Gokyo Lakes Trek
Gokyo Lakes trek highlights are to climb Gokyo RI (5357m/17571 ft). From summit can observe great Himalayan views of the Mt.Everest (8848m/29029ft) and other three 8000 meter peaks (Mt. Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu). From here you can also see the largest glacier in Nepal named Ngozumpa.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport - (1360m.)
After your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our office representative and transferred to the hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing
The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, being the historical and cultural heart of the country, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers and other types of adventure seekers. The city is a marvelous union of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western cultures influences. Patan and Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities. In Kathmandu, you will be visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous and respected Hindu temple in the country; Bouddhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Swyambhunath, which contains both Buddhist and Hindu shrines and stands as testimony to the religious harmony that exists in the country.
These two cities Patan and Bhaktapur have a rich historical, cultural and religious legacy which is reflected in the many temples, monuments and artifacts that they contain. You will be taken on a half-day guided tour of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur cities; the 15th-century 55-window palace in Bhaktapur and Krishna Temple in Patan. An orientation session for the trek, which commences the following day, will be organized in the evening.
Included: Breakfast
Day 03: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding - (2,652m) 3-4 hrs walk
A breathtaking picturesque flight to Lukla and a landing on a steep mountain runway brings us to the start of our trek at the village of Lukla [2850m]. We head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail for today’s destination.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar - (3,440m) 6-7 hrs
After breakfast at Phakding, we set out for the mountain junction town of Namche bazaar crossing the river on high airy suspension bridges. Ahead of Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to defend and safeguard the fragile mountain environment. We then take a steep hike to Namche Bazaar. If weather is favorable, we get the first glimpse of Mt Everest. Namche, the gateway to the Khumbu is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and has a busy Saturday market; a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the plain and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar - (3440m):
To acclimatize, you visit Khunde Hospital set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or take short hike to the Everest View Hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. We then go to Khumjung where we visit a school established by Hillary. Namche is tucked away between two crests along with the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has a profusion of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a day, acclimatize to the new altitude before heading off towards Syangboche. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. After going through our acclimatization drills, we head for stay at designated place.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Village (3643m/11949ft)
The trek starts steep stone staircase over the Namche. After the top, the trail becomes easier and trail contour the Dhudhkosi valley. By walking you can see incredible Khumbu valley with world highest mountains and Tengboche Monastery. After nearly 2 hrs of walking, you reach to Sanasa (3600m). Here have a few minutes rest before the hard steep 2h climb to Mong Danda (3973m).From here you will see the magnificent views of Mt. Ama Sablam, Mt. Kangtaga and Mt. Thamserku with Dhudhkosi valley. Have a lunch break. After lunch, the trail descends 45m to Phortse Tenga (Phortse Village) (3643).
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7: Phortse Village to Dole (4200m)
The trail climbs away from the Phortse Tenga passing through the Rhododendron and pine forest. After short steep climb first appears Cho Oyu. You will cross the beautiful waterfall and yak pasture. The views of Khumbila and Tawachee (6542m) are tremendous from the trail.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 8: Dole to Machhermo (4470m/14661ft)
From Dole with and easy and better view, the trail descends to stream than cross the wooden bridge. You will cross the few teahouses; the trail ascends one hour to top the hill. You can take time here for the picture. You will reach in Luza (4390m/14399ft) after 1 hour 50 minutes walk from Dole. Here you can take rest and tea. From Luza trail becomes ups along the side of the valley than cross the more high pastureland and chorten with prayers flags. Many writers saying yeti killed the Sherpa women and Yak here. With the view of eastern part Gokyo valley, Mt. Taboche and Mt. Cholatse walk down to Machhermo valley.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9: Machhermo to Gokyo Lake (4790m/15711ft)
The trail climbs the ridge of valley excellent view of Kantaga and big Mountain Cho-oyu. The trail becomes more ups to Kharka. Here few stone houses, then trail will be easier to Pangka at 4380m. In November 1995 big avalanche came here and killed trekking group and villagers. From here the trail will be narrow and steep climb close to the Ngozumpa glacier. The end of hard ascends cross the bridge over the stream which flows from Gokyo Lake. This is the first small lake of Gokyo. From here the trail almost in level appears the second lake at 4720m/15481ft. It called Taujun Lake. Finally, you will climb to the last Lake of Dudha Pokhari at 4750m/15580ft in Gokyo Lake (4790m/15711ft.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10: Morning climb to Gokyo - RI (5340m/17515ft) / Afternoon walk around the Gokyo Lake
Have a breakfast early in morning. Before climbing make sure you have water, some snacks and plenty of warm clothes. The trail climb steep ups directly above the Gokyo lake.2h and half hour hard climb to Gokyo-Ri at 5340m/17515ft. From the top great Himalayan views of world highest mountain with Makalu range better than Kala Patthar above the Gorkhashep. Have lunch and rest two hrs. If you’re feeling good you can hike to the oldest and longest glaciers of Khumbu valley.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11: Gokyo to Dole: 3 - 4 hrs
