Gokyo Lakes Trek

                     13 Days  |  Maximum Altitude: 5,360 m  | Moderate

Introduction

The Gokyo Valley is the quieter, less-visited side of the Khumbu region, and many experienced trekkers consider it the most beautiful. The Gokyo Lakes are a series of six sacred glacial lakes at altitudes between 4,700 and 5,000 meters, their water an intense turquoise-blue against the grey moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal. The climb to Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters gives a panoramic view of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu all at the same time, four of the world's fourteen eight-thousanders in a single frame. Many experienced trekkers rate this view above the one from Kala Patthar. The Gokyo Valley has a different quality from the main Everest Base Camp trail. It is quieter, the landscape is wider, and the glacier and lake combination is something that the standard route does not offer.

ITINERARY

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrival in Kathmandu   (1,400 m)

You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and our team meets you at the gate. After the transfer to your hotel in Thamel, the evening is free. This is a long and demanding trek and the best start is a proper rest. Thamel has excellent restaurants and is a pleasant place to spend a first evening in Nepal.

Day 2:  Briefing and Trip Preparation in Kathmandu   (1,400 m)

Full trek briefing at the Friendship Trekking office. Your lead guide will take you through the complete 18-day route with particular attention to the Cho La Pass crossing and acclimatization plan. Permits are sorted and gear is checked. The afternoon is free for Kathmandu sightseeing.

Day 3:  Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding   (2,610 m)

The early morning flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is one of the most dramatic short flights in the world. From the airstrip the trail drops gently through pine forest and over several suspension bridges to Phakding. It is a three to four hour walk and a gentle introduction to the Khumbu.

Day 4:  Phakding to Namche Bazaar   (3,440 m)

The trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley north, enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, and makes the steep final climb to Namche Bazaar. The moment Everest appears above the ridgeline before Namche is one of the great views on the trek.

Day 5:  Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar   (3,440 m)

A morning hike to the Everest View Hotel ridge at around 3,880 meters gives outstanding panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and the full Khumbu range. The afternoon is free to explore Namche and its market, museum, and restaurants.

Day 6:  Namche Bazaar to Dole   (4,030 m)

You leave the main Everest Base Camp trail today and head northwest into the Gokyo Valley. The trail climbs to a high ridge with wide mountain views and then descends through Mong Danda to Dole. The Gokyo Valley is noticeably quieter than the main trail. The landscape opens up and the air feels different.

Day 7:  Dole to Machhermo   (4,470 m)

A steady climb through increasingly high-alpine terrain. The Ngozumpa Glacier becomes visible on the western side of the valley. Machhermo is a small, remote-feeling settlement with basic lodges and a very clear sky at night. Sleep well and drink plenty of water.

Day 8:  Machhermo to Gokyo   (4,750 m)

The trail passes the first two Gokyo lakes before reaching Gokyo village beside the third and largest lake, Dudh Pokhari. The water is an intense turquoise blue against the grey of the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine. Gokyo is a genuinely beautiful place. The Gokyo peaks rise sharply on the far side of the valley and the light in the late afternoon is extraordinary.

Day 9:  Acclimatization Day in Gokyo, Optional Gokyo Ri Hike   (4,750 m / 5,357 m)

The optional hike to Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters is one of the finest high-altitude viewpoints available to any trekker in Nepal. The climb takes two to three hours and the view from the top takes in Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Gyachung Kang, and the full length of the Ngozumpa Glacier below. Very few places on earth offer a comparable mountain panorama. The afternoon in Gokyo is yours to rest, explore the upper lakes, or simply sit with the view.

                    Thank you for visiting Nepal…….!