Everest Gokyo Lake Trek 14 Days

Everest Gokyo Lake Trek 14 Days Overview

Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the hidden gems of the Himalayas of Nepal. The Gokyo Lake trek will mesmerize you with stunning views of the highest mountains in the world. If you wish to avoid the crowds heading to Everest Base camp but still wish to have personal experience of the Himalayan adventure of Nepal, the Gokyo Lake trek is for you. Intrigued? Want to know more about this trek? Let’s delve deeper.

Gokyo Lake located in the lap of the Ngozumpa Glacier at an altitude of more than 4500 meters, is considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists. This is not one, but six lakes of freshwater comprising the highest lakes in the world. Among the six lakes, the lake Thonak is the largest. They all feed on glacial seepage, which is why the color of the water takes on its turquoise appearance. Every year in August, the Janai Purnima festival takes place here, during which time pilgrims take a holy bath in the waters of the lake.

During winter, the lake freezes and people can walk on it. This is what makes this region so special. During the pre and post-monsoon season, the region comes alive. Above the lake, you can see the Renjo La Pass and Gokyo Ri Peak. Around the lake, despite the extreme temperatures live many birds, including the rare Himalayan snowcock that can only be seen at these heights. In addition, you can take a tour of Gokyo Valley which is a tourist destination for lovers of trekking and climbing.

Your trek to Lake Gokyo begins with a flight to the legendary airport in Lukla. After landing, the trail takes you along the Dudh Koshi River through the village of Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the entrance gate to the 8,000 mt strong Himalayan giants. It is also the largest village in the Khumbu Valley, where most travelers spend the night to acclimatize.

Once you leave Namche, you will head off the main busy trail which takes you to the tranquil villages of Phortse, Dole, and Machhermo. The trail from Machermo to the lakes is impressive! You can witness the dramatic changes in the landscape. Wide meadows suddenly turn into narrow paths with steep ascending paths that will take you to the beautiful and charming village of Gokyo.

After two or three hours of steep ascent, the peak of Gokyo Ri rises above the village. You need to leave before dawn to catch the sunrise from the top. A well-deserved reward for your efforts will be views not only of the lakes but also of Nepal’s longest glacier, Ngozumpa. And that’s not all, in good weather, you will have majestic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Therefore, the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek gives you plenty of opportunity to witness the natural charm of the Khumbu region. This trek will also give you the opportunity to witness the marvelous culture of Sherpa inhabitants. You can experience the incredible heartwarming hospitality of Sherpa people. In short, the Gokyo Lake trek is a combination of thrill-filled natural and cultural expeditions that you must take once in a lifetime.

Outline Itinerary of Everest Gokyo Lake Trek 14 Days:

Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu and drive to hotel over night Hotel.

Day 02: Fly to Lukla at 250mt. and trek to Phakding at 2610m (3/4 hours walk over night 2560mt)

Day 03: Trek to Namche bazar (5/6 hour walk and over night 3434 mt )

Day 04: Rest at Namche for acclimatization. Early morning visit Everest view point for splendid

views of Himalayas with Sun rise.

Day 05: Trek to Dole – 4200m. (5/6 hours walk over night 4200mt)

Day 06: Trek to Machhermo ( 3 hours walk 4400 mt)

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo (4/ 5 hours walk 4700mt)

Day 08: Excursion to Gokyo Ri – 5316m. Machhermo (6-7 hours)

Day 09: Trek to Phortse – 3800m (6 hours)

Day 10: Trek to Tyangboche -3867m (5-6 hours)

Day 11: Trek to Jorsale/Monjo – 2800m. (5-6 hr)

Day 12: Trek to Lukla (5 to 6 hours)

Day 13: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu over night hotel.

Day 14: Departure to International airport for Next destination.

Best Season for the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek:

Trekking to Lake Gokyo is a viable option throughout the year. However, the best season to embark on the Gokyo Lake trek is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (late September to early December). During these two seasons, the weather conditions are most favorable providing trekkers with the unrivaled experience of breathtaking views and Himalayan terrain.

The months from late September to May and from March to May are characterized by a dry climate enhancing the greater visibility of the greater Himalayas. These months are delightful with clear skies and panoramic scenery. There are few chances for snowfall or rainfall in the Khumbu region. Gokyo Lake will be at its full glory sparkling with the clear turquoise water.

