What to pack for the Gokyo Valley Trek in Nepal?
Before embarking on a high-altitude Gokyo Valley hike, one of the most crucial things you should think about is your equipment.
Essential gear, like sleeping bags and duffel bags, is provided by Mount Glory Treks during our first meeting in Kathmandu and is part of the package.
Other necessities must be prepared by the hikers in addition to these. You can bring them from your home country in addition to purchasing or renting them from Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
The following packing list is necessary before going on the Gokyo Valley Trek:
Clothing
- Trekking T-Shirts
- Warm Fleece Jacket
- Down Jacket
- Waterproof/Windproof Jacket
- Trekking Pants
- Thermal Base Layers
- Trekking Socks
- Warm Hat/Beanie/Sun Hat/Cap
- Gloves
- Scarf
Footwear
- Trekking Boots
- Light Camp Shoes/Slippers
Gear
- Daypack (25-30L)
- Duffel Bag
- Trekking Poles
- Sunglasses (UV Protection)
- Headlamp
Toiletries & Health
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip Balm
- Wet Wipes, Tissues, Hand Sanitizer
- Quick Dry Towel
- Personal Toiletries
Medicines & First Aid
- Personal Medication
- Basic First Aid
- Oral Rehydration Salts
Extras
- Camera/GoPro
- Power Bank
- Travel Documents
- Universal Adapter
- Cash (Nepali Rupees)
Food & Accommodation During the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
During the 12-day Gokyo Lake Trek in the Everest region, we will provide you with standard teahouse accommodations with basic amenities on a single, double, or triple occupancy basis.
Even though our package includes standard lodging, if you want to spend more money, you can upgrade to luxury lodging in the Khumbu Area. Upon your request, we can offer such facilities at an extra cost. From five-star hotels that cost 500 USD to inexpensive tea houses that start at USD 5, the Everest region trek has a lot to offer tourists.
During the Kathmandu stay before and after the trip, we will manage a standard 3-star hotel with a BB plan. If trekkers request to upgrade the accommodation, we will manage it upon request at an additional cost.
For the duration of your journey, our package includes three meals per day. Due to the trek's high elevation gain, your body requires both carbohydrates and proteins.
As a result, Mount Glory Treks has included your essentials in the bundle.
- Breakfast options: Tibetan Bread, Eggs, Pancakes, Tea, Coffee, Porridge, and muesli.
- Lunch and Dinner: Dal Bhat, Momo, Chowmein, Fried Rice, Thukpa, Soups, Pizza, Macaroni
Note: Trekkers are required to bring extra food or beverages except for 3 meals a day; they can pay the additional cost for extra items.
Best season to do the Gokyo Lake Trekking
Most trekkers prefer the spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November), which are considered to be the best seasons for the Gokyo Lake Excursion. The springtime brings clear skies and normal weather for these types of Himalayan adventures. Beautiful flowers and greenery are added along the Everest route.
The festival season in Nepal, however, starts in the autumn and may coincide with your trek. During this time, you have a great chance to learn about Nepali culture as festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated.
Off-seasons like the winter and monsoon seasons carry some risks. Consulting with your travel partner before selecting such a package is highly recommended. Trekking on Everest during the off-season offers adventure seekers a thrilling experience and fewer tourists.
How difficult is the Gokyo Lake Trek in Nepal?
Reaching a height of over 5000 metres, the Himalayan high-altitude trek to Gokyo Lake is a moderately difficult trek in Nepal. However, if you are ready for the challenges and opt to go on your trek in the ideal seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), the trekking trials shouldn't be an issue. Even though this trip to the Khumbu Region is possible all year round, it is highly suggested that you consult with your travel partner before embarking on the off-season journey for a better understanding.
We've also added an acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar to reduce the risk of altitude sickness, which is one of the major challenges of this trek. You will need nourishing and energising foods because you will need to be ready to trek for almost six hours every day in order to finish the 12-day trek as scheduled. In order to improve your performance, it is also advised that you do regular hikes and exercises prior to your trip to Gokyo Lake.
The 12-day Gokyo Ri Trek is less strenuous and carries a lower risk of altitude sickness than other comparable treks in the Everest Region, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Everest Three Pass Trek.
How should you prepare for the Gokyo Lakes Trek?
