The trek from Machhermo to Gokyo is one of the most defining stages of the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek. It takes you to the highest freshwater lake system, a remote and sacred Ramsar wetland. Although short, this section is both visually striking and physically demanding. On the way, you’ll witness constant views of glaciers, lakes, and towering 8,000-meter Himalayan peaks.
The day’s trek starts with a gradual ascent to a well-defined ridge directly above the village. At the top, you can take a final look at the valley below and witness sweeping views of Thamserku (6,608 meters), Kangtega (6,782 meters), and Gyachung Kang (7,952 meters). Then you continue north along the Dudh Koshi valley through open alpine pastures, passing through small settlements like Pangka.
From Pangka, the trail descends toward the riverbed. Shortly after, you begin a steep, rocky climb up the Ngozumpa Glacier’s ridge. The loose scree and thin air make this section challenging, so you really have to move slowly and steadily. When you finally reach the top, you witness an iron bridge over a rushing glacial stream. This bridge marks your entry into the sacred Gokyo Valley.
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Once you cross it and walk on the other side, the terrain flattens, and the lakes begin to appear. You pass the First Gokyo Lake (Longponga Tsho), then the Second Lake (Taboche Tsho). Continuing further, you finally reach the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari, the third and most famous lake, just before Gokyo Village. From this point, the village appears beneath the towering north face of Cho Oyu. Upon arrival, you can rest, explore the upper lakes, or prepare for the climb to Gokyo Ri.
5 Major Location Highlights During the Machermo to Gokyo Route
The Machhermo to Gokyo section showcases some of the most iconic natural and cultural highlights in the Everest region. Trekking north from Machhermo toward the Tibetan border, the route gradually reveals memorials, glacial landscapes, sacred lakes, and towering surrounding peaks. The five major highlights experienced along this stretch of the trek are:
Pangka Settlement
Pangka is a small Sherpa settlement and an important rest point on the way to Gokyo. It sits in a wider section of the valley, so you can enjoy sweeping views of Thamserku, Kangtega, Pharilapche, and Cho Oyu from the open alpine pastures. Since it is a Tibetan Buddhist village, prayer flags and mani stone walls are spread throughout the village. It also holds stone memorials honoring the 26 people who died in the November 1995 avalanche.
These memorials stand as a powerful testament to the caution and respect required in high-altitude terrain. Trekkers often pause here to pay respects, enjoy tea, and prepare mentally for the upcoming challenging climb to the glacier ridge.
Ngozumpa Glacier
The Ngozumpa Glacier is the longest glacier in the Himalayas. It stretches approximately 36KM from the slopes of Cho Oyu down through the Gokyo Valley. It is located directly beside the trekking route between Machhermo and Gokyo. It forms a vast river of ice and debris that fills much of the valley floor, creating an almost otherworldly landscape.
As you walk along its lateral moraine, you see broken ice and rock, gray and white, rough and uneven, with hints of deep blue ice showing through. It’s nothing like the smooth, postcard glaciers in books. It’s rough, chaotic, and visibly shaped by centuries of slow movement. This glacier feeds the Gokyo Lakes and gives them their striking turquoise color.
You can also view the Ngozumpa Glacier from the summit of Gokyo Ri, and during optional explorations toward the higher fourth and fifth lakes. You can clearly see how huge the glacier is from Gokyo Ri, stretching below like a long frozen river toward the Tibetan border.
The Everest Gokyo Ri trek also known as Everest Gokyo Lake Trek, offers a chance to take a less-traveled path and enjoy a view of Mt. Everest from Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) rather than from Kalapathar. Rather than the crowded and commercial lodges of the EBC Trail, you can travel the quieter trail. Instead of exploring the same classical route that everyone takes, you can explore the other aspects of the Everest region without compromising the Himalayan trekking experience. Ascending the Gokyo Ri, you will witness four of the eight highest mountains in Nepal.
What sets the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek apart is not just its scenery but also serenity. You will cross the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier of Nepal. In this trek, you will explore the Gokyo Lake system. You will at least visit 5 of the Gokyo Lakes. While it can be physically demanding, the rewards are also greater. It is perfectly suitable for you if you want to connect with nature, without facing the difficulties of the Everest Three Passes Trek, and also want to avoid the noise of the EBC trail. Besides, in this trek, you will cross Renjo La Pass (5,360 m), one of the three high passes. So, it is the perfect trek for those seeking both adventure and self-contemplation.
Chola Pass Trek is for trekkers who want more than just Everest Base Camp Trek. It combines the classic EBC route with the quieter Gokyo Valley and throws in a high mountain pass crossing for good measure. You’ll follow the Dudh Koshi River, walk through Sherpa villages like Namche, climb up to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, and take on the Chola Pass at over 5,300 meters. Then, you loop back into the main route toward Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
So, this trek isn’t just about one destination. It’s a full circuit. You get the best of both routes: the peaceful side trails of Gokyo and the dramatic finish at Base Camp. Gokyo Ri offers insane views with fewer people on the way, and the Chola Pass keeps things interesting with real high-altitude challenges. Besides this pass section, most of the route follows a well-established trekking route. The itinerary also allows enough time to acclimatize properly, making the trek safer and more comfortable.
