- Details
- Short Itinerary
Detailed itinerary
Itinerary- Tour Includes/Excludes
- Useful Info
- Map
- Photos
- FAQ
Trip overview
Fifth Lake Vs Gokyo Ri Trek
During the 10-day scenic Gokyo Ri trek, you can visit either Gokyo Ri or 5th Lake. Mt. Everest’s view from the fifth lake is better than from Gokyo Peak and Kala Patthar. Scenic journeys to the Everest region of Nepal; Trekking is the wildest walker holiday activity. Apart from reaching the base camp of Mount Everest the alluring Khumbu region holds numerous gorgeous places to visit. Scenic Gokyo Peak Trek 10 days in Nepal takes trekkers to a blue turquoise lake mirroring the mighty mountains.
The Prospect of reaching the shores of Gokyo Lake has an abundance of water coming out of the world’s sixth highest mountain Mt. Choyou (8188 m) is not an ordinary holiday in the trinity. Beholding the most picturesque high pass the Renjo La Pass (5360 m) en route to the Everest Three High Passes Trek and residing in the tranquil Sherpa hamlet offers the momentous holiday event of your life.
10 Days Gokyo Ri Trek
HVT is pleased to present this cheerful short trekking route adventure in the Khumbu region. The vicinity of Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake trek, are both popular trekking in the Khumbu Valley of Nepal. But better views from Gokyo Ri than from the Everest base camp and Kala Patthar. Gokyo Lake Trek Itinerary leads from Lukla and traverses through green lush sub-alpine forests of rhododendron, pines, and coniferous trees as well as a hilly-Himalayan landscape. The Ramsar-listed site has a total of six lakes under the Gokyo Lake System. Among these six lakes third is the most popular and up to the fifth lake is accessible. trekkers follow the Everest Base Camp trek itinerary until they reach Namche Bazaar including acclimatization activities. Trekkers take the route of Mongla Danda with Mt. Tabuchi on the backdrop leaving the route to Everest via Tengboche near Kyangjuma.
Gokyo Peak Trek with Himalaya View Treks 2024 / 2025
HVT arrange a 10-day Gokyo Ri trek with Everest’s familiar local guide and strong Sherpa Porter. Book your trip with us in 2024 / 2025. Moreover, during 10 days of trekking to Gokyo Lake, we can include Fifth Lake too. The Gokyo Valley journey passes by small teahouses places like Dole and Machhermo with Mt. Cholatse and Tabuchi looming large in the background. As trekkers travel north the sight of Mt. Choyou in far distance keeps on calling for adventure wanderers. First Lake welcomes trekkers and the second lake paves the way toward the ultimate third lake.
Fun-filled Trek to Himalayan Lake
Furthermore, on the shores of Gokyo Lake lays, the beautiful Sherpa hamlet blessed by the magnificent sunrise viewpoint hill of Gokyo Ri (5357 m). Trekkers trek to Fifth Lake as well during this adventure walking holiday in the Everest region of Nepal. One can get a beautiful Tibetan side view of Mt. Everest during Fifth Lake Trekking. After the marvelous sunrise view trek of Gokyo Ri trekkers gets back to Lukla following a similar route. Get the best walking holiday package in Nepal with HIMALAYA VIEW TREKS. Highly experienced trekking guides and the local way of managing things make your 10 Gokyo Trek informative and adventurous. Everest region is calling and choosing the experts for such high altitude adrenaline-rushing adventure in Khumbu Nepal.
Short Itinerary
Gokyo Peak Trek - 10 days Itinerary
Day 01: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding Hiking distance: 3 to 4 hours.
Day 02: Trekking to Namche Bazaar. Hiking distance: 6 to 7 hours
Day 03: Trekking to Dole. Hiking distance 6 to 7 hours
Day 04: Trekking to Macherma. Hiking distance 3 to 4 hours
Day 05: Trekking to Gokyo Lake Hiking distance 5 to 6 hours.
