Gokyo Lake Trek 10 Days

Gokyo lake trek is a famous trek route in the Everest region. Trekking to the mesmerizing Gokyo lakes is once a lifetime thing. Trekking to the turquoise lakes amidst the gigantic Himalayas; Gokyo trek is a dream.

Gokyo lake is a less crowded trekking destination (compared to Everest base camp). If you are somebody who is trying to find a trekking destination in Everest with fewer trekkers, opt for Gokyo lake trek. Trekking to the tranquil Gokyo valley, Gokyo Ri, and the stunning Gokyo lakes is wow!.

This trek is not just about “Gokyo” but about the “entire Everest experience”. Trekking through the picturesque villages in Everest, you can enroll with the amazing culture and traditions in Everest. Learning about their day to day life, their sources of income, and their social lives is pretty interesting.

The trekking trails to Gokyo are naturally fascinating. You will be trekking through the lowlands, lush jungles, green hills to the alpine landscapes with dwarf trees, and to the snow-covered arid landscapes. You’ll be walking through the varying topography. Walking across amazing views of the giant Himalayas is heart soothing.

Also, you will be trekking through amazing glaciers and flushing river like Dudh-Kosi. Moreover, you’ll see the diverse plants and wildlife species at Sagarmatha National Park.

So, Gokyo isn’t about trekking up to Gokyo Ri, 5357 meters. You will be trekking to the five amazing lakes at the highest altitudes. You will see the astounding Himalayan panoramas from your proximity. Also, you can get an insight into the socio-economic aspect and basic life of the Sherpas.

Related article: Gokyo Trek Cost

Gokyo Lake Trek Highlights

• The scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back
• The five Gokyo lakes
• The tranquil Gokyo valley
• Sunrise view from Gokyo Ri
• Incredible Himalayan views of Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, Mt Cho Oyu, etc
• Unique Sherpa traditions and culture in the Everest region

Best Time for 10 Days Gokyo Lake Trek

Autumn (September, October, and November) is the most popular time of the year for Gokyo lake trekking. During Autumn, you can trek to Gokyo lakes under favorable weather and temperature. Also, the surrounding vistas will be great.

Spring (March, April, and May) is the second-best time of the year for the Gokyo lake trek. During this time, the weather will remain stable. Along with that, the temperature at higher altitudes will also remain favorable for trekking.

Winter and Summer are offseasons to trek. These times are less popular because the weather in Everest keeps varying during these times. To do Gokyo valley trekking in off-seasons, you should prepare hard. Plan the trek investing your time on researches.

Difficulties During 10 Days Gokyo Lake Trek

• The altitude is something you should be really careful about. Beware of altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water. Walk slowly and gradually.
• Keep an eye on the current weather in Gokyo valley and Everest region. Make sure that the weather is fair and stable. Buy all the gears that will be necessary for the trek.
• Physical injuries might occur while you trek in the rugged trails of Gokyo. So, make sure you walk carefully. Do not forget to carry your own first aid kit.
• Walking continuously in the rugged and remote trails can be tiring sometimes. Make sure you set a healthy mentality while you go. You should believe in you, “You can do it”.
• For first-timers, altitude and hard works in Gokyo trek can be tough. However, you can solve this by doing training and exercises. It’s better you boost your physique and do aerobic exercises as soon as you start planning for the trek.

Outline Itinerary of Gokyo Lake Trek 10 Days

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,610 m). Trek to Phakding (2810 m)

Highest Altitude: 2810 meters

Flight Duration: 40 to 45 minutes

Trek Duration: 4 hours

On this day, you will be flying from Kathmandu to Lukla in a domestic plane. The flight is scenic and exciting. The morning flights are wonderful as you can see the incredible views of the wonderful Himalayas from the window.

After landing in Lukla, you will be trekking over the flatly descending trails towards Phakding. Following the twists and turns of Dudh Kosi river, you will reach there. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche (3,450m)

Highest Altitude: 3450 meters

Trek Duration: 6 hours

On this day, you will be traversing through the wonderful trails in Everest towards Namche Bazar. Namche is the most popular name in the Everest region. The trekking trail is difficult than on the previous day. There are many ascents and lots of thrilling suspension bridges to conquer.

You will be walking through the small villages like Monjo and Jhorsale to Namche. Trust me, you will not forget crossing the Hilary suspension bridge, the highest and longest one en route.

The day is long and tiring, yet rewarding. After the tough ascent before Namche, you will see the most satisfying view of Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche town.

You may also like to read: Namche to Gokyo Trek

Day 03: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar.

Acclimatization day is the day when you walk out to say a “Hi!” to the high altitude weather. Be friends with the thinning air and decreasing temperature.

For acclimatization, you will be hiking to the Hotel Everest View. This hotel is the highest placed hotel. There, you can enjoy your breakfast watching the Everest lining with a number of other Himalayas.

