless specifically agreed.
Yes. Your insurance should specifically cover trekking up to at least 5,357 metres, as well as emergency evacuation, helicopter rescue, medical treatment and trip disruption.
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