The Gokyo Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. It takes you to the beautiful Gokyo Valley, known for its turquoise lakes, stunning mountain vistas, and unique Sherpa culture.
The trek usually starts from Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, and follows the classic Everest Base Camp trail until Namche Bazaar. From Namche, the trail diverges and takes you to the Gokyo Valley, where you’ll encounter a series of glacial lakes, including the famous Gokyo Lakes.
The Gokyo Lakes are a set of six lakes, with the largest and most beautiful being the third lake. The lakes are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists and offer a mesmerizing sight against the backdrop of towering peaks, including Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world.
In addition to the lakes, the Gokyo Valley also offers breathtaking views of Everest (8,848 meters/29,029 feet), Lhotse (8,516 meters/27,940 feet), Makalu (8,481 meters/27,825 feet), and other Himalayan giants. You can also hike up to Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint at an altitude of 5,357 meters (17,575 feet), for a panoramic view of the entire region.
The Gokyo Lake Trek usually takes around 12 to 14 days to complete, depending on your pace and acclimatization needs. It is a less crowded alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek, but still offers a challenging and rewarding experience for trekkers.
My partner and I met KV Rai (owner and operator of Mountain Planner) in April of 2017 when he guided us on a 7 day trek in the Langtang Valley of the Himalayas. KV did everything to ensure that our trek was memorable. He was professional, knowledgeable, fun, and full of energy. My partner and I are highly athletic and he ensured that our pace and activities were consistent with our abilities and interests. KV also went out of his way to make our experience authentic, allowing us to interact with the villagers and owners of the teahouses in ways that we did not see others doing. We had an opportunity to cook with a family and share a meal and spent time with the villagers when other trekkers stayed with their groups. These were precious moments that left lasting impressions. Further, KV’s knowledge of geography, culture, politics, etc. made our trip a tremendous learning experience. We absolutely adored KV and trek. By the end of the trip, we had developed such a strong bond with KV and were so enamored with the Nepal he had shown us that we were determined to return the following year to do the Everest Base Camp trek.
We stayed in touch with KV via Facebook messenger and email throughout the next break we had from our work as international teachers and began to plan our next trip to Nepal. As we got closer to the trip we said that we would not go with another guide other than KV. We made this a reality, returning to do the Everest Base Camp trek in December of 2017.
Our trip completing the Everest Base Camp trek was spectacular. On this trip, KV was managing two additional clients. The first trek we were his only clients. Despite this, and the fact that the clients were not equip in many ways for such an undertaking, KV did a miraculous job of balancing all of our needs and varying physical capabilities. Again, he was professional, thoughtful, and knowledge. We watched him navigate some difficult choices to accommodate the limitations of his other clients, and balance giving us the time and attention as if we were family. Everest Base Camp was the single most amazing trekking experience I have ever had and may have in my life. An essential part of that was KV and the relationship that we had developed. KV ensures that you are informed, safe, comfortable (or as comfortable as you can be at 17,000 ft in December), and happy. His energy is infectious; his smile is joyous; his attention to detail fantastic.
The Everest Base Camp trek was a year and a half ago. I communicate with KV at least once a month. I am as close to him as many family members. He even offered to host our wedding at his family home. I cannot speak more highly of him and his business. If you want an authentic, memorable, once in a lifetime experience, trek with KV and Mountain Planner.
I highly recommend Mountain Planner. Kevin is a wonderful human.
It was so much fun to spend the week exploring Nepal with him. He did a great job customizing our vacation to fit our needs. We got to experience trekking in the mountains near Pokhara and the Annapurna range; explore the jungle in Chitwan National Park; explore the sights of Kathmandu; and see Mt Everest from a Himalayan mountain flight. Kevin arranged all of this and made great recommendations on all of it.
Thanks to my friend Ray, enjoy the Until now, better experience in trekking, we spent 2 unforgettable weeks in the EBC plus Gokyo, He knows all the places he manages permits and always accompanies with good humor, I will go back to this wonderful country and I will do the trekking of the annapurna as not with my great friend, 5 stars could not be enough.
Gracias a mi amigo Ray , disfrute del Hasta ahora, mejor experiencia en trekking , pasamos 2 semanas inolvidables en el EBC mas Gokyo , El conoce todos los lugares gestiona permisos billetes y siempre acompaña con buen humor , volvere a este maravilloso pais y hare el trekking del annapurna como no con mi gran amigo , 5 stars no pudo ser mejor .
In April 2019 I had the possibility to visit for a first time Nepal , and I would like recommend Mountain Planner. Kevin prepared a wonderful trip to me , kevin did and excellent job organizing my short vacation fitting it into my special request .Indeed exploring sight of kathmandu , exploring the Mt Everest having a wonderful mountain flight ,
between others important places , I know that in 6 days I can’t do too much, but it was a great experience to me and I will be back for others new experiences
Kevin arranged all of this short adventure, and Sandip Rai was my private tourist guide during this awesome short trip.thanks a lot to Both of you guys.
Highly recommended to Mountain Planner. Very professional and attentive. Beautiful landscapes, Everest base camp and Gokyo lakes. An incredible experience. I’ll repeat with other trek!
Again in Nepal, On October 06 – 16 / 10 / 2018 to Annapurna Base Camp Trek with same guide Mr. Kevin through the very responsible trekking company ”Mountain Planner Treks & Expedition”. Mountain Planner help me to enjoy the travel with funny moments.
It’s really great hike. I would like to recommend ”Mountain Planner” who looking forward trek to Nepal for vacation with very responsible trekking guide and trekking company. Thank you very much Mountain Planner for great support and effort to complete successful trip to Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
