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Price

From$1,900

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1549

18 days, 17 nights

Availability : March - June and October - December

Min Age : 12+

GOKYO LAKES TREK

The Gokyo Lakes trek is a great alternative for those who wish to avoid the popular (and busy) trail to Everest Base Camp. Moreover, the views from Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft.) and Renjo La pass (5,465m /17,930ft) are arguably better than those from Kalapathar. A little above Namche, the trail to Gokyo splits from the trail to the Everest Base Camp. Head North, following the Dudh Koshi river to its source near the Ngozumpa glacier. Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes allows you to enjoy views of giants such as Everest, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Pumori, Amadablam, Thamserku, Tarboche, Cholatse etc.

Mountain view from Renjo La pass just above Gokyo Lake

THE TREK

From Namche, head north west following the Dudh Koshi river to its source near the Gokyo Lakes. The Gokyo Lakes trek culminates at Gokyo on the banks of the third lake. Here, we will spend three nights exploring the area. On our second day at Gokyo, hike to either Gokyo Ri or Renjo La pass for views of the lakes and the mountains (see photo above). On the third day, hike to the 5th lakes for up-close views of Cho Oyu and other mountains.

It is possible to combine trekking to the Gokyo Lake with the Everest Base Camp trek. Check out our 19-day Everest Base Camp Trek or the 15-day Everest Base Camp – fast paced trek. Also, if you have more time and wish to be more adventurous, check out the Ultimate Everest Trek. This involves crossing two passes: the Cho La pass (Everest Base Camp to Gokyo lake) and the Renjo La pass (from Gokyo lake to Thame). Furthermore, an even more physically challenging trek is the Everest Three Passes Trek. No climbing skills are required for these treks. We are also happy to customize any of these treks for you. Click on the options tab to check out more options.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a lodge trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on this trek are quite comparable to those on the Everest Base Camp Trek. And quite a few of them have en suite rooms with hot showers. Meals are also quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on Everest treks.

BEST SEASON

Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the trekking to the Gokyo Lakes are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). It is also possible to do this trek in Winter months of December, January and February if you do not intend to cross the passes. While it will obviously be very cold (upto -20 C/, -4 F), it will be less crowded and there aren’t as many trekkers in the area.

TREK RATING

The Gokyo Lakes trek is rated “STRENUOUS”. It is rated 4 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). While the highest altitude reached is at Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), the highest overnight elevation is at Gokyo Lakes (4,750m/15,500 feet) which is much lower than on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 7 hours on the day hike to the 5th lakes. It is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.

WHY TREK WITH US?

All our Gokyo Lakes Treks are private treks for a minimum of two participants for a date of your choosing. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. Most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We have been in business for over 30 years and we employ only the most professional and friendly staff.

We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…

Brief Itinerary

Day	Description	Overnight Altitude
1	Arrival in Kathmandu	1,340m/4,300ft
2	Exploring Kathmandu	1,340m/4,300ft
3	Kathmandu to Phakding	2,651m/8,700ft
4	Phakding to Namche	3,435m/11,270ft
5	Acclimatization day at Namche	3,435m/11,270ft
6	Namche to Khumjung	3,790m/12,430ft
7	Khumjung to Dole	4,040m/13,255ft
8	Dole to Macchermo	4,470m/14,500ft
9	Machhermo to Gokyo	4,750m/15,500ft
10	Explore Gokyo	4,750m/15,500ft
11	Hike to 5th Lakes	4,750m/15,500ft
12	Descend to Phanga	4,400m/14,430ft
13	Trek to Kyangjuma	3,600m/11,800ft
14	Kyangjuma to Monjo	2,835m/9,300ft
15	Monjo to Lukla	2,835m/9,300ft
16	Fly Lukla to Kathmandu	1,340m/4,300ft
17	Explore Kathmandu	1,340m/4,300ft
18	Final Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner.

MEALS: D

Day 2Exploring Kathmandu

Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you’ll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.

Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window.

In the afternoon, make final preparations for your Gokyo Lakes Trek.

Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 3Fly to Lukla. Trek to Phakding (2,651m/8,700ft.)

Your day starts early today as most flights to Lukla are scheduled for the morning hours. Be ready for a wait at the airport as your flight can be delayed due to weather. The flight is approximately 25 – 30 minutes and the landing at Lukla airport is very dramatic. After a brief stop at Lukla, set off on your Everest trek. Past Lukla, descend to Chaurikharka and continue on a fairly level trail to Choplung. Continue on a level trail to Ghat. There is a monastery, numerous prayer wheels, mani stones and a chhorten at Ghat. Whenever possible, please remember to turn all prayer wheels in a clock-wise direction and to walk on the left side of shrines and manes (i.e. keeping these sacred objects to your right. From Ghat, it is approximately 20 minutes to Phakding.

DISTANCE: 8.11 kilometers/5.04 miles approximately
Ascent: 836 feet/255 meters
Descent: 1,424 feet/435 meters
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D

Day 4Phakding to Namche (3,435m/11,270ft.)

The day’s trail follows the Dudh Koshi until you begin your ascent to Namche. Before reaching Monju is the village of Chumoa where in the 1970’s, an eccentric but creative Mr Hagayuki lived without a visa for almost 10 years – farming and running the Hatago Lodge – before being deported. Just beyond Monju is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park where your park permit will be checked. Depending on the time you reach this point, lunch will be either at Monju or the village of Jorsalle inside the park.

Past Jorsalle, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi and crosses it only to recross it at the base of the hill from where begins a long and steep climb to Namche. The switchback trail is well-worn and wide through a pleasant pine forest.

TOTAL DISTANCE: 16.72 kilometers/10.39 miles approximately
ACCOMMODATIONS: Local lodge.
MEALS: B,L,D

Day 5Namche (3,435m/11,270ft.)

Today is an acclimatization day. You are free to visit the National Park Museum for great views of Everest and Amadablam or just wander around Namche town.