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Overview
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is the spectacular alternative to Everest Base Camp—offering equally stunning views with fewer crowds. This journey takes you through the heart of the Khumbu Valley to a chain of six sacred turquoise lakes, culminating with the climb up Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for one of the most iconic panoramas in the Himalayas: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—four of the world's six highest peaks—in a single view. Add a crossing of the Cho La Pass (5,420m) for the ultimate Everest region adventure.
Highlights
- Summit Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for views of four 8,000m peaks.
- Explore the sacred turquoise Gokyo Lakes system.
- Walk on the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest.
- Experience the Khumbu Valley with fewer crowds than EBC.
- Option to cross Cho La Pass and connect to EBC.
- Witness the ice seracs and dramatic Himalayan scenery.
Related Topics
Trek Gallery
Quick Stats
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather Overview
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Flight to Lukla (2,840m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Thrilling flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Gentle trek descending to Phakding along the Dudh Koshi river. First night in Sherpa country.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Steep climb to Namche with first Everest views. The Sherpa capital awaits with its colorful market.
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village. Visit the Sherpa museum and monastery. Stock up on supplies at the Saturday market.
Trek to Dole (4,110m)
Leave the main EBC trail at Khumjung. Climb through rhododendron forest to Mong La pass with incredible views. Descend to the small settlement of Dole.
Trek to Machhermo (4,470m)
Continue ascending the Gokyo Valley. Pass yak pastures and basic teahouses. Machhermo has a memorial to a 1974 yeti attack—make of that what you will.
Trek to Gokyo (4,790m)
Pass the first and second Gokyo Lakes with their stunning turquoise waters. Arrive at Gokyo village on the shores of Dudh Pokhari (Third Lake).
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) & Explore
Pre-dawn start for the climb up Gokyo Ri. Watch sunrise illuminate Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Afternoon explore the fourth and fifth lakes.
Rest Day or Explore Upper Lakes
Rest day in Gokyo or hike to the fifth and sixth lakes. Walk onto the Ngozumpa Glacier. Prepare for Cho La crossing (if continuing to EBC).
Trek to Dragnag (4,700m)
Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier—a surreal landscape of ice and rock. Dragnag is the base for crossing Cho La. Basic teahouse accommodation.
Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) to Dzongla (4,830m)
Technical pass requiring early start. Scramble over rocks and ice. Crampons may be needed. Descend steeply to Dzongla with EBC views ahead.
Trek to Lobuche (4,910m)
Short trek to join the main EBC trail. Visit the climbers' memorial. Option to continue to Gorak Shep for EBC the next day.
Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar (Optional)
For the complete experience, visit EBC and climb Kala Patthar. Or begin the descent via Pheriche.
Descend to Namche Bazaar
Long descent day. The oxygen gets richer with every step. Final night in Namche.
Trek to Lukla & Fly to Kathmandu
Final trek to Lukla. Celebrate with your team. Weather-dependent flight back to Kathmandu.
Physical Preparation
Physical Preparation
- Cardio
- Hiking with pack
Accommodation & Facilities
What to Bring
Documents
- Passport
- Sagarmatha NP Permit
- Local Permit
- Insurance with heli-evac
- Flight tickets
Clothing
- Down jacket (-20°C)
- Windproof shell
- Fleece layers
- Thermal base layers
- Warm hat, gloves, buff
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Gaiters
- Warm socks (5 pairs)
- Crampons (for Cho La)
Equipment
- Sleeping bag (-20°C)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Water purification
- Sunglasses (Cat 4)
Cho La Essentials
- Crampons/microspikes
- Trekking poles
- Thermos
- Energy food
- Early start readiness
Cost Breakdown
Cost Breakdown
Safety & Emergency
Safety & Emergency
High altitude requires careful acclimatization. Cho La Pass is technical and can be closed by snow. Rescue by helicopter available. Weather can change rapidly.
