Gokyo Lake TrekkingGokyo Lake Trekking

Gokyo Lake Trekking

1 REVIEW
Highlights
  • Constant views of towering snow-capped peaks on walks to scenic Gokyo Lake
  • Alluring panorama of four world’s highest peaks with Mt. Everest from Gokyo-Ri
  • Walk into beautiful picturesque valley of Gokyo adorned scenic glacial lakes.
  • An adventure with blend of scenic and cultural walks around high Khumbu valley.
  • From green hills to scenic arid valley enclosed by towering snow mountain range

‘Grand exciting panorama of the world’s four highest peaks from high Gokyo-Ri’

Explorer Adventurer presents an exciting and picturesque adventure ‘Gokyo Lake Trekking’ one of the most beautiful valleys around Khumbu; and Everest region. Gokyo Lake offers tantalizing scenery blessed with towering snow-capped peaks, situated in between the high passes of Cho-La and Renjo-La.

Apart from the popular and busy mainstream trail of Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley and the lakes are the least visited. Which will make the adventure more enjoyable on leaving the main popular routes.

Gokyo Lake Trekking at one time a Yak grazing pasture field which still exists at present. It was the least active, then after many decades slowly the trekkers began to discover this wonderful hidden valley. At present, it has become one of the best adventure destinations, after Everest base camp.

Gokyo Valley with several glacial lakes catches the reflection of surrounding high peaks on its calm crystal clear waters. The best views are from the top of Gokyo-Ri for a stunning panorama of the world’s four tallest peaks.

Namely, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Cho-Oyu towards the north direction, include an array of giant peaks. Gokyo-Ri is the highest point of the adventure, standing at 5,357 m / 17,575 feet high above Gokyo Valley.

From the top of Gokyo-Ri, fabulous views of the whole Gokyo Valley with its glacial lakes. As well as the longest glaciers of Nepal and the Himalayas, the Ngozumpa glacier that feeds the Dudh Koshi River downstream.

Gokyo Lake Trekking begins with a sweeping short flight from the capital Kathmandu to land at Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary Airport. From Lukla walk starts heading towards lovely villages festooned with impressive Buddhist religious monuments of prayer wheels and walls. A delightful walk to start following the glacial Dudh Koshi River right up to its glacial source at Gokyo.

The trail leads to enter Sagarmatha National Park, which is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979. Sagarmatha is the name for Mt. Everest in Nepal, while the native Sherpa call Chomolungma similar to Tibetan languages.

The adventure then heads for a big climb on leaving the Dudh Koshi River bed an undulating uphill walk. Until you reach Namche Bazaar a famous large village and a town, where trekkers and villagers can enjoy various facilities.

At Namche Bazaar, enjoy a rest day at a perfect elevation of 3,440 m for acclimatization. The trek continues leaving the main trail towards Gokyo Lake our destination of the adventure. The trail follows to steep climb, then reaches a Dudh Koshi River gorge. As the walk progresses, slowly the narrow gorge opens into a wide exposed valley, reaching Gokyo Lake.

A great picturesque country at an altitude above 4,700 m / 15,400 feet high encircled by a towering snow-mountain range. Around Gokyo 3rd main lake with many good lodges for overnight stay with rooms facing awesome views.

From Gokyo Lake after an enjoyable moment with a climb to the highest Gokyo-Ri for stunning panoramic mountain views. The return journey leads back to Namche Bazaar and eventually, the trek ends on reaching Lukla. The next morning a short scenic flight brings you to Kathmandu, after a marvelous experience and adventure on Gokyo Lake Trekking.

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Itinerary

On reaching Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be warmly received by our guide and staff and then transfer you to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city. First check into your hotel rooms on getting refreshed from the flight and with Jet-Lag, then join with other members of Gokyo Lake trekking for group briefing, where our expert guides will inform regarding your stay in Nepal, hotels, trekking, local lodge and overland drives with do’s and don’ts information, evening welcome group dinner in authentic Nepalese restaurants with Folk cultural programs to entertain you during your meals.

    Morning after breakfast leave the hotel for exciting guided sightseeing around Kathmandu where our city guide will lead you to places of interest, Kathmandu a metropolitan city still retains its ancient heritage and varied ancient culture where you will visit world heritage sites around Kathmandu for half day or full day. After an interesting and wonderful tour of ancient historical and religious sites around Kathmandu, with afternoon free preparation for next day flight to Lukla for Gokyo Lake trek.

      Morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for flight to Lukla after checking in then board in a small aircraft for 35 minutes flight to Lukla. 
Landing at Tenzing & Hillary Airport, during flight, enjoy panorama of Himalayan peaks with Mt. Everest. 

      From Lukla start the trek down to Dudh Koshi River following on winding easy trail to Phakding village for an overnight stops.
       

        Today walk leads to famous Namche Bazaar where altitude gains as walk progress, morning walk starts following the river and crossing several times to reach at Monjo village near Sagarmatha National Park entrance, from here walking on river valley and gorge covered within nice woodland of tall rhododendron-pines and fir trees. After crossing a high last bridge with few hours climb to Namche Bazaar with stunning views of Everest-Lhotse and Kongde peaks. Namche Bazaar at 4,440 m high an ideal place for rest day to acclimatize, the main town / village of Khumbu where colorful and exciting Saturday market takes place once a week.

          Enjoy a rest day for acclimatization, and take a short morning hike up at 
Park Headquarter, a place for grand view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and majestic Ama Dablam. Overlooking an array of snow peaks, visit the museum of great interest.  For interested people can hike to Everest View Hotel, a few hours climb to the first luxury hotels of Khumbu, built in the 1970’s at 3,880 m high.

          Afternoon enjoy walking around Namche Bazaar lined with restaurants, shops, and stores with large hotels and resorts. 
           

            Enjoying pleasant time at Namche, morning walk leads to scenic and gradual walks overlooking Everest and other giant peaks. Our route diverts from the main trail, heading to a steep climb of an hour to a ridge top. 

            Mong, a small places with few lodges and shops facing grand views of Everest, Ama Dablam and array of peaks. From down to Phortse Tenga for possible lunch stop, situated on Dudh Kosi River gorge within dense forest.

            Afternoon climb up within nice shade of woods, then reaching at nice settlement in Dole for overnight halt. 
             

              Today, a short day walk as altitude gains gradually. Morning starts with short steep climb and then into a wide open country, as tree lines drops for short bushes. Walk continues past a lovely place of Luza and then on top of Machhermo overlooking first views of Mt. Cho-Oyu. 

              The world’s 6th highest peaks, from the top a short down to a gorge in the shade of willow and populus trees. A short up to Machhermo a small settlement with few nice lodges for lunch and overnight stay.   
               

                From Machhermo towards our main goal and destinations to Gokyo Lakes, morning starts with short climb. Reaching a high sloped valley, walk follows on gradual path all the way to a small isolated place of Panga. After a short rest, walk up to the first lake, then at second lake and finally ending the day walks.

                On reaching the main 3rd lake where all good lodges located on the upper side of the lake shore. Arriving by lunch time and then checking into a nice simple rooms for two overnights. Afternoon at leisure enjoy views of Mt. Cho-Oyu towards North direction with other high peaks

                  Early morning rise and hike up to high Gokyo-Ri, the highest point of the adventure. A climb of few hours steep up, but worth the tough, hard climb where you can catch glorious views. Facing world’s four highest peaks with range of lesser mountains with grand views of Gokyo valley and the lakes.

                  After a refreshing morning hike, afternoon at leisure for short stroll around the lake and enjoy the grand scenery.

                    After an enjoyable time at Gokyo Lake, walk downhill towards Dudh Kosi River past Machhermo and Dole. On leaving the main trail crossing a bridge with short climb to a sleepy village of Phortse for overnight stop. Located away from main routes and isolated from rest of the villages. A nice peaceful village for overnight with views of near snow peaks.

                      Morning, down to Dudh Kosi River and cross over a bridge to Phortse Tenga, and climb up to Mong Hill. Rest of the walk downhill and back on the main trail to Namche bazaar for lunch or refreshing stop. 

                      From Namche head downhill to Dudh Kosi River then reaching Jorsalle, and then a short steep climb to the entrance and exit point of Sagarmatha National Park. 

                      After an exciting long day walk reach at Monjo village for overnight, in the comfort of a nice cozy lodge.

                        The last day walk of the adventure of few hours trek following on the same trail to Lukla past Phakding. Walk leads through nice village of Ghat and then final climb of an hour to Lukla town for last overnight stop around high scenic Khumbu and Everest region. Reaching Lukla by lunch time, afternoon free to explore around Lukla and the streets lined with shops, restaurants and stores

                          Morning transfer to Lukla Tenzing and Hillary airport for sweeping short flight to Kathmandu facing grand panorama of Himalaya peaks and hills. As plane lands at Kathmandu airport, a short drive reaches you to the hotel, with free afternoon to relax after a great memorable adventure around high Khumbu and at Gokyo Lake.

