The Gokyo Lake is as unique an experience as it can ever get for the trekking adventure. People seem to be purging themselves out from all over the nation, combined with visitors from other countries, trekking for Everest Gokyo Lake. It is not a very difficult hike that cannot be done by anyone. Trekking offers one the advantage of catching the view of Mount Everest-the-highest-in-the-world mountain as one travels. On our journey to Everest, we will have a lot of famous mountains coolly traveling through the Himalayan Mountains.
The Gokyo Lake Trek can be done best in spring (March, April, and May) and in fall (September, October, and November). Not every day is a walking day. Bus ride for a little stretch of approximately the first and last days takes the trek, and then we fly to Lukla.
Lukla airport has no proper roads; hence we will have to fly for that. The runway and this airport are between mountains; therefore, you will have a great experience. Even before starting the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek, it will be exciting with breathtaking scenery all around and a 45-minute trip to the world’s greatest and most terrifying airports.
The Sherpas comprise the larger part of the residents and natives living here. Namche Bazar is where it all begins: The Everest Region and the home of the Sherpas. We will arrive at the Namche Valley on Day Four of this trek as part of the acclimatization process and overnight at that altitude. You will get to visit sites, take in the valley, interact with the local sherpas, and taste the local cuisine on this day.
The trek’s path will lead you to this beautiful valley, where some of the best lakes in the world are located at high elevations. This will make your trip a true experience along with the new people you meet on the trek, the locals, who are led by the sherpas, and well-equipped and experienced porters. Gokyo is also known for the highest ice skating range in the world, in addition to one of the Ramsar sites.
In the Gokyo lakes, holy truth exists for both Buddhists and Hindus. Also interestingly, these lakes provide safety for birds for the periods of their biannual migrations. You can go right next to the world’s longest glacier, the Ngozumpa glacier, while on the Gokyo Lake Trekking.
On the day of your arrival, we welcome you to Nepal with the whole open heart. The pickup team from our company will be on standby to receive you at the Tribhuwan International Airport. We welcome you by offering a khada (ritual offering scarf) and we head towards the hotel on our bus/car.
We welcome you to our hotel, serve you with a welcome drink, and hand over the keys to your rooms. We will freshen up and have lunch after a while. After having our lunch we will have a small briefing about our Gokyo Lake Trekking.
The trek starts early in the morning tomorrow and the briefing will be of very small and big information about the trek. The flight tomorrow to Lukla is early in the morning so we won’t be exploring more of Kathmandu today. It is because of the proper sleep that is required for the day tomorrow. But we will enjoy the vibrant side of Kathmandu after we have completed the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek on our 12th day.
Today shortly after our breakfast at our hotel we will head towards the airport and we will leave Kathmandu. We will catch a flight to a wonderful place to Lukla as it is the only way to reach here and there are no roadways. The Lukla Airport is also known to have a world’s short runway high in the mountains. You will love the flight as you will feel the adventure and also see the tall mountains covered with clouds around you from the windows.
The Kathmandu to Lukla flight is approximately 45 minutes. After we reach Lukla we will start our Everest Gokyo lake trek. Today we will trek for 3 hours and reach our destination Phakding which is at 2610m of altitude. We will have dinner and stay here for the night.
Today shortly after our breakfast at our hotel we will head towards the airport and we will leave Kathmandu. We will catch a flight to a wonderful place to Lukla as it is the only way to reach here and there are no roadways. The Lukla Airport is also known to have a world’s short runway high in the mountains. You will love the flight as you will feel the adventure and also see the tall mountains covered with clouds around you from the windows.
The Kathmandu to Lukla flight is approximately 45 minutes. After we reach Lukla we will start our Everest Gokyo lake trek. Today we will trek for 3 hours and reach our destination Phakding which is at 2610m of altitude. We will have dinner and stay here for the night.
