Gokyo Lake Trek is considered a popular alternative trek to the traditional Everest base camp trek and is equally challenging and rewarding. This trek takes you to remote region of Mt. Everest which are less crowded and more adventurous.
This trek offers stunning views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse and Ama Dablam all along the trek and especially from atop Gokyo Ri at 5357m. Enjoy breath-taking scenery of Gokyo Valley and ethereal beauty of Gokyo Lakes. Equally mesmerizing is the visit to Ngozumpa glacier which is situated in the laps of Mt. Cho Oyu and is considered the largest glacier in Nepal. The tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang is another majestic panorama to experience in Gokyo trekking.
Gokyo lake trek begins with a short but adventurous mountain flight to Lukla. In addition you will have a authentic cultural experience of visiting Lukla, Phadking, Namche Bazaar, Macchermo and Dole, learning about Sherpa culture and festivals and taste local cuisines.
The trekking route has been designed to give you maximum time for acclimatization and exploration. The best season for Gokyo lake trekking is Autumn (September to December) and Spring (February to May).
After an early-morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to Kathmandu domestic airport. Take the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) which takes about 35 minutes. The flight offers close-up views of towering Himalayas including Mt. Everest together romantic landscapes of rolling hills, farms, and rivers.
Upon arrival in Lukla, you will embark on a 3-hour trek to Phakding (2640m.). The trek starts with a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar involves crossing the Dudh Kosi river on a high suspension bridge and arriving at Monjo (2800m.) which is the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. The trail ascend gradually to Namche, as you catch the first glimpse of Mt Everest in addition to Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Kongde-Ri, and Tawoche peak. You will pass by few Buddhist monasteries along the way. Namche Bazaar is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and faces the Bhote Koshi to the South. Stay overnight at lodge.
Today you will rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization with the altitude and climate. Explore nearby Khunde hospital set up by Sir Edmund Hillary or hike for one-hour to Syangboche (3800m.) to observe outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kusum Kangaru. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Today the trail first leads to Khumjung, a picturesque village with its own Buddhist Gompa. Instead of taking the trail towards Everest Base Camp you will choose alternative route. You will descend through two settlements Mongla (4000m.) and Phortse Tanga while enjoying splendid Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Tawoche among other. You will finally be descending to Dole through rhododendron and birch forest. Stay overnight at a lodge.
This short trail follows a straight path as you gently gain altitude. For the time you will catch the view of Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m) along with Kantega and Thamserku. Arrive at Machermo in time for lunch. Stay overnight at a lodge.
The trail takes you into remote valley as you follow a scenic path to Pangka. Located on the lap of Cho Oyu, the sight of Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal's largest lake, is awe-striking. The trail affords clear and mesmerizing view of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu among others. The last part of the trek descends slightly, passing beautiful turquoise lakes before arriving at Gokyo. Stay overnight at a lodge.
This is a rest and acclimatizaton day at Gokyo with excursions in and around the valley. Options include a side trip to Fifth via Fourth Gokyo Lakes or trekking from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri. From atop Gokyo Ri (5357m), relish stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5483m) and then trek back to Machermo (4150m.) via Gokyo village. Enjoy panoramic views before descending to Machermo. Stay overnight in a lodge.
Trek from Machermo to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) takes around five hours. The trek is an easy descent to Dole and further to Phortse Tenga passing through rhododendron forests. Stay overnight in a lodge.
The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for a few short uphill climbs, before getting down to the Bhote Koshi River, crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are only operated in the morning, usually between 6 AM and 11 AM, as fierce afternoon and evening winds make it impossible for planes to operate. Enjoy this scenic mountain flight one more time before returning to Kathmandu.
Note: There are different categories of hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5-star hotels. We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu according to your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category or price range of hotel that you would like to stay in.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Lukas Prochazka
The trip was fantastic! Fulfilled one of my long time dreams.
Kiely and Moose
We had a wounderful trek to Gokyo. Great wether everything went smoothly. We had a wounderful trek to Gokyo. Great wether everything went smoothly. Our guide; Ramesh was very attentive and helpful. It was nice to have everything arranged at the end of a long day.
Thanks to Ramesh and environmental treks.
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