Gokyo Lakes
At 5,357 meters altitude, the sacred lakes of Gokyo offer a breathtaking view of Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Duration
15 days
From
€1,355/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
This trek takes you to discover the famous sacred lakes of Gokyo. Throughout your journey, you will have the chance to admire landscapes that will leave you with an indelible memory. You will sleep in old Sherpa villages and discover the lifestyle of the region's inhabitants. Even more surprising, you will climb Gokyo Ri which peaks at 5,357 m and will offer you a sumptuous view of Mount Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
The itinerary crosses the magnificent Khumbu valley, between impressive glaciers, wild valleys and some of the highest summits in the world. The turquoise waters of the Gokyo lakes, nestled in the heart of the Himalaya, contrast with the mineral landscapes of high altitude. This trek is an exceptional alternative to the classic Everest trails, offering a more peaceful approach and a deep immersion in Sherpa culture. An unforgettable adventure between magnificent nature, Buddhist spirituality and spectacular panoramas.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Flight to Lukla and start of your trek.
You will start your trek at the Khumbu gate at the entrance of Lukla village. Throughout the day, many stops are planned to meet the local residents, take photos and of course enjoy the landscape and the view of the multiple snow-capped peaks, reaching up to 6,000 m.
You pass near the enormous mani stone (prayers) Thado Kosi, then you go around the numerous chortens and prayer wheels of Sano.
Free afternoon. However, those who wish can still climb up to a small Gompa (Buddhist temple), overlooking the village. You will meet up for an aperitif by the fireside and evening meal.
The day starts early, with a short but spectacular flight to Lukla, the starting point of your trek. From the Langtang ranges to the Jugal Himal, passing through Rolwaling, Gaurisankar and Menlumtse, before your first glimpse of the Everest: the panorama is breathtaking.
Two nights in Namche to acclimatize.
After breakfast, you walk to Monjo village. The trail winds along the right bank of the Dudh Koshi, crosses the village of Phakding, then takes many suspension bridges over the river. You continue through a pine forest and cross several small villages, before taking a break and admiring the majestic Thamserku, towering above us at 6,623 m.
A few hours later, after crossing several more suspension bridges, you reach the small village of Monjo.
Shortly after leaving our lodge, you reach the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. You can view the 3D map and check out the information panels, while the guides take care of the trekking permits.
From there, you walk for about another forty minutes along the Dudh Khosi, before crossing its tributary, the Khosi Bhote, and beginning your ascent towards the vibrant Sherpa capital: Namche, and its many colorful shops.
The trail winds away from the river in zigzags, climbing gradually to the tree line, before finally opening onto a high basin and arriving at the village.
The beginning of the day is dedicated to a short walk to help you acclimatize to the altitude. Free afternoon to enjoy Namche's shops and cafés. While strolling around, your guide will take you to wonderful viewpoints and you can admire the "rock stars" of the Himalayan world. Feast your eyes: towering above the deep valleys, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, and Ama Dablam offer themselves to your gaze.
Finally, if you feel fit enough, you can continue towards the charming villages of Khumjung and Kunde where a clinic and school were able to be opened thanks to the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.
Namche - Phortse
If you have already visited Khumjung the day before, you can continue directly to Phortsewithout passing through Khumjung village. The climb is easy up to Namche museum.
After a clearly steeper section, you arrive at Mong village. The view of Thamserku to the southeast is splendid. You descend to reach and cross the Dudh Kosi Nadi river on a metal footbridge at 3680m altitude. It is through a steady climb that you reach Phortse village at 3800m altitude.
Phortse is a beautifully located village on a completely cultivated plateau, where each plot of land is surrounded by dry stone walls.
Phortse - Machhermo
After breakfast, you leave Phortse to head back down to the bridge you crossed yesterday. A narrow, very dusty and steep path allows you to join the one coming from Thanga. You pass under immense rhododendrons. Further on, two waterfalls refresh you a little with their icy spray. You take a break at Dhole.
You continue your route heading north, the path winds along the mountainside without any difficulty. Herds of yaks graze peacefully. As soon as the sun hides behind the clouds, the temperature drops: gloves and fleece are necessary. Fortunately, the wind is at your back!
Two nights in Gokyo to acclimatize
This morning, you depart towards the Gokyo lakes. Scenic route to Panka then a short descent following one of the rivers from the Ngozumpa glacier. You climb up the valley alongside this glacier to the first sacred lake. Shortly after, the second lake appears and finally the third lake, Dudh Pokhari located on the East shore of the Gokyo lakes grouping.
The landscapes are breathtaking with Cho Oyu (8143 m) and Gyachung Kang whose reflections stand out against the calm, emerald green waters of the lakes. Arrival at the remarkable Gokyo site.
Gokyo is located next to the Ngozumpa glacier, the largest glacier in Népal. Sherpa manage lodges and provide the best services to trekkers.
You can spend this day resting in the Gokyo valley or, if you have enough energy left, you can visit the fourth and fifth lakes. If you wish, you can climb a hill located at the edge of the 5th lake. From there, you have a magnificent view of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu.
Return near the main lakes and lodge in the center of a cirque of mountains considered by some as "aesthetically" superior to that of Everest…
Gokyo Ri - Phanga
The beginning of the day is dedicated to climbing Gokyo Peak. You leave your lodge just after sunrise and the route is easy via the southern slope. Some say that the view of the Everest region is even more beautiful from Gokyo Peak than from Kala Patar.
The path to the summit of Gokyo Ri (5360 m) is demanding. It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach the summit from where you will be amazed by the spectacular view over the Gokyo valley, the Ngozumpa glacier massif and the Khumbu mountain range. The view of the sun's rays setting the Everest ablaze is breathtaking.
Last day in the Everest region
Return to Kathmandu
Free day in Kathmandu
Today you have a choice, you can take advantage of the day to stroll through Kathmandu or ask us for a guided tour of the main sites of the city.
We offer you the opportunity to participate in an immersive and exclusive activity with a traditional craftsman. Choose from: cooking class, sculpture, painting, music and more. A fun activity for the whole family. The best souvenir you can take back home!
Good comeback and see you next time!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel Insurance: Cancellation / Repatriation / Trip Interruption / Baggage Loss
- International flights
- Visa fees 25 USD for 15 Days
- Personal expenses: drinks, souvenirs, phone, spa, etc.
- Tips
- Meals outside breakfasts in Kathmandu
Included
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu - Lukla Round trip
- Airport - hotel transfers
- 3 nights in Kathmandu in a 3-star hotel on B&B
- The guidance of an English-speaking Nepalese guide during the trek
- One porter for 2 trekkers
- All trekking permits
- Nights in lodges during the trek
- All meals during the trek
- Insurance for local team: Guide, Porter
- Your travel advisor's 24/7 assistance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kathmandu Valley
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
