gokyo lakes
gokyo lakes
Gokyo lakes is the off the beaten path trek for you if you wish to avoid the crowded Highway to Everest (Everest Base Camp Trek). We take the western trail north Namche – 3438m onwards to reach the Gokyo Lakes and the Gokyo Ri where you shall get views of Everest and its surrounding summits which will be forever printed in your memories for its sheer beauty and awe.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The best viewpoint for views of the world’s highest Summit - Everest
- Walk by some of the highest lakes in the world
- See Everest whilst avoiding the Highway to Everest – Everest Base Camp Trek
- Views of Ngozumpa Glacier and the Gokyo Valley which are 2nd to none
ITINERARY
After passing through immigration at Tribhuwan International Airport and collecting your baggage. You can find our airport representative waiting for you outside the airport. You will be taken to the vehicle that has been sent for you which shall take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. According to the time you arrival, you might have time to discover the surrounding area or some of the heritage sites that are situated around.
Today early morning we shall head to the domestic airport for our flight to Lukla. This short flight last around 30 minutes. Upon reaching Lukla we shall meet our trekking crew and head to Phakding.
With Dudh Koshi river by our side, our trail goes north passing many suspension bridges, villages, monasteries, and chortens. Good views of Mt. Thamserku is possible on the way. After going through permit checks at Monjo we are officially inside the Sagarmatha National Park. We then make a gradual descent to Jorsal and after the crossing of the Hillary Suspension Bridge, we make a climb up to Namche. View of Mt Everest, Kongde Peak, Lhotse make their 1st appearance for us.
Today is a mandatory stop at Namche in order to be better acclimatized for the trek ahead. We can hike to Khumjung or tour the town of Namche itself. We also have a choice to visit the Tourist Visitor Center where we can get info on the 1st Everest Climbers, Sherpa culture, vegetation, and wildlife of the region. We can also visit the monastery in Khumjung where scalp of the mythical creature Yeti is housed. We shall return to Namche to spend the night.
Hiking ups and downs we depart Namche. Sights of the Himalayan pheasants, musk deer and Thars might be possible depending on our luck. We shall then descend to Kyanjuma. Then on from Sansa we follow the Gokyo trail. Vies of Amadablam, Thamserku, Tawoche are great from Mong. We then descend to Dudhkoshi after which an upward climb through rhododendron forest takes us to Phortse.
We cross the bridge over Dudh Koshi and now are likely to come face to face with wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. We shall pass by forests, waterfalls, and bridges and then reach Dole. Then we ascend on a steady trail through a rider with views of Choyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. We then ascend via luza village and walk above Dudh Koshi. We pass small villages, and sandy trails to then reach Machermo.
Today we climb a hill to enjoy views of Dudh Koshi valley, Thamserku, Choyu, and Kangtega mountains. We then go beyond the ridge as the valley widens and we pass by a chorten and arrive at Phanga. Then we descend to the river bank and climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier on a steep trail. We pass by Longponga, Taujung Tsho and Dudhi pokhari before arriving at Gokyo.
According to the weather, we shall climb the Gokyo Ri to get the splendid views of the Himalayas and the views of Lakes. Then we shall head to the 4th and 5th lakes. Climbing a nearby hill we can get remarkable views of Choyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. If we walk to the northern part of the 5th lake, we can see Choyu Base Camp and Ngazumpa Glacier – The biggest Glacier in the world.
We descend today via trail alongside the Dudh Koshi river. We get to enjoy views of the Cholatse & Taboche peaks on the way. We descend & then we climb a hill. Upon reaching the chorten on the edge we get great views of Thamserku, Choyu and Kangtega. We pass by Machermo & Luza to arrive at Dole.
Passing by a steep trail we descend to Phortse Thanga whilst admiring the rhododendrons, wildflowers, and waterfalls. Upon reaching Mong we can admire views of Khumila Peak. Further, ahead we shall reach an intersection where the sansa trail meets ours. We take the trail that clings to a forested slope beyond Kyangjuma while passing though many bends. We view the Lhotse, Everest Summit & Tengboche one last time before reaching Namche.
We descend crossing many suspension bridges on a rocky trail. The air gets more warmer now as we descend in altitude. Upon reaching Lukla we check in our Lodge.
Early in the morning, we head to the Lukla airport to catch our flight to Kathmandu. After a 30 minutes flight we shall reach Kathmandu. Upon arriving in Kathmandu we shall be transferred to our Hotel. Rest of the day you can enjoy the many heritage sites around
Today we have a free day in Kathmandu. Plan a visit to the many cultural heritage sites or go for some souvenir shopping in Thamel.
Be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule. Wish you had a great journey and we look forward to welcoming you to Nepal again.
