Trekking

Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek

Details Overview Itinerary Includes/Excludes Equipment Dispatches Map

Individual Price

join a group Book now

Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek

The Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek is an alternative to the Everest region's classical treks. This trek is a breathtaking trip to the tempting Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri. It is one of the most stunning perspectives with fantastic views of Everest, Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse, Mount Cho-Oyu and Mount Everest and many other snow-capped mountains in the single range. The Gokyo Lakes consists of six bodies of water, situated in the Gokyo Valley at an altitude of 4,700m to 5,000m and lies under the Sagarmatha National Park. The lakes have been designated as a Ramsar site and as a holy place to both Hindus and Buddhists. The 15 days Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek begins in Kathmandu where we visit many heritage sites. We continue our journey with overnight stays in the iconic town of Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu area. Time spent in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize before setting off for the Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Valley allows trekkers to travel to nearby Khumjung Village to visit the school set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, who along with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was the first individual to successfully summit Mount Everest. The path to the Gokyo Lakes is less busy but still provides the trekker with an insight into local village life, snow-capped mountains, Nepal's main glacier - Ngozumpa, ice ridges and the sparkling turquoise waters of Gokyo Lakes themselves. At Gokyo lakes, visitors will hit Ice hockey and ski over the 3rd Gokyo lakes. Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek is for those who enjoy walking in the Everest area without the physical difficulty of getting to Everest base camp or passing high passes in the vicinity. It is for travelers looking to try something new in the Everest area.

Overview

Trip Code WPP-003-GVT

Destination Nepal

Altitude 5360m

Region Everest Region

Season Spring and Autumn

Difficulty Easy

Accomodation Hotel & Lodge

Duration 15 Days

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive at Kathmandu Day 2 : A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley, the capital city Day 3 : Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla & trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,692ft) Day 4 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft) Day 5 : Rest day for acclimatization Day 6 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse (3,810m/12,496ft) Day 7 : Trek from Phortse Village to Machhermo (4,470m/14,661ft) Day 8 : Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800m/15,744ft) Day 9 : Gokyo Valley: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,630ft) & hike to fifth lake Day 10 : Trek from Gokyo to Dole (4,200m/13,776ft) Day 11 : Trek down to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft) Day 12 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m/9,315ft) Day 13 : Fly to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) Day 14 : Leisure day at Kathmandu Day 15 : Departure

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative will meet and welcome you to Nepal and then you'll be transferred to your confirmed hotel. Once you finish the check-in procedure, you can rest & relax at the hotel. Later you will be accompained by the office staff for a short tour of Thamel to make you familiar with some good restaurants, ATMs, money changer and other necessary places you might need during your stay in Thamel.

Day 2: A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley, the capital city

The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture which is the highlights of our guided tour. A visit to Patan City will enchant you with its famous fine arts and historical architecture. On return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the famous streets. Finally, day ends with a Authentic Nepalese Dinner in Nepali Cultural Restaurant.

Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla & trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,692ft)

After breakfast, we will be taken to the domestic terminal of TIA for an early morning flight to Lukla. After a flying above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our 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. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)

After breakfast we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If the weather is clear, we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking until we reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. This day we cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Rest day for acclimatization

This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.

For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse (3,810m/12,496ft)

We leave Namche Bazaar on a trail with gradual ups and downs. On the way we are likely to spot Himalayan pheasants, musk deer and Himalayan Thars. We then begin descending to Kyanjuma. From Sansa, we follow the Gokyo trails and from Mong we get a glimpse of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Khumbila mountains. Our trail descends to Dudhkoshi Khola after which it is an uphill climb through rhododendron forests before reaching Phorse. From here we get good views of Tawache and Cholaste mountains. Overnight in Phorse.

Day 7: Trek from Phortse Village to Machhermo (4,470m/14,661ft)

After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we are likely to come face to face with local wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats, and musk deer. Our trail passes through forests, waterfalls and bridges before reaching Dole. We climb on a steady trail through a scenic ridge with views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku mountains. We ascend from Luza village and walk above the Dudh Koshi River. We continue walking through small villages and sandy trails before reaching Machhermo. We can visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight in Machhermo.

Day 8: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800m/15,744ft)

We ascend on a hill and enjoy views of the Dudh Koshi valley and Kangtega, Thamserku and Cho-Oyu mountains. Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangga. We descend to the river bank before climbing up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier on a steep trail. We pass through Longpongo, Raboche Tsho and Dudh Pokhari before reaching Gokyo. On the trail next to the first lake, we see what is believed to be the footprints of a Lama (Buddhist priest). We explore Dudh Pokhari before calling it a night. Overnight in Gokyo.

Day 9: Gokyo Valley: Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,630ft) & hike to fifth lake

We spend another day in Gokyo to acclimatize to the high altitude. If the weather is good, we climb Gokyo Ri today. From the top of Gokyo Ri we admire the Himalayan vista and the tranquil Gokyo lakes. We also hike to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo lakes.

The 4th lake is only about 3km north of Gokyo. It is marked by high cliffs and Himalayan peaks rising above it. We continue to walking a little further and reach the 5th lake. A climb up a nearby hill will guarantee us remarkable views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu.

We can see a lot more from here - the spot is called Scoundrel's Viewpoint. From the northern part of the 5th lake we see the Cho Oyu base camp and Ngazumpa Glacier which is the biggest glacier the world. We walk back to Gokyo to spend the night.

Day 10: Trek from Gokyo to Dole (4,200m/13,776ft)

We descend on a trail along the Dudh Koshi River and pass the first Gokyo lakes. On the way we also enjoy views of the Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Our trail descends before climbing a hill. After reaching the chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains. We walk past Machhermo, Luza and Lhafarma villages before reaching Dole. Overnight in Dole.

