Explore Everest
A quieter valley than the Base Camp trail, ending at a string of turquoise glacial lakes below Gokyo Ri — arguably the best Everest viewpoint in the region.
Gokyo splits from the main Base Camp trail at Namche Bazaar and follows the Dudh Koshi's western branch instead, running alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier — Nepal's largest — to the village of Gokyo at 4,750m, beside the first of six glacial lakes. The climb up Gokyo Ri (5,357m) at dawn is the payoff: a 360° panorama that includes Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu from a single point, something the Base Camp trail itself doesn't offer.
Trekker numbers here are consistently lower than on the classic route, which means quieter teahouses and a slower, less crowded trail without giving up any of the scale of the scenery.
Many trekkers extend Gokyo with the Renjo La pass (5,360m), a high crossing back toward Namche that adds a genuinely different valley to the return leg instead of retracing the same path twice. It's a harder add-on — a real mountain pass, not a walking trail — but it's the version of this trek we run as standard.
Day by day
A paced plan with acclimatization built in. Exact overnight villages and flight routing are confirmed for each departure; altitudes are route-planning values, not survey measurements.
| Day | Route | Sleep | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly to Lukla; walk to Phakding | Phakding | 2,610 m |
| 2 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| 3 | Acclimatization day: hike higher, return to Namche | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| 4 | Namche to Dole via Mong La | Dole | 4,040 m |
| 5 | Dole to Machhermo | Machhermo | 4,470 m |
| 6 | Acclimatization day in Machhermo | Machhermo | 4,470 m |
| 7 | Machhermo to Gokyo, past the first lakes | Gokyo | 4,790 m |
| 8 | Dawn climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m); fourth and fifth lakes | Gokyo | 4,790 m |
| 9 | Cross Renjo La (5,360 m) to Lungden | Lungden | 4,380 m |
| 10 | Lungden to Thame | Thame | 3,820 m |
| 11 | Thame to Namche Bazaar | Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
| 12 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla | Lukla | 2,840 m |
| 13 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| 14–16 | Kathmandu arrival, briefing and Lukla weather buffer | Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
Cost and inclusions
| Group size | Price per person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1–3 trekkers | $1,650 |
| 4 or more trekkers | $1,485 (10% group discount) |
Questions
The lakes route alone reaches similar altitudes with fewer nights above 5,000 m. Our standard version adds the Renjo La crossing at 5,360 m, which makes it harder than a straight out-and-back to Base Camp.
Yes. From Gokyo Ri, on a clear morning, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu are all visible from one summit — a view the Base Camp trail does not give you.
The guide returns down the Gokyo valley via Dole to Namche instead. Ask your quote to state what changes in lodging and cost if the pass is skipped.
Our published starting price is USD 1,650 per person for 16 days, with 10% off per person for groups of four or more. Your written quote confirms the final inclusions.
Gokyo’s high-altitude lakes lie within Sagarmatha National Park. This published 16-day route pairs the lakes with Renjo La. Ask which viewpoints and lakes are included, what happens if the pass is unsuitable, and where your overnight stops sit in the plan.
The lakes route is a different goal from Base Camp. To combine the two areas, compare the 17-day Gokyo Chola Pass option and discuss the additional crossing with the team.
Are the lakes your main goal, or do you also want to visit Everest Base Camp? Send your approximate month and party size. The team will review fit and availability before preparing a quote.
Geographic references checked 6 September 2026. These explain the region; they do not certify this operator or confirm departure availability.
Tell us your dates and fitness level — we'll reply with a route recommendation within two business days.