“Gokyo lake trek is the perfect destination in the Everest region for those who detest crowds and expect jaw-dropping scenery”
Gokyo lake trek is the second most popular destination in Everest Region which offers an alternative to the traditional trek to Everest base camp. The view of the Gokyo region is incredible. The trekking trail follows the Everest base camp route to Sanasa, next to the tea house place from Kangjuma after leaving Namche Bazar. Then the trail continuously goes through the left side of the Dudh Koshi River to its source, a couple of lakes, and Ngozumpa Glacier. Gokyo village (4750m) is a more satisfying destination than Gorak Shep, a proper Sherpa village with a huge herd of Yaks. Gokyo RI (5360m) is sometimes also called Kala Pattar because it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and mesmerizing three sacred lakes (Dudh Pokhari, Taujung Tso, and Longpongma Tso).
Most of the trekkers want to include Gokyo Lake in their itineraries whether they are trekking to Everest base camp or doing three passes because of its amazing scenery.
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Highlights of the Gokyo Valley Trek
Flight to Lukla (2828m) and trek to Phakding 4 hours
Your trek to Everest base camp starts from today and you will be transferred to the airport and will enjoy a 40min short scenic flight to the Himalayan foothills. The views from the plane are stunning, providing dramatic sights of terraced hills and the distant giant Himalaya. After landing at Lukla airport, we walk for 3 hours to the town of Phakding with a few ups and downs along the Dudh Koshi River.
Stay overnight at the teahouse in Phakding.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we continue trekking along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River and crossing this majestic river numerous times on exciting suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park from Larja Dobhan, the trail climbs up steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Everest region.
Overnight at a guest house.
Rest day at Namche Bazaar
Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Namche is a colorful village with many wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, fabulous food, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An early hike above town, before the clouds move in, reward trekkers with a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, the beautiful Ama Dablam, and many more. On the way down, we can visit Sherpa Museum that houses an exhibit on a traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a fabulous photography display by a local Nepalese naturalist.
Overnight at a guest house.
Trek to Phortse Tanga (3690m) 4 hours
You will climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading the Dudh Koshi, from where the route turns to the north. There is a Chorten on the ridge top at 3973m which descends from Khumbila (5761m). You will visit Mohang, the birthplace of the re-incarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet who introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region. The trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dush Koshi.
Stay overnight at a guest house.
Trek to Dole (4200m) 4 hours
You will climb steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests. The trail passes through many Kharkas-the summer settlements used by Sherpas while bringing herds of yaks to graze. The route passes through the settlements of Tongba (3950m), Gayle (3960m).
Overnight at a guest house.
Trek to Machermo (4470m) 4 hours
From Dole, the trail climbs steadily along the side of the valley. Rhododendron forest giving way to scrub Juniper and as altitude increases, you will pass through many summer settlements, used when Yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of us are excellent views of Cho Oyu while backing down the valley are the peaks of Kantiaga and Thamserku. This is a short day trek and we will arrive at Macherma (4410m), around lunchtime.
Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Gokyo (4790m) 5 hours
We start our today's trek by climbing a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kantega and up towards Cho-Oyu (8,153m). Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangram at 4,390m. The route descends to the river bank before beginning the climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. Afterward, the trail levels out as it follows the valley past a second lake, known as Longponga at 4,690m, where you will find the footprints of the Great Lama. Then you will move up a boulder-strewn path to Gokyo at 4,750m, on the edge of the third lake. Gokyo is a small settlement but slowly growing with about 6-8 lodges at present. Gokyo with its glacial lake and the surrounding high snowcapped mountain certainly makes this place one of the gems of the Khumbu region.
Overnight at teahouse.
Exploring full day in Gokyo
Today in the early morning your guide will take you to the Gokyo Ri (5463m/17923ft) for a sunrise view. From here you will have a chance to get a view of the full face of Mt Everest (8850m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m). You can also see a lake in the valley and a big glacier which is named NaJumpa glacier. Back to the hotel for breakfast and in the afternoon you will have a chance to explore up to the fifth lake to enjoy the view.
Overnight at guest house.
Trek to Dole (4200m) 5 hours
After spending a wonderful time in Gokyo we will re-trace back to Dole via Machhermo.
Overnight at a guest house.
Trek to Namche (3440m) 5 hours
Today after breakfast, we'll follow the same trail with a big descend till Phortse Tanga then ascend to the Mongla Danda from where the trail goes slow down all the way to Namche.
Overnight at a guest house.
Trek to Lukla (2828m) 6 hours
Today after breakfast you will re-trace back to Lukla with a few ups and downs.
Stay overnight at a guest house.
Fly back to Kathmandu(1350m)
In the morning your guide will take you to the airport and you will have a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. After landing at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel, and the rest of the time you can enjoy exploring the evening ambiance of Thamel or Boudha.
Overnight at the hotel.
CHECKLISTS
Guiding, Food, and Lodging
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.
DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN NEPAL
Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.
Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.
Trekking or running shoes, Camp shoes or thongs, Socks (polypropylene)
Down or fiber-filled jacket, Jumper or piled jacket, Hiking shorts, Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella Hiking pants, T-shirts or blouses, Underwear, Sun hat
Rucksack, Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional), Water bottle, Torch, batteries, and bulbs
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