Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
Many travelers believe that an Everest journey is incomplete without an excursion to Gokyo. Though Mt. Everest is a relatively distant summit from Gokyo, the mountain vista from here is just as breathtaking, and the natural splendor of the area with its glistening blue lakes is equivalent to, if not superior to, that along the main trail.
This is a superb vacation that allows you to visit all of the key attractions in the Khumbu region. The Gokyo lake, Gokyo Ri, which offers a panoramic perspective of the highest Himalayas, offers the most spectacular vista of the surrounding glaciers. The 14-day journey through the world's tallest mountain region allows you to discover the riches of the Everest Region. The itinerary begins with the Everest Region sights of Namche Bazaar, Sherpa Culture, Buddhist Monasteries, and Himalayan flora and fauna. In addition, the walk includes Ngozumba Glacier - the largest of its kind in the Nepal Himalayas, Gokyo valley - renowned for a series of turquoise mountain lakes, and Gokyo Ri - one of the most renowned vantage spots in Everest Region. This journey is ideal for people who like to enjoy the majesty of the Everest range without enduring an excessive amount of physical strain.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Highlights
The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is a captivating journey that takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Everest region, with a unique focus on the picturesque Gokyo Lakes. This trek offers a less crowded alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek while providing equally breathtaking views and cultural experiences. Here are some highlights of the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek.
Gokyo Lakes: The primary highlight of this trek is the series of glacial lakes in the Gokyo Valley, including the turquoise Gokyo Lake, Dudh Pokhari, and others. The beauty of these pristine lakes against the backdrop of towering peaks is truly mesmerizing.
Scenic Mountain Views: The trek offers exceptional panoramic views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and many others. Gokyo Ri, a popular viewpoint, provides one of the best views of Everest and its neighboring giants.
Renjo La Pass: The trek involves crossing the Renjo La Pass, which offers breathtaking views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and other surrounding peaks. The pass is less crowded than some others in the region, making it a serene vantage point.
Unique Cultural Experiences: Along the trek, you'll have the opportunity to visit Sherpa villages, interact with locals, and experience their culture and traditions. You can explore monasteries, chortens, and immerse yourself in the local way of life.
Vibrant Flora and Fauna: The landscapes are dotted with colorful rhododendron forests, pine forests, and alpine meadows. You might also spot wildlife like the Himalayan thar, pheasants, and perhaps even the elusive snow leopard.
Ngozumpa Glacier: Witness the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas. Its rugged beauty and ice formations add a unique element to the trek.
Gokyo Ri Sunrise: Ascend Gokyo Ri early in the morning to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas. The changing colors of the peaks as the sun rises are a sight to behold.
Less Crowded Trail: Compared to the Everest Base Camp route, the Gokyo Lake Trek is generally less crowded, providing a more tranquil and serene trekking experience.
Lodges and Teahouses: Along the trail, you'll find comfortable lodges and teahouses for accommodation. This offers an opportunity to connect with fellow trekkers and unwind after a day's trek.
The Best time for Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
The best time for the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. These months offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience. Here's why these seasons are recommended.
Pre-Monsoon (Spring) Season (March to May):
Stable Weather: Spring is one of the most popular trekking seasons in Nepal. The weather is generally stable, with clear skies, minimal rainfall, and pleasant temperatures during the day.
Blooming Flora: The rhododendron forests and other vegetation come to life with vibrant blooms, creating a colorful and picturesque backdrop for your trek.
Clear Mountain Views: The clear skies offer excellent visibility, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and others.
Moderate Temperatures: Temperatures are mild and comfortable during the day, making it enjoyable for trekking without extreme cold.
Post-Monsoon (Autumn) Season (September to November):
Stable Weather: Autumn is considered the best trekking season in Nepal. The weather is stable, with clear skies, minimal rainfall, and comfortable temperatures during the day.
Excellent Visibility: The clear skies provide exceptional visibility, allowing trekkers to enjoy unobstructed views of the mountains and the surrounding landscapes.
Festivals and Local Life: This season is also a time of festivals and celebrations in Nepal, adding cultural experiences to your trek. The local communities are active, and you'll have opportunities to engage with locals and learn about their traditions.
Moderate Temperatures: Similar to spring, temperatures are mild and pleasant, providing comfortable trekking conditions.
Both of these seasons provide an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek. Keep in mind that the weather conditions can be unpredictable at higher altitudes, so it's important to be prepared with proper gear, clothing, and acclimatization. The trek involves ascending to high altitudes, so it's recommended to have a good level of physical fitness
Duration : 14 days | Activity : Trekking/Hiking | Trip Date : Flexible |
Private Trip : Available | Group Trip : Available | Stay : Tea House/ Hotel |
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu.
Our agent will transfer you to the hotel from the airport. Hotel check-in followed by sightseeing tour. Spend the night in Kathmandu
Day 2 - Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour.
Day 3 - Kathmandu - Lukla (2,800m) - Phakding (2,652m): 3 - 4 hrs
Day 4 - Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440m): 5 - 6 hrs
Day 5 - Acclimatization Day
Day 6 - Namche Bazzar - Phorse Village (3,810m): 5 - 6 hrs
Day 7 - Phorse to Machhermo (4,470m): five to six hours
Day 8 - Machhermo - Gokyo (4,720m): 4 - 5 hrs
Day 9 - Gokyo - Gokyo Ri (5,357m) - 5 - 6 hrs
Day 10 - Gokyo to Dole: 3 - 4 hrs
Day 11 - Dole - Namche: 4 - 5 hrs
Day 12 - Namche Bazaar - Lukla: 6 - 8 hrs
Day 13 - Return Flight to Kathmandu
Day 14 - Departure from Nepal
Include/Exclude
Price Includes
- All necessary ground transfers.
- All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
- Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
- Strong, helpful porters.
- Comprehensive medical supplies.
- Trekking map.
- Insurance of all local team.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
- Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
- Trekking certificate issued by us.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee.
- International flights.
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal expenses not stipulated.
- Optional add-ons.
- Gratuities.
Guest Reviews
Lisa G
My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal - starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn't been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).
This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.
Aussie Couple
Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.