Gokyo Lake Trek

Gokyo Lake Trekking must rank as one of the world's finest trekking destinations. Amazing bluish glacial lakes facing towering Himalayas make Gokyo Lake Trek an amazing route. For trekkers looking for a moderate challenging route in Khumbu valley, Gokyo Lake Trek is the best alternative to Everest Base Camp. Gokyo Lake Trek is an amazing walk in Khumbu valley with stunning views of the Everest Himalayan range. This trek is quieter than the Everest Base Camp trek, hence making it more suitable for trekkers looking for a relaxing trek in a peaceful environment. The lakes in Gokyo valley are simply amazing and calm, and the views from the top of Gokyo RI is not comparable with anywhere else. From the summit of Gokyo Ri, we gain stunning views of major 8,000 meters peaks including Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu in Tibet including beautiful Mt. Everest itself. Gokyo Lake Trekking is moderately challenging route as we are heading to Renjo La Pass. Himalayan Leisure, Inc. designed Gokyo valley trekking for trekkers looking for equally fascinating alternative of Everest Base Camp Trek.

Legendary peaks, peaceful glacial lakes, Himalayan birds following your track and smiling Sherpa settlements will make your trek a golden memory. The route gives less mental and physical pressure to trekkers. Gokyo lakes are the origin of Dudh Koshi river. The fascinating views of the great Himalayas from here is guaranteed to satisfy any trekker visiting this region. May trekker argue that the views of Gokyo Ri are more stunning than the views from Kalapatthar. Gokyo Ri Trek is more serene routes through Khumbu valley that gives sufficient time for proper acclimatisation with opportunities to get some rest on the feet of towering Himalayas. Every single day in Gokyo Lake Trekking offers stunning views that will take your breath away and the small lakes in the middle of the high Himalayas are simply spectacular. On this beautiful trek, trekkers also have the option to cross through the amazing Renjo La Pass. A major part of our adventure; Renjo La pass gives absolutely stunning views of Everest Himalayan range is simply astounding and worthwhile. Gokyo Lake is breathtaking especially in the morning when the water is clam and the mountains are reflected on the lake canvas. Another major attraction of the trek is Ngozumpa Glacier which is considered the biggest glacier in Nepal. Come and be a part of magnificent Himalayan trek.

Day to Day Itinerary

DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel (1310M or 4,297FT)

Welcome to the city of temples and the country of Himalayas. Himalayan Leisure Inc. will happily welcome you at the only international airport of Nepal; Tribhuvan International Airport. Our airport representative will be waiting for your arrival with a placard written Himalayan Leisure Inc. outside the airport terminal. From there you will be transferred to the Hotel by a air conditioned private vehicle. Depending on the flight time and activities we will be joining for a cultural dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant. Enjoy cultural shows, singing, dancing and typical Nepali meals before heading back to hotel.

DAY 02: Fly to Lukla (2,840M / 30 minutes), trek to Monjo (2,840M) or Jorsalle (2,820M / 4 - 5 Hours)

Enjoy breathtaking views of Himalayas on the your flight to Lukla. It's one of the most adventurous flight rated by top rated websites and travel magazines. The flight takes approximately 30 minutes. Once we reach Lukla we will transfer to one of the lodges to enjoy first breakfast in the Himalayas. Here we will introduce you to the porter. Once we enjoy our breakfast we will start our walking to reach Monjo or Jorsalle. Our trek will pass through different villages like Chaurikharka, Chheplung, Ghat, Phakding, Toktok and Banker before we reach Monjo. We will enjoy our lunch in Phakding which is also the overnight stop for many trekkers passing this way. The trail from Lukla goes down gently and takes us through pleasant views. Once we reach Phakding and eat our lunch we will start moving to our final destination. The trail is flat until we cross Dudh Koshi River and then will start gentle climbing. It will take about two and half hour from Phakding to reach Monjo or Jorsalle. In total we will be trekking about four to five hours in total. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 03: Short Trekking to Namche Bazaar (3,440M / 3 - 4 Hours)

Enjoy your breakfast in the Himalayas and get prepared to start one of the most memorable adventure of your life. If we stayed in Monjo then we will pass through national park check post and if we stayed in Jorsalle we will pass through Army passport check post. The train goes little flat and then we will cross Dudhkoshi River once more then will start walking through another side of river. It is a pleasant walk with beautiful green hill views. We will again cross Dudh Koshi river before we start steep climbing uphill. Until we reach Top Danda the trail is pretty steep! Once we reach Top Danda we will have some far distance views of Himalayan peaks including Everest along with Nuptse and Lhotse on a clear day. After taking rest for a we will again start climbing to reach Namche Bazaar. From here the trail is easier and less steep comparing to the one before.

