Gokyo Lake Trek

Trip Overview

Gokyo Lake Trek, 4790m is located in Everest region in the north eastern Nepal. Gokyo Lake is also called Dudh Pokhari. Gokyo lake system is naturally vulnerable, as it is lying in an ecologically fragile and unstable zone. Gokyo lake system of 19 lakes is spread over an area of 196.2 ha (485 acres) lying between 4,600m and 5,100m. The wetland lies on the head of the Dudh Koshi, which descends from Cho Oyu. Gokyo Lake is considered sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist. Every year, there will be holy bath in the lakes during Janai Purnima festival which usually occurs in the month of August. The site is worshipped as the residing place of Nag Devata (snake God). Gokyo Lake Trek is among the most popular tourist destinations in Everest region leading towards the Everest Base Camp and other areas. This trek is commonly hiked by people with slightly more time to trek as the trail is 4 days longer than the standard EBC trek. The Gokyo Lakes trek also has the added benefit of being a circular route as opposed to the standard EBC trek which returns along the same trail.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m.).

At the airport; you will be meet by representative of our company and transferred to the Hotel, where you will meet us. A pre-trek briefing will be held at approx. 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the evening and is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner. Welcome dinner at the authentic and typical Nepalese cusine with culutural dance.

Day 02: Full day Guided Tour in Kathmandu valley with city Tour Guide.

SWOYAMBHUNATH,
also known as the monkey temple, is climbed by a long set of steps and has great views of Kathmandu.
BOUDHANATH STUPA has many traditional Gompas hung with strings of multi-coloured prayer flags; it attracts many Sherpas and Tibetans for the circumambulations of the stupa (koras).
PASHUPATINATH is a Hindu temple with burning Ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, which is one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist temples

Day 03:Fly to Lukla (2850m). Trek to Phakding (2,650m)

Your day begins early as you head for Kathmandu airport to catch to Lukla flight. Assuming the flight departs without much delay, you will have fine weather with stunning views of Himalayan peaks. The trails leaves Lukla through a Kaani or gateway. Soon you are walking down a gently descending trails, past rolling farmlands that extends over what seems to be a wide promontory overlooking the canyon of the Dudh Koshi River. The snow peak at the head of the valley is Kumbila (5716m), the mountain sacred to the sherpas. On the way to Phakding, you will notice a huge boulder printed with Tibetan religious mantras (mostly; Om mani padme hum). About 3 hours walk, you will be in Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,450m).

We continue north following the Dudh Kosi river and on to Jorsale where we enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. From here it is a short walk to the confluence of two rivers, the lmja Drangpa (Imja Khola) and the Nangpo Tsangpo (Bhote Koshi) followed by a steep climb (for about 2hrs.) to Namche Bazaar, the main town in the Khumbu region. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre with a weekly Saturday market. Distance: 10.5km/6.5miles approximately 5 hours walks.

Days 05: Acclimatization day Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar is tucked away between two ridges amongst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. Once named the 'Trekkers Mecca of Nepal, Namche now boasts an abundance of lodges and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatising to the new altitude of 3450m before heading off towards Gokyo. Options for acclimatisation walks include a visit to Khunde Hospital and also the one hour walk up to the Everest Hotel, Syangboche above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest.

Days 06: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Tenga (3,640m).

A very spectacular day in terms of scenery. The main trail out of Namche heads north to Everest. Following this trail, a short climb to a crest reveals a wonderful view towards Everest and Lhotse, whilst nearer at hand our route is a Yak trail, contouring around the hillside. The way to Gokyo is via Phortse Tenga and follows this main trail for a while longer, passing many traders selling Tibetan handicraft, to a crossroads high above the Dudh Kosi (Milk River). The main trail to Everest drops down the hill to Phunki Thanga, whereas our trail climbs to cross the Mon La to reach Phortse Tenga. The Nepal Kingdom Foundation is involved with various projects in this area. An extra night is spent here to see how the community lives and also to further acclimatize.

Day 07: Phortse to Machermo (4,410m).

From Phortse Tenga we climb steadily along the side of the valley, Rhododendron forests giving way to scrub juniper as altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements (yersa), used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of us are excellent views of Cho Oyu while back down the valley are the peaks of Khantega and Thamserku, both over 21,500ft. / 7481m.

Day 08: Machermo to Gokyo Lake (4,790m).

Rested, we head for the holy lakes at Gokyo. We follow a very scenic path to Pangka (4,548m) and then descend slightly, following one of the melt-water Rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We climb a steep rocky incline into the ablation valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. We soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path that heads across the glacier to the Cho La - our route to Lobuche and Everest, later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its east shore is the summer settlement of Gokyo (4,790m). Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits of Mt. Cho-Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters. There are several dwellings, including two lodges that boast solar shower and heating.

Day 09: Excursion to Gokyo Ri (5,483m) and Gokyo Lakes

We leave camp just after first light, crossing the ablation valley and following a zig-zag path up the hillside. As we climb, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho-Oyu and Mt. Makalu slowly come into view. From the summit of Gokyo Ri we have one of the finest views of Everest to be had in the Khumbu. Some say it is a finer view than that from Kalapathar, but you will be able to judge for yourself. Return back to Gokyo Lake. After Lunch, We hike to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo lakes. The 4th lake is only about 3km north of Gokyo. It is marked by high cliffs and Himalayan peaks rising above it. We continue to walking a little further and reach the 5th lake.

Day 10: Gokyo Lake to Dole (4,200m)

We descend on a trail along the Dudh Koshi River and pass the first Gokyo lakes. On the way we also enjoy views of the Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Our trail descends before climbing a hill. After reaching the chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains. We walk past Machhermo, Luza and Lhafarma villages before reaching Phortse. Overnight in Dole.

Day 11: Dole to Khumjung (3,790m)

We descend to Phortse Tenga climb up Mongla admiring rhododendrons, wildflowers and waterfalls.On our way to Khumjung, the beautiful view of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega mountains are ours to admire. After walking for a while, we reach an intersection where the trail from Sanasa from where we will climb bit and arrive Khumjung.

Day 12: Khumjung to Phakding

Early morning, visit Khunde village. After breakfast trek to Phakding.

Day 13: Phakding to Lukla

Day 14: By plane: Lukla to Kathmandu

Day 15: Departure

Cost Include

Airport pick up and drop on private vehicle
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu with English speaking Tour Guide
3 nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at twin sharing room on BB plan
Completely lodges trekking which includes Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and room during the whole trekking periods.
Sagarmatha National Park and TIMS Card entrance fees
All the monuments and entrance fees in Kathmandu
Domestic airfare: Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
English Speaking Trekking Guide, Assistant Guide and Porters)
First aid and medical kits
All government taxes and official charges.
Accidental and medical Insurance of Nepalese staffs

Cost Non-Includes

Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
Nepal visa fees
Rescue/ emergence and insurance cost
Beverage and hard drinks and alcohol
Nepal entry visa fee and airport tax during the departure.
Personal equipments and personal expenses.
In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides etc the extra charge should be born by themselves.

Gokyo Lake Trek

Trip Overview

Itinerary

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Trip Overview