Gokyo Lakes Trek - 12 Days

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Gokyo Lakes Trek
  • Duration 12 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate

    The moderate grade includes a one-week to fifteen-day itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meter altitude range, but the trails will be moderate (neither easy nor tough). High altitude may affect walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.

  • Country Nepal
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Activities Trekking and hiking
  • Best Time March to May and Sepember to November

Gokyo Lakes is the most popular ultimate adventure, unveiling the natural beauty of Everest’s Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri. The Gokyo Lakes Trek (12 days) is one of the best alternatives to Everest Base Camp, which numerous trekkers have preferred in recent years. This location provides breathtaking, clear mountain views and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness nature's magnificence and renowned sites. During this incredible adventure hiking, you may take in the heavenly views of blue Gokyo Lakes, Ngozumpa Glacier, the world's tallest mountain, Mt. Everest (8848m), and many other magnificent mountain peaks including Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), and so on.

The Gokyo Lakes Trek (12-day route) is rather quiet, with fewer trekkers. This walk is extremely popular among people who want to avoid heavy traffic and create beautiful memories. In comparison to Everest Base Camp, the trek to this destination is considered to be less arduous. The Gokyo Lakes are six bodies of water, or lakes, located in the Gokyo Valley at elevations ranging from 4700 to 5000 meters. It is also the world's highest freshwater lake system. Gokyo Valley lies inside the Sagarmatha National Park area.

Your amazing 12-day adventure begins in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), where you'll board a domestic flight to Lukla. You will travel for two days to reach the well-known town of Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is also regarded as the entryway to the Khumbu region. On your journey to the Gokyo Lakes, you will be treated to breathtaking vistas of frozen rivers, glacier debris, deep woods, hills, snow-capped mountains, and picturesque villages.

You will be acclimatizing in the Namche Bazaar, spending your day interacting with locals, learning Sherpa community cultures, or going to local cafes, pubs, markets, etc., and the next day you will head towards Dole, where you will be able to view the scenic Ngozumpa Glacier. Next, you will be traveling to Machhermo's terminus, Gokyo Valley. Situated on the eastern bank of the third Gokyo Lake, this small town sits at the base of Gokyo Ri. Additionally, it is one of the world's highest settlements.

Then you'll go to Gokyo Ri (5357 m), which will take about 4 hours. Upon arrival, you will be blessed to stunning views of 8000-meter-high Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. You can also visit the fifth and sixth lakes of Gokyo, which are optional. As a result, exploring the treasures of Gokyo will provide you with a lifetime of memorable happiness moments.

Highlights

  • Stunning Natural Beauty: The Gokyo Lakes Trek (12 days) offers breathtaking views of Everest’s Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, revealing the natural beauty of the region.
  • Premier Alternative: The trek is regarded as one of the greatest alternatives to the Everest Base Camp trek, drawing a considerable number of trekkers in recent years.
  • Panoramic Vistas: Delight yourself in the amazing scenery of the cerulean Gokyo Lakes, the spectacular Ngozumpa Glacier, and majestic Himalayan giants such as Mt. Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m).
  • Tranquil experience: A quieter trek with fewer trekkers compared to Everest Base Camp.
  • Less strenuous trek: Considered less difficult than the route to Everest Base Camp.
  • Gokyo Lakes: The Gokyo Valley contains six bodies of water, making it the world's highest freshwater lake system.
  • Starting Point: The trip begins in Kathmandu with a domestic flight to Lukla, followed by a two-day trek to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region.
  • Acclimatization: Stay in Namche Bazaar, interact with locals, and explore Sherpa culture, the town's cafes, pubs, and markets.
  • Route: The trek continues to Dole, with views of the Ngozumpa Glacier, before reaching Machhermo and, eventually, Gokyo Valley.
  • Gokyo Ri: Trekkers ascend to Gokyo Ri (5357m) for stunning views of Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu, with the option to visit the fifth and sixth Gokyo Lakes.
  • Once-in-a-lifetime experience: Exploring the treasures of Gokyo promises memorable moments.
Itinerary

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of trekking, acclimatization, and exploration, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in the Gokyo region.

Trip Plan
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Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel, briefing about the trek.

Scenic flight to Lukla, begin trek to Phakding, follow the Dudh Koshi River, pass through traditional Sherpa villages.

Trek through pine forests, cross suspension bridges, pass villages like Monjo and Jorsale, enter Sagarmatha National Park, climb up to Namche Bazaar.

Explore Namche Bazaar, visit local markets, hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

Climb steeply out of Namche, traverse through rhododendron forests, pass through villages of Kyangjuma and Mong La, reach Dole.

Gradual ascent, pass through small settlements of Luza and Lhabarma, reach Machhermo, visit the Machhermo Porter Shelter and Himalayan Rescue Association clinic.

Climb up the ridge, pass through the settlements of Pangka and Ngozumpa Glacier, reach Gokyo Valley, visit the first and second Gokyo Lakes.

Early morning hike to Gokyo Ri for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, explore the third, fourth, and fifth Gokyo Lakes.

Descend back to Dole, enjoy views of mountains and valleys, retrace steps through Machhermo.

Continue descent, pass through Mong La, enjoy the trail’s scenic beauty, return to Namche Bazaar.

Long descent, cross suspension bridges, pass through Monjo and Phakding, arrive in Lukla.

Early morning flight to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, rest or explore Kathmandu.

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Cost Details
What's Included
  • Airport /Hotel/Airport Transportation.
  •  2 night 2-3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu including Breakfast.
  • Meals : 3 Times meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking.
  • All necessary paper works and entry permits.
  • Ground transportation by  plane  from Kathmandu to lukla/ and returned to Kathmandu.
  • All accommodations in lodge/tea houses during the treks.
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit.
  •  Trekking Guide, An experience, Good English speaking Trekking Guide.
  • One porter for every 2 clients if necessary
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
  •  Sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffle bag and walking stick, if necessary. ( refundable after the trek)
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • Adventure Certificate and Company T-shirt
  • All government taxes.
  • Service charge.
What's Excluded
  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu).
  • Your Travel insurance and emergency rescue evacuation
  • Lunch/ Dinner in Kathmandu.
  • All bar bills, like beer, coke, bottle of water.
  • Tips for the guide and porter.
Price Per person US$1100US$1150
12 Days
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