Namche is considered as the gateway of Khumbu / Everest region. It is pretty big town with numerous activities available. Pool House, Nescafe Coffee, Bakery, Modern Lodges, Internet, Telephone, Laundry, Bank, Money Changer, Equipment shop etc., it got everything. Enjoy your time in this small modern town. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 04: Rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (3,440M)

You can sleep as much you want. If interested then you can go to visit Khumjung (3,780M) and Khunde (3,840M) villages, They are considered as twin villages in Khumbu region. There are few other options available if you want something else. You can also go to Thame to visit this beautiful village or you can go to Everest View Hotel to see some views of Everest including some other peaks. Alternatively, you can just walk up to the army camp area and enjoy beautiful Himalayas in front of you. You can spend rest of your time easily exploring around the Namche Bazaar. Explore the shops, try some bakery items or go for a Nescafe coffee. Enjoy this beautiful town, take some rest and prepare for adventure of next day! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 05: Trek to Dole (3,980M / 6 - 7 Hours)

Enjoy your breakfast in the Himalayas before we start trekking to Dole; another small and magnificent village of this region. The trek starts with short climbing before we reach the army camp on the top of Namche Bazaar. Then the trek is flat until we reach Kyanjoma. You can give some rest to your legs in front of magnificent and huge Amadablam mountain. From here the trail to Gokyo Lake and the trail to Everest Base Camp separates. The trail on the left hand side takes you to Gokyo Lake where the trail on the right hand side takes you to Everest Base Camp and will will be following the route on the left. From here we will start climbing uphill with beautiful views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Kangtega etc. It is a pleasant walk with far sight views. Once we reach Mong the trail will again take us through steep downhill walk till we reach Dudh Koshi where few lodges for our lunch are waiting. Once we cross this small village we will again walk gentle uphill trail crossing beautiful villages before we reach Dole. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 06: Trek to Machhermo (4,410M / 3 - 4 Hours)

The trail starts will gentle ascending but as usual we will be walking in front of heart beating views. We may need to ascend slowly as we will be already in high altitude. The trail passes via scenic settlements like Lhabarma [4,330M / 14,206FT] and Luza [4,390M / 14,402]. We will be followed by scenic views of Dudh Koshi valley and some villages in the horizon. It is a scenic walking without steep climbing through the trail is ascending in most of the parts. Machherma is the last town of this kind before we reach Gokyo. Machherma is also the place where people in Khumbu region made their first sight of Yeti on 1974 AD. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 07: Rest and acclimatization day in Machhermo (4,410M)

We can take rest till late evening. Sleeping in the morning specially in the cold places like Machhermo is sweet. Today is our acclimatization day here. Many people skip this acclimatization and head directly to Gokyo. In most cases this is violation of general precaution of altitude ascending rules. Spending an extra day once you ascend 1,000 meters is important. We will make some walk to stunning stroll on the ridge above the village for stunning views of Himalayas including Everest. In the afternoon we can also go to Himalayan Rescue Association aid post to attend altitude sickness lecture. Volunteer doctors will be very glad to give you some information about this sickness, precaution, primary treatments etc. Finally, we will get back to hotel and prepare for the following day. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 08: Trek to Gokyo Lakes, hike little higher to valley if time permits (4,760M / 5 - 6 Hours)

Today is another important day of our adventure. Gokyo Lakes are known for several fabulous high altitude lakes in the region. These lakes are also the origin of Dudh Koshi river. The route offers excellent views of gorgeous valley on the bottom and Kangtega and Thamserku mountain views of the top. It is an excellent day for trekkers. Once we ascend higher the views of Cho-Oyu mountain gets very close and immense. We may also have some sights of Himalayan snow pheasant and other high Himalayan birds. The trail can be icy in numerous places so it's recommended to be cautious on this case. The route passes through Phang [4,550M / 14,927] where at least 40 people were killed by an avalanche in 1995 AD. Once we continue waking near by the small stream we will meet first lake about numerous Gokyo Lakes, soon we will also reach second lake and the third one; known as the main of Gokyo Lakes. Here, we will be surrounded by 360 degree Himalayan panorama. It's excellent place for spending an overnight! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 09: Climb to Gokyo Ri early in the morning, exploration day around Gokyo (5,403M / 3 - 4 Hours)

Gokyo Ri [5,403M / 17,726FT] is known for it's amazing views of most mountains in Everest region. This is simply an amazing viewpoint. Hiking to this viewpoint for sunrise or sunset is undoubtedly magnificent. We are heading for sunrise early in the morning. The guide will let you know the time that we will be starting to hike. We will wake up, prepare our things and start climbing to this small peak. Gokyo Ri will no doubt give us unforgettable memories for lifetime. It is one of the most spectacular or indescribable places of our adventure. The walk is about 3/4 hours from Gokyo Lakes. Count as many as peaks you like but you will never finish counting. Once we reach the top we will take enough time to take shots for our memories before we will descend down to Gokyo Lakes again.