During spring, the landscape will be blanketed with green lush vegetation and rhododendrons will be in full bloom. You can often hear the birds chirping and wildlife coming to life in the charming forests when you pass through them. And temperature will be moderate from 15 to 18°C during the day and 0 to 5°C at night, easing trekkers to hike for 5 to 6 hours easily.

Alternately, the summer season from June to August coincides with the monsoon season so the time is not favorable to hike to Gokyo Lake. The chances of heavy rainfall, landslides, and road blockage are often the problems. Leach infestation can be another problem. Likewise, during winter season from late December to February is also unsuitable for this trek. The low temperature, snowfall, and closure of most of the tea houses are some of the difficulties you may encounter. However, if you have a strong mindset, and wish to enjoy the tranquility of the region in private, this can be the most favorable time. The region is often blanketed in heavy snow giving you the Christmas feel that you always wished.

If you wish to trek during summer/monsoon and winter, we can organize this trek with the utmost precaution and support.

Gokyo Lake Trek difficulty

The Gokyo Lake trek is moderately difficult, especially for beginner climbers and trekkers. You don’t need complex technical knowledge of using ropes or any other sophisticated equipment. Even if you don’t have prior experience of trekking to a high altitude of more than 5000m, this trek is doable. However, our trek also includes a day for an excursion to the summit of Gokyo Ri, if you are not u for it, you can avoid the trip to the summit.

You can stumble on some steep slopes but it can be easily crossed with the already built stone stairs and secure footing. Therefore, if you are in optimal physical and mental state, you can easily accomplish this trek without any hassle and difficulty.

However, you have to remember you will be gaining altitude each day ultimately reaching an altitude of more than 5000 m. so there is the probability of experiencing some symptoms of altitude sickness, especially during your trek to the summit of Gokyo Ri. But with adequate preparation, gradual climbing, and following the instructions of the guide, you can easily succumb to this challenge.

Altitude Sickness during Gokyo Lake Trek

If you are an experienced trekker and have already trekked in Nepal, you may not suffer from altitude sickness at all. But if you are a beginner, there is the probability of you feeling some symptoms of altitude sickness at elevations more than 2,400 meters above sea level. Minor symptoms are difficulties sleeping, lack of appetite, headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

However, with few precautions, these symptoms can quickly subside. Such as:

• Staying hydrated by drinking at least 3 to 4 lt of water
• Use the acclimatization day properly and follow the instructions of your guide
• Walk slowly and gain height gradually
• Take Diamox (medicine for altitude sickness) whenever you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Remember, Daimox is a diuretic drug so adequately hydrate your body
• Or, inform your guide if you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee, and soft drinks during your trek
• Have ginger tea or garlic soup

The best preventive measure for altitude sickness is to prepare your body beforehand embarking on this trek. So whenever you decide to trek in Nepal, you should train your body by engaging in swimming, weight lifting, or stair climbing. All these activities will increase your physical stamina so you can make the most of this Gokyo Lake trek.

Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Permit:

You need two types of permits when embarking on this trek: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.

• Sagarmatha National Park Permit

When trekking to Gokyo Lake, you will be entering the Everest region. Therefore, all visitors entering this region need to have this permit. The Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu issues this permit at the cost of NPR 3000 per person for foreign nationals. The SAARC nationals have to pay NPR 1500 per person for this permit. You can also obtain this permit at the entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park located in Monjo.

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Since you will be entering the Khumbu region when trekking to Gokyo Lake, you will have to obtain this permit. This permit is also issued by the Nepal Tourism Board office located in Kathmandu. R, you can easily receive this permit when you enter Monjo. You have to pay NPR 2000 per person to obtain this permit.

All these permits costs are utilized for the development of the Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu municipality. we as your trustworthy travel companion will obtain these permits for you as we begin our journey from Kathmandu. The costs are included in our travel package.

Food, Accommodation, Transportation

During your stay in Kathmandu, we will accommodate you in a 2 or 3-star hotel in the tourist center (Thamel) with double or twin rooms. If you wish to stay in a single room or you have some other accommodation in mind, let us know. We will lodge you in a hotel or room of your choice. During hiking to Gokyo Lake, we will arrange the most comfortable lodging as much as possible in standard lodges or tea houses.

