Gokyo Lake Trek: Turquoise Waters & Himalayan Panorama
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Max altitude
- 5,357 meters (Gokyo Ri)
- Starting from
- USD 1,250
Every angle of the route
Photo gallery
At a glance
Overview
Discover a pristine, less-crowded alternative to the classic Everest route, leading deep into the breathtaking Gokyo Valley. Marvel at a chain of stunning, emerald-turquoise freshwater lakes cradled by massive glaciers, and conquer the summit of Gokyo Ri for one of the most awe-inspiring 360-degree mountain views on earth, encompassing four of the world's highest peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Trip highlights
- +Stand atop Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for one of the greatest mountain panoramas in the Himalayas.
- +Witness the striking, emerald-turquoise beauty of the high-altitude Gokyo Lakes.
- +Walk alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
- +Experience a quieter, less crowded alternative route compared to classic Everest Base Camp.
- +Explore authentic Sherpa settlements like Namche, Dole, and Gokyo village.
Know before you choose
Why this journey stands out
The defining experiences, trail character and route rhythm that make Gokyo Lake Trek: Turquoise Waters & Himalayan Panorama distinctive.
Signature experience
Stand atop Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for one of the greatest mountain panoramas in the Himalayas.
Witness the striking, emerald-turquoise beauty of the high-altitude Gokyo Lakes. · Walk alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas.
Trail character
Challenging · 5,357 meters (Gokyo Ri)
A 12 days journey with a challenging trail profile, paced around the route's key elevations and experiences.
Sense of place
Khumbu (Everest) Region, Nepal
Travel through the landscapes and communities that define Khumbu (Everest) Region, supported by locally led interpretation throughout the journey.
Best suited to
Travelers ready for a challenging adventure
Ideal for guests who value stand atop gokyo ri (5,357m) for one of the greatest mountain panoramas in the himalayas. and witness the striking, emerald-turquoise beauty of the high-altitude gokyo lakes. and can commit 12 days to the experience.
Route rhythm
Your journey at a glance
- 01 · The openingArrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
- 02 · The heartTrek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m)
Climb past a scenic ridge overlooking the valley, drop down to walk alongside the edge of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, and pass the first and second holy glacial lakes before arriving at Gokyo village beside the third lake (Dudh Pokhari).
- 03 · The finaleFly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Catch an early morning mountain flight back to Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel, and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring Thamel.
Day by day
Your itinerary
01Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
02Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Board an early scenic flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Begin your trek heading down the Dudh Koshi river valley through pine forests, passing small settlement villages and prayer wheels to reach Phakding.
03Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Follow the river north, crossing spectacular suspension bridges including the famous Hillary Bridge. Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and take on the steep switchback climb up to Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital, catching your first distant views of Everest.
04Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Rest day to help your body adapt to the rising altitude. Take a morning hike up to the Everest View Hotel for magnificent sights of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, and explore the local culture museum.
05Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,200m)
Leave the main Everest Base Camp trail behind as the path splits toward the Gokyo Valley. Traverse past scenic hillside viewpoints, descend through rhododendron woods to Phortse Thanga, and climb steadily up through birch and juniper forests to reach Dole.
06Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470m)
Ascend a scenic valley trail that opens up above the tree line. Walk along open hillsides with glorious views of Cho Oyu and Kantega, arriving by afternoon at the quiet settlement of Machhermo.
07Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m)
Climb past a scenic ridge overlooking the valley, drop down to walk alongside the edge of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, and pass the first and second holy glacial lakes before arriving at Gokyo village beside the third lake (Dudh Pokhari).
08Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) and Explore Gokyo Lakes
Take an early morning pre-dawn hike up the steep switchbacks of Gokyo Ri (5,357m). Stand atop the viewpoint for a breathtaking sunrise panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu towering over the glacial valley. Spend the afternoon exploring the upper fourth and fifth sacred lakes.
09Trek from Gokyo to Dole (4,200m)
Retrace your steps down the valley, enjoying a much easier and faster descent as the air grows richer with oxygen. Pass through Machhermo and descend further to overnight in Dole.
10Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Walk downhill through rhododendron and pine forests, cross the river, and climb briefly back to reach the familiar comfort, bakeries, and hot showers of Namche Bazaar.
11Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m)
Enjoy your final long descent down the steep hills, across the suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, and back into Lukla. Spend the evening celebrating a successful trip with your guide and porter crew.
12Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Catch an early morning mountain flight back to Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel, and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring Thamel.
Clear and transparent
What your trip covers
What's included
- +Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu) and ground transfers.
- +10 nights in standard mountain teahouses/lodges during the trek.
- +All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek.
- +Professional, government-licensed English-speaking guide and expert local porters.
- +Sagarmatha National Park entry permits.
- +Comprehensive safety equipment including a medical kit and oximeter.
- +Staff insurance, daily wages, and meals.
What's excluded
- -International flights to and from Nepal.
- -Nepal entry visa fees.
- -Hotel accommodations and meals in Kathmandu.
- -Personal trekking clothing and gear.
- -Mandatory travel and high-altitude emergency medical insurance.
- -Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and bottled drinks along the mountain trail.
- -Tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
Before you go
Essential trip information
Best season
- +Spring and autumn are generally most reliable.
Recommended gear
- +Layered clothing
- +Trekking footwear
- +Waterproof outer shell
Permits
- +Applicable local permits are arranged before departure.