16 Days Nepal Gokyo Lake Trek

Region: Everest
Trek Type: Lodge
Trek Grade: Challenging
Trek Days: 12
Max Altitude: 4750m
Best Season: Oct-Dec & Mar-May

The Gokyo Lake Trek takes adventurous trekkers to fabulous Gokyo Valley, source of grand Dudh Koshi River and the celebrated view points of Gokyo Ri. Obviously the trek further traverses through the landmarks of Everest region in the company of majestically soaring mountains, friendly Sherpas, colorful monasteries and prayer flags, the Namche Bazaar, the Sagarmatha National Park, and many more. Gokyo, a hidden valley with gorgeous blue lakes in the lap of Himalaya has its own reputation among the adventurous souls. The entire area is blessed with abounding natural beauty of shimmering Lakes. Beyond peace of mind at the tranquil appearance of the glacial lakes, we can enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of four above 8000 m massifs and other mountain ranges from the best view point of Everest Region, the Gokyo Ri – because panorama from here is more spectacular than that from Kala Patthar viewpoint. This is graded as a difficult and challenging trek suitable only for physically fit and experienced hikers who love the challenge.

Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel. Check in & trek briefing. Late afternoon leisure walk in Thamel, a popular tourist district in Kathmandu Valley and a bustling bazaar which offers a glimpse of Nepal’s vibrant ethnic culture.

After early breakfast, transfer to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding.

The walk today is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and reach entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked in order to keep record of trekkers and local trekking staffs as well. A descend and a gradual walk brings us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar.

Morning the walk is enjoyable through the river bed and we reach Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up hill towards Namche Bazaar, closer and magnificent sight of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains will be viewed closely. Finally, we reach the colorful village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of Khumbu region.

This is the scheduled ‘acclimatization’ day for this trek. It is advisable to stay active during the day instead idling. You have the option of relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself with its internet cafes, shops, restaurants & bakeries or take a short hike up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche.

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.

Trail leads with a gentle climb through a bare hill. It offers beautiful scenery of mountains, among which the most interesting are Kang-Thega, Cho-Yu, Gyachung Kang, Tawu-Che, Cholhat-Che and Macchermo-Che etc. Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. It is the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974.

Today, we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after some gentle walk. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over an stream the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight at this juncture. After lunch, we explore around the third Lakes, Dudh Pokhari.

Early morning, we hike up to the Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak). Climbing to Gokyo Ri is obviously strenuous as it is steep up and takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. But even from the trial scenery of Gokyo village on the edge of third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier are mind blowing. We feel like we are surrounded by panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K 43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori. We trek down to Gokyo. You will have breakfast followed by full day rest for more acclimatization and visit around Gokyo lake.

Trek back to Machhermo.

A long day trekking with beautiful views onto sherpa villages and the Ama Dablam.

We complete our circular route by returning to Namche and from here continue on down the main Everest trail. The trail is easier now as we are losing altitude, and we can enjoy a gentle walk on the trail above the Dudh Kosi to Jorsale.

The final day of our trek, we retrace our steps along the trail above the Dudh Kosi before turning off the main Jiri route and rising up to Lukla.

After breakfast take a short flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival meet and transfer to hotel and rest and relax.

After breakfast city tour visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and if you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of the famous Kumari, the world’s only living Goddess. After lunch, visit Bouddhanath Stupa,one of the world’s largest Stupa built in the fifth century AD. Late afternoon explore Asan Tol, the colourful local market area and shopping.

An Important Note:
All our itineraries for the Everest region include one buffer day at the end of the trip. This is because often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight gets delayed by a few hours or may even be cancelled for one, two, or more days due to unfavourable weather conditions even in the best seasons. We will try our best to arrange the next flight for you. We also organize Helicopter rescue in such conditions, if it is available and upon request by clients. In event of flight delay, the program for this day will be as adjusted accordingly from the time you arrive Kathmandu.In case the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, we will provide you an alternative trek in other region.

After breakfast check out of hotel transfer to airport for departure.