How Long does it take for Gokyo Lake Trek

Are you planning a trek to Gokyo Lake but unsure how much time to set aside? On average, the trek which lies in the Everest region takes 10-14 days. But the actual duration for the trek depends on a number of factors, like the level of your fitness and weather conditions.

Also, before you lace up your boots for the trek to the picturesque Gokyo Lake, you need to decide on the kind of trek you are opting for. The days needed for a quick gateway to the Gokyo Lake differ from an extended experience that includes side treks to Cho La Pass or Renjo La Pass.

The Gokyo Lake Trek is generally considered the best trekking alternative in the Everest region. However, unlike the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek, trekkers do not face crowds in this less-trodden path. Yet again, the trek to Gokylo Lake also provides an option to integrate the EBC trek, creating an extended but unique trekking experience.

Therefore, if you are thinking of heading to Nepal for that thrilling trek to the Gokyo Lake, you need to keep several factors in consideration. If you are wondering, ‘How long does it take one for the Gokyo Lake trek?’, then consider the following things. The duration can vary based on a number of factors need you nee to be clear about what you want.

The guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Gokyo Lake as we break down everything you need to know about the duration needed for the Gokyo Lake trek.

Gokyo Lake Trek: Know your destination

One of the famous trekking trails in the Everest region, the  Gokyo Lake trek is something you must experience once in your lifetime. One of the reasons being  the chance to see the pristine lakes in the Gokyo Valley. The six turquoise glacial lakes, at an altitude of 4,600m, are the highest freshwater lake system in the world. The Gokyo Lakes comprise Dudh Pokhari, Tonak Cho, Ngozumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Gyazumpa Cho and Longpongo Cho.

The other destination in this trek is summiting Gokyo Ri (5,357m). And its highlight is a chance to witness the extraordinary view of mountain ranges over 8,000m. You will also be able to get a breathtaking view of Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier of Nepal.

This Gokyo Valley in itself is something worth exploring. You can witness beautiful houses made of stone and meadows in the valley located on the shore of Dudh Pokhari. Plus, it gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of the Sherpas there. You will get that opportunity in the villages like Machermo, Dole, Namche, Khumjung  and Manjo.

The Gokyo Lake trek is often regarded as one of the best alternatives to the EBC trek. For those who are seeking more solitude and trying to avoid the crowded EBC trail, this is the best option. In that aspect, Gokyo Lake Trek is relatively less known as compared to the EBC trek.

The trek to the Gokyo Lake begins from Lukla. Then you have to walk through the Sherpa Villages that lie on the off-beaten trails.

The Gokyo Lake trek is moderate in terms of its difficulty level. And this trek is usually done in the spring and autumn months because of their best weather conditions.

Typical Gokyo Lake Trek duration

Ideally, a standard Gokyo Lake Trek takes somewhere between 10-14 days, depending on different factors. This trip plan begins with your airport pickup at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Following that you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The itinerary then follows trekking through Namche Bazaar, Dole and Machhermo, the Sherpa villages that you will come across during the trek. Some of the activities of the itinerary include reaching Gokyo Lakes, summiting Gokyo Ri and exploring the Ngozumpa Glacier.

In between your treks, you will be allocating around three days for acclimatization. This way you can keep the altitude sickness at bay.

Other than that, your standard itinerary might get extended if you add side trips to it. May trekkers tend to do so. One of them is a quick side trip to Machhermo Peak. It lies on the main trail of the Gokyo Valley trek and you need not reroute for this trek.

The Thame Village can also be a part of the side trip. But you might require more time for this as it is off the main trekking trail.

The exploration of Gokyo Lakes also comes under the side trip. Only up to the third lake is on the main trail. So, if you want to soak in the beauty of the rest of the lakes, make a detour.

Meanwhile, if you want to be at Renjo La or Cho La pass, then you can expect an addition of at least one day. Or if you want to integrate the trek to Gokyo with the EBC trek, it will be a different itinerary.  Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lake can take 18 days. First, you will go to the Everest Base Camp, and descend to Thangna and reach the Gokyo Lake.

Factors that affect the length of the Gokyo Lake trek

Are you still unable to decide on how many days for the Gokyo Lake trek? It all depends on you and some other external other external factors.

Here is some brief information on the factors that will ultimately affect your Gokyo Lake trek.

Acclimatization needs

Acclimatization is a must for any high-altitude trek. In the case of the Gokyo Lake trek, acclimatization is equally important because you will reach Gokyo Ri as high as 5,357m. You will spend at least one full day acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar (3,446m) before heading to the higher altitude. Typically, you reach Namche Bazaar on the third day of the trek and head to Dole on the fifth day in a 14-day itinerary. The next stop point for acclimatization is Machermo (4,410m) before trekking to Gokyo Lake. The acclimatization significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness. Therefore, you will spend around three days for acclimatization.

Trek difficulty and experience

Your prior trekking experience plays a big role in the Gokyo Lake trek. Technically, the route to Gokyo Lake is not regarded as difficult. It is a moderately difficult trek. But as you need to walk between four to seven hours daily, you must be physically fit for the same. So, if you are trekking for the first time, you will have to have a slower pace. This might stretch your trekking days compared to the seasons and experienced trekkers. They are likely to walk for a longer time as they are used to in the higher altitudes.

Side trips and route extension

If you plan to trek to Gokyo Lake and be back with no distractions, the typical trek takes a maximum of 14 days. But if you are looking to make the most of your trek and add side trips, you will need to extend your itinerary. So, how long does it take for the Gokyo Lake trek? It depends on your side trips.

Fifth Lake and Scroundel’s Viewpoint: One of the popular extensions in this trek is a side trip to the Fifth Gokyo Lake and other lakes as well. It is off the main trekking trail. From the lake, you can climb to the Scroundel’s Viewpoint to get a beautiful view of the Everest region. This side trip adds one day to your trek.

Renjo La Pass: One of the three passes of Everest, it is at an altitude of 5,360m. Renjo La Pass connects Gokyo and Thame valleys. It will require you one to two extra days to cross this beautiful pass. You must opt for this if you wish to get a view of Everest, Rolwaling and the Tibetan frontier.

Cho La Pass: If you are amongst those who want to combine the Gokyo Lake trek with the Everest Base Camp trek via Cho La Pass (5,420m), then you might add four to six days to your trek.  It is also a popular high pass that connects the Gokyo Valley with the Everest Base Camp. It is popular as one of the treks amongst the Three Passes Trek.

Weather conditions: The travel period between peak and off-peak seasons can see unpredictable weather conditions. This can delay flights to/from Lukla. It might add a few more day in your itinerary.

To sum it up, there is no definite answer to the question: How long does it take for the Gokyo Lake trek? Several facts determine the days you will require for trekking. Whatever option you choose for this trek, choose it wisely to ensure you have a safe and memorable trek.