Mera Peak Climbing
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Gokyo Lakes Trek
Turquoise high-altitude lakes and the climb of Gokyo Ri
Overview
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a stunning alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp trek, taking you to a chain of sacred turquoise high-altitude lakes in the upper Dudh Koshi valley, fed by the immense Ngozumpa glacier - the largest glacier in the Khumbu. The trek reaches its climax with the climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), which offers arguably the most beautiful panorama in the entire Everest region.
From the summit of Gokyo Ri, you can see four of the world's six highest mountains - Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu - along with the dramatic ice wall of Ngozumpa glacier stretching away below. The lakes themselves, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, are a chain of six turquoise pools that reflect the surrounding peaks.
The route diverges from the main Everest trail at Namche Bazaar, climbing through the less-visited villages of Dole, Machhermo and Luza. The trek is rated Challenging because of its maximum altitude of 5,357 m, but is otherwise slightly easier than the Everest Base Camp trek, making it a great choice for those who want to avoid the crowds at Base Camp.
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Max Altitude
5,357 m (Gokyo Ri)
Difficulty
Challenging
Group Size
2 - 12 trekkers
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accommodation
Teahouse lodges
Trekking Style
Lodge-based
Start/End
Lukla / Lukla
Trip highlights
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for a panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu
Sacred turquoise Gokyo Lakes - six high-altitude lakes on the Ngozumpa glacier
Cross the Ngozumpa glacier, the largest in the Khumbu
Less crowded than the main Everest Base Camp trail
Optional hike to the Fifth Lake and the dramatic view of Cho Oyu
Authentic Sherpa villages of Dole, Machhermo and Luza
Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery on the return
Itinerary
5 days1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and trek preparation 1,400m
Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet your guide for a full trip briefing and equipment check. Welcome dinner in the evening.
Highlights
Briefing and welcome dinner
Bring passport photos and insurance documents.
2
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding 2,610m
Take an early morning flight to Lukla, then begin walking down the Dudh Koshi valley to the riverside village of Phakding (2,610 m).
Highlights
Lukla flight, Dudh Koshi valley
Sit on the left side of the plane for mountain views.
3
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar and acclimatize 3,880m
Climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) over two days with an acclimatization day in Namche. Hike up to the Everest View Hotel for first views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
Highlights
First view of Everest, acclimatization hike
Climb high, sleep low - essential at this altitude.
4
Day 4: Trek to Dole, Machhermo and Gokyo 4,790m
Leave the main Everest trail at Mong La and climb through the less-visited Gokyo valley, passing Dole, Machhermo and Luza to reach the village of Gokyo (4,790 m) on the shore of the third Gokyo Lake.
Highlights
Sacred Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa glacier views
Pace yourself - the altitude gain is significant.
5
Day 5: Climb Gokyo Ri and return to Lukla via flight 5,357m
Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) before dawn for sunrise views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Optional hike to the Fifth Lake. Then descend the Gokyo valley, retracing your steps back to Lukla over the next four days. Fly Lukla to Kathmandu on day 11. Day 12 is a buffer day.
Highlights
Sunrise on Gokyo Ri, Everest panorama
Start the Gokyo Ri climb with a headlamp and warm layers.
Elevation profile
What's included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All accommodations during the trek on twin-share basis
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- One porter for every two trekkers (carries up to 12 kg)
- All required permits and TIMS card
- Domestic flights as per itinerary
- First-aid kit and pulse oximeter
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- TIMS Card
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging and laundry on trek
- Beverages, bottled water and snacks on trek
- Tips for guide and porter
Trip options
Choose the option that suits you best.
Extra services
Add extras to your trip. Select quantities in the booking form.
Airport Pickup
Private vehicle airport transfer each way
$35
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive trekking insurance covering helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m
$145
Helicopter Rescue Fund
Pre-paid emergency helicopter evacuation coverage
$95
Down Jacket Rental
Premium 800-fill down jacket for the trek
$25
Sleeping Bag Rental
Cold-weather sleeping bag rated to -20C
$25
Meet your guides
👤
Dawa Geljen Sherpa
Trekking Guide
<p>Dawa is a Khumbu native who has guided the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp trek for 9 years. He is fluent in English and known for his patient pacing and altitude management.</p>
Departure dates
Mar 25, 2026 Apr 5
Seats: 10/12
Guaranteed
$1,690
Apr 22, 2026 May 3
Seats: 8/12
Guaranteed
$1,690
May 20, 2026 May 31
Seats: 3/12
Guaranteed
$1,690
Jun 17, 2026 Jun 28
Seats: 4/12
Guaranteed
$1,690
Pricing
Per person
$1,690
Based on 1 adult
Children (under 12)$1,183
InfantsFree
Group discounts
Automatically applied at checkout:
5+ travelers
-5%
8+ travelers
-8%
10+ travelers
-10%
12+ travelers
-12%
Early bird: book 60+ days ahead for extra 10% off, 90+ days for 15% off.
Route map
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Map coordinates not set for this trip.
🟢 Start point: Lukla
🔴 End point: Lukla
🟠 Trek route
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Frequently asked questions
How does the Gokyo Lakes trek compare to Everest Base Camp?
The Gokyo Lakes trek is slightly less crowded than Everest Base Camp, with similarly spectacular mountain scenery. The maximum altitude is similar (5,357 m at Gokyo Ri vs 5,545 m at Kala Patthar). Many trekkers consider the view from Gokyo Ri to be even more beautiful than the view from Kala Patthar, because you can see four 8,000 m peaks (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu) from one viewpoint.
Is it possible to combine Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp?
Yes. The two treks can be combined by crossing the Cho La pass (5,420 m) from Gokyo to Lobuche, then continuing to Everest Base Camp. This is the famous 'Everest Circuit' or 'Gokyo-Cho La-EBC' trek and takes about 17-18 days. See our Everest Three Passes Trek package for a similar extended option.
When are the Gokyo Lakes frozen?
The Gokyo Lakes typically freeze between late November and March, when temperatures at 4,790 m drop well below freezing. The frozen turquoise lakes are a striking sight in winter. From April onwards the lakes are typically liquid, reflecting the surrounding peaks.
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Gokyo Lakes Trek
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