Route · Everest & Solukhumbu
Namche Bazaar to Gokyo
From Namche Bazaar to Gokyo is about 24 km and 1,350 m of climbing, walked over three to four days via Mong La, Dole and Machhermo. The trail climbs the Dudh Koshi valley west of the Everest route to the Gokyo lakes at about 4,790 m.
The classic route leaves Namche along the high traverse to Kyangjuma, climbs to the Mong La ridge at about 3,975 m, drops to the river at Phortse Thanga and climbs again to Dole at about 4,040 m. The next day reaches Machhermo at about 4,470 m, where most people rest a night. The last day passes the first two lakes to Gokyo village beside the third lake.
A quieter variant crosses to Phortse, a Sherpa village of stone-walled fields, and follows the east bank of the Dudh Koshi north through summer pasture hamlets to rejoin the main trail near the lakes. It sees far fewer trekkers and gives good acclimatisation. Lodges are fewer and simpler, so we plan it with a guide who knows which ones are open.
Worth a stop on the way
- Kyangjuma
- Mong La
- Phortse Thanga
- Dole
- Luza
- Machhermo
- First and second Gokyo lakes
Local tip
Do not climb more than about 500 m of sleeping altitude per night above 3,000 m, and take the rest day at Machhermo.
Questions
How many days from Namche to Gokyo?
Three to four days going up. A typical plan is Namche to Dole on day one, Dole to Machhermo on day two, a rest or short acclimatisation hike at Machhermo, and Machhermo to Gokyo on day three or four. Going faster raises the risk of altitude sickness, because sleeping altitude climbs from about 3,440 m to about 4,790 m.
Is the Gokyo trek harder than Everest Base Camp?
It is similar in difficulty but quieter. Gokyo village at about 4,790 m is lower than Gorak Shep, and the climb up Gokyo Ri at about 5,357 m is shorter than Kala Patthar. Days are moderate, with steep sections out of Namche and above Phortse Thanga. Crossing the Cho La or Renjo La passes adds glacier and scree sections that are much harder.
Are there lodges on the way from Namche to Gokyo?
Yes. Teahouses operate at Kyangjuma, Mong La, Phortse Thanga, Dole, Luza, Machhermo and Gokyo, with basic rooms, shared toilets and a heated dining room. In peak weeks of October and April rooms fill early, so guides often phone ahead. In winter, December to February, some higher lodges close; check current status before you travel.
What should I do if I feel ill on the way to Gokyo?
Stop climbing and tell your guide. A mild headache that eases with rest, water and food is common, but headache with vomiting, confusion, clumsiness or breathlessness at rest are warning signs of serious altitude illness. The cure is descent, even a few hundred metres, to Dole or Phortse Thanga. Helicopter evacuation is possible in clear weather; make sure your insurance covers it above 4,000 m.