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.
| SN | Start Date | Trip Duration | Cost Per Person | Availability | Join Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026-05-07 | 11 Days | Available | Book Now |
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
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