Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri are one of the best choices of mostly trekker's destination from all over the world. It lies in the Everest region of the Khumbu area in the altitude of 4700-5000 Mtr above sea level. These lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system comprising six main lakes, of which Thonak Lake is the largest. The treks starting from Lukla towards Namche Bazar, From Namche bazar, there are many options to go and Gokyo lake trek is one of among them. From Namche, our trail follows Dole through Khumjung Valley. Four days of Slow and relaxed walk from Namche takes us to Gokyo valley. From Gokyo Ri, we can explore many beautiful mountains as well as ngozumba glacier(largest glacier in Nepal Himalaya). This is our final destination for this trip.
TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS
Ngozumba glacier
Flight to and from Lukla with beautiful himalayan range
Various types of himalayan flora and fauna
Beautiful scenery from Gokyo Ri of Mount Everest, Cho oyu, Makalu etc
Explore of naturally beautiful Gokyo lake
Histories, cultures, tradition and life style of himalayan sherpa community
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel (1400 Mtr/4592 Ft)
Our airport representative with name board will come to pick up in airport. The tour starts at our hotel in Kathmandu. There will be a full trek briefing this evening and welcome dinner in typical nepali restaurant with nepali cultural music and dances.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After the breakfast our city tour guide with luxury vehicle will come to pick you up for the city sightseeing of some UNESCO world heritage sites for half day.After that your free time for leisure and preparation for the trek.( Exchanging the money,shopping, gear check etc)
Day 3: Flight to Lukla (2840 Mtr/9315 Ft)and Trek to Phakding 2610 Mtr/8560 Ft)
Duration: 30 Minutes Flight and 3 hours Trek Walking Dis: 8.2 KM, Elevation Loss: 230 Mtr We fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,800m) with beautiful views of Himalayan ranges if the weather permited.and start the first day trek with full of energy and enthusiasm.Heading northwards up the valley of the Dudh Kosi (or 'milk river'). The place where we going to stay tonight is lower than the airport we landed.We descend from the small plateau, down into the forested valley. The trail offers some tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2,652m), where we spend our first night.
Day 4: Trek to Namche (3440 Mtr/11283 Ft)
Duration: 6 hours Trek Walking Dis: 10.9 KM, Elevation Gain: 830 Mtr Heading towards the Namche, we follow the Dudh Kosi northwards.Todays walk takes us along the river through forest with some views of mountains as well until lunch. We cross the river several times by bridges as we pass through the villages of Benkar, Monzo and Jorsale.Jorsale Last point before Namche where we have lunch.There is the check point of Sagaramatha national park,from that point the SNP area begins. A final bridge brings us to the steep climb to Namche. Halfway up this ascent, if weather permited we get the chance to see the summit of Mount everest hiding behind Lhotse and Nuptse. After steep climb of 2 hours and ascents of 300 mtr climbing brings us to Namche. Namche is the main gateway of mount Everest and it is the trading center of Khumbu.It has weekly market on friday afternoon and saturday Morning but the shops,supermarkets,trekking shops,Bakeries are open for all day and everyday.
Day 5: Trek to Khumjung( 3790 Mtr/12431 Ft) via Khunde (3840 Mtr/12595 Ft)
Duration: 2.5 hours Trek Walking Dis: 4 KM, Elevation Gain: 350 Mtr Khumjung and Khunde are the twin villages knowing with green valley located in lap of Khumbila,rocky mountain known as khumbu county diety which is sacred.We climb steeply out of Namche past the airstrip at Shyangboche to the Hilary viewpoint in Khunde height of approx 4100 Mtr,From where most spectacular view of Mount Amadablam,Thamserku,Khangteka etc. can be seen. Descending through forest we come to Khunde, where we have lunch,visit the Khunde Monastery and Edmund Hillary hospital.After lunch, we walk down to Khumjung where we spent our night there,and we visit khumjung Monastery to see the Yeti's Skull and the Hillary school. Khumjung Monastery is one of the oldest monastery of Khumbu, it was badly destroyed by recent earthquake but is now being constructed.
Day 6: Trek to Dole (4090 Mtr/13415 Ft)
Duration: 5 hours Trek Walking Dis: 10 KM, Elevation Gain: 300 Mtr Today we are going to gain the elevation of 400 Meter. We walk all the way down crossing all the villages passing small rivers and begin climbing to Mong La (Ridge),marked by chorten on the top of a ridge.From Mongla, the trail goes down about 400 Mtr towards Phortse Thanga, near to Dudh Koshi river.From Phortse Tenga the trail starts to climb steeply towards east entering the rhododendron and birch forest. Climbing of about 2 hour takes us to Dole village where we have magnificent views of Mount Kongde,Thamserku and Khangteka
Day 7: Trek to Machermo( 4410 Mtr/14465 Ft)
Duration: 2.5 Hrs Trek Walking Dis: 5 KM, Elevation Gain: 320 Mtr Today is a short and easy way to Machermo. Trail is steep in some places but mostly straight in steep and gradual up passing Labarma and Luza.After lunch we do short walk for acclimatization ridge above machermo ,from amazing view of mount Thamserku and kangtega can be enjoy.
Day 8: Trek to Gokyo (4790 Mtr/15711 Ft)
Duration: 3.5 hours Trek Walking Dis: 7 KM, Elevation Gain: 380 Mtr Heading to Gokyo, beginning by climbing the ridge above enjoying the spectacular view of Mount cho oyu (8201 Meter).The trail goes like gradually up with pasing Phanga and descend down before steep climb in narrow trail onto the terminal moraine. Steep climb of about 30 minutes brings us in First lake then straight ahead in flat there is second lake. The third lake is infront of settlement of Gokyo. We arrive here in lunch time and after lunch timefree time to relax, visit bakery coffe shop.
Day 9: Rest Day in Gokyo and Gokyo Ri (5360 Mtr/17580 Ft)
Duration: 4 hours Trek Walking Dis: 6 KM, Elevation Gain: 570 Mtr Another beautiful day here in Gokyo, After the breakfast, begin to steep climb towards Gokyo Ri (5360 Meter ) which is the highest point we reach in this trip and final destination . From where amazing different view of Mount Everst,Mount Cho oyu,Mount Makalu and Lhotse can be explore. Just look down behind the Gokyo village, Ngojumba glacier is there, which is longest glacier of Nepal. We spend about 30 minutes to explore the views and descend down to lodge for Lunch.
Day 10: Trek to Phortse(3840 Mtr/12595 Ft)
Duration: 7 hours Trek Walking Dis: 13 KM, Elevation Loss: 950 Mtr Leaving from Gokyo and descending down to one of the old Sherpa settlement, which is known as by village of mountaineer. Each house is at least one Mount everest summitter. The trail goes down passing first lake following the river flown from First lake. We going to cross the small bridge then turn left for the another route to get to phortse. The path going to be bit tough than usual but the views and landscape are amazing
Day 11: Trek to Namche (3440 Mtr/11283 Ft)
Duration: 4.5 hours Trek Walking Dis: 8 KM, Elevation Loss: 400 Mtr Steep descending about 250 Meter, then again steep climb about 350 meter in rhododendron and fir forest, we reach to Mongla (Ridge), can be seen of some different views of mountains and landscape .Again descend about 40 Minutes will meet of main trail to Everest basecamp in place named sanasa. After crossing sanasa and having lunch in Kyangjuma , trails goes straight in steep hill until Namche.
Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2840 Mtr/9315 Ft)
Duration: 7 hours Trek Walking Dis: 19.1 KM, Elevation Loss: 600 Mtr Long day walk before flying back to Kathmandu. it takes about 7 hours to get to Lukla from Namche.We are following the same trail that we took on the way up from Lukla, but the views are completely different.The trail descends steeply downward so should be careful with slow walking. After crossing the suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi,the trails becomes more easy and natural.We follow the trails along the Dudh kosi river with rhododendrons and pine forest.Upon arrival in Lukla, sharing the happy moments and great experience with staffs,dinner together and happy note with everyone back safe and sound.
Day 13: Flight to Kathmandu transfer to hotel
Today we have a early breakfast in order to catch the flights,sometimes weather doesn’t permits, should be patient for the waiting. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Rest Day in Kathmandu and free time for shopping
Trip is over now, you can take your own time for shoppinp,sightseeing and relaxing.Thamel area is full of shops and restaurants and coffee shops for those who want a more relaxing day.We will have the farewell dinner in typical Nepali restaurant with nepali cultural music and dances to celebrate the successful completion of our journey.
Day 15: Departure to homeland
You will be transfer to Airport as your schedule flight.
What's included
All airport/hotel pick ups and drops within Nepal
Flight Fare for both way (KTM-LUA-KTM)
All trekking permits , TIMS card,Government and local taxes for the trek
All Meals (Breakfast , Lunch and DInner ) During the trek
3 Star hotel accomodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
All ground transportation on a comfortable vehicle as per the itenerary
An experienced English speaking and government licensed trekking guide
Porter Services(2 Trekkers : 1 Porter)
Medical kit incase of Emergency
Insurance for Nepali Staffs
Sleeping Bag for the trek
Welcome and farewell dinner
Staffs Cost including their Salary, food , accomodation and equipments
What's not included
Nepal Visa Fee
Personal Trekking gears
International Flight fare
Lunch and Dinner in the city , extra night accomodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival or late departure and early return from the trek due to any reason than the scheduled itenerary
Any rescue cost
Tips for Guide and Staffs
Personal Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses as phone calls, laundry , Bar, Battery charge, extra porter, shower and bottled or boiled water
Helicopter charter flight
Excess baggage charges ( can be carried only 15 Kg including in Airfare)
Good to Know
1) Physical Fitness One should be physically fit before to do the any trekking and mountaineering. It is long hike so without any training the first two/three days will tough for you. So some basic physical fitness like squat, Mountain climbers ( which can be done in home),running,biking , stair climbing,and swiming will help lot to do trekking in the mountains, so it is highly recommanded 2/3 months prior to your departure for the trekking or mountaineering.
(2)Foods and Drinks While in the mountain, it is highly recommanded you to drink plenty of fluids like water,soups, teas as well as foods. We will provide the sufficient and hygiene food as per your choice in whole trek.However some private snacks as chocolates bars, cookies are also highly recommanded which you can take from kathmandu or you can buy on the way in lodges or in shops.
(3)Drinking water One should drink at least 3-4 litres of water every day in order to get hydrated the body which helps lot to be away from altitude sickness.You can buy the bottled water all the way cost from Rs 80 ( Which is equivalent to 80 cents )to Rs 400 (which is equivalent to 4 USD), but the bottled waters are not highly recommanded because as we are environmentally sensitive and also expensive. Whole area except in Gorakshep where drinking waters facility is poor, in that place you have to buy the bottled water in compulsorily. We highly recommend you to carry the reusable water bottle and buy boiled water in lodges/teahouse which also makes your sleeping bag very warm while going to bed, to use sterpin or take chlorine or iodine tablets to purify the drinking water.
(4)Best time to Travel Spring ( Mar-May)and Autumn ( Sep- Nov) are known as best months to trek in Nepal becuase of the stable clear dry skies which permits to enjoy the spectacular mountain views but mostly lodges, hotels and trails are busy and crowded. Spring season is pleasant and suitable with warm tempreture for trekking and climbing the big mountains as well, so Everest basecamp will be full of tents and looks like small tented city. Untill end of october, the tempreture will be mild cold. Weather will be stable with clear blue sky, dry and at the same time one of the popular religious festivals named Manirimdu festival will be held in Tyangboche Monastery. Winter and summer are also good if you would prefer less crowdy, and ready to face the some challanges like snow, cold, and rain.Even in winter weather will always be clear but the these three months are coldest month of the year and sometimes snow falls. In Summer, It is very good to do trekking, tempreture will be warm, those who are keen to botanist, summer is the best but the due to unstable weather the views of mountains are very rare.
5) Altitude Sickness Trekking in Everest region is one of the highest trekking in world.In high altitude , the mass of oxygen will be less, so everyone feels difficult to breath as well as mild headache, dizziness etc.This is one of the biggest challanges in mountain.In the altitude, there are many rules to make our body adaptable to the altitude. Acclimatization is one of the important factor to adjust our body get used to the altitude. All our itineries are designed with proper acclimatization day in every 1000 mtr climbing.The most important rules that we have to follow in altitude is walk slowly, keep drinking plenty of fluids as water , soups etc to make our body hydrated, and keep our body warm. Our staffs and guide will always do their best as they can, eventhough incase of any sickness,injury one should avoid their rest trip and should come down.
(6)Travel Insurance It is compulsory to buy the proper travel insurance policy with genuine insurance company, it should cover the emergency helicopter evacuation as well as medical treatment incase of severe injury or sickness and Policy should include coverage at the altitudes up to 6000 Mtr if you are doing just trekking and if you are doing mountaineering should be 6500 Mtr.
(7)Bag pack and duffel bag Our duffel bag should be maximum 15kg including hand bag. Only the neccesary things should be packed and the stuffs which are not neccesary on trek will be stored in hotel in Kathmandu.One porter will carry max 30 Kg,among two clients one porter will be provided.
(8)Internet Connectivity and cell phone Signal As per your arrival in Kathmandu airport, there you can buy nepalese Sim card ncell or you can buy anywhere around city. In Gokyo valley phone signals works untill Dole above that there is well facility of internet connectivity. There is good facility of wifi with purchasing data card of Everst link.If you buy the biggest data pack in Namche which is in 50 GB cost of Rs 3000 ( equivalent to 30 USD)it works whole area of Everest region perfectly so You can enjoy with social media or connects with your family, friends or loved one.and if you bought small data pack like 10 GB or 20 GB it works only in one place. (9)Flight to Lukla Lukla Tenzing hillary airport is only one airport to get to the Everest region, The mountain weather is always unpredictable and flights always depend on weather, Mostly time of spring and autumn will be good and there will be regular flights . If the weather became bad flight will be delay and our pre planned trip can be extend. So we always should keep 2/3 days extra incase of irregular flight.Another option is to take helicopter, for that less visibility than aeroplane will be work. But helicopter cost is doubled than regular aeroplane cost which is not included in our trip cost and should be bear by oneself. These days due to the high air traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport, domestic flights to/from Lukla is operated from Manthali airport which is 135 KM away from Kathmandu, we have to start early from kathmandu by road to catch the flight from Manthali.
(10)Sanitation In mostly places toilet are common and need to use the same toilet using by everyone else. Mostly place there may not be available of hand washing water, so highly recommend to take hand sanitizer by yourself and most importantly toilet papers or wet tissue paper should always be in your day bag.
(11)Government permits and National park permit To enter in Everest region you have to buy Sagaramatha national park permit and local government permit,the cost will be included in trip cost.Your guide will manage everything.
(12)Guiding and staffing In everest region average walk per day is 6-7 hours. Leisurely and pleasant guiding will definitely take you to destination. More you gaining altitude more hard to walk, toughest and longest day will be the day of going to high passes , EBC and kalapathar,to see the sunrise from kalapathar, you have to wake up around 4 Oclock in the morning. Your experieced guide and porter will always be there to help you in every moment.Guide is the key factor for the every challanging in mountain so one should follow the instruction of guide pleasantly.Every day after dinner your guide will do brief about the next days trip.
(13) Budgeting Budegeting depends upon many factors specially in Kathmandu where there are too many choices.Hotels in Kathmandu include in trip cost on basis of BB plan. So average expenses per day in Kathmandu will be Rs 2000 for lunch and Dinner, if you prefer some other activities as drinks, to do massage, or to go in bar/pub Rs 5000 ( equivalent to USD 50 ) is enough. On the trek, all the meals and hot drinks will be provided by company, Extra expeses as Hot shower, battery charging, wifi, boiled water for bottle, extra snacks bars, Soft drinks and hard drinks should borne by oneself,In average Rs 2000(eqivalent to 20 USD) is enough on the trek. Finally few tipping is highly recomended and compulsory in the last day to your guide and porter as per your budgeting.
Medium Rucksack (50-70 Ltr) Small Day Pack Personal Medical Kit Chapstick/Sunscreen Water bottle Large Duffel bag Trekking Pole Spare batteries for Camera and Flash Light Hand Towel Head lamp with extra Batteries Sun Glasses with UV protection Suitcase (For stored in Kathmandu hotel for not needed items for trek)
FAQ
(1)Why to go trekking to Gokyo?
Gokyo is one of the popular tourist destination of Everest region, it is popular because of beautiful lake and views from the Gokyo Ri is amazing. From gokyo Ri the best attraction is view of Mount Cho oyu (8201 Mtr).and best view of Mount Everest also.
2)What is the best seasons to trekking in Gokyo Valley ?
In Nepal, there are four different seasons such as Spring, Summer, Autumn and winter. Spring and Autumn are most popular for trekking in Nepal.But the best season of your travel might be differ as per your purpose and your suitable time for travelling in Nepal. You can read more about the most favorable seasons in our link below http://www.khumbualpinetravel.com/nepal-travel-guide.html
3)What permit do I need for the Gokyo and Renjo pass trek?
For trekking in the Everest Region, you need the following permits:
Local Governments Entry fee instead of TIMS ( Trekking information management system):The local government is charging Rs 2000 per person in Lukla in the entrance of Everest Basecamp Trek. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: To entry in the Sagarmatha National Park,One has to obtain the permit which cost Rs 3000+ government tax per head. the park that is home to the Mount Everest Region, you need to obtain an entry permit.
4)How safe is Gokyo Trek ?
Safety is our first concern. As we provide the experienced guides and leaders for the particular trip who are well trained about the high altitude sickness, first aid ,friendly attitude and ability to provide useful and important instructions. All our itineraries are designed with proper acclimatization days in order to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. In every group we provide the first aid kit bag incase of any injury and emergency.
5)How is the lodging and fooding facilities in Gokyo trek ?
Along the trail to Everest basecamp, there are well facilited lodges are available with various types of foods. We provide you three meals a day with your own choice. We always provide the seasonal fruits as well. We always book in lodges with well management and facilities. if you buy single supplementory package you will get single room.
6)What about the flight from Kathmandu-Lukla and vice versa?
Just about 25 minutes flight from Kathmandu takes us to Tenzing Hillary airstrip in Lukla but the due to some circumstances, these days the flight to Lukla are operated from Ramechap, which is 4 hours drive from Kathmandu and 15 min by flight to lukla. There are options to fly by helicopter directly from Kathmandu to Lukla as well, which is bit expensive than regular flight. Sometimes the weather doesn’t permits for the regular flight, then we should be compulsion to hire the helicopter.The airlines companies has operated the first flight to Lukla directly from Kathmandu, so if you book your trip with us prior to 3 months , we can book the seat for direct flight
7)Is there any internet wifi and telephone facility on the way?
After your arrival in Kathmandu airport, we recommand to buy One ncell sim card. In gokyo valley there is good internet facility of everst link, which we can find in different packagesThere are varieties of data cards as 10 GB, 20 GB. If you purchased bigger one it works all over the khumbu and if you purchase 20 GB one it it enough for your whole trek and you can enjoy in social media, news and connect with your family friends and loved one. Phone signals works till Dole, above there phone signal doesnt work.
8)Can I use the forieng currency and Credit cards on the way in any shop or Lodge?
You can pay by oriegn currency as well, but the exchange rate will not be same as Kathmand, so we recommand you to exchage the money in kathmandu and take a nepalese Rupees. In this trip in gokyo valley , all major cards are accepted for any kind of payment.
9)What is the normal tempreture in spring and Autumn season?
Spring season starts from March, but until third week of march tempreture will still be cold even in day time. But actually tempreture depends on weather, if weatheris mild tempreture ranges from 10-15 Degree Centigrate.If the weather is clear, days will be warm.After the April it will be warm with sunny weather. Especially in Morning and Evening time will be little cold. Autumn season starts from September, September will still be warm even the weather is not good. From october normally in morning and everning will be cold.
How hard is Renjo Pass? Is there any chances of altitude sickness?
Renjo pass is very easy trail unless there is no snow, the pass is 5360 Meter, so there is lot chances of Altitude sickness but as we do proper acclimatize, we do not need to worry about sickness.
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