Day 1
Arrival
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel or Adventure Alternative guesthouse.
Gokyo Lakes Trek In The Everest Himalayas Nepal Guided Itinerary
Gokyo Lakes trek is a beautiful hike to the famous turquoise lakes of Gokyo with stunning views towards Everest, and a classic trek across the Cho La. The Gokyo Lakes trek is a 20 day holiday (21 including return travel to Nepal) of which 17 days of the journey are trekking. From Kathmandu there is a short flight to Lukla, but you can choose to walk in from a lower altitude if you prefer (please contact us for details and options). The short flight from Kathmandu (1400m) to Lukla (2866m) takes about 45 minutes. We then follow the Dudh Koshi river valley towards the bustling market town of Namche Bazaar which has a great atmosphere, perfect for soaking up the magnificent mountain scenery. Awe-inspiring views of some of the biggest mountains in the world provide a dramatic backdrop as you venture further into the Khumbu valley. After trekking to Gokyo, the return follows the route through Everest Base Camp, an ascent of Kalar Pattar for close-up views of Everest, down to the stunning Tengboche Monastery, Khumjung village, Namche Bazaar and finally back to Lukla. With Gokyo Ri standing at 5483m, the Cho La Pass at 5330m, Everest Base Camp at 5360m and Kala Patthar at 5545m, the Gokyo Lakes trek gains a total of 2679 metres from Lukla and 4145 metres from Kathmandu. The ascent to altitude is slow and allows for excellent acclimatisation . You can trek to Gokyo Lakes from March to June, and September to November. Private trips are welcomed and available for groups like families, corporate events, schools or charities. We have our own office and guesthouse ready and waiting for any dates you may prefer. Days 1 & 2 : Arrival and preparation/rest day/ sightseeing in Kathmandu Days 3 – 13 : Fly to Lukla and trek up to Gokyo, cross the Cho La pass and drop into Everest Base Camp Days 14 – 17 : Climb Kala Pathar and start trek back down to Lukla (includes an additional weather day) Day 18 : Fly to Kathmandu Day 19 : Depart for Home (or go on another Nepal adventure)
Route mini map
Trip snapshot
Days21
Distance100 km
Total climb4765 m
High point5483 m
What this trip is like
Gokyo Lakes trek is a beautiful hike to the famous turquoise lakes of Gokyo with stunning views towards Everest, and a classic trek across the Cho La. The Gokyo Lakes trek is a 20 day holiday (21 including return travel to Nepal) of which 17 days of the journey are trekking. From Kathmandu there is a short flight to Lukla, but you can choose to walk in from a lower altitude if you prefer (please contact us for details and options). The short flight from Kathmandu (1400m) to Lukla (2866m) takes about 45 minutes. We then follow the Dudh Koshi river valley towards the bustling market town of Namche Bazaar which has a great atmosphere, perfect for soaking up the magnificent mountain scenery. Awe-inspiring views of some of the biggest mountains in the world provide a dramatic backdrop as you venture further into the Khumbu valley. After trekking to Gokyo, the return follows the route through Everest Base Camp, an ascent of Kalar Pattar for close-up views of Everest, down to the stunning Tengboche Monastery, Khumjung village, Namche Bazaar and finally back to Lukla. With Gokyo Ri standing at 5483m, the Cho La Pass at 5330m, Everest Base Camp at 5360m and Kala Patthar at 5545m, the Gokyo Lakes trek gains a total of 2679 metres from Lukla and 4145 metres from Kathmandu. The ascent to altitude is slow and allows for excellent acclimatisation . You can trek to Gokyo Lakes from March to June, and September to November. Private trips are welcomed and available for groups like families, corporate events, schools or charities. We have our own office and guesthouse ready and waiting for any dates you may prefer. Days 1 & 2 : Arrival and preparation/rest day/ sightseeing in Kathmandu Days 3 – 13 : Fly to Lukla and trek up to Gokyo, cross the Cho La pass and drop into Everest Base Camp Days 14 – 17 : Climb Kala Pathar and start trek back down to Lukla (includes an additional weather day) Day 18 : Fly to Kathmandu Day 19 : Depart for Home (or go on another Nepal adventure)
Stay style: Operator-led Nepal lodge or expedition itinerary.