Day 06: Climb Gokyo Peak ( Gokyo Ri ) or hike to Cho Yo your base camp fifth lake. Hiking distance: 5 to 6 hours
Day 07: Trekking to Dole Hiking distance about 6/7 hours hike.
Day 08: Trekking to Namche bazaar Hiking distance 6 hrs.
Day 09: Trekking to Lukla Hiking distance 6 to 7 hours.
Day 10 Morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Detailed Itinerary
day 01: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Early in the morning we will gear up for the flight to the world’s most extreme airport, the Lukla Tenzing Hillary Airport. From this place we will commence our trekking. We will walk towards Phakding which is at the 2610 m from sea level. The trail is easy and gentle with 2 suspension bridge and many Mani walls along the way. Phakding is located on the bank of Dudhkoshi River. Overnight at teahouse, Refresh and dinner- Lukla to Phakding walking distance 6.2 kilometers, (3-4 Hours) 2,860 meter/9184ft
day 02: Trekking to Namche Bazaar.
Today is the day we enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Moreover, today we will be crossing at least 5 suspension bridges along the way including famous Hillary Twin Bridge at the foothill of Namche Bazaar Hill. We will be able to see the first view of Mt. Everest from Top Danda which is few meters away from Namche Bazaar. Remember that it is dependent upon the weather conditions. Stroll around the marketplace in the evening. The best view of Thamserku and Kwangde Ri is possible to capture from Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight at our teahouse. Refresh and dinner -Phakding to Namche walking distance is 9.4 kilometers. (5-6 Hours) 3,440m/11,283ft
day 03: Trekking to Dole.
Trek from Namche to Dole route is incredibly scenic as you hike up the Dudh Koshi valley, passing stupas and views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Konde Peak, Thamserku, and many more. Walking distance 6/7 hours (3680 m/ 12073ft) over night at Dole.
day 04: Lake Trekking to Macherma
You will be following the Gokyo lake trail to Macchermo. The trail is an uphill trail. You should climb slowly and gradually to Macchermo. Walking Distance 6/7 hours ( 3870m/12696ft ) overnight at a lodge in Macchermo.
day 05: Trek to Gokyo Lake
Finally, trekking to the tranquil Gokyo valley. The trail is amazing and the terrain is uniquely amazing. You will see wonderful Himalayan views. The Gokyo village is located at Third lake: Dudh Pokhari in its front yard. Overnight at our teahouse lodge, Refresh and dinner, Walking Distance 5/6 hours ( 4800m/15748ft overnight at a lodge in Gokyo.
day 06: Climb Gokyo Ri or hike to fifth lake.
Hike to Gokyo Ri (Peak) or fifth lake. Both are famous viewpoint in Gokyo valley trek. Gokyo Ri (5360M) and Fifth lake (5200M) and Early in the morning, you can do Fifht lake or Gokyo Ri you can choose and tell to your guide. fifth lake take full days and have to prepare pack lunch. over night at Gokyo.
day 07: Trek back to Dole from Gokyo
After such an amazing experience we will return back to Dole. After breakfast we will retrace the trek trail back to Dole via Machhermo. Refresh and dinner – Gokyo to Dole walking distance 10.3km (5-6 hours) 3680 m / 12073ft
Day 08: Trek from Dole to Namche bazar
The return trip during Gokyo or any high altitude trekking in Nepal is amazing. This is because of the decreasing altitude. Therefore, lots of people consider the return trip as the most joyous time of trekking. Enjoy your return trip. Your body will also support you and the scenery is outstanding as always. Overnight at our teahouse lodge, Refresh and dinner, Dole to Namche Walking Distance 6.9 km (5-6 hours) 3440m/11285ft
day 09: Trek back to Lukla
We will trek back to Lukla on this day. The trail is the same. However, you will be able to witness lot more new things during the return trip. It is because; you have already completed the base camp journey. By this time you would have already been adjusted to the high altitude. Therefore, talk to the locals and understand the daily lives of the people in the trail. Once you reach Lukla, arrange the celebration. Today is the last day of the trekking. Therefore, celebrate with your guide and porter. Overnight at our teahouse lodge refresh and dinner, Namche to Lukla Walking Distance 13km (5-6 hours) 2,800 m 9,100 ft
Day 10: Lukla to Kathmandu by flight
We will fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1300 m). We wake up early for our flight back to Kathmandu. We say goodbye to the serene and magnificent mountains and board the flight to come back to the city civilization. The rest of the afternoon in Kathmandu will be at leisure. Walking around the streets of Kathmandu; souvenir shopping; finding a massage or relaxing at the hotel can be easy ways to spend time.
