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Himalaya Extreme Adventure Himalaya Extreme Adventure
Trekking

Gokyo Lake Trekking

  • Duration: 15 Days
  • Max altitude: 5550 M
  • Group size: 2+
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Best season: Autumn / Spring / Winter

Accommodation: Tea House / Camping

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a high-altitude trekking route in the Everest region that follows the Gokyo Valley, using ancient Sherpa trails that lead to the glacial lakes and the viewpoint of Gokyo Ri (5,360 m).

The itinerary is designed with a well-balanced altitude progression, including specific acclimatization days, allowing the trek to be
completed safely, gradually, and comfortably.

Gokyo Lake Trekking

Itinerary

  1. Arrival in Kathmandu

    Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and private transfer to the hotel. Free time to rest and recover from the journey.

    1400 m

  2. Kathmandu · Cultural visit & possible flight to Lukla

    Optional cultural sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley with private vehicle and driver (entrance fees to monuments not included). Depending on flight availability and weather conditions, the flight to Lukla may operate on this day. If flying: arrival in Lukla (2,840 m) and start of the trek to Phakding (2,610 m). If the flight does not operate on this day, the program continues in Kathmandu with a trek briefing and welcome dinner, and the flight is rescheduled for the following day.

  3. Flight to Lukla & Trek to Phakding

    Early morning flight to Lukla (subject to weather conditions). Start of the trek following the Dudh Koshi River valley to Phakding.

  4. Phakding → Namche Bazaar

    Trek through suspension bridges and forested trails to Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Khumbu region.

    3440 m

  5. Namche Bazaar · Acclimatization day

    Acclimatization hike to panoramic viewpoints (Everest View area). Time to explore Namche Bazaar.

  6. Namche Bazaar → Dole

    Gradual ascent through rhododendron and birch forests.

    4200 m

  7. Dole → Machhermo

    Scenic trekking day with open valley views.

    4470 m

  8. Machhermo · Acclimatization day

    Rest and gentle acclimatization walks at altitude.

  9. Machhermo → Gokyo

    Trek alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach the stunning Gokyo Lakes.

    4790 m

  10. Gokyo Ri → Dole

    Early morning ascent of Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse. Descent and trek back to Dole.

    5360 m

  11. Dole → Khumjung

    Descent through traditional Sherpa villages. Local cultural experience.

    3780 m

  12. Khumjung → Monjo

    Descend through forests and suspension bridges following the Dudh Koshi River.

    2835 m

  13. Monjo → Lukla

    Final day of trekking back to Lukla. Farewell celebration with the local trekking team.

  14. Flight Lukla → Kathmandu

    Return flight to Kathmandu (subject to weather conditions). Private transfer to the hotel. Free time in Kathmandu.

  15. Departure from Kathmandu

    Breakfast at the hotel and private transfer to the international airport for departure.

Included / Not Included

Not Included

✈️ International flights

🛂 Nepal entry visa

🛡️ Mandatory travel insurance including high-altitude rescue coverage

🍽️ Meals not specified in Kathmandu

🚿 Hot showers in Tea Houses

📶 Wi-Fi during the trek

🔌 Charging electronic devices in lodges (sometimes available at extra cost)

🥤 Additional drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, specialty coffee)

💰 Tips for guides, porters, and staff

🎒 Personal trekking equipment

📦 Any service not explicitly mentioned in “Included”

Included

🚐 Transportation & Transfers
• Private airport transfers in Kathmandu
• Domestic flights and/or road transfers depending on weather and operational conditions

🏨 Accommodation
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
• Carefully selected mountain Tea Houses during the trek

🍽️ Meals
• Full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
• Celebration dinner with the team at the end of the trek

💧 Hydration
• 1 liter of drinking water per person per day during trekking

🧭 Professional Mountain Team
• Certified trekking guide with strong safety experience
• Experienced porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
• Maximum porter load: 15 kg per participant

Trek details & Safety

Essentials

Difficulty level

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a moderate to challenging high-altitude trek suitable for participants with good physical fitness.

No technical climbing skills are required, but trekkers should be comfortable hiking 5–7 hours per day on mountain trails with sustained ascents and uneven terrain.

The trek reaches elevations of around 5,360 m at Gokyo Ri, where altitude and consecutive trekking days increase the overall challenge.

Altitude Awareness

This trek reaches elevations above 5,000 m, with Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) as the highest point.

The itinerary follows gradual altitude gain and acclimatization to support safe adaptation to high altitude.

Trekkers are advised to maintain good hydration and steady pacing. Mild symptoms such as headache or fatigue may occasionally occur.

Our experienced Sherpa guides monitor trekkers’ condition throughout the journey, including oxygen saturation checks when necessary.

Guide & Sherpa support

All treks are led by certified local guides and experienced Sherpa teams who manage the route, daily logistics, and safety throughout the journey. Their deep knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and mountain conditions ensures a safe and authentic Himalayan trekking experience.

Packing list

Recommended Packing List for High Altitude Trekking

Below is a recommended packing list for high altitude trekking in the Himalayas (up to approximately 5,500 m). Temperatures can be very cold, especially in the early morning and at night, so it is important to bring layered clothing suitable for cold, wind and changing mountain weather conditions.

