How to Reach Gokyo Lakes in Everest Region

Most people wonder how to reach Gokyo Lakes in the Everest region. This question arises due to the allure of Gokyo Lake, as it is one of the great destinations to see pristine turquoise lakes, glaciers and breathtaking views of the Everest region.

Gokyo Lakes trek is a fantastic alternative to the famous Everest Base Camp trek.

There are several ways to reach Gokyo Lakes in the Everest region. And, despite the route you choose to trek, you will enjoy the adventure and the magnificent views that this trek has to offer.

When you reach Gokyo Lakes, it offers perfect views of four of the highest mountains in the world namely Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and many others.

You will experience the scenic beauty of the Gokyo lake draped in the Himalayan backdrop.

And one of the highlights of the trek is the adventurous ascent of Gokyo Ri standing at an altitude of 5357 meter that is 17575 feet.

From here you will get amazing panoramic views of the snow topped mountains and sight of Ngozumpa- Nepal’s largest glacier.

Now allow us to get into details on how to reach Gokyo Lakes in Everest region.

How to Reach Gokyo Lakes in Everest Region?

When you’re thinking about going to Gokyo Lakes, it’s crucial to pick the way you want to travel. You have two choices: take a beautiful flight or go on an adventure on foot. It’s necessary to know the good and not-so-good things about each option before you decide.

In this part of the guide, we’ll tell you about both ways of traveling. Here, you will find what’s best for you, considering what you like and what you need.

Primary Transportation Options To Reach Gokyo Lakes

There are several ways to reach Gokyo lake. You can either choose to take a flight or helicopter to Lukla or take a bus ride to Jiri from Kathmandu then walk to Gokyo Lakes.

The journey from Jiri to Gokyo Lake is challenging, but it’s a scenic journey through the heart of the Himalayas.
Kathmandu to Gokyo Lake distance is important for trekkers as it determines their starting point in the Gokyo region.

Kathmandu to Lukla by Flight

If you choose to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the duration of the flight is about 35 minutes. Your flight starts from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu during off seasons and from Ramechap Airpor in peak seasons.

This will save your time and energy. The flight cost to Lukla, each way, is about USD 225 per person.

Kathmandu to Lukla by Helicopter

A helicopter to Lukla costs about 3000 USD for group size up to 5 people. Sometimes due to the flight cancellations, many trekkers choose the helicopter flight to Lukla.

Sometimes you can fly at around USD 500 per person. And even a lower price is possible around USD 350 per person depending on the circumstances and availability of helicopters.

Kathmandu to Jiri by Land

To go to Jiri from Kathmandu, you can get an express bus or local bus. Bus leaves from the old bus station at Ratna Park early in the morning every day from 6 to 8 am. The cost of the local bus is about USD 10 to 15.

Kathmandu to Jiri by bus will take you around 8 hours though it is just 190 kilometers away from Kathmandu.

You can also take a private vehicle to Jiri but that can be expensive and will cost around Nepali Rupees 25000.

Using this traditional way of moving things not only helps practically but also makes the trek more cultural. Watching big animals like yaks and skilled porters moving through the rough land can be really amazing.

Itinerary to Reach Gokyo Lakes via Lukla

First, you will take a 35 minutes adventurous flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and begin your Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri trek. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, you deviate from the Everest base camp route and take the less crowded route towards Dole.

The Gokyo Lake trek is a great chance for people in Nepal to enjoy the beautiful nature around. It’s not expensive, so it’s a good option for those with a tight budget. 

As you trek through the pretty Gokyo area, you can see amazing mountain views, charming villages, and stunning Gokyo Lakes. This trek is easy to get to and is a must for anyone who loves exploring the amazing places in Nepal.

The route takes you through various settlements such as Thame, Monjo, and Machhermo. Finally, you will reach the Gokyo valley. Here the valley welcomes you with its shimmering lakes that will literally blow your mind.

You will then take the chance to explore four to five Gokyo lakes among the six. Dudh Pokhari, Thonak Tso and Ngozumpa Tso are the main attraction of the Gokyo valley.

Likewise, you will climb up to the Gokyo Ri and get mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. You then explore the Ngozumpa Glacier.

After embracing the moment well you return back the same route and fly back to Kathmandu.