Like any other trek in the Himalayan region of Nepal, the Gokyo Lake trek also requires the right preparation for a successful trip without challenges and problems. Don’t worry, because Mount Glory Treks, with the team of expert Sherpa guides, has listed preparation tips for a successful trek to Gokyo Valley.
- Mental and physical well-being is the first and most important preparation needed for a Himalayan journey. The challenging high-altitude trek requires a lot of endurance, both physical and mental.
- Packing the right things and all the necessary items is also crucial because you might leave behind the things that you really need.
- Choosing the right travel companion is very much needed because, without such, you might get into unwanted problems and further make your adventure a hassle and struggle.
- You should also have the right travel insurance that covers high-altitude rescue and medical emergencies because this trek reaches a height above 5000 metres.
- It is suggested that you carry enough Nepali currency during your journey because the ATMs are very limited in the Khumbu region.
- Hiking daily for 5-6 hours is a big challenge; that is why you should be ready with your snacks, water, and drinks to help you stay rejuvenated.
- Make sure you respect local culture and follow the eco-friendly practices, which won’t create problems for other travellers and people living in the area.
- Choose the right time for your successful mountain adventure. It is suggested that you consult your travel partner before arriving in Nepal.
- It is necessary that you carry your personal medications and first aid kit, which includes medicines for headaches, altitude sickness, diarrhoea, blisters, stomach pain, and other common health problems.
Gokyo Lake Trek Permit
Three permits must be obtained before you can begin your Gokyo Lake trip. Trekkers need to have permits for Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Area, and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS).
The following are the costs for the permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit: 3000 NPR
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Permit: 3000 NPR
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Permit): 2000 NPR
Note: Since all permits are covered by our Gokyo Lake 12-day trek package, trekkers don't need to worry about them.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for anyone starting the high-altitude trekking at Gokyo Valley in order to ensure safety and avoid unanticipated events. With the aid of travel insurance, you can travel with security and safety.
For peace of mind, we advise purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for daring activities like trekking in high-altitude areas. Additionally, your insurance should cover helicopter evacuation up to 6000 metres and medical charges.
Guide and porter service during the Gokyo Lake 12 Days Trek
For the difficult trek in the Khumbu region, guides are required. Because of this, a team of knowledgeable Sherpa guides and porters from Mount Glory Treks will accompany you throughout your journey. Additionally, the guides' meals, travel costs, and insurance are covered by our company.
Our packages include one guide for hikers in groups of up to eight. If the group consists of more than eight people, we will add an assistant guide to make things easier.
Porters are also necessary for your journey because they are in charge of carrying your heavy luggage and bags. We include porters in our package because trekking in Nepal's challenging Everest region is nearly impossible without them. For every two trekkers, there is also a porter who can carry up to 25 kg of gear.
Is the Gokyo Lake Trek better than the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Gokyo Lake Trek in Nepal might be the better choice for you because the standard Everest Base Camp Trek is a more challenging and high-altitude trek. Most people prefer this package over the EBC because it takes longer to finish and is at a high altitude.
This trek offers you the same views as the traditional EBC trek, plus the turquoise glacier lakes of the Gokyo Valley, even though it does not lead you to the base of the highest mountain in the world. In addition, the 12-day Gokyo Lake travel is significantly less expensive than the regular EBC trek.
Where are the Gokyo Lakes located?
The serene turquoise glacier lakes are typically located in the Gokyo valley of the Solukhumbu District of Nepal. Inside the Sagarmatha National Park, the Gokyo Lakes are situated around 4,700 m, with the highest reaching 5,000 m.
During your Gokyo Lake Trekking, you will witness that the lakes are to the west of Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the largest glacier in Nepal. For your information, the Gokyo Valley has a system of six main lakes, which are also considered the world’s highest freshwater lake system.
Among the gokyo lakes, the most popular ones are Dudh Pokhari, Thonak Cho (the largest lake), and Gyazumpa Cho. The lakes are very sacred to both the Hindus and Buddhists, who believe the lakes are holy and have spiritual power.
Culture & Wildlife of the Khumbu Region
Regarding the culture of the Everest region, the majority of people live in Sherpa communities, who are well-known for their friendly hospitality and prowess as mountaineers. Additionally, you will discover during your hike to Gokyo Lake that the majority of the area is Buddhist, as evidenced by the numerous monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags that are dispersed throughout the area.
