Gokyo Lake Trek

USD

Start & End Point
kathmandu | kathmandu
Duration
13 Days
Best Time
Oct-Nov Feb-Apr
Grade
Moderate
Activity
Trekking

Gokyo Lake Trek

Gokyo Lake trek in Nepal is a wonderful journey that takes you through a chain of six turquoise, glacial-fed lakes in the Everest region. At around 5000 meters, it is the highest freshwater lake system in the world. You will walk through Sherpa villages and climb to the major town of Namche Bazaar. It is above this town that you can catch your first views of Everest as you meander through the pine and rhododendron forests. Each night, you will stay in lodges. The trek takes you near the border of Tibet, close to Cho Oyu, where you can explore the Gokyo lakes and climb Gokyo Ri.


This section of the trek offers a memorable experience with incredible scenery all around. Up to Namche Bazaar, the Gokyo Lakes trek follows the same itinerary that takes you to the Dudh Kosi River and the Khumbu Valley. Before Tengboche, the path branches off, climbing over the Monjola pass, and entering the high-altitude Gokyo Valley.


Although the Gokyo Lakes trekking boasts breathtaking vistas of deep blue lakes encircled by snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, it is not as popular as the more well-known Everest Base Camp route. The altitude is the main obstacle for the Gokyo Lakes trek.
 After Namche Bazaar, you will ascend to elevations of about 4000 meters, with Gokyo village standing at 4750 meters above sea level. We recommend against climbing more than 300 meters in a single day. It means the hiking days after Namche Bazaar are relatively short, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful landscapes.


The Gokyo Lakes trek begins at Phakding, following the most popular trekking route through Sherpa land, past Dudh Koshi River, cultivated fields, small settlements, Sagarmatha National Park, up to Namche Bazaar. Whilst trekking, you will have the opportunity to explore different places along the route, experience the Sherpa culture, and lifestyle of Sherpa community, and visit Buddhist monasteries, the serene Gokyo valley, and the world’s highest freshwater Gokyo Lake.


Ascending Gokyo Ri's (5483) top near Gokyo Lake will captivate you with its up close breathtaking views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa glacier.


As you trek through a high altitude in the upper Khumbu, you must be careful about the possibility of altitude sickness. So, we advise you to keep yourself hydrated and walk slowly.
 

Your Itinerary

1

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to hotel

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be there to welcome you and take you to your hotel in a comfortable vehicle. Our airport-hotel transfer service is more than just a simple ride. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will be offered a welcome drink in the lobby, and then you can proceed with the check-in process. Our company’s manager will be there to personally brief you on the itinerary to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trekking journey in Nepal. Your accompanying guide will handle all the logistics during the trek, so you can focus solely on your adventure and relax!

2

Day 02: Permits preparation and Kathmandu Sightseeing

After having breakfast, you will embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley, which will include visiting several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour will commence with a visit to Pashupatinath, which is considered to be the most sacred Hindu Temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Following that, you will proceed to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is a historically and culturally significant site. The tour will then proceed to Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a former royal palace complex.
Your city guide will accompany you during the tour and provide information about each place, including its historical and religious significance. Moreover, the guide will address any queries you might have. The sightseeing tour will take approximately three to four hours, and lunch will be provided during the tour. Once the tour is completed, you will be dropped off at your hotel. Meanwhile, our team will be busy preparing for all necessary permits, which include trekking, climbing, and Sagarmatha National Park permits,

3

Day 03: Drive to Ramechhap, fly to Lukla (2,800m), and hike to Phakding (2,610m)

Today, it is important for you to wake up early and have breakfast. At around 09:00 or 10:00 a.m., you will be leaving Kathmandu for Manthali Airport in the Ramechap district. This journey will take approximately 3.5 hours by private transport. Once you reach Manthali airport, you will catch a flight to Lukla. This is because Kathmandu Airport has increasingly become congested and Lukla is the busiest domestic flight sector in Nepal. By taking this route, we can avoid the traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport and provide you with easy flight access to Lukla. The flight to Lukla takes only 15 minutes and offers picturesque views of the mountains and scenery. Upon arrival at Lukla airport, we will take a short hike along the trail through the Dudhkoshi River’s bank to Phakding (2,610m). Later in the afternoon, we will visit nearby attractions of Phakding before settling in for the night at a lodge.

