Gokyo Lake Trek

2023-01-30 | Published By: Bold Himalaya

The Gokyo Lake Trek is a trek in the Khumbu region of Nepal that takes hikers to the Gokyo Valley, home to a series of high-altitude glacial lakes. The tour is considered an easier alternative to the more popular Everest Base Camp Trek.
It offers beautiful views of Mt. Everest and other peaks in the Himalayan range. The trek typically takes around 9-14 days to complete and requires good physical fitness. Along the way, trekkers will pass through traditional Sherpa villages, and have the opportunity to experience the local people's culture and way of life.


Reason to do Gokyo Lake Trek
  • The hike provides breathtaking views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks like Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.

  • Thonak Tsho, Gyazumpa Tsho, Tanjung Tsho, Ngozumpa Tsho, and Gokyo Lake are just a few of the several high-altitude glacial lakes that can be found in the Gokyo Valley, which make for an unusual and stunning backdrop for the walk.

  • The trek passes through authentic Sherpa settlements, providing an opportunity to learn about the locals' customs and way of life.

  • The trip is seen as a substitute for the difficult but more well-known Everest Base Camp Trek along with the benefits of easily available accommodation.

  • The trek is a visually magnificent experience since it offers a variety of environments, from lush woods to high-altitude deserts.

  • You have the chance to practice high-altitude hiking on the trek, which ascends to a height of 5,357m.

  • The Gokyo Lake Trek offers a more tranquil and private experience because it is less busy than other treks in the area.


Preparation and planning for Gokyo Lake Trek

Selecting the best time: The best time to go on the Gokyo Lake Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) as the weather is clear and the trail is in good condition during this period. This is also the peak season for tourism. Avoid monsoon season in June-August and winter as it can make the trek difficult due to muddy trails and heavy snowfall respectively.


Share your Trek information with someone: You should let a friend or member of your family know that you're going on the Gokyo Lake hike, they can join the trek with you or In the event of an emergency, this will enable someone to be aware of your whereabouts and anticipated return date. It can also be beneficial to provide trustworthy individuals access to your schedule and contact details in case they need to get in touch with you while you are on the walk.


Preparing for altitude: To prepare for altitude on the Gokyo Lake Trek, it's important to gradually ascend, stay hydrated, build in rest days, watch for symptoms of altitude sickness, and be aware of your physical limitations. Consult a doctor before the trek and carry necessary medications such as Diamox and Oxygen canisters as a precaution. Spending a night in Namche Bazaar(3440m) is also advisable before heading to higher altitudes. This will help your body acclimatize to the changing altitude and minimize the chances of altitude sickness.


Booking trips with the best travel company: Among the many companies operating Gokyo Lake Trek with different prices and services, Bold Himalaya is the best tour operator with excellent service for guests, better treatment for workers, and sustainably operating tours.

Our expert guides have years of experience leading treks in this area and will ensure that you have a safe, well-organized, and enjoyable experience. With our tour operator company, you can be sure that you're getting the best possible experience for your money.


Checking out the packing list: A packing list for the Gokyo Lake Trek should include proper clothing and footwear, such as warm layers, waterproof and windproof jackets, thermal innerwear, thermal socks, and hiking boots with good traction. Essential items include a sleeping bag and mattress, a first aid kit, headlamp and extra batteries, personal hygiene items, water bottles, sunscreen and sunglasses, a camera and extra batteries, and cash for any teahouses or shops that do not accept credit cards. Some of these necessary supplies are provided by our trekking firm.


Permits for Gokyo Lake Trek: Several permits are required for the trek, such as TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card, Sagarmatha National Park Permit, and Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Local Area Permit.


Brief Itinerary of the best route for the Gokyo Lake Trek

Day 1: Fly to Lukla and walk to Phakding (2610m)
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Day 3: Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Day 4: Travel to the Dole (4200m)

Day 5: Walking to Machhermo on Day 5 (4470m)

Day 6: Trek to Gokyo (4790m)

Day 7: Gokyo's day of rest (4790m)

Day 8: After reaching Gokyo Ri (5360m), return to Machhermo by foot (4470m)

Day 9: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Day 10: Trek to Lukla (2840m)

Day 11: Fly back to Kathmandu


It is important to note that this itinerary is a rough guide and can vary depending on your pace physical fitness and the trail conditions.

