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Gokyo Lakes Trek In The Everest Himalayas Nepal

Nepal · Khumbu

21-day trekking itinerary, reaching about 5,483 metres

Route mini map

Route overview

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)

Why travellers choose this trip

Gokyo Lakes Trek In The Everest Himalayas Nepal is a trekking itinerary running over 21 days with a high point around 5,483 metres and a moderate grading. Typical routing includes Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar.

- 21-day sourced itinerary - High point around 5483 metres - Approximate route distance of 100 km - Peak focus: Mount Everest - Key locations: Kathmandu, Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel or Adventure Alternative guesthouse.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
-
Moving time
Flexible
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.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
0M
Moving time
Flexible
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.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
1,060M
Moving time
2h
Day 6

Dole

This stage covers Stage based from Kathmandu. Expect moderate difficulty, about 1,750 metres of ascent, about 0 metres of descent, a high point near 4,210 metres. Typical moving time is around 5 hours.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
1,750M
Moving time
5h
Day 7

Macherma

This stage covers Stage based from Kathmandu. Expect moderate difficulty, about 260 metres of ascent, about 0 metres of descent, a high point near 4,470 metres. Typical moving time is around 4 hours.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
260M
Moving time
4h
Day 10

Thangna

Cross the Gokyo glacier and stay in Thangna at the foot of the Cho-La Pass for the night.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
0M
Moving time
4h
Day 11

Cho La La Pass & Dzongla

This stage covers Cho La La Pass & Dzongla. Expect moderate difficulty, about 1,065 metres of ascent, about 0 metres of descent, a high point near 5,420 metres. Typical moving time is around 8 hours.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
1,065M
Moving time
8h
Day 12

Lobuche

This stage covers Stage based from Kathmandu. Expect moderate difficulty, about 0 metres of ascent, about 510 metres of descent, a high point near 4,910 metres. Typical moving time is around 3 hours.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
0M
Moving time
3h
Day 13

Gorak Shep

This stage covers Day activity based around Kathmandu. Expect moderate difficulty, about 450 metres of ascent, about 0 metres of descent, a high point near 5,360 metres. Typical moving time is around 7 hours.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
450M
Moving time
7h
Day 14

Kala Patthar Summit

This stage covers Kala Patthar Summit. Expect moderate difficulty, about 180 metres of ascent, about 0 metres of descent, a high point near 5,540 metres. Typical moving time is around 3 hours.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
180M
Moving time
3h
Day 17

Additional Weather Day

This stage covers Additional Weather Day. Expect moderate difficulty, about 0 metres of ascent, about 3,080 metres of descent, a high point near 2,460 metres.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
0M
Moving time
Flexible
Day 18

Lukla Flight*

Lukla flight* to arrive in Kathmandu in the morning and transfer to hotel. Day rest and sightseeing.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
0M
Moving time
2h
Day 19

Departure

This stage covers Stage based from Kathmandu. Expect moderate difficulty, about 0 metres of ascent, about 1,060 metres of descent, a high point near 1,400 metres.

Distance
Flexible
Climb
0M
Moving time
Flexible

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