Included
- Airport pickup and drop as per client’s arrival and departure date
- Hotel- domestic airport- hotel by car/ van, depend on group sizes
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu) tickets including airport taxes
- All meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during your Gokyo Lake Trek
- 9 nights Hotel Accommodation during Gokyo Lake Trek
- Government licensed holder, fluent English Speaking, Familiar HVT guide
- One assistant guide if Group sizes is more than 10 trekkers)
- Strong local Porters for Carry trekker’s luggage One porter every 2 trekkers
- Guide and porter wages including their meals, accommodation, and Salary
- Staff insurance including medication coverage
- Guide and Assistance both ways Lukla flight Ticket
- Equipment for the Company staff
- Water purification drop or tablets for safe drinking water
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee
- Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits fees
- Seasonal fresh fruits every day during Gokyo Lake trek
- Oximeter to measure Pulse and oxygen level
- Company T-shirt as a Souvenirs, and duffle bag if needed
- Local government, taxes, including official Service Charge
- Trip completion Certificate
Not Included
- Hotel accommodation and meals In Kathmandu.
- Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi,
- Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery charge fee during the gokyo lake trek)
- Personal clothing and trekking gear
- Personal travel insurance including evacuation coverage (compulsory) up to 6000m)
- All the costs and expenses which are not mentioned in includes list.
- Tips for guide and porters. in end of the treks
Useful Info
Key Highlights of Gokyo Lake Trek:
- Trek to the iconic Gokyo Lake with support from our experienced team of guides, crew and porters who simply love what they do.
- Climb Gokyo Ri (5560m) for grandstand views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and surrounding peaks. The sights hereabouts are some of the best in the world.
- Experience the breathtaking mountain flight to Lukla, you’ll love it.
- Immerse yourself in colourful ancient Kathmandu with an optional s/seeing
- Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Sherpa people. Interact with them to learn of their lifestyles & traditions as they survive in harsh conditions for all of their lives.
Is this your ideal trek?
Trekking in the Everest region is all about attitude. By its very nature adventure travel involves that you be prepared for the unexpected. In far-flung and developing countries do not expect the standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To enjoy your trip and get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise from your Gokyo Lake odyssey. If you’re a greenhorn in the wilderness world then this trek would be ideal for you.
To truly enjoy this trip, you should be pretty habituated to walking 4-6 hours each day for several days on the go while some days will be relatively longer. We encourage you to walk at a pace that suits you without any rush whatsoever. This is a key aspect of enjoying such trips in the planet’s most popular region. You ought to be physically fit and an active walker to get the best of this classic mountainous journey to the south side of the mighty Everest.
General information important to this trip:
Difficulty levels
TREKKING AT HIGH ALTITUDES (over 3500m)
This trip includes strenuous trekking at altitudes of over 3500m. For us altitude is a very serious issue, a result that has kept our records clean making us one of the best adventure operators in Nepal for over 30 years of operating treks in the region. Our trekking guests must be in great health and have high fitness levels to attempt this trip, as well as be committed to training to ensure you are suitably physically prepared for the tough challenges that go above 4500m.
Altitude sickness is a risk for anyone, including on the Annapurna, Langtang, Everest Base Camp trek and Gokyo Lake trek. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms before you depart and monitor your own health during your trek, without letting it worry you.
We advise all our guests to undergo a thorough medical with their personal physician before they embark on this trip.
