Awesome Nepal Treks Pvt. Ltd. "Safety, Quality and Integrity"

Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

Duration: 15 Days
  • Duration: 15 Days
  • Maximum Altitude: 5,357m.
  • Accommodation: Lodge/Tea house
  • Group Size: Minimum- 2 Trekkers
  • Trip Grade: Easy & Moderate
  • Meals: Breakfast at City; Full Board of Meals on Trek
  • Activities: Tours, Sightseeing, Trekking in Annapurna Hills and Himalayas
  • Best Time: September to December and March to May
  • Start / Ending: Lukla to Lukla

“Gokyo Lake Trek – Journey to the blue turquoise lake of Everest region”

  • Adventure within the high Khumbu valley around beautiful Gokyo Lakes with amazing views.
  • Exploring high-altitude Sherpa villages enriched with the ancient culture of the Buddhist religion.
  • Walking into lovely woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia-firs-pines and juniper trees.
  • Visiting old monasteries of great interest in the backdrop of giant snowcapped peaks.
  • Scenic and panoramic flights both ways from Kathmandu and Lukla with amazing views.

Introduction:

Eddie Max the famous Khumbu expert said that the Gokyo Valley of the Everest Region is the place where god wishes to stay. Gokyo Lake Trek is probably the most astounding and beautiful trekking route in the entire Everest region.

The lake surrounded by the high mountains and hills accompanied by the solemn hamlet of Sherpa people is definitely a wonderland. Everest Gokyo Lake Trek takes trekkers to the five amazing lakes with Mt. Choyou on the backdrop. The trek is worthwhile as trekkers get a glimpse of Mt. Everest from a different angle. Including these two mountains, one can observe another two 8 thousand-meter height mountains Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Makalu.

Lakes of Gokyo Valley are listed as Ramsar Conservation Site. The trail is easy and mountain sickness avoiding itinerary helps in the cause of trekkers. Everest Gokyo Lake Trek follows the itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek until the acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar. You can check out the details of the trekking in our Everest Base Camp Trekking page.

The voyage gets separated from EBC Trek from Kyangjuma. Trekkers on Gokyo Lake Trek take the route of Mongla Danda instead of Tengboche route. The sight of Mt. Tabuche and Choyou is ever present during the trek. The grassy meadows, high hills, waterfalls, green lush forests and captivating perspective of mountains are the highlights of Everest Gokyo Lake Trek.

Apart from the sightseeing around the five lakes of the valley trekkers will also hike the Gokyo Ri for the sunrise or sunset. This is the best place to observe the panoramic view of the mountains as far as Mt. Makalu. Therefore, the trip is full on the worth of every penny spent.

If you would like to visit the Everest Base Camp you can extend your trek as well. Once you cross the Chola Pass, you can catch the Everest Base Camp Trek route. Contact our travel planners to create the best itinerary of Gokyo Lake Trek.

We vow to make your journey towards the Khumbu region of Nepal momentous.

Details Itinerary

Your first impression of arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport is an experience in itself. But don’t be worried by the apparent confusion as your airport representative will be waiting to welcome you with your name written on a placard. Depending on traffic, you will be at your hotel within 20 minutes or so.

You have time to relax and enjoy the ambiance and comfort of the hotel until your evening Group Meeting. This is when we collect your details and discuss how the trip will run for the coming days. After the meeting, we go for our first group dinner. Your tour leader will take you to a traditional Nepali restaurant in Thamel.

Mornings, flight to Lukla with views of mountain range including Mt. Everest, after 30 mins of great flight reaching at Lukla with its unique airstrip a gateway Sherpa town to Everest base camp and other adventure destination.

From Lukla walk to Phakding village for overnight stop leading past Sherpa farm villages, a nice and pleasant walk with few short ups overlooking beautiful views along the walk to Phakding village located by Dudh Kosi a glacial River.

