Gokyo Lakes Trek
Turquoise glacial lakes and the finest Everest panorama in the Khumbu from Gokyo Ri.
- Duration
- 12 days
- Max altitude
- 5,357 m
- Distance
- 92 km
- Best season
- October–November, March–May
- Starts
- Lukla
- Ends
- Lukla
Overview
The Gokyo valley, west of the Everest Base Camp trail, holds a chain of six glacial lakes beside the Ngozumpa glacier, the longest in Nepal. From the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) four 8,000-metre peaks are in view, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, a wider panorama than Kala Patthar with a fraction of the foot traffic.
The route shares the Lukla–Namche section with the base camp trek, then turns north through Dole and Machhermo. It is slightly shorter than EBC and a little quieter, with the option to link the two over the Cho La pass.
- Namche Bazaar
- Dole and Machhermo
- Gokyo lakes
- Ngozumpa glacier
- Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
- Fifth Lake viewpoint
Plan this trek
Day-by-day itinerary
Sleeping altitude goes from 2,610 m on day 1 to a high of 4,790 m on day 6, ending at 1,400 m on day 11. Day 3 sleeps at the same altitude as the night before (acclimatisation).
- 1
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
In peak season flights leave from Ramechhap, 4–5 hours from Kathmandu.
Sleep at 2,610 m
- 2
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo; the steep climb to Namche.
Sleep at 3,440 m
- 3
Acclimatisation day at Namche
Walk to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung.
Sleep at 3,440 m
- 4
Namche to Dole
Leave the base camp trail at Sanasa and climb through rhododendron to Dole.
Sleep at 4,040 m
- 5
Dole to Machhermo
A short day for acclimatisation; the Himalayan Rescue Association runs a seasonal aid post here.
Sleep at 4,470 m
- 6
Machhermo to Gokyo
Past the first and second lakes to the village on the third.
Sleep at 4,790 m
- 7
Gokyo Ri and the Fifth Lake
Sunrise on Gokyo Ri; the walk to the fifth lake gives a different angle on Everest.
Sleep at 4,790 m
- 8
Gokyo to Dole
Descend the way you came.
Sleep at 4,040 m
- 9
Dole to Namche
Sleep at 3,440 m
- 10
Namche to Lukla
Sleep at 2,860 m
- 11
Fly to Kathmandu
Sleep at 1,400 m
- 12
Buffer day
Lukla flights are often delayed; do not book an international flight the same day.
Permits
Permit rules and fees change. We link the official source for each and show when it was last checked.
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals (mid-2026), bought in Kathmandu or at Monjo.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
Local entry fee issued in Lukla or Monjo; the municipality adjusts it periodically, so confirm the current amount.
Safety and altitude
Altitude sickness is the main risk above 2,500 m. Gain sleeping altitude slowly (no more than 300–500 m a night above 3,000 m), build in rest days, drink plenty and descend if symptoms worsen rather than waiting to see. A persistent headache, nausea or loss of appetite are early warnings; confusion, a wet cough or breathlessness at rest are emergencies.
Carry insurance that explicitly covers trekking to your maximum altitude and helicopter evacuation, keep buffer days for weather, and tell your guide about any medication. Mobile coverage is patchy; most lodges sell Wi-Fi.
Packing list
Essentials are marked; the rest is optional.
- Broken-in trekking boots (essential)
- Four-season sleeping bag (essential)
- Down jacket and waterproof shell (essential)
- Warm hat, gloves, sun hat and sunglasses (essential)
- Water purification tablets or filter (essential)
- Head torch and power bank (essential)
- First-aid kit incl. blister care and any altitude medication prescribed to you (essential)
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Microspikes for a snowy pass (ask your guide) (optional)
Frequently asked questions
More treks
Other treks in Everest Region
Solukhumbu (Khumbu)
Everest Base Camp Trek
The world’s most famous trek through Sherpa country to the foot of Everest.
- Duration
- 14 days
- Max altitude
- 5,545 m