Day 11: Trek down to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)

We descend on a steep trail to Phortse Thanga admiring rhododendrons, wildflowers and waterfalls. We also come across mountain goats, musk deer, pheasants, etc. From Mong, we can admire a good view of Khumbila peak. On our way to Namche the view of Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtega mountains are ours to admire.

After walking for a while, we reach an intersection where the trail from Sanasa meets our trail. We walk on a trail that clings to a forested slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. After reaching Namche army camp hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche for one last time. About a kilometer from here is Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m/9,315ft)

We descend on a rocky trail and cross several suspension bridges before walking on a leveled trail. The air is warmer as we walk on the same trail to reach Lukla. Our trek in the mountain ends after we reach Lukla. We spend our time reminiscing about our time spent in the mountain. Overnight in Lukla.

Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)

After having breakfast we head toward airport for our flights. The terminal building is extremely cold; drinks and snacks are limited. The flight is exciting – once you have taken after off hurtling down into the void. After the plane has missed the hillside below Number Peak and dodged over the lamjura pass , it’s on to Kathmandu. Then you will be picked by Wongchhu Peak Promotion representatives at Domestic airport. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 14: Leisure day at Kathmandu

Leisure day at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner & celebration. You can ask your guide to take you on a sightseeing trip inside Kathmandu Valley. On this day you can go to the various museums around the valley including the Narayanhiti Museum which earlier used to be the residence of the last king of Nepal. You may also go to the hilltop of Nagarkot. After some sightseeing around the world heritage sites in the valley, you will have a farewell dinner and enjoy with your Nepali friends and guide. You might even make plans for extending your stay for Chitwan jungle safari, rafting activities, and more with your guide.

Day 15: Departure

Finally it’s SEE OFF TIME. You will be picked from Hotel by representatives of Wongchhu Peak Promotion staff and dropped at Tribhuvan International Airport with a hope to see you again.

Includes

Airport – Hotel transfers in KTM,
Hotel in KTM for 2nights pre and two nights post trek (total 4 nights) , including breakfast on a twin-sharing basis,
City tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Swyambhunath,
Transportation, tour guide and entrance tickets during city tour,
Flight from KTM-Lukla-KTM via airplane,
Khumbu Entrance Fee,
Everest National park entrance fees,
Accommodations during trek on full board basis,
Boiled water, tea, coffee, and fruit,
Guides & porters during trek,
Wongchhu Peak Promotion duffel bag and trekking map,
Salary & insurance for all Nepali staff,
Daily Dispatches on wppnepal.com,
Welcome & Farewell Dinner.

Excludes

Meals in Kathmandu (except welcome and farewell dinner),
Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary,
If required to change from airplane to helicopter flight to/from Lukla (i.e. weather) , additional costs will be shared by clients,
Beverages and alcoholic drinks on trek,
Personal trekking equipment,
All personal expenses, including Nepal Visa (for country entrance),
Personal medical and evacuation insurance,
All other additional charges for additional services, including recommended TIP,
Additional tips for tour guide, others as one sees fit,
Personal purchases.

Equipments

1.0 Travel Documents

Valid passport
Credit/Debit card
Passport size photo (6 pieces)
Insurance paper and contact address
Family contact number

2.0 Upper Body Wear

Thermal Top Base Layer (2 Pcs)
Fleece Jacket (1 Pcs)
Gore-Tex Jacket (1 Pcs)
Down Jacket (1 Pcs)
Cotton T-Shirt (2 Pcs)

3.0 Lower Body Wear

Thermal Bottom Base Layer (2 Pcs)
Fleece Trouser (1pcs)
Gore-Tex Pant (1 pcs)
Mid Weight Pants (1Pcs)
Light Weight Quick Dry Trekking Pants (2-3 Pairs)
Gaiters for trekking boots

4.0 Headwear

Sun Cap
Fleece Hat/ Warm Hat (1-2 Pcs)
Neck Gaiter (2 Pcs)

5.0 Handwear

Thin fleece gloves
Wind stopper/screen tap gloves

6.0 Footwear

Normal Socks (2-3 Pairs)
Trekking Shoes (Gore-Tex)
Slipper (1 Pair)

7.0 Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bag -20°c to -30°c for Base camp
Down Sleeping Bag -40°c for extreme comfort
Thermarests Mattress (Cell foam)
Sleeping bag Liner
Inflatable Pillow

8.0 Trekking Equipment

Power Bank
Pee Bottle
Altimeter watch
Pocket Knife
Walking Stick/Trekking Pole
Satellite Phone with credit
Battery
Headlight 500-700Lumens
Spare Tape Slings/240cm
Unlock Carabiner
Lock Carabiner

9.0 Bag packs

Rucksacks 35 L -50 L

10.0 Sun stuff

Banana Boat/ Nivea Sun Cream (-20 Spf)
Lip Guard -20 (Spf)
Sun Glasses (Uv Protection)

11.0 Toiletries (Personal)

Toilet Paper / Wet Tissue
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Soap
Shampoo
Towel
Garbage Bag

12.0 Eating & Drinkings

1 ltr. Water Bottle
1/1.5ltr. Thermos Mug (Opt.)
Spoon / Fork (opt.)
Bowl (opt.)

13.0 Medical / First Aid

Brufen / Ibuprofens
Antibiotic
Diamox
Paracetamol
Handy Plaster
Crack Bandage
Tincture Iodine
Ondem
Cetirizine
Electrolyte
Minil 10mg (Palpitation, anxiety)
Codopar (Headache & chest pain)
Salbetol 4mg (Breathless)
Azithromycin 500mg (chronic tonsillitis, fever, nose, throat infection-must take 5 days)
Flupen 250mg (prevent wound infection)
Allegra 120/180mg (Allergic tonsil)
Menstrual Products