Overview And Highlights
Gokyo Lake Trek is one of picturesque less crowded alternative to an Everest Base Camp trek. The trek unveils the fascinating scenery of solitary valleys, turquoise-tinted lakes, wonderful glaciers and in particular, a parade of glistering peaks.
The scenery is magnificent and, from a high point above Gokyo, includes: Cho Oyu, a dramatic view of the northwest face of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Makalu: five 8000m peaks at the turn of a head! Moreover, below is an extensive view of the kilometer wide Ngozumpa Glacier as well as the ice fields from which it flows.
How to get to Gokyo Lake?
Gokyo Lake Trek starts after the short flight to Lukla, walk for two days to Namche Bazaar – for a rest and acclimatization day. And then, we walk to Khumjung valley to experience the
lifestyle, culture and beliefs of the friendly Sherpa people. There, we explore several Buddhist monasteries and memorials along the trail and at same time enjoy incredible backdrops.
The Gokyo lake trekking trail follows the tranquil Dudh Koshi Valley west of the Everest Trail. From there we leave the main Everest trekking trail and walk across sleepy village of Dole and Machhermo. Afterwards, we walk up to the snout of the Ngozumpa Glacier (Nepal’s longest) beneath impressive peaks. Follow its moraine past two lakes to the summer grazing hamlet of Gokyo – on the side of the moraine overlooking the blue-green Dudh Pokhari (lake).
The village is surrounded by towering peaks, with Cho Oyu visible to the north. It is a valley filled with exotic glacial lake. Gokyo Lake Trekking route is less trodden and sees very less
number of trekkers, so you can enjoy the vacation without disturbance. During the short growing season, selected crops are grown whilst yaks freely graze. Beside tourism, people herd yak for their livelihood. Spend two nights here and explore the glacial lakes, surrounding landscapes and at a same time perceive the local culture and tradition.
The return journey requires three days: staying at different villages.
You can look Gokyo Lake Trek Map for more information about the Gokyo Lake trekking route.
Gokyo Village in Everest
Gokyo is small settlement located in the heart of Kumbu region of Nepal, at the foot of Gokyo Ri and to the eastern shore of the third Gokyo Lake, Dukh Pokhari. Located at an elevation of 4,750m, Gokyo village is one of the highest settlement in Himalaya. Almost every house in the village serves as a tea-house.
Gokyo Lake is sparkling, pristine blue and green waters which is one of highest mountain lakes in the world. The Gokyo Lake system of 19 lakes is spread over area of 485 acres and locates at an average altitude of 4,700m. The distance from Kathmandu to Gokyo Lake is approx. 136km.
Beside its natural magnificence, Gokyo Lake is equally famous as sacred sites for both Hindus and Buddhist. During Janai Purnima festival, flocks of Hindu pilgrims makes Gokyo Lake Trek to perform holy bath and religious activities.
A stiff yet rewarding climb up Gokyo Ri at 5360m, the major highlights of Gokyo Lake Trek, offers soaring views of the 8 000m peaks, set amongst other giants. Gokyo Ri summit features the grand view of soaring peaks such as Mt. Cho-Oyu (8201m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8501m) and Mt. Makalu (8463m). In addition to mountain peaks, trekkers get to witness the the Ngozumpa glacier below the Cho Oyu Himal, the longest glacier in the world (36 km). Moreover, a gentle walk further up the valley – to two more lakes – is also possible.
Days
12 days
Distance
150 km
Difficulty
Medium
Highest Point
4750 mt
Best Season For The Trek
The best season for Gokyo Lake trip is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these seasons, the sky remains clear and the view are excellent. Furthermore, the weather is moderate and receives no rain which is very suitable for trekking.
Trekkers can enjoy the verdant and lush vegetation coupled with excellent mountain views.
Trek Difficulty
Gokyo Lake trekking trip is moderate trek and offers same degree of difficulty as EBC trek.
The biggest potential problem is that the people run to complete the trek as soon as possible.
Day To Day Itinerary
Day 1
1300 mtArrival Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (4 260ft)
After completing passport, immigration and visa requirements, we will meet you outside the
terminal building (look for your name board) and transfer you to your hotel: afternoon free.
Evening: a welcome dinner, introduction to your guide and a briefing on the trek with a check
on necessities. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer: car
Food: welcome dinner
Accomodation: Hotel
Day 2
2610 mtKathmandu – Lukla (2 800m/9 190ft) – Phakding (8 560ft)
After breakfast, drive to the Domestic Airport for the flight to Lukla in the Khumbu region –
south of Everest. Meet your local porters and begin the discovery by trekking into the Dudh
Koshi Valley: to Cheplung (2 700m) and Ghat (2 530m). Another hour’s walk takes you to
Phakding. Overnight in Phakding
Transfer: 35 min flight
Trek: 3-4 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 3
3440 mtPhakding – Namche Bazaar (11 290ft)
Walk through pine forests along the Dudh Koshi, crossing tributaries, to the Sherpa villages
of Benkar (2 710m), Chumoa (2 820m), Monjo (2 840m) and Jorsale (2 830m). This is the
gateway and permit checkpoint to the Sagarmatha National Park. Thamserku (6 618m)
glistens east of the village. Follow the river to its confluence with the Bhote Koshi: the major
rivers draining the Khumbu District. Climb steadily, crossing the high Tenzing- Hilary
Bridge, to the first glimpses of Everest and the Nuptse-Lhotse ridge. A further 3hr forested
climb leads to the region’s administrative and trade centre at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in
Namche Bazaar.