If you’re looking for a trek that avoids the usual EBC loop and gives you more variety, this one is it. The landscape changes from river valleys to alpine lakes to glaciers, making the walk wild and exciting throughout the trek. It is not the easiest, but it’s solid for anyone ready to go beyond a basic trekking experience in the Everest region.
Lobuche Peak with Everest Three Pass Trek is an exciting expedition that combines the strenuous ascent of Lobuche East Peak with trekking across three high mountain crossings in Nepal’s Everest Region. This journey provides a special chance to see the astonishing scenery, paths, and the exhilaration of reaching a Himalayan summit.
Lobuche Peak with the Everest Three Passes Trek is a strenuous and physically taxing adventure. It is strongly advised that you go on this trip with knowledgeable guides or a mountaineering organization. They can guarantee your safety, supply the required gear, and help you navigate the complexities of the route and the climb.
The journey to Lobuche East with the Everest Three Pass is indeed challenging but equally rewarding. The expedition takes you to the Lobuche summit, where the 360-degree panorama from mighty Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and a distant view of Makalu and Cho Oyu will appeal to your eye.
Along the way, you’ll cross the three legendary high passes, including Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,340 m). Each of the passes offers jaw-dropping views of mountain peaks, sparkling glaciers, and deep valleys. The expedition takes you through varied landscapes from rhododendron forests to peaceful glacial lakes to snow-capped peaks. Additionally, the highlights of the journey are Everest Base Camp, the black rock viewpoint of Kala Patthar, and Gokyo Lakes.
View Trip Detail
Iron Bridge Over Glacial Stream
After climbing the steep, loose scree of the ridge, you arrive at a sturdy iron bridge over a roaring glacial stream. It marks a clear change as you’re entering the sacred Gokyo Valley. You can see the milky-turquoise glacial meltwater rushing below, caused by fine rock particles carried from the glacier above.
Standing on the bridge, you can feel the atmosphere shift from struggle to calmness. This spot is also one of the most photographed on the route. Prayer flags that decorate the bridge flutter in the breeze, and you catch the first glimpse of Longponga Tsho ahead. Even through harsh Himalayan winters, the bridge is carefully maintained to link the lower valleys to the stunning high-altitude lakes beyond.
Gokyo Lakes
The Gokyo Lakes are a high-altitude glacial system in the Khumbu region, lying between 4,700 and 5,000 meters above sea level. It has 19 lakes, but only six of them are considered major.
First Lake – Longponga Tsho: Longponga Tsho at 4,650 meters is the first lake from Machhermo. You usually reach it about an hour from the village, walking through the valley that opens dramatically. Near the shore, there is a stone believed to bear the “Lama’s footprint.” This adds a spiritual touch to the scenic landscape.
Second Lake – Taboche Tsho: Taboche Tsho (or Taujung Tsho), at 4,710 meters, is larger and deeper than Longponga. Because of this, the reflection of the towering Cho Oyu looks even closer and more imposing. Its wide, open surface also gives a clear view of the Ngozumpa Glacier’s huge width. You can spot Brahminy ducks swimming in the water, adding life to the stark high-altitude wilderness.
Third Lake – Gokyo Tsho (Dudh Pokhari): Gokyo Tsho, or Dudh Pokhari, at 4,790 meters, is the main and most sacred lake. It is also the closest lake to the village of Gokyo, so it naturally remains the valley’s cultural hub. Its calm waters mirror Cho Oyu, Everest, and nearby peaks. From here, you climb Gokyo Ri and explore the upper lake.
Fourth Lake – Thonak Tsho: Thonak Tsho, at 4,870 meters, is the largest and deepest lake. Only a few trekkers visit it, so the journey offers peace and solitude. It takes just a 2-3-hour hike from Gokyo village. Along the walk, you gain more intimate and raw views of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Finally, at the shore, you can enjoy watching the deep blue waters framed by stark moraines and towering ice walls.
Fifth Lake – Ngozumpa Tsho: Ngozumpa Tsho stands at 4,800 meters. It is the smallest major lake, but the mountain views here are incredible. You can see four 8,000-meters peaks, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, plus dozens of other peaks. Thus, this 3-4-hour hike to the Fifth Lake remains a popular side trip for trekkers resting in Gokyo village.
Sixth Lake – Gyazumpa Tsho: Gyazumpa Tsho, at 5,000 meters, is the highest of the six lakes and also the most remote. Visited by a few trekkers, it covers 29 hectares and offers uninterrupted views of the high Himalayas. It’s perfect for solitude and a true wilderness experience. Along with smaller lakes like Taujung Tsho, it completes the sacred chain visited by pilgrims during the August Janai Purnima festival.
Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu (8,188 meters) is the sixth-highest mountain in the world. It is located on the Nepal-Tibet border, just north of the Gokyo Valley. You can see it from Machhermo onward on the Gokyo route, its views growing more imposing as you approach Gokyo village.