Some trekkers want to take a tour around Khumjung village as well. If you want that, you can visit Khumjung after Everest View Hotel and walk back to Namche. But, Namche to Everest View Hotel is good. It’s good that you don’t try to overdo and walk all day long.

Day 04: Trek from Namche to Dole (4200m)

Highest Altitude: 4200 meters

Trek Duration: 4 hours

The trek from Namche to Dole is as exciting as yesterday’s walk. The trail is flat and easy upto Mong, where you can have your lunch. From there, the trail to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake separates. And there is a pass: Mong La.

You will be walking through the shades of beautiful trees. The trail is rugged and dusty. But the amazing Himalayas portraying the incredible views are unbelievable. They’ll keep energizing you. Walk slowly enjoying everything that you see.

Overnight at a teahouse in Dole.

Day 05: Trek to Machhermo (4470m)

Highest Altitude: 4470 meters

Trek Duration: 4 hours

Relishing the amazing Himalayan vistas. Today, you will be following the Gokyo lake trekking trail to Macchermo. The trail is an uphill trail. You should climb slowly and gradually to Macchermo. Drink plenty of water. You should take care of your health. You are going above 4500 which is a big thing.

You can walk around exploring Macchermo in the evening. Breathe the thin air in, this is a sort of acclimatization. There are a lot of experienced trekkers who say this. Overnight at a lodge in Macchermo.

Day 06: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4790m)

Highest Altitude: 4790 meters

Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Today, you will not be gaining a huge elevation, however, you are going high. So, it’s necessary that you hydrate yourself and rest at times while you trek.

Finally, you’ll be trekking to the tranquil Gokyo valley today. The trail is amazing and the terrain is uniquely amazing. You will see wonderful Himalayan vistas. The Gokyo village is a lovely village that has the Gokyo Third lake: Dudh Pokhari in its front yard.

At the village, there are few lodges and teahouses. You will be staying overnight there.

Day 07: Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5360m). Trek back to Machermo

Highest Altitude: 5360 meters

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Gokyo Ri (Peak) is the famous viewpoint in Gokyo valley trek. Early in the morning, you will be trekking to Gokyo Ri. From the top, you will see a charismatic sunrise view over the great snowy peaks. From there, you will also see the turquoise blue Gokyo lakes and the Gokyo village itself.

After spending incredible time there, you will trek back to your lodge in Gokyo village. From there, pick your bags and get ready to trek back to Macchermo. Hiking back is easy and is highly enjoyable.

Overnight in Macchermo.

Day 08: Trek from Machermo to Namche (3,450m)

Highest Altitude: 4790 meters at Macchermo

Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours

From Macchermo, we will trek back to the heart of Khumbu, Namche Bazaar. Yes, the trail is longer. But, it is easier since you can walk without having to worry about altitude sickness. But there are lots of trekkers who get injured on their way back. So, even if the walk is easy, you must walk carefully. Relish the incredible Himalayan vistas around while you trek back.

At Namche, you might not want to keep staying in your hotel room. Namche is such a beautiful town at 3450 meters. So, walk around exploring the market. Carry your wallet with you. You might want to go to a cafe and have a cup of tea. Or you might want to go to a bar and drink.

Enjoy your moment. Overnight in Namche.

Day 09: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,850m)

Highest Altitude: 3450 meters in Namche

Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours

It’s a long day today. You already know how far you are from Lukla. You should begin descending the steep trail from Namche to Hilary suspension bridge. The earlier you start, it will be much easier. The trails will not be so busy and the porters and Donkeys will not make you wait on the trail.

Walking through the amazing trails, you will be walking through small villages, jungles, and over Dudh Kosi on thrilling suspension bridges. You can have lunch at any places on your way back.

After a long and tiring day, Lukla is a pleasant place to stay. Though Lukla is a small town, you will still find amazing hotels, cafes, and shops there. If you want, you can buy some mementos for your families, friends, and loves ones.

Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel

Flight Duration: 40 to 45 minutes

It’s your final day in Everest. Early in the morning, you will fly back to Kathmandu. (if the weather is good. Sometimes even in peak seasons, bad weather or strong winds will get your flight delayed. Wait patiently till the flight can take off.)

After returning to Kathmandu, we will escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Lastly,

If you haven’t seen Gokyo valley and Gokyo lakes, you haven’t seen heaven. It does not matter whether you are from any part of the world. You can come and trek to Gokyo. If you have previous trekking experiences at altitudes, good for you. But even if you don’t, there’s nothing to worry about. Good planning and preparations will always leads towards success. Be confident in yourself and choose to do Gokyo lake trek on your next holiday.

If you need any additional information on trekking and touring in Nepal, contact us. Exciting Nepal is a renowned trekking agency in Nepal that you can trust. We conduct many treks and tours in different parts of Nepal.