Gokyo Lake Trek

The next day of the Gokyo Lake Trek begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The 30-minute flight crosses mountainous terrain. We land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, elevation 2,860 meters. The runway is short and sloped. Pilots require special training to land here.

We start trekking within an hour of arrival. The trail descends from Lukla through pine forests, and we pass through small settlements like Ghat. The path is rocky and uneven, with stone steps that appear frequently. We walk alongside the Dudh Koshi River, which flows fast and loud. Suspension bridges cross the river and side streams. These bridges can sway slightly underfoot.

We walk for about 3 to 4 hours since it is the first trekking day on the Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary. The distance covered is approximately 8 kilometers. Elevation drops to 2,610 meters in Phakding. The descent is easier on the legs than the uphill sections. Porters and yaks share the trail as we keep to the left when passing.

Activity: 3 to 4 hours trek

Accommodation: Teahouse

Max Altitude: 2,610m/8,563ft. (Phakding)

Day 3 of the Gokyo Lake Trek takes us from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. We will start early, around 7 a.m.; the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and crosses several suspension bridges. The path climbs steadily as we gain about 670 meters in elevation throughout the day. The distance is roughly 10 kilometers, while the trekking time is 5 to 6 hours.

We pass through Monjo. This village marks the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. Park staff check our permits here, so we must carry our permits along. After Monjo, the climb intensifies; a steep section of stone steps rises sharply. We take breaks every 20 minutes, breathe slowly and deeply, to keep a safe climbing pace.

The trail moves through rhododendron and juniper forests. Trees thin as elevation increases, and you get to see many snowy mountains in the distance. Everest appears briefly near the end of the climb, and Yak caravans move along the trail. We step to the uphill side when they pass.

We reach Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters. The town sits in a large valley basin and serves as the main trading hub of the Khumbu region. Teahouses offer hot meals, and all you have to do is rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek

Accommodation: Teahouse

Max Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar)

Day 4 is your first and only acclimatization day on the Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary. You stay at 3440 meters to let your body adjust since altitude sickness becomes a real risk above 3000 meters. Rest and light movement help you adapt safely.

However, you don’t just sit around; you will hike higher and come back down. Our goal is the ridge above town or the Everest View Hotel. The trail starts behind the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic, and it gains 300 meters over 2 kilometers. Stone steps and dirt make the climb tough, but we will go slowly.

At 3,800 meters, you get your first clear view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam on a good day. The peaks stand sharp against the sky. You can take photos to your heart’s content. After getting back to Namche, the afternoon is for resting. You drink boiled water or ginger tea. Meals are simple: soup, rice, or dal bhat. You should cut out alcohol and coffee and watch for headaches, nausea, or dizziness. These are early signs of altitude trouble.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Max Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar)

The 5th day of the Gokyo Lake Trek is here, and we leave for Dole after breakfast. The trail drops through forested slopes, passing chortens and prayer flags. You follow the Dudh Koshi and Gokyo Khola rivers over rocky paths, with small climbs and uneven terrain.

You have to cross wooden bridges and share the trail with Yak trains that move along this route. The trail climbs over 600 meters by the end of the day. You start at 3,440 meters and reach around 4,120 meters above sea level. The ascent is steady for the most part; we will take breaks every 45 minutes or so.

You pass through Chhorsy village at 3,750 meters, where some teahouses sell hot drinks. You can refill your water there as the valley opens up. Trees fade out, and you see rocky hills and distant glaciers ahead.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Max Altitude: 4,038m/13,248ft. (Dole)

The following day of the Gokyo Lake Trek takes you from Dole to Machhermo. You start early, around 7:30 a.m., and go over a trail that climbs beside the Bhote Koshi River through quiet, open terrain. You gain about 300 meters, reaching Machhermo at 4,470 meters. The path is rocky and narrow, so you need to watch your footing on loose stones.

You walk through a high alpine zone and can feel the air getting thinner. You have to breathe slower and take it step by step. The guide will let you rest for 5 to 10 minutes every 45 minutes. You should drink water often and carry at least 2 liters at a time. Dehydration hits fast up here, and hydration keeps you away from altitude sickness.

The valley feels raw, barren, and wild. Snow peaks like Kangtega and Thamserku stand sharp against the sky when it’s clear. You cross a high bridge over a glacial stream and begin the last stretch into Machhermo, a steady uphill section. Prayer flags flutter at the village edge with a few teahouses and a medical post. You drop your bags at a tea house and rest. After a while, we will eat something warm and head to bed.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Max Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. (Machhermo)

This day on the Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary takes you from Machhermo to Gokyo. We start early, around 7 a.m., and follow the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in the Himalayas. You walk on rocky, uneven ground with cairns and prayer flags that mark the path. It’s easy to lose the trail in snow, so we stick close to the markers.

