- Destination: Nepal
- Region: Everest
- Maximum Altitude: 5357m.
- Accommodation: Tea-House / Lodge
- Activity: Trekking/Hiking
- Trip Grade: Challenging
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Activity per day: Approx. 5 to 6 hours walking
- Trek duration: 10 Nights 11 Days
- Best Time: September to December and March to May
- Transportation: Both way Domestic
- Start/End Point: Lukla to Lukla
Trip Overview
Everest–Gokyo Lake Trek-14 Days
“The trek that blesses with the bliss of being solitude into an incredible Gokyo Valley, Exploring Gokyo Lake and ascending up to Gokyo ri”
Everst-Gokyo Lake Trek is a wonderful venture into the core area of Khumbu region where the spectacular Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Village and Gokyo ri proudly welcome you and you can experience the heavenly bliss. A giant freshwater lake, Gokyo Lake with other lakes, beautiful Gokyo village and, probably, the finest views of mountain summits in Khumbu region including Nuptse, Lhotse Ama Dablam, Thamserkhu, Pumori , Mt. Everest and numerous other snow-fed mountain peaks are proudly visible from the Gokyo ri.
The journey begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and the trail passes through Lukla Town including Lukla Airport, Phakding, Dudhkoshi River, Namche, Dole, Machhermo and several gorges and pastures before getting to Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Village. Most importantly, experiencing distinct species of flora and fauna in Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the national park located at the highest elevation of the world, is another highlight of Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek.
The mighty Khumbu Glacier will be visible as you enter the Gokyo Valley after Machhermo and this switch from Machhermo to Gokyo will be an astonishing experience that you are going to experience something astonishing and very memorable. The beautiful settlements at the edge of the Gokyo Lake, the warm sun in the afternoon, enjoying the hot drinks like coffee, soup and the tea and various dishes eyeing to the freshwater lake will definitely enrich your bliss. Moreover, if visit Gokyo Lake during Winter season, you will find it completely frozen.
Things to do in Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek
- An incredible flight to Lukla from Kathmandu with fabulous mountain views
- Explore Lukla Airport ( Tenjing-Hillary Airport), Lukla Town, Namche Bazaar, Hotel Everest View, Khumjung Village and holy Tengboche Monastery
- Visit Hillary School and Thame Monastery if possible, let the history be created by putting your footprints in Sagarmatha National Park
- Experience and enjoy rich Sherpa people’s culture and their local food items
- Witness mighty Khumbu Glacier
- Unveil the mysteries of alluring Gokyo Valley, its and surrounding and the Gokyo Lake
- Encounter heavily loaded Sherpas, porters and yaks on the trail
- Climb/Hike up to Gokyo ri and rejoice the most astounding mountain views including Nuptse, Lhotse Ama Dablam, Thamserkhu, Pumori and Mt. Everest
Best time to do Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek
People can do Everest –Gokyo Lake Trek all round the year except in the peak of the winter season ( Mid-Jan to Mid Feb). However, the best time to do this trek is either in Autumn( Sep-Nov) or in Spring( Mar-May). To be more specific, majority of the trekkers do Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek during Autumn and rest of them during Spring. These both seasons favor the travelers by offering them a marvelous weather condition and the mountain views. So, we recommend you doing Everest –Gokyo Lake Trek in Autumn if possible, otherwise, go for Spring. But it doesn’t mean that you cannot do in rest of the time of the year. It is still doable in other time of the year excluding the climax of Winter.
Food and Accommodation during Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek
Weather Condition and Lukla Flight
Gokyo Lake is situated at an elevation of 4750m above the sea level in Khumbu region. Actually, the weather in Khumbu region is always predictable. The weather condition keeps changing in every half an hour or sometimes even in every 15 minutes. Frankly telling, mostly the weather in Khumbu region is cloudy. During the sunny day, the temperature rises up to 10-15 degree Celsius and if it is winter and it is cloudy, the temperature drops down to 1-2 degree celsius or sometimes below than that.
Altitude Sickness, a problem?
Altitude sickness will not be the problem all the time while doing Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek, however, some people will be victims of it. It might be there because their bodies are not acclimatized properly and they haven’t had the proper foods and drinks during the trek. So, if you ascend mildly with proper acclimatization and take the right foods and drinks and your well-being is okay, you needn’t worry to altitude sickness. In case you get it, your guide and other crew members will try their level best to lessen the risks or will airlifted and transported to the cities where you get an immediate treatments. But, it is an unpredictable and sudden. It means, anybody can get it at any time. But, it doesn’t mean that everybody who are doing Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek will be getting it. If you have any kind of symptoms like headache, diarrhea, fever and the like, report it immediately to your guide and he/she will handle the case. But, don’t delay it.
How difficult is Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek?
