Gokyo Valley Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsTrek to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for a single viewpoint that takes in four 8,000m peaks, guided by Sherpas who know this valley by name.
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Gokyo Valley Trek: What to Expect
Stand at 5,357m with four 8,000m peaks in one frame
Licensed guides with years of experience in the Khumbu
A fraction of EBC foot traffic on the same Lukla flight
Namche Bazaar, Ngozumpa Glacier, six turquoise lakes
The Gokyo Valley Trek covers around 110km over 9 trekking days plus an acclimatisation day, starting with a flight to Lukla and finishing on Gokyo Ri at 5,357m. Most walking days are 4 to 7 hours. The route passes through Namche Bazaar, climbs past the Ngozumpa Glacier, and reaches Gokyo village beside the third of six glacial lakes. The summit push on Day 8 leaves at 4:30am and rewards you with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu visible at the same time. The Gokyo Lakes are a protected Ramsar wetland and one of the highest freshwater lake systems in the world.
The altitude is what makes this challenging, not the terrain. The trail is never technical, but the air gets thin quickly above Namche. Anyone who can sustain a 5-hour hike and has trained consistently over 8 to 12 weeks can complete this route. The itinerary includes a full acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar built around the climb-high, sleep-low principle. Read our altitude sickness guide before you go.
Gokyo gets a fraction of EBC foot traffic. The teahouses are quieter, the lakes are something EBC trekkers never see, and the view from Gokyo Ri is, by most accounts, better. If you want both, the EBC via Gokyo Valley trek covers both in 17 days. Our full EBC vs Gokyo comparison breaks down the differences if you’re still deciding.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The evening briefing covers gear, the route, and what to expect on the trail. Get to bed early — the trek starts the next morning.
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Monjo
A 30-minute flight from Kathmandu lands you at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, one of the world’s most dramatic runways. During peak season (March to May and October to November) flights operate from Ramechhap/Manthali instead, which means a 1:00 to 2:30am departure from your hotel for a 4 to 5 hour drive before the 20-minute flight. From Lukla the trail descends steadily through pine forest and Sherpa villages, crossing several suspension bridges on the way to Monjo. The trail drops to Phakding, then climbs to Monjo.
Note: In peak season (March to May and September to November) flights usually leave from Ramechhap, which means a hotel pickup between 1am and 2:30am and a 4 to 5 hour drive before the 20-minute flight.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Today is the hardest climb of the first half, a sustained ascent through Sagarmatha National Park to Namche Bazaar. You cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and get your first clear view of Everest if the weather holds. Namche is the main hub of the Khumbu, with gear shops, bakeries, and a Saturday market worth timing your arrival around.
Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Rest days at this stage are not optional, they are why most trekkers make it to Gokyo Ri. We hike up to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880m for acclimatisation then return to Namche to sleep lower. The afternoon is yours for the Sherpa Culture Museum, the market, or simply sitting with a coffee and watching the valley.
Trek to Dole
From Namche the route splits from the EBC trail and heads northwest toward the Gokyo Valley. The trail traverses a high ridge with open views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam before dropping to Phortse Thanga and climbing again to Dole. The terrain gets more exposed here and teahouses fewer, a sign you are moving into quieter country.
Trek to Machherma
A shorter day by distance but the altitude gain is real. The landscape above Dole is open and stark, sparse grass, rock, and sky. Machherma is a small cluster of teahouses with views down the Dudh Koshi Valley and up toward Kyajo Ri. Take it slow, drink water, and eat well tonight.
Trek to Gokyo Village
The trail passes the first and second Gokyo Lakes before reaching the third, the best known of the six, with Gokyo village on its shore. The Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the longest in the Himalaya, fills the valley floor to the east. Most trekkers take an afternoon walk along the glacier edge to settle in and assess how they are feeling before tomorrow’s summit push.
Summit Gokyo Ri, Descend to Machherma
You leave at 4:30am with headlamps. The climb to the summit takes around 2-3 hours, steep, cold, and completely worth it. On a clear morning you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu simultaneously from the same ridgeline, a view that many experienced trekkers rate above Kala Patthar. After descending to Gokyo for breakfast, you continue down to Machherma for the night.