You gain about 350 meters since Gokyo sits at 4,790 meters. The climb is steady, not too steep, and we cross three high wooden bridges over cold glacial streams. The air gets noticeably thinner, so we take short breaks. The terrain feels remote with no trees, no villages, just rock, ice, and bright, clear sky. You can even see the Gokyo Lakes ahead. The sixth lake stays frozen most of the year. The lower ones shine blue or gray, depending on the light, and reflect Cho Oyu and the surrounding peaks.

You reach Gokyo by early afternoon, where a few teahouses sit near the shore. We settle our bags and eat something warm. Then we gear up for Gokyo Ri. Although it is not on the standard Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary, we can do the hike the same day. The climb takes 2 to 3 hours round-trip, going over steep, loose gravel trails to the top.

We push to the top at 5,357 meters. The view opens up Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, all in one frame. On clear days, it’s unreal. After some time at the top, we head down before the light fades.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Max Altitude: 4,750m/15,584ft. (Gokyo)

Day 8 of the Gokyo Lake Trek starts with a morning hike to the fourth Gokyo Lake. You leave the teahouse by 6:30 a.m. while the ground is still frozen. We recommend wearing gloves, thermal layers, and down jackets. The trail begins behind the village and follows a clear path along the glacier’s edge.

We climb for about 45 minutes. The lake sits at 4,870 meters, gaining 100 meters in elevation. Ice covers parts of the lake until late morning, and the water is bright turquoise. On calm days, Cho Oyu and Gyangste Peak reflect perfectly. We’re back in Gokyo by 9 a.m. We eat breakfast fast, likely porridge, eggs, or toast, and start packing our bags.

We start the trek to Machhermo at 10 a.m. The trail drops the same way we came, while the Ngozumpa Glacier runs alongside us. We keep it on our right, going over rocky and uneven grounds. Trekking poles are recommended for this section. Downhill sections are easier on the lungs but tough on the knees. We cross three wooden bridges en route and stop at a teahouse near the first one for tea and refreshment.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Max Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. (Machhermo)

The next day takes you from Machhermo down to Namche Bazaar. We leave after breakfast, around 8 a.m. The trek is 14 kilometers and takes 6 to 7 hours. You lose over 1,000 meters in elevation, going from 4,470 meters down to 3,440 meters above sea level. That long descent feels good on the legs after days of climbing.

We follow the Bhote Koshi River valley. The trail is rocky and uneven, with loose stones and sharp turns. You pass through Dole again, then move into alpine shrubland. The path gets wider and easier as you drop and cross several wooden bridges. Yak trains come through often on this part of the Gokyo Lake Trek.

You will stop in Phakding for lunch, sitting at 2,610 meters. The air feels warmer there, and we eat some hot meals and soups. We refill water and rest for 30 minutes before continuing the trek. From Phakding, we start the climb back up to Namche Bazaar. This part is tough and tiring, with stone steps that go up for hours.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Max Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar)

Day 10 of the Gokyo Lake Trek takes you from Namche Bazaar down to Lukla. You start early with a breakfast at 6 a.m., out the door by 7. The trail is 13.5 kilometers long and mostly downhill. You’ll walk about 6 hours, and your knees will feel it by the end. We pass through pine and rhododendron forests. The trees come back as we drop in altitude. The air gets noticeably warmer, and we cross the Dudh Koshi River again and again.

You walk through Chaurikharka and Chheplung with small teahouses that line the trail. We stop in Chheplung for lunch and rest for about 30 minutes. We recommend stretching your legs before the last push. The final stretch into Lukla is all stone steps. Steep, repetitive, and kind of monotonous. Soon enough, the village appears ahead, and the end is close.

The room is shared but comfortable, nevertheless. We keep our bags packed and ready to move in the morning since morning flights leave fast. This is it, the last night in the hills on the Gokyo Lake Trek.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Max Altitude: 2,860m/9,383ft. (Lukla)

Day 11 of the Gokyo Lake Trek starts early in Lukla; we have to wake up at 5 a.m. Flights are unpredictable there, so morning is your best shot. The weather in the mountains shifts fast as clouds roll in by late morning. You want to be in the air before that happens.

The flight lasts 30 to 35 minutes, flying over green hills and deep valleys. If the sky is clear, we see peaks one last time. We land in Kathmandu by mid-morning, and a local staff member meets us and takes us to the hotel. After reaching Kathmandu, you can walk around Thamel, spend some relaxing time at a rooftop cafe. We will have our lunch, talk about the trail, and check our photos.

Accommodation: Hotel

Max Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu)

This is your departure day. You wake up in Kathmandu, and the hotel serves breakfast early. After that, you have to pack your bags and check out by 11 a.m. This is the end of the Gokyo Lake Trek. Our team drops you off at Tribhuvan International Airport after we go over any unfinished business. The drive takes 30 to 45 minutes since Kathmandu traffic can be bad. We always leave early to avoid stress.

You are expected to handle check-in yourself, but we will make sure you know where to go. Domestic flights use the smaller terminal. International ones leave from the main terminal. Airport signs will guide you to your next destination.