Gokyo Lake Trek
USD 1,499 / person
- Local Experts
- Middle Man Free Pricing
- No Hidden Charges
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Talk to an expert
Govinda Niraula
Trekking Expert
15+ years of experience
Inquiry by Email
info@vajraadventure.com
Tour Overview
People Interested
50
Location
Everest
Durations
14 Days
Trip Grade
medium
Max Group Size
1-20
Best Time
March to May / September to November
Max Elevation
4300
Trip Code
VA-126
Tour Description
Gokyo Lake Trek is a journey through the valley of sparkling emerald green lakes. This lakes lie on the lap of Himalayas in Everest and is famous for its unparalleled beauty. This trek is an excellent trek in Nepal by all means. However, despite its beauty it receives very less travelers than the other trek in the region.
Gokyo Lake Trek follows a significant trail than the Everest base camp trek. Alike other trek in Everest, you encounter yak caravans, endless mountains and Sherpa people. What makes this trek different though is the lakes. Having said that, you will witness around 4 lakes in the trail. These lakes are fresh water lakes formed by the glacial melts. Furthermore, this trek is better because it allows you to scale Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri is a peak which requires no additional permit and offers a grad view of the Everest.
Last but not the least, Gokyo Lake Trek takes you to one of the highest man walkable passes. The pass named Cho La. On your way to Cho La you will witness one of the highest settlements on this planet. This is the one of the most beautiful treks and the most recommended trek in the Everest region.
What makes Gokyo Lake trek so special?
First, Gokyo Lake Trek is special because it houses five emerald green lakes valley. The lake ranges from 4000 meter in elevation to 5200 meters from the sea level.
Second, It is also off the beaten trail. Meaning, you will avoid the crowd and walk in much peace.
Third, this trek offers climbing on Gokyo Ri, a peak that does not requires climbing permits. This peak on top offers excellent views of the surrounding and Mt. Everest.
Fourth, you will walk on one of the highest man walkable passes on this planet. Meaning, you will have a sense of accomplishment as it is not everyone’s cup of tea.
All in all Gokyo Lake Trek will give you the real Trekking in Everest Experience. Adding on, you will also experience the unsoiled teahouse experience. Join this trek today and trek off the beaten trek to the base camp of Everest!
Itinerary
You could be already in Kathmandu or you may be arriving on this very day and whatever it is we welcome you to Nepal! Thank you for choosing Gokyo lake trek with Vajra Adventure. On this first day we transfer you to your hotel/hostel. You will not do much except observing the ambiance around you and get acquainted with the country.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel at Thamel Kathmandu
Meals Included
Welcome Dinners ( Nepali Food)
This is an important day because today is the day when you will meet with your guide. The guide or one of our team members will brief you about the trek about more or less everything you need to know. After briefing we would thoroughly go through the trekking gear that we have. Furthermore, if there is anything that is not according to the trekking standard we will do last minute shopping of the trekking gears. On the other hand one of our backend office staff will get busy preparing required permits and logistics.
Note : During Nepal’s peak trekking season, the government has redirected flights to Lukla from Kathmandu to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap District.
Therefore , After lunch, we will drive you to Manthali, a trip of about 4 hours. We will stay overnight in Manthali to ensure a smooth and efficient journey to Lukla the next morning.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel at Thamel Kathmandu
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After taking an early morning flight to the most adventurous airports in the world of Lukla we walk just for warmup. We trek for only 200 meters descent and 50 meters of ascent in around 2 and half hours. If weather permits you will get the glimpse of mountains right from the airport. You will hear and see Dudh koshi roaring down from different places. Overnight in Phakding.
Note: If we're in Manthali, we'll catch a flight to Lukla and begin our trek from Lukla to Phakding.
Accommodation
Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
This is one of the most difficult sections of the trek. Within around 6 - 7 hours we cover 1000 meters in ascent and 100 meters in descent. You will come across beautiful villages in between and small yet amazing waterfalls. On this very day you will see the first glimpse of Mt. Thamserku. In between Phakding and Namche is Monjo, from where we enter in the Sagarmatha national park. Right before monjo you may enjoy a notable forest of pine, fir and Rhododendron. Beyond Jorsale and from the confluence of Dudh koshi and Bhote Koshi is the most difficult 2 hours of trek on this day. Overnight in Namche.
Accommodation
Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Despite a day off, we take side trips to Khumjung and on the way we as well stop by at Syangboche. On this day we hike to Syangboche airport; one of the high altitude, non commercial air strip. We also take the opportunity to visit Khunde and Khumjung where we see the school built by Sir. Edmund Hillary and a monastery that claims to home yeti’s scalp. We get back to Namche and rest and enjoy the view. Overnight in Namche.
Accommodation
Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
There are two option from here to reach our next destination and we choose the one via Kyanjuma. With the views of snow dusted, soaring Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse we make sheer ascent through barren ridges. After the ascent we reach Mong La also known as Mond Danda, where we sit for lunch. After reviving we now descend to the root of the hill and banks of Dudh Koshi river to Phortse Thanga.A place which is at the foot of the mountains, dark and damp. From Phortse our trek continues to Dole which takes around 2 hours. Overnight in Dole.