Once we get down we will take awhile for our lunch. If interested and have extra strength then we will also head to explore other lakes around the valley. This is optional and if we are tired we can simply skip it. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 10: Cross Renjo La (5,340M) Pass and trek to Lungden (4,360M / 7 - 8 Hours)

Today is one of the hardest day of our adventure. Crossing Renjo La is quite hard because of small rocks along the route. The trail from Gokyo starts will gentle climbing and comes with steeping climbing before we reach the top of Renjo La. Renjo La pass offers some excellent views of Gokyo valley and uncountable number of close Himalayan peaks. The trail from Renjo La pass descends down to Lungden. Lungden is the only village that we will meet after Gokyo and Renjo La pass. This is small village with few basic lodges for the facilities of trekkers. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440M / 5 - 6 Hours)

The trail from Lungden to Namche is mostly downhill. We will walk via Marulung village [4,210M / 13,812FT] before reaching Thame [3,820M / 12,532FT]. Thame is one of the popular villages of this region. This village also got a hundreds of years old monastery. This is a beautiful Sherpa village hosting world famous mountaineers situated on the west of Khumbu region. From here we may have some good views of Rolwaling Himalayan peaks. Continuing our trek further we will reach Namche Bazaar. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 12: Trek to Lukla (2,840M /6 - 7 Hours)

We are coming to conclude our memorable trekking. This is the last day and our final night in the Himalayas. Like the previous day there is no rush to reach Lukla. We can sleep till late morning and start the trek before noon. The trail from Phakding to Lukla is mostly gentle uphill. On the way we can enjoy stunning vilages of villages in the horizon. We will also have sights of flights coming to Lukla and flights taking off from Lukla. They look awesome when we are close to Lukla. Once we reach Lukla we can enjoy some beers or cocktails. Lukla is one of the major towns in this area. Your Sherpa helper will no longer be with you from tomorrow so it's time to give them some gratitude [tips] if you are happy with their services. It will be expected from your staffs and we also recommend you to tip them according to your satisfaction and ability. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 13: Fly to Kathmandu in the morning, transfer to Hotel (1,310M / 30 minutes flight)

We take the earliest possible flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy another breath taking flight to Kathmandu. The flight is about 30 minutes and will give you some thrilling experience for sure. You can relax and stay in hotel or explore around the town for some shopping to your friends and family members. Once your guide will drop you in hotel he may left you. You can also give him some gratitude if you are happy with his services. Some trekkers / our customers also invite guides for a dinner together in Kathmandu. This can be the last day that you will meet your guide. Enjoy your last days around the valley. If you are willing about other activities like Jungle Safari or Rafting or Paragliding then we will assist you accordingly. (Breakfast)

DAY 14: Rest and buffer day in Kathmandu (1,310M)

Lukla gets occasional flight delays during main season. This may cause missing your international flights as well so we recommend you to prepare accordingly. Lukla suffers with quick weather changes and that may affect inbound and outbound flights. We reserved this day for possible flight delays. In case we have timely flight on DAY 13 then we can use this day as rest and exploring day in Kathmandu. We can shop around local markets and walk around the city. (Breakfast)

DAY 15: Departure from Kathmandu

Here we come to the end of our memorable a week long trip. We will conclude our Gokyo Lake Trekking in Kathmandu and proceed to airport for outbound flight back from Nepal. If we have time before our flight back we will explore local markets of Kathmandu on our own if not we will proceed to airport straightaway. We are sure that it's not our last time in Nepal, see you again Himalayas! Till we see you again "Farewell Friend!" (Breakfast)

We wish you had memorable adventure with Himalayan Leisure, Inc.!