INQUIRE THIS TRIP
GALLERY
TRIP DETAILS
- 3 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast on twin sharing basis
- 10 nights accommodation in Local Lodge with 3 meals per day on twin sharing basis
- 1 English Speaking trek guide
- 1 porter for every 2 clients who carries maximum 12 kg per client
- Sherpa Guide for groups above 6 as per requirement
- Insurance for the local crew
- All Land Transfer by private vehicle
- All necessary trekking permits – national Park, TIMS and local permit
- Flight Tickets: Kathmandu – Lukla and Lukla – Kathmandu
- 24/7 support
- International Flight Tickets
- Travel Insurance – mandatorily
- Cost of Visa
- Lunch and Dinner during stay in Kathmandu
- Personal Equipments
- Wifi, Hot Water, Mineral Water, Hot Showers, Charging of gadgets and camera during stay at Local Lodges
- Entrance fees required for entering heritage sites
- Extra costs that may arise due to political, weather, or natural causes
- Tips for guides and porter
- Everything not mentioned in Includes
RELATED TREKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Nepal is landlocked country located in southern Asia sandwiched between two Asian giants India and China. The capital city of the country is Kathmandu, commonly known as city of temples where we can explore traditional artistic beauty. Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, Nepal is where the ice-cold of the mountains meets the steamy heat of the Indian plains. Moreover, it's a land of yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpa’s and some of the best trekking on earth. The Himalaya's most sophisticated urban cultures took shape here, in the three great mini kingdoms of the Kathmandu valley- Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur - home to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage.
Yes. visa is required for entering Nepal for all foreign nationals except Indian Passport holders Indian national require to carry passport or voting card if they are travelling Nepal through air flight; while if they intend to travel through land surface then they can travel with any kind of specific identity issue by Government of India or concerned authorized Government organization like student id card, aadhar card, pan card etc. Foreign national can obtain Nepal visa with an easy process from local consulates or embassy of Nepal located in your country or you can also granted on arrival visa directly at International airport immigration in Kathmandu or in any border immigration that touches with India & China. You need to carry couple of recent passport size color photo for visa process. You will get multiple entry visas valid for 15 days, 30 days & 40 days with the visa fee of USD 25, USD 40 & USD 100 respectively.
It generally depends upon the time and season of your travel. Nepal is a conservative country it advisable not to wear revealing clothes that looks offensive; it should not be too short or tight. Medium-weight and easy to wash cottons are recommended year-round. If you arrive during the winter months, than woolen sweaters, jackets or similar warm outfits is required. Carry comfortable walking shoes, including sandals and athletic shoes. A head cover may be required for women and men at sacred sites and places of worship. For trekking and adventure expeditions, you will either be provided in house or suggested advice prior your expeditions gets underway.
It entirely depends on what do you prefer and want to experience while trekking in Nepal. Our fleet of travel experts will provide you with a detailed insight helping you to decide the best. Primarily large numbers of visitors incorporate Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park. Besides that going for distinct kind of activities such as rafting, canyoing, zip flying, bungy jumping, cycling or motorbike tour is also doable.
Nepal is safe to a great extent as it has a low crime rate and is generally a safe country. However it is better to be on safeguard and avoid demonstrations, rallies, and public gatherings. Our ever helpful and supportive guides or representatives are always there to inform about the safe/ unsafe areas of town and take evasive action while traveling alone. In the market areas, be vigilant of pick-pockets and distraction scams. Though unfortunate there is a very likely chance of an armed Maoist presence on many of the major trekking routes. They do demand a 'tax' before allowing trekkers to pass. Trekkers are advised to stay on established routes and walk in a group or with professional guides at all times.
English is not a native language of Nepal. However the best part is English is understood by majority of people in the metropolitan cities. In the villages, different ethnic groups speak their own languages. Only handful of people are well versed in English in trekking areas up in the mountains.
Yes, and make sure to bring prescriptions and the medications in its original containers to avoid custom inspection hassle.
No, prior experience backpacking or hiking is not required or expected to join any of our trips. The only thing required is your physical fitness and your mental strength.
No, we do not provide travel insurance, but we do work with an excellent broker who can help you find the policy to fit your needs.
Yes, it is always make sure the company follows all proper safety procedures. How is the equipment stored, maintained, and inspected? Do the company’s partners follow the same safety requirements? Your safety is of paramount at Surya Holidays. The guides that are with us are well trained not only to keep you safe out in the field but to be ready for the unexpected unseen natural disasters or otherwise. Our safety policy is guaranteed to uphold our strict standards. Whenever you consider travelling, it’s important to inquire about safety records. For us we’re happy to say, that it is flawless.
After arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport – TIA), money changing services are available right there at the airport. It is advisable to change only a small amount as you can get better money rates are found in the city. Kathmandu also has an extensive selection of ATM machines; however, they often limit the transaction and daily amount for withdrawal.