Overview
The Gokyo Valley shelters a chain of sacred turquoise lakes fed by the Ngozumpa Glacier — the longest glacier in Nepal. This trek leaves the Everest highway at Namche Bazaar for the hushed Gokyo Valley, passing yak pastures, alpine meadows, and remote moraines before arriving at the beautiful lakeside village of Gokyo at 4,790 m.
The great highlight is the early-morning climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), where Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — four 8,000 m peaks — line up side by side in one of the grandest panoramas in the Khumbu. With far fewer trekkers than the EBC route, this is a high-altitude trek you can savour in peace and on a truly magnificent scale.
Highlights
- Beautiful chain of glacial lakes in the Gokyo Valley
- Panorama from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) — four 8,000 m peaks in one view
- Walk beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's longest
- A quieter, calmer trail than the standard EBC route
- Acclimatisation day in vibrant Namche Bazaar
- Yak pastures and traditional Sherpa settlements along the way
- Scenic return via Phortse with views of Ama Dablam
Itinerary
Kathmandu → Fly to Lukla → Phakding (2,610 m)
A thrilling mountain flight with Himalayan views to Lukla. On arrival, walk through pine forest along the Dudh Koshi river to Phakding.
Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Cross numerous suspension bridges into Sagarmatha National Park. Beyond the Hillary Bridge, a steep climb brings the first glimpse of Everest along the way.
Acclimatisation Day — Namche Bazaar
Acclimatise with a hike to the Everest View Hotel and a wander around town. On a clear day, Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam fill the skyline.
Namche → Dole (4,040 m)
Leave the Everest highway for the quiet Gokyo valley. From Mong La, sweeping views of Kangtega and Thamserku open up as you pass through rhododendron and juniper forest to Dole.
Dole → Machhermo (4,470 m)
A gentle climb past the high pasture of Luza. Cho Oyu appears at the head of the valley as the landscape turns wilder and more alpine.
Machhermo → Gokyo (4,790 m)
Pass the first glacial lake before the turquoise chain comes into view. With the Ngozumpa Glacier alongside, reach Gokyo village beside the third lake.
Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) Climb & Lakes Exploration
An early-morning ascent of Gokyo Ri for a magnificent sunrise over Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. In the afternoon you can walk on toward the fourth and fifth lakes.
Gokyo → Phortse (3,810 m)
Leave the Gokyo valley for Phortse — one of the highlights of the return, walking all day with the beautiful form of Ama Dablam in view.
Phortse → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Return to Namche through traditional Sherpa villages — a last high-altitude evening to relax in its cafés and bakeries.
Namche → Lukla (2,840 m)
Descend along the Dudh Koshi to Lukla, celebrating the final day of trekking with one last night in the mountains.
Fly Lukla → Kathmandu
Early-morning flight back to Kathmandu. Flight schedules may change depending on the weather.
Includes & Excludes
✓ Included
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu / Ramechhap ⇔ Lukla)
- Hotel ⇔ airport transfers
- All teahouse accommodation
- All meals on trek
- Licensed guide (English- or Japanese-speaking)
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- All required permits & entry fees
- First-aid kit
- Government taxes
✕ Excluded
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porter
- Paid hot showers & charging, and paid lodge WiFi
- Snacks other than meals and drinks
- Kathmandu hotel
※ Depending on the season, Lukla flights may operate from Ramechhap (about 5 hours by road from Kathmandu) rather than Kathmandu. In that case an overnight stay in Ramechhap is required for the early-morning flight, adding one day to the itinerary. Please contact us for details.
Trek Photos
Cancellation Policy
| Notice Period | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more | 90% refunded |
| 45 – 59 days | 75% refunded |
| 30 – 44 days | 50% refunded |
| 15 – 29 days | 25% refunded |
| 14 days or fewer | No refund |
| No show | No refund |