How to Reach Gokyo Lakes in Everest Region

Gokyo lake is a great destination to see the pristine turquoise lakes, glacier and views of the Everest region. Gokyo lakes trek is a great 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 the trek has to offer.

Gokyo Lakes trek offers perfect views of four of the highest mountains in the world- Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. You will experience the scenic beauty of the Gokyo lakes draped in the Himalayan backdrop.

And one of the highlights of the trek is the adventurous ascent of Gokyo Ri, 5357 meter / 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 Lake in Everest region.

How to Reach Gokyo Lakes in Everest Region?

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.

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.

This will save your time and energy. The flight cost is about USD 175 per person.

Kathmandu to Lukla by Helicopter

A helicopter to Lukla costs about 2500-3000 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 20.

Kathmandu to Jiri by bus will take you around 7 to 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.

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 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 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 Jiri

It is your choice if you want to take a bus ride till Jiri or go direct to Bandar. Taking bus till Bandar however, takes about 4 to 5 hrs more due to bad road.

The trekking itinerary via Jiri route is as follows:

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Jiri

Elevation: 1935m

Travel hours: 7 to 8 hrs

We will take an early morning bus from the old bus station. It takes 7 to 8 hours to reach Jiri. Overnight at a tea house.

Day 02: Trek to Bandar

Elevation: 2180m

Trekking hours: 5 to 6 hrs

Today you will start your trek uphill and downhill to Bandar. You will pass via Bharkaur, Mali Danda, Khimti valley, Yelung Khola, Shivalaya, Deorali, Sangbadanda, Kurubas, and Mahabir.

Overnight at a tea house.

Day 03: Trek to Sete

Elevation: 2525m

Trekking hours: 7 hrs

Walking from Bandar, the trail is downhill to the village of Doharpa and Baranda until you cross the steel bridge at Tharo Khola,1480m.

Further, you will proceed to the east bank of the river and climb uphill towards Kinja. And continue to Sete. Overnight at a tea house.

Day 04: Trek to Junbesi

Elevation: 2700m

Trekking duration: 6-7 hrs

Today’s trek starts with a climb from Sete to the top of the 3535m high Lamjura Bhanjyang. The path is scenic and varied through forests of Rhododendron, Magnolia, Maple, and birch.

The section of the trail is also well known for spotting birds like sunbirds. Lamjura Bhanjyang is the highest point on the trek between Jiri and Namche Bazaar.

On the eastern side of the pass, the route descends steeply for about 400m through the fir and hemlock forest, then levels out passing the small village of Tragdobuk, 2830m.

Continuing your way down, you will enter Junbesi, an impressive Sherpa village on the beautiful surrounding. Overnight at a tea house.

Day 05: 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 Nhuntala.

Overnight at a tea house.

Day 06: 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 07: 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 08: 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 09: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: Trek to Phorse

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 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: Fly back to Kathmandu

Today you will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. 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.

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.