West of the main Everest trail, the Dudh Koshi rises from the snout of the Ngozumpa Glacier, about 36 km long and the longest glacier in Nepal. Along its western edge, trapped behind the lateral moraine, lie the Gokyo Lakes: six main lakes and many smaller ponds, fed by streams and seepage, their colour ranging from emerald to vivid turquoise. The lake system has been a Ramsar wetland of international importance since 2007 and is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.
Gokyo village, a cluster of stone lodges at about 4,790 m, stands on the eastern shore of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Behind it rises Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), a brown ridge whose summit gives what many trekkers consider the best mountain panorama in the Khumbu: Cho Oyu (8,188 m) to the north, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu to the east beyond the Ngozumpa ice, plus Cholatse, Taboche and dozens of lesser peaks. Unlike base camp, you see the full summit of Everest from here.
The Gokyo trek leaves the Everest trail at Mong La above Namche and climbs through Dole and Machhermo, a quieter route with fewer lodges and more yak pastures. It reaches a similar height to EBC in a similar time, and many trekkers prefer it. Strong walkers link Gokyo with Everest Base Camp over the Cho La (5,420 m), or with Thame over the Renjo La (5,360 m). For those short of time, a one-day helicopter tour lands at Gokyo for a brief stop.
What to see and do
- Gokyo Ri sunrise panorama
From the 5,357 m summit of Gokyo Ri, four of the world's fourteen 8,000 m peaks are visible: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. At dawn the sun rises behind Everest and lights the lakes below one by one.
- Turquoise Dudh Pokhari
The third lake, beside Gokyo village, is the largest and most photographed, its colour shifting from green to deep turquoise with the light. In winter it freezes over; in October and November its surface reflects the peaks on still mornings.
- Ngozumpa Glacier
At about 36 km, the Ngozumpa is the longest glacier in Nepal. From the moraine above Gokyo you look down on a broad river of grey rubble, ice cliffs and melt lakes stretching from Cho Oyu towards Machhermo.
- Fifth lake and Scoundrel's Viewpoint
A day hike north beyond the fourth lake reaches the fifth lake and the moraine viewpoint known as Scoundrel's Viewpoint, looking straight at Cho Oyu, the Ngozumpa icefall and across to Everest. Few trekkers make it this far.
- Quieter trail via Dole and Machhermo
The Gokyo route has fewer trekkers than the main EBC trail, with yak pastures, herders' huts and wildlife such as Himalayan tahr and monal. Machhermo has a small aid post with altitude talks in season.
- Link to the Cho La and Renjo La
Gokyo is the hub of the high passes: the Cho La leads east to Lobuche and Everest Base Camp, the Renjo La west to Lungden and Thame. Both are long, high days for experienced trekkers with good weather.
Experiences in Gokyo Lakes
How to reach Gokyo Lakes
On foot
From Namche, walk via Mong La to Dole (≈ 4,040 m), then Machhermo (≈ 4,470 m), then Gokyo: three days from Namche, five from Lukla including the Namche rest day. From Lobuche, cross the Cho La via Dzongla and Thangnak in two long days.
Helicopter
Helicopter tours from Kathmandu land at Gokyo for 10–20 minutes, weather permitting, usually combined with a breakfast stop at Hotel Everest View. At this height payload is limited, so groups may be split into two lifts. Not advised for anyone with heart or lung problems.
Air
The nearest airport is Lukla, 35 minutes from Kathmandu or 20 minutes from Ramechhap in peak months. Check current status of the Ramechhap rule before you travel.
Where to stay
Gokyo village has about eight to ten lodges along the lakeshore, several rebuilt in recent years with rooms that have attached bathrooms, sunrooms facing the lake and heated dining rooms. They are generally more comfortable than lodges at the same height on the EBC trail, and quieter. Lakeside rooms look across Dudh Pokhari to the Renjo La ridge. Nights are cold, often −10 °C or below from October to March. Below Gokyo, Machhermo and Dole have smaller family lodges with simple rooms.
Tips from our trip managers
- Spend two nights in Gokyo so you have a spare morning for Gokyo Ri if the first sunrise is cloudy.
- Start the Gokyo Ri climb by 4:30–5 am to reach the top at sunrise; allow 2–3 hours.
- Do not swim in or wash at the lakes; they are sacred and a protected Ramsar wetland.
- Walk to the fourth or fifth lake on your extra day for a quieter view of Cho Oyu.
- Cross the Cho La only in good weather, with a guide and microspikes, leaving Dzongla or Thangnak before dawn.
