Trek booking opened for 2024/25 ! A notice for Lukla flight diversion through Manthali Airport from March, April and October and November 2024 !
Gokyo Lake Trekking – 10 Days
10 Days Gokyo Lake Trekking Facts
Weather |
Weather | -10°C to 13°C | View Weather Detail |
---|---|---|---|
Duration |
Duration | 10 Days | |
Difficulty |
Difficulty | Moderate | |
Accommodation |
Accommodation | Lodges | |
Meals Included |
Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | |
Best Season |
Best Season | Sept, Oct, Nov, March, April, May | |
Transportation |
Transportation | Flight | |
Daily Activity |
Daily Activity | Approx. 5 - 6 hours | |
Religion |
Religion | Buddhism | |
Ethnic People |
Ethnic People | Sherpa, Rai | |
Geographic Terrain |
Geographic Terrain | Mountain, Village, Glacier | |
Region of Nepal |
Region of Nepal | Everest Region, Khumbu | |
Max. Altitude |
Max. Altitude | 5480m./18084ft. |
Overview
Firstly, Gokyo Lake Trekking begins in Kathmandu as you head to Lukla on a short flight. Also known as the gateway to Everest, the trek start as you follow the Dudh Koshi River to reach Phakding. The trail continues north to settle at Namche Bazaar. Here, you can explore the local vicinity like Khumjung and Khunde villages. As you resume on the trek, you make your way to Phortse Tenga. Passing this Sherpa village, you head to Dole and trek north to Gokyo village. The village sits north to the Gokyo Lake and offers views of several of the Gokyo Lakes. As you stay in the village for a day, you can visit some of the famous locations.
Firstly, you start your stay in Gokyo valley with a hike to the Gokyo Ri (5360m) peak. The peak offers a panoramic view of the Everest Himalayas like Cho Oyu (8188m) and Mt. Everest (8848m). The scenery also includes sights of the Gokyo Lake system of lakes like Taujung Tsho, Gokyo Lake, and Thonak Tsho, among others. Later, you begin the return trek to Lukla. The trail back retraces the trail through Machhermo and Dole to Namche Bazaar and reaches Lukla.
About Us
At Nepal Alternative Treks and Expedition, we put our efforts to create and operate trips to various parts of Nepal. We have a great team of skilled guides and porters to assist travelers. Thus, we provide our finest people and services to cater to your needs. Also, we allow you to easily change the itineraries as per your liking.
Trip Highlights:
- Explore the UNESCO world heritage of Sagarmatha National Park
- Trek across the foothills of Annapurna Conservation Area
- Enjoy the Himalayan vista of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himal ranges
- Visit Gurung villages like Ghandruk and Ghorepani
10 Days Gokyo Lake Trekking Day-to-day-Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Lukla - Trek to Phakding
Trekking Time Average |
35min Flight to Lukla 9km Uphill hike (Av. 3hrs) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Hotel Sherpa/ Sherpa Guide Lodge |
Altitude |
(2650m./8745ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Early in the morning, we have breakfast and head towards the airport. We will board the flight and fly to Lukla. Lukla is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The flight to Lukla is very short but full of beautiful scenes. We get a clear view of some of the highest mountains in the world. After landing in Lukla, we start trekking. We will trek along the Dudh Koshi River and through the forests to reach Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
Day 2
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Trekking Time Average |
13km Uphill hike (Av. 5hrs) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Khumbu Lodge or similar category |
Altitude |
(3440m./11352ft. ) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
We will trek to one of the most important places in the Everest region today. After breakfast, we start the trek through the rhododendron forests. As we trek through the forests enjoying the snow-capped mountains in the distance, we come across a small settlement of Monjo. From Monjo, the mountains start getting closer as we trek through the Sagarmatha National Park towards Jorsalle. After trekking for a few hours from Jorsalle, we arrive at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 3
Acclimatization in Namche Bazzar /Exploration around
Trekking Time Average |
Excursion around |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Khumbu Lodge or similar category |
Altitude |
(3440m./11352ft. ) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
As we gain altitude, our body needs to rest and become familiar to the environment in the higher altitude. After breakfast, we will take a short walk around the village. We will trek to one of the monasteries in Namche. Alternatively, we can also hike to the Everest View Hotel from where we can get a clear view of mountains like Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), and Ama Dablam (6856m) among many. In the evening, you can interact with the local Sherpas and try their local foods and traditional dresses, overnight in Namche.
