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The Gokyo Lake Trek offers an exciting and unique alternative to the more popular Everest Base Camp trek, frequently chosen by adventurers in the Everest region. This journey presents a chance to witness some of the world's tallest peaks, along with breathtaking views of Nepal's largest glacier, the Ngozumpa Glacier.
One of the key highlights of the Gokyo Lake trek is the opportunity to see the majestic 8,000-meter peaks, including the towering Everest itself. As you venture through the serene landscapes, you'll also be immersed in the vibrant Sherpa culture, adding a rich cultural layer to the trek.
Embarking on the Gokyo Lake trek allows trekkers to explore the heart of the Himalayas, creating lifelong memories along the way. This lesser-known route, often considered a hidden gem in Nepal, offers panoramic views that seem beyond belief. Every step along the path reveals stunning natural beauty and gives you a deeper connection to the soul of the Himalayas.
In essence, the Gokyo Lake trek is more than just a physical journey—it's a full immersion into the wilderness of Nepal, where towering mountains, pristine lakes, and the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people create an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu, 1360m.
You arrive in Kathmandu and our representative will be on standby with our office vehicle to transfer you to your hotel. A pre-trek briefing will be scheduled to discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements. Your can refresh your self, go for a walk down the street to get familiar with your surroundings before preparing for a tasty dinner of a local Nepalese cuisine which you will truly enjoy accompanied by a cultural dance performed by the local belles. Your first overnight in the city of temples, probably the most in the world. Meals included: 1 welcome dinner
Day 2: Free at your own leisure.
After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about what to do in your next free day.
The choice is yours: either you can stroll around the nearby market on your own or you can opt for a half/full day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest. The cost for this extra tour is not added in the trek cost and you have to pay extra depending on the places you choose to visit. This extra tour gives you deep insights into Nepal’s iconic monuments that have been recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites. You might find time to shop around the city in the evening time if you need any gears for the trek. Overnight at your hotel Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 3: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding 2,652m, 3 hour Trekking.
After an early morning b/fast, we take the super flight from Kathmandu to Lukla at 2827m. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort out and load the trekking equipment.
In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaurikharka at 2713m. The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat at 2550m, it’s a short walk to Phakding where we’ll stay overnight. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
Day 4: Phakding - Monjo 2,835m, 3 hours trekking.
From Phakding, we cross the river and head up valley where we’ll see porters from the south ferrying supplies to Namche. The trail keeps close to the river valley and is lined with beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest that is quite spectacular in the spring months when the flowers are in bloom. We cross the Dudh Kosi at Benkar where there are tantalising glimpses of the snow peaks Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m) where we arrive in time for lunch. We spend the night in Monjo with the afternoon free to do some exploring around the village. The day has been deliberately kept short to aid acclimatisation, a very important process that’s good on the body. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
Day 5: Monjo - Namche Bazaar 3,446 m, 4 hours trekking.
Today the walking is a little roughshod and includes the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. From Monjo, it is a short walk to the entrance of the National Park before we cross the Dudh Kosi to Jorsale at 2805m. The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank, to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi rivers. It is here that we start the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. After crossing a large and stable suspension bridge high above the river we slowly ascend at a steady pace towards Namche. There are some fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time. After arriving in Namche, we’ll have lunch and the afternoon is free to bargain in the shops for 'Tibetan' artifacts, or relax and marvel at the beautiful scenery. It’s your day! Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee.
Day 6: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization.
We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatisation to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today a limited amount of trade exists at Namche and Tibetans are often seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat.
It is recommended that you take the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the National Park Headquarters above the village. The view is stunning and offers a superb panorama of the Khumbu peaks with great views of Everest. After breakfast, there are a number of options: perhaps a walk towards Thame (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley, or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and escort you on your walks. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
Day 7: Namche Bazaar - Phortse Bridge, 3,670m, 4 hours trekking.
From Namche, we ascend steeply to the airstrip at Shyangboche and then continue on to our lunch spot in Khumjung, the largest village in the region. Towering above the Khumjung village is the sacred rocky peak of Khumbilya (5761m). It is the home of the guardian goddess of the region, often depicted in religious paintings, or Thangkas, as a white-faced figure on a white horse. The trail contours around Khumbilya's lower slopes, passing through beautiful birch forest and on to treeless, grassy slopes to a stupa (3992m) on top of a rocky ridge at Manla. Once again the views of the mountains are magnificent. Phortse can be seen across the valley, a picturesque village set in a patchwork of stone-walled fields. From the stupa we descend on a series of switchback trails to the Dudh Kosi River, 300m below, at Phortse Bridge. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
Day 8: Phortse Bridge - Dole 4,084m, 3 hours trekking.
The trail to Gokyo is pretty unreliable, and we can ascend too quickly if we do not plan our trekking days sensibly. So in the interests of acclimatisation, we will take three days to reach Gokyo. Leaving Phortse Bridge, we ascend steeply at first and then contour high above the valley, enjoying excellent views of Kantega, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam (6856m). About an hour's walk from Phortse Bridge, we gain our first views of the mammoth Cho-Oyo (8153m) at the head of the valley. We are now trekking above the tree-line and we pass some cascading waterfalls en route to the yak-herding settlements of Tongba (4015m) and Gyele (4050m). From here it is a short distance to Dole (4084m) where we will spend the night. After lunch, we can explore the upper Dole Valley returning via a high ridge above the lodge to enjoy fantastic views of Cho-Oyo and Gyachung Kang (7922m) to the north, and Taweche (6542m) and Cholatse (6440m) across the valley to the east. We are now at higher altitudes and it is important to heed your leader’s advice and recommendations regarding rest and steady fluid intake. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
Day 9: Dole - Machhermo 4,465 m, Trekking 3 hours.
Today it’s another short day starting with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before ascending more gradually up the Dudh Kosi valley, high above the river. The walking is easy, but we will still feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hillock. The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrub juniper is a stark contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After two hours, we will arrive at Luza (4360m), and after a further hour's walk, we reach our lodge at Machhermo (4465m) where you will spend the evening. After lunch, there is an option to take an excursion across rocky moraines to the base of Kyajo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). However, keep an eye open for the Yeti! It was here, in 1974 that three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl injured when trying to fight off a hairy, ape-like intruder that could have been a hungry grizzly bear! Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee.
Day 10: Machhermo - Gokyo 4,720 m, trekking 4 hours.
A short, steep climb leads from the Machhermo Valley onto the steep grassy slopes of the Dudh Kosi Valley. Keep an eye open for the colourful Tibetan Snow Cocks often found in this area. The valley widens as we pass through Pangka (4,390 m) and onto the jumbled, terminal moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal and the source of the Dudh Kosi River. Climbing steeply over a rocky trail we keep to the western side of the glacier to reach a small lake at the head of a wide valley; we soon pass a larger lake at Longponga (4.690 m) before following the lateral moraines to the third lake at Gokyo (4,750 m). Gokyo consists of a number of stone dwellings surrounded by stone-walled yak pastures. Our lodge is located close to the lake, and if there are no clouds around, the sunroom can be distinctly warm in the afternoon! For those feeling well and energetic, it is worth ascending the ridgeline at the back of Gokyo for views down to the mighty Ngozumpa Glacier. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee.
Day 11: Gokyo Lake 4,720 m, a day to look around and enjoy your surroundings.
We will rise early for an ascent of Gokyo Peak, a straight-forward but steep climb which can be tiring due to the altitude. The walk up will take just over two hours and the reward is one of the most absorbing panoramas in the Khumbu…a spectacle of immense beauty. From the rocky summit, four 8000m peaks can be seen: Everest (8,848 m), Cho-Oyo (8,153 m), Lhotse (8,511 m) and Makalu (8481m). Countless other towering snow-peaks and rock spires fill the horizons, including Gyachung Kang (7,922 m) to the east of Cho-Oyo, Cholatse (6,440 m), Taweche (6,542 m) and Kangchung (6103m). In addition, there’s a bird's-eye view of the Gokyo lakes, and the huge creaking Ngozumpa Glacier now cutting halfway across the world and snaking its way down the valley far beneath. Time permitting we may also follow the lateral moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier past Kangchung Peak to a point where the Gyubanare Glacier joins in. Climbing the ridge to the left of the small trail gives excellent views of Everest’s North Face. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee.
Day 12: Gokyo - Dole 4,690 m, trekking 5 hours.
Fit and acclimatized, we leave Gokyo to descend to the second lake and drop down into Dole. Today is a spectacular day in terms of scenery as we follow the main trail north out of Gokyo. A short climb to a crest reveals a wonderful view towards Everest and Lhotse. We follow this main trail for a while longer, passing many traders selling Tibetan handicrafts, to a crossroads high above the Dudh Kosi. The trail to Everest drops down the hill but we turn off here and climb to cross the Mon La before reaching Phortse Tenga. From Phortse Tenga, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee.
Day 13: Dole - Namche Bazaar - Monjo 3,440 m, trekking 5 hours.