After breakfast, we commence our trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). The trail goes along the right bank of Dudh Koshi. Thamserku is standing majestically skyward on the opposite bank. We then reach Bengkar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. We continue along the trail with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village Monjo. We then come to Sagarmatha National Park Service where a park entrance fee is to be deposited. We follow a short walk along the riverbed of this valley where the major river meets each other. Crossing over the Hillary bridge, trek begins the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. On the way, we would have excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m.). Surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges, Namche Bazar (3440m) is a central hub of the area for food, trekking gears and other necessary goods

Namche Bazaar is at 3,440mthis level is above the mountain sickness threshold. Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the lofty altitude. Go high and sleep low is the best way to acclimatize,best acclimatization hike for the day we recommend is to Everest view hotel, a perfect place  for proper speed acclimatization before heading higher area, morning hike to Everest View Hotel  which is about  2 hrs uphill walk, great spot for magnificent view of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam and adjoining peaks of the Khumbu Himalayan panorama.

Check out the Sherpa museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering. On Saturdays, the Hatt Bazaar is open for trading and an intimate look at the locals’ marketplace. It is part of the larger Namche Bazaar, a shopping hub filled with all manner of trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment

After a great time at Namche, our route leads on the high ridge of Namche to reach at Syangboche with bird eye views of Namche below, Syangboche with an old short airstrip which is sometimes used for helicopters and smaller aircraft. From here walk is pleasant to Khunde and Khumjung the largest Sherpa villages around Khumbu area, Khunde and Khumjung villages located on a glacial valley beneath the sacred peak of Khumbila at 5,761m (a patron god of Khumbu).

A quiet gentle walk brings you at Khumjung via Khunde for an overnight stop, when in Khunde visit one and only Khunde hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary's Foundation and in afternoon visit Khumjung old Monastery, the only place with a Yeti scalp. Khumjung also has a High School built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.

After a nice stop on the glacial valley at Khumjung with eye catching views, morning walk leads downhill to join the main trail at near Shanasa village. From this spot, our route diverts away from the main Namche-Everest base camp trail towards quiet areas towards Gokyo Lake. The path climbs with a steep climb to reach a Mong 3,973 meters with amazing views and then downhill walk to Dudh Kosi River at Phortse Thanghka for lunch.

After Phortse, continue to walk to Dole as the trail climbs steeply out of the valley through a patch of rhododendron forest which gives way to juniper and conifers trees. In the springtime, this place will be magic with wildflowers in full bloom. This path passes summer Yak pastures. The trek leads past Tongba and Gyele villages to reach at Dole with a super view of Khumbila and Tawache 6,542m.

Morning walk from Dole climbs along the side of the valley, where rhododendron forest stops, giving way to smaller bushes of juniper as you gain altitude slowly. Finally, walk leads on the level path for an hour to Lhabarma Kharka and to Luza at 4,390m, and then skirting around a ridge with downhill to Macherma village.  Arriving at Macherma for lunch and overnight stop with time in the afternoon for a short walk or just relax.

From this small settlement, our walks continue to Gokyo 3rd Lake, following a scenic path to Pangka small area and then descend slightly, following one of the glacial fed rivers which flow from Ngozumba Glacier of high world 6th highest Cho-Oyu and other adjoining peaks. The walk leads to a climb by the side of a glacier, passing first lake and the second lake, crossing the path to reach at a third lake known as Dudh Pokhari or Gokyo Lake a summer settlement with fantastic views of Mt. Cho Oyo and Gyachung Kang that reflects on emerald green waters of Gokyo Lake.

Morning hike uphill to Gokyo Ri one of the highlights of this trip, a small peak above the lake, Gokyo Ri at 5,357m offers a panorama of Mt. Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse, Taweche and far as to Mt. Makalu. After a wonderful stop at Gokyo Ri, head downhill to Gokyo for lunch and rest, afternoon at leisure to enjoy the views and short walks around the lake.

