The Gokyo Lake Trek is a hiking adventure for trekkers who love to see lakes, glaciers, and great views. You can reach Gokyo Lake without walking up to the Everest Base Camp.
The Gokyo Lake Trek is a captivating 12-day adventure that showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of the Everest region in Nepal. Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas, the Gokyo Lakes lie at an elevation of 4,750 meters, offering a captivating vista of majestic peaks like Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Pumori, and Ama Dablam. The Gokyo lakes trek is a moderately difficult challenge, culminating in the ascent of Gokio ri, a vantage point that rewards climbers with an unparalleled panoramic view of the Gokyo Lakes and the surrounding peaks. The trek itinerary includes essential stops at Namche, Dole (4038 m), Machhermo (4470 m), and culminates in reaching Gokyo valley (4,750 m) before conquering the climb to Gokyo Ri for an awe-inspiring panoramic view. En route, trekkers traverse the Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas, and behold the remarkable Ngozumpa Tse Peak.
For trek enthusiasts, climbing Gokyo Ri is a highlight of the journey. The climb to the summit of Gokyo Ri typically takes about 2 to 3 hours from Gokyo Nepal. It's a challenging ascent due to the high altitude and steep terrain, making it moderately difficult. The Gokyo lake trekking usually covers a distance of approximately 70 to 75 miles (112 to 120 kilometers) round trip, depending on the specific route taken. The cost of the Gokyo Lake Trek can range from USD 1,075 to USD 2,400 per person. The best time to trek Gokyo lakes is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is favorable, offering clear skies and stunning views of the surrounding peaks and lakes. This trek is a hidden gem, blending the renowned Everest Base Camp experience with the tranquility of the Gokyo Lakes, providing a truly unforgettable adventure for trekking enthusiasts.
To the Gokyo Lake Trek, there are alternative routes that offer varied experiences for trekkers in the Everest region of Nepal. One popular option is the Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek, which combines the beauty of Gokyo with the thrill of crossing Renjo La pass. This route diverges from the main trail, providing a less crowded and equally scenic path to Gokyo. Trekkers can relish the stunning views of the Everest massif, Gokyo Lakes, and surrounding peaks while traversing the Renjo La pass, adding an adventurous element to the journey. Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek, The ebc and Gokyo lakes trek is a comprehensive journey that showcases the best of both worlds: the iconic Everest Base Camp and the tranquil Gokyo Lakes. This trek offers a blend of adventure and serenity as it leads trekkers through the majestic landscapes of the Khumbu region, providing breathtaking views of towering peaks and pristine alpine lakes.
For those seeking a shorter but rewarding trek, the Short Everest Base Camp Trek is an excellent choice. This route offers a condensed version of the classic trek, allowing trekkers to experience the highlights of the Everest region in a shorter time frame. While the trek covers essential attractions like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, it takes a more direct path to Everest Base Camp, making it a suitable option for those with time constraints or seeking a faster-paced adventure.
Each of these alternative routes provides a unique perspective of the stunning landscapes and majestic peaks of the Everest region, catering to the diverse preferences and time commitments of trekkers. Whether opting for the classic Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake, the adventurous Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek, or the efficient Everest Base Camp Short Trek, all options promise a remarkable trekking experience amidst the Himalayan grandeur.
Northern Trekking Team warmly welcomes you in this land of Himalayas, Nepal. We will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and drive you to the hotel in Thamel.
You will be introduced to the guide or trek leader who will be with you throughout your adventure period—10 days trek. He will brief you about the trip and will dictate with essential things to bring for the trek.
If time permits, you can roam around the streets of Thamel and enjoy this touristic destination of Nepal.
Well, trekking begins from today but prior to that, we have to reach Lukla (2,860m-9383ft). It is a starting point of our trek. We get in Lukla by air. It is a scenic flight of 35 minutes. Built by Sir Edmund Hillary, the airport in Lukla—Tenzing-Hillary Airport—is one of the most dangerous airstrips in the world. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa were the first to scale Mt. Everest in 1953.
After arranging porters in Lukla, Witnessing traditional Nepali cultures and the lifestyle of hilly people, we proceed toward Phakding (2,643m-8671ft).
