Gokyo Lakes Trek Itinerary: Day-by-Day (12–14 Days)

The Itinerary at a Glance

Gokyo begins and ends with the Lukla flight and shares the famous Everest-region approach as far as Namche, before branching north-west up a far quieter valley to the turquoise lakes and the dawn viewpoint of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m). The schedule below is the standard, safe version, with two full acclimatisation days that the altitude makes essential rather than optional.

Add one or two contingency days for weather-dependent Lukla flights, which is why the trek is quoted as 12–14 days rather than exactly 12.

The Ascent: Lukla to Gokyo

Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m)

An early scenic flight to the dramatic mountain airstrip at Lukla, then an easy half-day descent along the Dudh Koshi river to Phakding, a gentle introduction to the trail.

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Cross and re-cross the river on suspension bridges, register your national park permit at the Monjo checkpoint, then climb steeply through pine forest, with a first glimpse of Everest on a clear day, to the natural amphitheatre of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu.

Day 3: Acclimatisation at Namche

An essential rest day. Hike up to the Everest View Hotel or the Sherpa villages above town to help your body adjust, then return to sleep low. Never skip this day.

Day 4: Namche to Dole (4,110 m)

Here the route leaves the main Everest trail, branching north-west up the Gokyo valley. Climb past Mong La ridge with its big views, then descend and climb again through rhododendron and birch to Dole.

Day 5: Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m)

A shorter, steady day climbing above the treeline through summer yak pastures, with the valley opening out and Cho Oyu coming into view, to the hamlet of Machhermo.

Day 6: Acclimatisation at Machhermo

A second crucial acclimatisation day. Visit the rescue post for the daily altitude-awareness talk and take a short walk up the valley to help you adjust before pushing higher.

Day 7: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790 m)

Climb along the flank of the Ngozumpa Glacier, passing the first and second lakes, before arriving at Gokyo village on the shore of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari.

The Highlight: Gokyo Ri & the Lakes

Day 8: Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and lake exploration

The climax of the trek: a pre-dawn climb of Gokyo Ri for sunrise over four eight-thousanders, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, above the great sweep of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in Nepal. The ascent is steep, cold and slow in the thin air, so carry a headlamp and warm layers and start well before first light. After descending, you can walk on to the fourth and fifth lakes (Thonak Tsho and Ngozumpa Tsho) for an even wilder perspective. Many trekkers rate this the finest single morning in all of Nepal.

The Descent & the Cho La Option

Day 9: Gokyo to Dole (4,110 m)

Begin the return, retracing the valley down past the lakes and yak pastures to Dole, with the descent now noticeably easier on the lungs.

Day 10: Dole to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

Continue down through the forest and over Mong La back to the comforts of Namche, a hot shower, a bakery and a celebratory meal.

Day 11: Namche to Lukla (2,840 m)

A long but downhill final trekking day along the Dudh Koshi, back through Phakding and Monjo, with a last climb to Lukla.

Day 12: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

An early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Build in a contingency day or two, as Lukla flights are weather-dependent and often delayed.

Optional extension: Cho La pass to Everest Base Camp

Experienced, well-acclimatised trekkers can leave Gokyo and cross the high, glaciated Cho La pass (5,420 m) to Dzongla and the main Everest trail, continuing to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. This popular "Gokyo–Cho La–EBC" combination adds roughly four to five days and a serious high crossing. Trekkers chasing the full high-country loop can look at the Everest Three Passes circuit, which links Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La.