Gokyo Short Trek 13 Days

Gokyo Short Trek is a 13 Days highly challenging trip into the Himalayas of Nepal. Additionally, it is also known as Gokyo Lake Trek. Gokyo is a group of lakes located in Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu District in north-eastern Nepal. The lakes are located in Sagarmatha National Park at an altitude of 4700–5000 m (15400–16400 ft) above sea level. Lakes and resorts were named after Gokyo Ri peak. The lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system of which Thonak Lake is the largest.

Despite the shorter trip, you will be experiencing many of the world’s highest suspension bridges while passing via Namche Bazaar, Dole, Macchermo and many other settlements.

Flight to Lukla

The 13 days journey begins with a thrilling 30 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Despite being constructed in 1964 and paved in 2001, Lukla is still considered to be one of the most challenging airports in the world. Here you will meet with your supportive staff and begin your trek towards Phakding.

The trip begins with the spectacular view of the Himalayas and a historic insight into the Sherpa Culture. Here you will also have a chance to unveil the ever mysterious existence of Yeti, the abominable snowman. The Yeti is believed to be an ape-like creature purported to inhabit the Himalayan mountain range in Asia. Many dubious articles have been offered in an attempt to prove the existence of the Yeti. It includes anecdotal visual sightings, disputed video recordings, photographs, and plaster casts of large footprints. Of course some of these are speculated or known to be hoaxes.

Namche Bazaar

The next halt for your trek will be at Namche Bazaar. It is the main trading center and hub for the Khumbu region. Namche Bazaar is also popular among trekkers for altitude acclimatization. The town has a number of lodgings and stores catering to the needs of visitors. It also has a number of internet cafés. Additionally, there are German bakeries, little cafes and many restaurants in the town as well. Moreover, there is also an Irish pub, said to be the highest and most remote Irish pub in the world. A popular local meal is yak steak. On Saturday mornings, a weekly market is held in the center of the village.

Gokyo Lake

Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes in Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park. It is located at an altitude of 4700 m to 5000 m (15400–16400 ft) above sea level. Lakes and resorts were named after Gokyo Ri peak. These lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system comprising six main lakes, of which Thonak Lake is the largest.

Moreover, the lakes are located in Khumjung Village Development Committee of Solukhumbu District in Sagarmatha Zone in north-eastern Nepal. Gokyo Cho, also called Dudh Pokhari, is the main lake with an area of 42.9 ha (106 acres). Moreover, the village of Gokyo lies on its eastern shore. Thonak Cho is the largest lake with an area of 65.07 ha (160.8 acres). Also, Gyazumpa Cho is 29 ha (72 acres) in size, followed by Tanjung Cho with an area of 16.95 ha (41.9 acres). Ngojumba Cho has an area of 14.39 ha (35.6 acres).

Furthermore, as sources of permanent freshwater they have high hydrological value. They feed on waters from various sources, such as seepage from the Ngozumpa glacier, a stream coming from the Renjo La pass from north-west and another stream originating from the Ngozumpa glacier in the east. These are glacier-fed freshwater wetlands and discharge water to the Dudh Kosi headway via the Taujon Lake and the Longabanga Lake.

These lakes however, are deeper than previously assumed by the researchers. Fourth Lake (Thonak Cho) is the deepest lake (62.4 m) followed by the Gokyo Lake which is 43 m. A direct connection between the Gokyo Lake and the upper Thonak Cho and the Ngozumpa Cho has not been observed, but these lakes may be connected via underground seepage water.

Gokyo Ri

Gokyo Peak is a 5357 m (17575 ft)-high peak in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It is located on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal. Additionally, it is also reputed to be the largest in the whole Himalayas as well. Gokyo (4750 m / 15583 ft above sea level), at the base of Gokyo Ri, is a small hamlet of a few stone houses and one of the highest settlements in the world. From the summit of Gokyo Ri it is possible to see four 8000 m peaks. They are Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.

The Gokyo Valley Trek is a fairly popular trekking route. The route itself ends at Gokyo Ri, and trekkers typically turn around at this point and retrace their steps back to the trailhead. There is an alternative mountaineering route that begins near the southern tip of Ngozumpa Glacier. This alternative route leads east over the Cho La, a pass at 5420 m, where it meets with the main Everest Base Camp Trek.

It is usually visited during the circuit trek of Everest Base Camp with Three Passes Trek. It is slightly off route while visiting the Everest Base Camp but many backpackers still visit it for the beauty of Gokyo Lakes.

Trek Map

Trip Video

Additional information on Gokyo Short 13-Days Trek:

Dossier disclaimer:

This trip details here are compiled with due diligence and provided in good faith. However, please be aware that information contained herein is subject to alteration and does not form a contractual agreement between the client and Cordial Trek Pvt. Ltd. The published itinerary is correct at the time of printing. We are always committed to providing you with an enriching and enjoyable trip.

Booking your Gokyo Short 13-Days Trek:

We are offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Everest region for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 1298 per person upfront. If you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We accept USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking your International Flight:

For your 13 Days Gokyo EBC Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 13. However, the Lukla flights can be canceled due to adverse weather, so having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Checklist for Gokyo Short 13-Days Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your Gokyo Short 13-Days Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival information:

Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us. Our airport representatives will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can arrange accommodation for extra nights and add-on tours as well for additional cost and provide complimentary airport pickup.

Flight to Lukla and return:

During the peak season, typically from mid-March to mid-May in spring and late September to late November in autumn, flights to Lukla and back operate from Ramechhap airport. At other times of the year, they depart from Kathmandu. We will however arrange the approximately 4-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport at no additional cost. Optionally you may as well book a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport with additional costs (USD 400).

Trek starting and ending days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 2 to Day 11. You’ll fly to Lukla on Day 2 to commence the trek and return back to Lukla on Day 11. On Day 12, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu and be transferred to your hotel. Expect to spend 10 nights and 10 days completing the Gokyo Short trek. You’ll begin your trek from Lukla to Gokyo with overnight stays in villages like Phakding, Namche, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo and Lukla. Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu:

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in a 3 Star Category Hotel with twin / double sharing beds.

Accommodation in the Mountains:

During the trek, your accommodation options are teahouses. Although basic, these Gokyo teahouses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food during the trip:

In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style except on the day of your Lukla flight, when you’ll receive a packed breakfast. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trail.

Baggage and weight limit:

On your flight to Lukla, the total baggage weight allowance is 15 kgs, combining both checked and carry-on baggage. Ensure you pack approximately 10/11 kilos in your checked bag and 5/4 kilos in your carry-on to stay within the 15-kilo limit. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Drinking water during the trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek to the Everest region, not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for extras and tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 200 to 300 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside 150-200 USD for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of Gokyo Short 13-Days Trek:

1. Trek to Gokyo Ri Peak (5357 m)
2. Explore Gokyo Lakes
3. A thrilling flight to and from Lukla Airport
4. Trek inside Sagarmatha National Park
5. Explore Namche Bazar
6. Experience Sherpa culture and traditions
7. Chance to unravel the mysteries of abominable Yeti