Gokyo Lakes Trek Itinerary - 11 Days

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a spectacular 11-day journey through the Everest region, offering serene turquoise lakes, panoramic Himalayan vistas, and the iconic Gokyo Ri (5,357 m / 17,575 ft) climb. This trek combines moderate trekking with cultural experiences in Sherpa villages, visits to monasteries, and breathtaking scenery of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. Ideal for trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure with comfortable teahouse accommodations and unforgettable high-altitude landscapes.

  • Day 01 Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m / 4,430 ft)

    Altitude: 1350 m / 4,430 ft
    Duration: Transfer from airport to hotel (30–60 min approx.)

    Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After settling in, you can rest or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, known for its shops, cafés, and local markets. In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a briefing about the upcoming trek, including safety protocols, equipment, and itinerary details.

    • Meals: Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: 1300 M
  • Day 02 Day 3: Fly to Lukla ( 2840 m / 9,317 ft - 30 minute) and Trek to Phakding (2610 m / 8,562 ft - 4 hours)

    Altitude: Lukla 2840 m / 9,317 ft → Phakding 2610 m / 8,562 ft

    Duration: Trek 3–4 hrs, Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

    Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, enjoying spectacular Himalayan views. From Lukla, begin the trek along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding, passing through small villages, suspension bridges, and lush pine forests. The trek is mostly gentle, making it a perfect introduction to the Everest region.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel (Tea House)
    • Place: Phakding
    • Altitude: 2610 m / 8,562 ft
  • Day 03 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3445 m / 11,302 ft - 6/7 hours)

    Altitude: 3445 m / 11,302 ft
    Duration: Trek 5–6 hrs, Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

    The trail ascends gradually through rhododendron forests and across suspension bridges. Pass Sherpa villages, monasteries, and Mani walls along the way before entering the SagarmathaNational Park. Arrival in Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town and trade hub of the Everest region, offers time to explore local markets and interact with the Sherpa community.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel (Tea House)
    • Place: Namche Bazar
    • Altitude: 3445 m / 11,302 ft
  • Day 04 Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3445 m / 11,302 ft - 2/3 hours)

    Altitude: 3445 m / 11,302 ft
    Duration: Short hike 2–3 hrs, Distance: 3–4 km / 2–2.5 miles

    Today is dedicated to acclimatization. Take a short hike to Syangboche Airport viewpoint or the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Explore local markets and experience Sherpa culture while allowing your body to adjust to higher altitudes.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel (Tea House)
    • Place: Namche Bazar
    • Altitude: 3445 m / 11,302 ft
  • Day 05 Trek to Dole (4150 m / 13,615 ft - 5/6 hours)

    Altitude: 4150 m / 13,615 ft
    Duration: Trek 5–6 hrs, Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

    The trail climbs steadily through alpine forests and past small settlements such as Phortse. The terrain becomes steeper as you approach Dole, offering stunning views of surrounding peaks. The hike is moderate, preparing you for higher altitudes ahead.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel (Tea House)
    • Place: Dole
    • Altitude: 4150 m / 13,615 ft
  • Day 06 Trek to Machhermo ( 4470 m / 14,665 ft - 4/5 hours)

    Altitude: 4470 m / 14,665 ft
    Duration: Trek 4–5 hrs, Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles

    From Dole, trek through alpine terrain with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is moderately steep. Arrival in Machhermo, a small settlement situated near the Ngozumpa Glacier, provides spectacular views and a peaceful mountain environment

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel (Tea House)
    • Place: Machhermo
    • Altitude: 4470 m / 14,665 ft
  • Day 07 Trek to Gokyo and Hike to Fifth Lake (4790 m / 15,715 ft - 5/6 hours)

    Altitude: 4790 m / 15,715 ft

    Duration: Trek 5–6 hrs, Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles

    Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo, following the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. After reaching Gokyo, hike to the Fifth Lake (Gokyo Cho), the highest of the Gokyo Lakes, offering breathtaking views of Cho Oyu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Return to Gokyo for the night.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel (Tea House)
    • Place: Gokyo
    • Altitude: 4790 m / 15,715 ft
  • Day 08 Trek Down to Dole (4200 m / 13,780 ft - 5 hours)

    Altitude: 4200 m / 13,780 ft

    Duration: Trek 5 hrs, Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles

    Begin the descent from Gokyo back to Dole. The route is mostly downhill, passing Machhermo and alpine landscapes. Enjoy views of glaciers, valleys, and mountain peaks on the way back.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel (Tea House)
    • Place: Dole
    • Altitude: 4200 m / 13,780 ft
  • Day 09 Trek Down to Namche Bazaar (3445 m / 11,302 ft - 5/6 hours)

    Altitude: 3445 m / 11,302 ft

    Duration: Trek 5–6 hrs, Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles

    Continue descending through forests and river valleys back to Namche Bazaar. Afternoon free to relax, explore local shops, or interact with the Sherpa community.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel (Tea House)
    • Place: Namche Bazar
    • Altitude: 3445 m / 11,302 ft
  • Day 10 Trek Down to Lukla (2830 m / 9,285 ft - 6/7 hours)

    Altitude: 2830 m / 9,285 ft

    Duration: Trek 6–7 hrs, Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles

    Final day of trekking, descending through villages and along the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla. Celebrate your successful trek with your team. Overnight stay in Lukla.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel (Tea House)
    • Place: Lukla
    • Altitude: 2830 m / 9,285 ft
  • Day 11 Fly Back to Kathmandu (1350 m / 4,430 ft - 35-45 min)

    Altitude: 1350 m / 4,430 ft

    Duration: Flight 35–45 min

    Take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or enjoying a comfortable evening in Kathmandu.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: 1350 m / 4,430 ft