Gokyo Lake Trek is a beautiful journey to the enticing Gokyo lake and Gokyo Ri peak which is one of the most amazing view point for great views of Mt. Everest and other adjascent Himalayas within the Everest region. Everest Region is one of the most famous and popular trekking regions in Nepal. Everest (Khumbu) region is considered the ‘KING’ of all trekking regions which is located in the north-east of Nepal and offers the great opportunity to have unique experience. It is the home of indigenous sherpa people and the world’s highest mountain; Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m); 3rd highest mountain, Mt. Cho Oyo (8,201m);6th highest mountain, Mt. Pumori (7,161m), Mt. Nuptse (7,855m), Mt. Cholatse, Mt Thamserku (6,723m) and many other magnificent peaks. Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is the roof of the world which is situated on the awesome Himalayan mountain range, borders Nepal and Tibet.
This is one of the few places on earth with the rarest bio-diversity and the highest and youngest mountain system in the world so that it was listed in UNESCO world natural heritage sites in 1979. Everest region is not only the home of magnificent peaks, glaciers, icefalls, lakes but also the home of world natural heritage sites, Sagarmatha National Park, century old Buddhist monasteries, indigenous Sherpa people and their culture. This region is also a habitat for different floras and fauna like pheasants, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear musk deer and Himalayan wolves. So, Trekking in the world’s most spectacular mountain region will touch everyone’s soul and rewards with vibrant. Nonstop views of the planet’s highest and most majestic peaks, the ethnic mountain people settlement, their customs, traditions and lifestyle, scenic Sherpa villages below the lofty Himalayas and regal Buddhist monasteries, the whole region has been declared as world heritage site for its natural and cultural wonders.
Gokyo Lake Trek begins from Kathmandu visiting UNESCO world cultural heritage sites, next fly to Lukla which is 3o mins scenic flight, then reaches Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri peak considering an ultimate destination, then after ends back to Kathmandu. Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri peak is an enticing turquoise, outstanding and amazing vantage point which provides exceptional views of Mt. Everest and other magnificent neighbouring Himalayas. This Gokyo Lake Trek is an alternative trekking trip to the classical trek in Everest region. A marvellous view of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and the Gokyo valley also can be observed from Gokyo Ri.
Thus, Gokyo Lake Trek is the best trekking package for those travelers who would like to walk in the Everest region and its vicinity without physical stress or crossing high passes and wish to try something new in the Everest region.
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet and greet at the international airport and transfer to hotel. Short briefing of trip. Check in to hotel and rest for refreshment. Overnight at hotel, Kathmandu.
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour and trek preparation – B
After breakfast, pick up from hotel and head towards the Kathmandu sightseeing tour especially UNESCO World cultural heritage Sites which include Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple, Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and another Buddhist shrine, Bouddhanath. These heritage sites hold immense cultural, religious, architectural and historical value of the medieval era of Nepal. After tour, drop off to hotel and make a preparation for Gokyo Lake Trek, including all permits and equipment. Overnight at hotel, Kathmandu.
Day 03 : Fly Kathmandu – Lukla (2,840 m, 30 min) Trek to Phakding (2,610m, 03-04 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, pick from hotel and transfer to domestic airport terminal for the scenic flight to Lukla which is 30 minutes long, passes above green and snow capped mountains. It is an adventurous flight as the Tenzing Hillary airport is a steep airstrip that is actually hanging off the side of a mountain. After landing in Lukla, meet the rest of the trekking staff and start trekking to Phakding. Overnight at hotel, Phakding.
Day 04 : Phakding – Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trekking to Namche Bazaar.The trekking trail moves forward along the Dudh Koshi River, crosses several suspension bridges and passes several villages, monasteries and chortens. A glimpse of Mt. Thamserku can be enjoyed from Benkar village.Trekking permits are checked at Monjo as the trail enter into the Sagarmatha National Park. A descent and gradual trek reaches Jorsale, the last village until it reaches Namche Bazaar. The trek is joyable through a river bed and reaches the Hillary Suspension Bridge. As the trial ascends towards Namche Bazaar, the magnificent sights of Kwangde Peak, Kusum peak, Kangaru peak, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains greet travelers. Overnight at hotel, Namche Bazaar.
Day 05 : Rest and Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar -B/L/D
Rest day for acclimatization. It is important to adjust the body to the gradual change in environment. It will also help to prevent from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Make a hiking to Khumjung villages, enjoy the Himalayan vista from Syangboche or make a tour to quaint streets of Namche Bazaar.Visit the Tourist Visitor Center where a variety of things related to the first Everest ascenders and Sherpa culture can be observed. This visit will also acquaint with various plant and animal life of the Everest region. In Khumjung, visit a monastery that houses a yeti scalp! Climb up the airstrip above Syangboche and enjoy incredible views of Kongde, Thamserku and Khumbila mountains. Hike back to Namche Bazaar. Overnight at hotel, Namche bazaar.
Day 06 : Namche Bazaar – Trek to Phortse (3,810 m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trekking to phortse. The trekking trail goes along the mountain forest following gradual ups and downs. On the way, Himalayan pheasants, musk deer and Himalayan Thars can be spotted. Then, the trek begins descending down to Kyanjuma. From Sansa, the trek follows the Gokyo trail and from Monjo, get a glimpse of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Khumbila mountains. The trail descends down to Dudhkoshi Khola, then after ascends uphill through rhododendron forests before reaching Phortse. From here, good views of Tawache and Cholaste mountains can be observed. Overnight at hotel, Phortse.