                            Last day in Nepal, after a wonderful adventure and experience on Gokyo Lake trekking as time for your international flight. Transfer to the airport for homeward bound or to respective destinations.
                             

                              Route Map

                              Gokyo Lake Trekking map
                              What's Included
                              • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
                              • Three nights standard Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with B.B 
                              • all domestic flight Kathmandu Lukla Kathmandu 
                              • Government license holder guide 
                              • Helpful porter with proper equipments (1 porter for 2 people)
                              • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
                              • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek on twin sharing basis 
                              • Duffel bag for packing your things for the trek 
                              • Local Entrance fee  for entering to the khumbu valley 
                              • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
                              • Government taxes and official expense.
                              What's not Included
                              • All food pay your self  during the trek  
                              • Flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
                              • Tips for porters ($70-100) and guides ($80-100)
                              • Nepal Visa ($50)
                              • Insurance (must include emergency evacuation by helicopter, check worldnomads.com
                              • Food and drinks ($20-30 per day)
                              • In some places: hot water, wifi, battery charging - $2-5
                              • Drinking water, price depends on altitude (linear regression) 

                              Departure Dates

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                              Trip Dates
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                              Trip DateMar 21, 2024 - Apr 03, 2024
                              PriceUS$1100
                              AvailabilityAvailable
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                              Trip DateMar 24, 2024 - Apr 06, 2024
                              PriceUS$1100
                              AvailabilityAvailable
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                              Trip DateMar 27, 2024 - Apr 09, 2024
                              PriceUS$1100
                              AvailabilityAvailable
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                              Trip DateMar 30, 2024 - Apr 12, 2024
                              PriceUS$1100
                              AvailabilityAvailable
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                              Useful Information

                               Insurance policy for Medical and Travel:

                              Should cover medical insurance for illness and emergency evacuation by Helicopter or other means of transportations including other expenses on treatment at respective countries hospitals, as for travel insurance against bad unfavorable weather conditions, delay or cancellation of domestic flights on mountainous area where flight involves on the start of trek and at the end.

                              Travel and Medical Insurance also needs to cover when clients break the journey in the middle of the trip, due to sickness-personal domestic problem etc………

                               Guide and Porters  for Gokyo Lake Trekking 14 Days: 

                              On treks or climb where you will be accompanied by our expert guide who knows the area on route of the trek chosen, we have professional and veteran guides to led the trek where you can feel comfortable, as our guide are knowledgeable offers you various information of the country from history-geography, culture to flora and fauna.

                              All guides have gone through basic medical training that includes high altitude symptoms or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can help you with simple medical First Aid and for severe condition will support taking you to safe area or to nearest hospitals by any means of quick transportation.

                              Our guides are well versed in Eco-Trekking and Responsible Tourism as well and are committed in keeping the environment on trekking route in pristine form as it was.

                              Porters are picked can be regular porter of the company of hired in Kathmandu-Pokhara or in Lukla on start of the trekking, with always a strong and cheerful porters to carry your heavier luggage, baggage of 15 to 25 kg maximum weights to carry by each porters, we do not allow underage porters of below 16 years of age or above 50 years.

                              Porters and guide are well looked after by the company with good wages, medical insurance, travel allowance including meals on treks and climb company also provides warm gear in winter as well for high and cold altitude trips.

                              Information of AMS and Precaution Measures:

                              High Altitude or Acute Mountain Sickness for short as AMS a symptom faced and can catch any people on high altitude adventure walks.

                              Due to high pressure and low oxygen level as certain height where some people feel uneasiness with shortness of breathiness, light headache, nausea, dizziness, lack of good sleep and with less appetite.

                              To avoid these whole symptoms where we always designed itinerary days accordingly with enough space, flexible days for acclimatization at high elevation, taking short walks up and sleeping and resting at low places.

                              The other good way to avoid AMS taking slow and steady pace on walks, stopping frequently to catch your breath and adding lot of fluid or safe drinking water at least 2-3 liters a day to support against AMS.

                              On high altitude take enough rest and with short slow hike above high hills to catch views as well to support acclimatization and sleeping and resting at low altitude will certainly helps you in avoiding AMS.

                              Useful in situations when you cannot make high ascent, the best ways to prevent altitude sickness doing it slowly, stopping for overnights at certain altitude to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy for first one or two 2 days.

