Gokyo Lake Trek
Itinerary
Your Journey, Step by Step
Arrival in Kathmandu Valley
Day Highlights:
Kathmandu, known as the cultural capital and gateway to the Himalayas of Nepal, serves as the starting point for your adventure. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a detailed briefing with the experienced staff of Bold Himalaya trekking to ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead. This includes a final check of your gear and overall readiness for the Everest region adventures. Additionally, you’ll have the option to take a day trip to explore the rich history and architecture of Kathmandu, including its UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Your trek to Gokyo Lake starts from the moment you arrive at Nepal’s eastern Himalayan capital. Your guide from Bold Himalaya is informed of your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and takes you to Thamel for relaxation in a 3-star hotel. Your accommodation arrangement for the day’s trekking, Khumbu weather forecast, and last-minute preparation are briefed to you in the evening before you start your trek to Gokyo Lake. This is your city night convenience before entering Sagarmatha National Park.
Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
Day Highlights:
Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic flight over Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam before embarking on your trek along the famous Everest Base Camp trail in the Khumbu region. Traverse suspension bridges over the powerful Dudh Koshi River, and immerse yourself in warm Sherpa hospitality at cozy mountain teahouses along the way.
It starts with a heart-stopping flight over the world’s most dangerous airstrip, Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla. A Himalayan flight over breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other giant peaks is one to remember for a lifetime. Your porter team welcomes you at Lukla (2,800m), and here you set off on a gentle walk to Phakding. The walk downhill is in a gradient slope of an easy gradient slope, under some stunning rhododendron trees, over suspension bridges, and through small villages like Chaplung and Thado Koshi. The unchallenging walking on day one sets the acclimatization and acclimatization to the Solukhumbu valley scenery.
Inclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- All ground transportation (including airport pick up/drop) by private tourist vehicles
- Three-star category hotel in Kathmandu in twin sharing the bed with breakfast basis & standard trekking lodge in Gokyo Ri trekking route.
- Full meals during trekking as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ) with tea and coffee
- Domestic flight (Kathmandu- Lukla- Kathmandu)
- Some necessary equipment sleeping bag and down jacket (if you need one, return after the trek)
- First aid medicine item
- Sagarmatha National Park permit & Pasang Lhamu Rural municipality entry permit TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System)
- Experienced, trekking guides including their salary, accommodation, meals, and their insurance.
- One special cultural show and farewell dinner program
- Bold Himalaya duffle bag, T-shirt, and trip certificate
- Our government/Local taxes and official expenses
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
- Dessert & bar bills
- International air ticket, Visa & travel insurance
- Tips for the trekking crew members
Detailed Map of Gokyo Lake Trekking
Altitude Chart of Gokyo Lake Trek
Good to Know
Your Journey, Step by Step
Best Time to Visit Gokyo Lakes
Autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) are the best times to visit Gokyo Lake as it is clear weather and the best mountain views, and autumn and spring are the best times as a result. Autumn (September-November) has very clear mountain views, perfect weather, and 10-15°C daytime temperatures that are warm lower down.
Spring (Mar-May) has larger numbers of rhododendrons on the trail, with Nepal’s national flower, the rhododendron, painting patches of forest on the trail. Winter trekking (Dec-Feb) can be done but requires expedition-style equipment for nighttime temperatures of -20°C. Monsoon (Jun-Aug) is in the path with rain both day and night, and possible Lukla flight cancellations.
Accommodation & Facilities Along the Route
Tea houses along the way to Gokyo, simple but warm overnight stays, and convenient access. You descend in the likes of Namche Bazaar, then all sorts of treats await you can take a hot shower (for a fee), internet through Wi-Fi, even bakeries where you can purchase bread and cake. The higher you go, the less upscale the facilities you get to indulge in, but still quite much to be enjoyed, with a common dining hall and simple rooms.
It even carries an electric socket facility in all its teahouses where one can charge anything at a price-but it is better to bring a power bank. Some have hot shower facilities at a price, and some have basic washing facilities. There is a section of the dining hall where trekkers from all the corners of the earth sit and exchange experiences and anecdotes.
Helicopter Return Option - Luxury Alternative
For trekkers with limited time or those seeking a unique perspective, helicopter flights from Gokyo back to Lukla or directly to Kathmandu provide spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas. This option reduces the return journey from 4-5 days to just 30-40 minutes of flying time, allowing more time for other Nepal experiences or easier schedule management.
Helicopter flight offers you the ideal view and aerial photographs of glacial systems, lakes, and mountains that you have just explored through trekking. The weather must be good to fly, and sunny light and wind are the minimum. All such arrangements of matters like weather clearance for safe helicopter flights and permits are taken care of by Bold Himalaya.
Permits & Documents Required
Trekking in the Gokyo region requires two essential permits: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. Both permits enable the government to keep records for safety reasons, as well as provide payment to locals as recompense for conservation. All the permits are arranged through Bold Himalaya but require you to send them copies of your passport and photos in advance.
Your passport must also be valid for at least six months, and Nepal offers a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport for everyone except a few. But your entire Himalayan trek travel insurance, and in some cases, is required by the insurance company must cover a visa on high-altitude treks and helicopter evacuation.
Internet & Communication Facilities
Both Ncell and Nepal Telecom networks reach most of the Gokyo trail with decreasing signal at higher altitudes. Wi-Fi is readily available in most teahouses at low cost, although slower in the high season when many devices vie for available bandwidth.
Or for that matter, one locally bought SIM card with a data plan will be safer to browse the web with than the Wi-Fi one receives at teahouses. And as a precautionary step, communication equipment with a satellite signal will need to be carried in case of emergency on the off-beaten track from Machhermo to Gokyo with no good cell phone connectivity.
Money & Banking Facilities
There are no ATMs past Namche Bazaar, and therefore, sufficient Nepali rupees need to be carried during the trek. Banks in Namche also have limited hours (10 AM – 3 PM) and exchange minimal forex, so one should bring USD to be exchanged.
Any other miscellaneous expenses apart from food & stay, which fall under Bold Himalaya packages, including tips to guides & porters, hot shower, WiFi fee, drinks, and donations. Budget approximately $10-15 per day for these additional expenses, though costs increase with altitude.
Gokyo Lake Trek vs Everest Base Camp: Detailed Comparison
Crowds & Experience:
Gokyo Lakes trek is comparatively much less commercialized and offers a more isolated perception of the natural, pure Himalayan beauty to those interested in being fully surrounded by a trek with isolation. In contrast to EBC, where there are maybe hundreds of people who flock to it at any given time of day, Gokyo has day lodges with fewer people to greet and interact with and exchange information.
Views & Scenery:
You can photograph four 8,000m mountains (Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu) from the same viewpoint from Gokyo Ri, which is a better viewpoint than the Kala Patthar viewpoint, according to everyone. The trek includes unique elements like the six sacred lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, and diverse valley systems that EBC doesn’t offer.
Difficulty & Duration:
Gokyo trek is around 20 miles more than the standard mileage of EBC, but can be done in 12-15 days, while EBC can be done in 14-16 daysTechnicallyll,y 200m below the highest point of EBC. Both with the same zero level of Altitude Sickness, dang, er, but with the same crystal mountain view.
Cultural Experience:
Both treks go through Sherpa towns, but the Gokyo trek goes through isolated villages like Phortse and Machhermo, which are more culturally remote than the EBC trek. The lakes are sacred and something that one cannot see via the EBC trek.
Cost Difference:
Gokyo treks cost 10-15% less because they are shorter and there are fewer tourists arriving, so it doesn’t inflate the accommodation cost. However, optional helicopter returns can increase overall costs significantly.
Training & Preparation Guidelines
This would need to be initiated a minimum of 8-15 weeks in advance, when physical conditioning and endurance in hiking need to be developed in the Khumbu Region. Cardiovascular conditioning is particularly useful. Backward hiking upstairs, cardiovascular, and leg strengthening should be part of the routine.
There must also be mental conditioning because weather and climbing conditions are never expected to require one to be flexible and be in a good mood. Practice through meditation or mindfulness exercises to cope with bad circumstances still on the trek. Learn about Sherpa culture and learn some Nepali phrases, so it can be a more enriching experience but also to show respect to locals.
Packing List for Gokyo Lake Trek
All branded and non-branded trekking gear is easily available in Thamel, Kathmandu. They provide rental facilities for some items too.
Clothing items:
- Caps/Hat, Warm hats (Banie)
- Jackets (Down, fleece jacket, Waterproof)
- shirts
- Thermal Set (Base Layer)
- Trousers/Hiking Pants (warm & waterproof)
- Neck Gaiter
- Gloves (Inner & Insulated)
- Towel
- Undergarments
Bag packs and Bags:
- Day Pack, at least you have a 45-50 liters backpack or Duffel bag that can hold your necessary items
Footwear:
- Trekking Shoes
- Sandals
- Socks (Warm) at least 4 pairs
- Gaiters (for Winter)
 Sleeping Bags:
- Sleeping bags for at least -15 to -20 for winter
- Sleeping bag liner
Electronics items:
- Camera and photography gear
- Headlamp or torch light with batteries
- Portable charger (Power Bank)
Accessories:
- Eyewear (Sun Glass)
- Trekking Poles
- Water Bottle (Hydration Bladder)
- Crampons/ microspikes (For Winter only)
Miscellaneous:
- Safety and First aid items & medicine (Including Oximeter and thermometer)
- Bag cover/pack covers
- Money Belt, hand sanitizer
- Sun cream, Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo
- Toilet paper, Booties (for winter), Mitten (for winter)
- Cards, Shanks
Note: Winter months (December, January, February) need thicker clothes and crampons. Conversely, rain gear and lighter clothes are recommended during September and May compared to regular times.
Food & Dietary Considerations
Mountain teahouses provide primarily Nepali dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, pasta, and plain international fare. The default staple is vegetarian and supplemented at high altitude. Acclimatization to high altitude is the ginger tea and garlic soup formula employed to combat indigestion and nausea.
Avoid raw vegetables and uncooked foods at higher altitudes to prevent stomach issues. Stick to hot, freshly cooked meals and bottled or purified water. Carry high-energy snacks like nuts, chocolate, and energy bars for trail nutrition between meals.
Altitude Sickness Prevention & Management
The gradual ascent profile of the Gokyo trek, including the acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, significantly reduces altitude sickness risks. Follow the golden rule of “climb high, sleep low” and maintain proper hydration throughout the trek. Diamox (acetazolamide) tablets can be taken sometimes to speed up acclimatization, after taking advice from a doctor before embarking on the trek.
Identify signs such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Descent immediately is the altitude sickness treatment that may prove fatal. Himalaya guides are also trained to identify altitude sickness and emergency procedures, which include the evacuation procedure if necessary.
Itinerary Variations & Alternatives
Variation 1: Short Gokyo Trek (10 Days)
- Day 1-2: As normal itinerary
- Day 3: Phakding to Namche (skip acclimatization day)
- Day 4: Namche to Dole (combine Phortse day)
- Day 5: Dole to Machhermo to Gokyo
- Day 6: Gokyo Ri climb & lakes trek
- Day 7: Gokyo to Namche
- Day 8: Namche to Lukla
- Day 9-10: Fly to Kathmandu & departure
Note: Greater risk of altitude sickness with quicker ascent
Variation 2: Helicopter Return from Gokyo (10 Days)
Luxury option with scenic aerial return
- Day 1-8: Normal continuation to the Gokyo Ri summit
- Day 9: Gokyo to Lukla or Kathmandu direct by helicopter flight
- Day 10: Depart Kathmandu
Benefits: Timesaving, unique aerial perspectives, luxury touch
Cost: Additional $1,200-2,000 for helicopter flight
Variation 3: Extended Everest Gokyo Circuit (18-21 Days)
Ultimate Everest region experience
- Day 1-8: Normal Gokyo itinerary
- Day 9: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) to Dzongla
- Days 10-14: Gorak Shep and Lobuche to Everest Base Camp
- Day 15: Climb Kala Patthar and descend to Pheriche
- Days 16-18: Return via Tengboche and Namche to Lukla
Highlights: Two of the most popular viewpoints, three high pass options, complete the Everest region circuit
Variation 4: Gokyo with Renjo La Pass (15 Days)
High pass trek for experienced trekkers
- Days 1-8: Normal Gokyo trek
- Day 9: Via Renjo La Pass (5,340m) to Thame
- Days 10-12: Trek back via Thame Valley to Lukla
Challenge Level: Advanced due to the technical pass crossing
Best Season: October-November, March-May
Required Documents for Gokyo Lake Trek
- Passport:
A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Nepal is required. - Nepal Visa:
Most travelers need a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land border crossings. Visa requirements may vary based on your nationality. - TIMS Card:The
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is necessary for trekking in Nepal. It helps authorities keep track of trekkers and provides emergency assistance if needed. - Sagarmatha National Park Permit:
As the trek passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, you need to obtain a parking permit to enter the area. This permit is usually arranged by your trekking agency. - Travel Insurance:
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover potential medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.
Nepal Visa Information
All foreign citizen requires a Nepal visa to enter Nepal except Indian Citizens. While you are entering Nepal, you can get an on-arrival visa at the border and international airports. Tourists can get a visa for 15, 30, and 90 days.
On-Arrival Tourist Visa Fee for Tourists to Enter Nepal:
- 15 Days – 30 USD
- 30 Days – 50 USD
- 90 Days – 125 USD
Responsible Tourism on Gokyo Lake Trek
We strongly believe in responsible tourism and our policies are guided by the principles of economic, Social, and environmental responsibility. We encourage trekkers to follow the principles of responsible tourism:
- Learn about and respect local customs, traditions, and etiquette. Dress modestly and seek permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites.
- Purchase local goods, crafts, and services to contribute directly to the local economy and help communities thrive.
- Carry a reusable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and practice the Leave No Trace principles by properly disposing of waste.
- Use energy and water sparingly, especially in areas where resources are limited due to high altitudes.
- Contribute to local conservation projects or initiatives that work towards preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
2. What is the best time to do the Gokyo Lake Trek?
Autumn season (Sep-Nov) and spring (Mar-May) seasons are ideal for the Gokyo Lake Trek with clear views, clear weather, and even the mountain view is good. Autumn has the best mountain view with clear weather, while spring has rhododendron flowers with clearer weather. Winter can also be done with proper equipment, but the June-August months of monsoon are rainy with lots of flight cancellations.
3. What is the duration of the Gokyo Lake Trek?
The standard Gokyo Lake Trek is 13 days arrival and departure in Kathmandu. 10 days is the duration of the trek with one acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar. 10-day short forms are not recommended for novice trekkers as there are fewer acclimatization days. Longer versions that go to EBC or high passes are 18-21 days.
4. Is Gokyo Lake Trek possible for beginner trekkers?
The Gokyo Lake Trek can be done by physically fit novice trekkers after intense training and preparation. The gradual altitude gain profile and the acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar reduce the incidence of high-altitude sickness. Nevertheless, 2-3 months of prior physical conditioning through cardio, practice hikes, and leg strengthening is inevitable. Psychological mindset and learning the basics of trekking are also imperative.
5. What permits do I need for the Gokyo Lake Trek?
You will need to have some big permits: Sagarmatha National Park entry permit (NPR 3,000 if you are from SAARC countries, NPR 3,000 otherwise) and TIMS card (NPR 2,000). Bold Himalaya does all the reservations of the permits as part of our service. You will also need a Nepal visa (on arrival) and all-cover travel insurance for high-altitude trekking and likely helicopter rescue.
6. How much does the Gokyo Lake Trek cost?
Bold Himalaya offers the Gokyo Lake Trek starting from $1,190 for groups of 2 people, with prices decreasing for larger groups (down to $1,110 for groups of 10-25). Treks’ meals, accommodations, permits, domestic flights, guides, and airport transfer r included. Tips, extra drinks, hot shower, and personal expenses are excluded.
7. Is there any issue of altitude sickness during the Gokyo Lake Trek?
Altitude risk is less on the Gokyo trek than at EBC because you do not camp above 5,000m. Day of acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and a gradual climbing ascent pattern, acclimate your body quite well. Our guides are trained in altitude sickness recognition and treatment. We suggest Diamox consultation with your doctor and minimizing altitude meds.
8. What are the accommodation facilities on the trek?
The lodging varies from very good lodges at Namche Bazaar, complete with hot showers and internet, to simple but clean teahouses further up. Soft beds with blankets, communal dining halls, and great mountain vistas all around are what all lodges have in common. Basic shared bathroom facilities and hot showers are available in some. Communal dining in the dining halls is one of the trek’s highlights.
9. Is there a phone and internet connection while trekking?
There is Ncell and NTC mobile operator coverage along most of the trail, though weaker at higher altitudes. WiFi at most teahouses is low rate but slower speed at peak times. It is recommended to purchase a local SIM card with a data package instead of using the teahouse WiFi. Satellite communication kits are also available for sale as an emergency backup.
10. How is the Gokyo Lake Trek different from the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The following facts provide the differences in the best manner:
- Crowds: Much less crowded for a peaceful experience
- Views: More panoramic views of four 8,000m peaks from Gokyo Ri
- Altitude: Lower sleeping altitude lowers the risk of altitude sickness
- Duration: Slightly shorter than EBC
- Experience: Glacier walking, cleaner lakes, and cultural experience with locals
- Cost: About 10-15% cheaper than EBC
11. Is the helicopter return from Gokyo Lake worth it?
The heli-return offers film-like aerial views and saves 4-5 days of hiking, an excellent option for time-flexible travelers or for those wanting to add a bit of luxury to their trek. It offers bird’s-eye views of ridges and glaciers and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. It costs between $1,200-2,000 and is weather dependent.
12. Is the Gokyo Lake Trek safe?
Yes, it is safe with careful planning and professional guides. Bold Himalaya takes strict safety measures such as altitude monitoring, emergency communication system, first aid-trained guides, and coordination with helicopter rescue. A gradual ascent profile and sleeping elevation of the highest point being lower exposes less altitude risk than other high-altitude treks.
13. Can I combine other activities with my Gokyo Lake Trek?
Yes, there are popular additions like crossing Cho La Pass to link with Everest Base Camp (a loop trek), like Renjo La Pass for additional high-altitude excitement, or coupled with cultural tours of the Kathmandu valley. Alternatives like Chitwan Safari, white-water rafting, or other trekking regions like Annapurna after the Gokyo Lake trek can also be arranged by Bold Himalaya.
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