Gokyo Lakes Trek is a remarkable journey through the heart of the Everest region in Nepal, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and serene alpine lakes. This trek offers a captivating alternative to the more popular Everest Base Camp Trek route, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Himalayas while still experiencing the region’s breathtaking landscapes.
We board a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the entry point for Everest region trekking and trek to Namche. From Namche we take a different trail, then the regular Everest Base Camp Trekking. The trail meanders through lush rhododendron forests, picturesque Sherpa villages, and dramatic mountain passes, offering unparalleled views of towering peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.
The highlight of the Gokyo Lakes trek is undoubtedly the series of shimmering turquoise lakes nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Gokyo Valley. Trekkers are treated to mesmerizing vistas of these glacial lakes, each reflecting the surrounding mountains in a kaleidoscope of colors. The stunning scenery and peaceful ambiance make these lakes an ideal spot for reflection and relaxation.
As the trek continues, adventurers have the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri, a panoramic viewpoint that offers one of the most breathtaking vistas in the Everest region. From the summit, trekkers can marvel at a 360-degree panorama of the entire Everest massif, including Everest itself, as well as neighboring peaks and glaciers stretching as far as the eye can see. This trek is for those who want to trek in Everest region spending fewer nights in high altitude and with variety of views.
On arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, a representative from Eve Holidays will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. You’ll have rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
We fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2,800m), and set off on the first leg of our trek, heading northwards up the valley of the DudhKosi. We descend from the small plateau, down into the forested valley. The trail offers some tantalising views before reaching the small settlement of Phakding (2,652m), where we spend our first night.
Overnight: Lodge in Phakding
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Phakding, we cross through suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve the fragile mountain environment. You then take a steep hike to Namche. If the weather is clear, you get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market, a meeting place for the traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.
Overnight: Lodge in Namche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche. To acclimatize, you can do a strenuous day walk to a higher altitude, coming back down to Namche for sleep.
Overnight: Lodge in Namche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, the trail climbs steeply out of valley through rhododendron forest, juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making trekking beautiful in spring. The trail passes through Yak Kharka and summer settlements. The views of Khumbi La and Tawache are magnificent throughout the day.
Overnight: Lodge in Phortse Thenga
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kangtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. We reach at Machherma by early noon.
Overnight: Lodge in Machhermo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today the trek takes us at one of our final destination, Gokyo. We will make this camp our base for 2 nights as we will have couple of hiking and sightseeing trips around Gokyo.
Overnight: Lodge in Gokyo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We spend this day in Gokyo strolling around the lake and hike north to other sacred lakes and return back to Gokyo for night stay.
Overnight: Lodge in Gokyo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gokyo Ri is the highlight of the Gokyo valley Trek and is an epic vantage point for the mountain views. We start the climb early in the morning. The path to the peak crosses the stream at the north end of the village and climbs for two hours to a cat’s cradle of prayer flags at the top of the hill. From the summit, there are panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche, with the Ngozumpa Glacier cutting across in front like a massive tear in the landscape. We walk down to Goky for the night stay.
Overnight: in Gokyo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following the same trail down, we make a descent to Dole.
Overnight: Tea house in Dole
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend to Namche Bazaar via typical Sherpa village of Khumjung. Leaving the mountains behind our descent continues back to the town of Namche Bazaar.
Overnight: Lodge in Namche
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Koshi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the Sherpa guides and porters, where you can sample some chang (home made wine), try Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable trekking experience.
Overnight: Lodge in Lukla
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning you take off from Lukla airstrip for a spectacular mountain flight back to Kathmandu. After being met at the domestic airport terminal and transferred to your hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore this wonderful city; shopping for souvenirs, trying out the various restaurants in Thamel or simply relaxing.
You spend the last evening in Kathmandu in a farewell dinner together sharing photos recalling the excitements of trip and exchanging emails enjoying the cultural dance program in one of the traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Overnight:4 Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Today after breakfast you are in leisure on your own. You will be escorted to airport for your flight home at your flight time.
Included Meals: Breakfast
NOTICE:
The Government of Nepal has announced an issue for the flight operation to Lukla. Most of the flights to Lukla will commence from Ramechhap until further notice to avoid the heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport. The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 5 hours drive). Flight to Lukla from Ramechhap airport is almost guaranteed unless the flight is canceled due to bad weather conditions. Such cancellations can occur even in the best time of the year, so please be well informed about the alternatives to Lukla flight cancellations.
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In Kathmandu, you will stay in 4 Star Hotels with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, you stay in teahouses/lodges that generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. Accommodation are on a twin sharing basis. The accommodation in lodges in trekking routes can be single and double rooms, or a dormitory. The toilets in tea houses provide essential and basic facilities and are always outside the room. Single supplement will be provided on request and will cost an additional and depend upon availability. Although single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation, it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations. Hotels in Kathmandu can be upgraded to 5 star in an additional cost.
In Kathmandu breakfast, welcome dinner and farewell dinner are provided. While on trekking, we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. Usually, each day dinner and breakfast will be at teahouses/lodges where you will stay and lunch will be on the way. We make it sure that the food is hygienic and at the same time suits your palate. Foods cooked in lodges and guesthouses on the way are pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization. In many larger villages you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always find hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps.
The spring time from March to May and the Autumn months from September to November is considered the best months for Gokyo Lakes Trek
Anyone who is fit and healthy and have a habit of walking for few hours a day can do this trek. However walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes and on some days you will have to walk for 10 hours. Aerobic exercise and jogging regularly prior to the trip is recommended to enhance your stamina. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lungs and blood diseases are required to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform Eve Holidays about the medical condition before booking the trek. Eve Holidays organizes small group trip departures, but we would suggest booking a solo private trek with us if you think you will need longer hours to cover the same distance.
All of Eve Holidays trekking itineraries are planned keeping in mind the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Going up at higher altitude too fast causes a medical condition called AMS which is serious enough to kill if neglected. We are well aware that it is essential to allow you sufficient time for acclimatization to minimize the risk. However it is important to remember that some people are more vulnerable than others. So we suggest to avoid alcohol and drink enough water and get good night sleep during the trek.
Gokyo Lakes Trek is a walking tour that goes up to the highest altitude of 5,357 m/17,570 ft at Gokyo Ri. If you are physically fit and mentally prepared to trek, it works well. But the trek is physically demanding at some areas so you have to have an active lifestyle. So you will have to start preparing yourself physically and mentally for the challenge way ahead. The earlier, the better.
March April May and Sept Oct Nov are the best time to trek
Yes we give you the flexibility to change the travel date or amend the itinerary and that has to be in written and at least 25 days before departure date. The cost incurred due to the changes has to be borne by you.
Booking deposits are transferable to anyone you want for any time in future. For cancelling the trip, cancellation policy in our booking terms and conditions will apply.
We had a fabulous experience of Nepal. Our company Eve Holidays made changes in the itinerary according to my schedule in very short notice. I with my friend trekked to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri from where the view of mountain panorama was stunning. I would like to be back to Nepal again and do with them the Upper Mustang Trek. Hopefully soon.
