15 days: Gokyo Lakes trek with Kathmandu
A quieter alternative to Base Camp: the turquoise Gokyo lakes, the Ngozumpa glacier and a sunrise on Gokyo Ri with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu in one view.
- Length
- 15 days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Best time
- October to November and March to May
- Ideal for
- Solo travellers, Couples, Groups
- Places
- 2 stops
Day by day
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive, check in and rest.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 2
Kathmandu and trek preparation
A heritage site in the morning; gear check and briefing with your agency.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 3
Gokyo trek: fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Start of the published Gokyo Lakes trek itinerary. In peak season flights leave from Ramechhap, 4–5 hours from Kathmandu.
Overnight: Phakding
Day 4
Gokyo trek: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Day 5
Gokyo trek: acclimatisation day at Namche
Walk to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung.
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Day 6
Gokyo trek: Namche to Dole
Leave the Base Camp trail at Sanasa and climb through rhododendron forest.
Overnight: Dole
Day 7
Gokyo trek: Dole to Machhermo
A deliberately short day for acclimatisation.
Overnight: Machhermo
Day 8
Gokyo trek: Machhermo to Gokyo
Past the first and second lakes to the village on the third.
Overnight: Gokyo
Day 9
Gokyo trek: Gokyo Ri and the Fifth Lake
Sunrise on Gokyo Ri, then the walk to the fifth lake.
Overnight: Gokyo
Day 10
Gokyo trek: Gokyo to Dole
Overnight: Dole
Day 11
Gokyo trek: Dole to Namche
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Day 12
Gokyo trek: Namche to Lukla
Overnight: Lukla
Day 13
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight, weather permitting.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 14
Buffer day
Kept free for Lukla flight delays.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 15
Depart
Transfer for your onward flight.
Includes the Gokyo Lakes Trek. Check the trek page for permits, safety and the current rules.
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- See the Gokyo Lakes trek page for permits, altitude safety and the current rules.
- Gokyo sits at about 4,790 m: take the short acclimatisation days seriously.
- Travel insurance must cover trekking at altitude and helicopter evacuation.
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