While the locals celebrate the other well-known Nepali holidays, their own celebrations, such as the Tiji Festival, Losar, and local harvest festivals, highlight their distinctive traditional music, dances, and rituals.
Regarding the fauna of the Khumbu Region and Sagarmatha National Park, you are likely to see Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, snow leopards (very rare), red pandas (very rare), and Himalayan black bears. Along the best Gokyo Lake trekking route, you can see the Himalayan Monal, Nepal's beautiful national bird, along with griffon vultures, snowcocks, and other migratory species.
With stunning vegetation at higher elevations, including juniper, alpine shrubs, rhododendron forests, and medicinal plants. Within Sagarmatha National Park, the wildlife is well protected, with an emphasis on environmentally conscious hiking and reverence for the natural world.
Altitude Sickness & How to Prevent It during the Gokyo Lake Trek 12 Days?
Due to the high elevation during the Gokyo Lake Trek, altitude sickness is a major problem for the hikers. To avoid major issues, travellers should be aware of their symptoms and take the necessary precautions.
The following guidance can aid in the prevention or management of altitude sickness:
- Acclimatise to the altitude gradually; do not walk too fast.
- Avoid alcohol and too much caffeine, and drink lots of water.
- Go to lower elevations if symptoms worsen or persist.
- Don't overdo it; pay attention to your body.
- Before starting the walk, acclimatisation is essential.
- Obtain medical attention if you're feeling sick.
- Consume a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates and electrolytes.
Can a beginner trek to the Gokyo Lakes?
The trek to the serene turquoise Gokyo Lakes by a beginner trekker is possible, but proper preparations and understanding are necessary. Because of the high elevation at Gokyo Ri (5357 m), the difficulty is moderate to challenging.
If you are a beginner and want to embark on the Gokyo Valley trek in the Everest region of Nepal, the first thing you need to have is good fitness and stamina. Preventing altitude sickness is another crucial piece of advice for beginners, which is why Namche Bazaar is included in our itinerary.
Having a reliable travel companion, such as Mount Glory Treks, with knowledgeable guides and porters, makes it easier for novices to safely traverse the trail. Unlike more remote treks, the accommodations in the Khumbu region are basic but easily accessible, making them suitable for beginners.
How safe is it to embark on the Gokyo Valley Trek?
If you are interested in trekking in Gokyo Valley and are wondering about its safety, we can tell you that, for well-prepared hikers of all skill levels, the trek is generally safe. High altitude presents challenges, but they can be overcome with adequate hydration and acclimatisation.
Additionally, the trails are clearly marked, but the steep parts and glacier crossings need to be handled carefully. For this reason, the knowledgeable local sherpa guides enhance safety, navigation, and emergency response even more during your Gokyo hike.
Verifying forecasts and trekking during the appropriate season lowers unnecessary risks because weather and off-season conditions can make the trek dangerous. Helicopter evacuation is available in case of emergency from important locations such as Namche Bazaar, Dole, Gokyo, and Lukla.
Climbing Gokyo Ri 5357m for Epic View of Mount Everest
Gokyo Ri (5357 m) is a notable peak in the Gokyo Valley and the highest point of the trip. It takes roughly two to three hours to complete the challenging hike from Gokyo Village. You can see 360-degree views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and other nearby peaks from the summit.
The best time to reach the peak is early morning, before sunrise, to witness the clear views and stunning photography opportunities of Mount Everest. The golden peaks after the ascent are the highlight of the Gokyo Trek, giving a sense of achievement and epic Himalayan vistas.
Temperature and weather of the Mount Everest Region
The Mount Everest region has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Its temperature and weather are similar to those of any other Himalayan region. March through May are the best times of year for trekking because of the pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and blooming rhododendrons.
Additionally, trekking is not advised during the summer/monsoon season due to the high rainfall, overcast skies, slick trails, and landslip risk. Autumn, which spans from September to November, is another popular trekking season because of its consistent weather, clear skies, and good visibility. There are very few trekkers during the extremely cold winter months of December through February, and there is a lot of snowfall at high elevations that can block trails.
During your 12-day Gokyo trek, the temperature in the Mount Everest region can reach 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day at lower elevations and drop to -10 degrees Celsius at higher elevations. Furthermore, even in the spring and autumn, temperatures above 4,000 metres can stay below freezing.
