Why choose Gokyo Valley?
Adventurers choose the Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes treks to explore Everest and enjoy a unique and stunning experience. Here are some interesting reasons to choose this trek:
Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo Valley is home to six mesmerizing lakes, each with its own distinct beauty. The freshwater lakes have turquoise-blue waters that reflect the surrounding mountains and landscapes, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting.
The six lakes are: Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba Cho. Among these names, Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari) is the most famous, and its reflections are particularly enchanting.
Gokyo Ri
Gokyo Ri stands proudly at a height of 5,357 m. The vantage point provides an exceptional 360-degree panorama of the Everest massif.
You can witness some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The sight of these majestic mountains from Gokyo Ri’s summit is truly unforgettable and offers an experience of a lifetime.
Ngozumpa Glacier
The Gokyo Lakes Trek takes you through sections of Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. This thrilling part of the journey offers the opportunity to witness the vastness of the glacier from the top of Gokyo Ri.
However, it is essential to exercise caution as the glacier can be unstable, requiring careful navigation.
Lesser Crowds
While the Mount Everest tours attract a significant number of trekkers, the Gokyo Lakes trekking route offers a quieter and more serene alternative.
The route is less crowded, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful and intimate experience with nature.
Winter Activities
In the winter or at the beginning of spring, the Gokyo Lakes freeze over, creating an icy wonderland. You can enjoy walking or even ice skating on the frozen lakes, adding a unique and adventurous element to the trek.
Authentic Sherpa Culture
Gokyo village, with its highest human settlement at an elevation of 4,750 m, is a charming Sherpa community. The village allows you to immerse yourself in authentic Sherpa culture and traditions.
Witnessing the residents dressed in traditional Sherpa attire and experiencing their way of life adds a cultural dimension to the trek.
Gokyo Lakes Trek Equipments and Gears
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a challenging, long, high-altitude journey. Throughout the day’s trek, you’ll experience varying weather patterns.
Mornings and nights are cold, while days are warmer. The Gokyo Trail takes you through narrow, lush forests. So even during the spring and autumn, rainfall is possible.
So, there is a chance of encountering four seasons in one day. Given these factors, it’s essential to prepare as if you are embarking on a four-season trek.
Also, when packing, be mindful of the trip’s length and avoid overpacking to minimize the physical stress of carrying a heavy backpack. Consider all key factors while preparing your packing list for the Gokyo Lakes trek. For your convenience, here are a few essential trekking gear and equipment recommendations:
Clothing
- Inner Layer: thermal tops and bottoms
- Middle Layer: long-sleeve and short-sleeve t-shirts, shorts, trekking pants, or trousers
- Outer layer: fleece jacket, down jacket, waterproof jacket, and trousers
Footwear
- Hiking boots
- Sandals (for teahouses)
- Synthetic or wool socks
Miscellaneous
- Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush, Hair shampoo, handwash, soap, wet wipes, hand sanitizer
- Feminine hygiene products (for female trekkers)
- First aid kit
- Personal medication (if any)
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles
- Sunscreen and lip balm (high SPF)
- Solar power bank
- A backpack
- Sleeping bag
- Headlight
The best time for Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek
The best time to trek to the Gokyo Lakes is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons in Nepal.
Weather
The weather is mild and pleasant during these seasons. Mostly clear skies and stable weather characterize spring and autumn in Nepal. These seasons are one of the best for trekking due to favorable weather.
Due to global warming, you may encounter occasional showers towards the end of spring and the beginning of the autumn season. Also, you can expect light snowfall at the end of autumn and the start of spring.
Temperature
During spring, the daytime temperature in the lower elevations, such as Kathmandu and Lukla, ranges from around 15 to 25°C. In the higher trekking regions, the temperatures are cooler but above zero degrees. At higher elevations, the temperature falls during the early morning and night.
Likewise, during autumn, daytime temperatures range from approximately 10 to 20°C. At the end of November, winter was just around the corner. So, the temperature at Gokyo Lake is around -12°C. You will witness a gradual decrease in temperatures with light snowfall in winter.
Crisp Mountain View
Spring and autumn offer excellent visibility for trekking in the Gokyo Lakes. The skies are clear, allowing for stunning panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks.
The surrounding landscapes are vibrant in the spring. Also, blooming flowers and lush greenery add beauty to the trekking trail.
Similarly, during autumn on the trail, you can notice stunning fall foliage along the trail. You can see how tree leaves beautifully change their color during your hike.
Gokyo Lakes Trek Difficulty
Like most of the Everest treks, the Gokyo Lakes trek is moderately challenging due to the high elevation and remote terrain.
During the Gokyo trek, you can expect to walk for around 5–6 hours per day. But this can vary depending on the altitude gain and fitness level of the trekkers.
