Gokyo Village (4,790m) is a small Sherpa village in the Everest regionof Nepal. It is one of the highest settlements on Earth, located on the eastern shore of the third Gokyo Lake, Dudh Pokhari. The Gokyo Lakes are a series of six lakes, recognized as the highest freshwater lake system in the world, situated at an altitude of around 4,700 to 5,000 meters. These lakes are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. Every year, during Janai Purnima, hundreds of pilgrims visit the lakes and take a holy bath. Gokyo Village is actually a valley at the foot of Gokyo Ri, so you cannot see prominent peaks directly from the village. However, Gokyo Ri is a famous viewpoint in Gokyo Village, offering stunning panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu,Cho Oyu and several other peaks. A three to four hour hike from the village to the summit of Gokyo Ri offers trekkers with breathtaking mountain views. From here, you can also see the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Once you enter Gokyo Village, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful turquoise lakes, a few monasteries, a German bakery and cafe and basic lodges. Most trekkers visit Gokyo Village to summit Gokyo Ri, which is also a popular sunrise viewpoint in Nepal.
Gokyo Valley, which is now a major resting place for trekkers, was traditionally used by the people of Khunde village for grazing their cattle. Over time, almost all the buildings in Gokyo have turned into guesthouses for trekkers. During winter, the local people leave Gokyo and move to lower villages like Namche Bazaar. Gokyo is famous for being the world’s highest-altitude ice-skating area and is also part of a Ramsar site, which means it is an important wetland. Many trekkers extend their journey from Gokyo to Everest Base Camp. However, to reach there, they must cross the challenging Cho La Pass (5420m). Since Gokyo is at a high altitude, altitude sickness is a major concern. To prevent it, trekkers are advised to acclimatize properly to allow their bodies to adjust before continuing to the pass. It is very important not to rush while ascending. If symptoms of altitude sickness appear, trekkers should take rest and seek medical help if necessary.
Complete Guide to Gokyo Lakes Trek
Where is Gokyo Village?
Gokyo Village is located at an altitude of 4,750 meters in the Khumbu region of Nepal, within Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is among one of the highest villages in the world. The village is close to the stunning Gokyo Lakes, a group of six emerald-green glacial lakes. Gokyo Village is about a 4-hour hike from Machhermo and is a popular stop for trekkers on the alternate route to Mount Everest Base Camp or those specifically trekking to the Gokyo Lakes.
How to Reach Gokyo Village
There are mainly 2 options to reach Gokyo Nepal ; by foot or by helicopter. To reach Gokyo Village on foot, you first need to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, you will be trekking for about 6-8 days via Phakding and the famous Namche Bazaar. Further from Namche, instead of continuing on the traditional Everest Base Camp route, you will head west toward Dole and Machhermo and finally reach Gokyo.
Alternatively, to avoid flying to Lukla, drive from Kathmandu by bus or jeep via Salleri. Trek for a couple of days onward from Salleri to reach Chaurikharka. Continue from there into Phakding and Namche Bazaar, and then the trail goes onward to Dole, Machhermo, and finally Gokyo. Alternatively, from Kathmandu itself, one can take a helicopter to Gokyo Lakes.
Gokyo Village to Everest Base Camp Distance
The distance from Gokyo Village to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is about 15-17 kilometers (9.3-10.5 miles). However, the actual trekking distance is longer, around 28-30 kilometers (17-19 miles). Most trekkers take 3-4 days to complete the journey from Namche Bazaar.
To reach EBC first you need to trek from Gokyo to Thangnak, then cross the challenging Cho La Pass at 5,420m/17,782ft to get to Dzongla. From here, it connects with the uphill major EBC trail near Lobuche until you finally reach Everest Base Camp. This route is somehow tough and needs proper acclimatization for the high altitude.
Gokyo Village to Gokyo Ri Distance
Gokyo Ri, at an altitude of 5,357 meters stands about 600 meters (around 2,000 feet) higher than the village. Although the two are close, the hike from Gokyo village to the top of Gokyo Ri takes about 2-3 hours due to the steep ascent. The climb to Gokyo Ri is considered moderately difficult.
Accommodation and Facilities in Gokyo Village
Accommodation in Gokyo Village is basic and comfortable in traditional teahouses run by local Sherpa families. The rooms usually have twin beds and thick blankets but are unheated and basic. Shared bathrooms, often with Western-style toilets, are common, although hot water may be an extra. Teahouses have common dining rooms heated by yak-dung stoves, where trekkers socialize and warm up. Food options in Gokyo village varies from Nepali dal bhat, Western dishes, soups, and hot drinks. Wi-Fi is available at an additional cost, but it is often slow. Small shops are around that sell some basic supplies, but prices are higher due to the remote location. Medical facilities are limited so it is highly recommended to bring first-aid kits and medications. Some of the teahouses stock oxygen cylinders, and guides are trained in basic first aid and recognition of altitude sickness. Power is available but may be on intermittently, so bring portable chargers for electronics.
Best Time to Visit Gokyo Lakes
The best time to visit Gokyo Lakes in Nepal is from October to November, during which the Gokyo weather is clear and stable. These months fall under the autumn season, meaning the days are usually sunny, pleasant in terms of temperature, and with very few chances of rainfall, perfect for trekking. It offers picturesque turquoise-colored lakes with snowy white peaks. Another good season for visiting the Gokyo lakes is the spring season from March to May , offering warmer temperatures with beautiful rhododendron blooms. Avoid visiting the Gokyo village in the monsoon season from June to September, when heavy rains make the trails slippery and dangerous or in winter from December to February when extreme cold and snow can block high passes.
Things to do in and around Gokyo Village
Hike to Gokyo Ri
The hike to Gokyo Ri is one of the most rewarding experiences in the Everest region. It is also one of the most popular viewpoints and is the major reason to do the Gokyo Lakes Trek. Gokyo Ri altitude is about 5,357 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Makalu, and several smaller peaks. The round trip from Gokyo Village takes about 4-5 hours. The hike is challenging due to the high altitude and steep terrain, but the trail is well-marked and does not require technical climbing skills. Many hikers start early in the morning to watch the sunrise from the summit.
Explore Gokyo Lakes
The Gokyo Lakes are six beautiful turquoise lakes: Longponga, Taboche Tsho, Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Tsho, Ngozumpa Tsho, and Gyazumpa Tsho. They are the highest freshwater lake system in the world. Hindus and Buddhists consider these lakes sacred. Gokyo Village sits beside the third and largest lake, Dudh Pokhari. Glaciers and rainfall feed the lakes, and their bright turquoise color comes from tiny rock particles in the water. As you walk alongside them, you can see their colors change throughout the day as the sun moves.
View the Ngozumpa Glacier
The Ngozumpa Glacier is the longest glacier in Nepal, stretching about 36 kilometers (22 miles). It is a massive river of ice covered with rocks, with ice caves and melt pools on its surface. As you walk near the glacier, you may hear the ice cracking and rumbling as it shifts. Due to climate change, the glacier is melting, forming more glacial lakes. You can see the glacier from different viewpoints around Gokyo Village.