Participating in a group trip
When you travel with a group you will find much camaraderie and all the fun and also there’s bound to be some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your group mates will probably come from all corners of the world and you will come across a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure you’re on time without keeping the rest of the group waiting. Experience has taught us often that the very best trips we operate are those where the chemistry within the group work well - this simply requires a ‘give a little take a little’ attitude effort on your part. For privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
TRAVELLERS who prefer going SOLO:
Our group trips are generally planned for shared accommodation and don't involve single supplements. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis [for couples or trekkers known to each other prior to the trip]. On a selection of our trips, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the trek - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis at your hotel in Kathmandu. We also have arrangements for guests who wish to trek completely solo out of the group.
Travel Insurance
when booking with Himalaya View Treks, it’s a condition upon joining any of our trips where all clients must be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don't arrange or sell insurance because such a system is not allowed in our country.
Our Cost versus the Experience
At Himalaya View Treks, we always go the mile to ensure our trekking guests get the best experiences of the trip with maximum comfort and safety on a ratio that goes beyond the cost that we charge for the trip. We provide a ‘no frills’ price with breakdowns to make sure our client are getting the best for a cost that goes beyond all expectations
Tipping [an expectation on such risky arduous trips]
Tipping is very much part of the culture in Nepal and although entirely at your discretion, it is usually expected. Often people would like to tip in recognition of good service but are unsure how much would be appropriate in a foreign country - for this reason, we have listed guideline amounts below (these are intended as a guideline only and you may see fit to give more or less depending on the service that you have received).
For the tipping of your trek staff and your tour leader, we suggest passing an envelope for each staff member around the group so that everyone can put in what they feel comfortable with anonymously.
The following are guideline amounts received by each staff member from the group as a whole...
- Tour Leader: Rs30, 000 - 35,000 (usually tipped on the last night in Kathmandu)
- Your trekking crew (tips are usually given on the last evening of the trek in Lukla):
- Head Trekking Guide and Assistant Guides: Rs20, 000 - 25,000 for each guide
- Trek Porters/yak men: Rs10, 000 for each porter or yak man
Acute Mountain Sickness [AMS]
When we ascend above 2500 metres our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. So, to allow our bodies to adjust we have designed our treks in ways that help you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur when you go above the tree lines where the air is thinner. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms.
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Loss of appetite/nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Palpitation
- Swelling of the hands and face
But if you feel such symptoms don’t let it worry because it’s normal. Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Some may experience symptoms, some may not. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms as you go higher. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend. Please note, that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist. As a last resort, if matters grow from bad to worse, we always have a helicopter on standby for immediate evacuation.
A Typical Day on the Gokyo Lake Trek
A typical day on the trail begins with a wake-up call at around 6 AM by your guide. Freshen up and get ready. Pack your belongings and head to the dining area for breakfast by 7 AM. Check your luggage for the final time and fill your water bottle before you hit the trail by 8 AM, along with your guide.
To avoid walking in the heat and enjoy clear mountain views, you make an early start. En route, there will be short breaks to enjoy the views and take photographs. You haul up for lunch at a local teahouse around noon or mid-day. After a quick rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, you get back on the trail and continue till you reach your overnight stop.
Upon reaching the stop for the night, you head to your teahouse, check in, and have some rest. Tea with some light refreshments (cookies or biscuits) will be served at 5 PM. As the rooms are not insulated, you can warm yourself by the heater or stove in the communal area.
Exchange stories or play cards with other trekkers and sherpas till dinner is served (around 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s trek – the route you will take, difficulties, where you will stop for lunch, etc. Afterward, retire for the night and have a well-deserved rest.
On average, you may have to walk 6 to 7 hours daily. The trek to Phakding is the shortest and the easiest, while the hike to Gokyo Lake from Machermo.
Are You Already in Nepal?
If you are already in Kathmandu or Pokhara and seeking to Hire a guide/porter or tour/trekking packages, you can directly contact an expert via WhatsApp at +9779841146306. Or visit our office:- Himalaya View Treks Kaldhara Marg, Kathmandu 44600, in front of the Kathmandu Sport Climbing Center 1st-floor building.
