Gokyo Lakes Trek Guide 2027: Route, Permits, Best Season and Cost

The Gokyo Lakes trek follows the Everest route to Namche Bazaar, then turns north up the quieter Dudh Koshi valley via Phortse and Machhermo to Gokyo. The turquoise lakes sit beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal, and the climb to Gokyo Ri (about 5,357 m) gives a wide panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Our plan is 15 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with a rest day at Namche and a flexible day at Gokyo.

The short version

• Highest point: Gokyo Ri, about 5,357 m. Highest sleeping altitude: Gokyo, about 4,750 to 4,800 m
• Our trip: 15 days from Kathmandu, flying Kathmandu to Lukla and back
• Distance: roughly 90 to 100 km on foot
• Difficulty: moderate to challenging. Non-technical, no passes on the main route; altitude is the main challenge, with several nights above 4,000 m
• Walking: 3 to 7 hours a day
• Best seasons: March to May and late September to November. Winter is cold and the lakes freeze; the monsoon brings rain and cloud
• Permits: Sagarmatha National Park and local municipality permits; a licensed guide is usually required. We arrange them
• Our price: from US$1,785 per person (final price confirmed by us), 20% deposit to secure the booking

Our 15-day route, day by day

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (about 1,350 m). Briefing and permits.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (about 2,840 m), trek to Phakding (about 2,610 m). 3 to 4 hours.

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m). 5 to 6 hours.

Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche. Optional hike toward Everest View, Khumjung and Khunde, up to about 3,880 m.

Day 5: Namche to Phortse (about 3,810 m). 5 to 6 hours.

Day 6: Phortse to Machhermo (about 4,470 m). 5 to 6 hours.

Day 7: Machhermo to Gokyo (about 4,750 to 4,800 m). Past the first lakes and over the Ngozumpa moraine. 4 to 5 hours.

Day 8: Gokyo Ri sunrise (about 5,357 m), then the lakes. 4 to 5 hours.

Day 9: Fifth lake (about 4,990 m) and back to Gokyo. A flexible day, also a weather spare.

Day 10: Gokyo to Dole (about 4,040 m). 5 to 6 hours.

Day 11: Dole to Namche (about 3,440 m). 6 to 7 hours.

Day 12: Namche to Lukla (about 2,850 m). 6 to 7 hours.

Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu (about 1,350 m).

Day 14: Spare day in Kathmandu. A buffer for Lukla flight delays.

Day 15: Departure.

Altitudes vary by source, so treat them as approximate.

Gokyo Ri and the glacier

Gokyo Ri is a non-technical but steep climb of about 550 m above the village, usually 2 to 3 hours. Starting early gives better light and calmer weather. On the way to Gokyo the trail passes moraine walls and ice ponds on the Ngozumpa Glacier. The lakes sit at about 4,700 to 5,000 m and are recognised as an important wetland.

Cho La and Renjo La

They are not part of our standard plan. From Gokyo you can cross Cho La to join the Everest Base Camp route, or continue to Renjo La. These add days and effort. We can plan a longer version on request; see our Three High Passes trek.

How hard is it?

Moderate to challenging. Gradual days up the valley and the Namche rest day help, but altitude is the main challenge. Drink plenty of water, walk slowly, and tell your guide at once about headaches, nausea or breathlessness. Lodges are simple teahouses with basic twin rooms and shared toilets; rooms are cold at Machhermo and Gokyo, and meals and showers cost more higher up. Pack a warm down jacket, thermal layers, gloves, a hat and a sleeping bag rated to about -15°C.

Permits you need

Sagarmatha National Park and local municipality permits are required, and a licensed guide is usually required, hired through a registered agency. We arrange these. Our Nepal trekking permits guide explains permits in general.

Best time to go

March to May and late September to November. See our best time to trek in Nepal guide.

What does it cost?

Our 15-day Gokyo Lakes trek starts from US$1,785 per person, Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with the final price confirmed by us. A 20% deposit secures the booking. Check that your travel insurance covers trekking to at least 6,000 m, medical treatment and helicopter evacuation.

Other Himalayan routes

For a remote restricted-area route, see our Upper Mustang guide. For a longer classic walk, see the Annapurna Circuit guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gokyo easier than Everest Base Camp?

Similar effort. The lower part is gentler, but Gokyo is a high sleeping point. It is quieter, and many people find the Gokyo Ri view better than the Base Camp view.

Do I need a guide and permits?

Usually yes. We arrange both.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. It should cover trekking to at least 6,000 m, medical treatment and helicopter evacuation.

What if the Lukla flight is delayed?

Day 14 is a spare day in Kathmandu as a buffer before your international flight.

Ready to plan it? See the Gokyo Lakes Trek package, or message us on WhatsApp +81 70 2232 4287.