West of the main Everest trail, the Gokyo valley climbs beside the Ngozumpa Glacier — one of the longest in the Himalaya — to a string of astonishingly turquoise glacial lakes. The lodges of Gokyo sit beside the third lake at about 4,790 m, and the lakes are protected as a Ramsar wetland site.
Above the village, Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) offers what many trekkers consider the finest panorama in the Khumbu: four 8,000 m peaks — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu — across a sea of glacier and ice. The trail is quieter than the main route and can be combined with Base Camp via the Cho La pass.
What to do at Gokyo Lakes
Climb Gokyo Ri
A steep 2–3 hour climb from the lakeshore. Sunrise lights Everest from behind; the whole Cho Oyu–Everest–Makalu arc lines up in front of you.
Walk to the fourth and fifth lakes
A day hike north along the glacier to the upper lakes gives even closer views of Cho Oyu and the Ngozumpa ice.
Cross the Cho La to Everest Base Camp
Experienced trekkers can link Gokyo with the main trail by crossing the glaciated Cho La (5,420 m) to Dzongla and Lobuche.
Getting to Gokyo Lakes
- From Namche Bazaar: 4–5 days via Dole and Machhermo with proper acclimatisation. A Gokyo trek is typically 10–12 days from Lukla.
- From the Everest side: via the Cho La pass from Dzongla — only in good conditions and with a guide.
- By helicopter: some Everest helicopter tours include a Gokyo flyover or landing.
Trekker tips
- The valley is quieter than the main route, so lodges are fewer — book ahead in October.
- The Cho La can be icy; microspikes and a guide are essential outside the best conditions.
- Do not rush from Namche to Gokyo; the altitude gain is just as serious as on the Base Camp route.
Treks & tours that include Gokyo Lakes
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to reach Gokyo Lakes with a licensed guide:
Guided trek from €1257 11-Day Gokyo Valley Trek with Flights from Kathmandu
The great alternative to Base Camp: branch off above Namche into the Gokyo valley, sleep beside its glacial lakes and climb Gokyo Ri for one of the finest Everest panoramas in Nepal — on a quieter trail.
- The turquoise Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier
- Gokyo Ri viewpoint: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu
- Lukla flights from Kathmandu included
Guided trek from €1539 Everest Three High Passes Trek: 17-Day Guided Trek
The Khumbu’s grand circuit: three passes above 5,300 m, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and the Gokyo Lakes in seventeen demanding days. For trekkers with previous high-altitude experience.
- Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La passes
- Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and Gokyo in one loop
- The most complete trek in the Khumbu