 

Contact us for a customized Itinerary for Gokyo Lake Trek at +977-9849615880 Chat via WhatsApp


Gokyo Lake Trek available route

There are several different routes that trekkers can take to reach Gokyo Lake
The standard route: Starts from Lukla, and goes through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo, and the same way back.

Gokyo Ri with Renjo La Pass trek: This is a bit longer than Standard routes pass through Renjo La Pass, it goes to Gokyo and Gokyo Ri for a panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Gokyo to Kalapatthar trek: This trek covers Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Ri, and Kalapatthar, offering a great panoramic view of the Himalayas.


Gokyo Lake Trek, Gokyo Ri Trekking


Weather details for Gokyo Lake Trek

Depending on the season, the weather for the Gokyo Lake Trek can change. The temperature varies between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius during the day and can dip to -5 to 0 degrees Celsius at night in the spring (March to May). With beautiful skies and the greatest views of the surrounding peaks, it's also visitors' busiest time of year.
Autumn (September to November) has daytime highs of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows of -10 to -5 degrees Celsius. The route is dry and the monsoon season is over. The trail may be muddy during the monsoon season (June to August) when landslides are frequent.

Additionally, trekking is not recommended because of the low vision caused by clouds. Due to the difficult terrain and high altitude, the winter months of December through February are not the best seasons to travel.

Going outside at night, when temperatures can drop to -20 to -25 degrees Celsius, is not advised for people who are not prepared for extremely cold weather. At high altitudes, the weather can be erratic, therefore it's imperative to always be prepared for the worst. This is an important thing to remember.


Difficulty level of Gokyo Lake Trek

The Gokyo Lake Trek is considered moderate to challenging in terms of difficulty. It involves significant altitude gain, with the highest point being Gokyo Ri (5,360m) and some challenging passes such as Renjo La pass (5,360m) and Cho La pass (5,368m).
It's a physically demanding trek that takes around 10-12 days, passing through remote and mountainous terrain. Physical fitness, mental preparedness, and the right equipment are essential. Weather and trail conditions can also affect the difficulty level, so it's best to consult with a professional guide or trekking agency before starting the trek.


Facilities for Gokyo Lake Trek

Food: There are numerous teahouses and local lodges along the trekking route that serve a wide range of regional and foreign cuisine. These establishments typically have a varied menu with choices like momos, pizza, pasta, and dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice).
Accommodations: Along the trekking path, numerous teahouses and local lodges provide simple lodging. Twin-sharing rooms with attached and common bathrooms depending on the place.

Electricity: Electricity is available at all the teahouses and lodges, but the amount varies depending on the location and time of year. A power bank should be brought as a backup.

Internet: Some teahouses and lodges along the walking route offer internet connectivity, however, it can be slow and unreliable. It's critical to manage expectations and not rely on them.

Hot Shower: Along the trekking path are a few teahouses and lodges with hot shower facilities, but you must pay extra for them. Laundry services are available at many teahouses and lodges along the trekking route, however, the availability and pricing of these services can change depending on the location and time of year.

Drinking water: It's vital to pack a water filter or purification tablets because the tap water along the walking path is unsafe to drink. As an alternative, boiled water is offered at teahouses and lodges, but be ready to pay more for it.

Banks & ATMs: Due to the isolated location in the Himalayas of the Gokyo Lake hike area, ATMs and banks only available in Lukla and Namche Bazar may not be easily accessible.


Extra cash on hand and a debit or credit card that can be used in an emergency are advised. It's best to have cash on hand because certain teahouses and lodges along the route may accept card payments.


Our Recommendation for Gokyo Lakes and Ri Trek

Star Trek from a lower elevation: It's crucial for acclimatization to begin a journey at a lower height and progressively climb the mountain. The decreased oxygen levels seen at higher altitudes take some time for the human body to get used to. Altitude sickness, which can include symptoms as basic as headache and nausea to more severe ones like confusion, breathing difficulties, and in rare instances, even death, can occur if a person ascends too quickly. The danger of altitude sickness is decreased by starting at a lower level since the body has time to adapt to the changes in altitude. Furthermore, beginning at lower elevations enables a steady increase in physical exertion, making the climb easier to manage.


Buy Insurance: When embarking on a trek like the Gokyo Lake Trek, it is typically a good idea to obtain travel insurance since it can cover unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellation, medical crises, and lost or stolen gear. Make sure any insurance coverage you are contemplating covers the specific dangers related to the trek you will be taking by carefully reading the fine print. Additionally, it's always a good idea to confirm your insurance coverage with your provider if you don't already have one, and if you don't, think about getting one before your voyage.