Moreover, you can book this trip on any date for 2025/2026, we have plenty of departure dates available for 2025/2026
FAQs
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The weather forecast says rain/clouds/snow in Lukla on our Flight Day. Are we in for a rough flight?
When you are up on the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you be ready for anything. You’re about to trek on some of the most rugged territory on earth, despite its extraordinary beauty. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day; the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
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What temperatures can you expect at the Gokyo Lake during spring and autumn?
These are the best months to do this trek, as the weather is mild and the temperatures range from 12 to 15 degrees. The skies generally remain clear and the days are pleasant and warm. You can expect an occasional spring shower and hazy weather during spring. The mountain views are stunning in September, as there is more snow on the mountains. Nights can be freezing as the temperature dips after sun down.
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What do you recommend for water along the Gokyo Lake trek?
You can either buy bottled mineral water or fill up a reusable water bottle with boiled or sterilized water. During the trek, the teahouses or lodges serve you bottled and filtered water which is generally safe and has to be paid for. A liter of water would cost anything between 1 to 4 USD. As you go higher the cost of all commodities, including water, increases. But do note there is no dearth or scarcity of drinking water at teahouses. We encourage our guest to use iodine and other purifying agents to treat the water before drinking. You need to drink at least 3-4 litres of water each day to stay hydrated at higher altitudes. Keeping your body hydrated helps you to keep away the symptoms of altitude sickness. Please note, the company doesn’t provide drinking water or any extra drinks or beverages other than the ones that are specified in the trip cost.
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How much tips should I give to the guide, porter and driver?
While tipping is not mandatory it is a nice way of showing your appreciation to the people who have helped you enrich your holiday experience. It all depends on how far you are pleased and satisfied with their services. There is no fixed amount, but many of our clients offer 8-10 percent of the total tour price as tips.
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Is it hard to climb Gokyo Lake?
You need to be in good shape and have an ability to walk 6–7 hours uphill and downhill per day. This trek is suitable for passionate trekkers. Positive attitude, excellent health, and strong determination are required for be successful on a trip of this kind. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Besides, it is advisable to trek with a highly reputed trek operator who knows what it’s like in this part of the world, with experienced guides who can help you with significant mental preparation to keep you going all the way, as tough as it gets. Regarding the difficulty, the only challenging factor is the altitude. Our Gokyo Lake trek itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization. Neither ropes nor ice picks are needed for this trip and no vertical climbs are involved. Greenhorns in good physical shape, who exercise regularly, has positive attitude and has healthy heart and lungs can easily complete this adventurous trip.
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What sort of toilet facilities will be available on the Gokyo Trek?
In all our Gokyo Treks the teahouses that we use have western toilets. In luxury lodges and teahouses in the lower elevations the rooms come with attached bathrooms and hot showers. At higher elevations the facilities may be a bit basic and you may have to share the bathroom with other travellers. Please do note that in case of extreme cold, the water in the toilet basin may freeze and you may have to use an Asian (also known as ‘squat’) style of toilet that is located outside. Please do carry toilet paper rolls with you at all times. It is important that you carry enough rolls of toilet paper and hand sanitizers while trekking. Can I make payment with my credit card or with my cash while Everest trekking? You need to have local currency to purchase items on the trail. While Lukla and Namche in the Everest Region may have lodges that would accept payment with cards, we strongly advise to carry enough local cash with you to buy essential items en route. You can exchange your currency at any of the money exchange centres in Kathmandu or use your credit or debit card at the local ATMs to get local currency.
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Where can I store my extra luggage while trekking?
You can store it at your hotel (most hotels in Kathmandu have storage facilities) or you can leave it at our office.
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Is there WIFI available on the Gokyo Lake trail?
Yes, wifi hotspots are available on the Gokyo lake trail. But please do keep in mind, due to the mountainous terrain the network maybe erratic sometimes. Often times the signal gets lost or the strength is poor.