4

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m)

After breakfast, we will begin our trek, which will mostly be an uphill walk through the alpine valleys. The Dudh Kosi River will be crossed several times before we reach Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Sherpa people in the Khumbu area. This vibrant alpine town is the entry point to the Khumbu area and the Everest Base Camp. Situated at an elevation of 3,440 meters, trekkers and mountaineers looking for adventure in the most breathtaking mountain range on earth will also find refuge here. On a clear day, while trekking you can enjoy stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Kwangde, and Taweche
Discover the vibrant Sherpa culture in this little town with its meandering stone-paved pathways and colorful houses. It's also a great starting point for exploring the many hiking trails that weave through the area. The town is a must-visit for anybody traveling through the Himalayas because of its distinctive setting, energetic attitude, and rich cultural legacy.

5

Day 05: Rest and Acclimatization Day

It is important to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. Namche Bazaar is a great place to do this, and it's recommended that everyone includes an acclimatization day here in their trekking itinerary. While in Namche, you can explore the area and take it easy. The town is nestled between two ridges and surrounded by towering peaks of the Khumbu region. It also boasts numerous lodges, tea shops, souvenir shops, and stunning views. This makes it an ideal place to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude before moving on to places like Thame and other higher altitudes in Khumbu. As part of the acclimatization process, we will visit the Everest View Hotel, the only luxury hotel located at an altitude of 3,800 meters and offers amazing views of Everest and other beautiful mountains. After spending a few hours at the hotel, we'll descend back to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay.

6

Day 06: Trek to Dole (4090m)

On the sixth day of the trek, you will be heading towards Dole, which is situated at an altitude of 4090m. The trek takes approximately four hours. The trail starts with a slight incline and continues as an easy level walk up to Kyangjuma at 3550m. Along the route, you'll be rewarded to a breathtaking view of some of the world's highest peaks, such as Mount Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Lhotse Shar (8382m), Nuptse (7879m), Peak-38 (7591m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Kusum Kangaru (6367m), Cholaste (6335m), Tabuche Peak (6495m), Khumbi La (5765m) and Kwangde Ri (6011m). After Kyangjuma, the trail continues as an easy level walk through the Rhododendron Forest until you reach Sanasa. There are two directions from here. The right-hand side leads to the direct Everest base camp trek, while the left-hand side leads to the Gokyo Valley trek. You will have to climb steeply for about an hour and a half to reach Mongla Danda (ridge) (3978m), where you can find a few teahouses and a chorten. You can rest here for a while and enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Ama Dablam and numerous other mountains. From Mongla Danda, the trail descends in steep bends to Phortse Thanga (3680m). Once you reach Phortse Thanga, you will meet two trails. The higher route on the left-hand side leads to the Gokyo Valley trek, and the lower trail on the right-hand side leads to Phortse village. After Phortse Thanga, the trail climbs steeply through rhododendrons and juniper forests, followed by a small section of level walks before reaching Dole (4090m). Overnight at lodge

7

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (4410m) 4 hrs.

We begin our day by having a hot breakfast at the lodge. From there, you will gradually climb up the valley, passing by small and thorny bushes until you reach the scrub juniper, which becomes more prevalent as you gain altitude. The trail will take us past numerous summer settlements that are used when yaks are taken to graze in the summer months. Ahead, you will have an excellent view of Cho Oyu (8201m), while behind us in the valley, you will see the peaks of Kantega (6783m) and Thamserku (6623m). During the trek, you will pass through Lhabarma (4330m), Luza (4340m), and finally, you will arrive at Machhermo (4410m), where you will spend the night at the lodge

8

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4750m)

Today, you will begin your trek by following a trail that climbs a ridge, offering an excellent view of Kangtega and Cho-Oyu (8201m). As you move beyond the ridge, the valley widens, and the trail passes through Pangka at 4390m before descending to the river bank. Thereafter, you'll start climbing onto the Ngozumpa glacier's terminal moraine. It is a steep climb up the moraine, switch backing alongside the stream to the first small lake, Longponga (4650m), where a family of ducks has resided for many years. After the first lake, the route virtually levels off as it follows the valley past Taujung (4710m), the second lake, and on to Gokyo Lake (4750m). You will spend the night at a lodge

9

Day 09: Climb Gokyo Ri (5357m) and trek to Thangna/Dragnag (4700m)

Early in the morning, we will embark on a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo RI, which stands at a height of 5357m. This challenging climb will reward us with breathtaking views of the Gokyo Valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier, and a panoramic view of the Khumbu Mountain range. We will be able to see some of the tallest peaks in the world, such as Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7879m),Tabuche Peak (6495m), Makalu (8481m), Cholaste (6335m), Nuptse (7879m), and Gychung Kang (7922m). After enjoying the stunning views at Gokyo Ri, we will make our way back down to Gokyo (4750m) and then trek for 2-3 hours from Gokyo Lake to Thangna. The trail will gradually ascend and then become smoother as we trek through the glacier, with a few up-and-down sections. After about forty-five minutes, we will smoothly descend along the valley to reach Thangna (4700m), which is known as the base camp of Cho La Pass. As we trek along this trail, we will be able to enjoy the fine views of mountains and the natural beauty that surrounds us. It is a wonderful trip from Gokyo Lake to Thangna. We will spend the night in a lodge and rest up for the next day's adventures
 

