12-Day Guided Trek
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Nepal’s hidden gem — stunning emerald lakes, epic Everest views, and fewer crowds
All the Everest views without the crowds — and arguably more beautiful
All-Inclusive Price
Flights, accommodation, permits & park fees all included
Fewer Crowds
The quieter route to stunning Everest views
Ethical Tourism
Profits support The Little Sherpa Foundation
Meet Your Host
Trek With Tashi
Tashi Lama is a former Buddhist monk from Tengboche Monastery who founded Inspire Trek & Travel to share the beauty of Nepal’s Himalayas with the world — while giving back to his community.
Born and raised in the Sherpa village of Phortse, Tashi knows every trail, every teahouse, and every hidden viewpoint. He personally organises each trek to ensure an authentic, safe, and unforgettable experience.
When you trek with Tashi, you’re not just a tourist — you’re a guest. And the profits from your adventure go straight to The Little Sherpa Foundation, supporting children and families in Nepal’s mountain communities.
100% Nepali-Owned
Your money stays in Nepal and supports local communities
Trek Overview
The Trek Less Travelled
The Gokyo Lakes trek is Nepal’s best-kept secret. While most trekkers head to Everest Base Camp, this route takes you to a chain of stunning emerald lakes set beneath towering Himalayan peaks — with a fraction of the crowds.
Climb Gokyo Ri (4,800m) for a 360-degree panorama that rivals anything on the EBC trail — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu spread across the horizon, reflected in the sacred turquoise lakes below. Many trekkers say the Gokyo views are actually more beautiful than EBC.
Follow quieter trails through authentic Sherpa villages, past yak herds and ancient monasteries, to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Himalayas. This is Nepal as it was meant to be experienced.
Have questions? Talk to Tashi
Trip Facts
Day by Day
Your 12-Day Journey
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport where you’ll be met by a member of the Inspire Trek team. Transfer to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu’s vibrant tourist district. Rest, explore, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Evening briefing with Tashi.
Early morning flight to Lukla — one of the world’s most thrilling landings. Begin your trek along the Dudh Kosi river valley through beautiful pine forests to the village of Phakding. A gentle start to acclimatise.
Cross suspension bridges and climb through rhododendron forests to Namche Bazaar, the bustling gateway to the Everest region. Stock up on supplies and enjoy your first mountain views.
Essential rest day for altitude acclimatisation. Hike to the Everest View Hotel for stunning panoramic views, visit the Sherpa Museum, or explore Namche’s colourful market. Your guide will monitor how you’re adjusting.
Leave the main EBC trail and head towards the Gokyo Valley. The path is quieter immediately — through forests and past mani walls to Phortse Thanga, nestled by the river. This is where your Gokyo adventure truly begins.
Climb through the remote Gokyo Valley, passing yak pastures and tiny settlements. The landscape opens up dramatically. Arrive at Machhermo, a small village with spectacular views. You’ll feel a world away from the busy EBC trail.
The highlight of your trek. Walk alongside the stunning emerald Gokyo Lakes — sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. Then climb Gokyo Ri (4,800m) for a 360-degree panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The view is breathtaking — many say it’s the most beautiful viewpoint in the Himalayas.
A day to explore the upper Gokyo Lakes. Walk alongside the turquoise waters, visit the fourth and fifth lakes, and soak in the silence of this remote valley. Optional second ascent of Gokyo Ri for sunrise views.
Begin the descent back down the Gokyo Valley. The walking is easier and you’ll feel energised at the lower altitude. Pass through Machhermo and continue to the charming village of Dole, surrounded by rhododendron forests.
Retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar. Celebrate your achievement over a drink in one of Namche’s cosy lodges and pick up souvenirs from the local market.
Final day on the trail. Walk back through the familiar villages and forests to Lukla. Farewell dinner with your guides and porters — a chance to reflect on an incredible journey.
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel or the airport for your onward journey. You’ll leave Nepal with memories that will last a lifetime and a deep appreciation for the Sherpa people and their mountains.
Your Package
What’s Included
Included
- 2 nights Kathmandu hotel with breakfast
- All teahouse accommodation & breakfast on trek
- Return Kathmandu–Lukla flights
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- TIMS card & National Park permits
- Experienced Sherpa guides & porters (fully insured)
- Comprehensive medical kit
Not Included
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Travel insurance (required)
- Nepal visa (available on arrival)
- Lunches & dinners on trek (~£20/day)
- Tips & gratuities for guides/porters
- Personal equipment & toiletries
All this from just £895pp
Chat With Tashi to BookYour Guides
Trek With Nepal’s Best
Palden Namgyal Sherpa
Summited Everest 9 Times
Palden is one of Nepal’s most experienced mountaineers. Born in the village of Phortse — which has produced more Everest summiteers than anywhere on Earth — he brings unmatched knowledge of the mountains, weather, and altitude to every trek.