Frankly telling, it is a moderate adventure into the mainland of Everest, the top of the world. Definitely, it’s adventure because you are going to make this odyssey at 5000m above the sea level. At same time, it demands a lot of efforts and stamina and also the right and reliable trekking gears. So, in order to accomplish Everest- Gokyo Lake Trek, one must have prior trekking experience and must have an enhanced stamina because you know the mountains are always wild and the circumstances are unpredictable. Nevertheless, those who are well prepared with prior trekking experience, right and reliable trekking gears and are determined can get triumph over it. This trek is not recommended for the beginners.
Is the Lukla airport dangerous?
Actually, Lukla Airport also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport is considered to be one of the most dangerous airports of the world because its location and narrow runway. Yes, there are few but not many crashes in the Lukla airport comparing to other airports located in Nepal.
The weather in Lukla airport is normally cloudy in the afternoon and evening but fairly clear in the morning. So, the flights from Lukla and to Lukla are scheduled in the morning. But, sometimes, the weather condition gets worse throughout the day and the scheduled flights are to be postponed or even are to be cancelled.
Can we see Everest in Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek?
Definitely, you can. Initially, you can see Everest from Everest View Hotel located above Namche but that is a distant view and you will witness an astonishing view of Everest from Gokyo ri. Alongwith Everest, you can witness other marvelous snow-fed mountain summits including Loa Tse, Nupse, Pumori and numerous alluring peaks.
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Pickup from Airpot ,Tribhuwan International (TIA) (1345m. /4411ft) Transfer Airport to Hotel
You can arrive in Kathmandu via any international flight that people recommend for you. Optionally, you can take a drive if you are using road to enter Nepal. You can use Indian and Chinese border for this. Whatever way you use for arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will receive you and takes you to the hotel. The representative will let you know about the short orientation meeting regarding your Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek. Since we do not have any scheduled activities to do for today, you just rest and relax at the hotel or take a short walk around the city if time favors you.
Day 02: A Day Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour and Trekking Preparation Day
Today, largely, you will spend your time with astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu. You will go to explore them one by one after your breakfast. The private vehicle will come to receive you along with a professional and experienced city guide at the hotel where your stay and transfer you to the historical and religious sites which includes Swyombhunath Stupa( Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. You end this trip at around between 3-4 pm and prepare for your Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek.
Day 03: Fly to Luka (2840. /9320ft.)Trek to Phakding (2610m. /8560ft.) 3-4hrs walk
Initially, you will take a short drive to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport with your guide and then will take a spectacular 35 minutes flight to Lukla. As you take off, you head to Langtang Himalayan range and will switch the direction towards Lukla. Slowly the astonishing mountain panoramas begin to loom in your sight and you will them at fullest. But, actually, these moments won’t last for long, only 35 minutes and you land at Lukla airport. From Lukla, you excitedly begin your walk towards Phakding. You begin your trek from 2860m which is Lukla and end at 2610m which is Phakding. You will enjoy this short walk for 3-4 hours today through traditional Sherpa settlements and lush forest. Arrive at Phakding and stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 04 Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m. /11290 ft.) 5-6hrs walk.
Today’s trek will delight you tremendously taking you to one of the most incredible towns in Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar. Also, you will begin your walk in Sagarmatha National Park from Monjo which is located at 2835m high above the sea level. One of the most astonishing attractions of today’s walk is the suspension bridges and Sagarmatha National, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy walk along the Dudhkoshi river and ascend up to Namche Bazaar after crossing a suspension bridge with colorful prayers flags. Namche Bazaar is located at 3440m above the seal level. You can go around the town and observe the things if you have time in the evening. Stay overnight at hotel/lodge.
Day 05: Accimataization Day in Namche
Hiking up to Hotel Everest View will the first priority for us today. We will go to see stunning sunrise and breathtaking mountain views including Mt. Everest from Hotel Everest View point. The Hotel Everest View is located at 3962m high above the sea level. Besides, you will also enjoy the spectacular Tamang and Sherpa settlement of Khumjung Village at the same time. With incredible views of Thamserkhu and Abadablam, we walk down to Namche Bazaar and explore the town in the afternoon. You can observe very busy Tibetan traders selling the goods like warm jackets and hiking boots in the evening. Take rest and relax at hotel and enjoy the dish you like.
Optionally, you can trek to Thame village to explore sacred Thame Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries of Khumbu region.
Day 06: Namche to Dole (4110m/ 13480ft) 5-6hrs walk
Walk past through the Namche town and ascend up to the flat trail. Now, you will continue the walk via picturesque landscapes with an alluring view of Thamserkhu. New, you will encounter the trails: one leading you to Tengboche and the other to Dole and the Gokyo Valley and the Gokyo Lake. Follow the trail going up to Dole through pine forest in Sagarmatha National Park. You will finally ascend up to Dole village where you stay overnight at teahouse.
