Explore the stunning view of the Nepalese Himalayas in our Gokyo Valley trek and Gokyo Ri Summit. These 13 Days adventures take you to the most beautiful place of the Everest Region. You will walk through high-altitude villages and rugged trails that will guide you to the famous Gokyo Valley situated at an altitude of 4,750–4,790 meters (15,583–15,715 feet). This valley features the Gokyo Village and glacial lakes of Gokyo, which comprise six different lakes spread across the valley seated in the foothills of Cho Oyu (8201m). Cho Oyu is the sixth-highest mountain in the world.
High Route Adventure has crafted this Gokyo Lake trek itinerary in such a way that you will feel comfort, safety and enjoyment. You will start your journey by taking a flight to Lukla Tenzing Hillary airport – scenic and world’s most dangerous airport in the world.
Then from the Lukla airport you will walk through the Sherpa villages like Phakding and Namche Bazar. On the route passing through suspension bridge, rhododendron forest, and trail decorated with prayer flag, mani wall, chorten etc will add beauty to this trek. Everyday you will stay in the tea house where you will enjoy a nice meal with warm hospitality.
Then finally you will reach the Gokyo Village from where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding peak and glacial lake. Then from Gokyo Village you will hike to Gokyo Ri which is a small peak having an altitude of 5,357 m (17,575 ft). A short hike of around 2 to 3.5 hour in a steep trail will reach the Gokyo Ri.
From the Gokyo Ri summit you will witness jaw dropping views of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Also the views of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes are equally stunning.
This 13-day Gokyo Gokyo Lake Trek route will cover around 90 to 110 kilometers (roughly 55-68 miles) round-trip from Lukla, ending your trek in Lukla. Unlike the popular Everest Base Camp route, the Gokyo Lakes Trek sees fewer trekkers. It means this Gokyo Lake trek is best for those who want to have peace during the trek.
From the thrilling Lukla flight to trekking through remote valleys, suspension bridges, the Ngozumpa Glacier—the longest glacier in the Himalayas — and breathtaking mountain scenery, this trek has it all.
You will have the opportunity to take a picture of a beautiful Himalayan landscape and a gorgeous picture of Gokyo Lake with you. Another best part is to trek inside the Sagarmatha National Park– one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal. Additionally, you can spot Himalayan wildlife during the trek.
This Gokyo Lake trek also pushes you to build your fitness and test your limits on the tough walking days. More importantly, it will teach you how beautiful the Earth is and the importance of preserving it.
Gokyo Lake, Nepal, experiences varying weather and temperatures throughout the seasons. In each season, you can experience different trekking experiences.
| Season | Temperature (Approx.) |
| Spring(March – May) | Day: 10°C to 15°CNight: -5°C to 5°C |
| Summer / Monsoon(June – August) | Day: 10°C to 18°CNight: 0°C to 8°C |
| Autumn(September – November) | Day: 8°C to 15°CNight: -10°C to 5°C |
| Winter(December – February) | Day: -5°C to 8°CNight: -15°C to -5°C |
The Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri hike is one of the most beautiful high-altitude treks in Nepal. To make your journey a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience, we suggest you trek in the months of Spring (March – May) and Autumn (Late September – November). Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for the Gokyo Lake trek in Nepal.
During this time, the stable weather conditions and moderate temperature allow trekkers to reach the Gokyo Valley without much trouble. Also, hiking to Gokyo Ri will be much easier compared to the other seasons.
For a breathtaking view of Gokyo Lake and 360 Panoramic view from the Gokyo Ri summit, we recommend booking your trek in the months of Spring and autumn. Due to the high number of visitors heading for the trip in peak season, the Lukla flight seats often fill quickly. We recommend that you book the Gokyo Valley trek Package at least 3 months in advance.
Due to global warming, we have seen a slight change in weather patterns in Nepal. Due to this reason, nowadays it is also possible to do the Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri hike in the months of Winter (December – February). If you are planning to do the Gokyo Lake trek in Winter make sure to check the weather forecast and carry warm clothing and gear items.
During monsoon (June – August), the lower Everest region receives heavy rainfall. You need to deal with the muddy, slippery trails and leeches. Also, the risk of flood and landslide remains high in this monsoon season. So we don’t recommend you do this Gokyo trek during the monsoon season for safety reasons.
Our 13 Days Gokyo Lake Trek with Gokyo Ri Hike costs USD 1210 Per Person. We believe in transparent, inclusive pricing with no hidden fees. To make it fair, we have listed our Total package cost on our website.
