A high-altitude trek through one of the most scenic corners of the Everest region, the Gokyo Lake Trek is packed with glacier lakes, mountain views, and Sherpa culture. Over 13 days, you’ll follow a quieter trail than the main Everest Base Camp route, with highlights including Gokyo Ri, the turquoise lakes of Gokyo, and a sunrise over Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your guide. After your transfer to the hotel, you’ll have time to rest or head out for a look around Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu (1,400m).
Day 02: Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Morning transfer to Ramechhap, then take a short flight to Lukla (2,840m). After breakfast, begin your trek with a gentle walk to Phakding (2,610m), around 3.5 hours on foot.
Day 03: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Cross suspension bridges and climb steadily through pine forest into Sagarmatha National Park. Reach Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the heart of the Sherpa community, after a 6–7 hour trek.
Day 04: Acclimatisation Day in Namche
A rest day to help your body adjust. Explore Namche’s market, museums, or take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel for impressive sights of the Himalayas.
Day 05: Namche to Dole
Climb above the tree line as you head towards Dole (4,038m). The day’s walk takes about 5.5 hours through alpine meadows and past grazing yaks.
Day 06: Dole to Machhermo
Trek through high pastureland and enjoy glimpses of Cho Oyu ahead. Arrive at Machhermo (4,470m) after 5–6 hours of steady walking.
Day 07: Machhermo to Gokyo
One of the most scenic days of the trek. Hike alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier before reaching the Gokyo Lakes (4,800m). Walk time is roughly 6 hours.
Day 08: Gokyo Ri and Acclimatisation
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) early for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lakes or exploring the valley.
Day 09: Gokyo to Dole
Retrace your steps downhill to Dole, passing yak pastures and glacial views. A 6-hour walk.
Day 10: Dole to Namche Bazaar
Return to Namche on a 5-hour walk, where hot food and a lively village atmosphere await.
Day 11: Namche to Lukla
Your final trekking day is a 7–8 hour walk back to Lukla. It’s a satisfying finish, with time to celebrate with your group.
Day 12: Flight to Kathmandu
Catch a morning flight to Ramechhap, followed by a transfer to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free.
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to the international airport, or extend your stay in Kathmandu with some sightseeing, café hopping or shopping.
Start and finish in Kathmandu, with the meeting point at Paknajol Chowk in Thamel – a lively neighbourhood full of trekking shops, great places to eat and guesthouses. You'll have time here before and after the trek to get organised or relax.
The Gokyo Lake route takes you off the main Everest Base Camp trail and into a more peaceful high-altitude valley. Highlights include Sagarmatha National Park, Sherpa villages like Dole and Machhermo, and of course the Gokyo Lakes themselves. Gokyo Ri offers one of the best viewpoints in the Himalayas, and you’ll stay in welcoming local teahouses each night along the way.
Two nights in Kathmandu are included, with breakfast. During the trek, you’ll stay in teahouses – locally owned guesthouses that offer simple twin rooms, hot meals, and a friendly atmosphere. Most provide basic amenities like shared toilets and dining areas with stoves.
Though the facilities get more basic as you go higher, the food is hearty, and apple or pomegranate is served after dinner each night for a sweet finish. Expect boiled or hot water available for purchase, and hot showers are optional (and extra), usually via gas geysers or hot buckets.
A reasonable level of fitness is needed, and you should be prepared to walk 4 to 8 hours per day. You don’t need to be fast – the pace is steady with plenty of breaks – but regular walking or cardio before your trip will definitely help.
This trek takes you above 5,000m, so altitude is a factor. Extra acclimatisation days are built in, and your guide will monitor your condition. If needed, you’ll be supported to descend to a safer elevation.
The team has guided trekkers through Nepal for years, with a focus on safety, fun and a genuine connection to the region. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or in a private group, you’ll get a well-organised experience with knowledgeable local guides – many from the Everest region.
Over 2,500 people have joined treks with this team, and their reviews speak volumes. They donate 3% of yearly revenue to support local schools and villages, and actively hire and train guides from remote communities. When you travel with them, you’re not just going trekking – you're supporting local people and getting real insight into Himalayan life.
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