• Duration: 16 Days
  • Diffculty: Strenuous 
  • Best Time: October-May
  • Max. Altitude: 5,360 m

Explore the Less Trodden Gokyo Lakes Trek in the Everest Region

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is an exciting adventure in the Everest region. It's a less-trodden, unique journey that takes you to some fantastic places. This trek leads you to Gokyo Ri and across the Renjo La pass. It makes a circular path that connects Gokyo with the Bhotekoshi Valley. It's a great alternative to the more famous Everest Base Camp trek. You'll find hidden valleys and stunning blue lakes shining like jewels along the way. Massive glaciers and spectacular mountains surround these sacred lakes. It's like a dream come true for hikers.

From Gokyo to Bhote Koshi via Renjo

The plan for the Gokyo Lakes Trek is carefully designed. We take you through the quieter parts of the Everest region. You'll start by exploring the Gokyo to Bhote Koshi Valley in Khumbu. Your journey begins with a flight to Lukla from Ramechap airport. We hike along the Dudh Koshi River to Namche Bazaar. Then, you'll keep trekking to Gokyo Lakes through Dole and Machermmo. We walk through the rhododendron and conifer forests to reach Gokyo. These sacred and vibrating lakes used to be home to yak herders. The Renjo La Pass is a fantastic sport to see four of the world's highest peaks. Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, and Everest - towering above the glistening lakes.

We cross the Renjo pass at 5385 meters on our own to Bhote Koshi Valley. This valley has a history as a trade route between Nepal and Tibet. You might even meet Tibetan traders here. When you explore Thame, you'll see untouched views of the Himalayas. We descend to Lukla via Namche to end the journey to Gokyo Lakes Trek.

Safety, Food, and Places to Stay on Gokyo Lakes Trek

Safety is super important during the Gokyo Lakes Trek. We make sure both the people trekking and our team are safe. We carry an oxygen cylinder and a medical kit to keep you safe. Plus, a medically trained guide will lead you over the Renjo pass. You'll stay in local tea houses with private twin-bedded rooms. Our guide will make sure you get delicious and safe meals. That meal includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trek.

Trip in Nutshell

  • Hike to the less-trodden pristine Gokyo lakes
  • The best alternative for the EBC trek
  • View Mt Everest and explore the Sherpa culture
  • Great view from the Gokyo Ri
  • Full board meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on trek
  • Medically trained trek guide with a first aid kit
  • Lukla flight and trek permits
  • Trek gear for use, like a sleeping bag and parka
  • Complimentary trek Duffle bag, T-shirt, and trek map

Trip map

Gokyo Lakes Trek map

Itinerary

Your designated Group Leader will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. Relax and take pleasure in the fun of driving through unfamiliar roads.

  • Short preliminary briefing after transferring you to the hotel.
  • Arriving early allows you to explore Kathmandu.
  • Welcome dinner and get to know each other.
  • Cultural city tour and trek gear checking before flying to Lukla
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Altitude1340 m

We hike to Phakding for 3 hours once we landed at Lukla. A spectacular view of the stunning Dudh Koshi gorge, landscape, and deep valley is unique.

  • Fly in a twin-otter plane to a small Lukla airport at 2,840m.
  • A beautiful walk through the series of stunning settlements.
  • The scenic beauty, deep gorge, and farming terraces at the backdrop are phenomenal.
  • Overnight stay at a tea house at Phakding. 

One great adventure of a lifetime. Although long hours walk, it's far more than just trekking. Give time to adapt your body to thin air. It's not a matter of proving your physical strength, and it's more about taking pleasure with steady ascend.

  • Wake up call as set by your leader.
  • A three-hour gentle walk through a series of pleasant villages to Jorsale for lunch.
  • The crossing of 5 high suspension bridges is daring.
  • The scenic beauty, deep gorge, and soaring cliffs at the backdrop are phenomenal.
  • Great view of Kusum Kangroo, Thamserku, and Holy Khumbiyela mountain
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Altitude3440 m

A short and relaxing walk to the “Valley inside the Clouds,” Khumjung. It is situated at the base of the holy mountain Khumbiyela, which is exceptionally sensational.

  • 2:30 hours easy walk.
  • Visit Yak Farm, a school built by Edmund Hillary, and Khumjung Monastery to witness the scalp of the yeti is another legendary quest.
  • Free afternoon to give yourself a break for some activities.

One of the best trails leads you Dole to the valley of Gokyo.

  • Beautiful ascending trail taking you to the ridge of Mong La, a village with the oldest Stupa.
  • Breathtaking view of the towering mountain to your right.
  • First view of the 6th highest mountain in the world, Cho-Oyu.
  • Despite Dole being a small settlement, it is simply fabulous.