Trek: 5-6 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 4
3440 mtNamche Bazaar Acclimatization and exploration day
This is the first scheduled acclimatization day. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) experts
recommend at least a 24 hr rest period. Keep active: climb high and sleep low is the
acclimatisation advice.
Only Namche offers ATMs, cyber cafés, restaurants and bakeries, plus a colourful market
each Friday evening and Saturday morning. The Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park
Visitor’s Centre has informative displays on Sherpa culture, local flora and fauna.
The village of Khumjung (3 780m) will present a more traditional view of Sherpa life than
Namche. Spend a morning walking up to the village. A circular trail is possible. At very least
visit the closer Everest View Hotel (3 880m).
A more adventurous five hour trek west to Thame (3 820m): below the impressive Kongde Ri
Ridge (6 187m), offers panoramic Himalayan landscapes not visible from the Gokyo or
Everest trails.
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 5
4100 mtNamche Bazaar – Dole (13 450ft)
From the top of Namche, the trail contours around a hill to Sanasa (3 600m); and a trail fork:
NW to Gokyo, NE to Everest. Look for Himalayan tahrs on high ground, shy spotted deer,
and birds – including the colourful (male) national bird: the Danphe pheasant. Turn NW
along the slopes of Khumbila (5 761m) into the Dudh Khosi Valley and head up to Mong La
(3 975m, with a central chorten). Descend to Phortse Thenga (3 680m) through pine and
rhododendron forest before rising to Dole: and great snow-capped views.
Trek: 5-6 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 6
4400 mtDole – Machhermo (14 440ft)
Scrub vegetation confirms the altitude; trek slowly to minimise AMS risks. Climb to scenic
ridges overlooking the valley’s summer grazing kharkas: snowy Cho Oyu appears ahead;
Kangtega and Thamserku stand south of the valley. Machhermo lies in a broad valley below
the moraine. Dwellings are spaced within stone walled fields. Overnight in Machhermo.
Trek: 4-5 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 7
4750 mtMachhermo – Gokyo (15 580ft)
Walk from the basin to a ridge; where the south face of the mighty Cho Oyu – Ghyachung
Kang glacier field starts to come into view. Ahead is the snout of the glacier from those
fields. The trail gradually descends to the river. At Pangka (4 390m) a second path from the
south joins the trail before it ascends the side of the moraine.
There are six small lakes on the western side of the moraine. A bridge crosses the edge of the
first; the Longponga Tsho (4 690m). Next is the Taboche Tsho (4 710m, just after a trail onto
the glacier – to Tagnag and the Cho La). A final 30 min strenuous walk leads to the Dudh
Pokhari, set in a horseshoe of high peaks.
Gokyo village is perched above it on the side of the glacial moraine. The last three lakes lie
further up the valley towards the huge ice wall: which is partially visible above ridges from
the village. Overnight in Gokyo.
Trek: 3-4 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 8
3810 mtGokyo – machermo (12 500ft)
If time permits, walk up and onto the glacier from the path just below the second lake. At
Pangka branch onto the eastern, warmer, trail: with better views of Khumbila. This is “game
country” including musk deer. Overnight in Phortse.
Trek: 5-6 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 9
2840 mtMachermo – Namche (9 320ft),
Continue south, through Mong La (3 975m) to Sanasa (3 600m). Then follow the wider trail
back to Namche before descending into the greener valley and Jorsale (2 830m). Exit the
National Park and walk down to Monjo; at a more comfortable altitude. Overnight in Monjo.
Trek: 6-7 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 10
2800 mtNamche – Lukla (8 850ft)
Follow the Dudh Koshi, through the farming villages to Phakding (2 610m). Cross the
suspension bridge at Thado Koshi and walk to Cheplung (2 700m). Descend and then climb
steeply back to Lukla: where your porters will take their leave. Overnight in Lukla.
Trek: 6-7 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 11
1300 mtLukla – Kathmandu (4 260ft)
After an early breakfast, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of
day free.
Transfer: 35 min flight
Food: breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner
Accomodation: Hotel
Day 12
1300 mtFinal departure
Final departure from Kathmandu Tribhuvan
International Airport
Transfer: car
Food: breakfast
What Do You Need?
Fotogallery
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