Gokyo Lake Trek

Is this trip right for you?

• This is a very challenging 13 Days trip in the Everest region
• You will walk from 4 hours - 8 hours a day
• You will cover 4 kilometers to 12 kilometers in average in a day

Physical Rating

The fit you are the better experience you will have on the trek. The treks in Everest region are very challenging and demands your fitness at optimum level. Depending upon the package chosen, you may have to walk with the day pack or your heavy backpack. You will be walking on slopes ranging from 45 degrees to 60 degrees and many times in the thin air. Also the weather on the trek is very dramatic.It is highly recommended to begin exercising at least 1-2 months before the trek and also practice any form of exercise like running, swimming, aerobics, cycling or even walking. It is suggested to workout 1-2 hours daily. Also it is highly recommended walking up and down the stairs or improve your stamina in climbing uphill with load in your backpack.

Joining Points

Hotel Prince Plaza Sano Gaucharan, Gyaneshwor

Emergency Contact

Please contact our office number +9779851039785 for any emergency. At Vajra Adventure, we try our level best to provide hassle free  and best holiday experience in Nepal. Yet at times, things could go wrong because of the nature of travel, miscommunication or unseen circumstances while on the trek. Very rare to our organization and only 0.01% times out of 100 we encounter situations like such. In case such situation occur, it is requested to primarily discuss the problem with the guide or the team leader. 3 out of 4 times the guides and team leaders try their level best to rectify the problems on their level best  and on the trail and prevent from you having bitter experience in the rest of your trip. In case the team leader or the guides response or solution does not meet your expectations, please ask your guide to connect you to our manager in our Kathmandu office to the phone number +9779851039785.

Airport Transfer Instruction

All our packages include drop off to the airport. It is important for you to remember to notify our office of your departure at least a day prior to your departure. You will have to provide us with your tickets on info@vajraadventure.com. We will further notify you with the time of your airport shuttle and location.

Itinerary Disclaimer

We offer several itineraries to the same trek and the itinerary varies according to the seasons, festivals and as well according to the feedback we receive from our travellers. Furthermore, while on the trail, there are several elements like the safety of our travellers, weather or any other unseen circumstances that our itinerary may get altered. In case these changes made by us to ensure your safety and successful completion of the adventure affect your schedule, it is requested to you to inform the company at the soonest possible. We are here to help you and help make your holiday a wonderful experience and in order to do that, we look for your support as well. The itinerary provided in this package is without add on of the things you can do in Nepal. There are several other activities that can be added to the itinerary depending upon availability of your time and the availability of the activity. Also, you may find holidays in more affordable investment than that of ours but that does not guarantee your safety, security and enjoyment to the optimum. We propose the price after rigorous researches made on the trails by our experts over the course of 10 years. Inclusion or exclusion of any activities from our company is at your own interest and risks.

Passport and Visas

Citizens from any country other than India require Passport and Visa to enter in Nepal. You can either make your entrance in Nepal via Air from one and only international airport or via overland from entries like Kakarbhitta, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi and many others. You are allowed to stay for 150 days in one fiscal year. The visa granted upon arrival would be multiple entry tourist visas. There are few steps to obtain tourist visas for Nepal and making payment for the visa and immigration purposes are solely your responsibility.  The process to visa is as follows:

Step 01:

• Fill in arrival card at Airport or -
• Fill in online form and submit it on  Department of Immigration and print a copy and bring along with your passport.

Step 02:

• Make payement as per the intended days of your stay
• Take a receipt of your payment

Visa Fees

15 Days – 25 USD
30 Days – 40 USD
90 Days – 100 USD

Step 03:

• Please proceed to one of the immigration officers stationed at the immigration desk along with the receipt and your documents
• Upon satisfaction and complete documentation you will be granted with visa

Note: Please bring along few copies of your passport sized photos and xerox copy of your passport. 

For visa renewal, you will have to visit the department of immigration at Kalikasthan. Before you visit the department please fill the online form for visa renewal available on Department of Immigration, submit the form and print the invoice number. Visa renewal, government taxes and visa related fine is solely the responsibility of the traveler.