Acclimatization at Namche Bazar: At 11,286 feet (3,440 meters) above sea level, Namche Bazar is a popular rest stop for hikers on the Gokyo Lake journey. Altitude sickness, which can be brought on by ascending too quickly, can be avoided by properly acclimatizing. This enables a gradual adjustment of the body to a higher altitude. It's also advised to take a little climb up to a higher elevation before returning and spending the night there. This method of acclimatization, known as "Climb High Sleep Low," is efficient. Additionally, it's crucial to avoid alcohol and cigarettes when acclimatizing, remain hydrated, and get plenty of rest. It's crucial to descend to a lower altitude right away if you feel altitude sickness symptoms like headache, exhaustion, or nausea.


Follow Local Rules and Regulations: While on the Gokyo Lake walk, it's crucial to abide by the local laws and ordinances. This entails getting the required licenses, observing local traditions, and respecting their culture, as well as adhering to waste management and conservation regulations. It is crucial to get the required licenses and abide by the regulations set forth by the local authorities because the trip travels through protected areas. Additionally, it's critical to respect regional traditions and culture, such as taking your shoes off before entering a temple or monastery and dressing accordingly. The local ecology must also be considered, and rules for garbage disposal must be followed, such as packing out all rubbish and not leaving any litter.

The weight limit for Porter: The weight limit for a porter during the Gokyo Lake trek in Nepal is typically around 20-25 kg (44-55 lbs). it is important to remember that a porter's safety and well-being should be a top priority, and it is not ethical to overload them with excessive weight.


Extra days for the trip: The Gokyo Lake journey typically lasts between 8 and 12 days, but you can extend your trip for acclimatization, to go on more side trips, or just to have more time to take in the breathtaking scenery.

Additionally, it's essential since unanticipated weather or trail conditions could arise. Depending on a variety of variables, including your level of fitness and intended speed, you may need to add more days to your itinerary for the Gokyo Lake trip in Nepal.


Expandable (Side) trekking routes

There are options to extend your Gokyo Lake Trek as follows.
Gokyo Cho La Pass trek: This is a challenging and strenuous trek, it includes a crossing over the Cho La Pass, which is a steep climb that offers a great panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Renjo La Pass Trek: This is a difficult trek, you will hike through Renjo La Pass which offers a great panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Gokyo to Everest Base Camp trek: This trek is a combination of the Gokyo Lake trek and the classic Everest Base Camp trek. It covers Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Ri, and the Base Camp of Mount Everest.


Major places of the Gokyo Lake Trek

During the walk, you can visit several significant locations, including:
Lukla: You will fly from Kathmandu to the trek's beginning point, Lukla, which is a little town with a domestic airport. Phakding: You will spend the first night of the trek in Phakding, a little village on the Dudh Kosi River's banks.

Namche Bazaar: The main settlement in the Khumbu region and a significant gathering place for hikers and mountaineers is Namche Bazaar. It has a fantastic perspective of the Himalayas and is also where the Sherpa people call home.

Dole: A tiny community encircled by mountains and forests in a lovely valley.

Machhermo: A little community in the Himalayas famed for its picturesque surroundings and the Machhermo Peak.

Gokyo: The trek's major goal, Gokyo is a tiny settlement at the foot of the Gokyo Peak and the Gokyo Lakes.

Gokyo Ri: Known for its expansive views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, Gokyo Ri is a well-liked lookout point.


Namche Bazar, Gokyo Lake Trek


 


Major Activities to do during Gokyo Lake trek

Hike to Gokyo Ri: Gokyo Ri offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Gokyo Ri is a well-known viewpoint. During the trek, the ascent of Gokyo Ri is a must-do activity.
Visit to the Gokyo Lakes: The trek's major draw, the Gokyo Lakes provide a beautiful and tranquil setting. The lakes provide a fantastic opportunity to view the Himalayas up close because they are flanked by stunning glaciers and snow-capped peaks.

Explore the Sherpa culture: The Gokyo Lake trek takes you through the heart of the Sherpa homeland, and it offers a great opportunity to learn about the local culture and way of life. You can visit traditional Sherpa villages, and monasteries, and meet the local people.


Don't forget to bring your camera so you can record priceless moments.