The Gokyo Lakes Trek

Degree of difficulty

• Considered a difficult challenge, this is a more demanding undertaking than the Everest Base Camp trek, which requires a high level of fitness, in order to deal with the demands of hiking at high altitude for 5-6 hours a day, for almost two weeks of consecutive days on foot. 
• Training for this trip is requisite, in order that participants are best prepared to deal with the challenge of hiking at high altitude. 

Eating and drinking

• Meals are not included in the cost of the challenge, Lodges along the route offer a wide choice of menus, from traditional Dhal Bhat to more sophisticated and western orientated choices. 
• Budget around £30 to £35 per day for meals and drinks. 

Himalayan accommodation

• Accommodation is taken in tea houses and lodges along the route. These offer hostel style accommodation, with running water, indoor toilets and electricity commonly available.
• Where available, internet access and hot showers are available at an extra cost. 
• The more remote accommodation offers a more rustic style of accommodation, with showers not always available. Personal sleeping kit will be needed in the more remote areas. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Tribhuvan International Airport
Ring Rd
काठमाडौँ
Kathmandu
44600
Nepal

Getting to Kathmandu

• Fly to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. a number of airlines fly to Kathmandu from the UK, with connections in the Middle East, including Qatar, Gulf Air and Emirates. 
• Layovers in the Middle East can be lengthy, Qatar Airlines usually offer the best options in terms of these connections. 
• It's also possible to make a connection through New Delhi, with BA, Air India and Jet Airways offering flights, where connecting flights to Kathmandu are offered by Air India, IndiGo and Vistara.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu

  Fly to Kathmandu, taking a private transfer to the hotel. Meet with representatives for a full pre-trek briefing. 

• Day 2 | Kathmandu to Phakding

  Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, a superb experience with incredible views over the Everest region. Meet with the crew upon arrival, starting the trek with a hike to Phakding.

• Day 3 | Trek to Namche Bazaar

  Making multiple river crossings on the trail leading to Monjo, enter the Sagarmatha National Park, and weather permitting, the first glimpse of Mount Everest, en route to Namche Bazaar. 

• Day 4 | Acclimatisation

  A day to explore Namche Bazaar, with a great selection of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. A great opportunity to acclimatise to the altitude, with a short trek to the Everest View Hotel.

• Day 5 | Trek to Dole

  Trek along the trail, heading north out of Namche. Climb to a ridge which leads to a crossroads high above the Dudh Koshi, before a further ascent to cross the Mon La before reaching Phortse Tenge, and a steep climb to Dole. 

• Day 6 | Trek to Machermo

  Climb steadily alongside the valley, as rhododendron forests yield to scrub juniper. Pass through numerous small settlements and yak pastures to arrive in time for lunch at Machermo.

• Day 7 | Acclimatisation

  A day to acclimatise at Machermo which sits at 4410m above sea level. Lots of opportunities for small hikes around the area to enjoy views of Cho Oyu and the mountains which surround the Ngozumpa glacier.

• Day 8 | Trek to Gokyo

  Scenic along riverside paths to start the day, before a steep rocky incline alongside the Ngozumpa glacier, climbing past two of the Gokyo Lakes, before arriving at the settlement of Gokyo, situated on the shores of the scenic mountain lake, Dudh Pokhari.

• Day 9 | Ascent of Gokyo Ri - Trek to Tragnag

  Leaving at the break of day, following a steep path, which uncovers views of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, arriving at the summit of Gokyu Ri, one of the finest viewpoints in the Himalaya. After lunch, cross the Ngozumpa glaciers to descend to the settlement of Tragnag.

• Day 10 | Trek to Dzongla via Cho la Pass

  Another early start, crossing a ridge and an old lateral moraine, before a rocky scramble leads to the Cho La Pass. Enjoy great views before crossing a small glacier on the trail to Dzongla.

• Day 11 | Trek to Lobuche

  A more gentle day, passing through grassy terrain above the Tshola Tsho Lake, following the valley on the western side of the Khumbu glacier to Lobuche.

• Day 12 | Trek to Gorak Shep - Everest Base Camp

  Follow the trail up the Khumbu Glacier, stopping for lunch at Gorak Shep, before continuing to Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5364m along a route which negotiates ice pinnacles and crevasses along the way. Return to Gorak Shep overnight. 

• Day 13 | Ascent of Kala Pattar - Trek to Dingboche

  An early start to climb Kala Pattar at 5554m, an awe-inspiring viewpoint with superb views of Mount Everest. Afternoon descent to Dingboche.

• Day 14 | Trek to Namche

  Continuing the descent, follow the trail which falls away to the valley floor, walking alongside the river for a short while, before climbing through birch and rhododendron forests, crossing the Dudh Koshi, before arriving in Namche. 

• Day 15 | Trek to Lukla

  The final day of trekking follows the Dudh Koshi, as the trail descends to Lukla. In Lukla, enjoy a farewell party with the porters and guides, with the chance to sample Nepalese Chang.

• Day 16 | Fly to Kathmandu

  After breakfast, take a flight to Kathmandu.

• Day 17 | Kathmandu

  A day to explore the engaging city of Kathmandu, explore the Monkey Temple at Swayambhunath, the Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath and the Buddhist Stupa of Boudhanath, or simply enjoy the immersive experience of wandering the city streets. 

• Day 18 | Departure

  Take a transfer to the airport to begin the journey home. 

Included

• Hotel stay for 1 night before and 2 nights after the trek
• All airport transfers
• Return domestic flight between Kathmandu and Lukla
• National Park entry and TIMS fees
• A fully supported trek with a qualified mountain guide
• All drinking water on the trek
• Teahouse accommodation on a room-only basis
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit

Not Included

• International flights
• Visas
• Tips for guides and porters
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (must be insured specifically for treks up to 6000m)
• Personal trekking gear
• Personal medicines or prescriptions
• Meals and drinks on the trek
• Meals and drinks in Kathmandu (breakfast is included)

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot based on 1,090 reviews.

I had an amazing time on my trip to Gokyo lakes. Our giudes were very knowledgeable and professional. It was seamless from the beginning to the end. Martina Lohouse

Our guide - Hira was extremely professional and had a wealth of mountain knowledge that he was more than happy to share with us. He was constantly giggling and making you feel positive during or after a hard days walk. Our guide has hopes of climbing Everest one day and I truly do hope he gets there one day! Robbie

I have just returned from Trekking to Everest Base Camp via the stunning Gokyo Lakes and Chola Pass, from the moment we were met by the team in Katmandu we felt we were in safe professional hands. We were privileged to have wonderful guides Pimba, a twice times Everest summiteer, Dorchi, Hira and Dukchung who all have a wealth of mountaineering and trekking experience, they took care of our every needs ,always smiling and unfailingly helpful.Their knowledge of the mountains and the history of the area enhanced our experience. Jane