Clothing

  • Long-sleeve shirts (2–3)
  • Lightweight trekking shirts (1–2) – preferably merino wool or synthetic fabrics
  • Fleece jacket or warm insulating layer
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Trekking pants (2 pairs) – at least one wind-resistant
  • Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
  • Thermal leggings
  • Underwear (3–4 pairs)
  • Warm hat or beanie
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Technical mountain gloves for cold temperatures
  • Buff or neck gaiter

Footwear

  • Hiking boots (already used and comfortable, Gore-Tex recommended)
  • Comfortable shoes or sneakers for the lodge
  • Trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
  • Warm socks (2 pairs)

Trekking Gear

  • Daypack (30–40 L)
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Sunglasses (UV protection – Category 4 recommended)
  • Water bottles (minimum capacity of 2 liters)
  • Thermal bottle
  • Rain cover for backpack
  • Rain jacket or waterproof shell
  • Dry bags / waterproof bags for protecting clothing and equipment
  • Optional: gaiters (useful in snow or muddy conditions)

Personal Equipment

  • Sleeping bag (minimum rating -15°C recommended, warmer is also fine)
  • Personal basic first aid kit
  • Water purification tablets or portable water filter
  • Sunscreen SPF 50
  • Lip balm with sun protection
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toilet paper
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Small bag for personal waste

Personal First Aid (Recommended)

  • Personal medication
  • Pain relief tablets
  • Blister treatment
  • Diamox (only if prescribed by your doctor)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Rehydration salts – Electrolytes

Documents & Money

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance covering high altitude trekking and helicopter rescue
  • Copies of passport and insurance documents
  • Cash for the trek (ATMs and card payments are not available in many trekking regions)

Optional Items

  • Mobile phone
  • Camera
  • Power bank / portable charger
  • Earphones / headphones
  • Personal journal or book
  • Snacks or energy bars

Important Notes

  • Each participant should carry a daypack with essential personal items during the trek.
  • The rest of the luggage will be transported by porters or yaks depending on the itinerary.
  • Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly – always keep warm layers and rain protection in your daypack.

Safety Measures

Your safety is our top priority throughout the trek. Our itineraries are designed to allow proper acclimatization, and our certified guides monitor participants daily for altitude-related symptoms.

  • First aid kit
  • Oximetry monitoring
  • Emergency oxygen
  • Travel insurance required

Important travel information

Important travel information

Himalayan travel takes place in a dynamic mountain environment where weather and trail conditions may vary. For safety reasons, minor itinerary adjustments may occasionally be necessary. Himalaya Extreme Adventure always prioritizes safety, comfort, and the best possible mountain experience.

More information

Visa Information

Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.

The tourist visa can be arranged:

  • On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • At major land border crossings into Nepal
  • In advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country

Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.

To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.

It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.

In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.

Tourist Visa Fees

  • 15 days: $30 USD
  • 30 days: $50 USD
  • 90 days: $125 USD

Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.

Indian Citizens

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.

Travel Information

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.

We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:

  • Medical expenses abroad
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Mountain accidents
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Loss or delay of luggage

Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Altitude Coverage

For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.

For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.

Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.

Important Information

Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.

Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.

Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.

As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:

  • Porters: around $8–10 USD per day
  • Guides / Sherpa Guides: around $10–15 USD per day

Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.

Personal First Kit

Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.

It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.

A personal first aid kit may include, for example:

  • Personal medication
  • Basic pain relief medication
  • Medication for digestive problems
  • Bandages or basic supplies for minor wounds
  • Sunscreen and lip protection

We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.

Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.

Ready to experience the Himalayas?

Join a carefully crafted trek designed for those seeking silence, vast landscapes, and a deep connection with the mountains.

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What Our Adventurers Say

Real stories from the peaks of Nepal

Our past travelers share the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made their Himalayan journey truly extraordinary.

★★★★★
Martin legault Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Canada
Professionnal guide Big experience Have a respect every place during the treck Everything is on control with Pasang. I recommended a 150%
★★★★★
Stephen Tindall Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp UK
I can honestly say I cannot recommend Pasang enough, I had the best time ever. Pasang is very knowledgeable and has so much passion about what he does. Throughout my trek I felt safe, and very welcomed. Pasang has become a life long friend, what…
★★★★★
Otávio Marcacini Everest Base Camp Trekking Brazil
Great guide, I strongly recommend! He knows a lot about the culture and knows many people. Also, I had the opportunity to have lunch at the EBC with others sherpas, nice experience… Thanks Pasang for guiding me during the EBC trekking!
★★★★★
Jensen Lodge Island Peak Climbling UK
Myself and a pal from Mountain Rescue England and Wales decided to go to Nepal and see the spectacular Himalayan Peaks. They didn’t disappoint. I have done a lot of mountaineering in Europe, Mont Blan, Gran Paradiso Etc. but these are next level…literally. The altitude…
★★★★★
Wayne Storey Island Peak Climbling UK
Had a great experience with Pasang on our Everest base camp and Island Peak trek. Very knowledgeable and friendly and great communication skills 👌

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Gokyo Lake Trekking