Electricity, WiFi & Water during the Gokyo Lake Trek
Gokyo Valley, located in the remote Himalayan region of Khumbu, has access to electricity, Wi-Fi, and water, but these amenities come at an additional cost. The majority of tea houses and lodges along the Gokyo Lake Trail provide charging devices, which cost between $2 and $4 each. Because the devices are solar-powered, charging may be limited on overcast days, so it is advised to bring a power bank.
Additionally, some lodges in Namche Bazaar, Dole, and Gokyo Villages offer wifi, which typically costs between $2 and $4 per hour. The speed is slow, but it's best for sending emails or sending messages. Water is essential to life, and teahouses typically charge $1 to $5 per litre for bottled and filtered water. Trekkers should bring a reusable water bottle for both safety and environmental reasons.
Alternative Gokyo Lake Trekking Routes
We have included the standard Gokyo Lake trekking route in our 12-day itinerary. However, we also have other trek routes to Gokyo Lake if you want to further customise it and see other Everest region landmarks like Everest Base Camp or High Pass Crossing.
The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Circuit is a longer and more challenging alternative trek, which is highly rewarding. Along with the Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri summit, you will arrive at the base camp of the highest mountain in the world.
The Cho La Pass route is another well-liked alternate trek route for the Gokyo Lake Trek. It connects Gokyo Valley with the Everest Base Camp Trek via Cho La Pass (5420 m).
Experienced hikers looking for adventure in Nepal's Everest region are advised to take this difficult route because it involves steep climbs and glacier crossings.
ATM facilities during the Trek
There is limited atm availability during the hike to Gokyo Lake because only Namche Bazaar and a few larger villages like Lukla have working ATMs; that is why cash is essential. Furthermore, the tea houses and small shops along the route do not accept cards, so you will need to carry cash for extra food and emergencies.
Trekkers are advised to withdraw sufficient and needed cash in Kathmandu or Lukla before heading to the remote areas of the Everest region. On top of it, Nepali Rupees (NPR) are required, which is why you should exchange USD and Euros in Kathmandu or Namche.
Airport Pickup and Drop-Off Service
We have also covered all of your airport transportation from the time you arrive in Nepal until the time you depart on this 12-day Gokyo Lake trekking package. On the first day after your arrival, you will be picked up from Tribhuwan airport and taken to the hotel in Kathmandu that you have reserved.
After that, we will drive you from your hotel to either Tribhuvan or Ramechhap airports so you can catch a flight to Lukla, which is the entry point to Everest. The flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu is no different.
On your flight back to your home country, we will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at Tribhuvan Airport before 3 hours of flight. This is the last airport pickup and drop-off service.
Tipping Culture in Nepal
While it is not required, it is highly recommended that you tip your guides and porters for their help during your trek to Gokyo Lakes. In general, you should tip at least 10% of the total amount you spend on your trip. Tipping above the minimum amount needed for the trip is acceptable if you genuinely enjoyed the service.
Booking & Payment Process
Is the trip to Gokyo Valley on your mind? The booking process is simpler than you expected and can be completed right away.
For your convenience, Mount Glory Treks provides a simple, secure, and safe way to book and pay. The "Book Now" button on our website allows you to make a reservation for this trip. You can also send us a direct message through WhatsApp, WeChat, or email.
In order for us to adjust your schedule, it is advised that you email us your flight information, a copy of your passport, and your travel insurance after making your reservation.
To participate in any trek or expedition with us, you must pay 20% of the total package cost in advance and the remaining balance when you arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, before going on the trip. Reservations at the last minute are also accepted, but full payment is required in advance.
All You Need to Know About Lukla Flight
The Lukla Tenzing Hillary Airport is the entry point of the Everest region, and it is one of the world’s most dangerous airports because of its location and altitude. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which is very picturesque and offers you views of the surrounding mountain region, typically takes 30 to 35 minutes.
For your information, because of heavy traffic, flights to Lukla are operated from Ramechhap. Ramechhap airport is about a four- to five-hour drive from Kathmandu, and the flight takes 20 minutes to reach Lukla.
One of your hurdles of the 12-day Gokyo Lake Journey is that the Lukla flight is highly weather-dependent, and delays and cancellations are a common scenario. That is why early morning flights are more reliable, and also be prepared for cancellations or delays.
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