Pemba Rita Sherpa
26 Years of Himalaya Experience
Pemba Rita has been guiding treks across the Himalayas for over two decades. His deep knowledge of Sherpa culture, wildlife, and the trails means every day brings new insights and stories.
What Trekkers Say
“We booked the Gokyo Ri trek — this truly is the experience of a lifetime. Tashi really looked after my friend when she was sick and was very patient with all our photo pit stops. A genuine experience of Nepal.”
Jade
Christchurch, New Zealand
“We were extremely well looked after by Tashi Lama who organised a trek which took us up to Gokyo and off the beaten track. I would recommend contacting Tashi for a life changing experience.”
Marg
Rotorua, New Zealand
“They really are the best and you are helping build a bright future for children who have lost their parents. My guide Dawa really went the extra mile to ensure the most amazing trip.”
Geoff
Melbourne, Australia
“Tashi, a former monk from Tengboche Monastery, is the founder of this social enterprise whose profits go back to the small community of Phortse. He worked tirelessly to make our trip as comfortable as possible.”
909justgo
Edinburgh, Scotland
“Tashi is a friendly and knowledgeable guy. He really made the trip fun and we were very well looked after. Proceeds of the trekking company go to The Little Sherpa Foundation. I recommend them highly.”
Jo L
Hamilton, New Zealand
Read all reviews on
TripAdvisor
Making a Difference
Your Trek Changes Lives
Tashi is a former Buddhist monk who grew up at Tengboche Monastery. After witnessing the hardships faced by families in Nepal’s mountain communities — especially those who lost loved ones in climbing accidents — he founded The Little Sherpa Foundation.
Profits from every Inspire Trek & Travel booking go directly to the foundation, which supports:
- Education for children in remote Sherpa villages
- Housing for families who have lost their main earner
- Community development in the Phortse region
Charity registered in Scotland No SCO47634
Got Questions?
Common Questions
Both treks are 12 days and similar in price. The key difference: Gokyo is quieter, has a lower maximum elevation (4,800m vs 5,545m), and many trekkers say the views from Gokyo Ri are actually more spectacular — you see four 8,000m peaks plus the stunning emerald lakes. EBC has the iconic base camp itself. If you want fewer crowds and equally stunning scenery, Gokyo is the better choice.
Yes, significantly. The Gokyo Valley sees a fraction of the trekkers that the EBC route gets. Once you leave Namche Bazaar and head towards Phortse Thanga, the trails are noticeably quieter. You’ll have teahouses mostly to yourselves and feel much more immersed in the wilderness.
The Gokyo trek is graded Medium — slightly easier than EBC as the maximum elevation is lower. If you can walk 5-6 hours a day on hilly terrain, you’ll be fine. We recommend training 3-4 months before with regular hiking and cardio.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness. Our itinerary includes acclimatisation days, and the lower maximum altitude of Gokyo (4,800m vs 5,545m for EBC) means altitude issues are less common. Our experienced guides monitor you throughout and carry medical kits.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal. Spring offers warmer temperatures and rhododendron blooms. Autumn has the clearest skies. The Gokyo Lakes are particularly stunning in autumn when the water is at its most turquoise.
You can do either. We run private treks for solo travellers, couples, families, and small groups. The price is the same — £895pp. Tashi will tailor the experience to your needs and pace.
Teahouses are basic but comfortable mountain lodges run by local families. On the Gokyo route, teahouses tend to be quieter and more intimate than on the busy EBC trail. You’ll get a private room, communal dining, and hot showers at most stops.
Simply chat with Tashi on WhatsApp to discuss dates and availability. To secure your spot, we ask for a £99 deposit. The balance is due 8 weeks before departure. Tashi will walk you through everything — no pressure, just a friendly conversation about your adventure.
Yes. Inspire Trek & Travel is a registered UK company (No. 12342368). Your deposit is held securely and we have a clear cancellation policy. We also recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation.
Still have questions?
Tashi is happy to help — chat on WhatsApp
Discover Nepal’s Hidden Gem
From just £895pp all-inclusive
Only £99 deposit to secure your spot
Available: March–May & September–November
Talk to Tashi on WhatsAppOr email hello@inspiretrekandtravel.com