Gokyo Lakes Trek

Gokyo Lakes Trek is the best alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek. It is a spectacular lodge-to-lodge hike that leads us to some of the breathtakingly beautiful lands of the Khumbu region of the Solukhumbu district. Trekkers will amaze seeing the glacial lakes systems of Gokyo lakes consisting mainly of six lakes: Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari) Thonak Cho Gyazumpa Cho Tanjung Cho Ngojumba Cho and Kyajumba Cho. Standing at Gokyo Ri (5357m / 17570ft) trekkers will witness the most amazing views of panoramic mountain views including four of the six tallest peaks of the world: Mt. Everest (8848m) –the tallest peak Mt Lhotse (8516m) – fourth tallest Mt. Makalu (8485m) – fifth-tallest and Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m) –sixth-tallest and numerous other peaks of the Everest region and entire Gokyo valley.

Exploration of Sherpa ethnic culture getting warm hospitality from the ever-smiling locals is another part of the trek. The religious shrines (monasteries chortens alleys and mane walls) cultural monuments (museum) and the way of living exhibit that people are preserving the centuries-old cultures and traditions.

Inside the Sagarmatha National Park (the highest elevated national park of the world that extends from 2835 m to 8848.86 m above sea level.) we can see diverse Himalayan wildlife including Himalayas Tahr Ghoral Musk deer Pikka (mouse hare) Weasel and occasionally Jackal. On the other hand Himalayan Black bears Wolf Lynx and Snow Leopard have rarely seen animals here.

A short but scenic flight to and from Lukla villages of Lukla Phakding Monjo Namche Bazaar Khumjung Dole Machherma and Gokyo valley are some of the most popular towns to explore in this 15 days' Gokyo Lakes walk which will be a blend of adventure and delight.

An Introduction to Gokyo lakes

Gokyo lakes the uppermost pristine water lakes elevate around 5000m above sea level. Glaciers surround these lakes passes and the snowcapped Himalayas situated at the Khumjung area of Solukhumbu district of northeast Nepal.

Gokyo lakes combine five holy lakes where Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari) is the main lake Thonak Cho is the largest lake and Ngojumba Cho is the smallest one.

Not only the natural Gokyo lakes carry religious significance as well. On the special commemoration of the Janai Purnima festival.

During this hundreds of Hindus reach Gokyo to bathe in the ancient waters of the sanctified lakes. People worship the Nag Devata (snake god) and have built a temple for the Hindu deities Vishnu and Shiva.

Benefits of Gokyo Lakes Hike

This trek leads to the less crowded and quieter valley one of the perfect alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek. Then following the Dudh Koshi river the journey ascends to its source Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari). Then walking along Ngozumpa Glacier the largest glacier in the Himalayas trekkers get an unforgettable experience.

Enjoying the gleaming primeval and blue waters of the Gokyo Lakes trekkers can capture 360-degree panoramic mountain views of Mt. Everest Lhotse Makalu Cho Oyu Cholatse Taboche several other peaks.

Along with the sunrise and sunset over giant peaks trekkers explore diverse flora and fauna in the journey. Reconnoitering the Sherpa culture lifestyle festivals and living is another affirmative aspect of this journey.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Route

We kick-start our journey to Gokyo Lakes begins with an enthralling morning flight to Lukla(2840m) from Kathmandu (1350m) airport. It takes approximately 40 minutes to land Lukla from Kathmandu and the flight goes between the hills snow-capped peaks valleys with the magnified view of the Himalayas. On the same day we take a short hike to Phakding (2610m). Phakding is a small village with numerous hotels teahouses and small teashops.

On the next day's trip we ascend to Namche Bazaar a village with numerous surprises. Famous as a gateway to Everest Namche Bazaar is a tourist hub where every nitty-gritty needed for the trek is available. Gear shops restaurants cafes banks ATMs bakeries are commonly found throughout.

