Trek to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and summit Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for sunrise over Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. Walk along the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in the Himalayas. No pass crossings. 14 days, from USD 1,575.
The Gokyo Valley is the Khumbu's best-kept alternative to the Everest Base Camp trail. After Namche Bazaar, the trail forks northwest at Sanasa and within an hour the crowds thin dramatically. The route to Gokyo passes through Dole (4,200m), Machhermo (4,470m), and a string of small settlements before reaching the lakeshore at 4,790m. The walking is steady but never steep.
Five glacial lakes sit in a chain along the Ngozumpa Glacier, each a different shade of turquoise depending on the mineral content and angle of sunlight. The third lake (Dudh Pokhari) is the largest, stretching nearly a kilometer. Gokyo village sits on its eastern shore with Cho Oyu (8,188m) rising 3,400 meters directly behind. On still mornings the mountain reflects perfectly in the lake surface.
Gokyo Ri (5,357m) is a non-technical summit reached by a steep but straightforward trail from the village. The 90-minute climb gains 567 meters. At sunrise the view is extraordinary: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu in a single sweep, with the Gokyo Lakes glowing below and the Ngozumpa Glacier stretching south. This viewpoint consistently ranks among the finest in all of Nepal.
The Gokyo Valley Trek is a 14-day out-and-back route from Lukla to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes and the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357m) in the western Khumbu. There are no pass crossings, no glacier walks, and no technical sections. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi valley through Namche Bazaar to Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo village (4,790m), where five glacial lakes sit at the base of Cho Oyu (8,188m).
Gokyo Ri is the payoff. The pre-dawn climb from Gokyo village takes about 90 minutes. From the summit at 5,357 meters you see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and on clear days Kangchenjunga, five of the six highest mountains on Earth. Below, the Gokyo Lakes glow turquoise against the grey moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Many trekkers rank this viewpoint above Kala Patthar because of the lake panorama.
The trail above Namche branches northwest at Sanasa, leaving the EBC crowds behind. Above Dole (4,200m) the landscape opens into high alpine terrain: yak pastures, stone walls, and sparse teahouses between glacial moraines. Machhermo (4,470m) has a Himalayan Rescue Association post. Gokyo village has a handful of teahouses clustered on the shore of the third lake (Dudh Pokhari).
Permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000) and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (NPR 3,000), both included. TIMS no longer required.
To combine Gokyo with Everest Base Camp, the Gokyo Cho La Pass Trek Via EBC crosses Cho La Pass (5,420m) to reach base camp and Kala Patthar in 19 days. For the standard base camp route without Gokyo, the Everest Base Camp Trek follows the eastern Khumbu trail in 15 days. For the full three-pass circuit, the Everest Three Passes Trek includes Gokyo, EBC, and all three high passes in 22 days.
14 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Fly to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,795 m) from Kathmandu, then trek to Phakding (2,610 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Dole (4,130 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Gokyo (4,770 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Early-morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m), then return to Gokyo, approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek back to Dole (4,130 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Lukla (2,795 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
3 nights’ twin-sharing/double accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, including breakfast.
10 nights’ twin-sharing accommodation in comfortable guesthouses during the Everest trek. Attached bathrooms are available in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche.
Private room accommodation in Kathmandu can be arranged at an additional cost.
All standard meals during the trek: 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners.
Tea or coffee served with Breakfast.
Fresh seasonal fruits served after dinner each day during the trek.
Farewell dinner on the final evening in Nepal.
Safe drinking water during the trek, provided through water filtration or purification tablets.
Airport transfers in Kathmandu by tourist-standard vehicle.
Round-trip domestic flight between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla.
Shared tourist vehicle transportation between Kathmandu and Manthali, both ways.
Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in wilderness first aid and recruited locally.
Two trekking guides for groups of more than 7 participants.
Porters to carry your luggage, with one porter assigned for every two trekkers.
Staff wages, accommodation, meals, insurance, necessary equipment, and medications.
Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park entry permit, Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee, TIMS card.
Mountain Hawk Trek duffel/kit bag.
Comprehensive first-aid kit, including an oximeter for monitoring oxygen saturation and pulse during the trek.
Trip completion certificate.
All necessary administrative costs.
Applicable government taxes.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
International airfare and airport departure taxes.
Nepal entry visa fees. The visa can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport: USD 30 for 15 days ,USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days.
Travel insurance, including high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, hot drinks, soft drinks, laundry, hot showers, wifi, bottled and boiled water.
Personal trekking clothing, gear, and equipment.
Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers.
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
Any other expenses not specifically mentioned under the What's Included section.
Dear guest, should you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu, we are pleased to offer the following rates: US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room, both inclusive of breakfast.
Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.
Gokyo Ri sunrise is one of the greatest viewpoints in Nepal. Four 8,000-meter peaks and five turquoise lakes in a single panorama.
Far fewer trekkers than the EBC trail. Above Namche, the Gokyo route is quiet, wild, and feels genuinely remote.
No passes to cross, no glaciers to walk on, no technical terrain. This is a pure teahouse trek to a world-class summit viewpoint.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You want Everest region views without the crowds. The Gokyo side has a fraction of the foot traffic of the EBC trail.
You prefer not to cross high passes or walk on glaciers. This is a straightforward out-and-back teahouse trek.
You can walk 5 to 7 hours a day for 11 trekking days. The trail is well-maintained but gains altitude steadily above Namche.
The highest sleep altitude is Gokyo village at 4,790m. Two acclimatization days are built in. Prior altitude experience is helpful but not mandatory.
You want a trek that prioritizes lakes and glacier scenery over the Everest Base Camp destination itself.
The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.
Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)
Daypack
Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)
Hiking pants
Waterproof jacket
Full, sleeves shirt
Jumper or pile jacket
T, shirts
Trekking boots (Water proof)
Camp shoes/Sandal
wool socks
Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)
Sun hat
Beanie
Gloves
Sun block for lips
Sun lotion
Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )
Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)
windproof pants
Water bottle
Sewing kit
Medical & first aid kit
Flash light ( with spare batteries)
Personal towel
Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.
Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Reviews from trekkers who have walked this exact route.
Verified reviews from Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang treks.
They care for your health and safety as a number one priority. We always felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire trek.
It was the adventure of a lifetime and Prem made sure it was perfect. A reliably amazing journey.
Our guide went above and beyond to ensure all our needs were met. It was a pleasure doing business with Mountain Hawk and we hope to come back again.
Best trekking company ever. With many years of experience and over 100 climbs to Everest Base Camp, we felt in good hands.
On the mountain he was guide, mentor, motivator and best of all a good friend. We will go back to Nepal and will be using Mountain Hawk and Prem again.
Mountain Hawk Treks took care of everything from sleeping bags to flights and accommodation. I would definitely recommend them again.
We were very well looked after by our guide Badri who helped us along the journey. I would definitely recommend Mountain Hawk.
Fantastic trek to ABC, made exceptional by Prem the main guide. A friendship was built up over the days of the trip. We had a lot of laughs!
Mountain Hawk looked after us from the time we landed in Kathmandu right to the time we left for London. Service with a personal touch!
Prem and his staff are first class on all aspects. Trekking with them you feel you are with family members.
We were 100% happy with the service Mountain Hawk provided and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking about trekking.
Prem and his team organised the trip to the finest detail. MH is an experienced operator ensuring an almost 100% success rate.
Fantastic day hike with Prem Pandit to Nagarjun Hill. Beautiful views, great stories, wonderful snacks and good humour throughout.
I'm very happy to recommend Mountain Hawk for anyone going trekking in Nepal. I loved the experience.
As a family of differing ages and fitness levels, Prem went out of his way to help us individually so we all achieved our goal of reaching Everest Base Camp.
After 2 weeks in Nepal, everyone at Mountain Hawk felt like family. Prem and Badri are wonderful!
Prem is one of the most informative and educated guides I have ever run into. He is a genuine, kind man that truly enjoys sharing his expertise.
Prem's attention to detail is fantastic, as is his knowledge of the area. I can highly recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking for your trip to Nepal.
If you are finding it difficult to choose between a trekking company, stop thinking and book with Mountain Hawk. You won't be disappointed.
With just the three of us travelling together it was really important that he was such a wonderful travelling companion. We can thoroughly recommend the Mountain Hawk experience.
Prem and his team at Mountain Hawk were the complete package: knowledgeable, enormously helpful, and amazingly friendly.
The experience was as close to perfect as real life can get. Prem and Min are extremely kind and pleasant people with whom it is a pleasure to spend time.
Prem's company is truly professional and most importantly flexible. They specialise in small groups which allow you to go at your own pace.
The 12-day trek felt like a luxury trek with Prem and his team constantly ensuring all accommodation, food and logistics were taken care of in advance.
Extremely professional, polite and an honest company. You shouldn't have any issues with your trek if you book with Mountain Hawk.
Prem was more another member of our group rather than a tour guide. He allowed custom changes to visit more remote, less tourist-oriented places.
An excellent, safe and challenging adventure organized by Prem Pandit and his team at Mountain Hawk Trek. Overall, very much recommended.
He is great company, very knowledgeable and really made my trip. He took one look at me and made sure I reached base camp safely. I couldn't recommend him more.
His experience and relationships are evident. There is no way we would have gotten as much out of our trip if it wasn't for Prem.
Prem and his team are super awesome. So personalized and caring.
Mountain Hawk trekking company was very professional and prompt. At last minute Prem arranged 3 wonderful days in Chitwan for our family.
Absolutely fantastic. Prem had everything under control. He is very informative and fun. This is your guy.
Extraordinary effort was made in the planning of our itinerary, hand tailored to our needs. Can't speak highly enough of Mountain Hawk expeditions.
We have memories to last a lifetime and friends in Prem and Badri to last a lifetime. I would recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking again and again.
Prem and his staff took care of everything. I would highly recommend Mountain Hawk to anyone considering trekking in Nepal.
Our guide Badri was not only a great guide but also a fun, caring, super nice travel companion who made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout.
Unlike other trekkers we passed along the way, we did not get sick at all as Prem took exceptional care of us. Our holiday planning was effortless.
