Gokyo Lake trek

Tour overview

Gokyo Lake is one of the most exciting sights of Nepal which is shiny, blue, and has green water. At the height of 5000 meters above sea level, they enclose the world’s highest freshwater lake in the world. Gokyo Lake is an ideal trek for those who want to trek in the Everest region. The Gokyo Lake trek offers to ascent to the top of Gokyo Ri, which is similar to the altitude of Everest base camp. You can experience the best feelings from the top of the summit, the remarkable high mountain is the best attraction of this trek. Going to the trek will offer a lot of variety, views of bright mesmerizing high altitude lake, the greatest glacier in the Himalayas (Ngozumpa) and views of Everest as well as other 8000 meters panoramic mountain views (Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu) from the top of the Gokyo Ri.

This Trek is an alternative to the classic Everest Base camp trek, the trail to the Gokyo Lake is off the beaten, however, still affords the trekker with an insight into the local classic village life.

Before heading to the Gokyo Ri and Gokyo valley, you will lead to Khumjung Village which will be the short hike of the day and also consider as acclimatization, time expended in Khumjung village offers trekkers the opportunity to explore the school set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Mount Everest with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.

Gokyo trek is the best adventure into the heart of the Himalayan region. Time to Nepal Treks and Tours will offer the best quality service with the best of the best experience of the Himalayan Region Trekking.

Best Season for Gokyo Lake trek

The perfect season to trek in Nepal is spring (March-May) and Autumn (September – November). These months are mostly preferred by the enthusiast trekker and consider as the best season to trek at high altitude. The Khumbu valley is known to be particularly dry and cold, so, most trekkers develop the Khumbu Cough because of the dry dust.

Highlights of trekking in the Spring and Autumn season

The weather is likely to be clear and offer the best walk under clear blue skies.
The temperature will be warm and stable during night and day.
Offers the best views of the stunning mountain from every angle
The environment offers charming Nature with the colorful surrounding.

Summer (June July August) and winter (December January February) is considered as the offseason, which means it’s not the best season to trek in the high altitude. The trail will be isolated in winter and the frequent rainfall, and high humidity in summer will make the trail muddy and slippery that’s why it’s not a perfect season to explore in the Himalayan.

Permit for Gokiyo Trek

Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Local Permit
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

Mode of transportation to getting there and away

Flights, Private Jeep or Local Bus

Highlights

Position at the chain of six turquoises, Glacier lakes.
Hike along the Greatest Glacier in the Himalayan region (Ngozumpa)
Summit Gokyo Ri (5360 meters) to observe the stunning view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu and also the best sunrise view over the mountain.
Hike through the ethnic Sherpa village of Khumjung, also the home of real yeti skull.

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2600m – 4 hours)
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3450 meters – 7 hours)
Day 3: Trek to Khumjung (3780 meters – 3 hours)
Day 4: Trek to Dole (4040 meters – 5-6 hours)
Day 5: Machhermo (4410 meters – 4 hours)
Day 6: Gokyo (4790 meters – 5-6 hours)
Day 7: hike to Gokyo Ri – (5383meters – 4 hours)
Day 8: Trek to Lumde by crossing the Rinjo La Pass (5360 meters – 7 hours)
Day 9: Trek to Thame (3800 meters – 4 hours)
Day 10: Trek back to Phakding
Day 11: Trek back to Lukla
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 1: Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2600m – 4 hours)

Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla will take 30 min, you will enjoy the best view of mountains and geography of Nepal, the flight to Lukla is thrilling and add extra adventure before and after the trek. After landing in Hillary airport Lukla, the gateway to Everest, you will continue your pace to Phakding. You will be welcomed by the cool breeze of the mountain. The first day of your trek will be more exciting by hiking through the ethnic Sherpa village and walking beside the Dudh Koshi river.
Overnight at Phakding

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3450 meters – 7 hours)

The second day of your trek will take you to the beautiful town of Everest region, Namche Bazaar by crossing the five-suspension bridge. You will start your trek after early morning breakfast. Three hours of the walk will lead you to the Jorsale village. The steady ascend will be a little difficult but it is more about observing the pleasure of nature and surroundings. Give some moment to adapt your body to high altitude air. You will stop for tea and lunch on the way. You will enjoy the stunning view of Kusum Kangaroo, Thamserku, and Holy Khumbiyela Peak.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar

Day 3: Trek to Khumjung (3780 meters – 3 hours)

The fourth day of your trek is easy and relaxing, the short hike to the Khumjung valley is situated at the base of Holy Khumbiyela mountain. You can feel the valley is inside the cloud. After reaching early at Khumjung village, you can visit and explore the yak farm, school built by Sir Edmund Hillary, monastery the home of yeti skull is another quest of trekking.
Overnight at Khumjung

Day 4: Trek to Dole (4200 meters – 5-6 hours)

The fourth day of your trekking is one of the best experiences you will be leading to the valley of Gokyo. You will start your trek after early morning breakfast. Ascending through the beautiful trail will take you to the ridge of Mong La where you can explore the oldest village.
Dole village is simply fabulous with the small settlements of Sherpa People. The breathtaking views of the sixth highest mountain of the world Cho Oyu will make your trek more exciting.
Overnight at Dole

Day 5: Machhermo (4410 meters – 4 hours)

The fifth day of your trek is another easiest and short-day hike. The more interesting day of your trek where you will be the witness of yeti incident that took place around the '70s. Ascending to the higher altitude through the tree-line area is extremely marvelous and you will explore the close-up stunning peaks view above 6000 meters Kyojo Ri and Machhermo Peak.
Overnight at Machhermo

Day 6: Gokyo (4754 meters – 5-6 hours)

The sixth day of your trekking is the most exciting, the dazzling navy blue lakes surrounded by the outstanding Mountain View offer the best experience of trekking to the Gokyo lake.
The hike will be effortless along with a wide trail and stunning views however, the high altitude is an experience with different feelings. The stunning Gokyo Lake is situated by the side of the third big lake and Cho Oyu as the backdrop which is the best-combined view and very comforting. Finally, your dream came true, enjoy your best moment.
Overnight at Gokyo

Day 7: hike to Gokyo Ri – (5483meters – 4 hours)

Seventh days of your trekking, a challenging day to ascent Gokyo Ri for the most brilliant view of Everest and its surrounding Peaks. You can enjoy the magnificent sunrise view from the summit of Gokyo Ri.
Overnight at Gokyo

Day 8: Trek to Lumde by crossing the Renjo- La Pass (5345 meters – 4 hours)

The eighth days of your trekking will be so difficult and challenging. You will hike through the gentle slope up over scree and rocks. The pass is tricky and you have to walk over the cliff. You will gently reach to the Lumde after a short hike from Gokyo.
Overnight at Lumde

Day 9: Trek back to Thame (3800 meters – 4 hours)

You will gently trek down to the Thame, it is not so difficult as climbing the cliff but need to balance your walk while descending to the trail.
Overnight at Thame.