Today we reach Namche and on our fourth day of the trek, we will stay here for one more day to acclimatize to the environment. We will pause our trekking for a day and enjoy the natural beauty of the places very closely around the Namche Valley. Every day we are moving towards the higher altitude and to maintain our health to travel further it is very important to acclimatize.
As we will be staying here in the Namche Valley for the day, you can explore and stroll around the beautiful Namche Valley. You can find numerous shops around here. Many of the shops are local businesses, vendors and shopkeepers often rely on sales to support their families. You can help them sustain their livelihood by purchasing their product for yourself as a remembrance of the trek. You could also buy some things as a souvenir and gift them to your loved ones back home.
Today we will again resume our trekking. After having our wonderful breakfast in the morning we will head out from Namche and continue our journey to Doley. Today we will be traveling a total of almost 7 hours of walking. The altitude of the place is 4038m and because of the one day rest we had in Namche and have acclamatize ourselves the journey will be less difficult.
The good thing about the place or the trails is that you can find numerous amount of tea shops and small vendors. It is a long way route and having problems and feeling hungry in the trek is normal. You can easily stop for a while at these tea shops, have a bite of the local energizing food, and continue the trek. We will reach Doley around the evening time and stay here overnight.
As we are going further we are reaching more heights. From Doley we will be travelling to Machhermo today which is 4200m. Today, the total amount of time we will cover for the hike will be 5 hours. Machhermo is a beautiful place in itself but if you move around further you will get a chance to see the south side of Mt. Cho Oyu.
The Machermo village is a place high in the mountains but it is not that high as it gets a reasonable amount of sunshine. As we travel further in the trek the sunrays that strike in the trails will not make us feel that we are in the mountain ranges.
It is halfway through the trek and we are getting close to our destination. It takes only a few hours to reach the Gokyo Valley from Machhermo. It is a small valley situated on the south side of Gokyo and north of Doley. It lies in the Khumbu region and the altitude is up to 4470 m.
Today is the day that we finally will reach our destination of the trek. It is the 8th day and we reach Gokyo Ri today. Today it will be a long trek as we will be going to Gokyo Ri from the Gokyo valley and we will spend some quality time in the lake and we will head towards Doley.
The distance from the Gokyo Valley to the Gokyo Ri lake is. As we reach the lake we will spend a couple of hours enjoying the beauty and the breathtaking views from the lake. We will be moving forward to Doley and will be staying here for the night.
We reached Doley and had a finger-licking good and local cuisine dinner yesterday. Today on the ninth day after having our breakfast we have to leave for Namche. We have to say goodbye to this gem of a place today. Further, we will move to Namche which is a symbolic place in itself for the locals.
Namche is located on the slope of a mountain and what’s interesting is it is an arc-shaped mountain. The locality of Namche is small but has wonderful people and a vibe which makes the place more heartwarming. It is highly famous for its homemade yak butter and cheese and is also a trading hub for many items and products for import and export business to the cities.
Today is the final day of the adventurous Everest Gokyo Lake trek. It is going to be the last breakfast at Namche and after that, we will head toward Lukla. You might as well have found the beauty of Namche but what Lukla has to offer is on the next level.
The weather here is very unpredictable as it changes very frequently in a matter of hours. It is a chilly place with fog and clouds changing its course every day. Another fact that makes Lukla so famous is because of its airport and the runway. It is the most unique one with the shortest runway in the world also located in the mountains.
We will be flying towards Kathmandu from Lukla today and the flight will be for 45 minutes. The plane will take off at 10 am so we have to reach the airport before that. One thing about Lukla is it has the most wonderful view in the morning. So if you also want to experience the eye-gazing sunrise view from here then we suggest you pack up the bag a day before so that you can sleep earlier which will help you to wake up early and see the sun rise near Everest.
After reaching Kathmandu we will rest today. On an average of 6 hours daily walking for 10 days straight could exhaust your body and muscles so we will take a rest today and explore the local and famous places of Kathmandu the next day.