Services Included / Excluded

Services Included

•  Airport pickup and drop services on a private vehicle including before and after the trek
•  Accommodation in Kathmandu valley as per the itinerary with complimentary breakfast
•  Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu domestic airline tickets including for the guide
•  Domestic airport taxes where applicable
•  Meals on full board [Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner] during the trek
•  Accommodation on tea houses as per the itinerary
•  Everest National Park Entry Permit
•  Trekkers Information Management System [TIMS] registration card
•  Experienced English speaking, government licensed and ministry of tourism trained trekking guide with meals, accommodation, salary and insurance
•  Strong experienced Sherpa helpers [porters] with meals, accommodation, salary and insurance
•  Assistant trekking guide for groups over 6 people with meals, accommodation, salary and insurance
•  Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
•  Comprehensive first aid medical kit carried by the guide
•  Necessary paper works, all government and local taxes
•  Complimentary welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant [optional]

Services Excluded:

•  International airfare, Nepal visa fees ( two passport photographs ), travel and medical insurance, emergency evacuation
•  Personal nature expenses ( bars and beverage bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc. )
•  Costs arising from natural calamities, mishaps or anything beyond our control ( Costs are not refundable and transferable in any mean if you leave the trek voluntarily and want to return from the trek earlier than scheduled)
•  Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu ( also in the case of early returns and late departures than scheduled itinerary )
•  Services not mentioned in 'Services Includes' section ( Please ask us if you are confused about any services )

Altitude Map

Place	Altitude
Kathmandu	1,310
Lukla	2,840
Phakding	2,610
Monjo	2,840
Namche Bazaar	3,440
Namche Bazaar	3,440
Dole	3,980
Machhermo	4,410
Machhermo	4,410
Gokyo	4,760
Gokyo RI	5,403
Gokyo	4,760
Renjo La Pass	5,340
Lungden	4,360
Namche Bazaar	3,440
Lukla	2,840
Kathmandu	1,310
Kathmandu	1,310

Experience Required

Gokyo Lake Trek or Gokyo RI Trekking is considered as one of the easy - moderate treks of it's category. The main part of the trek (Namche - Gokyo route) is done by hundreds of trekkers everyday during main season (March, April, October, November) where Gokyo - Renjo La - Namche Bazaar route is comparatively peaceful trail. Many of them get succeed to complete the trek with little or no pain though many of them fail as well. Gokyo Lake Trek is a difficult trek for novice trekkers; we must say. Gokyo - Renjo La - Lungden is the difficult part of the route. In other places the trail is not seriously difficult however high altitude and thin air will make you hard to breath. Another difficult part is Gokyo RI climbing. Altitude is the main reason of the trek being difficult, not the trail. For a trekker who is experienced in high altitude previously will find the trek quite easy comparing to new trekkers. If you are new in trekking then we recommend you to have some training at home. You can practice walking around the hills that might be available around your place or just walk regularly at home before heading to Nepal. Training will make your trek a lot easier comparing to the ones coming without any trainings. The route is mostly gentle to steep climbing (in some places only) while heading towards Gokyo and Renjo La Pass while the trail is mostly downhill while returning back to Lukla. Gokyo Lake Trek is amazing trekking with no doubt. For people with knee problems we recommend you to bring proper knee support else you may suffer a lot. Nothing can guarantee your success in this extreme altitude but slow and steady walk does. You can prepare with regular cardiovascular training at home i.e. cycling, swimming, hill climbing and lots of walking. You can prepare your mind for 5 - 6 hours walk everyday during the trek. Seek out hills or find a tall building and repeatedly walk up and down the stairs. It may help you a lot during the trek in the Himalayas. Gokyo Lake Trekking will be a lot easier with advices from our expert guides and support from Sherpa helpers.

Meals on Trek

Basic meals are available in tea houses during the whole route. These meals are prepared once it's ordered by the guests. There are rare cases of meals not being fresh in the mountains. Most places on Gokyo Lake Trek offers wider range of meal options with better quality comparing to Annapurna and Langtang areas. Various meals including noodles, soups, handmade breads, rice items, curries, spaghetti, pizza, egg items, potatoes are served on the trek. Meats are available in most places however we recommend you not to take meat items as they are not fresh and sometimes can be unhealthy to your body. Please do not expect western meals prepared in the remote villages similar to the one you may eat in your home or restaurants in cities. They are basic meals served only to countdown your hunger. We will provide 3 meals; i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner with hot drinks on the trek. Generally, dinner and breakfast is served in a lodge and lunch is served during the walk / daytime. You will have full options or freedom to select your preferred items from a small menu provided by the lodge. Meals in the mountain tastes awesome comparing to cities as most raw materials are locally prepared. Gokyo lake Trekking has wider meal options for trekkers comparing to other minor trekking routes. Some places like Benkar, Dole, Machhermo, Lungden etc. have less meal items available.

