Overview of Gokyo Lake Trek
There is more than just the views of Mother Nature when it comes to the Sagarmatha region—this is where the Gokyo Lake Trek comes in! This trek is one of the absolutely stunning journeys that take you toward the lakes of serenity, with six turquoise, glacial-fed lakes at around 5,000 meters above sea level. Another best part is Gokyo Ri (5,357m), which offers an unparalleled panoramic view. It might not be as cool as the one from Kala Patthar, but this is a hidden gem of the Sagarmatha region, still offering great views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
The trail is the same as Everest Base Camp until you arrive at Namche Bazaar, after which you will come across the Monjola Pass before Tengboche, entering the Gokyo Valley.
Necessary Permits for Gokyo Lake Trek
A Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit together with a Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit are the only documents necessary. The mountainous region of Sagarmatha National Park requires residents to have these two permits because the protected space operates between 2,845m to 8,848m above sea level.
There are multiple alternate pathways than usual which, if taken, additional permits can be needed when altering the conventional travel plan. Trekkers starting from Jiri must additionally obtain the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Permit in addition to their standard trekking requirements.
Remove this worry about permit preparation since our team will take care of this process!
Where can you get permits for the Gokyo Lake Trek?
Entry into the national park becomes illegal when you lack these required documents. If you wish to know more details, this page is just for you! We will provide you with all the necessary information about permits to make your Gokyo Lake trek possible—because we appreciate good research!
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit since 2018 for EBC Trek has eliminated the need for TIMS Cards, which were deemed compulsory before. As for the entrance permit, it is now available when you arrive at Lukla or Monjo.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: NPR 2,000 per person.
Another permit that you need—the Sagarmatha National Park Permit—can be obtained through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation at the National Tourism Board building. NTB is located near Thamel, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu. It can also be acquired within the Everest Base Camp trail in Monjo village.
Did you know? You can choose not to pay for this permit! That is only if you are below 10 years old.
The Nepal Tourism Board sets the current permit rates for Sagarmatha National Park as follows:
- Nepali: NRs. 100 per person
- SAARC National: NRs. 1,500/entry
- Others: NRs. 3,000/entry
The payment of these permits supports sustainability funds that protect the trail from damage while preserving natural beauty and cultural heritage to enable local authorities to manage safe trekking activities, improve local infrastructure, and support local well-being.
Required documents for trekking permits
You cannot just buy the permits! You need certain documents to obtain the necessary permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
- Valid passport with at least six months validity (with photocopies)
- 2-4 Recent Passport-Sized Photographs
- Details including intended trekking route, emergency contact information, and travel insurance details
- Cash in Nepali currency to pay for your permit
Key Highlights of Gokyo Lake Trek
- Escape the crowd and take the less crowded area on the Everest region following an easy trail.
- Besides the escapism of the crowd, you will also get some of the finest scenery here with the chain of six turquoise lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and the mesmerizing views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
- Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m), one of the highest passes on the trail with mesmerizing views awaiting you.
- Walk through the Sherpa town of Khumjung, where you get the chance to witness the talk on it having a 'real' yeti skull.
Major Stops in the Trail of Gokyo Lake Trek
Namche Bazaar
The ultimate tourist hub, Namche Bazaar remains one of the famous and comparatively developed spaces within the trekking region of Nepal. When staying here, you have a lot of time as it is the acclimatization point. Here, you can explore the nearby villages of Khumjung, Kunde, or Thame using a day hike or simply explore the beauty of the town itself. However, do not miss out on Everest View Point, which owns one of the best views yet on the trail before you get even more mesmerized with the trail. This might as well be the well-established community with facilities including decent stay, dining options, and most importantly, an ATM, that you might not get further up in the trekking route.
Gokyo Valley
Gokyo Valley has the major highlight of the trek—the turquoise Gokyo Lake fed by six glacial lakes. Here, you have a lot to explore. One of the hikes you must not miss is that of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) which will hold one of the most spectacular views you can find, which includes Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.
Variations You Can Bring to the Trek
Return to Lukla via Renjo La
Make your way back less boring. Instead of returning the same way to Namche, take on Renjo La Pass and descend towards Namche Bazaar. From here, you will be following the same route back to Lukla. This small twist will take you towards extra adventure within the beautiful Sherpa villages of Thame and Thamo.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes
Extend your days on the trail and connect your trek to the popular Everest Base Camp by crossing over Cho La Pass to the east. From Gokyo village, cross the Ngozumpa Glacier and take a steep climb and a descent straight to the Everest Base Camp Trail.
Add the Challenge of the Three Passes
There will not just be one but three challenges with this! Cho-La (5,420m), Kongma-La (5,535m), and Renjo-La (5,340m). It is best advised to take on the three passes first before you join the serenity of the Gokyo Valley due to the altitudes and acclimatization reasons.
Best Time to Trek Gokyo Lakes
Same as most treks, you can best enjoy this adventure in Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). During these two seasons, the weather is clear and temperature remains warm during the daytime. If you are here in Autumn, be prepared to witness Nepal's biggest festivals—Dashain and Tihar—and also the Mani Rimdu Festival in Tengboche that shows you the culture and festival of the Sherpa community.
You may as well trek in summer and winter, but the conditions remain harsh with little to no clear views. As for monsoon, it brings a lot of rain and leeches at the lower altitude, making the experience more of a nightmare.
Why Choose the Gokyo Lakes Trek with Excited Travels
We possess precise information, guidance, and professionalism, which will give you that serene Gokyo Lake Trek experience that truly shows you the meaning of hassle-free adventure. Excited Travels remains with you throughout your entire journey, starting from arrival until the trail and up to your departure—"WE ARE HERE FOR YOU."
Book Your EBC Trek Today!
Excited Travels is just an inquiry away! Book your appointment now so that we can discuss your Gokyo Lake Trek and the ways we can make it easy-going and adventurous for you! We will give you the best trekking services within Nepal, within the Everest Region, and beyond!