Trek to Tengboche
A long day, but mostly descending, so the legs recover quickly. The route drops through rhododendron forest to Phortse Thanga before climbing to Tengboche, home to the most important monastery in the Khumbu region. If you arrive in time for the evening prayer ceremony, go, it is one of those moments that makes the whole trip feel real.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
A straightforward descent back to Namche through forest and small settlements, crossing the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga.It’s mostly downhill to the river, then a steady climb back up to Namche. Namche feels noticeably warmer and more comfortable after a week above 4,000m, a good evening to eat well and reflect on what you have covered.
Trek to Lukla
The longest day by distance and the last full day of trekking. From Namche you descend steeply to the Dudh Koshi River, cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge, pass through the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint at Monjo, and make the final climb into Lukla. Celebrate tonight, the hard work is done.
Fly to Kathmandu
An early breakfast before heading to Lukla airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. During peak season (March to May and October to November) the return flight operates via Ramechhap, meaning a 20-minute flight followed by a 4 to 5 hour drive back to Kathmandu. Morning flights are weather dependent so build buffer time before any international connections. The rest of the day is yours for a hot shower, a proper meal, and last minute shopping before the farewell dinner.
Final Departure.
Our driver transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport based on your flight time. If you have time before departure, Thamel has plenty of options for last minute shopping or a final coffee. Standard hotel checkout is midday and luggage storage is available for late flights.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport transfers Private vehicle for arrival and departure in Kathmandu
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Kathmandu hotel Twin-sharing 3-star hotel in Thamel. Breakfast included on Kathmandu nights.
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Lukla flights often via Ramechhap/Manthali in peak season. All transport arranged.
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Sagarmatha National Park permit Required for all trekkers in the Everest region
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Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit Local entrance fee, checked at Lukla
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Licensed local guide NTB-licensed, with years of experience in the Khumbu region.
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Porter service One porter per two trekkers. 20kg load limit. Full medical insurance covered.
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Teahouse accommodation on trek Twin-sharing throughout, 10 nights
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Oximeter and first aid kit Carried by your guide throughout the trek
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All ground transport Private vehicle for Kathmandu transfers and the Ramechhap drive
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal on your final evening
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MountainKick duffel bag Yours to keep
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All government taxes and official charges
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International flights To and from Kathmandu
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Nepal visa fees On arrival at Tribhuvan Airport. 15 days $30, 30 days $50, 90 days $125
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Travel insurance Compulsory. Must cover trekking to at least 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation.
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Meals during the trek Teahouse food is ordered and paid directly. Budget $25 to $40 per day.
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Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu Plenty of good options in Thamel at all price points
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Personal trekking gear Rental available in Kathmandu. We guide you to trusted shops.
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Drinks — alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water
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Hot showers on trek Available at most teahouses for $2 to $5
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Personal expenses Laundry, phone calls, wifi, charging and snacks
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Tips for guide and porter Customary and appreciated. We provide guidance on standard amounts.
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Extra nights if flights are delayed Hotel and meals in Lukla or Kathmandu if weather holds your flight
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Helicopter rescue Paid by your travel insurer, or by you if your policy doesn't cover it
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Extra porter if required Available on request at additional cost
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
In Kathmandu: 3-star hotel in Thamel, twin-sharing, private bathroom, breakfast included.
On the trail: teahouse accommodation throughout, twin-sharing, shared bathrooms at most stops. Rooms are clean and simple with beds, pillows, and blankets provided.
Facilities get more basic with elevation. Above Namche expect cold nights and limited hot water. Single rooms are scarce above Dole and not guaranteed.
Namche and Lukla have the best teahouse options on this route. Gokyo village fills fast in October and November we handle all bookings in advance.
A typical Dal Bhat set
Meals are not included in your package price during the trek. Teahouses along the route serve a standard menu of dal bhat, momos, noodle soups, fried rice, pasta, porridge, eggs, and Tibetan bread. Vegetarian options are reliable throughout. Avoid meat above Namche Bazaar as storage is unreliable at altitude.
Prices increase with elevation as everything is carried in by porter. A meal in Namche costs less than the same dish in Gokyo. Tea and coffee are available everywhere but factor these into your daily budget.
Build in extra for snacks, hot drinks, and the occasional hot shower.