We head toward Namche Bazaar ((3,440m-11286ft)—the biggest commercial hub of the entire Khumbu region, after breakfast. Walk today is not easy as it was yesterday but the uphill climb will reward you with scenic beauty. As we proceed, we will be walking along the bank of the Dudh Koshi river. The 5 suspension bridges that you witness from a distance will make your mood. I bet you will not miss this moment to capture forever!
If weather permits, you will also get a distant view of a couple of peaks—Khumbila (5,761m-18900ft), Kusum Kangroo (6,369m-20895ft), Thamserku (6,608m-21679ft), and Mt Everest (8,849m-29032ft)—while on the way to Namche.
Normally, it takes seven hours to get to Namche Bazaar from Phakding.
The beauty of this hike—Everest View —begins from today. Yes, we will take you to Everest View Hotel (3,880m-12729ft) on this rest day. On this walk of nearly two hours, the first half is a steep climb and the second is flat.
We will sit in the hotel and enjoy coffee with the heart capturing a view of Mt. Everest ahead. This is the essence of this trip.
We now proceed toward Khumjung (3,790m-12434ft). It is a small settlement and Sherpa are the natives of this village. The monastery called Khumjung is the major attraction of this place. You can observe the Yeti scalp here. After spending nearly an hour here, we will get back to Namche Bazaar where we will be visiting a couple of monasteries and the Sherpa museum.
It is going to be an interesting walk as we will be following an uphill trail followed by a downhill to reach the Dudh Koshi river. We head toward the north from here, Dudh Koshi river. We arrive at Mongla (3,980m-13057ft). It is the birthplace of Lama Sange Dorjee who is regarded as the reincarnation of a Lama from Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet. He is the one who spread Buddhism in this part of the globe, the Khumbu region. A few hours of walk from Mongla will bring us to Phortse Thanga (3,680m-12073ft).
It takes nearly six hours to reach Machhermo ((4,470m-14665ft) from Phortse Thanga. We will reach here penetrating through the dense forest of rhododendron. The waterfall near Dole (4,040m-13254ft) village is beautiful. We will pass a few more villages—Dhole, Lafarma, and Luza—to arrive at Machhermo.
The fact behind Gokyo is that you will witness the beauty of three blue lakes. The view of Kangtaiga (6,782m-22250ft), Thamserku (6,608m-21679ft), and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,153m-26748ft) will further trigger your excitement.
We cross all three lakes—Longpongo Lake, Taboche Tsho, and Dudh Pokhari (Milk Pond) to get to the village of Gokyo.
The valley goes on widening as we reach Pangkha. Following descending riverbank trail for a few hours will get us at Ngazumpa Glacier but prior to reaching here, we need to climb as well. Crossing the iron bridge and observing silent Longpongo lake, we reach a place where you will see footprints of Lama on a stone. Similarly, the further walk will take us to another lake— Taboche Tsho.
On this day of acclimatization, we will lead you to several places that will open out the beauty of the Khumbu region. The spectacular views of the Himalayas from Gokyo Ri (5,357m-17575ft) is heart capturing. You will also visit the fourth Gokyo Lake. The key attractions of the site are Mt. Cho-Oyu (8,188m-26863ft), Gyachung Kang (7,952m-26089ft), along Ngozumba Glacier.
We go down on a trail along the Dudh Koshi River and pass the first Gokyo lakes. On the way, we also adore views of the Cholatse (6,440m-21128ft) and Taboche (6,495m-21309ft) peaks. Our trail descends before climbing a high ground. After reaching the Chorten, we can see great views of Thamserku ((6,608m-21679ft), Cho Oyu (8,188m-26863ft), and Kangtega (6,782m-22250ft) mountains. We walk past Machhermo (4,470m-14665ft), Luza, and Lafarma villages before reaching Dole.
We go down on a steep trail to Phortse Thanga. On the way, we will see rhododendrons and waterfalls. We also come across mountain goats, musk deer, and pheasants. After reaching Mong dada we can get a good view of Khumbila peak. On our way to Namche, the view of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega mountains are ours to commend. We walk on a trail that holds on to a forested by Kyangjuma, turning through several angles. After reaching Namche Sherpa Museum hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche for one last time. About a minute from here in Namche Bazaar.
Leaving the beauty of Khumbu behind, we proceed ahead to get to Lukla. We will be walking for nearly seven hours to arrive in Lukla and here ends our trip to Gokyo Lake Trek.