Below is our all-inclusive cost for the standard 13-day Gokyo Lakes Trek. Prices are per person and may vary slightly based on group size, season, and customization.
| Package Option | Price (USD) |
| Private Gokyo Trek (1 person) | $ 1525 per person |
| Standard Group Trek (2–6 people) | $ 1290 per person |
| Group above 7+ | $ 1210 per person |
Note: For those who want to make your trekking more adventerous you can check this package: Everest Base Camp Gokyo Trek Via Cho-la Pass - 17 DaysAll foreign citizens and local Nepalese who want to do the Gokyo Lake Trek must obtain the trekking permits. These permits are used to gather information about tourists to ensure rescue operations proceed smoothly. Also, the fees that you will pay to obtain the permit will be used to maintain the trekking trails, support the volunteering programme to preserve the beauty of the Everest region, and improve the local economy.
The required permits for the Gokyo Lake Trek and Gokyo Ri Hike are:
To obtain this permit for you we will this following document from you:
Note: Once you submit this document, High Route Adventure will provide you with this permit, as it is included in the Gokyo Lake Trek package.
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our office representatives, who will guide you directly to the hotel. Freshened up after the day's journey, you will be introduced to your guide, who will brief you on the day-to-day itinerary. After wrapping up all the activities scheduled for the day, you are free to head to the local area to enjoy a pleasant evening. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
We begin our journey on the first day with a thrilling flight to the picturesque town of Lukla. Up above the lush green valleys, the 40-minute flight takes us closer to the Himalayas, offering a first glimpse of their mesmerizing beauty. Touching down at Lukla, we take a brief rest before setting off on the trail leading to Phakding. The journey continues along the banks of the stunning Dudh Koshi River, past vibrant hamlets like Koshiguan and Ghat. Finally, after 3-4 hours of walking from Lukla, you will reach Phakding village. Then you will check in tea house and stay overnight here.
Continuing where we left off yesterday, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River as we head out of Phakding. Past the hamlet of Thulo Ghamela, we enter lush green forests, then reach Bengkar, followed by Monjo. The trail ahead leads to Jorsalle, marking our entry into Sagarmatha National Park. Along the forested trail lined with pine, fir, and rhododendron trees, we make a steep ascent to the town of Namche, famous for its Sherpa locals and the Himalayan panorama. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
An ideal spot for acclimatization, the Himalayan town of Namche is one of the most populated towns in the Everest Region. With the constant stream of trekkers, mountaineers, and locals, the town is always buzzing. After touring around the town in the morning, we set off for our acclimatization hike to the hilly village of Khumjung, the largest Sherpa village in Khumbu. The journey is a pleasant one on a hillside with the stunning Everest (8848m) on the backdrop. Khumjung boasts the unique Yeti Skull Monastery which is said to host the skull of a real-life Yeti. Overnight in Namche.
Exiting Namche, we begin our ascending hike to the hamlet of Phortse for the night. The forested trail takes us to the village of Sanasa before veering off from the classic Everest trail to ascend high above the Dudh Koshi River to reach Phortse. Along the way, we come across many Mani walls, monasteries, and Chortens that hold sacred significance for the Sherpa locals. A splendid mountain view awaits us in Phortse. Overnight stay in Phortse tea house.
Two trekking routes lead from Phortse to the hamlet of Machhermo. The first involves crossing the Dudh Koshi River to its western bank and following the hilly trail to Dhole and Luza, which then leads to Machhermo. The second route involves us taking the eastern bank of the Dudh Koshi River to Throe, then crossing the river at Nha to the western bank, which leads to Machhermo. No matter which route we take, the stunning Himalayan scenery makes the challenging trek worthwhile. Spend the night in the Machhermo tea house.
Today is one of the shorter days of the journey, where we make our way to the quaint settlement of Gokyo, following the trail heading north. Past Machhermo, the rugged Himalayan trail is guided by the mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas. Climbing the ridgeline above the hamlet of Chyamtang, we continue our trek to the second of the six Gokyo Lakes. Admiring the stunning beauty of the glacial lake, we continue our journey to reach Gokyo village situated on the banks of the third Gokyo Lake. Overnight in Gokyo.
Today we spend our time exploring Gokyo Valley and enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas. Ascending on a rather icy and stony path, we hike up to Gokyo Ri (5357m) which boasts an amazing view of the Gokyo Lakes along with a stunning Himalayan panorama comprising of the snowy summits of Cho Oyu (8021m), Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), Changtse (7543m), and Lhotse (8516m) amongst many others. We also make rounds around the 4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes before returning to the village of Gokyo for an overnight stay.
