Everest region · Moderate
Gokyo Lake Trek
Six glacial lakes and the widest Everest view in the Khumbu, without the base camp crowds. Small groups, government-licensed guides, and porters paid and insured to IPPG standards.
In critical situations on the trail, your guide arranges evacuation. Travellers must carry insurance covering their route's maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Duration
10 Days
Max altitude
5,357 m
Grade
Moderate
Best season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group size
2–10 travellers
Accommodation
Teahouse
Day by day
Day 01
Fly Kathmandu to Lukla, walk to Phakding
Mountain flight, then an easy afternoon along the river.
2,610 m
Day 02
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
The long climb into the national park.
3,440 m
Day 03
Acclimatisation day in Namche
Hike high, sleep low.
3,440 m
Day 04
Namche to Dole
Leave the base camp trail at Sanasa for the quiet Gokyo valley.
4,110 m
Day 05
Dole to Machhermo
A short day by design, gaining only 300 m.
4,470 m
Day 06
Machhermo to Gokyo
Past the first two lakes to the village on the third.
4,790 m
Day 07
Gokyo Ri and the fourth lake
Sunrise from Gokyo Ri: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu in one view.
5,357 m
Day 08
Gokyo to Dole
Back down the valley in one long day.
4,110 m
Day 09
Dole to Namche Bazaar
Below the treeline again.
3,440 m
Day 10
Namche to Lukla
The final trekking day.
2,860 m
What is included
Included
- Airport transfers and two nights in Kathmandu
- All permits, TIMS card and national park fees
- Licensed English-speaking guide and one porter per two trekkers
- Teahouse accommodation on trek, twin share
- Three meals a day while trekking
- Guide and porter insurance, wages and equipment
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Personal travel and evacuation insurance
- Hot showers, wifi and charging on trek
- Tips for guide and porters
Why trek this with us
Two full acclimatisation days
Built into the schedule, not sold as an extra. It is the single biggest factor in reaching the top.
Guides from the region
Your guide grew up in the valley you are walking through and holds a government licence.
One porter per two trekkers
Insured, weight-limited to 25 kg and equipped by us for altitude.
No hidden costs
Permits, park fees, domestic flights and all meals on trek are in the price you see.
Reviews from this trek
★★★★★
The pacing was the thing. Two acclimatisation days felt slow at the time and meant nobody in our group turned back.
★★★★★
Our guide rerouted a day around a landslide before we even knew about it. Quoted price never moved.
★★★★★
Everything on the included list was genuinely included. No permit surprises at the trailhead.
Frequently asked
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking five to seven hours a day on consecutive days, carrying only a daypack. No technical skill is needed on this route. Most trekkers train by hill walking for two to three months beforehand.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
In critical situations on the trail, your guide arranges evacuation. You must carry travel insurance covering trekking to your route's maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. It must cover trekking to the maximum altitude of your route and include helicopter evacuation and repatriation. We ask for the policy number before departure.
Can I do this trip privately or on my own dates?
Every itinerary can run as a private departure on the dates you choose, usually at a small premium for solo travellers and no premium from two people upwards.
What is the payment schedule?
A 20% deposit confirms your place. The balance is due 30 days before departure, payable by card, bank transfer or in cash in Kathmandu.
