The Gokyo Lakes lie in the park’s western valley, strung along the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier at 4,700–5,000 m. They are among the highest freshwater lake systems in the world, were designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 2007, and are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists — pilgrims come here for the Janai Purnima festival in August.
The small settlement of Gokyo (about 4,790 m) sits on the shore of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Above it, the hill of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) offers a panorama that many trekkers rate above Kala Patthar: four of the world’s 8,000 m peaks — Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu — with the glacier and the turquoise lakes below.
What to see and do: Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri
Climb Gokyo Ri
A steep, steady path gains about 570 m from the lakeshore to the prayer-flag-covered summit in two to three hours. Most people go for sunrise; late afternoon gives warmer light on Everest but more risk of cloud.
Walk to the fourth and fifth lakes
A gentle trail continues up the valley to Thonak Tsho, the largest lake, and Ngozumpa Tsho, the fifth. From the moraine above the fifth lake — sometimes called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint — Everest looks remarkably close. Allow a full day there and back.
Look out over the Ngozumpa Glacier
Climb the moraine ridge behind the lodges for a view over Nepal’s longest glacier: some 36 km of ice buried under grey rubble and dotted with meltwater ponds that are growing as the climate warms. See glaciers and climate change.
Cross a pass
Gokyo is the hinge of the Three Passes circuit: the Cho La leads east to the Everest Base Camp trail, the Renjo La west to Thame.
Getting to Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri
- From Namche Bazaar: at least three days up via Mong La, Dole and Machhermo, with the altitude gain deliberately spread out; four is safer.
- From the Base Camp trail: over the Cho La (5,420 m) from Dzongla, crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Gokyo.
- By helicopter: some sightseeing flights include the Gokyo valley from the air.
Visitor tips
- The Gokyo valley gains height quickly. Do not skip the nights at Dole (about 4,040 m) and Machhermo (about 4,470 m).
- A volunteer-staffed rescue post at Machhermo has given daily altitude talks in the trekking seasons — well worth attending.
- The lakes are sacred: do not swim, wash or throw anything into them.
- Lodges at Gokyo are comfortable but limited in number; in October arrive by early afternoon.
Treks & tours that include Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri
These guided experiences are the easiest way to reach Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri:
Guided trek from €1274 11-Day Gokyo Valley Trek with Flights from Kathmandu
A guided trek up the quieter western valley of the park: Namche Bazaar, Dole and Machhermo to the Gokyo Lakes, then the climb of Gokyo Ri for a view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Flights to and from Lukla are part of the package.
- Lukla flights included from Kathmandu
- The Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Sunrise climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)
Guided trek from €1781 Gokyo Valley: 10-Day Lakes Trek with Gokyo Ri Sunrise
A compact ten-day trek to the Gokyo Lakes with the pre-dawn climb of Gokyo Ri as its high point. Check the day-by-day plan before booking: ten days is a brisk schedule for this altitude, and an extra acclimatisation night is never wasted.
- The chain of Gokyo Lakes at about 4,700–5,000 m
- Sunrise from Gokyo Ri
- Return through Sherpa villages
Guided trek from €1693 From Lukla: 18-Day Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek
A long trek that joins the park’s two great valleys — Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar on one side, the Gokyo Lakes on the other — instead of walking the same trail up and down. The trek starts and ends in Lukla, so arrange your own flights.
- Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
- Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri
- Two valleys linked in one long trek
Helicopter tour from €1312 Kathmandu: Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Gokyo Lake
A longer helicopter day that adds the Gokyo valley — its turquoise lakes and Nepal’s longest glacier — to the usual Everest flight. A newer listing with few reviews so far; compare the inclusions carefully.
- Flies over both the Khumbu and Gokyo valleys
- Aerial views of the Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Everest viewpoint landing when conditions allow