After having a tiring and wonderful experience of the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek, after 11 days of the trek today finally you will be able to explore Kathmandu city and more. While the city itself is the central destination of everyone the other places near Kathmandu such as Patan, Swayambhunath Stupa, Bhaktapur and Pashupatinath Temple also hold a unique attraction to it.
There are many hidden gems, and alleys to the local lifestyles, small and big temples all around the valley, and major Hindu pilgrimage sites to discover in Kathmandu. We will be visiting and sightseeing all of the places. This day’s sightseeing will unveil a new prospect of thinking with its traditional handmade architecture, historical statues, worshiped gods, local lives, different festivals, diversifications of people and cultures, and soothing environment.
Today is the last day of this Everest Gokyo Lake Trek, so make the trip worthwhile. After having our breakfast we will be heading to TIA for your departure. From here we will be parting our ways and bidding you farewell until your next trip to Nepal very soon.
The maximum altitude Gokyo Ri reaches has to be about 5,357 meters–a height attained along the Gokyo Lake trek trail. This viewpoint provides a direct sight of well-known features of the Himalayas, such as Makalu Himal, Cho Oyo Himal, and Lhotse Himal; the very stunning mountains, coupled with lovely lakes, attract most tourists, both local and foreign, for the Gokyo Lake trekking.
This hike now, is mainly downhill from the Gokyo Lake, and it will descend again. After a day with the lakes and mountains on the eighth day, head towards Dole which is at an altitude of 4038 meters. The next day will make us hike back to Namche which is at an altitude of 3440 meters. From there, we move to Lukla which has an elevation of 2860 meters. The next day we head by plane back to Kathmandu.
On the path to Everest’s Gokyo Lake Trek, there are many small tea shops and one or two Khaja Ghar, a very small dining place where we can stop for an hour or so and have lunch with them. While trekking, we find several tea shops. The entire family members of these tea shop owners usually manage them. At such tea spots, we can expect by stopping to grab a snack, and then onward with the trek.
But some extra amenities are provided in the lodges on the trekking route. Lodges offer better amenities like WIFI, private washrooms, three meals a day, and rooms. The lodges have a menu of both traditional Nepali and Western cuisines. Everything that is served here in the Gokyo Lake Trek is mouthwatering. Further, some lodges serve pure good authentic traditional Sherpa cuisine.
Most of the trek, about 90 percent, happens in the Himalayan region. The locality and the weather are unusual there. A few lodges are available only. And, as above, many communities are located on important sites, not just those mentioned in the itinerary. So, the speed of the trek as well as the time management should sync together. Help is only less likely to be available at night when you are unable to get to your destination quickly for whatever reason.
Both local and international tourists regularly visit the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek. This is one of the reasons why this particular season, almost all lodges and even homestays get fully booked. So, we would advise you to do some homework or consult the agencies in advance about the costs of your stay in Kathmandu in the Himalayan region.
It makes the perfect provisions and services possible within the lodges and homestays. These consist of three meals, private baths, comfortable beds including warm blankets and all the other necessities, a balcony to enjoy the captivating sights of the mountains, and many more.
The expedition included buses and airplanes as the means of transport. However, walking covers approximately 80% of this expedition. The first day of our hike to Gokyo Lake Trek will be thrilling yet scenic as we fly to Lukla, after which we’ll take a bus to where we will be accommodated. From this point on, we would not be using any form of transport until the end of our journey. After that, trekking will begin.
When we start our Everest Gokyo Lake Trek, we won’t use transport anymore. We can only arrange for a jeep to provide emergency assistance, which would incur an additional fee. But we can obtain assistance from local people. A few local porters will enter at cheap prices as well.
The power supply here will always be on in Kathmandu, while, unlike other places, disorganized poles and wires are hung in the streets, where they might cause occasional disruption in electricity. Because of these problems, almost all hotels and lodges in this Gokyo Lake Trek have generators or battery-backed backup power supplies.
