Gokyo Lake Trek– 15 Days
Overview
The Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lake trek takes us to the beautiful pristine lakes of Gokyo. Located at 5000m, they are some of the highest lakes in the world. Besides that, the route offers spectacular views of some of the mountain ranges of the Himalayas. The route passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO natural heritage site with its jaw dropping mountains, glaciers, and home to rare species such as the elusive snow leopard and red panda. Keep a lookout for rhododendrons, himalayan blue sheeps and pheasants along the way.
The route passes through the Chola Pass (5367m) which is a tough hike. Compared to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo lake trek is demanding in some parts of the trail. The Gokyo lake treks also take us to Gokyo Ri (5467m) which looks over the stunning view of the Gokyo valley and the Ngozumpa Glaciers. Out of the lakes at Gokyo, the fifth is the most pristine. Along the trail, you will see stunning views of Mt. Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Trip facts:
- Maximum altitude: 5357m
- Group size: 2-10 people
- Best season: March-April-May-September-October-November-December
- Tour type: Trekking
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation Type: Tea houses
- Arrival on: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Departure from: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Guiding method: Trekking guides
- Language: English
- Minimum age: 12
- Maximum age: 80
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
At your arrival at the airport in Kathmandu, a nature horizons team member will be waiting to greet you. We will transfer right to your hotel accommodation for the first night. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will meet your guide and get a briefing on your entire tour. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore around Kathmandu. It is a magical city.
Includes: Accommodation
Day 2: Trek preparation day
Today you will have a 2nd briefing about the trek during breakfast. We will do a complete gear check to ensure you have brought with you all the necessary equipment and gear for your trek. If there are any items you are missing and need, we will head out into Kathmandu to buy them, so you are prepared for your trek. It is now time to relax, and your trek starts tomorrow.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 3: Kathmandu to Phakding (2610 m)
Weather permitting, we will take the morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The 25 minutes flight gives you a scenic view of the mountains. While your luggage is being sorted out, feel free to explore the village on your own. The start of the trek takes you on a scenic walk alongside the Dudh Kosi River (River of Milk) through trails lined with Buddhist prayer flags and prayer wheels. Exchange greetings with other trekking teams along the way to the Sherpa village of Phakding.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 4: Phakding to Namche (3440 m)
The route to Namche bazaar leads us through blue pine and rhododendron. Stop at Monjo (2835 m), Sagarmatha National Park, the first point of the trek. The trail leads to the confluence of two rivers, Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi. Cross over a series of suspension bridges (Jholunge pul) before arriving at Namche. Enjoy your first sight of Everest. Lhotse, Nuptse, and Taboche (6542m) too can be seen on the horizon.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 5: Acclimatize at Namche
To acclimatize, hike on the route from the Cultural Museum to the airstrip at Syanboche. Drop by the museum to view the collection of Sherpa’s traditional artifacts. The hike to Syangboche airstrip is a steep climb, but the views of Everest and Ama Dablam, one of the world’s most photographed mountains, more than make up for it.
Tea house/Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 6: Namche to Dole (4038 m)
The route from Namche bazaar is steep up until Kyanjuma Village. While you travel, you will be greeted by spectacular views of Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and others. We will stop at Mong La before continuing on the trail. Keep a lookout for interesting wildlife. Overnight at Dole.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 7: Dole to Machhermo (4470 m)
We are continuing on the trail that leads to Machhermo from Dole. The route is very scenic with views of mountains like Cho Oyo and Thamserku. Machhermo is our overnight destination, one of the last settlements on the trail that leads to the lake.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8: Acclimatize at Machhermo
We will explore the small routes around Macchermo. Feel free to explore the village on your own. The more you hike around the village, the better prepared you will be for the longer hike the next day.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 9: Machhermo to Gokyo (Hike to Gokyo Ri for sunset) (4750 m)
As you leave behind the village of Macchermo and head out Gokyo, you will be greeted by your first view of mt. Cho-Oyu. Along the way, we will pass the hamlet of Pangka and come across a few lakes. Continuing on the trail, we reach Gokyo. A short rest at the lodge, and we will hike to Gokyo Ri to watch the sunset.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 10: Visit the fifth lake
Today we will hike to the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lake, a few km away from the north of Gokyo. A short climb atop a hill (also known as scoundrel viewpoint) next to the lake provides an excellent view of Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. From here, Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the world, is also visible.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 11: Gokyo to Dole (3800 m)
Most of the trail today is downhill. Descending down the trail along the Dudh Koshi, we’ll pass the first of the Gokyo Lake. Along the way, you’ll get to see the peaks of Cholatse and Taboche. The trail to the village of Dole further descends downwards, passing through the villages of Macchermo, Luza, and Lhafarma.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 12: Dole to Namche (3440 m)
While we descend towards Namche, keep a lookout for pheasants and other wildlife. Along the way, you will see the peaks of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega mountains. Before we reach Namche, look back to admire the peaks of Everest one last time.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 13: Namche to Lukla (2860 m)
Explore the village of Namche, and finish up on last-minute souvenir shopping. After bidding farewell to the peaks of Everest, we will start our trek towards Lukla in the late morning. As soon as we cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River, we reach lower altitudes again. The hike to Lukla through Monjo, Benkar, Phakding is very pleasant. The evening calls for celebratory dinner.
Day 14: Lukla to Kathmandu
Weather permitting, we fly back in the morning. In Kathmandu, you can spend your time at your leisure.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 15: Final Departure
Wake up and prepare to get on your flight home! Your guide will be with you up until we drop you off at the airport. End Tour
Includes: Breakfast