Before ascending further to Dole Maccherma (commonly known as Macchermo) and Gokyo Valley we halt at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization purposes. We finally landed at Gokyo (4790m/15715ft) our ultimate destination. We travel around the Gokyo valley and immerse ourselves in the beauty of it. Beautiful snowcapped lands surround the Gokyo Lakes. The melting snow forms the pristine waters of the lakes.

The following day awaking early we hike to a challenging yet rewarding ascend to Gokyo Ri (5350m / 17562 ft) the highest point of the entire trek. Gokyo Ri is famous for its unobstructed views. The closest possible view of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks look breathtaking. Likewise the Gokyo Lakes the entire Gokyo valley Ngozumpa glacier and the icy surroundings look awe from this point.

Exploring all we hike back to Lukla using the same way of ascent. From Lukla we take a morning flight to Kathmandu and conclude our epic travel to Gokyo Lakes.

 Contact us today and experience a surreal trek to Gokyo Lakes with us.

Day 1    Arrive Kathmandu (1350m / 4429ft)        Kathmandu

Day 2    Trek preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour            Kathmandu

Day 3    Fly to Lukla (2800m/9184ft) and Trek to Phakding (2652m/8700ft)       Phakding

Day 4    Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m/11283ft)    Namche Bazar

Day 5    Acclimatization Day in Namche bazaar – Hike to Everest View Hotel        Namche Bazar

Day 6    Trek to Dole (4200m/ 13780ft) Dole

Day 7    Trek to Machhermo (4470m/ 14663ft) Machhermo

Day 8    Machhermo to Gokyo (4800m/15744ft)             Gokyo

Day 9    Gokyo Valley: Acclimatization Day –4th and 5th Gokyo Lakes Hike            Gokyo

Day 10  Hike Gokyo Ri (5357m/17570ft) and trek back to Dole  Dole

Day 11  Dole to Namche Bazaar Namche Bazaar

Day 12  Namche Bazaar to Lukla               Lukla

Day 13  Fly Lukla to Kathmandu Kathmandu

Day 14  Contingency Day             

Day 15  Final Departure

Trip cost USD 1450.00

Price Includes

ü Every airport pickup/drops via private vehicle according to itinerary

ü Four nights’ twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in deluxe Kathmandu Suite home Hotel or identical hotel in Kathmandu

ü Sightseeing tour accompanied by a professional guide in Kathmandu via private vehicle incorporating temple/monument entry fees

ü Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Lukla– Kathmandu incorporating departure taxes

ü All meals (breakfast lunch and dinner) during the trek

ü Standard Teahouse accommodation in possible finest local lodges throughout the trek; accommodation with private bathrooms and hot shower at Phakding Namche and Lukla

ü Crew includes one professional and seasoned trekking leader proficient in English along with assistant guide (6 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) incorporating their salary equipment transportation food accommodation and accidental insurance

ü Duffle bag sleeping bag and down jacket to utilize throughout the trek

ü T – shirt trekking map and certificate to mark the achievement of the trip

ü First aid medical kit

ü TIMS National Park Permits (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)

ü All government taxes and office service charge

Price Excludes

Ø Charges for tourist visa (find out more on Nepal Visa Information)

Ø International airfares travel and rescue insurance

Ø Surplus baggage charges (domestic flight allows 15 kgs per person and for extra luggage cargo charge is USD 1 per kg)

Ø Trekking equipments and clothing for personal use

Ø Additional night/s accommodation in Kathmandu or Lukla caused by early arrival deferred departure early return to Kathmandu from the trip than the scheduled itinerary

Ø Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Lukla (and also in the case of early return from trek than the scheduled itinerary)

Ø All kind of beverages (water alcoholic or non alcoholic hot/cold drinks)

Ø Personal expenses including phone calls internet usage/data laundry battery recharge hot shower extra porters etc

Ø Altitude chamber (PAC) or additional oxygen

Ø Tips for guides and porters (tips are expected but not mandatory)

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