We will try to catch the first flight to Kathmandu and this will get us in the capital by 8 am. From the airport, we will escort you to the hotel. You will have ample time to roam around Kathmandu.
In the evening we, Northern Trekking team, will offer you dinner. We want you to share your experience along with feedback on the trip so that we can improve ourselves.
For everyone who will plan to Trek in Nepal, it is highly recommended that you get travel insurance that covers added expenses that might result due to various health issues, injuries or accidents (together with the ambulance, helicopter rescue, and other treatment costs). Your insurance policy should cover up the entire activities that you are planning to accomplish throughout your stay in Nepal.
In addition to this, the policy should also cover death, misplaced luggage, theft and liability, cancellations, medical treatment (counting hospital charges, cost of the medicine, doctor’s fees) as well as repatriation cost. Also, this trekking trail in Nepal takes you of 5,000 m above the altitude, therefore, you also need to ensure that your insurance policy covers treks that go over 5,000 m.
We suggested that you buy your insurance policy from your home country before joining with us, where it is difficult buying a local travel insurance policy for foreigners in Nepal.
While you’re in Kathmandu, your accommodation is at a standard hotel (Arrival time and departure time). Your accommodation is at best local Lodge and Guest Houses where available. The Mountain local Lodges are clean and have comfortable beds. The Lodges are fairly basic and the room is spare with twin beds. Blankets are generally provided. There is a large dining hall and warmed fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted.
Eating is a big part of the Holiday. Traveling with Northern Trekking Team, you experience the vast array of wonderful Nepalese food, Italian, Thai, Chinese, and several local foods. While on the trek it will be on full board all 3 times meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, with Tea/Coffee) included in the package. Your guide will suggest delicious, hygienic special food during your trips. Generally, choose menu items are Nepalese meals (Dal Bhat), Tibetan fried bread, various types of soups, Momo’s (steamed dumplings), boiled and fried potatoes, kinds of pasta and even pizza. So, overall you have a different choice of foods on the trek. During this trek, you will usually have breakfast and dinner at the same guest house.
You should book the service at least 15 days before the trek departure date. After you confirm your trip with us, you should be transferring us a photocopy of your passport or your personal information. The personal information you have to provide us your first name, middle name, and last name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and gender. Importantly, you need to pay 20% of the total price in advance for the domestic flight tickets and hotel booking and permit process. You can pay the remaining balance before you start the trek.
Generally, in the Everest region have to use Twin Otter and Dornier primary modes of transport to and from the airstrip. Since you are trekking in the geographically as well as climate-wise the most difficult part of the world, it is natural that flights get canceled. Mountain weather conditions or technical issues are something we cannot predict. In case of cancellation of flights, we can hire a helicopter for you to maintain your schedule. Helicopter facility can only be provided if our clients agree to pay the extra charges. Unwanted to say, the helicopter takes 4 to 6 passengers at a time and the cost can be shared amongst the passengers. We would like to repeat it that in case the helicopter service is required, the trekkers must pay the cost. We can help you prepare documents you need to submit to the travel insurance company for the reimbursement. Please be informed that the Twin Otter and Dornier aircraft allow only 15kgs as the weight limit. This weight is equal to 33 Pounds. This weight includes both your duffel bag and daypack. This means you need to pack and prepare your luggage wisely. We suggest you not to exceed the limit to avoid an additional cost of USD 2 to USD 5 per kg.
How much money or cash you should be bringing with you depends on how you do the trip and the number of days you want to spend here in Nepal. Much also depends on your spending habits. Generally, you must have to take10 to 15 USD for spending your expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, snacks, camera, and mobile battery charging. How much you will be spending during your trekking depends on the standard of the package you have purchased.
Our guides are fully trained and licensed from Nepal Government Tourism Department, certified by TAAN & Nepal Mountaineering Association.
All our Trekking Guides are professional with decades of experience in this field of adventure. They are trained specially for specified and various trips, to cater the flexible requirement of our clients from different nationalities, this will assure you that your trip will be enjoyable and in safe hands of professional experts.
On every trip, will be one Trek leader and an assistance leader on each additional 7 peoples in the group on treks, this arrangement would ensure that even if any of our guide/ assistance guides gets sick or clients may get sick and need to be evacuated or staying behind from the walks, it wills still works smoothly and there would non-impact with our original trek plan.