Food and support: Operator-managed meals and trekking-day food pattern.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 2
Rest day and acclimatisation
Rest day and acclimatisation to jetlag, sightseeing plus trek briefing. Possible drive to Ramechhap** – see ‘Lukla Flight’ details below.
Day 3
Flight to Lukla
Flight* from Kathmandu into the mountains and the town of Lukla. From there a gentle downhill walk to Phakding or Jorsale along the edge of the Dudh Kosi River. Easy, well-used, busy path of porters and yaks, surrounded by forest on the sides of the valley.
Day 6
Dole
Walk to Dole (4210m), via an easy path to Sangnasha. Climb uphill until Mong La, where we have lunch. After lunch it is downhill to Phorche Tanga. A pleasant walk through some forest then brings us to Dole, where we stop for the night.
Day 7
Macherma
Today we head to Machermo, following a quite easy grassy path. You are provided with views of Cho Oyu (8200m) as we climb gradually moving up the river valley passing Lhabarma and Luza to reach our destination of Macherma (4470m).
Day 10
Thangna
Cross the Gokyo glacier and stay in Thangna at the foot of the Cho-La Pass for the night.
Day 11
Cho La La Pass & Dzongla
Today is another early start, around 3am for a 2 hour climb towards the Cho la La Pass (5420m). From here there is a 2 hour descent to Dzongla (4840m), with stunning views to accompany you.
Day 12
Lobuche
An easy day with about 3hrs walking on relatively flat terrain, to Lobuche, which is alongside the huge Khumbu Glacier. There are many stupas erected in memory of Sherpas who have died on expeditions. Few plants live up here and it will be much colder in the evenings. It is important to walk slowly and listen to your body. Fatigue from lack of oxygen to your muscles is common, but some people may feel nauseous and suffer from headaches. Drink lots of liquid and keep warm, give your body maximum opportunity to recover.
Day 13
Gorak Shep
Hike on the glacial moraine to the final settlement of Gorak Shep. The views here are spectacular; Nuptse dominates the other side of the valley, behind which the black triangular peak of Everest is just visible. The giant wall of ice ahead is the border with Tibet. Gorak Shep is the last outpost, a small collection of huts just below a shoulder of Mount Pumori called Kala Patthar which is our destination the following morning as it’s a fine viewing point for Everest. We’ll have lunch at Gorak Shep and then walk on for roughly 1.5 – 2hrs and visit Everest base camp. We trek along the lateral moraine and finally over the Khumbu glacier itself to the base camp at the foot of the Khumbu Ice Fall. Arriving at the small tented city, where climbers congregate to climb the mountain, is a surreal experience. There is plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere, take photos and enjoy the area. After which we drop back to Gorak Shep for dinner and get our heads down before an early start to climb Kala Patthar.
Day 14
Kala Patthar Summit
Early morning climb to the summit of Kala Patthar (5540m) to see sun rise behind the peak of Everest. This is a tough walk in the cold and not to be underestimated. Take warm clothing. Back at the lodge for breakfast and a walk back down past Lobuche, dropping out of altitude to Pheriche at 4370m.
Day 17
Additional Weather Day
This day is here to allow for any delays either flying into our out of the mountains. If the weather is stable you can fly down to KTM or you can spend an extra day in the mountains. Please read our Himalayan Flight Delays info page.
Day 18
Lukla Flight*
Lukla flight* to arrive in Kathmandu in the morning and transfer to hotel. Day rest and sightseeing.
Day 19
Departure
Depart Kathmandu. If you leave in the morning it is possible to arrive in London the same day.