Gokyo Valley Trek
Khumbu Region
Trek through the Gokyo Valley to a series of high-altitude glacial lakes, alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, and climb Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m for expansive Himalayan views.
Trek Overview
A quick look at what awaits on the trail.
The Gokyo Valley Trek takes you from Kathmandu into the Khumbu through Lukla, Namche Bazaar and the Dudh Koshi valley before turning toward the Gokyo Valley. As you climb higher, forest gives way to alpine terrain, glacial landscapes and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes.
Gokyo village sits beside Dudh Pokhari, the third and largest of the main Gokyo Lakes. From here, the trail climbs to Gokyo Ri, a high viewpoint at approximately 5,357 m. On a clear day, you can look across the Gokyo Lakes and surrounding glaciers toward some of the world's highest peaks. Nepal Tourism Board specifically identifies Gokyo Ri as a viewpoint for the surrounding peaks and lakes.
The Gokyo Lakes also have religious significance for Hindu and Buddhist communities and form part of the Gokyo and associated lakes Ramsar site.
When Should I go?
Month-by-month conditions to help you plan your trip.
Monthly Window
Conditions vary through the year with the seasons.
Note: Peak Season to visit Gokyo Valley Trek is March-May, September-November
October
OptimalOctober is one of the best times to go. Conditions are shaped by crystal clarity, bringing best gokyo ri views. Skies are typically stable and visibility is good, and visitor numbers tend to be high.
Select the current month to see today’s live forecast.
What to Expect
Understand rhythms before you go
“Trek through the Gokyo Valley to a series of high-altitude glacial lakes, alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, and climb Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m for expansive Himalayan views.”
Four 8,000m Peaks from One SummitGokyo Ri at 5,357m is the only viewpoint in Nepal from which Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu are all visible simultaneously, a four-peak panorama that the more famous Kala Patthar viewpoint on the EBC route cannot match.
The Gokyo LakesSix glacial lakes ranging from 4,700m to 5,000m, designated a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2007 and considered sacred by Sherpa communities. The Third Lake (Dudh Pokhari) reflects Cho Oyu and the surrounding peaks in conditions that make photography feel almost unfair. The Fifth Lake, tucked in a remote bowl near Cho Oyu Base Camp, offers high-altitude solitude that is increasingly rare in the Khumbu.
The Ngozumpa GlacierNepal's longest glacier at over 36km, visible from the valley floor as a vast grey river of ice and rock debris stretching from Cho Oyu toward Gokyo. Walking alongside the terminal moraine on the approach to Gokyo is one of the most dramatic pieces of trail in the Khumbu region and a visceral illustration of how quickly this glacier is retreating.
The Khumbu Without the CrowdsAbove Dole the Gokyo trail sees roughly 35% of EBC's trekker numbers. Above Machhermo that thins further. The lakes, the glacier, and the summit of Gokyo Ri carry the same mountain pedigree as anything on the EBC route without the queue.
Altitude & Safety
Comprehensive health guidance and immediate response tools for the high altitude trekker.
Maximum altitude · Gokyo Valley Trek
Reach Out To
Specialist Hospitals
Helicopter Rescue
Carry this on your Trek
Download this offline altitude safety card before trek. Includes AMS, HAPE, and HACE symptoms and preventions.
Download Safety Card
Gear Checklist
Make sure you have everything you need
Weight: 0.0 kg
Essential
0 / 20 packedCritical items required for safety, comfort, and completing your trek.
Gallery
Memories made during adventure
Gokyo Valley Trivia
Flight + 3-4 hours trek
8km
2,610m
Acclimatization Day