Mountain Hawk made my first ever trekking experience to EBC an awesome, beautiful and memorable experience. I will not hesitate to use their services again.
His knowledge of the landscape, flora and fauna, health and well-being was outstanding. I will definitely be going back and won't even consider looking elsewhere.
I know for sure that I will be back in Nepal soon, and mountain hawk trek would be the first company I would contact. I fell in love with trekking and Nepal.
His knowledge of the area and having trekked this region for over 20 years made our experience second to none.
If you are planning to trek in Nepal, do yourself a really huge favour and use Mountain Hawk Trekking. We highly recommend them.
The service was very good by the team. This was my fifth trip to Nepal and I have always used Prem for my trekking expeditions.
From the second I arrived in Kathmandu airport and saw Badri with my name on the Mountain Hawk board, I knew I was in safe hands.
Their local knowledge, advice and assistance made our trek to EBC very enjoyable. The professionalism extended onto the trek.
We were looked after well with the guides and they went out of their way to do anything for us, always with a smile on their faces.
We highly recommend Mountain Hawk without reservation for a great Nepal adventure. We hope to see Prem again in the future.
Prem and his team were brilliant in taking care of all of us. We all made it to Gokyo Ri and came back safe.
Prem's invaluable experience of the mountains and his thoughtfulness made this trip an incredible, memorable experience. Best in class!
Prem, Badri and the team were instrumental in providing assistance all the way. I would highly recommend Mountain Hawk to any trekker visiting Nepal.
He designed the trek entirely around our schedule and the overall organisation was superb. Prem and his team were a great laugh along the route.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Prem and his team. Mountain Hawk Trek is the best choice when planning any adventure in Nepal.
Excellent trip with Mountain Hawk team. My wife enjoyed the trek and the care given by the staff. I will come back to Nepal.
Thank you so much Prem, Min and Sanjay for everything. My heart is so full after this trip. God bless you all!
His ever smiling and ever helpful nature made our trip the most memorable. This was my second time with Mountain Hawk.
Prem is the master of trekking logistics and management. I have known Prem since 2007 and whenever I come to Nepal he is the only one I want to guide me.
Without hesitation we recommend Mountain Hawk as a trekking company. The staff is excellent and they know what they are doing.
Had a great trek to EBC with Mountain Hawk in March 2012. Badri was our excellent guide and Niraj our porter. Everything was organised so well and our safety came first. Guest houses were very good and the food excellent. I recommend Mountain Hawk to anybody.
Sarah and I travelled with Mountain Hawk Trekking to Everest Base Camp in January 2012. Prem was recommended to us by friends as a very professional and knowledgeable guide and we were not disappointed. Our flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and back, meals and accommodation on the trek, porters and park passes were all arranged by Mountain Hawk Trekking. Prem's attention to detail is fantastic, as is his knowledge of the area. He ensured we were well looked after while walking, and in guesthouses each night. Prem and his team are very professional, friendly, and have a wonderful sense of humour, all of which added up to an absolutely wonderful trip. I can highly recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking for your trip to Nepal, we are certainly planning to return.
I trekked to EBC in January 2012 with Prem as our guide. What a fantastic bloke he is, a brilliant guide, ensures that food at guest houses is tip top and also a great beer guide around Kathmandu on our return. I have recommended Prem to others and they have booked him for EBC later this year. Prem, you took loads of photos, you choose which one to go on.
Prem and his team made the expedition a magnificently memorable experience. The views were amazing and the feeling of achieving daily goals to reach the Everest Base Camp under Prem's leadership was incredible. Prem's invaluable experience and knowledge of the mountains, his confidence, competence and considerate attention to everyone's specific needs helped us successfully reach the Everest Base Camp. He provided guidance on what we should wear, what to eat (or not to eat in my case as I like being adventurous!), to keep hydrated and he set the pace for trekking each day, kept on reminding us it is our own race! He made sure we were medically and physically fit each day for the trek. Thank you to Prem and his team for making my first Everest Base Camp trek an incredibly memorable experience. I have no hesitation in recommending Mountain Hawk Trekking for a splendid experience, the best in class!
We first used Mountain Hawk Trekking in 2010 when we completed a short 8 day Annapurna circuit and the Everest Base Camp Trek. His level of planning, care and attention was simply outstanding. If you are planning to trek in Nepal, do yourself a really huge favour and use Mountain Hawk Trekking; we highly recommend them.
Mountain Hawk Trek provided a fantastic trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. We had fantastic weather, wonderful wildlife sightings and a caring guide. A very enjoyable eleven-day trek! We had the pleasure of meeting many tourists and local Sherpa people along the way. The traditional Nepali Dal Bhat only improves as you walk! Fantastic atmosphere and feeling among the trekkers and guides. Our generous, fun-loving porter was an absolute champion!
I trekked with a group of 12 to Everest Base Camp in May 2023 with Mountain Hawk (MH). Prem and his team organised the trip to the finest detail. MH is an experienced operator ensuring that the trekkers' fitness levels are looked at from the outset. This ensures almost 100% success rate. I will definitely recommend MH as a responsible enabler.