Medical Health Information

You will be mostly trekking in high altitude and in thin air. Hence, all traveler travelling with Vajra Adventure require to be fit and doing physical activities on everyday basis. Also, it is very important for you to read all the information about the trip before selecting the trip and embarking on the journey. In order to do so, please consult us for choosing the right trip for you. Once the trip is chosen and in case you are not able to cope up with the team Health - It is very important for you to stay up to date with your health reports and as well inform us of any medical history that you had or have developed recently. Also, it is advised to inform us if you are taking any medication. We recommend our travelers to make your own first aid kit and carry along with yourself with all the essentials you require

Food, Accommodation & Transport

Even if you want to travel on a shoestring budget, we include food on our trek. The food inclusion on our trek is good enough to keep you full for the day without you having to break your back. Please check your package type and in case if you have booked a full board trek with us, we include any 1 item from the menu or staple meal of rice and lentils for lunch and dinner and a full nepali breakfast in the morning. Since teahouses offer nepali meals to pizzas and pies, we also at times offer trekking packages without the inclusion of food. The meals on the trek in Annapurna could cost you anywhere from USD 30 - USD 60, depending upon what you choose to have while on the trail. Just for your information, price range of certain items is mentioned as follows: All prices are in USD

• Mineral water US$1.50 to US$3.50 (boiled water available as cheaper substitute)
• Soft drinks US$2.50 to US$3.50
• Beer – can US$3.00 to US$4.50
• Beer - bottle US$4.00 to US$6.50
• Snickers chocolate bar US$1.50 to US$3.50
• Biscuits US$1.00 to US$2.50

Just in case, at most of the times in full board trek, we often include chocolate and energy bars for our trekkers. The bars remain with the guides or porters and is provided to trekkers upon need. In case of eating in Nepal, Nepal offers a great blend of cuisines from around the world. The country has to offer to people who are vegetarian and also developing to serve vegans. Eating on the street or roadside restaurant is cheaper but it is also important for you to remember that the food is Nepal is spicy. You have to be very careful eating on the street before the trek. While on the mountains, we usually have freshly prepared fresh food over frozen food. Also, we would avoid meat products to our best until you return back to Kathmandu.

Accommodation

Accommodation in the mountains are very basic as the resources has to be portered. The higher you trek, the nominal becomes the accommodation standards. Annapurna is entirely inhabited and majority of the houses constructed in the Annapurnas are made out of stone slate and cement bondings. Also, private accommodation is rare and at times you may be accommodated in dorm rooms with common bathrooms.

• Rooms

Rooms in Annapurna are basic but better than any other trekking regions in Nepal. Most of the teahouses now offer twin sharing and attached bathroom. However, in peak season you should be open to dorm rooms and shared restrooms. The beds are designed with Nepalese physique in mind. The beds are narrower in width as well as in length. You are most likely to find handmade nepalese mattress which would be a little hard for people use to sleeping in comfortable spring mattress.

• Bathroom Facilities

Bathrooms in Annapurna region are now modernized. Majority of lodges are now constructing attached bath with hot shower facilities and where there are no showers there are buckets. However, there still are lodges with asian style squat bathroom and with least facility. The least facility bathrooms are in the higher altitude teahouses.

• On Season Accommodation

It is most likely for hotels, motels and teahouses to be full in season and some tea houses are deserted in off season. At times, places like Labuche, Dingboche and Gorakshep could be completely occupied and you may have to accommodate under the tents or even in the Kitchen.

• Off Trail Accommodation

Off trail accommodation is more likely to be basic than the primary trail lodges. The rooms are more simpler, showers are replaced by bucket showers, western bathrooms are replaced by squat bathrooms and the hotels are likely to be closed in off season  

Transport

All ground transport included in the trek is responsibility of Vajra Adventure. There are 2 possible option to reach the trek put in destination. The first one is via flight and the second one is 7 hours drive to Pokhara or Lamjung and then travelling further on vehicle to the trek put in destinations. In case your package includes flying in and out of Pokhara Vajra Adventure is responsible for arranging ground transport to and from your hotel to the airport and back. In case you have booked package that includes driving to trek put in destination, it is the due responsibility of the company to arrange the vehicle to the bus/jeep station and back, along with arranging jeep/bus to and from trek put in destination. Any other transportation for personal purpose or sightseeing will not be entertained by Vajra Adventure unless the transport is included in your package. Depending upon the size of the trek, all vehicles will be tourist vehicles big enough to accommodate guests comfortably. In terms of flights, Vajra Adventure will arrange the earliest possible flights to and from Pokhara irrespective of the carrier. The reason for doing so is to avoid consequences like flight delays as the result of change in weather constantly.

Finances and money for the Trek

Please check your trekking packages for the food and accommodation included by our company. Even if you are on a full board trek, you may at times want to indulge in western drinks and comfort food which may not be included in your package. Also, you may want to tip your group leader or your porter towards the end of the trek. At times like such, personal cash comes in very handy. We advise you to have at least 250 dollars worth additional cash in hand and some of that cash as Nepali Rupee. Also while changing the money at money exchanges, do not forget to ask for notes of lower denomination.