We descend on a trail along the Dudh Koshi River and pass the first Gokyo lakes. On the way we also enjoy views of the Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Our trail descends before climbing a hill. After reaching the chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains. We walk past Machhermo, Luza and Lhafarma villages before reaching Dole.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12: Dole to Namche Bazaar: 4 - 5 hrs
We descend on a steep trail to Phortse Thanga admiring rhododendrons, wildflowers and waterfalls. We also come across mountain goats, musk deer, pheasants, etc. From Mong, we can admire a good view of Khumbila peak. On our way to Namche the view of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega mountains are ours to admire. After walking for a while, we reach an intersection where the trail from Sanasa meets our trail. We walk on a trail that clings to a forested slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. After reaching Namche army camp hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche for one last time. About a kilometer from here is Namche Bazaar.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6 - 8 hrs
We descend on a rocky trail and cross several suspension bridges before walking on a easy trail. The air is warmer as we walk on the same trail to reach Lukla. Our trek in the mountain ends after we reach Lukla. We spend our time reminiscing about our time spent in the mountain.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu
It’s a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu for about forty five minutes. Most flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are schedule early morning to avoid the strong winds. We touch down at Kathmandu and transferred to our hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 15: Final Departure
Gokyo Lakes trek gives an alternative to the traditional Everest base camp trekking. The trek starts from Lukla after half an hour mountain flight from Kathmandu following up the Dudh Koshi River towards Namche, the gateway of Khumbu region. After Namche, you branch off from the main busy trail towards the sleepy village of Phortse Tenga, Dole, and Machhermo. The Machhermo village situated at 4465 m/14645 ft.And the village partially sheltered from the wind by steep hillside spurs to north and south and with a tremendous view of the rocky amphitheater that blocks the glen to the west. The lodge is basic but enough comfortable. Also the community building porter’s shelter and a health post in the village
Gokyo Lakes trek from Machhermo, the view of landscape dramatically changes to broad pastures, narrow clefts with steeply climbing trails an icy stream to cross stony wastes and the banks of turns and first lake of the trail continuous to way up stone steps to the third Lake to Dudh Pokhari turquoise in color and reflecting the white face of Cho Oyu (8153 m/26741 ft) seen ahead and finally reach your ultimate destination Gokyo Lake(4750m/15580 ft) where few tea houses are available for overnight.
Gokyo Lakes trek highlights are to climb Gokyo RI (5357m/17571 ft). From summit can observe great Himalayan views of the Mt.Everest (8848m/29029ft) and other three 8000 meter peaks (Mt. Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu). From here you can also see the largest glacier in Nepal named Ngozumpa. Apart from them, the view of the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang (7922m/25984ft) is one of the most dramatic panoramas of Gokyo Lake Trekking. From Gokyo Lake, there are many options for high altitude walking including the crossing of Cho La pass and Rengo La pass however you will not cross those passes. Rather you return back to Namche and Lukla via the same previous route. This Gokyo Lake trekking is indeed a less crowded than the Everest Base Camp trekking.
Trip Highlights
- Exciting mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- Namche Bazaar gateway of Mt. Everest.
- Sherpa culture and lifestyle in Khumjung.
- Tranquil Gokyo lake.Climbing Gokyo- Ri (5483m/17984ft).
- Great view of Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, Mt Cho Oyu and other mountains from Gokyo Ri.
- Excursion to the fifth lake and Ngozumpa Glacier, the world’s biggest glacier.
- City guided tour of heritages sites in Kathmandu city.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Preparation of Trek, Kathmandu valley sightseeing.
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2810m/9216ft). Trek to Phakding (2652m/8698ft) 3 - 4 hrs
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3446m/11302ft) 5 - 6 hrs
Day 5: Rest in Namche Bazaar/ Excursion Namche Bazaar and Syangboche (3880m/12726ft).
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Village (3643m/11949ft) 5 - 6 hrs
Day 7: Phortse Village to Dole (4200m) 5 - 6 hrs
Day 8: Dole to Machhermo (4470m/14661ft) 5 - 6 hrs
Day 9: Machhermo to Gokyo Lake (4790m/15711ft) 5 - 6 hrs
Day 10: Morning climb to Gokyo - RI (5340m/17515ft) / explore the Gokyo Lake 5 - 6 hrs
Day 11: Gokyo to Dole (4200m/13776ft). 3 - 4 hrs
Day 12: Dole to Namche Bazaar (3446m/11302ft). 4 - 5 hrs
Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840m/9315ft). 3 - 4 hrs
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 15: Final Departure
- Welcome in Airport by garland
- Airport Pick up & Drop Transportation by private vehicle
- Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu in 2 star to 5 star hotel with breakfast
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu Escorted with English Speaking Guide & Entrance fee
- Two-way ticket in domestic fixed wings Air craft, Kathmandu by local bus or private jeep
- Accommodation in tea house during trek, lodge and Home-stay
- Meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) in trekking
- 4 seasonal sleeping bags
- trekking map for group
- All necessary paper work & Permits
- All cost for a staff (A First Aid and Eco trained & Government licensed holder English Speaking guide and one Porter between each two clients while on trek )
- Salary, equipment, transportation & Insurance of trekking staff
- National Park Fee
- TIMS
- First aids kit
- Travel & Rescue arrangement.
- All government taxes.
- Farewell dinner
- International Airfare
- Nepal Visa fee (US$ 40 per person for 30 days)
- Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges.
- Lunch/Dinner in Kathmandu
- Travel Insurance
- Medical evacuation in case of emergency.
- Personal spending money.
- Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
- Client's insurance, Items of personal nature i.e. Soft/hard drinks, Tips etc.
- Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual