Perks of Gokyo Lakes trek with Himalayan Spirit Adventure
- More than 25+ years of expertise in the mountains of Nepal.
- Fully customizable itinerary and services in the package.
- Complimentary welcome dinner in Kathmandu.
- Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide and native porter with their travel insurance.
- Himalayan Spirit Adventure's duffel bag to use during the trek.
- Complementary company's t-shirt and cap.
- First-aid kit with an oximeter to monitor your oxygen level during the trek.
- Online trip briefing to answer all your questions and doubts.
- Free space to store extra luggage in our office during the trek.
- Best Gokyo Lakes trek price and service - no hidden charges.
- 100% guaranteed departure.
- Trek completion certificate.
- 24/7 support and safe payment gateway.
- Win-win cancellation and refund policy.
- We specialize in ecotourism - You Will Only Leave Your Footprint Behind With Us!
Highlights
- The best beginner-friendly alternative to the EBC trek
- Start and end the trek with a thrilling Lukla flight
- Trek through dense forests in the first few days of the trek
- Cross many suspension bridges on the way to Namche Bazaar
- Follow a less crowded, peaceful trail a little ahead of Namche Bazaar and hike to Gokyo Valley
- Navigate a landslides prone area and the Nogzumpa glacier moraine on the way
- Witness stunning landscapes and breathtaking mountain vistas
- Experience simple mountain lifestyle and meet with communities such as Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu
- Explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes and hike to Gokyo Ri
- An adventurous journey ideal for all ages of trekkers
- See 8,000-meter mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
If you are looking for a moderate trek in the Everest region but do not want to do the typical EBC trek, you can consider the Gokyo Lakes trek. It is a beginner-friendly trek and a great alternative to the EBC trek. The Gokyo Lakes trek starts from Lukla and follows the main EBC trail till Namche Bazaar, and goes northwest to Gokyo Valley.
The Gokyo Lakes are the jewel of the Everest region, and trekking here is packed with adventure and cultural encounters. The Gokyo Lakes trek offers an excellent mountain experience and incredible high-altitude hiking.
Like the EBC trek, you will begin the Gokyo Lakes trek with the Lukla flight. From Lukla, you will follow the popular EBC trail to Namche Bazaar. Little ahead of Namche Bazaar, the trail to Gokyo Valley splits from the main route.
You'll then follow a less crowded, offbeat route to Gokyo Lakes. On the way, you will spend nights in Dole and Machhermo villages. The trail traverses the Nogzumpa Glacier moraine on the way to Gokyo village. It is the biggest glacier in Nepal.
The Gokyo village is situated near the third Gokyo Lake. From here, you will hike to Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri is the highest point on the Gokyo Lakes trek. It is the famous vantage point from where you will see an outstanding view of Mt. Everest.
*Many trekkers also combine the Renjo La Pass or Cho La Pass hike in their Gokyo Lakes trek itinerary. If you are interested, let us know. We will send you the extended itinerary with all additional charges.
From the Gokyo village, you can also hike to the fourth, fifth, and sixth Gokyo Lakes. After your two nights in Gokyo village, you will trek back to Dole and retrace the trail to Lukla via Namche Bazaar.
The Gokyo Lakes and why trek there?
If you want to see scenery that looks totally AI-generated or out of some incredible fictional movie, you have to trek to the Gokyo Lakes. The Gokyo Lakes are a high-altitude freshwater lake system, consisting of 19 lakes.
Located in the Gokyo Valley (in the Khumbu region, home of Mt. Everest), the Gokyo Lakes are spread between 4,700 and 5,000 meters. Among the 19 lakes, 6 are considered the main lakes.
Thonak Lake is the largest one, and Dudh Pokhari (aka Gokyo Cho) is the main lake. The Gokyo village is situated on the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari.
The jewel-like turquoise blue color of the Gokyo Lakes, surrounded by white snow-covered mountains, creates breathtaking scenery. All the lakes are undisturbed and situated in a serene setting of the Himalayas.
What to expect on the Gokyo Lakes trek route?
Every day will be adventurous and exciting during the Gokyo Lakes trek. Starting the trek through lush forested hills, you will ascend to alpine meadows and cross a glacier moraine to reach Gokyo village.
The journey will be memorable. You will follow a similar routine during the trek. Waking up early and leaving the village where you spend the night by 9:00 AM to reach the next village before the sun sets.
We have shared some general information about the trail condition and services you will get on the Gokyo Lakes trek route below. You can learn more in detail about these topics in the essential information section of this page.
- Daily walking hours: You will walk 6 hours a day on average during the Gokyo Lakes trek. You will take small breaks on the way to rest and replenish.
- Terrain: The Gokyo Lakes trek route is offbeat but not complex like other offbeat treks, such as the Manaslu Circuit or Upper Mustang. It is more like an entry-level offbeat, so beginner trekkers can navigate it.
- Accommodation: Trekkers can spend nights in lodges along the Gokyo Lakes trek route. Luxury lodges are not available on this route, but you will enjoy comfortable standard accommodation. Twin-shared rooms with a warm dining area and a shared washroom are common.
- Weather and climate: The weather is stable in spring and autumn, the peak trekking seasons. Climate changes with the change in elevation. The higher you go, the colder the climate gets. Daytime is usually warm, so hiking will be pleasant.
- Meals and drinking water: We will provide three meals a day during the Gokyo Lakes trek 13 days. Every meal will be served as per the menu of the lodge. You will mainly eat food like fried rice, dal bhat, thukpa, thendul, momo, pasta, and chowmein. Likewise, boiled drinking water is also available in all places. Boiled water may cost you a little money. It is not covered in our Gokyo Lakes trek package cost.
- Communication: After Namche Bazaar, the mobile network is not that reliable. You will rarely get a network to connect with your friends and family. Likewise, the WiFi network is also not reliable. For emergency communication, we use a satellite phone.
- Charging: Charging is available in all villages, but it is best to have backup (such as a solar charger, spare batteries, and a power bank), too. Charging your device will cost you NPR 100 to NPR 300 (not covered by our package cost).
- Toilet: Up to Namche Bazaar, you will get a Western-style toilet, but after this village, make up your mind to use a squat toilet. Make sure to pack toilet paper.
Gokyo Lakes trek distance, duration, and altitude
The Gokyo Lakes trek distance is approximately 90 kilometers. You will complete the whole trip in 13 days. The trek starts from 2,846 meters (Lukla) and goes up to 5,357 meters (Gokyo Ri).
Between Lukal and Gokyo Ri, you will spend a night in Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo village. You will also take an acclimatization break in Namche Bazaar.
This gradual increase in elevation will help you avoid mountain sickness. We have strategically planned our acclimatization points and daily altitude gain for a successful voyage.
*The Gokyo Lakes trek is also known as Gokyo Ri trek and Gokyo Valley trek.
The Gokyo Ri viewpoint
The Gokyo Ri is a 5,357-meter peak. It is located on the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Trekkers hike to Gokyo Ri to see a spectacular view of 8,000-meter mountains such as Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Along with that, you will also get to see a gorgeous sunrise and many other 7,000-meter and 6,000-meter mountains. The hiking route is rocky and steep. You can navigate with extra caution.
The locals of the Khumbu region and cultural experiences during the Gokyo Lakes trek
As the Gokyo Lakes trail goes through different villages, you will meet with communities like Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, Lama, and Bhotiya. These are some of the communities that reside in the Khumbu region.
Although the cultural interactions are relatively low during the adventure trek, like Gokyo Lakes, you will get to meet the locals and see a glimpse of their lifestyle.
Likewise, the trek route is also dotted with stupas and prayer flags that will keep reminding you that you are not alone in this remote part of the world. The locals will welcome you with their full hearts. The interactions will be limited but very special.
Is the Gokyo Lakes trek 13 days suitable for you?
The Gokyo Lakes trek is suitable for everyone. There is no age requirement or previous trek experience needed for this trek. Whether you do a solo or a group trek, you will enjoy hiking to Gokyo Lakes.
- Peaceful alternative to EBC trek: The Gokyo Lakes trek is a peaceful alternative to the very famous EBC trek. If you want to explore beautiful Sherpa villages while enjoying solitude, the Gokyo Lakes trek is best for you.
- Offbeat trek experience: We have already mentioned that the Gokyo Lakes trek route is offbeat. It means there are considerably steeper and rockier sections on the Gokyo Lakes route. Likewise, you will also cross a prone area and a glacier moraine.
- Finest Mt. Everest views: You do not necessarily have to do the EBC trek to see Mt. Everest. Other treks like Gokyo Lakes also offer stunning views of Mt. Everest. In fact, the Gokyo Ri viewpoint is considered one of the best places to witness the gradient of Everest.
- Photographers and nature lovers: The trail is scenic, and you will see mesmerizing landscapes and mountain panoramas along the way. Likewise, you will explore lush hills, rivers, streams, valleys, and villages along the way. There is also several vegetation along the trail to explore and photograph.
- Decent fitness: Trekking to Gokyo Lakes demands decent fitness because you will walk 6 hours a day. If you are in good shape and can walk long hours, you can do the Gokyo Lakes trek 13 days.
- Adventure seekers: The Gokyo Lakes trek is adventurous. You will be in a remote setting surrounded by nothing but tall mountains. You will cross thrilling suspension bridges, landslide areas, steep uphill and downhill slopes, glacier moraines, and narrow trails.
How to prepare for the Gokyo Lakes trek?
You need strong legs and a long walking habit for the Gokyo Lakes trek. Trekking uphill and downhill is tougher than walking on flat terrain. So, your stamina and endurance matter a lot.
If you are not an active person, you have to exercise for 4 to 6 weeks before starting the trek. Focus on:
- Improving stamina: Cardio activities like running, swimming, and cycling are best to improve your cardio in a short period. Stay consistent with one or multiple of these activities.
- Building endurance: Endurance is gradually built as you improve your strength and stamina. You do not have to do anything particular to build your endurance. But if you want to go on a few day hikes before the Gokyo Lakes trek begins. It is also great to experience some high altitude and uphill walking.
- Core strengthening: Strength training is the best way to refine your core strength. You can go to the gym or do a home core strengthening workout. Be consistent for 4 to 6 weeks at least to see the result.
- Long walking: A long walking habit can only be built by actively going on long walks. So, include long walks in your workout routine. Consider walking while returning from your workplace. Walk as much as you can.
Gokyo Lakes trek cost and booking 2026
We have shared our Gokyo Lakes trek cost at the top right side of this page. You can check our Gokyo Lakes trek group price as well. We have priced our Gokyo Lakes trek well, making sure it is reasonable for all travelers.
You can customize the Gokyo Lakes trek itinerary and services in the package, too. For instance, we can upgrade to a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu, luxury lodges in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, and helicopter flights for trekkers looking for a bit more comfortable journey.
The Gokyo Lakes trek booking is open for 2026 departures. We organize this trek throughout the year. Book your seat early to get access to our special Gokyo Lakes trek cost.
If you have any questions or confusion, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Why do the Gokyo Lakes trek with Himalayan Spirit Adventure?
Trekking with Himalayan Spirit Adventure means trekking with a reliable Nepali travel agency that has proven firsthand experience in the Everest region.
We have been operating the Gokyo Lakes trek for more than two decades, and in those years of operations, we have cracked the ways to make this trek safe, pleasant, and hassle-free for our trekkers.
You can trek solo or in a group with us, customize the itinerary, change the services in the package, shorten the trek, extend the trek to other destinations in the region, combine helicopter flights, upgrade to better accommodation, or hire additional porters - the options are limitless with us.
Trekking with a strong team like us ensures your safety in the remote locations of the Himalayas. Our extensive knowledge about the trails and the region will enhance your journey. You will have an interactive, insightful, and meaningful trip.
"We do not compromise on your safety. We do not harm nature. We do not overcharge for any service. There is no hidden cost, and we are always up for taking on new challenges with our trekkers."
Alternative trek options
- Pikey Peak trek
- Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return
- Langtang Valley trek
- Annapurna Base Camp trek
- Mardi Himal trek
- Upper Mustang trek