SnapTrip
StrenuousKhumbu, Nepal
Gokyo Lakes Trek
The Khumbu's hidden jewel — turquoise glacial lakes at 4700m, a summit with views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, and the longest glacier in the Himalayas. All with fewer trekkers than EBC.
Quick Answer
The Gokyo Lakes trek takes 12–15 days, reaches a maximum altitude of 5,357m, and costs $1200–$2000 total (permits included). It is rated strenuous and best done in spring or fall.
Duration
12–15
days
Max Altitude
5,357m
17,575 ft
Total Cost
$1200–$2000
USD per person
Best Seasons
spring
fall
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🔥 Popular this season
Trek Highlights
- Gokyo Ri summit (5357m) — 4 of 5 highest peaks visible
- Turquoise Gokyo Lakes
- Ngozumpa Glacier (longest in Himalayas)
- Renjo La Pass option
- Less crowded than EBC
Permits & Documents Required
TIMS Card
$20 (individual) / $10 (group)Trekkers' Information Management System card required for all trekkers in Nepal
Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu or PokharaProcessing: Same day
Tip: Get your TIMS card and permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting your trek. Bring passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport.
Complete Equipment Checklist
🧥Clothing(12 items)
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece mid-layer jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking trousers (zip-off)
- Thermal underwear
- Warm hat & sun hat
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Wool/synthetic hiking socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters
- Down jacket (-20C)
- Balaclava / neck gaiter
- Insulated trekking boots
🎒Gear(8 items)
- 60–70L trekking backpack
- Sleeping bag (-10C rated)
- Trekking poles (collapsible)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Water bottles (2× 1L)
- Waterproof stuff sacks
- Crampons / microspikes
- UV-protection sunglasses (Cat 4)
🩺Essentials(9 items)
- Passport + permit photocopies
- First aid kit
- Diamox (altitude sickness prevention)
- Sunscreen SPF50+ & lip balm
- Water purification tablets
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
- Cash in NPR (ATMs unreliable on trail)
- Oxygen saturation monitor (pulse oximeter)
- Emergency whistle
📷Optional(7 items)
- Kindle / book
- Playing cards
- Binoculars
- Journal & pen
- Portable charger (10000mAh+)
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast)
- Satellite communicator (InReach)
📖 In-depth guide available
Read our complete day-by-day Gokyo Lakes guide with permit costs, teahouse tips, and altitude acclimatization advice.
🤔
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