Overview
The Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lake trek takes us to the beautiful pristine lakes of Gokyo. Located at 5000m, they are some of the highest lakes in the world. Besides that, the route offers spectacular views of some of the mountain ranges of the Himalayas. The route passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO natural heritage site with its jaw dropping mountains, glaciers, and home to rare species such as the elusive snow leopard and red panda. Keep a lookout for rhododendrons, himalayan blue sheeps and pheasants along the way.
The route passes through the Chola Pass (5367m) which is a tough hike. Compared to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo lake trek is demanding in some parts of the trail. The Gokyo lake treks also take us to Gokyo Ri (5467m) which looks over the stunning view of the Gokyo valley and the Ngozumpa Glaciers. Out of the lakes at Gokyo, the fifth is the most pristine. Along the trail, you will see stunning views of Mt. Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Trip facts:
- Maximum altitude: 5357m
- Group size: 2-10 people
- Best season: March-April-May-September-October-November-December
- Tour type: Trekking
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation Type: Tea houses
- Arrival on: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Departure from: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Guiding method: Trekking guides
- Language: English
- Minimum age: 12
- Maximum age: 80
Group Price
- The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation. Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote
- Prices listed are not final. Please inquire for your final price quote.
Group Size | Price |
---|---|
2 – 5 | 3000 |
6 – 10 | 2700 |
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3-star level hotel for 3 nights in B&B plan.
- All necessary ground transportation.
- All necessary internal flights.
- All necessary permits, tickets and national park entrance fees.
- All meals during trekking days.
- All necessary accommodation in tea houses during the trek.
- An English-speaking well experienced trekking guide.
- All staff salaries and insurance.
- First aid kit carried by our staff.
- All government taxes.
- Welcome and farewell dinner.
- International airfares.
- Nepal visa fee.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)
- Porter service: We arrange porter facilities upon request. Two people can share one porter. Porter wage per day is $20.
- Extra nights accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Any personal expenses during the trek like battery charge, hot shower, laundry, extra meals, tea, coffee, snacks, boiled water, bottled water, alcoholic beverages & soft drinks and internet service.
- Tips for guide, porters, and other staff.
- Note: Sometimes flights to and from Lukla might get canceled due to weather conditions, in such situations, helicopter flights can be arranged. The cost of helicopter flight to or from Lukla would cost approximately USD 400 which is to be paid by the trekkers.
- Anything not mentioned in the 'price includes section.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
At your arrival at the airport in Kathmandu, a nature horizons team member will be waiting to greet you. We will transfer right to your hotel accommodation for the first night. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will meet your guide and get a briefing on your entire tour. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore around Kathmandu. It is a magical city.
Includes: Accommodation
Day 2: Trek preparation day
Today you will have a 2nd briefing about the trek during breakfast. We will do a complete gear check to ensure you have brought with you all the necessary equipment and gear for your trek. If there are any items you are missing and need, we will head out into Kathmandu to buy them, so you are prepared for your trek. It is now time to relax, and your trek starts tomorrow.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 3: Kathmandu to Phakding (2610 m)
Weather permitting, we will take the morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The 25 minutes flight gives you a scenic view of the mountains. While your luggage is being sorted out, feel free to explore the village on your own. The start of the trek takes you on a scenic walk alongside the Dudh Kosi River (River of Milk) through trails lined with Buddhist prayer flags and prayer wheels. Exchange greetings with other trekking teams along the way to the Sherpa village of Phakding.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 4: Phakding to Namche (3440 m)
The route to Namche bazaar leads us through blue pine and rhododendron. Stop at Monjo (2835 m), Sagarmatha National Park, the first point of the trek. The trail leads to the confluence of two rivers, Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi. Cross over a series of suspension bridges (Jholunge pul) before arriving at Namche. Enjoy your first sight of Everest. Lhotse, Nuptse, and Taboche (6542m) too can be seen on the horizon.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 5: Acclimatize at Namche
To acclimatize, hike on the route from the Cultural Museum to the airstrip at Syanboche. Drop by the museum to view the collection of Sherpa’s traditional artifacts. The hike to Syangboche airstrip is a steep climb, but the views of Everest and Ama Dablam, one of the world’s most photographed mountains, more than make up for it.
Tea house/Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 6: Namche to Dole (4038 m)
The route from Namche bazaar is steep up until Kyanjuma Village. While you travel, you will be greeted by spectacular views of Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and others. We will stop at Mong La before continuing on the trail. Keep a lookout for interesting wildlife. Overnight at Dole.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 7: Dole to Machhermo (4470 m)
We are continuing on the trail that leads to Machhermo from Dole. The route is very scenic with views of mountains like Cho Oyo and Thamserku. Machhermo is our overnight destination, one of the last settlements on the trail that leads to the lake.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8: Acclimatize at Machhermo
We will explore the small routes around Macchermo. Feel free to explore the village on your own. The more you hike around the village, the better prepared you will be for the longer hike the next day.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 9: Machhermo to Gokyo (Hike to Gokyo Ri for sunset) (4750 m)
As you leave behind the village of Macchermo and head out Gokyo, you will be greeted by your first view of mt. Cho-Oyu. Along the way, we will pass the hamlet of Pangka and come across a few lakes. Continuing on the trail, we reach Gokyo. A short rest at the lodge, and we will hike to Gokyo Ri to watch the sunset.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 10: Visit the fifth lake
Today we will hike to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lake, a few km away from the north of Gokyo. A short climb atop a hill (also known as scoundrel viewpoint) next to the lake provides an excellent view of Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. From here, Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the world, is also visible.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 11: Gokyo to Dole (3800 m)
Most of the trail today is downhill. Descending down the trail along the Dudh Koshi, we’ll pass the first of the Gokyo Lake. Along the way, you’ll get to see the peaks of Cholatse and Taboche. The trail to the village of Dole further descends downwards, passing through the villages of Macchermo, Luza, and Lhafarma.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 12: Dole to Namche (3440 m)
While we descend towards Namche, keep a lookout for pheasants and other wildlife. Along the way, you will see the peaks of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega mountains. Before we reach Namche, look back to admire the peaks of Everest one last time.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 13: Namche to Lukla (2860 m)
Explore the village of Namche, and finish up on last-minute souvenir shopping. After bidding farewell to the peaks of Everest, we will start our trek towards Lukla in the late morning. As soon as we cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River, we reach lower altitudes again. The hike to Lukla through Monjo, Benkar, Phakding is very pleasant. The evening calls for celebratory dinner.
Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu
Weather permitting, we fly back in the morning. In Kathmandu, you can spend your time at your leisure.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 15: Final Departure
Wake up and prepare to get on your flight home! Your guide will be with you up until we drop you off at the airport. End Tour
Includes: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
How much weight can I carry on the flight to Lukla?
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
Where can I leave my extra luggage?
Should I bring altitude sickness medicine?
Do I need to carry a sleeping bag?
Should I hire a porter?
What if I fall sick?
Do I need to have contingency days to book my flight back home?
Trekking Packing List
Head and Hands:
- Cap or hat to wear while walking in bright sun
- Wool or fleece cap or hat to keep your head warm
- Neck warmer to protect your throat from catching a cold
- Uv protection sunglasses
- Warm wind and waterproof gloves
Upper body:
- Dri fit trekking shirts
- Thermals
- Warm trekking shirts
- Hiking hoodie
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
Lower body:
- Trekking pants
- Trekking shorts
- Thermals and inners
- Waterproof pants
- Trekking socks
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Slippers or sandals
- Gaiters
- Microspikes
Other items:
- Strong rucksack or large holdall to be carried by
- Day rucksack to be carried
- Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear inside your main
- One or two-liter water
- Personal first aid kit to include essential
- Sleeping bag, 4
- Torch, ideally head torch.
- Digital Camera and a spare battery and battery charger
- Toilet paper, quick-dry towel,
- Toothbrush
- Large handkerchief/bandana for neck
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Our TripAdvisor Reviews
Jennifer F2025-04-27Amazing Tanzanian Safari Nature Horizons planned an unforgettable Tanzanian safari for 20 guests on a yoga retreat. Beginning in the planning stages, Dominick was helpful, knowledgeable, and would go out of his way to ensure we had an amazing trip planned. He was on top of the details, such as collecting passport and travel info, and answered all of our questions. Because of NHT’s attention to detail? Our guests enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime trip. If we needed anything during our stay, Dominick was responsive and would get any problem resolved. Every detail was fine tuned, and several of the accommodations were beyond expectation. The guides he set us up would were funny, personable, and genuinely cared to make sure we had the best safari experience. I highly recommend the hot air balloon ride!If you are looking to plan a Tanzanian safari, FIBI! Look no further and reach out to Dominick for a life-changing vacation.
Erin Y2025-04-23Magical restorative adventure! My yoga studio hosted an unforgettable trip to Tanzania, thanks to Nature Horizon Tours! Every detail was perfectly planned—from the beautiful accommodations to the incredible excursions and welcoming local guides. The trip created space for adventure, reflection, and connection, making it both inspiring and restorative. We came home with lasting memories, a deeper bond as a group, and new friendships that we truly treasure. This experience far exceeded our expectations, and we’re so grateful for the care and thought that went into every moment. We can’t wait to travel with this team again!
Jen B2025-04-08Life-Changing Safari I am very grateful for Natures Horizons Tours for providing the trip of a lifetime. They ensured our safety, took care of all of our needs, and treated us with the best care and consideration even when some of us didn’t deserve it. This tour company is very PROFESSIONAL!! They know what they are doing and they do it very well. I would tour with them again in a heartbeat! The attached photo is completely untouched. This is how close they got us to the action! If we weren’t in the rover, this beautiful but very full, lioness was only feet away. We could see every beautiful detail of her.
Nancy C2025-04-06Lasting memories My trip to Tanzania was amazing. Nature Horizons put together a fantastic itinerary. Our guides were knowledgeable, hard working, and friendly. They turned the Safari from a trip into an awesome and unforgettable experience.
Getaway310895774142025-03-24A bucket list trip dreams are made of! Nature Horizons organized a trip for 20 people from our yoga community for a yoga and safari tour in Tanzania. Every detail was curated perfectly from the those greeting us at the airport to those touring us through the urban and cultural centers of Arusha all the way though an unforgettable experience in the Serengeti. Our 5 tour guides were friendly and fun and beyond knowledgeable and we got to see THE BIG 5!!! The locations they choose for our Safari camp and for our journey along the way were superb with perfect views for our yoga practice and the food was out of this world every place we went! We will for sure be traveling with Nature Horizons again, in fact we already have Egypt booked as our next destination!!! For world class bucket list travel these are your people. Rarely does one get the owner and CEO of a travel company hand selecting every detail of your trip and ensuring it goes off without a hiccup… this oversight and hand on help is unbeatable in the travel industry… trust me after a decade of taking yoga groups traveling, this is something you never see! Thanks Dominick and Team for a memorable bucket list trip and for taking superb care of us along the way!
Shreya B2025-03-11Excellent customer care! We travel a lot and for the first time let Nature Horizons Tours plan our trip for us! It was an amazing experience as there was always someone to take care of us and our needs. Our daughter needed urgent care on the last day of the trip and we were helped all the way through! Better than 5*s!!!
Mary D2025-02-11Fantastic Safari My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the safari that we took thru Nature Horizons Tours in Tanzania last month. It truly was a trip of a life time. We saw lots of animals and birds throughout Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. To see 20 elephants (including babies) casually stroll by us was an experience I will never forget. Another time, we saw two herds of zebras that must have totaled 20,000 zebras. WOW! Our guide, Praygod was great and we really enjoyed spending time with him. He was great at identifying animals and provided lots of the environmental, historical and cultural information. I recommend bringing a notebook to write down all the animals you will see.One advantage we had with Natures Horizon compared to other Safari companies is that there are only four people in a jeep during the safari (well, plus the driver). This was really nice being able to easily see animals on both sides of the jeep without stepping over people. We saw a lot of jeeps that had 6 people in them.Everyone associated with Nature Horizons Tours and the lodges we stayed at went out of their way to make our stay/experience fantastic. We learned that if there was something that we wanted, we just had to ask. At the Kilimanjaro Lux Camp, Grace personally made avocado toast for us each morning. In Zanzibar, we asked the driver where we could buy spices and he took us to a local outdoor market which I appreciated as I enjoy experiencing the local experience.It was a great trip and I would have no doubt that I would go on another tour led by Natures Horizons
Trail311312224182025-02-11Fantastic Photo Safari I traveled with Nature Horizons to Tanzania in 2024. I am writing this review as a Travel Agent. My clients just returned from their safari with Nature Horizons. From the time they booked, Dominick was in close contact with both me and my clients. He made sure that all of our questions or concerns were handled very quickly. He took the time to do zoom calls with me and my clients more than once to make sure that they were comfortable with everything to do with the trip. While there were a couple of things lost in translation with his team in Tanzania, they were minor and were dealt with immediately. The driver/guide is the absolute best. The lodging, while not close to town, was all very nice with fabulous food. The balloon ride is not to be missed! One of the things that I appreciate the most is that Dominick will not take more than 4 people in a vehicle, even though more can fit. He wants every passenger to have the best view, no matter which side of the vehicle has the views of the wildlife. I am very happy with Dominick and his team at Nature Horizons and would not hesitate to use them again for myself and my clients!
Geri M2025-02-10Tanzania and Serengeti Safari Phenomenal experience! Once in a lifetime trip! The guide was top of the line! I would suggest this trip to everyone! We added on Zanzibar and that was beautiful as well
Byrd B2025-01-14The BEST Partner for a Travel Agency!! Nature Horizons has been an amazing partner for us. I own a travel agency that does $13MM in revenue and when it comes to unique, off the beaten path, this partner always delivers exactly what my clients are looking for. The support is impressive and the work has love poured into every detail. You cannot go wrong with this company!Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5,
based on 73 reviews