Highlight:
⇒ Most scenic and rewarding trekking adventure in the Everest region with less crowed.
⇒ Gakyo lakes, the world’s highest freshwater lake system at an altitude of 4,700 -5,000 meters.
⇒Gokyo Ri (5,357m), point for panoramic views of peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
⇒ Witness the largest glacier in the mountains, Ngozumpa glacier.
⇒ Sherpa villages and their cultures.
⇒ UNESCO world heritage site, Sagarmatha National Park.
⇒ Breathtaking valleys and mountain wildlife.
⇒ Spiritual Monasteries, prayer flags, Mani walls, and stupas.
⇒ Tea house culture and hospitality
⇒ Rich Buddhist traditions
⇒ Sunset and sunrise view from Gokyo Ri
⇒ Trek through lush alpine meadows, vibrant landscapes and blooming Rhododendron and wildflowers.
Overview
The Gokyo lake trek is a stunning Himalayan adventure that takes you to the heart of Everest region, offering an alternative to the Everest Base camp trek. Gokyo lakes is a group of high altitude glacial lakes situated at an elevation of around 4,700 to 5,000 meters. These lakes are not only a natural wonder but also holds significant religious importance among Hindus and Buddhist.
This trek offers a visit to Ngozumpa glacier which is the longest glacier in the Himalayas. The emerald blue waters of the lakes surrounded by towering snow capped peaks, create a breathtaking and tranquil atmosphere making it the highlight of the Gokyo lake trek. With this a climb to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) rewards trekkers with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Gokyo lake trek is an extraordinary trail that allows you to explore the unseen side of Everest region. This trek also provides an opportunity to explore traditional and historic Sherpa villages. This trail passes through Phakding, Namche Bazar, and continues to the Gokyo valley and Gokyo lakes. Throughout the trek, you will get an opportunity to explore Sherpa and Buddhist lifestyle of locals, old historic monasteries, stupa’s decorated with prayers flag and wheels. Passing through these villages’ trekkers can experience local people warm hospitality and welcoming nature. Moreover, a visit in Sherpa villages offers authentic opportunity to gain insight into the lives of these legendary mountain climbers.
This trail offers an opportunity to explore diverse forest ecosystem of the khumbu region. As trekkers begin on this trail, the trail gradually ascends through varied landscape starting from lush deciduous forests, passing through alpine forests and eventually reaching high altitude terrain offering trekkers the chance to observe diverse flora, fauna and changing vegetation.
This trek lasts for 10 days, and it is beginner friendly with easy to moderate route as compared to other treks. This trek starts from flying to Lukla from Kathmandu and ends in Kathmandu. This trek is perfect for those seeking peaceful, more scenic experience in everest region.
Benefits
♦ The Gokyo Lakes trek offers trekkers an alternative to explore diverse terrain and engage with local communities, gaining insights into their way of life.
♦ With a moderate physical challenge, the trek improves fitness, builds stamina, and enhances mental resilience.
♦ The serene surroundings and sacred Gokyo Lakes provide a spiritual experience, making it an enriching journey for nature lovers and those on a path of self-discovery.
Cost:
The cost may vary depending on several factors such as duration of the stay, preference of accommodation and services. Here is a simple sample packages:
| Packages | Rates | Remarks |
| Single person | USD 1050 | |
| 2 to 3 person | USD 1000 | |
| 3 to 5 person | USD 950 | |
| 5 to 10 person | USD 900 |
Every group size are welcomed. Packages can be customized according to your preference. For further inquiry please contact Trek Rai King Nepal Treks and Expedition.
Itinerary:
This trek lasts for 10 days.
- Arrival Kathmandu 1350m, welcome program by Trek Rai King Nepal Treks & Expedition, transfer to hotel and preparation for the trek
- Day(1) Flight to Lukla from kathmandu or Ramechhap, and trek to phakding 2610m, 3/4 hrs
- Day(2) Trek to Namche Bazzar 3440m, 6/7 hrs
- Day(3) Namche Bazzar acclimatizing day hike up to Everest view hotel 3880m, and back to hotel Namche 3440m, 4/5 hrs
- Day(4) Trek to Dole 4110m, 5/6 hrs
- Day(5) Trek to Machherma 4470m, 4/5 hrs
- Day(6) Trek to Gokyo lakes 4790m, 4/5 hrs and hiking around the lakes
- Day(7) Early in the morning hike up to Gokyo-Ri 5360m, back to hotel and trek to Machherma 4470m, 7/8 hrs
- Day(8) Trek to Namche Bazzar 3440m, 6/7 hrs
- Day(9) Trek to Lukla 2840m, 7/8 hrs
- Day(10) Flight to Kathmandu or Ramechhap from Lukla, transfer to hotel and farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant.