Beginners who are not accustomed to long walks might find this trek particularly demanding. So they need to practice walking for extended periods of time before embarking on the journey.
Similarly, the Gokyo Lakes trails include steep terrain. This makes the trek more challenging than the Everest Base Camp trek.
Preparation
Physical fitness plays a crucial role, and trekkers must be well-prepared. Stamina and physical endurance are equally vital to completing this journey. Along with good physical fitness, mental endurance is equally important to complete this trek.
The accommodation and food options are very basic. Modern amenities, the internet, and communication services will not be available. Prepare yourself mentally and set realistic expectations for the challenges ahead. Thus, to conquer this trek, you must possess resilience, grit, and determination.
We highly recommend you start a training plan at least three months before the trek.
Building stamina, increasing strength, and getting used to walking with a backpack are essential preparation steps. Activities like cycling, swimming, and cardiovascular and strength-building exercises are beneficial for getting ready for the trek.
The journey to Gokyo Valley presents a manageable trail, but ascending Gokyo Ri can be challenging due to its elevation of 5,357 m. So this also increases the chances of getting altitude sickness.
To mitigate the altitude risk, it is crucial to acclimatize gradually along the way. Fortunately, climbing Gokyo Ri doesn’t require any mountaineering or technical climbing skills. So this trek is accessible to those without extensive climbing experience, too.
Overall, the region’s isolation, off-the-beaten trails, high elevation, and challenging ascents and descents heighten the Gokyo Lakes Trek’s difficulty.
Compared to the other trekking routes, it demands more from trekkers. So, this trek is ideal for those seeking a greater challenge in the Everest Himalayas.
Gokyo Lakes Trek Distance from Lukla
In total, the distance of the Gokyo Lakes trek from Lukla is 92 km (52 miles). However, to complete this distance, you need 12 days, including acclimatization days. The starting and ending points of the trekking tour are Lukla and
But if you plan to combine the Gokyo trek with Everest Base Camp and Chola Pass, then the length of the trek increases. Thus, the distance of the trek may vary depending on the specific itinerary, side trips, and variations in the trekking route.
Permits and Entry Fees for the Gokyo Lakes Hike
Permits are the same for the entire Everest region. You need two permits for the Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes Trek:
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
The Gokyo Trail goes through Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal. So, it is mandatory to get this national park permit. You can get this permit from Kathmandu or Monjo. The cost of the permit is NRS 3,000 per person (subject to change).
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
In 2018, the local government of the Khumbu region started to issue the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. Since then, this permit has also replaced the Tourism Information Management System (TIMS) card.
Meanwhile, you will get this permit only in Monjo or Namche. The cost of this local permit is NRS 2,000 per person.
Food and Drinks for Gokyo Lakes Trekking
The teahouses and hotels of the Gokyo Lakes trek offer both Nepalese and Western cuisine. Most of the hotels serve similar food menus. Mostly, you will get the option of the local staple dish, dal bhat, for lunch and dinner. It is simple, yet delicious and fulfilling.
For breakfast, you have bread, omelets, muesli, porridge, boiled eggs, etc. Additionally, you will get tea and coffee options for drinks. Besides, at Namche, there are several bakery-cafés. So you can get fresh-baked cake, cookies, and coffee.
Many hotels also serve vegetarian and vegan meals, as per requirements. But for these special foods, you have to speak to the hotel owners or travel agencies before trekking. So that they can prepare accordingly.
Moreover, due to the rugged terrain, the goods must be carried for several days using porters or yaks. So the cost of food increases. Food is relatively cheaper in the lower valleys.
Gokyo Lakes Trek Accommodation
Accommodation on the Gokyo trekking route
During the Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek, the accommodations can be categorized into two types. Up to Namche, you will find spacious rooms with attached bathrooms.
Also, in most lodges, you will get various amenities such as nice furniture, electric blankets, hot showers, charging facilities, and Wi-Fi. Some lower-elevation towns even have luxury lodges for more comfort.
However, as you progress from Namche towards Gokyo, the accommodations become more basic. The room typically has two single beds and limited furniture. But you will have all the essential amenities, such as a comfortable bed, pillow, and blanket. It’s advisable to carry a warm sleeping bag to cope with the cold nights in the Gokyo Valley.
As you ascend higher, the attached bathroom will be scarce. Most teahouses have common bathrooms in the backyard. Only luxurious hotels offer rooms with an attached bathroom.
On the Gokyo Lakes itinerary, especially beyond Namche, the number of teahouses decreases. This results in very basic facilities at higher altitudes. So, it is essential to prepare for simpler accommodations.
Also, the cost of accommodation tends to increase with altitude. So plan your budget accordingly.
Communication (Internet and Phone Connectivity)
Staying connected during the Gokyo Lakes trek is essential to keeping your loved ones updated about your trekking progress. Fortunately, up to Namche Bazaar, there are several communication options available.
