Gokyo Lake Trekking is one of the important and less crowded alternatives to the Everest Base Camp trek. From the higher point above Gokyo, Cho Oyu offers a dramatic view of the northwest face of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu; all five more than 8000m high peaks. Moreover, there is a unique view of the kilometer-wide Ngozumpa Glacier and the ice fields from which it flows.
How to get to Gokyo Lake?
Gokyo Lake Trek begins from a short flight to Lukla and two days walk to Namche Bazaar – for a day of rest and acclimatization. Then, we walk to Khumjung valley to experience the lifestyle, culture, and beliefs of the Sherpa people. There, we explore several Buddhist monasteries and memorials.
The Gokyo lake trekking route follows the Dudh Koshi Valley west of the Everest Trail. From there, we leave the main Everest trekking trail and walk across two villages – Dole and Machhermo. Then, we will walk up to the Ngozumpa Glacier (Nepal’s longest). We will follow its moraine past two lakes of Gokyo overlooking the blue-green Dudh Pokhari (lake) on its side.
Overview
Gokyo Lake Trekking is one of the important and less crowded alternatives to the Everest Base Camp trek. From the higher point above Gokyo, Cho Oyu offers a dramatic view of the northwest face of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu; all five more than 8000m high peaks. Moreover, there is a unique view of the kilometer-wide Ngozumpa Glacier and the ice fields from which it flows.
How to get to Gokyo Lake?
Gokyo Lake Trek begins from a short flight to Lukla and two days walk to Namche Bazaar – for a day of rest and acclimatization. Then, we walk to Khumjung valley to experience the lifestyle, culture, and beliefs of the Sherpa people. There, we explore several Buddhist monasteries and memorials.
The Gokyo lake trekking route follows the Dudh Koshi Valley west of the Everest Trail. From there, we leave the main Everest trekking trail and walk across two villages – Dole and Machhermo. Then, we will walk up to the Ngozumpa Glacier (Nepal’s longest). We will follow its moraine past two lakes of Gokyo overlooking the blue-green Dudh Pokhari (lake) on its side.
The village is surrounded by white towering peaks where Cho Oyu is visible to the north. This is a valley filled with a glacial lake. Gokyo Lake Trekking route is less trodden and seems less crowded for trekkers, so one can enjoy the vacation without disturbance. During the short growing season, some selected crops are grown and yaks freely graze. In addition to tourism, people keep yak for their livelihood. We will spend two nights here and explore the glacial lakes and enjoy the local culture and tradition.
We can return in three days staying in different villages.
Note: You can look Gokyo Lake Trek Map for more information about the Gokyo Lake trekking route.
Gokyo village in Everest
Gokyo is a small human settlement located in the heart of the Kumbu region of Nepal, at the foot of Gokyo Ri and to the eastern shore of Dukh Pokhari. Gokyo village is Located at an elevation of 4,750m and is one of the highest settlements in Himalaya. Almost every house in the village offers a tea-house.
Gokyo Lake is one of the highest mountain lakes in the world. The Gokyo Lake system of 19 lakes is spread over an area of 485 acres at an average altitude of 4,700m. The distance from Kathmandu to Gokyo Lake is about 136km.
Besides its natural heritage, Gokyo Lake is an equally famous holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists. At the Janai Purnima festival, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit Gokyo Lake to perform holy baths and religious activities.
A stiff climb up to Gokyo Ri at 5360m has the major highlights of soaring views of the 8 000m peaks, set amongst other giants. Gokyo Ri summit is characterized as the grand view of peaks such as Mt. Cho-Oyu (8201m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8501m), and Mt. Makalu (8463m). Besides mountain peaks, trekkers can have a close view of the Ngozumpa glacier below the Cho Oyu Himal, the longest glacier in the world (36 km). Moreover, we can walk further up the valley for two more lakes is also possible.
Best Season and Difficulty of Gokyo Lake Trek
The best times of the year for the Everest Base Camp Trek are the spring season (March to May) and autumn (last week in September to mid-December). During these times, the weather remains stable and the views of the mountains are good. In monsoon, the weather can be unpredictable and the rain can make the trails slippery and muddy. In winter, heavy snowfall and too cold temperature can sometimes make the trek hurdle. Gokyo Lake trekking trip is a moderate trek with the same degree of difficulty as the EBC trek. The people running to complete the trek as soon as possible is the main problem of this trek.
It is suitable for the seekers to trek in the less-trodden trail of the Khumbu region. Most importantly, this trek is suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk for around 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. The trek might be easy for people who have high altitude experience.
Best Season for Gokyo Lake Trekking
The best times of the year for the Everest Gokyo lake Trekking are the spring season (March to May) and autumn (last week in September to mid-December). During these times, the weather remains stable and the views of the mountains are good. In monsoon, the weather can be unpredictable and the rain can make the trails slippery and muddy. In winter, heavy snowfall and too cold temperature can sometimes make the trek hurdle.
Outline Itinerary Gokyo Lake Trekking
Day 01: Arrival Welcome at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport (1 300m/4 260ft).
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour OR a free day. Trek preparation
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu – Lukla (2 800m/9 190ft) – Phakding (2 610m/8 560ft), 35min flight, 3-4 hrs trek.
Day 04: Trek Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3 440m/11 290ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 05: Hiking Namche Bazaar: Rest and acclimatization day
Day 06: Trek Namche Bazaar – Dole (4 100m/13 450ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 07: Trek Dole – Machhermo (4 400m/14 440ft), 4-5 hrs
Day 08: Trek Machhermo – Gokyo (4 750m/15 580ft), 3-4 hrs
Day 09: Hiking Gokyo: Exploration of Gokyo Valley
Day 10: Trek Gokyo – Phortse (3 810m/12 500ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 11: Trek Phortse – Monjo (2 840m/9 320ft), 4-5 hrs
Day 12: Trek Monjo – Lukla (2 800m/9 190ft), 4-5 hrs
Day 13: Fly Lukla – Kathmandu (1,300m/4 260ft), 35 min flight. Return to hotel. Rest of the day free.
Day 14: Final Departure: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to your onward destination
Important NOTE:
- Above mentioned itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather conditions, the health of the visitors and/or guide, natural conditions, and other circumstances. But our key concern is always guest satisfaction. So we will always try for maximum benefits from unfavorable conditions also.
- The facilities and hotel services are set based on your budget and request. So the tour/package charges are conditional as per your demand.
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