Bring purification tablets or a filter bottle. It saves money on bottled water and cuts plastic on the trail.
| Breakfast | $5 to $8 |
| Lunch | $8 to $12 |
| Dinner | $8 to $15 |
| Hot drinks (tea, coffee) | $2 to $4 |
| Hot shower | $2 to $5 |
| Bottled water | $1 to $3, more higher up |
| Wifi (where available) | $3 to $5 a day |
| Battery charging | $2 to $5 per device |
What Our Trekkers Say
“Gokyo was even better than we expected”
Our trek through the Gokyo Valley with Kumar exceeded expectations. He was a great guide and kept a close eye on how everyone was holding up. The views around Gokyo Lake were incredible, and seeing Everest from Gokyo Ri was easily one of the highlights of the whole Nepal trip.…
“Incredible views and a fantastic guide”
Jiban was excellent throughout. Our small group of friends found the whole thing easy going thanks to him, from the daily walking to finding the right spots to stop for tea. Gokyo itself was beautiful, and the sunrise from Gokyo Ri was absolutely worth the early climb.
“A beautiful part of Nepal”
We picked Gokyo over the usual Everest Base Camp route and don't regret it at all. Rames was friendly, experienced, and easy to travel with. The lakes, glaciers, and mountain views were stunning, especially around Gokyo itself. It felt like a genuine Himalayan adventure without the crowds.
“Fantastic trek in the Everest region”
Sher was a brilliant guide and took great care of our group. Some days were tough, but the scenery made every one of them worth it. Gokyo Ri was definitely the hardest morning, but standing at the top with Everest and the surrounding peaks in full view made it unforgettable.
“One of our favourite experiences in Nepal”
Kumar made this trek genuinely enjoyable. He knew the route well and was always happy to explain things as we went. We loved the quieter trails, the mountain villages, and especially the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. MountainKick had the whole trip very well organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Gokyo Valley Trek?
The trek is 13 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with 9 walking days and an acclimatisation day in Namche. The route is about 110km in total, from Lukla up to the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri and back. Most days you walk 4 to 7 hours.
How difficult is the Gokyo Valley Trek?
The Gokyo Valley Trek is rated hard. Most days are 4 to 7 hours of walking over 9 walking days, and the highest point is Gokyo Ri at 5,357m. There’s no technical climbing. The challenge is the altitude, not the trail.
This is a fairly fast plan. After the acclimatisation day in Namche, you go up to Gokyo (4,790m) in three days and climb Gokyo Ri the next morning. It suits people who are fit and have prepared well. If you’d like a slower pace, we can add an extra night at Machhermo or Gokyo. Anyone who can manage a 5-hour hike and has trained for 8 to 12 weeks can do this trek. Our trek difficulty guide shows how it compares with other Nepal routes.
How does Gokyo compare to Everest Base Camp?
Both start with the same Lukla flight and pass through Namche Bazaar. From Namche the routes split.
EBC takes you to the foot of Everest at 5,364m, which is a powerful experience. Gokyo takes you to a 5,357m summit where Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu are all visible at once. Many experienced trekkers rate Gokyo Ri as the better viewpoint of the two.
Gokyo also carries a fraction of EBC foot traffic, and the turquoise lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier are unlike anything on the EBC route. Our EBC vs Gokyo comparison breaks down the differences in full.
Can I combine Gokyo with Everest Base Camp?
Yes. The EBC via Gokyo Valley Trek visits both in 17 days, from $1,260, crossing the Cho La Pass between them. For the full loop, the Everest Three Passes Trek crosses all three high passes in 20 days, from $1,360. We can also build a custom plan around your dates and fitness.
What is the best time to do the Gokyo Valley Trek?
The best times are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest time. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom lower down, but haze can build by May.
Early December is still good, with clear views and fewer people. From mid December to February it’s very cold at Gokyo, and the lakes often freeze. Some teahouses close, and snow can affect the trail. The monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rain and cloud, so it isn’t recommended.
Do I need a licensed guide for the Gokyo Valley Trek?
Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. In the Khumbu, local authorities have pushed back on the rule and checks vary, but every MountainKick Gokyo trek includes a licensed guide for the full trip.
How do I prevent altitude sickness on the Gokyo trek?
Go up slowly, and don’t skip the acclimatisation day in Namche, where you hike up to 3,880m and come back down to sleep. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol above 3,000m, and tell your guide straight away if you get a headache, nausea or loss of appetite. Going down even a few hundred metres usually helps quickly.
Because this plan goes up to Gokyo fairly fast, listen to your body. If you feel unwell, your guide may add a rest day or turn back, and that’s normal. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you travel. For more, read our altitude sickness guide.