We provide breakfasts even in Kathmandu at your hotel. You will have a menu to select your meals or foods will be served in buffet system. The hotel itself will select the appropriate method depending on the volume of customers.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Kathmandu will be standard hotel. We will accommodate you in 3 star category hotel. You will be accommodated in an air conditioned private room. We provide one double room for two customers ( unless you are single customer ). These rooms will have either master bed or two single beds. If you have special preference on bed selection then please inform us in advance, we will try to book the room appropriate for your stay.

We provide twin sharing rooms during Gokyo lake trekking again unless you are single. Lodges in Everest region are high in standard comparing the ones in Annapurna and Langtang areas. You are likely to have no complains regarding your accommodation in this area but you won't believe that how these standard lodges are made in these remote places of Khumbu. Gokyo Lake Trekking has numerous lodges for your meals and accommodation purposes. These lodges provide you rooms with blankets included in main places however we recommend you to carry own sleeping bag as well. We will be accommodating you in the lodges on the whole trek, there won't be any camping involved. These lodges have small rooms that provide basic lodging experience during your trek. Although the lodges are standard comparing to other trekking regions of Nepal please do not expect high standard rooms specially in the mountains. If you are seeking luxury type of accommodation then please consider our Everest Luxury Trekking which involves luxury accommodation during the whole trek. Almost every rooms during the trek consists of two single beds that will accommodate two person. If you are a single trekker then sometimes you may need to share your room with someone else in some cases as places like Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo etc. have limited number of lodges ( same sex ). Even if you are traveling in a group and prefer single room then upon paying single supplement charges we will try our best to provide you single rooms. If we are unable to provide single rooms then we will refund your single supplement charges. Some places in Gokyo lake trek only have basic small lodges that may not be comfortable sometime. We hope you will cooperate with us in these cases. Places like Dole, Machhermo, Lungden etc. have less standard lodges comparing to other places. You have to cooperate with Himalayan Leisure, Inc. in such cases.

Best Season

Gokyo lake trek is a high altitude trekking route in Khumbu region. This trekking can be done throughout the year however February to May and October to December are better months comparing to other months i.e. June, July, January etc. During best months the sky is generally crystal clear, the views are breathtaking and the weather is lovely as well. June to September is monsoon season although trekking is still doable in Khumbu area. Renjo La pass remains snow covered during late December and January. Some trekkers will be on the trail throughout the year. Mid winter season i.e. late December and January is very cold in high areas. Monsoon is not good season; both for views and trails though few trekkers trek in this area everyday. During this period it rains frequently in the late afternoon, night and early morning that leaves the trail wet and slippery as well. The sky is cloudy. The views are not clear during monsoon season. Monsoon season may not show you any mountain views or will see only for a short time. March to April is the months of blossoming season of rhododendron and many other flowers which looks very beautiful lush of green forests. From October to December you will see more green forests in the region. Gokyo lake trekking is best during spring and autumn season. As this is the ultimate adventure of your life we recommend you to plan the trek properly and during best months though Himalayan Leisure, Inc. will be able to arrange your trip throughout the year.

Highlights of the Trip

Gokyo lake trek itself is a highlight of the trek. This is unbelievably beautiful trek. There are uncountable number of highlights. It's not easy to write them all in a small paragraph, the best way is to experience it yourself. However we have included some of the major highlights of the trek. The main highlight is the flight to Lukla airport. This flight is thrilling and adventurous as well; Lukla airport is considered as one of the 10 most dangerous airports in the world. We will be exploring several Buddhist monasteries during the trek, places like Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Thame etc. has beautiful monasteries. We may experience Sherpa culture and lifestyles by visiting these monasteries. Hundreds of Himalayan peaks are another major attraction of the trek. We will be seeing uncountable number of Himalayan peaks such as Thamserku, Kangtega, Kusum Kangaro, Lobuche, Makalu, Cholatse, Tabuche, Pumori, Nuptse, Cho-Oyu, Lhotse etc. including the majestic MT. Everest. Everest is the highest point of the earth, that is undoubtedly major highlight of the trek. Ngozumpa glacier is supposed to the biggest glaciers in the Nepal. The whole Everest region is impressive and Gokyo Trekking is part of it. From March to April you may also see forests blossoming with Rhododendron flowers. Gokyo Lake Trekking is undoubtedly an amazing trek that can't be explained with words. We hope you will enjoy this stunning adventure!

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