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Gokyo Lakes Trek

Overview

GOKYO LAKES TREKKING

‘an adventure beyond above Khumbu to picturesque Gokyo valley’

Gokyo Lakes Trekking leads you around the picturesque country with an adventure on the high valleys of the Khumbu and Everest regions.

An area for a stunning panorama of the world’s highest peaks, where one can catch views of Mt. Everest, and Mt. Lhotse. Includes Mt. Makalu and Mt. Cho-Oyu, at one single glance with an array of peaks that surrounds the top of Gokyo-Ri.

A scenic and high-altitude walk within dramatic landscapes of towering rocky cliffs and snow peaks. Where scenic Gokyo valley is located enclosed by a giant mountain range that feeds the glacial lakes.

Gokyo Lakes trekking is an adventure towards Nepal’s longest Ngozumpa glacier that stretches up to 36 k.m. or 22 miles. Starts from Mt. Cho-Oyu the world’s 6th highest peak at 8,201 m high, located North West of Gokyo valley.

The mountainous journey of more than a week duration walks, starting from the busy town of Lukla. The gateway to various adventures around the high Khumbu and Everest region, as well to Gokyo Lake. The first part of the walk on a main interesting path through several lovely villages of Ghats and Phakding.

Slowly walk enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo village, and then on a high trail up to the famous Namche Bazaar. At Namche allow time for a rest day for acclimatization and exploring the main hub of Namche Bazaar and viewpoint.

The adventure continues heading due north, on leaving the main popular route of Namche and Everest base camp. The climb leads to a higher ridge facing tremendous views of a snow-capped mountain range and then walking into a river gorge. As the trek progresses and reaching a wide exposed country leaving the Dudh Koshi River way down below.

Walk on a ridgeline facing grand views of Mt. Cho-Oyu and Cholatse peaks in the east reaching Machhermo. A nice settlement, the adventure continues towards our main highlight destination at Gokyo Lakes, after walking through Dole and Machhermo.

Before entering the main Gokyo 3rd Lakes, the trail follows reaching the first and second lakes. Then finally reaching Gokyo third lakes, where all nice lodges are located just above the main lakes.

Certainly, a heavenly place facing glorious scenery of surrounding high snow peaks that reflects on the lake surface. Truly a photogenic and picturesque countryside to explore and experience around the high Khumbu valley of the Everest region.

At Gokyo, a strenuous climb reaches you on top Gokyo-Ri high ridge, the highest point of the adventure. Enjoy the morning glory facing the stupendous panorama of the world’s four highest mountains with a series of peaks.

From the top includes great wonderful panoramic views of Gokyo valley and the lakes with Ngozumpa glacier. After breathtaking scenery at Gokyo Lakes and on top Gokyo-Ri, return journey on the same scenic trail. On the way back walk to the quaint sleepy village of Phortse, and witness the local farm life.

Slowly our adventure comes to an end on reaching Namche Bazaar and then at Lukla, for last overnight around Khumbu. Next morning a sweeping short scenic flight brings you to Kathmandu, after a most exciting experience on Gokyo Lake Trekking.

Things to know on Gokyo Lakes trek and around Everest region:

Mt. Everest at present in last few years is officially a little higher than before. The new agreed height of Mt. Everest is 8,848.86 meters / 29,031.69 feet, which was announced at a virtual ceremony by both countries Nepal and China.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: From Kathmandu fly to Lukla 2, 820 m, trek to Phakding 2,645 m- 04 hrs.

Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11, 350 feet - 06 hrs.

Day 04: At Namche for acclimatization and a short scenic hike.

Day 05: Trek to Dole 4,110 m-06 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Machhermo 4, 465 m-04 hrs.

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo main 3rd Lakes 4,800 m-04 hrs.

Day 08: At Gokyo for rest day and hike to Gokyo-Ri.

Day 09: Trek to Phortse 3,880 m-07 hrs.

Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar- 05 hrs.

Day 11: Trek to Lukla - 06 hours.

Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure.

Day 13: At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

Day 14: Depart for International Departure.

Note:

The flight to Lukla and back to Kathmandu, where flight can be delayed or might get postponed for next morning. Due to unfavorable weather conditions around mountainous region of Himalayas, can happen sometimes even in best time of the season. If the situation arise please bear with us, the company will try its best within our limit and control.

Trip Highlights

    “On the high trail above the mainstream of Khumbu valley to Gokyo Scenic views of dramatic landscapes with arrays of giant peaks Explore around picturesque and photogenic Gokyo glacial lakes Stunning panorama of world’s four highest peaks from Gokyo-Ri. Walk from green forest to high arctic terrain of mountain wilderness”

    Trip Brief Summary:

    Trekking Mode: Staying in best available Lodges

    Trekking Grade: Moderate with touch of altitude.

    Highest Spot: On top Gokyo-Ri 5,357 m / 17, 575 feet high.

    Activities: Exciting panoramic flights, and scenic trekking.

