Gokyo Lakes Trek
A stunning alternative to Everest Base Camp — six sacred turquoise glacial lakes with a viewpoint many consider superior to Kala Patthar.
Distance
100 km
Duration
13 days
Elevation Gain
2,500m
Max Elevation
5,357m
Min Elevation
2,860m
Highest Point
Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
Difficulty
Challenging
Best Season
October-November, March-May
Route Type
Point to Point
Permit Required
Yes
Permit Cost
USD 55
Permit Information
Sagarmatha National Park permit (NPR 3,000), Khumbu Rural Municipality fee (NPR 2,000), TIMS card
The Gokyo Lakes trek offers a stunning alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp route, trading the base camp experience for a series of six sacred turquoise glacial lakes and Gokyo Ri (5,357m) — a viewpoint often described as superior to Kala Patthar, with four 8,000m peaks visible simultaneously.
The route follows the classic Everest trail from Lukla through Namche Bazaar before branching west to the Gokyo Lakes. The third lake (Dudh Pokhari), where Gokyo village sits at 4,790m, is the largest and most photographed. Above the lakes, the Ngozumpa Glacier stretches for approximately 36 km — Nepal's longest.
The trek is less crowded than EBC while offering mountain views many consider superior. It can be extended by crossing Cho La (5,420m) to join the EBC route for a comprehensive 16-18 day itinerary.