Accommodation
Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
We walk short but strenuous and sheer uphill through the forest of Rhododendron, a beautiful trail and playground of musk deer. Keep an eye for Golden eagle and dramatically soaring mountains of Everest region. The trail is comparatively easy from Dole and the only vegetation we come across is tundra grass and dotted scrub Juniper. It is advised to hydrate as much as possible due to remarkable change in altitude over a short period of time. We limit our ascent within 3 hours to Machhermo and call it a day to avoid altitude sickness. Overnight in Machhermo.
Accommodation
Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
The villages we see from Machhermo onwards are all temporary villages and only inhabited at certain time of the year. With the beautiful view of Kantega and Cho Oyu, we follow the Dudh Koshi river for almost an hour, until we reach the first lake which is at around of sheer uphill we come across the 1st lake at 4600m, and further down the trail 2nd lake called Taboche Tsho and finally the third lake by the village Gokyo, known as the Gokyo lake itself. We can further travel to the 5th and 6th lakes which is around 1 and ½ hour hike up down.Overnight in Gokyo.
Accommodation
Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Trekking to 5th lake and back takes around 4-6 hours with easy pace. Since it is almost full day walk we will keep it on the activity day, which is today’s day. We get back on the same trail out and and not go towards Gokyo Ri but stick to the same trail. In around one and half hours we arrive at the 4th lake and further in around 2 hours we arrive at the 5th lake. The views of peak from the 5th lake is very rewarding. Cho Oyu is the most significant mountain seen from the Gokyos. After all day excursion to the 5th lake and back we call it a night in Gokyo.
Accommodation
Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
After acclimatizing in Gokyo and enjoying the views of Cho Oyu and the 5th lake, we spend another day to visit Gokyo Ri (5346m). One of the most appreciated, nearby viewpoints. We can witness an unparalleled, picturesque view of Everest (8848m), Nuptse 7861 m, Makalu 8481 m, Cholatse (6440m), Taboche (6495 m), Ama Dablam 6856 m, Kantega 6685 m, Thamserku (6608 m). The view of Everest however is the best from the peak of Gokyo Ri. The entire trip takes about 4 to 5 hours but we descend further down to Dole and that would take around another 4 hours. Overnight in Dole.
Accommodation
Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
We trace our way back to Namche on the same trail and call it a night in Namche.
Accommodation
Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Walking downhill to Lukla takes around 7-8 hours. Overnight in Lukla.
Accommodation
Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
We take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Once we get back in the capital city and transfer you to your hotel/hostel and hence our Gokyo Lake trek comes to end.
Note: If it's during the peak trekking season, as mentioned, we will take a flight from Lukla to Manthali and then drive you by car to Kathmandu. Our Everest base camp trek officially Ends once we transfer you to the hotel.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel at Thamel Kathmandu
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On the last day of your 14-day trek, we will take you to the airport for your departure flight. If you wish to extend your stay, you are more than welcome. Please note that any arrangements or expenses beyond the end date of our package will be your responsibility.
Cost Includes
- Permit fee of Sagarmatha National Park.
- Permit fee of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
- All accommodations on the trails and 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu )
- We provide a non-returnable duffel bag, which will be carried by the porter.
- We will also provide you with a sleeping bag, but please note that it should be returned after completing the trek.
- All government and local taxes
- A comprehensive medical kit
- 3 Cups Tea while on the Trail ( in most of the places where applicable)
- Best available local lodges / Teahouse in mountain
- One porter is assigned for every two guests, and one porter can carry a maximum of 20 kg.
- Registered trekking guides as accredited by the Government of Nepal's Tourism Board.
- Taxi to and from airport
- Certificate of trek Completion
Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, mineral water etc)
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Additional food and drinks
- Tips for guide and porters (compulsory)
- Anything else that is not mentioned on what is included
Important Notes
- Kathmandu to Gokyo Lake Trek starts in Kathmandu on Day 2 at 8 AM. This allows time after the joining meeting to explore Kathmandu.
- Drone camera is not allowed through the trek. Any incident of using drone camera will result in seizing the camera as well as fine from the authorities.
- You are advised to have at least 3-4 days towards the end of the trip. This is because of uncertainty of flights from Lukla.
- You need to arrive at least 2 days prior to your scheduled trek initiation date
- You need to be of age 12 and above to join this trip
- You need to aware of the company of any medical conditions developed recently
- You must bring an emergency fund of 300- 500 USD in cash with you on this trip, which you may need to use in case of delayed or canceled flights.
- In case of trek cancellation or trek forfeit due to unseen circumstances, we shall compensate with an alternate itinerary or activities.
- You need to bring along at least 2 passport sized pictures and hand it to the company on day 2.
- You will begin your trip from day 2 of your arrival and only after signing necessary formalities
- The trip begins from Kathmandu