Gokyo Lake Trek

As you step off the plane at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), prepare for an unforgettable journey! Our Peak15adventure’s friendly office representatives, along with your attentive driver and expert guide, will greet you with warm smiles and help you settle into the excitement. Buckle up for a quick ride through the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to your carefully chosen hotel, where hygiene, cleanliness, and hospitality are our top priorities.

Once you check in, take a moment to recharge with a brief thirty-minute recess before we dive into an exhilarating day of exploration. Get ready for a whirlwind of sightseeing, shopping, and indulging in a delightful welcome dinner—all designed to immerse you in the pulsating spirit of this captivating city.

Kathmandu can feel like a thrilling maze for first-time visitors, but don’t worry! As you explore, you’ll fall in love with its rich diversity and warm hospitality. Just remember to tread carefully in the bustling alleys and when crossing the roads, as the traffic here dances to a different rhythm. To enhance your experience, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with a bit of Kathmandu’s culture beforehand!

After a hearty breakfast, your guide and driver will be ready to whisk you away from your hotel for an unforgettable day filled with awe inspiring sights. Prepare to marvel at the stunning Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, and the breathtaking Swayambhunath Temple—three of Nepal’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

At Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you’ll be transported back in time with its remarkable 12th century architecture from the Malla Dynasty. Wander through stunning sites like the Vatsala Temple, the Golden Gate, and the majestic 55Window Palace. Don’t miss the chance to savor Bhaktapur’s authentic Newari cuisine—a culinary adventure that’s as rich as the history surrounding you.

Next, visit Pashupatinath, a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a hotspot for devotees and travelers alike. Explore the mystical Ghats, marvel at the intricate temples, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of this revered site. Keep an eye out for the colorful Sadhus who populate the area!

Then, it’s off to Swayambhunath, famously known as the Monkey Temple! Perched atop a hill, this sacred site is a haven for both Hindus and Buddhists. As you climb, you’ll be greeted by mischievous monkeys and a stunning panoramic view of the valley below. Visit the Main Stupa, the charming Harati Temple, and many other hidden gems where spirituality and nature come together.

Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about each site, making every moment a treasure. A delicious lunch will be scheduled between explorations to keep your energy up. After a day full of discoveries, relax on the ride back to your hotel, where dinner arrangements will reflect your personal preferences.

After an early morning hotel pickup, you’ll be driven to the domestic airport for a scenic 30–35 minute flight to Lukla. (Flights may depart from Ramechhap Airport depending on seasonal regulations, requiring a 4hour drive from Kathmandu.) Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so delays are common, but on clear days, expect incredible aerial views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other giants.
Upon landing in Lukla, enjoy breakfast while the team prepares for the day. The trek kicks off with a gentle warmup walk toward Phakding. We pass through Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate, collect permits at the first checkpoint, and begin navigating a mix of rocky trails, swinging suspension bridges, and scenic hillside paths. We’ll walk through villages like Chheplung and stop for lunch at Thado Koshigaon. Another brief stop in Ghat, then we end the day in Phakding, a peaceful riverside village nestled in alpine woods. After tea and check-in, dinner is served, followed by a short briefing.

We continue north, following the Dudh Koshi River through Toktok and Monjo. We’ll check in at the Sagarmatha National Park gate and stop for lunch at Larja Dobhan. After crossing the Hillary Bridge, prepare for a challenging 3hour climb to Namche Bazaar. The final approach offers views of the Dudh Koshi and traditional prayer wheels spun by water. Upon arrival, Namche’s vibrant village life and expansive facilities offer comfort, culture, and convenience. A briefing follows dinner.

Today is for altitude adjustment and local exploration. After breakfast, we hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m), a superb viewpoint for Everest, Ama Dablam, and more. On the way back, we stop at Sagarmatha Next (Syangboche), a sustainability center promoting waste management education and ecofriendly travel.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Sherpa Culture Museum to dive deeper into the region’s mountaineering history. Meals are at the hotel; a next day briefing follows dinner.

Leaving Namche, the trail offers incredible views as it climbs up the Dudh Koshi valley. You’ll pass prayer flags, chortens, and sweeping vistas of Ama Dablam, Everest, Thamserku, and more. Eventually, the path dips into a forest of pine and rhododendron, where it splits.

Take the left trail toward Gokyo Lakes. Along the way, you’ll reach Mong—a tiny ridgetop village with big views stretching toward Tengboche. Expect waterfalls, blooming rhododendrons, and a healthy dose of stone stairs along the way.

We end the day in the quiet village of Dole, surrounded by mountain scenery.

From Dole, the trail climbs steeply through scrubby juniper. After about 30 minutes of uphill effort, the gradient eases into a gentler ascent.

Far below, the Dudh Koshi River winds through the valley. As you approach Machhermo, the path crests a ridge with striking views of Thamserku. Machhermo itself is a small, quiet stop with a handful of teahouses.

The trail out of Machhermo climbs to a ridge with views of Kangtega, then follows a narrow gorge that opens into a wide valley. The walk is moderate today, with just a couple of short, steep sections. After descending to the Dudh Koshi, there’s a tough climb up to the Ngozumpa Glacier and the first of the Gokyo Lakes.

As you continue north, the second lake comes into view—long and running parallel to the trail. The third lake, larger still, appears alongside a cluster of teahouses. There are six Gokyo Lakes in total, but the third is where we stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, we hike up to Gokyo Ri—a steep 2.5 to 3hour climb to a summit at 5,357 meters. The view from the top is breathtaking, with peaks all around and glaciers below. If you can, stay for sunset—it’s unforgettable.

In the morning, we hike to the 4th Gokyo Lake. It’s a mostly flat trail, taking about 45 minutes to an hour. After taking in the views, we return to Gokyo for breakfast, then head back to Machhermo.

After breakfast, we start the descent back to Namche. The trail leads down through Dole and Phortse Tenga, with fantastic views throughout. As we drop in altitude, the air feels thicker and breathing easier.

Arriving in Namche feels like returning to civilization—lively streets, cozy cafes, and a familiar energy. We spend our final night here before continuing the journey down.

We retrace our path along the Dudh Koshi, checking out at Monjo and savoring our final day on the trail. The journey back is perfect for reflection, laughter, and gratitude. We celebrate with dinner in Lukla and bid farewell to our porter team.

We board an early flight back to the capital. Once in Kathmandu, you’re free to rest or explore the city at your own pace. The remainder of the day is yours—a chance to unwind, indulge, or relive the memories of your Himalayan journey.

To wrap up your Kathmandu experience, consider an extra day for shopping for unique souvenirs, pampering yourself with a rejuvenating massage, or simply unwinding in one of the cozy restaurants. Your guide will be there to help you find the best spots!

Finally, join us for a heartfelt farewell dinner with your guide and our company representative. Celebrate your remarkable journey while reflecting on the memories made, and know that we sincerely appreciate the time shared together. Until we meet again—happy travels and safe journeys ahead!

As your adventure comes to a close, a driver and company representative will be ready to take you back to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your next chapter.