Gokyo Valley Trek
Turquoise lakes and the best summit view in the Khumbu
Duration
14 Days
Max Altitude
5,357 m / 17,575 ft (Gokyo Ri)
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group Size
2–12 (private trips available)
Overview
The Gokyo Valley Trek follows a different branch of the Khumbu than the classic Everest Base Camp trail, climbing beside the Ngozumpa Glacier — Nepal's largest — to the emerald Gokyo Lakes at 4,700–5,000 m. From the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) you get an unobstructed view of four of the world's six highest peaks — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu — from a single point, widely regarded as the finest panorama in the entire Khumbu region and with far fewer trekkers than the EBC trail.
Trip Highlights
- Four 8,000ers visible from a single viewpoint at Gokyo Ri
- The turquoise Gokyo Lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Significantly quieter trails than the classic EBC route
- Optional side trip across the glacier to Cho La Pass toward EBC
- Namche Bazaar and Sherpa villages en route
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Airport pickup, welcome briefing and gear check.
Day 2
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Scenic flight to Lukla (2,860 m), short trek to Phakding.
Day 3
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Climb into Sagarmatha National Park to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
Day 4
Acclimatization in Namche
Day hike to the Everest View Hotel for first mountain views.
Day 5
Trek to Dole
Branch off the main EBC trail up the Dudh Koshi valley to Dole (4,200 m).
Day 6
Trek to Machhermo
Continue up-valley to Machhermo (4,470 m).
Day 7
Trek to Gokyo
Follow the Ngozumpa Glacier to the Gokyo Lakes (4,790 m).
Day 8
Gokyo Ri sunrise
Pre-dawn climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for the four-8,000er panorama.
Day 9
Trek to Dole
Begin the descent back down the valley.
Day 10
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Continue the descent to Namche.
Day 11
Trek to Lukla
Final descent to Lukla.
Day 12
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 13
Kathmandu leisure day
Buffer day for flight delays, or sightseeing.
Day 14
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers
- Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu flights
- Licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse accommodation
- All permits
Cost Excludes
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Personal gear
- Tips
Permits Required
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
Gokyo Valley Trek — FAQs
They're different experiences — EBC gets you to the foot of Everest itself, while Gokyo Ri gives you a wider panorama including Everest from a distance, with quieter trails. Some guests combine both via the Cho La Pass.
