Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek
Highlights
- Amazing views of the Himalaya from Gokyo Ri including Everest, Cho Oyu and Makalu
- Favorable circumstances for panoramic mountain views of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Mt. Everest- Mountains above 8000m and several others
- Favorable circumstances for panoramic mountain views of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Mt. Everest- Mountains above 8000m and several others
- Experience the adventurous mountain flight to Lukla. Accords immense fortuity to explore Phakding, Dole and Namche- Sherpa hamlets.Enjoy gleaming, primeval, and blue water of the Gokyo Lake
Overview
Witness the beauty of the Khumbu region in the off-the-beaten trails of the Gokyo valley.
Be a part of the local Sherpa lifestyle and community.
Stand and relax at the shore of the world’s highest freshwater lakes in Gokyo valley.
Walk across the biggest glacier in the Khumbu region, the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Hike up to one of the Khumbu’s most popular viewpoints, Gokyo Ri, and watch the captivating sunrise.
Enjoy the panoramic sight of the Mahalangur Himal, including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, etc.
Begin your Everest Gokyo Lake Trek with one of the most adventurous 35-minute flights to Lulka.
Best Time for Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
The most favorable time to take on this adventure is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December). The skies remain clear, and the weather remains moderately warm between these months.
Unlike other seasons, spring and autumn allow you to enjoy the sight of mountains and landscapes of the Everest region to the fullest.
Gokyo valley trek is considered a traditional trek that offers magnificent views of the mountain peaks and the Ngozumpa Glacier– the largest in Nepal’s Himalayas. The view of this region is associated with the soaring views of the most popular mountains in Nepal, at an altitude of 8,000 m such as Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu which are clearly visible from Gokyo Ri above Gokyo Lake. One of the most remarkable features is the views of the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung (2,922 m) located in the Khumbu region.
After a 35 minutes flight from Kathmandu landing at Lukla’s tiny airstrip, the adventure really begins. We spend the next few days trekking and interacting amongst the mountain people also known as Sherpa’s, we stay at local lodges and trek into the heartland of their villages. Everything is organized in conjunction with local Sherpa guides. Along the trek, we will pass Buddhist monasteries with the views of Everest and other snow towering mountains getting closer by the day. We will have rest days in the villages of Namche bazaar that will allow us to explore the region and acclimatize, which is very important. After trekking to Gokyo Ri (5,483 m), we return at a leisurely pace back to Namche and Lukla for our flight back to Kathmandu
- Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu (1,338 m/4,390 ft)
The long dream of trekking to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri comes into action as our international flight lands at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After all customs and visa formalities are completed, you will meet our office representative at arrival terminals waiting for you, carrying a display board. He will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu in a private vehicle. After you grab the keys to your room, we suggest you take a rest and feel fresh, avoiding the jet lag. So relax or take a short walk around the busy streets of Thamel.
- Day 2 - Fly to Lukla (2804 m) from Kathmandu or Manthali and then, Trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 3 to 4 Hours
For Manthali – Lukla flight: Wake up around 2:30 am, drive to Manthali by shared tourist vehicle for about 4 to 6 hours, and fly to Lukla (20 minutes); Applicable for the peak trekking month of March, April, May, October and November.
For Kathmandu – Lukla flight: Wake up around 5 to 6 am and drive to the domestic airport in Kathmandu for about 30 minutes and fly to Lukla (35 minutes). Applicable for the remaining months, except peak trekking months.
Helicopter Option: Instead of a regular plane flight, you have an option to take a shared helicopter flight (it’s not private chartered, so the cost is divided among the passengers) between Kathmandu and Lukla at USD 500 per person extra for one way in addition to the trip price. This cost is available only for those who do advance booking of the helicopter flight at least one week before the trip starts. The helicopter can take 5 passengers at once and the flights are scheduled from 6 AM to 1 PM. From the Kathmandu airport, you will reach Lukla within 40 to 60 minutes depending upon the weather. This is a great option as you won’t have to worry about the Kathmandu to Manthali drive which starts around 2:30 AM. Plus the helicopters can fly in visibility as low as 1,500 meters when the weather isn’t favorable for the planes which need the visibility of 5,000 or more meters to fly.
Flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport usually takes place early in the morning. We suggest you to make all the sorting and packing the day before, so there is no rush on Day 3. Once you reach Lukla, have your breakfast while our guide will make an arrangement of porters. We assign one porter to every two clients. Begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where you join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunikharka (2,713 m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m), it is a short walk to Phakding.
Read: For peak trekking months (March, April, May, October and November), the current Lukla flight operation to and from Manthali airport that was started from the trekking season of March 2019, will continue for the upcoming years. This means you need to wake up early, around 2:30 am to reach Manthali and catch your early morning Lukla flight. In such cases, the hotel you are staying will provide the packed breakfast. Otherwise, except peak season, you can fly to Lukla directly from Kathmandu airport.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
- Day 3 - Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) - 5.5 hrs
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing the majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering the Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar (considered the Gateway to Everest) is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes and bakeries. Namche is the biggest town along the Everest trail.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
- Day 4 - Namche Bazaar acclimatization day
We spend a day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. We will trek a short distance to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We also hike up the Syangboche Airport near the Everest View Hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
- Day 5 - Trek to Phorste Thanga (3,680 m) - 5 hrs
The trail climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forest, juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making the trekking very pristine in springtime. The trail passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbi La and Tawache are magnificent throughout the day.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
- Day 6 - Trek to Machherma (4,470 m) - 5 hrs
We climb a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpz glacier. We will reach Machherma by early noon.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
- Day 7 - Machhermo to Gokyo (4800 m/15,744 ft)
It shall be the most important day of our trip while we enjoy the great landscapes of local Himalayan settlements at Cholatse, Pangaa. As now we approach near 5000 meters of altitude, there will be many opportunities when we will be surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glacier moraines, and rocky Himalayan environment. Gokyo can be considered as the best place for viewing Himalayan surroundings. We will then leave behind the Gokyo lake named Longpongo and arrive at a second lake called Taboche Tso which is a bigger one than the first one and where we can see Himalayan ducks swimming in the freezing lake. Further pushing ourselves forwards takes us quite at a similar elevation of Ngozumpa glacier passing the third lake from where the Gokyo village amazes us with excellent sceneries from high elevation lakes at a third lake named as Dudh Pokhari. Today we shall walk for 5 to 6 hours with accommodation at the local teahouse
- Day 8 - Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day –4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes Hike
It is an acclimatization day today surrounding numerous Lakes, and then we shall traverse a top of Scoundrel’s viewpoint to catch astounding views of grand Himalayan peaks, Nuptse, Makalu along with Lhotse and other snow-capped peaks like Cho-Oyu and Gyachung Kang. From the further northern side of glacier moraine, spectacular views of Cho Oyu base camp and the largest Ngozumpa glacier are seen. After successful completion of hiking up to Gokyo fifth lake, we do have an option to ascend towards the sixth lake too, but it shall only be possible if you are interested and we have adequate time today. Consult our professional and experienced trekking leader; he will lead the group taking correct steps. As a quick note what we can recommend is that you can walk up towards the Gokyo Ri hike today and push yourself to the fifth day tomorrow. It shall be 5 to 6 hours walking day today. We stay overnight at the local lodge.
- Day 9 - Hike Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft) and trek back to Dole
Our trek begins early in the morning today as morning offers more spectacular views than in the afternoon. It shall be the continuous and challenging ascent of Gokyo Ri that takes three to four hours that depending on your physical status. What we must understand is that proper acclimatization is the key to completing any trek. Get awesome views from Gokyo Ri that includes snow-capped peaks like Mt. Everest (8848m), Cho Oyu (8153m), Makalu (8475m), Lhotse (8501m) along with other peaks like Thamserku (6808m), and other surrounding ones. It is believed that spectacular views of four 8000m peaks are available from this viewpoint. Turquoise-colored crystal clear lakes along with the Gokyo villages take us towards Dole via Machhermo. It shall be walking hours from 5 to 6 hours. Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Day 10 - Dole to Namche Bazzar
The Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri trek then follows downhill as we look behind Cho Oyu. We walk down today enjoying incredible waterfalls, enjoying the interaction with local Himalayan flora, fauna, and rhododendron trees beautifully blooming in the spring season of the year. While descending the valley, there come the chances when we get a dual opportunity towards reviewing the snow-capped Himalayan views of Amadablam, Tawache, Thamserku, and other peaks, along with a distant view of Tengboche too from Mongla. Finally, carrying on our journey, we descend towards Sansa, which connects us to the main Everest trail taking us to Namche Bazaar. After arriving at Namche Bazaar, we take a complete rest, enjoy a free shower at the hotel and relax at your overnight stay quality hotel in Namche. We shall walk for 5 to 6 hours Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Day 11 - Namche Bazaar - Lukla
We shall have our Everest souvenir shopping while we are at Namche Bazaar. Every Saturday large marketplace takes place here where various goods and gear especially trekking and climbing related are traded between sellers and buyers. From Namche, we take the same route downwards which had taken our breath away about a week ago while ascending. Crossing the Dudh Koshi river multiple times over a suspension bridge, we get to the ground level of the Himalayas at Jorsale. Surrounding around us becomes greener and denser as we are now descending to lower elevations. The breathing process becomes easier and easier. Leaving behind another checkpoint while exiting from Sagarmatha National Park gate, we also cross Phakding and after a couple of hours of walks with a few quick stops along the route, we finally arrive at Lukla. We give a stretch to our sore legs and celebrate the successful completion of the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri adventure in the Everest region of Nepal. It shall be walking hours from 6 to 7 with accommodation at the local lodge
- Day 12 - Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
We take a morning domestic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu that concludes our main objective of trekking. Usually, these domestic flights are scheduled for the morning due to clear weather conditions at the early time of the day. After 27 minutes of flight to Kathmandu, we assist you in checking in your hotel, and then after enjoy you are invited to our farewell dinner at one of the cultural restaurants nearby Thamel. Stay overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast and farewell dinner included as meals of the day.
- Day 13 - Final Departure
Eventually, our 13 days of Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri trekking concludes with your time to leave towards your onward destination. Our office representative will assist you in transferring you to the International airport in Kathmandu 3 hours before your scheduled international flight. With a warm greeting from Icicles, we hope to see you again soon shortly, and you give us another chance to organize adventurous trips in the days to come. Farewell! Today's meal includes breakfast
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by private tourist vehicle
- Two night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- All your standard Meals during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
- Lodges, Guesthouses accommodation during the trek (On twin sharing basis and occasionally dormitory style)
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
- Government taxes & office service charge
- Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
- Extra night/s of accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Soft drinks, tea/coffee, and alcoholic beverages are not included and must be purchased separately by the client
- Lunches and Dinners in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary- see meal inclusions for more details)
Important Information
Best Time for Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
The most favorable time to take on this adventure is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December). The skies remain clear, and the weather remains moderately warm between these months.
Unlike other seasons, spring and autumn allow you to enjoy the sight of mountains and landscapes of the Everest region to the fullest.
This trek is less crowded compared to other popular Everest region treks like EBC trek and you will get an opportunity to immerse in excellent views of highest Himalayas above 8000 meters (Everest Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu) along with Ngozumba glacier views and other snow capped Himalayas. Other magical things that you will explore are the magical turquoise colored Gokyo lakes; all of which are once in a lifetime of memories.
First and foremost, you need to be physically fit and strong enough to walk 5 hours daily in average without respiratory and cardiac illness. Consult your doctor for detailed medical information while we recommend you need to have passion towards adventure too to complete this trek successfully.
Previous trekking experience is not mandatory but you need to be strong physically and mentally. To maintain your fitness, get yourself involved in cardio exercises that increases your stamina, join gym, go for cycling, swimming or short hike on free time. Then you will be quite ready to embark in this trip.
There is no any age restriction for any trekking activities, but you need to be at least 18 before attempting any climbing peak above 6000m. Therefore you can join this Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri trek with all your kids and elderly too.
Another prerequisite is that you need to obtain TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park entry permits, both of which will be arranged by us. Permit costs are included in the total cost.
Best time for Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Lakes trek comes twice a year during autumn months of late September, October and early November and spring months of March, April and May. It is not recommended to join this trek during winter due to heavy snowfall at higher altitudes. So, now is the best time to plan for your next Nepal trekking adventure. Act now, contact us, we will make it happen.
Travel insurance is mandatory and you can get it easily via online travel insurance providers like world nomads and travel guard etc. The choice is yours, and both your insurance company and you should understand the policy terms and conditions. For this trek, you need to have a travel insurance policy with helicopter rescue operation upto 6000m.
Teahouses with standard facilities i.e. rooms with twin sharing beds, one large dining hall, attached or shared toilets. Have a quick look around if there are shared toilets or attached ones. And all tea houses at higher regions don’t have western style toilets, they have squat ones because of altitude issues (flush mechanism).
You will be offered with full board meals i.e. hygienic breakfast, lunch and dinner mostly a Nepali food items along with Chinese and continental dishes. From noodles, eggs, rice lentil and soups to pancakes and porridges there are quite a few varieties.
You are recommended to get couple of packets of cashew nuts, raisin and other dry fruits with chocolate bars for quick glucose energy boosts.
Drinking pure water is must. Therefore, while you are in Kathmandu, you can buy mineral water bottles at local supermarkets around Thamel and do check the seal before consuming and dispose properly then after.
While trekking at Himalayas, always drink boiled water supplied by your (nearby) teahouse and store it in your water bladder or jar. Or else, you can use the tap water at tea house and purify with steripen or chlorine tablets. It is recommended that you drink at least 3 liters a day. And especially during colder times at night, drink purified luke warm water that saves your throat from illness. And never drink unpurified water directly from open source even if you see others drinking it. First thing you don’t want is to become sick during the trek.
Well, the most essentials are two thin layers clothing with down jacket, trekking shoes, sun block cream, glasses and preferably a drinking water bladder along with other gears. Also sleeping bag, mats or airbags, woolen gloves/mittens is recommended to bring along if you have one. Or else, our company can easily arrange) hire or buy at reasonable cost either at Kathmandu or at Everest region.
Yes, but you need to pay extra for charging batters at tea houses above Namche Bazar where the charging plugs are only made available at dining room. So, if you have extra batteries it is recommended to bring along if you want to avoid paying extra amount. And you can get the compatible plugs (connectors) at less than 100 rupees at any electric store or supermarket in Kathmandu.
Another tip is that keep your batteries warm at cold places in higher altitudes inside your sleeping bag or your down jacket. This helps batteries lasts long.
It’s true to some extent especially at the higher altitudes but you don’t need to race while trekking with professional guide from reputed trekking company. Trekking guides will pre-book via phone; our porter will move ahead the trails. However, during peak seasons if you need to sleep at dining room, it’s not that bad thing to experience; after all it will be something memorable and can be taken with a positive note.
Everest region in Nepal is home to best of the best trekking destinations and there are quite a few alternatives to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo ri trek. Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek is the best alternate while EBC trek, High passes trek and EBC trek with island peak climbing are to name the few.