    Trekking duration: 10 Nights and 11 Days Lukla-Lukla.

    Total Trip: 14 Nights and 15 Days from arrival to final departure.

    Best Seasons:

    Gokyo Lakes Trekking can be visited all seasons of the year-round, except the monsoon wet times. The best seasons are in spring and autumn/fall, where days are crystal clear for views and pleasant walks.

    The spring times begin from March till May, the high seasons for Everest Panorama Trekking and around the Himalayas.

    Most days are clear fine and bright with sunshine, which can get overcast in the late afternoon. Chances of snowfall sometimes on higher terrain, cold in the morning late afternoon, and nighttime. The mid-hills are lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from trees to a bush.

    The next best time is in autumn/fall, one of the peak seasons. For trekking around the Himalayas and to Gokyo Lakes, most days are crystal clear for views and

    scenic walks. However, the days are shorter due to fewer sun-light hours, much colder morning and late afternoon till night time.

    Chances of snowfall sometimes during the walk around higher areas above 3,000 m high, but with a bright starry night sky.

    Religion, Culture of Everest, and high Khumbu:

    The Sherpa of Everest around high Khumbu follows Tibetan Buddhism known as Mahayana or Greater Wheel. Established by great Guru Rinpoche Padamasamba in the 7th Century, reforming Buddhism which was near to extinct.

    The culture, tradition, and heritage are similar to its Tibetan predecessors, the Sherpa migrated from the Eastern part of Tibet. More than 500 years of history, and the word Sherpa means Sher for East and Pa for people.

    Interesting villages of Sherpa to explore and to observe the immense impressive cultures of age-old heritage. The name for Everest in the native Sherpa language is Chomolungma of Tibetan origin, which Nepali calls Sagarmatha.

    In both languages means a ‘Great Mother’, and most villages are adorned with religious flags and monuments of prayer walls.

    Every village houses impressive monasteries and shrines, which you will have time to explore and observe.

    Sherpa celebrates New Year called Losar, which falls at the end of February or the beginning of March. According to the Tibetan Buddhist Lunar calendar, based on animals and birds, the year 2022 is a year of a Tiger.

    The other main festival celebrated around high Khumbu is Mani-Rimdu, which takes place en route to Everest base camp. At Tengboche monastery, the event takes place at end of October or the first week of November.


Detail Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal international airport, received by our staff and guide for short drive to your hotel. Located amidst the main city, check into your rooms and join in for trek briefing with other members of the trip. Our guide provides information about the trekking trails, local lodge, and culture and so on. Evening group dinner an introduction to Nepalese meals and traditions.
Day 2:

From Kathmandu fly to Lukla 2, 820 m, trek to Phakding 2,645 m- 04 hrs.

Morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport, as per the flight time for Lukla after checking in. Board in a small aircraft for an exciting flight of 35 minutes to land at Lukla Tenzing & Hillary Airport. During air, enjoy a panorama of Himalayan peaks with Mt. Everest. From Lukla walk stars heading down to Dudh Koshi River following a gradual winding path to Phakding village for an overnight stop.

Day 3:

Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11, 350 feet - 06 hrs.

From Phakding, after breakfast walk on a gentle path with few ups and down crossing a long bridge to Monjo. A short walk to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, and then reach Jorsalle village for a lunch stop. After a good lunch, walk on the river bed for an hour and then the climb leads to a bridge. The uphill continues till Namche Bazaar is reached for an overnight halt in the comfort of nice hotels/lodges. Enjoy views of Kwangde peaks at a near distance with a panorama of Namche Bazaar

Day 4:

At Namche for acclimatization and a short scenic hike.

A perfect place and the right altitude for a rest day to support acclimatization. At Namche various places for a short hike, the nearest is up to the Park Headquarter, a scenic view-point. Overlooking views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and majestic Ama Dablam with adjoining peaks, visit the museum of great interest. Energetic people can hike up to Everest View Hotel, a few hours climb reach you at Everest View Hotel. The first luxurious hotels around Khumbu, which was built in the mid-1970’s at 3,880 m high. Afternoon relax and walks the streets of Namche Bazaar lined with restaurants, shops, and stores with large hotels and resorts. At Namche once a week a Saturday market is held, and hence the name Bazaar is tagged with Namche.

Day 5:

Trek to Dole 4,110 m-06 hrs.

From Namche Bazaar walk leads to short up and then on gradual scenic path. On leaving the main trail an hour or more climb to Mong Hill, a scenic spot with few small Tea-House and shops. From Mong Hill, enjoy fantastic views of snow peaks, and then downhill to Phortse Tenga near Dudh Koshi River. A nice cool place within dense forest having lunch stop. Afternoon walk from Phortse Tenga, climb into rhododendron, pines, fir forest. After few hours climb reaching at Dole at 4,110 m high a moderate size settlement with good lodges to stay.

Day 6:

Trek to Machhermo 4, 465 m-04 hrs.