Cost Excludes:
√ pickup from Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel
√ 1 night hotel in kathmandu on standard hotel
√ Flight ticket to Lukla from kathmandu or Ramechhap airport and flight ticket to Kathmandu or Ramechhap from Lukla including airport transfer
√ All permits such a national park, Tim’s card, and local permits
√ All accommodations during the trek
√ There meals, BLD, breakfast, lunch, dinner during the trek
√ Fresh fruits everyday after dinner
√ Purified drinking water, water purification
√ Duffle bag (Return after completing the trek)
√ Staff insurance, well paid salary, equipment, foods and hotel stay
√ Company T-shirt
√ Assistant guide from 5 person
√ Porter services from 2 person who can carry maximum 25 kg
√ First Aid kit, fingertip pulse oximeter
√ Certificate of achievement
√ Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant after the trek
√An airport transfer service for your final departure
Cost Excludes:
- International airfare, Nepal visa fee, and any kinds of insurance for your self,
- Lunch dinner and extra nights accommodation in Kathmandu
- If you alone and need porter to carry your bag extra $20 per day, who can carry maximum 25 kg
- Extra expense during the trek such as hot drink, extra meals, all kinds of electric charging, Wifi data, upgraded accommodation etc
- Tip for staff ( it’s expected)
Departure dates:
Departure dates are usually scheduled in autumn and spring for this trek as these seasons offers the best environment for trekking.
- Spring season departure: March to May
- Autumn season departure: September to November
These are the most popular times to trek as the weather is relatively stable, the skies are clear and temperature is moderate. Trekkers can settle on the pre scheduled dates or alternatively, custom your date that suits your schedule. For further inquiry please connect with Trek Rai King Nepal Treks and Expedition.
Useful information:
This trek is considered as easy to moderate level trek. It is important to focus on acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Packing lightly but wisely is the key so bring only essential items. Be prepared for potential delays as this trek is highly weather dependent. Here is a list of essentials for this trek:
- Clothing
-
- Layered clothing
- Down jacket and thermals
- Trekking pants
- Head wear
- Footwear
- Gloves and socks
- Trekking gears:
-
- Trekking bags
- Dry bags
- Sleeping bags
- Trekking poles
- Headlamps
- Maps and guidebooks
- Tents
- Accessories
-
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
- First aid kit
- Snacks
- Cash
- Essential documents and permits
- Miscellaneous
Food and Accommodation:
Generally, for food and accommodation this trek highly depends on tea houses and lodges runned by locals. These tea houses and lodges are basic yet comfortable.
For food breakfast typically includes options like toast with jams, bread, pancakes and porridge served with hot beverages like tea, coffee.
For lunch common choice include dal bhat i.e lentil soup with rice and vegetable, momo,noodles, soups,and fried rice etc are offered. Similar to lunch dinner are served with same dishes. Vegetarian meals are widely available as most of the trekkers prefer plant based diet. Food prices increases as you ascend particularly at higher altitude.
Accommodation are generally a tea house along the trail. These tea houses offers basic yet comfortable rooms with simple beds and blankets. You can get both shared or private rooms but you need to pay an additional charge for private ones. These teahouses provide limited electricity and WiFi specially in higher altitudes. Charging devices can cost you limited amount. It would be better option to bring some extra snacks and personal comfort items as options can be limited.
Best time and information of this trek:
Spring and Autumn both of these seasons are ideal season and offers the best balance of clear weather, comfortable temperatures, and good trekking conditions. As winter can be cold with heavy snowfall and monsoon brings frequent rain, making trails slippery and potentially dangerous trek during these seasons is not recommended.
The beauty of this trek lies in its views and experiences. Take your time to enjoy the serene landscapes and immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy authentic hospitality. Begin trekking early to enjoy clear morning views. Weather and altitude can affect on plans so be open to adjust. Proper preparation will make your trek safer more enjoyable and memorable.