Suggested trekking itinerary to Reach Gokyo Lakes in Everest Region is as follows:

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2652m,3-4hrs)

Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m, 6-7 hrs)

Day 03: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, Hike to Everest View Hotel

Day 04: Trek to Dole ( 4200m. 5-6 hrs)

Day 05: Trek to Machhermo (4470m, 4-5 hrs)

Day 06: Machhermo to Gokyo (4800, 5-6 hrs )

Day 07: Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day –4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes Hike,5-6 Hrs

Day 08: Hike Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft) and trek back to Dole,5-6 Hrs

Day 09: Dole to Namche Bazaar,6-7 Hrs

Day 10: Namche Bazaar to Lukla,5-6 Hrs

Day 11: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

Itinerary to Reach Gokyo Lake via Phaplu

It is your choice if you want to take a bus ride till Phaplu or go further to Tham Danda. Taking bus till Tham Danda however, takes additional about 5 to 6 hrs more due to bad road.

The trekking itinerary via Phaplu route is as follows:

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu

Elevation: 2410m

Travel hours: 10 to 11 hrs

We will take an early morning bus from the old bus station. It takes 10 to 11 hours to reach Phaplu. Overnight at a tea house.

Day 02: Trek to Nunthala

Elevation: 2330m

Trekking duration: 6-7 hrs

Today you will trek early in the morning and cross Junbesi Khola and climb uphill. From the top, you can witness the spectacular vista of Everest, Thamserku, Kantega and Mera peak.

After passing Ringmo Khola, the trail climbs uphill to Ringmo village. After Ringmo, you will climb Trakshindu La Pass at 2930m. From here you will trek downhill until you reach Nunthala.

Overnight at a tea house.

Day 03: Trek to Bupsa

Elevation: 2360m

Trekking duration: 5-6 hrs

Today’s trek is downhill to Dudh Koshi and crosses the river using 110m long suspension bridge. You will then continue your trek to Jubing 1680m, Khari Khola 2010m until you reach Bupsa.

Overnight at a tea house.

Day 04: Trek to Chuplung

Elevation: 2660m

Trekking Duration:6-7 hrs

Starting with a gentle climb you pass the village of Kharte from where you will witness the vista of Cho Oyu.

You will then continue your climb until you reach Khari La pass at an altitude of 2840m. Walk downhill to the gorge Paiya Khola after crossing the bridge over which you will reach the small settlement of Puiyan.

After Puiyan, the trail is zig-zag and offers a good view of the Khumbu region. Later the trail descends to Surke. Proceeding further, you will walk past the Mani walls and reach the village of Chhuplung.

Overnight at a tea house.

Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Elevation: 3440m

Trekking duration: 6-7 hrs

As you leave Chuplung, you will continue to walk to Tharo Koshi river. After crossing the river, the trail ascends to Ghat and walk clamps to Phakding.

You will climb over steep and stony rim towards Benkar. Continuing your trek you will cross the Kyashar Khola river and climb to Monju.

Just a little further from Monju, you enter the Sagarmatha National Park. From here after crossing a few rivers and climbs, you will reach Namche Bazaar, 3440m.

Namche Bazaar is the main trading center of Khumbu region with hotels, lodges, and restaurants.

Day 06: Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar

Today you will take a rest day for acclimatization. However, you will not stay idle , rather you will climb to the classic viewpoint of Everest which lies above Namche at the altitude of 3800m.

Later you will make your way to Khumjung village where you can see the Hillary school, an ancient monastery with Yeti skull and Khunde Hospital

After all that, you will retrace your path back to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay.

Day 07: Trek to Dole

Elevation: 4110m

Trekking duration: 6 hrs

From Namche Bazaar, your route heads to the picturesque village of Khumjung. From here you can see the captivating vista of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kantega.

Soon after leaving Khumjung, you will climb uphill to a large Chorten on the top of the ridge. Then the route slightly descends to Sanasa and then the trail slightly ascends to Mongla.

From here, you will get the panoramic vista of various mountains. And finally, you will trek downhill to Phortse Tenga and again uphill to Dole

Overnight at a tea house.

Day 08: Trek to Machhermo

Elevation: 4410m

Trekking duration: 5- 6 Hrs

Today you will walk for 4 hours from Dole to reach Machhermo. The route is zig zag. In the entire trail, you will get to see the panoramic view of Kangtega Peak, Thamserku, and Cho Oyu.