Most hotels have Wi-Fi services, and the local phone network is also reliable. You can even purchase data packages from mobile network operators like NTC or NCELL for internet access while in the villages.
However, as you continue the trek and ascend in altitude, communication becomes more challenging. In villages like Dole and Machhermo, internet connectivity is limited, and the network may not be reliable, especially on the trails.
The Everest Link, a dedicated Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the Everest region, offers internet access through satellite networks. But it is only available at certain hotels via their hotspots.
Electricity and Water
Along the Gokyo Lakes Trek route, electricity is available. You don’t have to worry about charging your electronic devices.
However, you need to pay a small fee to charge devices like phones, cameras, iPods, etc. Above Namche, electricity is solar-powered, depending on sunny weather. So consider bringing a portable solar charger.
Likewise, staying hydrated is vital to avoid altitude sickness. Safe drinking water options include purifying stream water with tablets or filters, buying mineral water (USD 1 to 3), or getting boiled water from teahouses for a small charge.
As you go higher, the cost might increase.
Toilet and shower facilities
The Gokyo Lakes route is more remote than the EBC trail. So you might worry about the toilet and shower facilities in Gokyo Valley. But for your comfort, there are clean and comfortable toilets on the trail.
Up until Namche Bazaar, most tea houses had Western-style sitting toilets. However, beyond Namche, places like Dole and Machhermo feature squat toilets. So, for some travelers, it might be a different experience. While many tea houses offer indoor toilets, not all of them have attached bathrooms.
On the trip to Gokyo Valley, you will find hot shower facilities available at every hotel or lodge. We offer complimentary hot showers until the Namche Bazaar to ensure a comfortable start to your trek.
However, beyond Namche, hot water for showers will be provided using a bucket system. And there will be an additional charge for the service. Please be prepared to pay extra if you wish to enjoy a hot bath beyond Namche Bazaar.
Risks and responses- Altitude sickness
The Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes Trek is a high-altitude trek. So, it poses a significant risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is due to the rapid ascent to altitudes above 5,000m.
The thin air at such a high elevation can be challenging to adapt to. So, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, it’s important to take the following precautions:
Acclimatise: Allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. Plan rest days during the trek to give your body a chance to acclimatize gradually.
Ascend slowly; Avoid rapid ascent. Gradually increases your elevation. Allow your body to cope with the changes in air pressure and oxygen levels.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of altitude sickness.
Recognize symptoms: Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. It may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. If you experience any of these, inform your trekking guide immediately.
Descend if necessary: If symptoms of altitude sickness worsen, it’s crucial to descend to a lower altitude promptly. Do not ignore any warning signs, as they can lead to severe health issues.
Luggage
The maximum weight allowed for your main pack is 20–25 kg (lbs) when using a porter service.
For the Lukla flight, the weight limit is 10 kg of luggage and 5 kg of hand luggage. If your luggage exceeds these limits, an additional charge of two to three dollars per kilogram will apply.
Travel Insurance
For a trek to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, having appropriate travel insurance is essential, especially one that covers altitudes above 5,000m. Regular travel insurance may not cover such high altitudes. So, it’s crucial to ensure your insurance policy specifically covers this aspect.
Prior to embarking on the trek, carefully review your travel insurance. Make sure it includes all necessary provisions such as flight cancellations, loss of travel luggage, accidents, altitude sickness, and, notably, helicopter rescue coverage.
This comprehensive insurance will provide you with peace of mind and the necessary support in case of any unforeseen events during your memorable journey to Gokyo Ri and the stunning Gokyo Valley.
Currency Exchange
On the Gokyo Lakes trail, most tea houses exclusively accept Nepalese Rupee (NPR) cash. While some luxurious lodges may accept Mastercard and Visa. But they might impose higher rates for emergency transactions.
Likewise, ATMs are scarce in the Everest region. You can find a few ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, but they are not reliable. To ensure you have enough funds, you can withdraw enough cash in Kathmandu before embarking on your Gokyo Ri trek.
Additionally, it’s essential to exchange your currency beforehand. Kathmandu offers various options, such as banks, certified forex exchange counters, hotels, and Kathmandu International Airport, where you can exchange your currency easily before setting off on your memorable Gokyo adventure.
Extra Expenses
Most tea houses in Gokyo Valley will charge for Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charging electronic devices. You have to pay for extra food and drinks such as tea, coffee, snacks, etc. that are not included in the package.
Moreover, it is customary in Nepal to show appreciation to the hardworking guides and porters who accompany you on your journey.
These dedicated individuals spend more than a week away from their families to help you navigate the challenging mountain terrain. Thus, offering a tip is a common practice. The amount is entirely at your discretion.