At the beginning of our descending journey, we exit the beautiful Gokyo village retracing our steps past the third and second glacial lakes. Relishing the stunning beauty of the Himalayas, we make our way down to Machhermo with the rushing Dudh Koshi River as our constant companion. Along the western banks of the river, we make our way over to Luza which then brings us to the settlement of Dole for the night.
One of the longer days of the trek, today we make our way to the hamlet of Monjo. The descending journey takes us to Phortse crossing the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River to then reach the small village of Sanasa. Back in the classic Everest Base Camp Trail, the journey takes us back to the picturesque town of Namche for a brief rest. Following the lush green forests out of the valley, we exit Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsalle beyond which lies the Buddhist village of Monjo. Overnight in Monjo.
Today is the final of our trekking days where we make our way back to Lukla. Past Monjo, the trail follows the banks of Dudh Koshi River leading toBengkar and Thulo Ghamela before ascending to the hamlet of Phakding. From Phakding, we descend to the hamlet of Ghat and then Koshi Gaun leaving the riverbank before ascending to reach Lukla. Overnight in Lukla.
An early start to the day, today we make our way over to the capital city of Kathmandu, ending our travel in the Himalayas. Reliving the thrill of taking off from the Lukla airstrip, we bid goodbye to the Himalayas. Touching down at Kathmandu, we make our way directly to the hotel wrapping up all the scheduled activities for the trip. For the rest of the day, you are free to head around to the local areas to enjoy your successful trip. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Our representatives will drop you back at Tribhuvan International Airport for your scheduled flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forward to seeing you again.
All the travellers who are travelling in Nepal for the Gokyo Lake Adventure must obtain the Nepal Tourist Visa. A foreign citizen can obtain a tourist visa from their home country in advance or upon arrival in Nepal as an on-Arrival visa. Applying for an arrival visa will be easier and more convenient.
Nepal Visa Cost:
Document you will need to get the visa:
Nepal’s official currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). While some major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), cash is widely used in Kathmandu, especially for street food, local transport, and small purchases. Also, in the Everest Region during the Gokyo Lake Trek, you will use cash for personal expenses such as snacks, extra food, hot shower fees, charging and Wi-Fi, and tips for the porter and guide.
Denominations to Know:
Where to Exchange Money Safely:
A foreign citizen can purchase a local Sim( NCell or NTC) from the airport at Tribhuvan International Airport(TIA). You can also buy the SIM from an authorised shop in Thamel. To get the SIM, you need to submit a photocopy of your passport and a recent passport-size photograph. It will cost you around USD1-2, and for Data you need to pay an extra USD 5-10. We recommend that you obtain the Sim before heading to Lukla for the Gokyo Lake Trek. You will use it to communicate with your family and access the mobile internet.
All foreign citizens heading to Gokyo Lake who wish to fly a drone must learn about Nepal's drone rules and regulations. Flying a drone without a permit inside Nepal's National Park is illegal. So make sure to get the permit and fly legally. If you want to obtain the permit, High Route Adventure will assist you.
Step 1: Read the detail package on our website. Check Include and Exclude.
Step 2: Click on book now option if you are satisfied with the itinerary. If you want to make customizatoin talk with the tour operator.
Step 3: Make an advance non-refundable payment of 20% to book the Package.
Step 4: Once we receive the payment, we will send you the booking confirmation via email or direct contact, along with a PDF of the detailed itinerary and training programme.
Before booking the Gokyo Lake Trek Package with High Route Adventure, we suggest that all our customers read our company's terms and conditions.
The Gokyo Lake Trek and Gokyo Ri Hike is graded as a moderate-to-challenging trek in the Everest Region of Nepal. This means that first-time and beginner trekkers without prior high-altitude trekking experience must be in moderate physical condition. The Gokyo Lake Trek and Gokyo Ri Hike are not too hard, but they are not very easy either. Here are the challanges that you might face during the trek:
Most days, trekkers walk for 5 to 6 hours, with some parts that go up and down steeply. The Gokyo takes you to more than 5,000 metres altitude, which might make it physically tiring. The trails can be rocky and uneven, and being at a high altitude can make you fatigued, give you headaches, or make you feel sick. To do this trek comfortably, you should be in decent shape and have done some hiking before.