After a pleasant overnight in Dole, a short climb and then walk on gradual trail for an hour to Lhabarma Kharka and at Luza 4,390 m; then skirting around a ridge with views of Machhermo, situated below on a small valley, walk downhill to Machhermo for lunch and overnight stop. Here after lunch rest of the afternoon free for acclimatization and short hike with views of Mt. Cho Oyo and other mountains that flank above Ngozumba Glacier

Day 7:

Trek to Gokyo main 3rd Lakes 4,800 m-04 hrs.

Morning walk leads to Gokyo Lake following a scenic trail to Pangka a place with isolated small tea house. From here climb leads to a rocky path in an ablation valley reaching the first lake and past second lakes. Finally reaching at third main lakes of Gokyo also called Dudh Pokhari or Gokyo Lake. Where all good lodges situated above the lake shore, on a beautiful setting at 4,800 meters high. After lunch short walk around enjoy views of Mt. Cho Oyo world’s 06th highest with Mt. Gyachung Khang reflects on the surface of serene Gokyo Lake.

Day 8:

At Gokyo for rest day and hike to Gokyo-Ri.

Morning a climb of few hours to reach our highest point of the adventure on top scenic Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m high offering tremendous panorama from Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Everest, Lhotse and of Mt. Makalu covering four world highest mountains at one glance with series of smaller peaks. Enjoying the views head down to Gokyo, rest of the free at leisure for short walk and just relax and marvel the beautiful scenery.

Day 9:

Trek to Phortse 3,880 m-07 hrs.

After a wonderful time at Gokyo valley and the lake, morning walk downhill on the same route to Phortse village. A long day walk of the trip on reaching a quaint sleepy village of Phortse into a nice simple lodge. This area is least visited only by few trekkers, an interesting Sherpa village away from mainstream trails.

Day 10:

Trek to Namche Bazaar- 05 hrs.

Marvel the glorious morning views of snow-capped peaks, and then continue walk heading downhill to a river. Cross over a bridge to Phortse Tenga, then a short climb to Mong Hill. From here on downhill on the main trail, where Everest base camp, Khumjung village, Gokyo and Namche Bazaar route joins. Walk on gradual wide trail with short ups and downs to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stop

Day 11:

Trek to Lukla - 06 hours.

Last and long day trekking of the adventure, start the day much earlier reaching Lukla on time by late afternoon. Return journey on the same earlier route on a scenic trail past Sagarmatha National Park to Phakding. Stopping for lunch at Phakding, and then head on a gradual path with last hour climb to Lukla for last overnight halt. Enjoy the last dinner with fellow members and guide.

Day 12:

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure.

An early morning breakfast to catch a flight for Kathmandu, a short walk to Tenzing & Hillary Airport in Lukla. As the plane arrives from Kathmandu, then board a small aircraft for a sweeping short flight to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu domestic airport, transfer to respective hotels, rest of the day at leisure for individual activities.

Day 13:

At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

In Kathmandu we have spared a day free to enjoy individual activities, as well for shopping souvenirs of Nepal. Interested people can join in for another exciting sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur worth a visit.

Day 14:

Depart for international departure.

Transfer to Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, as per your international flight time, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to staff and guide, enter the airport terminal for homeward bound, after a great wonderful experience on Gokyo Lake Trekking.


What Included

    Transportation:

    • Airport pickup and drop with privet transport.
    • Flight tickets Kathmandu – Lukla / Lukla – Kathmandu, including departure taxes.
    • Flight tickets Kathmandu – Lukla / Lukla – Kathmandu for guide.

     Accommodation:

    • 3 Night Accommodation with breakfast at a star category hotel in Kathmandu.
    • Tea house twin sharing basic room for accommodation during the trek.

     Meals:

    • Three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
    • Unlimited Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water.
    • Drinks (Tea and Coffee).
    • Snacks for energy bars and seasonal fresh fruits during the trek.

     Trekking Support:

    • One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly government license holder guide.
    • Porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, and equipment.
    • Duffle bag, Sleeping bag for trekking (to be returned after the trip) .
    • Trekking route Map.

     Documentation:

    • All Necessary paperwork and permit.
    • Accident insurance for all staff.
    • Government taxes.

     

     

What Excluded

    • Airfare International.
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
    • Any other services which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
    • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
    • Travel and rescue insurance.
    • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, Internet, etc.).
    • Optional trips and sightseeing if extended.
    • Tips and gratuities.

Gears

    • Duffel/Rucksack bag
    • Day pack
    • Trekking shoes
    • Sports shoes or sandals
    • Sun Hat/cap
    • Warm woolen cap
    • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
    • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
    • Pullover or warm sweeter
    • Raincoat
    • Hand towel
    • 4/5 pairs of good quality socks
    • Hand gloves
    • 3/4 pairs of trekking trousers
    • 3/4 pairs of trekking trousers
    • 4/5 pairs of trekking shirts
    • 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred)
    • Sun glasses
    • Water bottle
    • 4 season sleeping bag
    • Flash or Torch light
    • Emergency contact information; Personal medical kit.

Map