10

Day 10: Trek to Dole (4090m) 5 hrs

Today, the trek will take you back to Dole. It's an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River, which emerges from the Ngozumpa Glacier. You will pass by the second and first Gokyo Lakes. Continuing the trek, you will descend to Pangka (4,390 m). Along the trail, you will be able to see beautiful views of Cholaste (6,335 m) and Tabuche (6,495 m) peaks that rise on the right of you. The trail then descends below Pangka and across a level terrace on the slope before climbing a rib on the far side of the hillside. Upon reaching the Chorten at the edge, you will get to see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega. You will descend gradually to the wide village of Machhermo. Once again, the beautiful villages of Luza and Lhabarma will lead you to Dole (4,090 m). You will be staying overnight at Teahouse.

11

Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) (4-5 hours)

Today, after breakfast, you will begin a steep descent to Phortse Tenga, which will offer you the last glimpse of Cho Oyu range. Most of today's hike will be downhill and you will be amazed by the abundance of plant and animal vegetation, including wildflowers and Rhododendrons. You may also spot some mountain goats, musk deer, pheasants, and other wild animals. Waterfalls are also a highlight of today's trail. Once you reach Mong La, a beautifully located place perched on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. From Mt. Khumbila, you will get a spectacular view of Tabuche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, and a far-off vista of Tengboche. After a bit of long-distance walking, you will arrive at an intersection where the steep path up from Sanasa meets our trail. From there, the trail to Namche will cling to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. Upon reaching Namche army camp hill, you will have a spectacular view of Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Lhotse Shar (8,382 m), Nuptse (7,879 m), Peak-38 (7,591 m), Ama Dablam (6,856 m), Thamserku (6,623 m), Kangtega (6,783 m), Kusum Kangaru (6,367 m), Cholaste (6,335 m), Tabuche peak (6,495 m), and Khumbi La (5,765 m.).After enjoying the beautiful view from the viewpoint, you will walk downhill to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) and spend the night at the lodge.

12

Day 12: Trek back to Lukla

Today is the final day of our trek. After we have breakfast, we will descend the trail slowly and carefully, due to the steep path and our tired legs from the long trekking we did earlier. The beauty of nature will be on full display, with colorful rhododendrons and pine forests, open plains, and breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains that appear to loom over the trekking route. The Sherpa villages, with their Buddhist culture reflected in prayer flags, prayer stones, and gompas, along with the lush vegetation, make this trekking experience an amazing one. In this Sherpa town, we will take some time to relax and reflect on the experiences we gained during the challenging yet rewarding trekking journey. Once we arrive in Lukla, we will spend the night in a comfortable lodge, reflecting on the day & expedition.

13

Day 13: Fly to Ramechhap and drive to Kathmandu Hotel

After breakfast, you will leave Lukla to catch your early flight to Ramechap. Many flights will fly every hour because the flight from Lukla to Ramechap is shorter.

14

Day 14: Transfer to the International Airport

Today marks the end of your stay in Nepal. You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight departure time. As you board your flight, bid a fond farewell to our Himalayan Country, taking with you the memories of the snow-capped peaks, beautiful scenery, and the warm smiles of the people you have encountered along the way. Nepal will always hold a special place in your heart, and until we meet again, carry the beauty and charm of this land with you.
 

Include/Exclude

Cost Includes
  • Pick up and drop off on your arrival and departure
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis
  • Basic teahouse accommodation in the mountains
  • All breakfasts for the trip
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
  • Three cups of tea a day during the trek
  • A farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • All overland transportation required
  • Flight to Lukla and back to Kathmandu
  • A guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
  • A professional trekking guide and necessary number of porters with their insurance
  • All necessary permits for the trekking
Cost Excludes
  • International airfare and travel insurance
  • Any kind of drinks except three cups of tea a day during the trek
  • Gratuities to the guide and porters
  • Cost raised by any unfortunate, unforeseen and uncontrollable situations
  • Any other cost not mentioned in the ‘Includes’ section

Date & Price

Here, we have published our small group guaranteed departures dates for this trek. If the published date does not fit your travel date, write to us with your date, and we will be very pleased to organize this trek at your desired date and time requested.

If you do not want to join our small group departure, we will be very happy to organize a private departure date to this trek to you and your group. Please write to us with your proposed travel date to this trek with us.

2023
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