It appears as a massive white pyramid on the northern horizon, often partly obscured by clouds or ridges from Machhermo. But as you climb toward Gokyo, its broad summit and steep ice faces dominate the skyline. By the time you reach Gokyo village, it rises directly behind the Ngozumpa Glacier, appearing almost within reach.
Cho Oyu’s best views come from Gokyo Ri Viewpoint at 5,357 meters. From its summit, the peak towers to the north, sometimes seeming closer and larger than Everest. It forms a dramatic backdrop for the lakes and glaciers below. Although Cho Oyu is less famous than Everest, it adds significant visual appeal to the Gokyo route.
Machhermo to Gokyo on the Gokyo Ri Trek Distance
The distance from Machhermo to Gokyo is approximately 6-7KM, with an altitude gain of 320 meters. Most trekkers take between 4 and 6 hours to complete this stage. However, it can take longer depending on your fitness, how well you’re acclimatized, and the number of photo stops you make along the way.
This seems like a short and manageable day, with less distance and elevation gain than many lower-altitude stages. But the reality is quite different. At this altitude, the thin air makes every step a struggle. Breathing gets harder, and the cold wind drains your energy. As a result, a walk that would take just 2 hours at sea level can take 4 or 5 hours because your body needs more time to use oxygen and recover between each effort.
Therefore, it is important to take breaks frequently to catch your breath, adjust your layers, and enjoy the scenery. You can rest at the first lake viewpoint, the ridge above the second lake, and various spots along the third lake shore. The acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar helps a lot with altitude, but it still requires respect for the altitude and a patient pace.
Treks That Feature the Machhermo to Gokyo Ri Route
The Machhermo to Gokyo section is a key part of many Everest region treks. These range from the straightforward Gokyo Ri Trek to more challenging routes such as the Chola Pass Trek, the Three Passes Trek, and the Everest Base Camp route via Gokyo Lakes. All these trails pass through the scenic upper Gokyo Valley, but they differ in difficulty, length, and overall scope. This makes the section suitable for trekkers with different experience levels and schedules.
Everest Gokyo Ri Trek
The standard Everest Gokyo Ri Trek usually lasts 12 days. It follows the classic Lukla-Namche-Dole-Machhermo-Gokyo route and ends with the summit of Gokyo Ri at 5,357 meters. On this itinerary, the Machhermo to Gokyo section is the second-to-last part of the trek. It sets you up for an early climb of Gokyo Ri.
Along the trail, you pass the Gokyo Lakes, the Ngozumpa Glacier, and amazing mountain views, all with fewer people than the Everest Base Camp route. From the top of Gokyo Ri, you can see breathtaking views of four of the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, plus many other mountains. Trekking up here in time for sunrise lets you see the ice and rocks glow in the morning light.
After summiting Gokyo Ri, you descend back, crossing the Renjo La Pass (5,360 meters) to loop toward Namche. If you want amazing mountain views and a quieter, less crowded experience than the EBC trail, this trek is ideal. It is still moderate to very challenging since you are trekking at high altitude and spending long days above 4,000 meters. Therefore, careful pacing and acclimatization are important.
Chola Pass Trek
The Chola Pass Trek is an extended circuit linking Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. It passes through the high Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters to combine the best of both routes into a single continuous journey. After completing the Machhermo-Gokyo-Gokyo Ri section, the route continues from Gokyo to Dragnag, from where you trek towards Cho La Pass.
The pass crossing itself is rugged and challenging. It involves glacier travel, steep ascents, and potentially exposed sections depending on snow conditions. After Cho La, the route descends to join the classic EBC trail near Lobuche. From there, you continue to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp before returning via Pheriche and Namche.
This trek is tougher than a standard Gokyo Lakes trek and considerably more demanding than the Everest Base Camp trek alone. Hence, it’s best suited for fit, experienced trekkers comfortable with long trekking days that can sometimes take 7-8 hours in addition to variable weather, and sustained high-altitude exposure above 5,000 meters. That said, the reward is also much more comprehensive as it covers glaciers, high passes, sacred lakes, and the foot of the world’s highest mountain in one circuit.
Book your Gokyo trek with us and explore the Himalayas’ most sacred lakes trek in the Everest region!
Mr. Bashudev Gurung is a Government-registered mountain guide. His license number is 12917. He has been working in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal since 2013 Ad with Himalaya Guide Nepal. He speaks fluently English, Gurung, Tamang, and Hindi. His interpersonal skills Humble, Honest, Patience, and Polite behavior suited him perfectly to become a guide. He has done trekking with clients from different countries. He was born in the western north part of Dhading district. which is near the Ganesh Himal. He has gone to Manaslu, Annapurna, Langtang, Everest, Kanchenjunga, and more trekking regions in Nepal.
Regarding his education, he has completed a Bachelor's degree in Tourism and Sociology and a Master's degree in major sociology. He has achieved a trekking guide certificate from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Government of Nepal.
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