Overnight at a tea house.

Day 09: Trek to Gokyo lake

Elevation: 4790m

Trekking duration: 4 hrs

From Machhermo, the route ascends to Gokyo offering the spectacular view of the down valley to Kantega and Cho Oyu.

Further, you will continue to Pangka and the trail descends to the moraine terminal of Ngozumpa glacier. After that, the route is almost parallel and you will pass the second lake i.e Longponga.

Ultimately you will reach Gokyo after 4 hours of continuous walk from Machhermo. Overnight at a tea house.

Day 10: Explore Gokyo Ri

Elevation: 5600m

Today, early in the morning you will climb to the top of Gokyo Ri. From the apex, you can see the captivating Gokyo valley, massive Ngozumpa glacier. Alongside the mountains of Khumbu region like Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu etc.

Later you will trek back to Gokyo.

Day 11: Trek to Phortse

Elevation: 3810m

Trekking duration: 5- 6 Hrs

After having breakfast, you will trek to Phortse village via Pangka and Ngozumpa Glacier. The route is an uphill and downhill climb. Phortse is one of the most beautiful villages in the Khumbu region.

Overnight at a teahouse.

Day 12: Trek to Tengboche

Elevation: 3860m

Trekking duration: 3- 4 Hrs

The trail descends slightly to Dudh Koshi river and then steeply to Tengboche. The main attraction of Tengboche is the Tengboche Monastery, built in the 7th century. It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Nepal.

From here, you will get the breathtaking vista of Ama Dablam, Mt Everest along with many others. Overnight at a tea house.

Day 13: Trek to Monjo

Elevation: 2840m

Trekking duration: 5-6 hrs

From Tengboche, you will climb down to Fuki Tenga and climb up continuously to Namche Bazaar.

Spend some time in Namche Bazaar and then walk downhill to the village of Monju. Overnight at a tea house.

Day 14: Trek to Lukla

Elevation: 2840m

Trekking duration: 3-4 hrs

Today is the last day of your trek where you will trek back to Lukla and spend the night in a tea house in Lukla.

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu

Today you will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu or Ramechap. Upon reaching, we will drive you to your respective hotel in Kathmandu.

Alternative Route to Get to Gokyo Lakes

You can prolong the Gokyo Lakes trek depending on your convenience. If you prefer, you can continue through the Cho La Pass (5420m) all the way to the Everest Base Camp (5360m) including the climb to Kala Patthar. For that, you can check our Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes trek via Cho La Pass.

Challenges and Considerations to Reach Gokyo Lakes

The trek to Gokyo Lakes is like a big adventure where you can see amazing views of the Himalayan mountains. But it’s a challenging trip, so people need to be careful.

Some things can be hard during the trek, and people need to do some important things to stay safe.

One big challenge is the high altitude. The trek starts at a place called Lukla, which is 2,860 meters high, and goes up to 5,357 meters at Gokyo Ri.

Going up so high quickly can make people sick from the altitude, and if they don’t get help, it can be very serious. 

So, it’s really important to do some things to avoid getting sick, like taking rest breaks, going up slowly, drinking lots of water, and not drinking alcohol or smoking.

Besides altitude sickness, there are other things to be careful about, like getting too cold, having parts of your body freeze, and hurting your eyes from the snow’s brightness. 

Pack appropriate clothing such as warm layers, waterproof jackets and pants, and sunglasses to avoid issues.

Use short sentences, everyday language, and an active voice to prioritize important information.

Also, the trek is long and tiring, so it’s a good idea to be fit and do exercises before going. Carrying enough water and snacks is also important to stay hydrated and have energy.

Conclusion

If you are visiting Nepal, nothing is so special than viewing freshwater body like the Gokyo lake.

Moreover, the view of 22 miles long Ngozumpa glacier from Gokyo Ri is simply awesome.

These are ways to get to the Gokyo Lake Trek. You can choose the one that best suits your time and budget.

No matter which way you choose, the Gokyo Lakes trek will leave you spellbound. And will give you an experience of a lifetime.

For further question and queries, please feel free to contact us. It is our pleasure to guide and assist you with the best of our knowledge.