Hike Gokyo Ri for Most Epic Views of the World's highest summit

Gokyo Lakes Trek

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is another alternative for explorers looking to go off the beaten track than the more well-known Everest Base Camp Trek, but the view is just as spectacular. The trail travels through the high-altitude landscape, into the heart of summer yak-grazing country, and over a string of glacial Gokyo Lakes, where snowcapped mountains may be seen next to Ngozumba Glacier and the pristine water just like on another planet.

Don’t miss the hike to Gokyo Ri viewpoint where you may view four of the planet’s six highest peaks from the east: Cho Oyu (8,201m/26,906ft) to Everest (8,848m/29,028ft) to Lhotse (8,501/27,890ft), and all the way to Makalu (8,463m/27,765ft). 

This itinerary includes a return route via Renjo La Pass (5,375m/17,634ft), making it a circular trip around snow and ice with some zigzag sections that get steep as you climb higher. The stunning vista of Mt. Everest and its brothers are worth more than effort. Descent from the Pass to Namche Bazar, and the icy cold beer waiting for you at the world’s highest Irish Pub.

Difficulty

Hard

Duration

13

Elevation

5483

Start

Lukla

Place You'll See!

Highlights

Itinerary

Payment conditions

Trip Information

Gokyo Lake Trek Route

The journey starts with the thrilling flight to Lukla where most trekkers set out on the trail towards the Everest region. It takes two days to reach Namche Bazaar, where we will spend one day acclimatizing. 

The trail to Gokyo Lakes is joined by the EBC trek at a junction where it meets the route from Khumjung. From here the Gokyo route heads off northwards rises all the way to Mong La pass (3,900m/12,796ft) before descending to the Dudh Khosi river. The trail passes rhododendron and oak forests and occasional summer yak-grazing pastures. 

The route ascends gradually to Machhermo and then climbs steeply up the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier, reaching the first of Gokyo’s glacial lakes at 4,650m (15,257ft). The road rises gradually, with views getting increasingly gorgeous as you go. The second lake is reached after a gentle climb, followed by the third and the magnificent turquoise Gokyo Lake 4,790m (15,720 ft).

Spend a day exploring the stunning vistas in Gokyo, then climb to Gokyo Ri in the early hours of the morning to witness the sun’s first rays rise above the world’s highest peaks. The journey to Renjo La pass starts in the Gokyo Valley and heads west, passing by the stunning Gokyo Ri Vista before descending to the Bhote Kosi valley and on to Namche.

Variations

If you don’t want to go over the Renjo La pass, you may change course at Gokyo and go to Phortse before turning south to Namche Bazaar.

If you’ve got the time and energy, extend your journey by a few more days to reach Everest Base Camp via the Cho La Pass. You’ll have one of the most exciting trekking trips of your life.

Best Time

  • In the fall, the weather is ideal for Gokyo Lakes: it’s calm and clear. You can see magnificent mountains and the lake, which is in brilliant blue/green hues. In the Fall, Renjo La Pass should be climbed.
  • In the winter, the lake is completely frozen from mid-winter to early spring. There’s no telling when all of the ice in a given lake will melt.
  • In the spring, you may appreciate rhododendron forests on the walks from mid-March to early May.
  • You can see the water with hues in your photographs and a lot of wild blooms, but you may be delayed by the monsoon on route to Lukla.

Gokyo Lakes Trek FAQs

You should be in good physical condition. We will walk 4–8 hours each day, with ascents/descents on steep mountains at elevations ranging from 2,610m/8,562ft to 5,483m/17,990ft at Gokyo Ri. There are certain rest days during which you may choose to go on optional hikes to acclimatize.

Yes, there are casualties in Everest Region every year owing to altitude sickness. There is 2-day acclimatization in Namche Bazaar & Gokyo Lakes on our itinerary, but it’s also important to know some basic facts. The first warning signs of altitude sickness include a headache, loss of appetite, and sleeplessness, which you should not ignore. Go slowly, listen to your body, and be aware of any symptoms, as well as your guide’s advice.

Yes, we strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance before your trip, which should cover emergency flights, medical expenses, and anything else deemed “adventurous activities.” Before your journey, send us the insurance paperwork so that we can assist you if something goes wrong.

We bring our first-aid kit and instructor pass first-aid level I training with us on our trekking trip in the mountain for lengthy periods of time, as minor mishaps may occur.

It is not suggested that you drink water straight from the faucet of the mountain, buy mineral water at lodges, or bring your water purification gadgets or tablets if you want to preserve our environment. During the journey, we’ll give out free water tablets.

The weather is a great deal of work in the Himalayas, and it changes rapidly. Under the sun, it may be scorching one minute and freezing the next, so pack as many layers as possible. Choose clothes that are easy to remove or put on.

Yes, when the temperature drops, it is better to bring sleeping bags since a tea house room does not keep warm enough. A sleeping bag in Kathmandu will set you back $1 or $2 per day.

Crampons are not required. Carry micro spikes that aren’t technical, lightweight to carry, less expensive, and fit any shoe size in place of crampons.

They will not be necessary. There are teahouses on the route, so we won’t require tents or mattresses.

Tea Houses (Lodges) have established lodges with private rooms, some of which are more comfortable than others. Remember to bring your own sleeping bag for a decent night’s sleep, as some are unclean and others may be clean. The living room is in the basement, and it’s frequently heated with a fire during the winter months. Toilets will usually be separate, though they may occasionally be outdoors.

You may leave anything you don’t want to carry on the journey with you at your hotel or in our office. We recommend that you lock your luggage.

A wide variety of meals is available at Tea House: Pasta, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups (fresh and canned), fresh vegetables (seasonally dependent). Chocolate hot drinks such as as well as tea and cold lemon beverages.

Local guides can communicate in English who have visited the regions many times before, are well-versed in trails, cultural sites, and any other site that attracts your attention. They’re all government-licensed tour guides.

Based on your own interests. Porters allow you to enjoy your trip without having to carry a heavy bag, while also supporting the local economy. Help us keep an eye on your porters as they will keep an eye on you.

Porters can carry 25kg of luggage and other items and 5kg of their own gear and equipment, on average. Every additional kilogram will cost $3/kg/day, which should be given to the porter.

Yes, our guides/porters are covered by insurance and wear waterproof clothing and footwear.

Trekkers seeking a more difficult adventure may include a comprehensive look at the region by going through two additional hair-raising passes, the ChoLa and Kongma La.

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