Top reasons to choose Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

Are you an adventure junkie planning to visit Nepal? Nepal offers a wide range of adventure activities with varieties of places to go on a trekking expedition. On your visit to Nepal, you cannot just afford to miss the sparkling waters of Gokyo Lakes which shine with blue and green reflection amidst the gigantic Himalayas.

Just imagine a lake with a village on one of its sides and a big brown hill on the other with a gorgeous background of giant white peaks. Exciting, isn’t it? The feeling you get on this expedition is way beyond explainable; you are happy, excited and thrilled as you stand at the lake in such a chilling atmosphere with the cold wind hitting your face. The imagination of one being at the mountain lake sounds so exciting that anyone would want to experience the beauty of the Gokyo Lakes!

The Everest Gokyo Lake trekking is less visited by the trekkers as compared to other trekking routes in the Everest region. Offering a visit to the second largest glacier in the world, this trek provides some tremendous high altitude trekking with spectacular mountain views including the highest peak of the world, Mount Everest. With the opportunities for outstanding photographic views, this trek remains a total mountain adventure journey to Everest.

The trek is initiated from a mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and the following itinerary could be followed to complete the trek in 10 days.

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2610m) and Trek to Phakding (2810 m): 40 minutes flight and 3-4 hours trek

Lukla is 40 minutes flight from Kathmandu. After arriving at Lukla, we will trek for about 4 hours to reach Phakding along the meadows and snowy peaks of Kusum Kanguru (6367m) on the backdrop. Overnight stay at Phakding.

Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche (3450m): 5-6 hours trek

Today early morning, we will walk through beautiful meadows, rhododendron forests, and magnolia forest to arrive at Namche. Namche Bazaar is the center of the Everest region which sees a lot of travelers all year round. 

Walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River with mountains in the backdrop, we will get an insight into the serenity we are on to. The trail sees different waterfalls and narrow suspension bridges. Everest will be waiting to greet us with its elegance as we reach the beautiful village of Namche for our overnight stay.

Day 03: Acclimatization at Namche

Today we will explore the beauty of Namche. The culture and tradition here are fascinating as Sherpa's shower their love towards us. We can visit the Sherpa Museum at Namche where their traditional way of living can be observed. 

Besides, we can explore the bustling yet beautiful market of Namche. Hiking a few hours from Namche, we can see a spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Everest(8848m), Lhotse(8414m), Cho Oyu(8188m) and many others. 

Day 04: Trek from Namche to Dole (4200m): 3-4 hours trek

The trail moves fast and easy as we leave Namche for Dole. After we reach a village called Mong, the trail separates its path to Gokyo and Everest Base camp. Walking through the shades of beautiful trees on a rugged and dusty way with incredible Himalayan views we will reach Dole where we will stay overnight. 

Day 5: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4470m): 4-5 hours trek

Relishing the magnificent Himalayan vistas, we will follow the trail to Macchermo. Climbing up slowly and gradually, we will reach Machermo. since the altitude goes above 4500m, it is going to be a little difficult to adjust for a while. But keep drinking water and breathing the thin air and you will be fine!

Day 6: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4790 m): 5-6 hours trek

We will start by climbing a ridge that offers a delighting view of Kangrega down the valley. We then descend to the riverbank and soon the valley starts widening as our tail passes through chortens to reach Phanga. Before we make it to Gokyo, we will spend some time admiring the spectacular lakes of Longpongo, RabocheTsho, and DudhPokhari.

Day 7: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5360m ) and back to Machermo (4790 m): 5-6 hours walk

An excursion in Gokyo Ri is an exceptional opportunity. We will spend the day to climb Gokyo Ri which offers scenery as the best viewpoint of the Everest region. Gokyo is not just popular for its view from the Gokyo RI but also for those six lakes it hosts.

We will take this opportunity to observe the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho ( and fifth lake (Ngozumpa Tsho). Hypnotized by the charm of the place, we may even try to go for the sixth lake but that solely depends on one’s interest. We then return to Machermo for our overnight stay.

Day 8: Trek from Machermo to Namche: 7-8 hours trek

Today we will trace our route back to Namche. The trail is longer but as it is a descending trail it might not be difficult. At Namche, you might want to wander around the place and try exploring more about the Sherpa culture.

Day 9: Trek from Namche to Lukla

Walking through the amazing trail through villages, jungles and suspension bridges will retrace our path back to Lukla. After a long tiring day, Lukla is a pleasant place to stay.

Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla

Completing this amazing journey to the Everest region, we will go back over our route back to Kathmandu. 

Here are a few highlights to why you should go on this amazing expedition on the lap of the Himalayas.

1.Budget-Friendly Trip:

One of the best reasons to make this trip to the Everest region is that it is quite economical and would certainly be fun to do. AS there is so much to explore in the Gokyo region with a stunning view of the Everest region and a wide variety of beautiful scenery on an affordable price range this trip is the best.

2.Stable Climate:

The climate in Gokyo doesn’t go as extreme as the other trekking routes in the Everest region. The trekking in Gokyo remains ideal during the pre-monsoon or spring season or Post Monsoon or Autumn Season. 

3.Six beautiful glacial-fed lakes:

The scenery of these beautiful lakes is what makes this trip worthwhile. You could just give yourself a little rest and get plunged into how beautiful it feels to just stand at the shore of these heavenly lakes and stare at them. 

4.Gokyo Ri:

The Gokyo Ri is one of the mountain range at an altitude of 5357. Trekking to Gokyo Ri gives you a golden chance to enjoy the spectacular sight of the Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu. The top of the Gokyo Ri offers a breathtaking view of the splash of Sunrise on the top of the mountains which undoubtedly would be one of the greatest memories for you to look back.

5.Renjo La Pass:

The Renjo La Pass is one of the three high passes of the Everest region. Situated at an altitude of 5340m, crossing the pass leads us to pristine Gokyo Lakes. Without a bit exaggeration, the Renjo la Pass is a strenuous yet fulfilling route that rewards us with Sherpa culture and Himalayan Landscape.

6.Sherpa Town of Khumjung:

With a divine uniformity in the structure and colorful houses, Khumjung is a beautiful village also known as the capital of Sherpas in the Solukhumbu district. The village has in store a lot to offer the visitors to experience the remote village life of the Sherpas. 

7.Ngozumpa Glacier:

The Ngozumpa Glacier is one of the highest Glaciers of the Himalayas. Trekking in the Gokyo valley provides you an opportunity to observe the magnificent view of the Ngozumpa Glacier.

8.Amazing trails:

Since the route passes through the settlements of Tonga (3950 m) and Gyele (3960 m) as we move towards Dole, the view of Sherpa settlements is amazing. The trail moves through different Kharkas and Summer settlements of the Sherpas providing an outstanding view of pasture lands, yaks and Buddhist colorful prayer flags. This route through the Himalayas is enough to make you feel incredible throughout the journey,
 
As this trek stands ideal for those who want to explore the Everest region without the physical stress of reaching the base camp of crossing the high pass, this trek remains ideal for those who prefer the eye-catching scenery of the gorgeous Everest region rather than long tiring walk to the Base camp.
 
Trekking in itself is such an exciting thing to do and trekking in Gokyo is something way more than just exciting and memorable. It can be made more happening with different variations on the go. Since the trek is not heavy on the pocket and offers a customizable trekking experience, this trek remains supreme for every category of trekkers.

Besides the natural beauty and Himalaya scenery offered by the trek, the warm hospitality of the people in this region is something that adds up to why you should try the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek. Put your hands together and say Namaste and smile as they return your gesture with genuine smiles of acceptance.