One of the most complex parts of the Gokyo Lake trek is the effect of high altitude. Some people may get sick while heading to the highest point, Gokyo Ri (5,357 metres). Headaches, dizziness, tiredness, and loss of appetite are all common signs of altitude sickness (AMS). To lower the risk, trekkers should walk slowly, take days to get used to the altitude, drink a lot of water, and rest when they need to.
The weather in the Everest area can change suddenly especially during the off-season Monsoon and winter. If the weather remains bad during the trek, trekkers may encounter snow, rain, or strong gusts, which can make walking more difficult and visibility harder. It's crucial to bring warm clothes and rain gear, and to be ready to change your plans if the weather turns bad.
During the Gokyo Lake hike, trekkers need to pass through rocky paths, steep sections, narrow trails, and sections where they must cross rivers. There are also suspension bridges along the way, which might make people who are afraid of heights feel uneasy. To keep safe, trekkers should walk carefully and pay attention.
If you are a first-time trekker or beginner trekker, here are the expert tips and exercises that will help to build physical fitness before heading for the departure:
Strong cardiovascular fitness is key to keeping up with the pace and managing fatigue. For this, you can
The Gokyo trek and Gokyo Ri Hike demand strength in your legs, core, and upper body to handle steep ascents, uneven terrain, and prolonged walking. For this
High altitudes can trigger altitude sickness if unprepared. So for this
To make your Gokyo Trek sucessful and comfortable, we suggest you pack all the essentials. For this
Upon arrival in Nepal, you will be transferred to a deluxe 3-star hotel in Thamel. The hotel is close to shops, dining, and attractions. The hotel offers the following facilities:
During the trek, High Route Adventure will provide you with the best available rooms at teahouses along the Gokyo trekking route. These teahouses offer essential facilities to make your stay comfortable, including:
When you are in the Everest Region for the Gokyo Lake Trek and Gokyo Ri Hike, you don't have to worry about the food, as we will arrange three meals for you. You will have breakfast around 7–8 am. After the short hike, you will take a break and have lunch from 11 am to 1 pm. Before you sleep, around 7–9 pm, you will enjoy a warm meal at the tea house. You can choose from the tea house menu. You will mostly find Nepali dishes, with very few international dishes. You can choose veg or non-veg, and if you have any food allergies, let us know during the booking.
Here are the common food you can expect in the menu:
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a common concern for trekkers while heading for the Gokyo Lake Trek and Gokyo Ri Hike. It can occur at altitudes above 3,000 meters and it can happen to anyone, even experienced trekkers. In this Gokyo Valley trek you will reach the maximum alitude of Gokyo Ri Summit 5,483 m (17,989 ft) above sea level. While walking at such alitude we should be careful about AMS symptoms to return safely from trek.
Both conditions are life-threatening and require immediate evacuation.
The bottled water available for purchase during the Gokyo Lake trek and Gokyo Ri hike is safe to drink. You can buy a 1-2 litre bottle of water from the tea house or a small local shop on the trekking routes. The price of water bottles increases at high altitudes due to a lack of proper road infrastructure. You can also refill your water from the tea house. You can ask the tea house staff for boiled water. For this also need to pay specific fees to them.
During the trek, you can also find natural water and tap water. This water source can be contaminated, so we don't recommend drinking water directly from natural water or tap water.
To make your drinking water safer, you can use a water purification tablet. You can buy it from the local medical shop in Kathmandu or at Namche Bazar.
Internet facilities and Wi-Fi are available on the route to Gokyo Valley, but not in all villages or at some small settlements. Internet and Wi-Fi connections are available in major hotels and lodges in Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, and Dole, including Macherma and Gokyo.
Sometimes the internet is slow and unreliable in some areas due to weather conditions, as well as in places located in deep valleys and gorges.
Near Dole, you can get cell phone service, even with a recharge card. The most popular and widely used local SIMs in Nepal are Ncell and Namaste.
The other problem related to electricity is power supply; beyond Dole and Machhermo, most lodges have solar power, which might be weak due to bad weather conditions.
Since the Gokyo Lake Trek and Gokyo Ri Hike are challenging, to remain safe and secure during the trek, it is essential to have health and travel insurance. Here are the things that you insurance policy must cover :
Trekking to Gokyo Lake means facing high-altitude trails, chilly mornings, and rapidly changing mountain weather. Packing the right gear ensures you're comfortable, safe, and ready for anything on the trail.
Here’s a practical and original list of what you’ll need:
