Have you ever wondered what other places in the Khumbu region you can trek to apart from Everest Base Camp? Well, one of them is Gokyo Lakes. These are the world's highest freshwater lake systems, and trekking here is not more challenging than the EBC trek. In fact, from Lukla, you can reach the Gokyo village in less time than the EBC.
The Gokyo Lakes trek is a famous alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek in the Khumbu region. This trek takes you northwest of the EBC trail into a much more pristine and untouched area.
You will start the journey with the Lukla flight and follow the same trail till Namche Bazaar. After Namche Bazaar, the Gokyo Lakes trek route splits and follows an offbeat, less-crowded path to Gokyo Valley.
Many Gokyo Lakes trek itineraries combine Cho La Pass excursions, but we have kept ours straightforward with no mountain pass crossing. It has made our Gokyo Lakes trek achievable for even beginner trekkers who are in good shape.
On the Gokyo Lakes trek 12 days, you will see four of the world's top 14 peaks that are above 8,000 meters - Everest (8,849 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), and Makalu (8,481 m). Likewise, you will also see the longest glacier in Nepal, the Ngozumpa glacier, along the Gokyo Lakes trail.
The main scenery unfolds when you enter the Gokyo Valley, and the Gokyo Lakes begin to unfold one after another. There are six main Gokyo Lakes situated between 4,700 meters and 5,000 meters. The most iconic mountain panorama you will see is from Gokyo Ri.
Highlights
- Explore the less-discovered areas in the Khumbu region
- Hike to the world's highest freshwater lake systems, Gokyo Lakes
- A famous alternative to the EBC trek, but can be completed in less time
- Trek northwest of the mainstream EBC trail above Namche Bazaar
- Follow a less crowded, pristine trekking route
- Enjoy the Lukla flights
- Trek through rhododendron forests, cross many suspension bridges, and experience offbeat hiking
- Witness four of the world's top 14 peaks that are above 8,000 meters - Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu
- See the longest glacier in Nepal, the Ngozumpa glacier
- Enjoy diverse landscapes and mountain views during the trek
- Spend nights in beautiful Sherpa villages and see their daily lifestyle
- Come across stupas, chortens, and prayer flags along the trail
- Take side hikes to the Hotel Everest View and the Gokyo Ri
What to expect during the Gokyo Lakes trek?
The Gokyo Lakes trek is incredibly adventurous, remote, and beautiful. This trek route offers a break from the over-commercialized EBC trail. You will have a much authentic experience on the Gokyo Lakes trek route.
Likewise, the crowd is also less on the Gokyo Lakes route in the peak trekking seasons. The Gokyo Lakes trek is also a short trip that you can complete in 12 days.
- Daily 6 hours of walking: It takes multiple days and many hours of trekking to reach Gokyo Lakes from Lukla. You will walk around 6 hours a day on average.
- Changing landscapes: From Lukla, you will gain elevation daily. So, the climate and landscapes change daily. Every day will bring a new scenery that will leave you in awe.
- Nightstays in beautiful Sherpa villages: We spend nights in beautiful Sherpa villages during the Gokyo Lakes trek 12 days. The night stops are Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo village, Monjo, and Lukla.
- Stupas, chortens, and prayer flags: You will see stupas, chortens, and prayer flags throughout the Gokyo Lakes trek route. It shows the faith of the locals.
- Heart-warming food and friendly locals: Locals are very friendly and welcoming. You will feel at home away from home. The hospitality is great. It makes your Gokyo Lakes trek journey meaningful and memorable. The food in the mountains is simple but soulful.
- Side hikes: We take side hikes to the Hotel Everest View and the Gokyo Ri on this trip. Both of these places offer breathtaking mountain vistas, especially the Gokyo Ri viewpoint. The view of Mt. Everest is sensational from Gokyo Ri.
- Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar is necessary to avoid altitude sickness further on the way. You will hike to Hotel Everest View for acclimatization. It also allows you to spend more time in this bustling village and explore it.
- The turquoise-blue color of Gokyo Lakes: The Gokyo Lakes are definitely the star of this trek. Imagine turquoise-blue colored lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains gleaming in sunrays. It is the kind of scenery you see in aesthetic nature pictures, unbelievable but existing.
- Return walk to Lukla: After the Gokyo Ri hike, you will follow the same trail and return to Lukla. It will be three days of walking following the same route. You also have the option to take a helicopter flight back to Lukla or Kathmandu. It will cost you extra money.
Are the Gokyo Lakes trek, Gokyo Valley trek, and Gokyo Ri trek the same?
Yes, the Gokyo Lakes trek, Gokyo Valley trek, and Gokyo Ri are the same. Gokyo Ri is a viewpoint, and the Gokyo Lakes are a freshwater lake system. Both these places are situated in the Gokyo Valley, so this trek goes by all three names.
The Gokyo Lakes cultural values
For the Sherpa community, the Gokyo Lakes have great holy significance. Among the six lakes, the third lake, Dudh Pokhari (Gokyo Cho), is considered holy. During the Dumji and Mani Rimdu festivals, the locals worship at the shore of this lake.
*It is believed that all six lakes are connected through a natural underground tunnel.
Physical fitness & preparation
Though previous trekking experience and technical skills are not required for the Gokyo Lakes trek, a good level of fitness is needed. Therefore, if you are not a very active person, you have to train for this trek.
Training should include cardio workouts to improve your stamina and endurance. Likewise, combine strength training to improve your legs, core, and upper body. Lastly, you can also combine long-distance walks with a 5kg backpack.
- These workouts are not mandatory, but will help you a lot and make a huge difference to the overall trek experience. The fitter you are, the better you will enjoy the journey.
- The Gokyo Lakes trek is best for those who love adventure, beginners with decent fitness, and anyone looking for an alternative to the EBC trek.
- Likewise, we do not recommend this trek to those who have mobility issues, high-altitude problems, or beginners who are not physically and mentally ready for the Himalayan trail.
Practical tips
- Follow your guides' advice: Your guides are professionals when it comes to high altitude traveling. They know the trails well and how to acclimatize. So, follow their instructions.
- Carry your permits at all times: You have to show your trekking permits at various checkpoints along the route, so carry them with you at all times.
- Keep extra copies of your passport and photos: It will help you in case you have to show your passport or additional documents required.
- Emergency fund: Keep 2-3 days of accommodation and food money as a backup, just in case you see any setbacks.
Kathmandu to Lukla Flight
Kathmandu to Lukla flights are diverted to Ramechhap Airport in the spring and autumn seasons due to heavy traffic at Kathmandu Airport.
It takes around 4 to 5 hours to drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport, so you will leave your hotel at 1:00 AM. If you are trekking in summer/monsoon or winter, you can take the Lukla flight from Kathmandu Airport.
*Lukla flights are highly affected by the weather. Even a slight disturbance in the weather can delay the flight. So, be patient. Lukla flight is not your normal flight.
*You can upgrade to helicopter flights to/from Lukla if you do not wish to have the standard flight hassle. It will cost you USD 650 to USD 750 per person.
Is the Gokyo Lakes trek suitable for you?
Anyone can do the Gokyo Lakes trek. There is no specific requirement for the Gokyo Lakes trek 12 days, other than decent fitness. Likewise, there is also no age restriction for this trek. Trekkers below the age of 16 must trek with their parents or an identified guardian.
You can do the Gokyo Lakes trek as an alternative to the EBC trek. Likewise, if you have already done the EBC trek, you can consider the Gokyo Lakes trek your next adventure in the Khumbu region.
Experienced trekkers can combine a hike to Cho La Pass, Everest Base Camp, or both in the Gokyo Lakes trek itinerary for more adventure. Price-wise, too, the Gokyo Lakes trek is not that expensive, so this trek is approachable for most trekkers.
*We have the best Gokyo Lakes trek cost in the market. The service we offer for the price we charge is unbeatable.
Why trek to Gokyo Lakes with Adventure Magic Treks?
Adventure Magic Treks is a local Nepali trekking company that facilitates many treks in Nepal. If you are looking for a reliable and professional trekking partner in Nepal, we could be the one for you.
Our expert guide and porter treks with you, making the trip safe and hassle-free. Likewise, our office team makes all the arrangements for the trek. All aspects of the journey will be taken care of by us.
We will book you the best lodges along the trail. You will get to learn many events, myths, and stories from your guide. Similarly, a porter will help you with your duffel bag.
You can also customize the Gokyo Lakes trek package with us. We are flexible and open to new challenges. Our team works hard to make your trip memorable and safe in Nepal.
You can trek solo or with your loved ones without any worries with us. For more information on the Gokyo Lakes trek, feel free to contact us. Our Gokyo Lakes trek 2026 bookings are open.