After breakfast, we descend steeply through beautiful forests of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga. After a welcome break and perhaps a cup of tea we cross the Dudh Koshi and ascend to Trashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley through Shanasa and its then a gradual walk to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
Day 14: Namche - Lukla 2,800m, trekking 4 hours.
Today is our last day of trekking. It’s only a short walk along the valley before we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. We’ll have lunch at our lodge and the afternoon is free for you to wander around, relax or perhaps have a hot shower! In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner party followed by a few celebratory drinks. We can taste some ‘Chhang’ {mountain beer brewed from fermented rice} and do a jig to some Sherpa dance steps; and enjoy with the crew whom we’ve come to know so well over the weeks being together. It’s a time to make merry after the success of our climb. We then hit the sack for some blissful rest after a truly great venture that was successful. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner with tea/coffee
Day 15: Lukla - Kathmandu 1,300m, 30 minutes flight.
We get up early in the morning, enjoy our b/fast & get ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Katmandu. We will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel and the warmth of a soft comfortable bed. Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 16: Departure for home sweet home.
Today is free to relax and do your own things; perhaps some last-minute shopping or pen a few postcards to the loved ones at home, until your departure or to commence any additional trips or activities you may have booked. If you are departing, you’ll be transferred to the international airport in time for your return flight home. Meeting you has been a wonderful experience that Incentive Holidays will cherish for a long, long time; & on your way home, you’ll be thinking of a trip that will linger in your memories for a whole life which we are sure will become fireside stories to be told to your loved ones on a cold winter night for the generations to come. Sayonara friends, till we meet again one day… Meals included: 1 breakfast.
Please Note: This itinerary is only a guideline pattern which we can offer; this is a potentially difficult climb under rigid conditions that will test your patience to the limits; a trekking tour of this type is prone to unpredictable calamities related to mountain weather, local politics, and transportation etc, which will be beyond Nepal Nomad’s control in the event of any unseen circumstances which may occur and as a result, this may require a change in your itinerary. However, it is very unlikely that such circumstances may occur but our effort is to minimize its effect, and Incentive Holidays will not be responsible for any situation developing in delays or changes to your program. In the event of any changes, your senior guide will make the final decision after consulting with the group.
Accommodation
A ‘TH [Teahouse Lodge] is a term used for sleeping in teahouse lodges on the trails. These teahouses are pretty basic but provide all the comforts that you would expect when hiking in remote conditions, they are cosy and warm – you’d like the homely environment. We crash out in single rooms wherever available, but often times we sometimes have to adapt to sleeping out in dormitory type rooms for a night. Generally, it’s just a bed with a pillow and blankets. It’s a matter of choice, if you want, you bring your own ‘Air pillow’ and freak out anyways, this is adventure in the wild…the rougher it gets the better. We accommodate our trek groups in local lodges available each day. Our porters hike ahead of us to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot be booked in advance). Please note, that some of them are very basic and a spirit of adventure is the call of the day. It is cheaper to stay in lodges rather than organizing a camping trek.
We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu under 3-4-5 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection with this itinerary, unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice. You can check on the description of such hotels through our website. Accommodation is never a problem, the choice exclusively yours.
Dining
At Rupakot Holidays – its zero tolerance on cutting of cost when it comes down to feeding our trekking guests, because we know how tough it is on the trails; we ensure that the lodges provide three tasty, bountiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast is ‘king size’ [the first meal of the day] consisting of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereals followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads.
After a lengthy gritty day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetables, meat, rice and pasta dishes completed with a simple dessert. Don’t be surprised if the delectable ‘apple pie’ lands on your plate, it’s literally ‘yummy’’, even better than the ones you come across in Thamel.
Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. The lodges always use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The local trek leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with focus on personal hygiene. This has allowed us to maintain extremely high standards of health over many years of planning treks - and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. ‘Gluttony is a sin’ but there are no restrictions on the grub we serve to our guests on the mountains; we leave it up to our trekking guests who are the best judge of their own appetites…Bon Appétit!!
Popular Sightseeing places in Kathmandu:
Half day sightseeing includes visit two of these places and full day sightseeing includes three of these places inside the ring-road of Kathmandu. Besides the above mentioned places, the charges will apply depending on the distance accordingly.
Trip Style:RH/ER/03
Trip Duration:16
Max Altitude:5554m
Total Trip:16 Days
Trip Code:RH/ER/03
Duration:16
Primary Activities:Trekking and sightseeing
Arrival City:Kathmandu
Departure City:Kathmandu
Transportation:Flights, private car or tourist bus
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