The Everest Gokyo Trek is a fantastic way to explore the majestic Himalayas without the heavy crowds of the traditional Everest Base Camp (EBC) route. With its peaceful trails, turquoise glacial lakes, and panoramic mountain views, this trek offers a quieter yet equally thrilling adventure. Before you go, it’s important to understand key details about accommodation, food, permits, trekking staff, and timing to make the most of your trip.
• Visit the beautiful Gokyo Lakes – six high-altitude glacial lakes
• Enjoy stunning sunrise views from Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
• See four of the world’s highest mountains: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu
• Explore quiet Sherpa villages like Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo
• Cross scenic suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River
• Walk through rhododendron forests, yak pastures, and icy moraines
• Optional adventure via Cho La Pass to connect with Everest Base Camp
• Experience peaceful trails and less crowded teahouses
• Discover the culture and warm hospitality of the Sherpa people
The Gokyo Trek follows a route similar to the Everest Base Camp trail but then veers west at Namche Bazaar. It leads you into a quieter valley, past beautiful villages like Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo. The highlight of the trek is the Gokyo Lakes—a chain of stunning blue glacial lakes at over 4,700 meters—and the hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m), which offers one of the best panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
It’s less crowded than the EBC trail but equally rewarding.
Most trekkers stay in teahouses, which are small, locally-run lodges along the trail. These provide:
Some teahouses in villages like Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo may offer extra comforts like electric blankets or attached bathrooms. Lodges in Dzongla and other nearby areas also provide rooms, though they may be closed during monsoon and winter.
You’ll be walking 5–7 hours daily, so eating right is essential.
Food on the trail includes:
Water purification tablets or bottles with built-in filters are a must for treating tap or stream water.
Hiring a guide and porter helps make your trek safer and easier:
Packages may include wages, accommodation, meals, and insurance for staff. Booking through a trusted company like Peace Nepal Treks ensures your team is well-equipped and insured.
Why Hire Guide and Porter?
The trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by trekking through:
After reaching Gokyo, you hike up to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for a sunrise view of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and more.
Itinerary Options:
Adventurous trekkers can add Cho La Pass (5,330m) to the route:
These routes are ideal for experienced trekkers looking for remote, high-altitude adventure.
Pack smart with layers and weather protection:
Peace Nepal Treks offers rental gear like sleeping bags and jackets.
You’ll need two permits:
Your agency can help get these in Kathmandu or Lukla.
All trekkers must have insurance covering:
Peace Nepal Treks provides full insurance for guides and porters, covering accidents, illness, and emergency evacuation.
The Everest Gokyo Trek is ideal for trekkers who want fewer crowds, peaceful scenery, and stunning high-altitude lakes. It’s a great mix of culture, nature, and adventure, and perfect for photographers and trekkers of moderate fitness levels.
With the right preparation and support team, your Gokyo experience will be one to remember for a lifetime.
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Need help planning your Gokyo Trek? Peace Nepal Treks offers expert guides, flexible itineraries, and full support. Let us take care of the details so you can enjoy the journey!
During April, May, October, and November, flights to and from Lukla operate from Ramechhap Airport instead of Kathmandu. To catch the flight, we leave Kathmandu early in the morning, around 2 AM, and drive approximately 4 hours by car or shuttle bus to Ramechhap. These months are the peak trekking season, resulting in high air traffic and the shift to Ramechhap.
In other months, flights operate directly between Kathmandu and Lukla, making the journey more convenient.
The trek to Namche Bazar is a steep climb through forests of rhododendron around the Sagarmatha National Park. After crossing several suspension bridges and four hours of walking we reach the Sherpa market of Namche Bazaar.
Spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar, visiting the local market, and enjoying mountain views. Take a short hike to Everest View Hotel for stunning vistas of Everest and nearby peaks, or visit the Sherpa Museum to learn about local culture. This day helps with acclimatization while soaking in the beauty of Namche.
On the journey from Namche Bazaar to Dole, we get to see plenty of rhododendrons, pheasants mountain goats, and musk deers. The uphill trail to Dole consists of long granite staircases built into cliffs. A panoramic view of several peaks, especially Ama Dablam is the main highlight of the day.
The trail climbs via Lhabarma (4,220m) to Luza (4360m) from Dole. The trail is steep sometimes and leads us to Machhermo after a climb along the side of the valley high above the river. The first Yeti sightings in the Khumbu region were reported in Machhermo in 1974.
The Cho Oyu (8,513) peak is best seen from Machhermo and the valley of Kantega below. The trail passes through Pangram (4,390m) and past the Ngozumpa and Longponga glaciers before we finally reach Gokyo at 4,750m.
The Gokyo Ri 5,360M is a small hill rising from the North of a glacier and requires a 3-hour ascent. Once atop the Gokyo Ri, we can see more of Everest magnificently framed by the Makalu, Nuptse, and Changtse.
The trail from Gokyo to Dole is a series of steep climbs as we descend down the valley to reach Machhermo. After lunch at Machhermo, we make our way to Dole and once again are mesmerized by its scenic beauty.
Option: –
If you wish to climb up the Renjo Pass (5,360m) and stay in Marulung (4,210m).
The trail now descends to Namche Bazaar which offers superb views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kwangde peaks. On reaching Shanasa after two hours of pleasant walking and an hour’s rest we continue our journey to Namche.
On our way back, we cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, make our way through steep descends, and walk past numerous tea houses before finally arriving at Lukla.
During April/May and October/November, you can take a short 15-minute flight from Lukla to Ramechhap. These months are when many tourists visit, so Lukla can be quite busy. After landing, we'll drive for about 4 to 5 hours to Kathmandu, where you'll spend the night at a hotel. This marks the beginning and end of your holiday. Thank you for visiting our country and for your support. We're grateful for your visit.
Note: Above holiday itinerary can be customized as our guest specific requirements and can make shorter and longer. We design your holidays accordingly.
Water: Mineral waters are available at all stops during tea house treks (paying your own). You can also use tap water if you choose to use water purification tablets.
Medical support: An emergency first aid kit is carried by the support staff at all times.
Food on tea house trek: During tea house treks our guests pay for their own food (breakfast/lunch/dinner) at the lodge. It can be about USD $25 each day per person. You can choose your own meal as a menu for every tea house.
Choosing the right travel insurance for Everest Gokyo Trek is essential. A good policy should provide you with protection against lost luggage, hijacking, and medical evacuation. In addition, your policy should include coverage for activities in Nepal. You may also want to consider adding a High-Value Item insurance plan to your policy.
The trek is considered moderate to challenging. It includes steep ascents, long walking hours, and high altitudes, making it suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness and determination.
The highest point is Gokyo Ri at 5,360m. It provides incredible panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Previous trekking experience is beneficial but not mandatory. However, being physically fit and prepared for high-altitude trekking is essential. Training with regular hiking or cardio workouts helps.
You will stay in tea houses that offer basic but comfortable lodging with shared rooms and bathrooms. Most tea houses provide warm blankets, but carrying a sleeping bag is recommended.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are the best seasons for the trek, offering stable weather, clear skies, and spectacular mountain views.
Walking durations range from 4 to 7 hours daily, depending on the distance and altitude gain. Some days, like the hike to Gokyo Ri, may take longer.
You’ll need the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and a TIMS card. These are checked at various points during the trek.
Meals include rice, noodles, soups, vegetables, Dal Bhat (a staple Nepali dish), and basic Western options like pasta and pancakes. Freshly cooked meals are provided at tea houses.
Yes, a key acclimatization day is included in Namche Bazaar to help your body adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Travel insurance is mandatory. It should cover high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency evacuation services like helicopter rescue.
Yes, you can buy bottled water or refill your bottle at safe drinking water stations. Carrying a reusable bottle and water purification tablets is a more sustainable option.
Bring warm layers, trekking boots, a daypack, gloves, a beanie, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sleeping bag. A detailed packing list is usually provided before the trek.
Most tea houses offer Wi-Fi and charging facilities for a small fee. Keep a power bank as backup, as electricity can be unreliable at higher altitudes.
While solo trekking is allowed, hiring a guide ensures safety, local knowledge, and navigation. A porter can also be helpful to carry heavy loads.
Yes, you can extend the trek by crossing the Renjo La Pass (5,360m) or combine it with the Everest Base Camp trek for a more adventurous journey.
Safety & Medical
You must have travel insurance before doing the trek.
➡️ Tip: Always carry a copy and email one to your trekking company.
Peace Nepal Treks provides full insurance for guides and porters:
Mid-Sept to early Dec and Mid-March to end of May
Extraordinary294240
Jul 20, 2025
We had a great trip together! trustable person, who advised me very professionally and clearly! I can strongly recommend We had a great trip together! He is a trust ably person. Who advised me very professionally and clearly! I can strongly recommend u him. ... + See more ... - See less
Andi Lapon
Jul 20, 2025
100% trust Oct 2022 • Everest Gokyo Ri_ Renjo Pass Trek I have been using Peace Nepal Treks a couple of times now over the last few years. When going to Nepal, one needs to accept that there will be surprises and things will not always go as planned. And at these moments, Nir and his team have always been there to help me out on the spot! I Can highly recommend them! Andy Lapon Belgium
Oliver
Jul 20, 2025
5-Day tour in the Himalayas starting from Lukla I did that tour with my wife, we met really nice, open people. The landscapes were really amazing and being with the monks in their monastery at 4000m high, it's just a unique experience, that you will never forget. The organization of the trek was really good, food, accommodations and our guide Bill was really nice and helpful in answering all our questions. We did it in March, the weather was great, and we got to see the highest point on Earth! Thanks to all our Nepalese friends, you are really fantastic people!! And the landing in Lukla Airport is just another thing you will keep in mind forever!!
Chris B
Jul 20, 2025
Amazing adventure, incredible guides I was lucky enough to Trek to Everest Gokyo Trek with Peace Nepal Treks, and Nir and his team helped make it one of the best experiences I have ever had. The Khumbu is an incredible region, and the people are equally fantastic. Nir and his team were professional, efficient, and knowledgable, but most importantly, great fun. I had a blast on the trek, despite long and strenuous days on the trail. I will definitely be using them again in the future as I hope ... + See more to do the Annapurna Circuit with my wife someday. ... - See less
BB
Jul 20, 2025
Highlight Mt. Everest It was a great trip, first, the weather was not looking good. But after we arrived in Lukla every day the weather got better and better. The guide was very helpful and knew many facts about the mountains. The view is spectacular and such a trip to Nepal is a must. ... + See more ... - See less
Tahnir
Jul 20, 2025
The best thing about Nepal Nir and his team were by far the best thing about Nepal! Don't get me wrong though, the scenery, food, and culture Peace Nepal Treks shared with us was one of the best experiences I've had in all of my travels to 20+ countries. They supported us on the treks while still challenging us with walks that provided views I can't even begin to describe. Thankfully at the end of the day, we were well-fed to revive us from the hard day's work! I can't speak highly enough of ... + See more this team! ... - See less
Eva F
Jul 20, 2025
Excellent trekking tour operators! Did a Gokyo-Ri trek in Sept 2014 as well as a Chitwan safari and was extremely pleased with the whole experience! Very fun and professional guides, excellent and flexible itineraries, and competitive pricing! This is a reputable family-owned company that is run by really great, genuine people! Will book a trek with this company again in the future. ... + See more ... - See less
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