Day 07: Dole to Machhermo (4400m/14430ft) 3-4 hrs walk
You have a warm breakfast in Dole and set off for Machhermo. The trail today penetrates trough alpine vegetations, traditional Sherpa people settlements and awe-inspiring yak pastures. At the same time, you can enjoy some breathtaking mountain peaks in the horizon. Now, your ultimate ascend takes you to Machhermo, the next village/town after Dole.
Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m./15580ft) 4-5hrs walk
This is the most exciting day for us because we are getting to our final destination, the Gokyo Lake and the Gokyo Valley. As you leave Machhermo, you keep ascending until you get the top of Machhermo which offers you magnificent glaciers and visible Gokyo Valley. Now, you cross a bridge across Dudhkoshi River and switch your walk to Gokyo region. You will follow the trail alongside the freshwater lakes which finally takes you to Gokyo Lake and enchanting Gokyo Village.
Day 09: Rest day- Exploration/ Goktyo Ri (5375m. / 17575ft) hike back to Gokyo(3-4hrs walk)
Rise early in the morning and walk up to Gokyo ri. It takes around 2 hours to ascend up to the apex of Gokyo ri. You are doing it before the sun rises. As the sun rises, you will make your camera and the eyes to capture marvelous sunrise and the mountain summits including Everest from Gokyo ri. After you celebrate the beautiful moments, you descend down to Gokyo village and have your breakfast. After breakfast can either go round the lake and the village for exploration or you can simply take rest at the teahouse and enjoy the dishes you like.
Day 10: Gokyo to Dole (4110m. /13480ft.) 5-6hrs walk
This is the first day of backtracking via same route. As you leave Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Valley, you walk all the way down to Machhermo and finally to Dole. On the way, you will witness some magnificent mountain panoramas and incredible yak pasture and local Sherpa Settlements.
Day 11: Dole to Namche Baazar (3440m. /13480ft.) 4-5hrs walk.
Walk down through alpine plants and pine forest initially. Next, you will catch the lat trail leading towads Namche Bazaar. On the way, you will witness Mt. Amadablam visibly. Arrive at Namche Bazaar and you again can explore the town if you want.
Day 12: Namche to Lukla (2840m. / 9320ft) 5-6hrs walk
Though you will pass through the same topography of Sagarmatha National Park, you still enjoy the lush forest, the trail alongside of the Dudhkoshi River and the local Sherpa Settlements. You will walk past Phakding and ultimately ascend up to Lukla town.
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu (40Min.)
Today, you say good bye to the mountains and take another short and spectacular flight to Kathmandu with astonishing views of mountains and the landscapes. No sooner you arrive at Kathmandu airport, you will be transferred to the hotel and we will have a cultural farewell dinner together in the evening.
Day 14: Pick from Hotel, Transfer for farewell/ Departure
Today, you will leave Kathmandu for your home or for other trips that you are going to undertake. For this, we receive you from the hotel and drop you to the Tribhuvan International Airport and we bid farewell and you will depart. Have a wonderful time ahead.
Cost Exclude/Includes
Cost Includes
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up and Drop by private car/van/bus
- Both Way Domestic Flight Fair Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
- Hotel In Kathmandu: 2 Nights standard accommodation in Katmandu include Breakfast
- You’re Meal in During the Trekking as Your standard meals (3 times a day Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with cup of tea or Coffee)
- All Trekking Permit and Paper work as Sagarmath National Park Permit and Local Permit
- Local Transportation
- All accommodations in lodge/tea houses during the treks
- Trekking Guide: An experienced, helpful, friendly and English speaking Trekking Guide. His well- paid salary, meals, accommodation insurance etc
- Trekking Porter: porters (1 porter for 2 peoples). Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation
- After the Success Trip, Everest Trekking Routes will Provides Adventure Certificate
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available)
- All government taxes
- Service charge
Cost Includes
- Meals and Accommodation in Kathmandu
- Deserts (cakes, bakes and pies)
- Additional size of Pots Hot Drinks
- Bottled drinks
- Boiled water
- Electronic device re-charge
- Hot shower
- On the trekking Wi- Fi
- Personal expenses any type
- Travel insurance and evacuation insurance
- Tipping for Guide and Porter
Question and Answer
Cost & Date
All set dates are guaranteed departures. If the following dates are not suitable for your travel plans then contact us for your custom trip dates. The private trips are available on any date of your selection at any time of the year.
Trip Map
Client Reviews
Cassidy Newman
Couly Jouce
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Milan and his team made our trip to Kathmandu unforgettable. My travel partner and I got to the country having no idea what to do and how we would navigate the city until Milan came in and saved the day. His team went above and beyond to make sure we didn’t have to do any logistics and could just enjoy our vacation. With knowledgeable tour guides and the best hospitality in the city, Milan gave us an insider’s view of Nepal with an experience that left us feeling like family.