The rooms of these tea houses are clean and provided with basic amenities such as beds, tables, and chairs. We will also provide you with an extra sleeping bag if you desire. During winter, you can always request an extra blanket from the owner. Most of these lodges have electricity but finding sockets in each room can be quite difficult. You can charge your devices but may have to pay around NPR 200 to 300 (USD 2 to 3) for their usage.

There are bathrooms and showers but they are usually shared with other guests. You may have to pay an extra charge for hot water.

As for meals, during your accommodation in the capital, breakfast is included in our package. You can have your lunch and dinner in any of the high-quality restaurants in the city. During the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided every day which is of course included in our tour package.

During your lodging in tea houses on the trek, you can experience a range of flavors. You can treat your taste buds with traditional Nepali dishes like Dal, Vat, Tarkari (Lentil, Rice, and Vegetable) to international favorites like Pizza, Momo, Chowmen, and Spring Rolls. You can also start your adventure every day with Masala Tea, Tibetan tea, coffee, or fruit juices.

Overall, we will take care of your comfort in the best possible way. As you land in Nepal, our private car or van (depending on the group size) will pick you up and transport you to the hotel. We will ensure you travel comfortably when you are not on the trek. We will transport you to the airport for the internal flight to Lukla via private car. Also, on your return journey to Kathmandu from Lukla, our representative will accompany you to your hotel to ensure your safe transport.

Internet Facilities during Gokyo Lake Trek

In this memorable journey to Gokyo Lake, you wish to share every detail of your remarkable journey with your loved ones. So there is an internet facility throughout this amazing trip. In Kathmandu, you can enjoy free WIFI on the premises of your hotel. Upto Namche Bazaar, there is easy WIFI service so you can communicate with your family and friends easily. However, as you gain altitude, finding WIFI can be difficult. Some tea houses or lodges may have WIFI service but you may have to pay an additional charge up to USD 2 to 3 for its usage.

Even if there is now working WIFI, you can always access the internet via NCELL or NTC (Mobile Networks of Nepal). Both of these networks provide several data options that you can readily use in any region of Nepal. For accessing the internet data package in NCELL, you can dial *17123#, and for NTC, you can dial *1415# and choose the data pack that best suits you.

Travel Insurance

The Gokyo Lake trek is an iconic experience. Although it is not challenging and technically difficult still it is an adventurous and demanding trek. You will journey to an altitude of more than 5000 m so you may encounter unpredictable weather conditions such as high winds, snow, and rainfall. Therefore, it is wise to obtain travel insurance that supports more than 5000 m elevation coverage. Taking travel insurance when trekking to Gokyo Lake can provide you protection during medical emergencies. The insurance can also cover your financial risk in case of flight cancellation or delays.

Most Asked Question on Everest Gokyo Lake Trek:

1. Is it possible to book the Gokyo Lake trek trip at the last minute?

✓ Yes, you can organize a last-minute Gokyo Lake trek with us. We always offer flexible services to our guests and we can make all the required adjustments to accommodate according to your schedule.

2. Is this trek customization?

✓ Absolutely, if you wish to spend a few more days on the trek, we can always extend the acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar. Or, if you would like to stay a few more days in Kathmandu, we can organize a city tour for you. Our goal is to provide 100%satisfaction to our guests so we can always tailor-made our tour package based on your preference.

3. Do I have to tip the guide and porter?

✓ It is not mandatory to tip guide and porter but it is expected. Generally, tipping 20% of the total bill is customary but you can adjust based on the service provided and your satisfaction.

4. How much money do I have to bring along for the Gokyo Lake trek?

✓ Our Gokyo Lake tour package covers almost all your expenses (detail list in our cost included and excluded section). However, your personal expenses for shopping or consumption of alcoholic or hot beverages, and personal equipment are excluded from our package. So we recommend you carry USD 300 to 400 to cover your potential expenditure. You can always withdraw money from ATMS readily available in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar.

5. If I am sick during the Gokyo Lake trek, what safety measures your company take?

✓ Our company has a close affiliation with helicopter companies. If for some reason, you feel sick during the trek and are unable to continue the trek, our guide will immediately contact the headquarters. He will arrange for your emergency evacuation to Kathmandu to ensure you receive urgent medical care. However, you have to cover the cost of the emergency evacuation.

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes