The Gokyo Lake Trek is an amazing adventure that takes you into the heart of the Everest region in Nepal. This 14-day trek is a captivating journey, letting you see the stunning beauty of the Himalayas, beautiful turquoise lakes, and the unique culture of the Sherpa people.
The trek begins with an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small airstrip in the mountains. From Lukla, the trail goes through charming Sherpa villages, including Namche Bazaar, the lively entrance to the Everest region. The trek to Gokyo is different from the crowded Everest Base Camp trek, offering a more peaceful and personal experience.
A highlight of the Gokyo Lake Trek is the series of gorgeous glacial lakes, known as the Gokyo Lakes. These blue lakes are surrounded by towering peaks, creating a surreal and picturesque scene. Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint at 5,357 meters (17,575 feet), gives breathtaking panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, making trekkers feel accomplished and amazed.
The trek also includes a visit to the Ngozumpa Glacier, the biggest glacier in the Himalayas, and the charming village of Gokyo by the third Gokyo Lake. Trekkers can explore local monasteries, connect with the Sherpa community, and experience the rich culture of the region.
The Gokyo Lake Trek takes a unique route away from the usual Everest Base Camp path, giving trekkers a sense of peace and exclusivity. The challenging climb to Gokyo Ri is rewarded with amazing views comparable to those from the more popular Kala Patthar. The trek involves crossing high passes like Cho La Pass, adding an adventurous touch to the journey.
The best times for the Gokyo Lake Trek are in the spring and autumn seasons. In spring, there are blooming rhododendrons and stable weather, while autumn offers clear skies and great visibility. Both seasons are perfect for trekking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Khumbu region.
In summary, the Gokyo Lake Trek is a captivating 14-day journey that combines the excitement of high-altitude trekking with the peace of pristine lakes and the warmth of Sherpa hospitality. It's a unique and less-crowded route for those looking for a special Everest region experience, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural richness against the backdrop of the world's highest peaks.
Starting the Gokyo Lake Trek is an exciting adventure, and getting ready is super important for a safe and fun journey through the stunning Khumbu region. No matter if you're a trekking pro or a beginner, staying in good shape is a must. The trail has all kinds of terrain, from easy slopes to tough climbs, so you need a good level of endurance and strength. Doing cardio exercises and strength training before the trek helps you get ready for the physical challenges.
Getting used to the altitude is super important when trekking in the Himalayas, and the Gokyo Lake Trek is no different. The gradual climb lets your body adjust to the increasing altitude, reducing the chance of altitude-related sickness. Planning days for acclimatization in your schedule, drinking enough water, and paying attention to how your body feels are really important. If you've trekked in high altitudes before, it can make it easier for your body to adjust.
Packing the right stuff is crucial for the Gokyo Lake Trek. Having the right clothes for different weather is a big deal because temperatures can change a lot. Make sure to pack layered clothes, strong trekking boots, a good sleeping bag, and other important gear. Carrying your own medicines and a basic first aid kit is smart since there aren't many medical facilities along the trail.
Choosing the best time for the Gokyo Lake Trek is key to making your experience awesome. The two main times for trekking are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, you'll see colorful rhododendron flowers and get stable weather. In autumn, the skies are clear, and you can see the amazing mountain views. Both times are great for trekking because the weather is nice, and the trekking isn't too hard.
In a nutshell, the Gokyo Lake Trek is a super cool adventure for anyone who loves the Himalayas. Getting ready physically, paying attention to the altitude, packing smartly, and choosing the right time for the trek are all important to have a safe and awesome journey through the amazing landscapes and turquoise lakes of the Khumbu region.
| Day | Day Acitivity |
|---|---|
| Day 01: | Arrival day in Kathmandu International then transfers to Hotel. |
| Day 02: | Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2610m/8352ft) |
| Day 03: | Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3340m/11008) |
| Day 04: | Rest at Namche Bazaar |
| Day 05: | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole at 4110m (13152 Ft). |
| Day 06: | Trek from Dole to Machhermo at 4470m (14304 Ft). |
| Day 07: | Trek to Gokyo 4790m (15328 Ft) |
| Day 08: | Hike to Gokyo Ri at 5357m (17142 Ft), then look around the lake and stay overnight. |
| Day 09: | Gokyo to Phorse Village/ Phorste Thanga (3680 m) |
| Day 10: | Phortse to Tyangboche (3,840m/12684ft), |
| Day 11: | Tyangboche to Namche via Khumjung(3,790m/12,431ft), |
| Day 12: | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840m/9088ft) |
| Day 13: | Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu at 1300m (4160 ft) then transfer to the hotel. |
We Welcome to the great country of the Himalayan Kingdom: Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and assists in transferring you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After you spend a few hours relaxing and a getting refreshed, you will be invited to a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu city, where a briefing about your trip will take place. You then will spend the night in your prearranged hotel.
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. This is a really early 35-minute scenic flight to Lukla in the morning. Being the gateway to the great Mount Everest Base Camp, Lukla is home to the only airport in the region and is known for being one of the most “challenging” airports in the world. Once you arrived in Lukla you are given breakfast before starting your first day of trekking. Today consists of a short day trek of approximately three hours and pass the small villages of Chheplung, Thadokoshi, Ghat before arriving at Phakding where you stay the night.
Onwards and upwards to Namchebazar. Namche Bazaar is the biggest town on this trip and famed as the Sherpa Hub in the region. After breakfast, you’ll begin your treks upwards. This is one of the hardest days of the trek, however, you are blessed with stunning mountain views of Thamserku and Kusumkangaru, Dodhkoshi river and get your first glimpse of the great Everest peak. Lunch will be had at Jorsalle before you cross the double suspension bridge dubbed as “Hilary bridge”. Once you reach Namche Bazaar, you will spend the evening resting and walking around the lively town.
Rest day at Namche Bazaar, the centre of the Solukhumbu region. Namche Bazaar is the best place to explore and if you are not feeling too tired, you are pushed to ascend another three, four hundred meters, to help acclimatise. This small trek takes you to the Everest view point to see all the surrounding peak views. Today takes up about two hours of your time, and you get the chance to see Hillary school – one of the highest schools in the world. If you have more time to explore that day, you can visit the Sherpa museum, before resting for another night in Namche Bazaar.
Trek to Dole. Today you plan to go to the Dole, it takes about five to six hour walk. First quite steep to get to the top of Namchebazaar, then very nice and gentle walk to Kyanjuma. You can enjoy the magnificent views of all the major peaks including Amadablam. After Kyanjuma to leave the trail to the Everest Base Camp then you should climb steep to the Mongla Dannda. The trail drops to the Forche Thanga then after gradually climb up to Dole. You should walk through the Rhododendron forest sometimes. Stay overnight at Dole.
Trek to Machermo. The day walks just about three hours like a rest day. The trail very much gradual climb. You may visit to the HRA office if you want. The Doctor will brief you about the altitude sickness. You do not need to worry about the sickness, sometimes they make the tourist afraid. Stay overnight at Machermo.
Trek to Gokyo. This is the most important day you book the trip for. It takes about four to five hours walk to reach the Gokyo. Gokyo Vally trek is a very nice because of the lakes in high altitude places. There are several lakes around and the plenty of hotels to stay. The trail more gradual to reach to Gokyo. You can see the magnificent view of Choyu over eight thousand meter height. Enjoy the view of Gokyo and stay overnight at hotel.
This may have full day rest at Gokyo or have chance to explore up to the fifth lake passing another forth lake and enjoy the view. This is great place and an opportunity to view full part of Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyu. You can see the Northern part of Cho-Oyu base camp and biggest glacier of the world Ngazumpa glacier; and stroll back to hotel for overnight.
Early in this morning we hike up to Gokyo Ri for the breathtaking view of splash a sunrise top of the mountain including Mt. Everest view and many more Himalayan scenery. This will be unforgettable life time memories and enjoy around the top. We have a great memories and stroll back an hours to Gokyo for breakfast. After breakfast walk back through the same valley down (minimum for 3 and half hours) then cross the river to the right valley up hills to the Phorse village for overnight. Phorse Village is interesting as it is situated at the middle of the hills above the river valley with pine and Rhododendron forest surroundings. At here, you will also have change to see the Himalayan pheasant and few others Himalayan animals.
After breakfast at Phortse, we will mostly hike down hills, following the narrow trail to reach to the river valley, then we will have a gradual/ steep walk up hills through the forested hills of pine and rhododendron reach to Tyangboche which is situated at the top of the hill. On the way you have opportunity to see the Himalayan pheasant and musk deer etc. Tyangboche is a very little place with only few tea houses, it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery called Tyangboche Monastery which is one of the prime interests to see. Evening, the monastery has a monks praying ceremony which is really interesting and you could be a part of this wonderful praying ceremony. Monastery itself is big and it has a wonderful colorful, and Buddhist painted walls, stupa which is great. From Tyangboche you can see Mt. Ama Dablam & Thamserku is just in front across the valley, definitely it offers the great view of the Mt. Ama Dablam. Additionally, Tyangboche offer the great views of Mt. Everest top with Nuptse and its high top, it is very impressive.
After breakfast the trail lead you down to the forested hills to the bottom of the hills called Phungithanka, across the Dudh Koshi River cross with local suspension bridge, then prepare to walk long hill up again to the Kyanjuma the junction of the trinity ways to Gokyo Valley, Khumjung village and Namche Bazzar. Another 30-40 minute gradual walk brings you to the Khumjung Valley. After noon visit to the Khumjung surroundings, visit to Khunde Hospital running by Sir Edmund Hillary of Canadian foundation, which is the biggest hospital in Khumbu region, additionally visit to Hillary school and the old Monastery with the legendry Yeti scalps and enjoy the beauty with Sherpa people and enjoy with the mountains panorama with sunrise, breakfast then come over to the Syangboche airstrip which is situated at the altitude of 3700m which is known as the highest elevation airport of the world. If it happens to the best weather and great visibility, you may also see the Pilatus aircraft flying over to this airstrip. Further walk down brings you to Namche for overnight.
Trek back to Lukla. Today is your last day of trekking. This route is stunning and mostly downhill – passing many country sites and villages including Jorsalle, Monju, Banker, Phakding, Ghat and more. You now have one last night inthe mountains, so make it worthwhile.
Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu. Most of the time you will get the morning flight so you should be prepared to go to the airport early. Once aboard you get another very nice 35-minute flight to Kathmandu. Our guide, still with you, will drop you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Our manager will meet you in the evening then take you for the farewell dinner.
Today our Departure for home. Today our driver will drop you to the International Airport for the final departure. I wish you have a nice and safe journey back home.driver will drop you at the International Airport for the final departure if you wish.