Trek to Machhermo is another easy and short day via Dole 

  • You would witness the legends of the Yeti incident around the 70s.
  • Despite going higher away from the tree-line area, it is purely marvelous.
  • New peaks like Kyojo Ri (6,168 m) and Machhermo Peak (6,073 m) shoot up, which is stunning.
  • You have a free afternoon to explore or join the activities prompted by your leader.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D
  • Altitude4040 m

Next fabulous day that offers you outstanding mountain views together with a dazzling series of turquoise-blue glacial lakes.

  • Effortless walk, but the altitude makes a difference, with a more comprehensive trail and stunning views.
  • The beauty of witnessing the blue lakes is simply out of this world.
  • Gokyo is situated by the side of the third big lake, and Cho Oyu at the backdrop is very comforting.
  • The contentment of being there is worthwhile.

Nest morning a very challenging day to summit Gokyo Ri for the most exceptional view of Everest and its neighboring peaks.

  • If you could reach the top for sunrise, it's magnificent.
  • This rewarding morning will indeed explain why it's the ultimate holiday.
  • After breakfast tracking back to Dole is entertaining, and you see things you missed while ascending.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D
  • Altitude4754 m

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D
  • Altitude3440 m

  • Accommodationhotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340 m

Detail daily trekking route info on Gokyo Ri Trek in Everest.

What's Included
  • Airport Pick up as on the trip plan.
  • Group welcome dinner - local cuisine
  • Half-day City tour in Kathmandu
  • 03 Nights Standard hotel on twin share with Breakfast in Kathmandu.
  • Ta house on twin share private room on the trek
  • Full board meals (breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 
  • All Domestic flights and airport taxes as on the trek plan.
  • Free use of quality trekking gear - sleeping bag, down jacket, etc.
  • Oxygen cylinder with medical kit for safety on the trek.
  • Trek guide and porters with required equipment and insurance.
  • Complimentary trek Duffle bag, T-shirts, and trek map
  • VDC Trekking permit, Everest national park entry fees.
What's Excluded
  • Nepal Visa fees
  • Flight ex Kathmandu.
  • Your Travel Insurance
  • Drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Beverage Drinks on a trek
  • Tips to the trek crew
  • Phone calls, hot shower, internet, laundry, etc.

Dates & Availability

March Departure
     
Start DateStart DateMarch 31, 2024End DateEnd DateApril 15, 2024StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS$1950
Customer Reviews
  • P
    Paula Walsh 5.0AustraliaNovember 02, 2014logo
    Company was very professional and very helpful

    I highly recommend Mountain Monarch for trekking in the Himalayas. The company was very professional, and Pradip was very helpful before the trek by answering questions via email promptly and organizing further travel plans after the trek. The sleeping bags and down jackets provided were super warm (and I am from North Queensland, where it is summer all year round). The guides and porters were fantastic, always putting safety first and very knowledgeable about the local area. A very friendly team that I will use again for my next Himalayan Adventure.

  • D
    Dan Walters 5.0AustraliaOctober 16, 2014logo
    Great memories of this awesome trip

    “My partner and I spent 3 weeks trekking in the Khumbu region of Nepal, guided by Mountain Monarch Adventures. From start to finish, Pradip and the team at MMA exceeded our expectations throughout the trip, and every aspect was organized and handled with the utmost professionalism, efficiency, and expertise. Our experienced lead guide Dipen Rai was exceptional, ensuring that we arrived at our target, acclimatized, happy, safe, and well. Likewise, our assistant guide Gyan and porters worked tirelessly throughout.
    My partner and I will have nothing but great memories of this fantastic trip. We highly recommend the services of Mountain Monarch Adventures to anyone considering a guided trek in Nepal” Pradip, Dipen, and the MMA team, thanks for everything!! Dan & Karen Oct 2014.

  • E
    Ethel 5.0United StatesOctober 17, 2013logo
    Enjoyable Experience

    We recently completed a trip with MM and, despite the unusually challenging snow conditions, had a delightful experience. Our guide Nima was very knowledgeable and patient while we took endless photos of the beautiful scenery. He was always available for any assistance we may have needed, including during the night. He also carried an oxygen cylinder in his rucksack in case we needed extra help. Our two porters, MJ & JB, were always cheery and happy to help.
    We also had a birthday celebration on top of Gokyo Ri with hot chocolate and cookies!
    We would have no hesitation in using MM again and would recommend anyone looking to arrange a trekking/climbing adventure in the area to look no further than MM.

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