Day 07 : Phortse – Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trek to Machhermo. After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, there might be encounter with local wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. The trail passes through forests, waterfalls and bridges before reaching Dhole. The trek climbs up steady trail through a scenic ridge with offering the views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku mountains.
The trek ascends from Luza village and goes above the Dudh Koshi River through small villages and sandy trails before reaching Machhermo.Visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight at hotel, Machhermo.
Day 08 : Machhermo – Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m, 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, the trek ascends up a hill and offers the delightful views of the Dudh Koshi valley and Kangtega, Thamserku and Cho-Oyu mountains. Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangga. The trek descends down to the river bank before climbing the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier on a steep trail and then passes through Longpongo, Raboche Tsho and Dudh Pokhari before reaching Gokyo. Explore Dudh Pokhari before calling it a night. Overnight at hotel, Gokyo.
Day 09 : Gokyo Valley Exploration, Climb Gokyo Ri (5,360 m) and hike to fifth lakes ( 05-06 hrs) – B/L/D
This is a rest day in Gokyo to acclimatize the high altitude climate. If the weather is good, climb up Gokyo Ri. From the top of Gokyo Ri, enjoy the breathtaking view of Himalayan vista and the tranquil Gokyo lakes. Also, make a hiking to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo lakes. The 4th lake is only about at 3km in the north of Gokyo. It is marked by high cliffs and Himalayan peaks rising above it. Keep it on trekking a little further and reaches the 5th lake. Climb up a nearby hill that will guarantee a remarkable views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. The spot is called Scoundrel’s Viewpoint. From the northern part of the 5th lake, the Cho Oyu base camp and Ngazumpa Glacier can be seen that is the biggest glacier in the world. Hike back to Gokyo. Overnight at Tea house, Gokyo.
Day 10 : Gokyo – Trek to Dhole (4,200m, 03-04 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trek to Dhole. At first, the trek descends down a trail along the Dudh Koshi River and passes the first Gokyo lakes, enjoy the views of Cholatse and Taboche peaks.Then, the trek again descends before climbing a hill. After reaching the chorten at the edge, observe the great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains, then the trek passes through Machhermo, Luza and Lhafarma villages before reaching Dhole. Overnight at hotel, Dhole.
Day 11 : Dhole – Trek to Namche Bazaar (04-05 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trek to Namche Bazaar retracing the previous trail. The trek descends on a steep trail to Phortse Thanga admiring rhododendrons, wildflowers and waterfalls spotting mountain goats, musk deer, pheasants etc. From Monjo, a good view of Khumbila peak can be observed. On the way to Namche, the view of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega mountains are admirable. After trekking for a while, the trek reaches an intersection where the trail from Sanasa meets this trail and follows a trail that clings to a forested slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. After reaching Namche army camp hill, take a look back for the last view of Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. Trek further about 01 km to reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight at hotel, Namche Bazaar.
Day 12 : Namche Bazaar – Trek to Lukla (06-07 hrs) – B/L/D
After breakfast, start the trek back to Lukla. The trekking trail is descent, rocky and crosses several suspension bridges before trekking on a leveled trail. The air gets warmer as the trek follows the same trail to reach Lukla.The trek in the mountain ends after reaching Lukla. Overnight at hotel, Lukla.
Day 13 : Fly Lukla – Kathmandu – B/D
After breakfast, fly back to Kathmandu on the earliest possible flight. After reaching Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel and rest for refreshment. Enjoy the free time by shopping at souvenir shops or hanging around Thamel (tourism hub city). In the evening, Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with authentic Nepali cuisine and cultural dance performance to mark the end of the trip in Nepal. Overnight at hotel, Kathmandu.
Day 14 : departure – B
Leisure until departure. Transfer to International Airport to board the flight.
Cost Includes:
1. Pick up and drop off service from airport and hotel by private vehicle.
2. Welcome drinks (non-alcoholic) and farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with authentic nepali cuisine and cultural dance show.
3. All accommodation in 3-star category hotels on B/B plan in Kathmandu whilst Tea House accommodation on full board basis (all meals) during the trek.
4. Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour by private vehicle and local Tour guide.
5. All sightseeing heritage monuments entrance fees.
6. Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu transportation by domestic flight.
7. All the necessary permit charges for trekking (National Park+TIMS), official service charges, government and local taxes.
8. Highly experienced, friendly, government license holder guide and porter with salary, accommodation, food, transportation and insurance.
9. Sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and trekking poles (to be returned after the completion of trekking).
10. Medical supplies (First aid kit) carried by Trekking leader.
11. Arrangement of helicopter service for the rescue of emergency situation which will be paid by your travel insurance company.
Cost Excludes:
1. Nepalese visa fee.
2. International airfare.
3. Trekking, medical and travel insurance (Compulsory).
4. Lunches and Dinners not mentioned above.
5. All personal expenses ( phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc.)
6. All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
7. Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Lukla or Tea house due to early arrival or late departure, early return or late return from mountain due to any reason than the scheduled itinerary.
8. Tips for the guide, porter and driver (tips is expected).