Gokyo Lakes Trek
Turquoise glacial lakes and the Khumbu's finest viewpoint
Gokyo Lakes Trek overview
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is the Everest region's beautiful secret — a quieter alternative to the Base Camp trail that climbs the Gokyo Valley to a chain of six turquoise glacial lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world. The trek culminates on the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), a viewpoint many trekkers rate above Kala Patthar: four 8,000-metre peaks — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — rise over the lakes and the vast grey sweep of the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest. After the shared trail to Namche Bazaar, the route branches northwest away from the Base Camp crowds, climbing through the rhododendron forests of Phortse Thanga and the summer yak pastures of Dole and Machhermo. The sacred lakes appear one by one as you approach Gokyo village, which sits on the shore of Dudh Pokhari beneath Cho Oyu's huge south face. At twelve days with a sensible ascent profile and a dedicated acclimatization day in Namche, this trek suits fit first-time Himalayan trekkers who want big mountain scenery without the long, hard pass days of the more strenuous routes. Optional excursions to the fourth and fifth lakes add a rest-day adventure deep into glacier country.
Country
Nepal
Duration
12 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
5,357 m (Gokyo Ri)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Moderate
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our team meets you and transfers you to your hotel. Evening trek briefing and gear check, with time to rent or buy any missing equipment in Thamel.
Price includes
- Airport transfers and hotel pick-up/drop-off in Kathmandu
- Round-trip Kathmandu–Lukla flights including airport taxes
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation for the duration of the trek
- Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (one porter per two trekkers, 15 kg limit per trekker)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
- Staff wages, insurance, meals, and accommodation
- Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide, including pulse oximeter
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by your travel insurance)
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance with coverage up to 6,000 m (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear including sleeping bag and down jacket (rentals available)
- Bottled and boiled drinking water, hot showers, and battery charging at lodges
- Wi-Fi and personal communication costs on the trail
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Tips for guide and porters (customary)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
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