After a grand and scenic with pleasant time at Gokyo Lake, walk today is quite long but easier on the downhill trail heading back into green vegetation and tree lines, as the altitude loose every hour of walk downhill facing amazing views of peaks till Dole is reached for an overnight stop around Gokyo route.

Leaving Dole with super views walk on gradual path uphill to reach the main trail which leads you up towards Thyangboche Monastery, on reaching the Imjatse River and crossing over a bridge few hours climb brings you at scenic Thyangboche Monastery, located on a small plateau with marvelous views of mountains including Mt. Everest and majestic Amadablam surrounded with pristine rhododendron-pines-oaks and birch tree woodland. An afternoon with time for a tour of the monastery, which was burnt by an accidental fire in 1991 at present back into normal form, where you can witness young monks and elderly priest and Lama on evening prayer.

After a great time descend to Imjatse River, with a steep climb for an hour to Sanasa, from here on the gradual path with short ups and downs to Namche Bazaar, a break here and then walk back to Dudh Kosi river valley and to Monjo for an overnight stop.

Morning walk reaching at Phakding from here retrace the journey back to Lukla with the last climb, on reaching Lukla celebrate last night dinner with fellow trekkers and staff.

From Lukla taking an early morning flight back to Kathmandu with views of mountains, at Kathmandu domestic airport our staff transfers you back to respective hotels with rest of the day free at leisure.

Your last day in amazing Nepal in the land of Himalayan wonders, after wonderful experience and fond memories of Gokyo Lake and Everest Panorama trekking, our staff transfer you to airport as per your time for international flight for your final departure towards homeward bound.

FAQ

Yes, our airport representative will come to pick you up at the airport. He/She will hold the placard with your name or group name. You will be transferred to the agreed hotel and later in the evening, the agency will hold the welcome dinner for you.

You will need a Covid Vaccination certificate certified by any government agency.

Yes, you can join our fixed departure group as well. However, we can arrange the solo trekker trekking too. You can hire a porter guide for the trip who will carry your stuff as well as a guide you through the trekking. You can get either female or male trekking guide according to your preference.

Yes, you can book the private trip as well. After covid pandemic the agency is operating many private trips. Feel free to ask our travel planners for the arrangement.

We use 3 star to 5 star hotels for your accommodation in the Kathmandu. It depends upon your request and preference. Most of the hotels that we use are within the city center (Thamel area). Yes, you can extend your stay in Nepal. If you want, you can do the hotel booking on your own in which we can assist you. You can also buy the tour package with us as well. It is up to you to decide. We can arrange for any kinds of extended stay in Kathmandu or any other major cities of Nepal.

Yes, you can upgrade hotel to luxury hotel in Kathmandu but the price will be adjusted. The package hotel cost will not be redeemed but can be transferred to your luxury hotel cost. If you buy the luxury trek or tour package then the luxury hotel in Kathmandu is included in your trip itinerary.

During the trek don’t expect luxury accommodation facilities. However, in some places you can get the room with attached bathrooms. In high altitude and also during the peak season; you will have to share the room with other trekkers. It depends whether you get to shower or not. In some places you can shower in your own room. However, most of the lodges/tea houses you will have to pay extra for the hot shower.

You will get breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek. Hot water is extra. You can carry the purifying pill which you can use for the normal tap water as well. The food is from the menu.

Typical Trekking Day consists of 6-7 hours of average walking hours. You will start the trekking after breakfast and stop for the lunch on the way. In between you will have briefings and information regarding the area’s landscape, mountains and culture as well. Breakfast is normally at 7 o’clock in the morning and lunch is at around 12-1 o’clock in the afternoon and dinner is at 7-8 o’clock in the evening.

Mobile connectivity is available in almost every trekking trails of Nepal. However, in some parts the connectivity is very less. If there is not mobile connectivity then you will have to buy the internet wifi card from the lodge.

