Gokyo Lake Trek is considered as an alternative trek to the traditional Everest base camp trekking. This trek offers excellent and magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and other mountain peaks and as well of the largest glacier of Nepal, Ngozumpa glacier.
Gokyo trek is one of Nepal’s popular treks, set amongst breath-taking high mountain scenery, through the Khumbu. The tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang (7922m) is another majestic panorama of Gokyo trekking. Gokyo lake trek begins with a short flight to Lukla from where you will proceed to Phakding on the day of arrival for an overnight stay. The next day will be spent trekking up to Namche Bazaar. The best season for Gokyo lake trekking is September to December and February to May.
You begin today's trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, and is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at a Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set up to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche Bazaar and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You will also visit some of the village monasteries on the way trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Stay over night at a hotel in Namche
For acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set up by the late Sir Edmund Hillary and you can also hike for an hour up to Tyangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for some outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Center and Museum just above the town. Stay over night at Namche.
From Namche the route heads up all the way to Khumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of town. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek a steeply descending pass through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. You can enjoy a delicious meal at Phortse Tenga (3650m.). Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements. The view ahead of you presents majestic views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melted-water Rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.), and your route to Lobuche. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
It is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can also take a trip to the Fifth Lake via the Fourth Lake. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machhermo. Stay over night in a tea house lodge.
The trail gently descends to Dole and then starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga (3650m.) passing through rhododendron forests. Then, the path immediately steeply ascends to Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends to Kyanjoma (3500m.) following some small ups and downs on the trail to your next destination. Stay over night in a tea house 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 and then 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 over night at lodge in Lukla.
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes 30 minutes. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.
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
29th Jun, 2022
Great organization!!! The trip was fantastic! Fulfilled one of my long time dreams. Address: Banff, Canada
Kiely and Moose
29th Jun, 2022
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. Address: U.S.A
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