Gokyo Lake Valley Trek - Trip Details

✓ Max. Elevation: 5388 m
✓ Best Season: Spring - Autumn
✓ Duration: 17 days
✓ Trip Grading: Moderate to High
✓ Activity: Trekking/ High Pass
✓ Transport: Private vehicle
✓ Accommodation: Hotel- Lodge- Tea house- Tent
✓ Meals: Breakfast-Lunch- Dinner
✓ Availability: Available

Highlights

Join Best Trips Nepal for a 17-day Gokyo Lake Valley Trek, exploring turquoise Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, and Renjo La Pass, with Sherpa culture and Himalayan vistas from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Embark on a 17-day Gokyo Lake Valley Trek with Best Trips Nepal, a mesmerizing adventure to the turquoise lakes of Gokyo in Nepal’s Khumbu region. Starting with a scenic flight to Lukla and ending in Kathmandu, this moderately challenging trek through Sagarmatha National Park offers unparalleled Himalayan scenery and rich Sherpa culture. The trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, vibrant villages like Namche Bazaar and Phortse, and over the high Renjo La Pass (5,388m). Highlights include exploring the Gokyo Lakes, climbing Gokyo Ri (5,320m) for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu, and visiting the fifth lake (Ngozumpa Tsho) near the Ngozumpa Glacier. With acclimatization days in Namche and a buffer day in Kathmandu, this trek is ideal for fit trekkers seeking a less-crowded Himalayan route. Best Trips Nepal ensures expert guides, sustainable practices, and cozy guesthouse stays, complemented by cultural immersion in Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites.

✓ Visit the stunning Gokyo Lakes and climb Gokyo Ri (5,320m) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.
✓ Cross the challenging Renjo La Pass (5,388m) with breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
✓ Immerse in Sherpa culture in Namche Bazaar, Phortse, and Thame.
✓ Explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.

Itinerary

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport (1,360m)
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a Best Trips Nepal representative will welcome you and transfer you to a Thamel hotel. Receive a brief tour overview, check in, and rest to prepare for the trek. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley (1,360m)
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan Durbar Squares, Boudhanath Stupa (one of Nepal’s largest), Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River, a sacred Hindu site. Return to the hotel for trek preparations. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,800m) and Trek to Phakding (2,640m, 3-4 hours)
Take a 40-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, marveling at the Himalayas. Begin trekking, descending to the Dudh Koshi River and following an easy trail past Ghat village (2,550m) to Phakding, just above Chaunrikharka (2,713m). Trek 3-4 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m, 5-6 hours)
Trek from Phakding, ascending gently to Jorsale past a waterfall. Cross several bridges and climb through forests of rhododendrons, firs, and magnolias, with a steep final ascent to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital. Enjoy Himalayan views en route. Trek 5-6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 05: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Rest in Namche for acclimatization, hiking to Khumjung (school and hospital visit), Thame (home to Tenzing Norgay), or Syangboche (3,720m) for Everest views from the Everest View Hotel. These hikes aid altitude adaptation and offer cultural insights. Explore Namche’s vibrant markets. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 06: Trek to Phortse (3,800m, 5-6 hours)
Trek to Sanasa, then ascend to Mong La Hill for stunning views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku. Descend to the Dudh Koshi at 3,550m, then climb to Phortse, a charming Sherpa village popular among climbers, with views of Kongde. Trek 5-6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (4,470m, 4-5 hours)
Descend to the Dudh Koshi River, cross a bridge, and trek to Dole (4,038m), known for spring blooms. Climb gradually along a gorge, where rhododendrons give way to scrub juniper, with Cho Oyu visible. Arrive at Machhermo after a short trek. Trek 4-5 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo Lake (4,750m, 4-5 hours)
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo, passing the three Gokyo Lakes, including Dudh Pokhari, near the Ngozumpa Glacier’s western edge. Arrive at Gokyo village on the east shore, with panoramic views of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. Trek 4-5 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 09: Trek to Fifth Lake (5,000m) and Back to Gokyo Lake (4,750m, 4-5 hours)
Trek two hours to the fourth lake, Thonak Tsho (4,840m), then continue to the fifth lake, Ngozumpa Tsho (4,980m). From a prayer-flag-adorned hill, enjoy views of Cho Oyu, Ngozumpa Glacier, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Return to Gokyo. Trek 4-5 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 10: Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,320m) and Back to Gokyo Lake (4,750m, 3-4 hours)
Start early for a 2-hour climb to Gokyo Ri, witnessing a stunning sunrise over Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The views surpass those from Kala Patthar. Descend to Gokyo for rest. Trek 3-4 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 11: Trek to Lungden via Renjo La Pass (5,388m, 6-7 hours)
Depart Gokyo, trekking off the main path to Renjo La Pass via Dudh Pokhari. After 3 hours, reach the pass for views of Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Taboche. Descend carefully past snowy patches and Relama Tsho to Lungden (4,350m). Trek 6-7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 12: Trek to Thame (3,800m, 5-6 hours)
Follow the historic Tibetan trade route, descending past Bhote Koshi and Tarunga to the Langmuche Khola valley. Pass Samde’s scenic landscapes, then descend abruptly to Thame village, known for its Sherpa heritage. Trek 5-6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m, 4-5 hours)
Trek beside a river, cross a bridge, and ascend through birch and rhododendron forests to Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the vibrant natural environment and Namche’s bustling markets. Trek 4-5 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2,800m, 6-7 hours)
Descend to Thado Koshi, crossing a suspension bridge, and pass Sherpa villages en route to Lukla. After 45 minutes from the final stretch, arrive in Lukla and reconfirm flight reservations. Trek 6-7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu (1,360m)
Take an early morning 40-minute flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, weather permitting, with aerial Himalayan views. Transfer to a Thamel hotel and spend the day relaxing. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 16: Buffer Day in Kathmandu (1,360m)
Enjoy a buffer day in Kathmandu to account for potential flight delays from Lukla. Relax, shop in Thamel, or explore additional sites at your leisure. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 17: Transfer to Airport, Departure
After breakfast, a Best Trips Nepal representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of the Gokyo Lake Valley Trek.

Included

✓ Permits: All necessary permits for trekking and climbing.
✓ Base Camp and Camps: Full logistics and setup at base camp and higher camps.
✓ Trekking Guides: Experienced and certified professional trekking guides.

Excluded

✗ International Flights: Flights to and from Nepal
✗ Personal Gear: Personal climbing equipment (e.g., boots, clothing, gloves)
✗ Personal Expenses: Restaurant bills, souveiners and etc.

Trip Organization

Best Trips Nepal has been a premier adventure travel company based in Kathmandu, dedicated to delivering sustainable and authentic experiences. Specializing in unique treks like the Gokyo Lake Valley Trek, we guide adventurers through Nepal’s pristine landscapes and vibrant communities. Our experienced guides, eco-friendly practices, and commitment to local communities ensure meaningful journeys that leave only footprints behind. Join Best Trips Nepal to discover the serene Gokyo Lakes and immerse in Sherpa culture.

FAQs

1. Is the Gokyo Lake Valley Trek suitable for beginners?: This trek is moderately challenging, suitable for fit beginners with some trekking experience, due to altitudes up to 5,388m and daily treks of 4-7 hours. Best Trips Nepal provides expert guides for support.

2. When is the best time for this trek?: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer clear skies and stable weather. Monsoon (June-August) is risky due to rain and slippery trails, while winter (December-February) is cold at high altitudes.

3. What permits are required for this trek?: A Sagarmatha National Park Permit (NRs 3,000), Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (NRs 2,000), and TIMS Card (NRs 2,000) are required, arranged by Best Trips Nepal.