A quieter Everest-region trek to a chain of turquoise glacial lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, topped off by Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), which many trekkers say has a better Everest view than Kala Patthar.
The route
If Everest Base Camp is the famous trek, Gokyo is the beautiful one. Instead of the main trail to Base Camp, you head up a quieter valley to a chain of turquoise glacial lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in Nepal. From the top of Gokyo Ri, you see four 8,000 m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Fit trekkers who want the Everest experience with fewer people. It is also good for anyone who has already done EBC.
After the classic start from Lukla to Namche, the trail leaves the EBC route at Mong La and heads up the Dudh Koshi valley to Dole, Machhermo and Gokyo. The lakes appear one after another, each a different shade of blue.
From Gokyo, climb Gokyo Ri at dawn. In the afternoon, walk to the fourth or fifth lake for even wilder views. Return the same way, or cross Cho La to join the EBC trail.
October to November and April to May. Winter is cold but clear. Monsoon is cloudy and Lukla flights are often delayed.
Hard because of altitude. Gokyo village is at 4,790 m. Take short days between Dole and Machhermo; it is tempting to go faster, but do not. There is an HRA post in Machhermo in season.
You need the Sagarmatha National Park permit (NPR 3,000) and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit (about NPR 3,000). Lukla flights are the biggest cost. The price on this page is a typical starting price for a guided trip; message us for a quote.
The Khumbu local authority has said it will not enforce the 2023 national guide rule, so you can still trek independently here. A local guide is still valuable on Gokyo Ri and if you plan to cross Cho La.
Stay in Thamel before your flight. See our Kathmandu hostels, such as Alobar1000, and the Kathmandu backpacker guide.
Lodges in Gokyo are surprisingly comfortable, with sunrooms facing the lake. Food prices rise sharply above Namche.
Link to Everest Base Camp via Cho La, or do the full Everest Three Passes Trek.
Day by day
Flight to Lukla and an easy afternoon.
Into Sagarmatha National Park and up the big hill.
Hike up to Khumjung or the Everest View Hotel.
Turn off the EBC trail at Mong La and drop into the Dudh Koshi valley before climbing to Dole.
A short day for acclimatisation. Attend the HRA altitude talk in season.
Past the first and second lakes to the third lake, Dudh Pokhari, where Gokyo village sits.
Climb Gokyo Ri for Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. In the afternoon, walk north towards the fourth lake.
Back down the valley.
Return to Namche.
Last trekking day.
Keep a buffer day for weather.
Good to know
It is quieter and, many say, more beautiful, with turquoise lakes and a better Everest view from Gokyo Ri. EBC has the iconic Base Camp itself.
Hard, because of altitude. You sleep at 4,790 m and climb to 5,357 m.
Eleven to thirteen days from Lukla to Lukla.
Yes, by crossing the Cho La pass (5,420 m). That needs good weather and experience; see our Three Passes trek.
Khumbu's local authority has not enforced the 2023 national guide rule, so solo trekking continues. A guide is still recommended.
Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits. No TIMS card in Khumbu.
October to November and April to May.
Usually US$1,100–1,700 with guide and flights.
Yes, mostly through Everest Link cards.
Thamel is handiest. See our Kathmandu hostel list.
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