Travelers of the Himalayan Region somehow put the task of using their power supply as small as possible- so for electricity, the powerhouse and network towers get congested. To alleviate the problems that would arise from the electricity issues incurred, Hotel and Lodge Managers in the Himalayan regions invest far more money. Thus, power might cost in terms of charging electronic devices for certain hotels. If you are on a very tight budget while traveling with us, we recommend that you carry your power banks.
If you ever travel to Nepal, we recommend that it is best to get a SIM card. Having such a SIM card from Namaste or Ncell would really be a plus to your visit to Nepal as it can connect you to the internet and online travel services in the cities. They are easily available from their main hubs.
The Gokyo Lake Trek is indeed one of the popular moderate hiking trails for all trekkers. It may be among the highest yet, but only 80 percent of the trail is actually direct and straightforward. We’re ready to fetch the trekker-wise local porters and professed tour guides upon request. Since it is a moderate trek, most trekkers will have to carry at least a guide with them. Only in an emergency will there be potters around.
It’s a great fun, friendly, and nice people to become friends with when it comes to Sherpa. Getting strong local support very close to the scene may also be possible. But there’s no need to throw one into a tight corner when proper assistance fails to come when needed. You will, of course, meet a good number of other domestic and foreign passengers along the route of the Gokyo Lake Trek and you may ask for assistance from them.
An individual needs two permits before he/she will be able to hike the Gokyo Lake Trek. The first permit which is an important one for the trek is TIMS (trekkers’ Information Management System). This will approximately cost ten bucks. The other permission is from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Both are a must for the trekkers to have in order to follow or track them out as well as ensure the safety of the trekkers.
The easiest way to obtain these permits is through a recognized Kathmandu agency. This is where you prepare everything before commencing your Everest Gokyo Lake Trek. With this permission in hand, it would be easy to walk the pathways of the trek. The real value of the collection will be invested in actions that preserve the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, it is also for the benefit of the local people. Your small contribution will boost tourism in the nation and will help, thus making beautiful places in our country more known worldwide.
Gokyo Ri is the highest peak on the Gokyo Lake Trek, and it is a place with a maximum height of 5357m. This trip will take us off to various places, most of which are at varying altitudes.
We reach Tribhuwan International Airport at an altitude of 1310m in Kathmandu. Next, we are heading towards Lukla which is located at 2860 meters above sea level. Continuing further from here we hike from Phakding to 2610m where the Gokyo Lake trek’s highest point becomes climbing to Gokyo Ri, further on to Namche (3440 m), and following the trail to Dole, Machermo.
Lukla is both the starting and ending point of the Gokyo Lake Trek. This beautiful region of the country has its circuits under Everest with some tiring treks, which mostly stretch up to 12 days. For details and further days, trekkers could contact the company to add more days to the package.
Our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotels in Kathmandu for your convenience. We will rest here today and enjoy a brief evening before heading into the hills tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, we will fly to Lukla to kick off our trek.
Considered moderate, this hike is not particularly arduous. From the youngest teen up, everyone can travel the distance and do the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek with ease. You will reach your goal via a trail so easy to follow along its hallway.
As there is a day allowed for the acclimatization of the trekkers, there wouldn’t be too much trouble in breathing; we would reach Namche on the fourth day and stay there to acclimatize.
There are also many peaks to see from the lakes, and since Gokyo Lake is situated in the Everest Region, we can surely see the grand Mount Everest. Not only from the lake and towards Gokyo Lake, but we could also view many other big mountains beyond Everest.
Our eyes can see the large mountains in front of us, including Cho Oyo, Lhotse, and Makalu. One can see other mountains at the summit, including Pumori and Nuptse.
There are numerous reasons for which Gokyo Lake enjoys popularity. The lake is very close to the highest mountain on Earth-Mount Everest and possesses incredible beauty. The Gokyo Lake Trek journey is considered to be very popular as an adventure, providing a view of glaciers and lakes at a very high altitude.
Most of the locals belong to the Sherpa community. Apart from this, the lakes are very important for the Sherpas-related to their culture because they can be a component of their religious rituals and beliefs.