                              In our list we always mention general medication to bring from home as well from your doctor advice also, your doctor might recommend you some basic medication list like medicine against diarrhea, headache, fever, cold-flu as well constipation including first aid for cuts-wounds and burns as well.

                              What to Bring  During 14 Days Gokyo Lake Trekking?

                              **- can be bought in Kathmandu

                              Clothing and footwear

                              • trekking boots (should be warm, waterproof, breathable, cover and fix the ankle)
                              •  sports sandals with a closed toe or sneakers.
                              •  flip flops , Sun cap , Wool or fleece hat , 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick,}
                              • Bandana or neckerchief ,  Fleece jackets (1 thin, 1 thick) .
                              • Thermal underwear (merino wool!), preferably 2 sets (one for walking, the other for sleeping), buy at home.
                              • Trekking socks - several pairs (there is a limited possibility of washing)
                              •  Quick-drying sports T-shirts (e.g. Polartec PowerDry) - 2 pcs. or more.
                              •  Down jacket , Windstopper , Windproof warm jacket with hood.
                              • Trekking trousers ,  Warm synthetic pants like ski pants , Rain poncho.
                              • Sun Screen Cream , Sunglasses ,  Trekking pole , Water bottle.

                              Equipment for 14 Days Gokyo Lake Trekking 

                              * Duffel bags for trek will be perovided on Day 2 should be returned after the trek is over.

                              * Backpack 20-30 liters with rain cover (optionally with drinking system)

                              *Sleeping bag (comfort temperature around -5 C). On the upper lodges they usually provide woolen blankets. You can rent a sleeping bag in       Kathmandu, $1-2 per day.

                              *A good quality headlight with new batteries and a spare set of batteries.

                               *Sunglasses (category 3-4) + hard case , Trekking poles , Thermos 0.5-1 liter.

                              *Sealed packaging for documents and money , Sitting mat (optionally), Power bank.

                               *A roll of dense garbage bags 50 liters. You will pack your items in it when you put them in a duffel bag to protect them from moisture and dust.

                              Personal usage on 14 Days Gokyo Lake Trekking 

                              > Towel (light and quick-drying)  - Washing accessories - Disinfection wipes

                              > Antibacterial gel - Moisturizing hand cream - Sun cream with a high factor

                              > Lip balm with sun protection - Reusable water bottle - Snacks, nuts, chocolate

                              Gokyo Lake Trekking FAQs

                              • Not the shortest route but the standard and normal route to Gokyo valley and the lake. Taking about three days from Namche Bazaar to reach the scenic Gokyo Lake, and return on an alternative route via Phortse village back to Namche Bazaar and Lukla.

                              • One can experience a great difference less trekkers than on main trail to Everest base camp. Enjoying walk amidst towering peaks and glacial lakes, as well overlooking four world highest peaks from the top of Gokyo-Ri Hill. Picturesque scenery and views of Nepal longest Ngozumpa glaciers with clear views of world’s 6th highest Mt. Cho-Oyu. The Gokyo Lake with less flow of trekkers than on main trail.

                              • Gokyo Lake is at an altitude above 4,800 m high, the highest point of the trek is climb to the top of Gokyo-Ri at 5,357 m / 17, 575 feet high.

                              • Yes, it is quite popular Gokyo Lake, but not more popular than Everest base camp, but trekkers do find as one of the most scenic valley around Khumbu. Where trekkers have choice of options crossing high Cho-La pass to Everest base camp or cross Renjo-La pass to reach Thame village west of Namche Bazaar.

                              • Nearly all year round except the monsoon wet month of June to August.

                                The best is spring when most days are fine and clear with sunny days but cold morning and night time. Next best season is autumn / fall when days are crystal clear for views and walks, but shorter days due to sunlight hours. Much cold morning and night time. Interested people can enjoy during winter time also, most days are very fine, however freezing temperatures morning, late afternoon and night time.

                              Client Reviews
                              • Great trekking trips

                                I have been on three trekking trips with Bam and he is an excellent guide and friend. He provided sound advice and showed a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each member in the group. He is extremely resourceful and helps to overcome difficulties with cheerfulness and equanimity, a very important quality when one is on the mountains! The three trips- Annapurna Base Camp, Upper Mustang and Gokyo Lakes- were memorable and I could not recommend Bam highly enough. It makes a huge difference to know that one's trek will be in good hands and it has allowed me to enjoy the fantastic scenery and experience.

                                Tien Yang
                                Tien YangSingapore,February 14, 2015
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