Day 4
Trek to Dole
Trekking Time Average |
14km Uphill hike (Av. 6hr) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Dole Resort or similar category |
Altitude |
(4038m./13325ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast in Namche, we prepare for the trek to Dole. The trail is full of ups and downs, and as we start ascend, we come across a rhododendron forest. We can see the vegetation and different wildlife of this region like Himalayan pheasants, musk deer, and Himalayan Thar. Then, we descend to the Dudh Koshi River and reach Phortse and continue to Dole. Overnight in Dole.
Day 5
Trek to Gokyo lake
Trekking Time Average |
12km Uphill hike (Av. 5hrs) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Gokyo Resort/ Cho You Lodge |
Altitude |
(4650 m./15345ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
As the trek begins, we ascend a trail that takes us through a ridge with a beautiful scene of Mt. Everest (8848m), Cho Oyu (8188m), and many others. We, then, continue to trek through the forests where we are likely to encounter wildlife like musk deer and Danphe. We trek across many small settlements of Sherpas on the way to Machhermo, Phang, and Longpongo. After trekking for about 5 hours, we reach Gokyo. Overnight in Gokyo.
Day 6
Gokyo Peak ascent (5357m.) and explore around
Trekking Time Average |
Gokyo Ri climb - Excursion around |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Gokyo Resort or Cho You Lodge |
Altitude |
(4650 m./15345ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast under the huge Gokyo peak and the beautiful scene of sunrise from Gokyo, we prepare to ascend the Gokyo peak. Gokyo peak is the highest point we will trek to during this trek. From the top of the peak, we enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains and all the lakes that make up the Gokyo lake system. We rest for a while, take photographs and descend back to Gokyo. We then trek to other lakes of the Gokyo lake system. The views of Gokyo are breathtaking. Overnight in Gokyo.
Day 7
Trek to Dole
Trekking Time Average |
15km Downhill hike (Av. 6hr) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Dole Resort or Similar category |
Altitude |
(4010m./13233ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, we prepare to return to Dole. We follow the same trail as we did during the ascent. We trek down above the Dudh Koshi river. The trail takes us through the rhododendron forests and the rough trails of the Himalayas to Machhermo. We again continue to ascend from Machhermo to reach Dole. Overnight in Dole.
Day 8
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Trekking Time Average |
14km Downhill hike (Av. 6hr) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Khumbu Lodge or similar category |
Altitude |
(3440m./11352ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, we trek through the easier and shorter part of the route. We start the trek from Dole and continue across the beautiful forest and meadows to arrive at Mongla Danda. Along the way, we get a spectacular view of mountains like Mt. Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m). We continue trekking to Namche, where we can stroll around the village and enjoy the Sherpa culture and traditions. Overnight in Namche.
Day 9
Trek to Lukla
Trekking Time Average |
22km Downhill hike (Av. 8hrs) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
North Face Resort or Similar category |
Altitude |
(2800m./9240ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today is the last day of our trek. After breakfast, we continue to trek to Lukla from where we fly to Kathmandu the next day. From Namche, we start the trek through the same route to a small village called Monjo. We then continue to trek through the trail along Dudh Koshi River and the rhododendron forest until we reach Phakding. Here, we can rest for a while before continuing to Lukla. Overnight in Lukla.
Day 10
Fly to Kathmandu
Trekking Time Average |
35mins Flight to Kathmandu |
---|---|
Altitude |
(1295m./4273ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast |
After breakfast, we rush to the Tenzing Hilary airport in Lukla, which is also one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The flight is short but scenic. We enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayan range one last time from the airplane. After landing in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Included
- Tribhuwan International Airport ( Airport – Hotel – Airport ) transfer in Kathmandu .
- Lodge accommodation ( Twin share basis) during the trekking.
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trek.
- One experienced, well trained, fluent English speaking, friendly, government authorized and specialized in Everest region trekking guide and required porters ( One porter for two persons) .
- Guide and porter’s food, accommodation, salary, insurance and transportation etc.
- Sagarmatha National Park fee and Pashang Lhamu rural municipality Entry fee.
- Both way flight tickets Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu.
- A Trekking map, Oxygen saturation check up everyday, water purification, first aid medical, duffle bag, Company T-shirt and Trekking completion certificate.
- Assistance for emergency rescue evacuation.
- Government tax and service charge.
- Public Liability Insurance.
Not included
- Hotel accommodation and meals in kathmandu.
- Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, beer, battery charge, hot water, phone bill, laundry and hot shower etc. .
- Personal Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide and porters.( Highly suggested ).
Route Map
Book the Trip
Available dates..
Currently, we do not have any scheduled group trips, but you are welcome to embark on the journey on a date that suits you best.
Need a private date?
The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.
Traveler Reviews
Read More“I did a 10 day trek to Gokyo Ri in late November 2016 with Nepal Alternative Treks and Expeditions. Everything from the first moment I met Nauser (my guide) was amazing. Nauser came to my hotel to meet me the day before the trek to go through everything, then I went to see Tej and they helped me with hiring a sleeping bag and down jacket, buying poles and getting money out. Throughout the whole trek Nauser couldnt do enough for me and as I was travelling on my own turned out to be a good friend throughout, playing cards on an evening etc. I naively thought I could cope without a porter and by the end of a long, hard 2nd day I knew I really would need one to continue. Nauser enquired but had previously told me porters are quite expensive the higher up you go (I was
Paul David Evans
UK
Read More“Sorry for the long review, but it needs some length to properly explain our experience. The service from this company began very badly, but ended well. If ever there was an argument for using an established, reputable company to enable problems to be resolved this is it, but our experience also reinforces the reality that an individual guide has the potential to make or break a trip, even if they work for a reputable company. Our early morning transfer to the Kathmandu airport from the trek company’s guest house arrived very late and the guide did not accompany us. We waited outside the terminal for the guide who arrived with our tickets, but too late for the flight. The guide was belligerent with the airline staff and unapologetic to us. He seemed so “out of it” (for reasons unknown to us) that we called the trek company owner and asked
aroundthenextcorner4
Ottawa, Canada
ESSENTIAL INFO
Best time to visit
The spring and fall seasons are the greatest times to trek around Gokyo Lake. Similarly, if you choose to hike here at this time, you’ll find a clear sky, a temperate environment, and the ideal outdoor temperature. Similar to this, it is crucial to pick the correct time to visit when traveling through high elevations. You won’t be able to completely enjoy it if you don’t. Additionally, your trip may coincide with one of the holiday seasons if you visit at this time of year. Therefore, it coincides with the Dashain and Tihar holiday seasons.
The difficulty of this trek
The difficulty level of this trek is moderate. However, it’s a 10 days long trek so it is not for rookie or new trekkers. If you are a new trekker, then you might face the difficulty of altitude sickness. Similarly, you will find some rough roads on your trek. So, make sure you are prepared for that. In addition, this trek tests your stamina so be prepared for that as well.
Travel insurance
For Gokyo Lake Trekking your travel insurance is the most important thing. Without your travel insurance with you, it will be difficult for us to take you on the journey. So, make sure you have your travel insurance with you during the trek. Also, make sure that all your travel insurance covers your injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, rescue mission, loss of property, etc. Similarly, make sure that your adventure over 4000m plus is covered.
Meals and Accommodation
We provide top-class meal facilities to our consumers. In addition, we also provide you with 3 meals per day which includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Likewise, for accommodation, we provide you with the facility of lodges during your travel with us. However, on our meals, we don’t provide Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, Coke, Fanta, mineral water, beer, etc. Because we understand what is good for our consumers during the trek.
Required Permits
Sagarmatha National Park fee : NPR 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1500 for SAARC
Pasang Lhamu Municapility Entry Fee : NPR 2000
Note: Child below 10 years are free
Fitness and Experience Requirements
Gokyo Lake Trek is a 10-day long trek. So, you should be very experienced for this trek. This trek is not for new trekkers. Even for experienced trekkers, this trek is difficult. Similarly, if you want to complete this trek then you should be physically fit and mentally tough as well. Likewise, if you have any health issues like asthma then this trek is not for you. Similarly, this trek is good for passionate trekkers and for those who want to spend time in nature. In addition, to all that you should at least have experience of climbing small peaks.
Climate and Weather
The climate and weather of this place are good throughout the year. This trekking is done throughout the year. But, if you travel here during the spring and autumn seasons then the climate is perfect for you. However, this trek has a good climate during the monsoon too. You just make sure you avoid rainy seasons. However, this place has bad weather conditions during the winter seasons.
Safety and security
Safety and Security are important factors for our company. Similarly, we take full care of our consumer and their property. Similarly, our trip constantly operates by checking every area of our travel. So, you can feel free and enjoy your time trekking with us. Likewise, the tea houses we provide are also very secure; you can fully enjoy your rent without worrying about your safety.
Gear List
Gears required for the trek vary upon destination and season. A comprehensive list of gear for all activities is listed on our dedicated page of Trekking Gear List
Frequently
Asked Questions
Is Gokyo Lake trekking route safe for trekkers ?
What are the physical fitness and other health criteria required for this trek ?
When is the best season ?
Is Travel Insurance compulsorily required ? Does your company pay for the Travel Insurance of guides and porters?
What is Acute Mountain Sickness? What chances to catch AMS in this route ? What happens if we fall sick?
Can we change money along the trek ? Can we pay by credit card or foreign currency ?
What is the weight limit for porters ? and weight limit for Lukla flight ?
What kind of food will be provided during this trek?
How can drinking water be managed in the mountain ?
How long will we have to hike each day ?
What are the documents that we need to bring for this trek ?
What are the accommodation arrangements during the trek ?
What kind of toilet facilities are there? Will we be able to take a shower in Mountain ?
Can we hire trekking gears in Kathmandu ?
Is it possible to recharge batteries and electronics during the trek ?
Is it possible to communicate with friends and family back home while on trek ?
What if the guide/porter leaves alone on the trail?
What is the weather and temperature like we can expect during the trek?
We value
Service Excellence
Travellers really like us
Recommended by 100% of travelers
We thank our guests for trekking with us, reviewing our services, and making us eligible for the prestigious awards. We also sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment and continuous support of our company. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, the awards and achievements we have received wouldn’t be possible.
Honors and Achievements
Recommended by 100% of travelers
13 Days Manaslu Trek !
My friend and I were lucky to find Tej online before visiting Nepal. We knew we wanted to do a trek, but we weren’t sure exactly which trek. Tej sent us a bunch of itineraries for different treks and we chose the Manaslu circuit. When we arrived our guide, Kumar, was waiting for us at the airport and Tej was able to get us all our permits for the trek done in less than 2 hours which was great. The manaslu trek was absolutely amazing! We were super happy with our whole trip and we were lucky to be able to make the pass even though we saw dozens of other people who had to turn back because of the weather. We are already looking forward to going back next year at the same time to trek Everest and we will definitely use Tej again!
Kyle J. Mechling
,USA3 Weeks Personal Retreat
“Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home.
The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter.
For the home-stay:
1) Meals available upon request
2) Family get together and chats
3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels
4) Free WIFI
5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel
6) Safe environment
7) Mountainous forest behind home
8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries
9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get to town
I left the home-stay with a smile.
All the best,
Richard
Singapore”
Richard O
Singapore River, Singapore6 Months Of Preparation For ABC Trekking
Goal was achieved 4130 meter and 0 degree celsius, Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was 6 months of preparation. It was challenging target for us. We had dense forest, mountain, and completely wilderness above the treeline, it was windy and terrain . There is a huge support team. Without them it would not be possible. We can do it , we just have to give time and practice. Mr. Gurung Ji, you with your entire 7 of team were wonderful. They were always ready to help us.
Thanks Mr. Gurung ji for all the support, and guidance that made the trip successful. While all of us focused on Mountain, big thing but there were so many beautiful things along the way, stream, flowers, flora, so many birds I took pictures. So, in summary, phenomenal, success and our confidence there. We know, we can do more and higher in next what bigger thing.
Devraj Dey
India8 days non trek city tour and 21days trek to EBC and chola pass
We love nepal and made 3 time visit to this beutiful country and rich culture. This time last year we came with 6 pax and visited Kathmandu , Pohkara and chitwan with a stay of 2 night in each place. We flew to Pohkara and got the van to chitwan and flew to Kathmandu. Tej arranged all transports overland and flights for us. We did not asked for a local guide but it was all smooth and no problem. We are happy with the service provided by Tej and he made all efforts to make us happy. His company performed professional with the very reasonable pricing. We encountered some small problem with the van transporting us back from nagarkot to kathmandu airport. This van was quite small and it came to pick up quite late that we almost missed the flight to pohkara. We told Tej about this and he must take care of this outsourced van company. Anyway the van in pohkara and to chitwan was excellent , big and comfy. So he has corrected the mistake.
Part 2 was our trek to EBC and chola pass for 21 nights. Tej arranged for flight and guide plus porter. For this trekking it was only me and my wife travelling together. We are about 50 years and used the service of 2 porters cause we bought a lot of dry food plus chocolate. We are difficult persons in terms of foreign food. Our guide Ammer and 2 porters are fabulous. They took care of us very well like we are part of their family.
Overall we strongly recommend this company. They are good and not high expensive tag. We will use their service again in June to trek in Langtang. Rocky
Wisit K
Bangkok, ThailandA great experience on the Annapurna Circuit
We had a fantastic experience on the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks. Tej, the manager, was helpful, professional and efficient in dealing with our requirements and amendments, the arrangements worked smoothly and the information provided to us was excellent. Our guide Kul was brilliant. He was friendly, knowledgable and experienced and took changes in our itinerary in his stride. Our trekking experience was much better with his help in everything from planning the stages of the route to organising our food and accommodation. Just one warning: he is an ace card player and will probably beat you hands down!
Paul
UKA wonderful and interesting trek overall
A wonderful & interesting trek overall. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances ( heavy snow fall & Lie ping with a bad cold) we were unable to cross the Ganja la pass. However, our guide Simbir offered us as alternative trek which took us on a difference journey of Nepal. We had the opportunity to visit & stay in many local villages and meet Tamang, Gurung people experience, their lifestyle and culture. We visited our guide’s home town of Chalishgaun and timed it right to join in with Diwali celebrations!
Lie Ping Tang & Robert
USAA trip worth of a lifetime!
Attempting Everest base camp trekking for me & my group was taking it to the next level. Before this, our limits were Kedarnath, MadMaheshwar & Tunganath with max distances of 18-19 kms spread over 2-3 days. Moreover, these tracks are such that people doesn’t necessarily have to trek. They have the option of ponies. EBC involves a lot for people like us (acclimatization to altitude, strength etc.), but above all, you need someone to provide logistical support, moral support that it can be done. This is where Nepal Alternative Treks does a great job. They organized it very well, guides and porters provided were very reliable and cost is reasonable when you compare to others. They can customize your travel plan according to your need.
Indranil Chaterjee
IndiaA Trek in Ruby Valley !
A few weeks ago we went on a trip to Nepal, accompanied by a couple of friends who were on their second trip with Nepal Alternative Trek. Our first goal was to trek to the village of Chalish in Ruby Valley. We decided to go with the services of Nepal Alternative Trek to take us up there. We went there partly by jeep, partly walking through the cultivated terraces, meeting the inhabitants of the different communities who worked there.
I must say that the service that Tej offered us was perfect on all lines. First of all, before our departure, months before, Tej always answered our many questions (luggage, temperature, route to be revised, etc.) Always within 24 hours, he answered with a lot of patience.
All the equipment we thought we would need was available at his office.
Our guide Ammar led us to destination with confidence and professionalism. He knew all the trails, and especially all the shortcuts to avoid us having to go up or down too much along our road. He has managed all the difficulties we have encountered: due to personal reasons, we had to change and our itinerary, and our calendar, and he made everything possible. The whole team adapted to our changes. Our guide contacted Tej who orchestrated the changes without us even having to deal with anything.
The porters were attentive and were always in front of our needs.
Our journey continued towards Bandipur with the driver who made us know the various interesting points, from sunrise to sunset, making detours to take us to the most famous places. Then a 2 days stay in Chitwan, and return to Kathmandu again where the driver carried us without calculating from one place to another – God knows that traffic in Kathmandu, Bakhtapur and Patan can be complicated.
Thanks to Tej, and the whole Nepal Alternative Trek team. We will remember forever that amazing experience.
Louise & Richard
Louise & Richard
CanadaAlways cheerful
Many thanks to Tej – well organized, Dhan + hal worked Hard, we could not have done it without there Help, they were always there when needed, worked extra to help us when we were sick. Always kind and cheerful
Thanks!