Gokyo Lake Trek

Trekkers are walking on the way to Gokyo Lake
At a Glance
  • Duration12 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude5357m
  • ActivityTrekking In Nepal
  • Group Size1-15
  • StartsKathmandu
  • EndsKathmandu
  • Best SeasonMarch, April, May And September, October, November
Gokyo Lake Trek Highlights
  • Explore to Ngozompa Glacier 36km which is a persistent Ice body believed to be moving slowly by its own weight.
  • Explore Gokyo Village which is a unique Sherpa settlement at the base of Gokyo Ri Peak.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site Sagarmatha National Park surrounds the whole lake and glaciers a home to many different rare and endangered species of mountain animals like red panda, Snow Leopard, Yak, Lopophorous, and Rhodendron.
  • Close Sunrise and Sunset view of Mount Everest from the nearest point.
  • Off the beaten trail routes i.e., silent peaceful, and less crowded between giants world's highest mountain peaks.
  • Gokyo Lake is a combination of dozens of lakes and Gokyo Valley around the lake just below the Gokyo Ri Peak.
  • An adrenal rushing flight to Hilary Tenzing Airport at Lukla.
  • Breathtaking view of the highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Amadablam, Pumori, and many more.
  • Witness the simmering Glacier Lake, Gokyo, which is the world's highest freshwater lake.

Gokyo is a small Sherpa settlement in the base of Gokyo Ri(5357m) in the Khumbu Region. Gokyo Ri is a peak very close to the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, 8848.86m. It lies in the world's highest national park listed under the UNESCO World Heritage site Sagarmatha National Park at an altitude of 5000m above sea level where you can see some of the rare species of flora and fauna, including the national treasures,  Rhododendron and Lophoporous, being national treasures. The Gokyo Lake itself holds a significant trait that falls under the Ramsar sight and harbors both natural and cultural significance to Buddhists and Hindus. 

A shimmering glacier lake guarded by the giant Himalayas and Sherpa community, Gokyo Lake, is probably one of the most beautiful places on earth, overlooked by many travelers while trekking to Everest Base Camp and only discovered once they land on the trail. 

The Gokyo Lake Trek 12 Days is a famous and alternative trek route designed for enthusiastic travelers who wish to explore in World's highest freshwater lake Gokyo Lake. This oligotrophic lake system is a system of six lakes and compounds called Gokyo Lake.

There are a few hotels, Lodges, and Restaurants near the lake for a close view of the lake from your coffee table. It has an area of 485 acres and was officially designated in 2007.

This lake system is essential for its permanent fresh water, and different glaciers combine to form Gokyo Lake. The trek to this World's highest freshwater lake is one of the excellent travel options for tourists as they can witness the front face of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many highest peaks in the Khumbu Region.

The journey to the world’s highest freshwater lake starts with a thrilling flight to Lukla. The trail takes you through the winding path and into the Sherpa Civilization, their ancient monasteries, lush rhododendron forests, and breathtaking views of the high Himalayas. The trekking route separates from the regular Everest Trail from Namche and takes you through a lesser crowded path awaiting you to be astounded by the captivating Glacier Lake. 

Similarly, Gokyo Valley under Gokyo Ri Peak is another major highlight of the Gokyo Lake Trek. Ngozompa Glacier is the largest Ice body at the base of Cho Oyu, the world's sixth-highest mountain. This 36km long glacier is a persistent mass of Ice flowing slowly due to its weight.

Similarly, another beautiful village that falls on the way to 12 Days Gokyo Lake Trek is a Machermo, a small peak just above the village. There are many guest houses and lodges in Machermo.

Gokyo Lake Trek Or Everest Gokyo Ri Trekking is the best option besides Everest Base Camp Trek and Everest Circuit Trek. In 12 days, you get to experience:

  • splendid mountain view
  • Sherpa lifestyle
  • culture
  • tradition and history
  • different monasteries
  • different endangered species of birds, animals, plants, and flowers are found in the World's Highest Regions.

And more! Furthermore, if you want to, you can also turn this into a tea house trek. You complete your day hike and rest in different tea houses along the routes. Besides this, you can visit Namche Bazaar and have an acclimatization day here. While this will add some more time, when it comes to Everest Base Camp Trekking and Everest circuit Trekking routes, taking an acclimatization day is a must - unless you are a professional mountaineer.

Itinerary

Right after you arrive in Nepal, you will be received by a representative from Mount Glory Treks. You can quickly identify them as they will be holding a display signboard with our company's logo. Once you contact them, they will guide you to your booked hotel. On the way to the hotel, you will receive a quick summary of our services. Once you arrive at your pre-booked hotel, you will have some free time to freshen up. After you have rested for a while, there will be a briefing at the Mount Glory Treks office, during which you will be introduced to your travel guide. The travel guide will then share some of their experience to give you a general idea of what to expect in your forthcoming journey! 

    Once you get enough rest and spend the night knowing your guides, you will commence your journey the next day by getting on a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The general duration of this flight is around 40 minutes. 

    After you reach Lukla, there will be a brief break, followed by a three-hour trek to Phakding. During this trek, you will go through a gently ascending trail as you witness the scenario view on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. During this trek, you will also have the opportunity to view the Nupla. This will be a mildly rough journey since you must ascend and decent within a few hours.

      The day will start with a warm breakfast at a local guest house and a short briefing session. Once the formalities are out of the way, your journey will begin as you walk through the scenic rivers and pass through high-suspension bridges. On this day, your scenic journey will change from green hills to low snow-capped mountains as you catch glimpses of Mount Everest. 

      Mount Everest is not the only mountain you will witness since, on this steep journey, you will come across Mt Kusum Kangaroo, Thamserku, Konde-Ri, and more. After a trek of six to seven hours, you will arrive at your destination for the day, Namche Bazaar.

        Although the entire journey is about ascending and descending, the air gets noticeably thinner after this point. Therefore, you will be given a day to rest and acclimate at Namche Bazaar. 

        Since Namche Bazaar is one of the primary trading hubs of this region, you will have plenty of things to do on your free day here. You can experience the rich local culture, indulge in the best regional cuisines and more. That said, the key point of this day off is to rest and recharge your energy, so be sure not to exhaust yourself too much.

          After you have gotten used to the thin air and the climate at Namche Bazaar, the journey continues. The route for the day will take you from Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Khumbila, Sanasa, Mangala, Phortse Tenga, and Dole. 

          Throughout this route, you will get to witness some of the best panoramic views of the mountains. Along with the distant view of the mountains, you will come into close contact with many mountain moss and lichens. 

            This would be a relatively short trek. The day starts with the usual briefing and some light snacks. Once this is done, the journey continues as you brush past wild junipers that can only be found in high altitudes. 

            If you arrive in this location during summer, you may come across pasturing yaks and semi-green pasturelands. Your eyes will feast on the breathtaking views of Cho Oyo along with some other mountains. You will be at your destination within four to five hours.

              After the usual briefing and some light breakfast, you continue your journey with scenic views. Unbeknownst to you, you have completed more than half of your trip.

              As you travel through the path to Bangka, Ngozumpa glacier, and pass through the holy lakes, you understand why this Gokyo Trek is considered a special one. As you pass Dudh Pokhari, you reach the final destination of this journey.

              You can see the humbling view of Cho Oyu summit and Gyaching Kang from this lake.

                After staying for a night around the local settlements at Gokyo Lake, the descent back home begins. There will be some bitter-sweet feelings as you realize that this beautiful journey is nearing its end. However, this will enhance the enjoyment of each second you spend on this land isolated from modern life. 

                The first part is naturally a climb to the peak of Gokyo Ri. Here you will get one of the best views of this journey as you bow to the humbling presence of the mountains surrounding you. After this, it's a short walk back to Machhermo village.

                  Unlike the ascend that lasted two days, the descent back to Namche Bazaar can be made within a day. The trail gently descends from the peak as you descend the Photse Tenga and witness the scenic view of rhododendron forests. 

                  The entire trek down will take around six to seven hours, but it will feel relatively quick. You will be so engrossed in the views that you will not notice the flow of time or the tiredness in your body.

                    Technically this would be the last day of your trek since the next day will consist of simply flying back to Kathmandu. This will be a relatively long trek since you will need to journey through the ups and downs of the trail which can last anywhere from seven to eight hours. 

                    Since this will be your last day trekking, every second will be precious as you try to take in as much as possible.

                     

                      There will not be many events on this day since the only journey you will take is the 45 min long flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Once this is done, you can do practically anything you like. This includes visiting some of the best tourist attractions and trying local cuisines. You can even take a Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour if you wish to do so. 

                        Technically, you can extend your stay and take a more challenging Trek to Everest Base Camp or Everest Circuit Trek. However, for most of you, this will be the final day of departure since there you have your whole life waiting for you at the other end of the world. 

                        Mount Glory Treks Representative will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport from your hotel, where you will return to your home town. 

                          NOTE: All information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge, considering the current situation of the itinerary. But please note that the changes might occur at any time despite our best efforts to improve our program or due to logistical regions such as traffic jams, flight schedules, weather conditions, governmental policies, or any external reasons.  

                          If you are not satisfied with the above itinerary please you can customize it yourself and follow the below Customize Link.


                          B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner 

                          Customize TripPrivate Trip
                          What's Included
                          • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
                          • 02 Nights Twin sharing 3-Star accommodation in Kathmandu); Breakfast included. (A single room can be arranged upon payment of an extra price of USD 60 per night).
                          • All your standard Meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
                          • Standard Guest House accommodation while trekking time on a twin-sharing basis.
                          • Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airport.
                          • Well, I English-speaking Government License Holder and Experienced Trek leader/Guide.
                          • Porters to carry your bags(1 porter for 2 guests).
                          • Food, Accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment are for all staff.
                          • Free Mount Glory Duffle, and T-shirt.
                          • Everest National Park Permits and TIMS for trekking.
                          • All government, hotel, and other applicable taxes.
                          • Farewell, dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant with a cultural dance show.
                          • Trip Completion Certificate And Token Of Love.
                          • Official expenses.
                          What's not Included
                          • International Airfare and taxes.
                          • Personal Travel Insurance.
                          • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
                          • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
                          • All items of personal expenses.
                          • Tipping for a guide, porters, and drivers(tipping is expected).
                          • Any other expense which is not mentioned in a price Includes' a section.

                          Note: Please bring 4 passport-size photos, a copy of your passport, and travel insurance at Our First Meeting In Our Office.

                          Useful Information

                          Accommodation and Facilities During 12 Days Gokyo Lake Trek:

                          Despite the challenging geography and climate, The Khumbu Region in Nepal boasts the best trekking lodges in the country. 

                          You will get a comfortable bed with an attached bathroom,  delicious food with quite a variety of options, and a hot and cold shower. 

                          It is important to understand that the trekking trails are not connected to roadways, making it necessary to transport goods by yaks and porters over several days. So as you gain altitude, the facilities are limited with occasional issues with wifi connectivity and electricity. Additional charges apply for hot drinking water, showers, and charging electric appliances.

                          Namche stands out as the most charming and well-equipped. It offers a wide range of accommodations, including lodges with attached bathrooms and showers. In addition, Namche features bakeries, pubs, and reasonably exclusive restaurants, making it feel like a modern hidden gem in the midst of the mountains.


                          Who can join Gokyo Lake Trek:

                          Gokyo Lake Trek is an extension trek of the Everest Base Camp Trek making it more challenging. 

                          Just like the Everest Base Camp trek, the trekking trail takes you through rough terrain exposing you to high altitudes for an additional number of days. The path gets even trickier once it snows, while the weather in the highland is unpredictable. 

                          We strongly suggest that travelers take insurance covering emergency evacuation and be physically and mentally prepared. Travelers with joint and breathing issues are requested to consult with doctors before joining the trek. 


                          Guide & Potters During Gokyo Lake Trek Nepal:

                          It is compulsory to hire a guide during trekking in Nepal, and so is for the Gokyo Lake Trek. 

                          The trail is challenging with high altitudes and unpredictable weather conditions, so having local expertise ensures your safety by navigating, avoiding potential hazards, and providing assistance in case of emergencies. Our guides are familiar with the trails, updated about local conditions, and can make informed decisions to keep you out of danger. Besides the trekking guides are your local friends who will help you provide cultural insights that will add more meaning to your journey. 

                          The trail is both physically and mentally demanding and to ensure that you enjoy your trip to the fullest while making sure you have your essentials gears backed up, hiring a potter enhances your overall experience allowing you to move at your comfortable pace, reducing strain on your body. 


                          Safety and Security During Gokyo Lake Trek 12 Days:

                          The Gokyo Lake Trek 12 Days is safe. Just make sure that you take proper precautions. The biggest challenge is your physical and mental strength. Make sure you are properly acclimatized and taking enough fluids to stay hydrated. Our guide and potter add a layer of safety and comfort to your journey. 

                          We recommend having travel insurance covering trekking activities, including medical evacuation in case of emergencies. 

                           

                          In recent years, the flight to Lukla sometimes departs from Manthali. During the peak trekking season, mostly during October and November, there is high air traffic, hence to control air traffic, flights are diverted to Manthali and take off from there instead. 

                          In such case, you will be transferred to Manthali on an early morning drive, around 2 or 3 AM. Or you can drive a day early and have an overnight at a local lodge in Manthali. The drive is approx. 5 hrs,  covering 132 km to the east of Kathmandu. The flight from Manthali to Lukla is approx. 25 mins each way. 

                          Price per personUS$1150
                          We Offer Group Discount
                          1 pax
                          US$1250
                          2 pax
                          US$1150
                          3 - 5 pax
                          US$1090
                          6 - 9 pax
                          US$1050
                          10 - 15 pax
                          US$1010
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