Few things to remember:

• You need to be of age 15 and up to join this trek
• In case you are below 18 you need a letter of interest signed by your legal guardian
• You are requested to bring along your passport sized pictures, at least 2 for the company
• You need to have reserve funds of around 500 dollars
• In case of no flight on the first day, we would wait for second day to board our flight. In case of no flight on the second day, we would board a jeep to Phaplu and walk to Phakding.
• You need few additional days at the end of the trek. The days towards the end come in handy in case the flights are cancelled due to weather.

Equipment List

Equipments play significant role in your experience of trekking in Nepal. Here are few equipments that you must have to make your trek wonderful experience.

• Sleeping Bags - Sleeping bags are very vital and is a must item for treks in the Annapurna region. It is recommended to take a 4 season sleeping bag but nevertheless a 2 season or 3 season sleeping bag would as well suffice. If you have a lightweight 4 season sleeping bag, it is worth taking for your trek. In case you do not, sleeping bags can be rented from Thamel. Most of our packages are inclusive of sleeping bags.
• Rucksack/backpacks - Rucksacks and backpacks are to be carefully chosen. It is important to choose a very comfortable backpack that fits your body type and does not create friction while you walk. It is important to watch out for a very strong and comfortable waist strap that prohibits bags from moving unnecessarily. Depending upon your clothes an ideal backpack should be of 45-65 litres, whereas, a day pack should not be more than 15-20 litres.
• Boots - A happy feet gives you a happy trekking experience and hence your boots play vital role in having a wonderful experience. While choosing the shoes, please make sure you buy a lightweight, warm and waterproof trekking boot over trail running shoes. It is important to choose light weight boots with firm sole and superior grip. A firm sole grip will help you avoid ankle twists or foot related injuries.
• Down Jacket - A lightweight down jacket. It is suggested to carry it down in case you have one or else it can be rented from Kathmandu for cheap. It is recommended for Jackets to be of bright colors.  
• Down Pants or trekking pants with fleece inners - Down pants or trekking pants are unavailable for rentals and hence it can be either brought from your home country in case you have one or can be brought in Nepal
• wind/rain Jackets - Weather is constantly changing in the mountains. Rain showers are unpredictable and wind blows almost at all times. Wind jacket comes in handy specially while on the move.
• Jersey / Fleece Tops - At times the weather is very cold and the down Jacket sololy cannot keep you warm or at times when you are walking, the down jackets are impossible to wear. At times like these, fleece jersey and fleece tops come in handy.
• Shirt / Tshirt / Blouse - Shirt, tshirt of blouse should be of lycra or spandex material. It is important for your sweat to dry as quickly as possible.
• Underwear - Since water is a scarce and the weather is cold, one underwear lasts for over 2-3 days. It is advised to have around 5-6 underwear just in case. In case of sports bra, it is recommended to have 2-3.
• Thermal wear - Thermal wear may not be important if you have fleece packed. However, in case you feel extra cold, we advise you to pack thermals. Thermals require small space and are light to carry.
• Windproof/waterproof trousers - Other than down pants, you may as well include fleece pants but you must include windproof and waterproof pants. At times, you may have to walk in snowy and muddy conditions and these pants work fantastic in keeping you warm.
• Socks - It is important to pack a mixture of socks. We advise you to pack cotton mix sports socks along with light technical wool mix socks. Your feet is usually warm when you are trekking but at times like when you are resting is when you have to keep your feet warm.
• Warm Hat/Skullies
• Sun Hat
• Neck Gaiter/ Muffler
• Mittens/Gloves
• Snow Gaiters
• Towel
• Water Bottle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Torch / Flashlight
• Trekking Poles
• Raincoat
• Pack Cover
• First Aid Kit
• Water Purifier
• Money Pouch/Belt
• Toilet Paper
• Moisturiser
• Wet wipes
• Lighter
• Lip Balm
• Tampons/Sanitary Napkins
• Earplugs

Climate & Seasonal Information

There are technically 4 best seasons to trek. However, all together there are 5 seasons and all 5 seasons sees trekkers in the Annapurna region. The first is early autumn (mid september - late october). Although this season is a very pleasant season and it is this time of the year that the country goes from green vegetation to harvest colour, the global warming may result in late monsoon. Winter (mid october to december) is another season that is cold but yet fantastic. The sky's the bluest and the views are crystal clear. In the lower hills below Namche it is likely for you to sweat even in this season. However, this is the coldest time on the mountains. Spring (early april to June) is one of the most rejoiced seasons. This season is best known for cloud formation over the mountains. It sometimes showers here and there with clear view of the mountains and sky in the morning and the evenings. Walking in this season is less strenuous than others as the days are long and so the time frame to reach the destination of the day. If you love wild flower blossoms, this is an ideal time to travel. Monsoon is another season which usually begins in the middle of June but is unpredictable. Monsoon is often not one of the best seasons for trek but to avoid crowd. You are not guaranteed one of the best views and in fact the view at all. In the middle hills you are likely to be accompanied by leeches along the trails. Also, the trails become slippery making it difficult for trekkers as well as porters to walk.