Every 7 trekkers will have one Sherpa helper for carrying your trekking bags.
Our porter is fully strong, helpful and friendly. Their salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation, and Insurance on each trip with us. As you know that we are very trustworthy and polite, while on trek thus we make sure that our porter is fully prepared for the trip. We are closely working with the International Porter Progress Association for the welfare and benefit for trekking porters.
The maximum load carried by our porter minimum 20 to 25 KG maximum so be sure that your trekking bag is not more than the above figure.
This is a high altitude journey and elevation starts from low 2,860 m to 5,375 m high, where symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) might occur due to dry air, cold wind, and less oxygen. Generally, The Gokyo Lake trip one needs to be in good physical with sound health to avoid other medical complication on the route the journey, just follow our guide he will advise and suggestion which keeps and makes you feel secure to enjoy this fabulous adventure with us.
Three best seasons for the trek to Gokyo Lake. Generally, the main trails are having with trekkers in the two regions, we suggest you join in at the right time of the year as far as possible.
The main flow of foreign visitors in Nepal is for trekking from moderate to adventurous or challenging treks, the most important is choosing the right trip as per your duration of holiday and fitness, for Gokyo Himalayan trekking adventure one needs to be in sound health and physically fit.
On booking with our preparation of fitness required like walking-jogging-Jumba-aerobic at least fifteen days before your departure from the home country.
Please send us your dietary list and medical history report so that we can arrange well in advance respectively. Book the ticket from home for Kathmandu,Nepal to reach at least two days ahead and earlier from trek departure with much space in Kathmandu after the trek, this allows you with more time in Nepal to enjoy the culture and heritage sites of Nepal and also in case of flight delay (Kathmandu-Lukla and Lukla-Kathmandu) which can happen sometimes due to bad and unfavorable weather.
If you are thinking of taking a visa at the airport or immigration entry point, the following are your requirements:
When a foreigner has to get down at Nepalese airport as a result of his/her transit point or due to any force landing for whatever the reason, the foreigner can obtain a transit visa for a day after paying USD 5 or any other currency equivalent.
JayArghhh | Canada | On 11th Nov, 2022
1 Excellent
Highly recommend. Mingmar provided an amazing experience, great guidance and took great care of our whole group. I did the Everest basecamp trek through the Chola pass to see the Gokyo Lakes.
Sacha P | Netherlands Antilles | On 11th Nov, 2022
5 - Excellent
We wanted adventure, and we got it! But we also wanted it to be safe and enjoyable, and Mingmar made it so! Trekking with my family to Gokyo Ri, across Chola Pass en Everest Base Camp was great. Mingmar and his team got us there and back. Climbing a real mountain was my lifelong wish and Mingmar was there to cheer me to the top.
Mingmar was our guide, but became our friend.
marijanne765 | Netherlands Antilles | On 11th Nov, 2022
1 Excellent
Mingmar is very flexible. He did everything we asked and more. We changed our schedule during the trek and he advised how we could best continue. The whole trek was amazing.
F117stealth | Romania | On 11th Nov, 2022
1 Excellent
Well, the trip was perfect, we were lucky with the weather window but also with the organizer and its team.
We did in 11 days the following: Namche, Dole, Gokyo - Gokyo RI, Dragnang, Cho la Pass, Lobouche, Gorak shep, EBC, Kalla Pattar, Dingboche, Chukung, Island Peak and back to Lukla, more than 160km in Sagarmatha national park. Read More
Kevin N | Germany | On 4th Nov, 2023
1 Excellent
5 stars for Mingmar and his Northern Trekking Team! Everything works well, from the pick up at the airport, over the stay in the hotel and the trek itself. I've done the EBC Chola Gokyo Trek and he knows nearly everybody on the way, what shows, that it's really his second home. Because of this you feel safe and well guided at every moment. He took care of me, as I got a bit problems with the altitude and we discuss the different opportunities for the next days, but in the end we could do the trek like planned. Everything was well planned and if there was something critical, he found a solution. You feel that he's doing it with heart and very personally and not only for money. That's not often given in the trekking business!
In the end I would book again at Northern Trekking Team! :)
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