Gokyo Lakes Trek
गोक्यो ताल यात्रा- Distance
- 130 km
- Duration
- 12–15 days
- Max Elevation
- 5,357 m
- Best Seasons
- March–May, October–December
Interactive route map with waypoints. Click any marker for elevation, type and overnight notes. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Distance
130 km
Duration
12–15 days
Max Elevation
5,357 m
Start: 2,860 m
Difficulty
Moderate-Strenuous
Round trip
Gokyo Lakes Trek
The Gokyo Lakes Trek visits a series of six sacred Himalayan lakes in a glacial valley parallel to the Everest route, offering views of four 8,000-m peaks from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and a closer look at the massive Ngozumpa Glacier. The western valley approach is less crowded than the main Everest Base Camp trail and allows combination as a 'three passes' circuit.
The six Gokyo lakes (Longponga, Taboche, Dudh Pokhari, Thonak, Ngozumpa and Gyazumpa) are sacred to the Sherpa Buddhist tradition and are Ramsar-listed wetlands since 2007.
The Cho La Pass (5,420 m) connects the Gokyo valley to the Everest Base Camp trail, allowing a popular 18–20 day 'three passes' circuit (Renjo La + Cho La + Kongma La).
Waypoints & overnight stops
6 waypoints along the Gokyo Lakes Trek - elevations, types and trekker notes.
| # | Name | Elevation (m) | Type | Overnight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luklaलुक्ला | 2,860 | Airport | Yes | |
| 2 | Namche Bazaarनाम्चे बजार | 3,440 | Town | Yes | |
| 3 | Dole | 4,110 | Village | Yes | |
| 4 | Machherma | 4,410 | Village | Yes | |
| 5 | Gokyo Village (3rd Lake)गोक्यो | 4,790 | Lake | Yes | |
| 6 | Gokyo Riगोक्यो री | 5,357 | Viewpoint | - | Views: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu |
Required permits & fees
All trekkers must carry valid permits. Obtain them in Kathmandu or at designated checkpoints before entering the trek zone.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
SNPNPR 3,000
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee
NPR 2,000
TIMS Card
NPR 2,000
About TIMS
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal, issued by the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Green TIMS (NPR 1,000) for individual trekkers; Blue TIMS (NPR 2,000) for organised group trekkers. Carry valid photo ID and passport copies.
Highlights
Six sacred turquoise Gokyo lakes at 4,700–5,000 m
Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) - panoramic view of four 8,000 m peaks
Ngozumpa Glacier - Nepal's largest glacier at 35 km long
Renjo La Pass option (5,360 m) for a circuit
Quieter than the main EBC trail
Flora & fauna
The Gokyo Lakes Trek passes through ecosystems that support diverse plant and animal life - from subtropical forests to high alpine zones.
Flora
- Himalayan birch
- Rhododendron
- Juniper
- Dwarf willows
Fauna
- Snow leopard
- Himalayan wolf
- Bar-headed goose (migratory)
- Yellow-billed chough
- Himalayan tahr
More treks you may like
Gokyo Lakes Trek FAQ
How long is the Gokyo Lakes Trek?+
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is approximately 130 km and typically takes 12–15 days to complete.
What permits are required for the Gokyo Lakes Trek?+
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee: NPR 2,000. TIMS Card: NPR 2,000
What is the highest elevation on the Gokyo Lakes Trek?+
The maximum elevation on the Gokyo Lakes Trek is 5,357 metres above sea level.
What is the best season for the Gokyo Lakes Trek?+
The best seasons for the Gokyo Lakes Trek are March–May and October–December.
Sources & data note
Permit costs, distances and itinerary data are sourced from Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN, and relevant national park authorities. Elevations are measured and may vary slightly by GPS device. Always verify current permit fees with official sources before departure.