Acclimatization is dependent upon the type of the trekking that we are doing. For Example, Everest Base Camp Trekking has two acclimatization rests, one at Namche and other at Dingboche. However, for the low altitude trekking you might not need acclimatization at all or just one day’s acclimatization is fine.

We follow the safety protocols text to text. Every evening our clients’ oxygen level, heart rate and blood pressure is measured. In case of emergency the team will decide whether to continue or not. If you have the travel insurance, during emergency, we might have to use that for the emergency evacuation.

If you are on full package, the agency will bear your meal, accommodation and tea/coffees so you will not need much cash. However, in an average you will need Nrs. 3000 to 4000 per day if you are on your own for the trip like in service trekking. Credit cards are not accepted on the trail.

In some places you will get the laundry service but it is possible to do laundry only during the acclimatization rest days. Therefore, you will have to collect all soiled clothes and use the laundry while you are back in the city.

Yes you can recharge your electronic devices in the teahouse/lodge. The charge is incurred per device.

Yes, you can do Everest Base Camp Trekking without prior trekking experience also. However, you need to be physically fit. One month prior to the trekking date, do some exercises in your home country.

There is no alternative way if the flight is canceled. However, you can hire a helicopter back to Kathmandu.

The weight limit is 15 kgs including day pack.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for the EBC Trek. The insurance must cover medical aid, accidents and emergency helicopter rescue.

Yes, all our guides are Nepal Government license holder. They are well versed in the basic first aids as well. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about minor injuries.

The trekking guide will assess your situation and decide whether you can continue the trek or not.

Yes all our guides are certified by the Government of Nepal and TAAN.

Tipping is not mandatory but expected. You can tip according to your liking.

You can add extra days to your trekking but the cost increases.

Yes you need to make the advance deposit of 20% of the trip to guarantee. Once you land in Kathmandu, you will have to clear the trip cost before commencing the trip.

Cost & Date

Route Map

Client Reviews

Lorraine Morgan

Trip Name: Short Poon Hill Trek

Booked this trek from the comfort at home in the UK. Communication with Dil was brilliant, his response to all my emails were quick and courteous. He tailored the trek around us, as a small group of 4 adults ranging in age from 29 to 69 (who was still recovering from an ACL op last May). His pace was brilliant for our group.

Dil arranged to meet us in our hotel in Kathmandu and talked us through the trek, bringing maps, holdalls and T-Shirts.

The trek was for 3 nights, 4 days staying in good, clean lodges. All was included except our drinks.

We experienced trekking in glorious sunshine up to Poon Hill. There was still snow on the ground and Dil provided the group with crampons, which made walking easier and safer.

Our trek started and ended in Pokhara. Dil and his team collected us from our hotel in Pokhara promptly at the time agreed.

Dil and the porters were brilliant, the porters were more than porters and made our trek even more enjoyable. We felt totally safe and Dil was an excellent guide. The scenery was spectacular.

Would certainly use Awesome Nepal Treks again as Dil arranges trips to Tibet and Bhutan.

Ryan Schult

Subject: Thanks for a great trek
Message: We have just completed a 15 day Himalayan trek with Awesome Nepal Treks and it could not have been better! The trek was very well organized, had excellent food and accommodation, there was no problems whatsoever and our guide Dil was a very informative, well-spoken and absolutely entertaining guy. The whole experience was amazing and I would strongly recommend Awesome Nepal Treks to anyone who wants a great, enjoyable, hassle-free trip.

Derek Manhas

Subject: Humbling & Surreal Experience

My cousin and I traveled to Nepal in 2011 and completed the Everest Basecamp Trek with our guide Dil Thapa.
Dil absolutely made sure this trek would far exceed my expectations and I am grateful for the time we shared together in Nepal.
There are an endless amount of photos and videos online for us to see the natural beauty of Nepal before arriving there. The greatest compliment I can give Nepal (more specifically, Dil Thapa) is this, the beauty of Nepal is its people first and foremost.