Temperature

The temperature in the Annapurna  is unpredictable like its climate. In warm days, the temperature might reach upto 30-32 degree celsius in the day and in the coldest nights it may drop down to -30 degrees at night. The temperature is heavily dependent on factors like snow, rain and wind. However, the temperature average at night on Spring and Autumn could range from -9 degree celsius to - 15 degree celsius.

Group Leader and Group Travel

Once you are on the trek, the most important factor for making your trek one of its kind is your guide or your group leader. The guides assigned for your trek are highly qualified. Each of our guides are hand picked and have over 5 years of experience. They are not just trained in language and have decently fluent English but are also trained in first aid, AIMS and providing the best hospitality. The group leaders have in depth knowledge of the mountains, wildlife, culture and people of Annapurna . The guide will not only translate you from the local people but the time you are on the trek, the guide is your friend, family and your companion. Most of the treks mentioned on our website are group travel. Group travel is a way to cost cuts as well as a great way to make friends on the trail. Unless you have your own group or you have clearly communicated with us, you are likely to join a group. When trekking in a group, the group would remain like a group and walk together as well as remain together at all times. You must be in great shape and remain intact in the group at all times.

Safety

For recent updates on safety and security of Nepal, please visit your respective embassy website. However, Kathmandu and Nepal is safer than any western cities and town and criminal activities are almost alien. Not to forget, Nepal and its cities are sprawling and becoming tourist hubs and the crime rate is certainly to be rising. The nightlife in Kathmandu is on the rise and taking a taxi, cycling or walking on the street even at the middle of the night is not a problem till this day. On the trek, violent crime is unknown but reports of theft of bags and merchandise is on the rise. It is usually cell phones and cameras that are reported lost and usually in prime trekking seasons in busiest teahouses and stop over places. For your own safety, it is advised not to flaunt your expensive gears, cameras and even money in the public. We at Vajra Adventure try our level best to avoid crowded teahouses to our best.

Travel Insurance

Your safety and security is our utmost priority. Although we work on zero rescue policy, meaning airlifting no traveler, we cannot undermine the power of nature. It is your responsibility to buy right insurance before venturing to the mountain of Nepal and adventuring in the thin air. Depending upon the trek of your choice in the Annapurna  and the elevation you are trekking to, it is advised to get the right kind of insurance that not only covers your medical expenses but also your medical evacuation if in case required.

Responsible Travel

From the time when trekking evolved in the Annapurna  and until this day, it is often debated that the environment of Annapurna  has been degraded. In order to protect the mother nature and pass the environment to the generation to come, we practice responsible travel. In order to do so we practice responsible travel ethics which we would as well like to abide our guest by.

• Litter
• Mineral Water consumption
• Disposal of waste
• Use of Toilet
• Disposing Toilet paper
• Polluting water sources
• Fuel Conservation
• Damaging of biodiversity
• Dressing responsibility
• Respect Privacy
• Don't flaunt
• Respect customs and religion practices
• Respect traditions
• Don’t bargain
• Don’t promote begging

Our Charity

We are socially responsible trekking company and as a part of our corporate social responsibility we have been taking care of 3 orphanages in Kathmandu and help people in need through our non for profit making organization Volunteer for Nepal. The charitable organization was established in 2015 and after the great earthquake. Until today’s date, our charitable organization has already helped people with 350+ temporary shelters, 1 primary schools and immediate relief for over 5000 earthquake and flood victims. We allocate funds from each travel we conduct and we donate generated funds to one of 3 orphanages we look after in 3 different locations of Kathmandu. The fund donated helps the orphanage with everyday operations, school fees, school dress, books and stationeries and most importantly their medication, hygiene and food. Depending upon the interest of the trekkers, we either privately donate the funds to the orphanages or we let our travellers as well visit the orphanage and meet the kids. Please let us know if you wish to visit the orphanages and the children who you made a difference to and we will plan the visit accordingly!