Will I see all six Gokyo Lakes?
On this plan you pass the first two lakes on the way up and stay beside the third, Dudh Pokhari, at Gokyo village. The fourth and fifth lakes are further up the valley, a long day’s walk there and back from Gokyo, and they’re much quieter. If you want to see them, we can add an extra day at Gokyo. Just ask when you book.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable hiking 5 to 6 hours a day carrying a light daypack of 3 to 5kg. You do not need to be an athlete but you need a solid cardiovascular base.
A good 8 to 12 week preparation plan: cardio 3 to 4 times a week (hiking, jogging, or cycling), leg and core strength training twice a week, and at least 3 to 4 practice hikes of 4 to 6 hours before you depart. Stair climbing is particularly good preparation for Khumbu ascents.
Consistency matters more than intensity. The trekkers who struggle most are those who have not trained, not those who are inexperienced hikers.
What permits do I need?
You need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. We also arrange a TIMS card. All of these are included and arranged by us. We just need your passport details and two passport-size photos. For current fees, see our Nepal trekking permits guide.
How are the Lukla flights arranged?
Your return Lukla flights are included. In peak season (March to May and September to November), most flights leave from Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport, about 4 to 5 hours’ drive from Kathmandu. That means a hotel pickup between 1am and 2:30am, then a 20-minute flight. Off-peak, flights usually leave directly from Kathmandu and take about 30 minutes.
Lukla flights depend on the weather, and delays happen. We rebook your flight at no charge, but extra nights and meals are paid by you. Keep at least one spare day, ideally two, before your international flight home. See our Lukla flight delays guide.
What travel insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to at least 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation. A helicopter rescue from the Gokyo valley can cost $3,000 to $6,000, and rescue companies usually want confirmation from your insurer before they fly. If your insurer doesn’t confirm in time, you pay the rescue company directly and claim it back later. Read our travel insurance guide for what to look for.
How much cash should I carry?
Carry enough Nepali rupees for the whole trek before you leave Kathmandu. Namche has ATMs, but they’re unreliable, the Lukla ATMs often don’t work, and there are none above Namche. Teahouses don’t take cards. Budget $25 to $40 a day for food, plus extras like hot showers, wifi and charging. For 10 days on the trail, carry around $300 to $500 in small notes.
Is there wifi and phone signal on the trail?
Yes, on most of the route, but it gets slower and less reliable the higher you go. Most teahouses sell wifi for about $3 to $5 a day. Mobile data works in many places with a Nepali SIM, and we help you get one before you leave Kathmandu. Expect gaps in the upper valley, and download maps and anything else you need before the trek.
Why book with MountainKick?
We’re a Kathmandu-based company with our own licensed guides, small groups and clear pricing. We don’t pass your trek to another agency. Our guides know the Gokyo valley well and are trained in first aid and spotting altitude sickness. If weather changes the plan, we rebook your flights and sort out the logistics. Read our TripAdvisor reviews, or our guide on choosing a Nepal trekking company.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
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- Confirm with a 20% deposit
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ Break your boots in before you leave home. Blisters on Day 3 make the rest of the trek miserable.
Clothing — Base Layers
ⓘ Merino wool or synthetic only. Cotton holds moisture and gets cold fast at altitude.
Clothing — Mid and Outer Layers
Headwear and Handwear
Bags and Packs
Sleeping
Trekking Equipment
Toiletries and Personal Items
First Aid and Medications
ⓘ Consult your doctor before the trek regarding Diamox and any personal medications.
Documents and Money
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon is not recommended for the Gokyo Valley Trek. Trails are muddy, leeches are common below Namche, mountain views are rare, and Lukla flights face frequent delays and cancellations. If your only window is June to August, contact us and we will discuss the options honestly.
Leave at home
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Jeans or cotton trousers Cotton holds moisture and takes too long to dry at altitude
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Heavy books Add unnecessary weight. Download to your phone instead.
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Hair dryer or electric styling tools Power is limited and expensive above Namche
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Expensive jewellery No need for it and adds security risk
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Large bottles of toiletries Decant into small containers. Weight adds up.
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Full-size towel Heavy and bulky. Microfiber only.
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us in Kathmandu. We lend you trekking poles for free. A duffel bag is provided to every trekker as part of the package.
Gokyo Valley Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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