Everest Gokyo Lake trekking

  • Taralal Dharel ( Hari )
  • 1557

The Everest Gokyo Lake trekking is one of the most beautiful and fascinating trekking in the Khumbu region of Nepal. it takes you through the beautiful trail of the rugged landscapes, the off-beaten path through the handing, Namche, and many more into the Gokyo Valley.

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake trekking Difficulty is one of the popular trekking destinations in Nepal which offers you unrivaled views of the world's highest mountain Mt Everest, its other surrounding peaks, glaciers, and many more. During this trek, you will also go through the hike to Gokyo Ri at an altitude of 5340 meters which offers you incredible views of Mt Everest (8848 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters), Makalu (8481 meters), Cho Oyu (8201 meters and other snow-capped mountains which at more than the altitude of 8000 meters. You will also visit the Ngozumba glacier – the longest glacier of the Himalayan in Nepal.

During the Everest Gokyo Lake Trekking (Difficulty) you will also enjoy the Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture of the Sherpa people when you stay in their traditional village. The adventure trek to Gokyo Lake starts after a shot, adventurous, and scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, it is about a 35-minute mountain flight that offers you the breath-taking views of the mountain, as well as natural vegetation and flora and fauna. The adventure hike begins from the Lukla to reach the Namche Bazaar crossing the small village of Pakding, where you will enjoy the spare day and night for acclimatization. During the spare day in the Namche Bazaar, you will hike to the Everest View Hotel to enjoy the fabulous views of Mt Everest, Mt Makalu, Mt Lhotse, and other surrounding peaks. Hiking several days, you will reach the Gokyo Valley, which is also the base to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Everest, Gokyo lakes, and glaciers.

Gokyo Valley is the home of the gorgeous Gokyo Lake. The trekking paths to the Gokyo also offer you fantastic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and many other surrounding peaks. Though it is a high-altitude trek, the Everest Gokyo Lake Difficulty is moderate.

You can also enjoy the Everest base camp trek by extending some days in the Gokyo lake trekking. For trekking in the Everest region. We recommend that you add some extra days into your schedule for flight delays, and cancellations of the Lukla airport, which can occur during bad weather conditions.

So if you are planning to trek the Everest Gokyo Lake, you must be quite aware of the challenges and difficulties that come with it. Just keep in mind that the fit and having good stamina is a must. Walking the long trek with the difficulties can be challenging and hectic at times. So it is better if you start doing light hiking and many other physical exercises focusing on your arms and legs before starting your long hike.

Summing up, the Everest Gokyo Lake Trekking is an experience of the lifetimes. The beautiful lakes, the snow-capped mountains, and the diverse Himalayan flora and fauna sure give you a memorable experience. if you live hiking around the lake, the World's highest mountains, and want to enjoy the long journey then Everest Gokyo Lake Trekking is only for you

Table of Content

Table of contents

  • The trip fact of the trek
  • Highlights of the trek
  • Major Factor which contributes to the Everest Gokyo Lake Difficulty
  • Duration
  • Weather and Temperature
  • Altitude Sickness
  • Physical Stamina
  • Distance
  • Luggage and Weight
  • How to overcome Gokyo Lake Trek Difficulty
  • Everest Gokyo Lake trekking detail itinerary
  • The top reason why should you trek Everest Gokyo Lake trekking
  • Conclusion

Trip Facts of the Everest  Gokyo Lake Trekking

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Activities: trekking
  • Trip Duration: 14 days
  • Minimum altitude: 2850 meters
  • Maximum altitude: 5883 meters
  • Transportation: flight/private vehicle
  • Walking hours: approximately 6-7 hours each day

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Some highlights of the Everest  Gokyo Lake trekking (Difficulty) are:

  • A short, scenic, and adventurous mountain flight to Lukla.
  • A beautiful walk through the rhododendron and pine forest walk through the terraced green farm, crossing many scattered villages with amazing views of the highest and its other surrounding snow-capped peaks.
  • Hike to the Gokyo Ri (5340 meters)- one of the attractive viewpoints to enjoy the panoramic views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and other surrounding peaks.
  • Climb along the Ngozumpa Glacier- the largest glacier in the Khumbu region.
  • Very beautiful, peaceful, and less crowded with incredible views of all the selection of the mountains.
  • Views of the Renjo La pass- one of the beautiful mountain passes in the Khumbu, Everest region.
  • Explore the Khumjung village- a famous Sherpa village and also the home of the Real Yeti Skull.

Factors that contribute to the Everest Gokyo Lake difficulty

Duration

Duration is one of the major factors which contributes to the trek's difficulty. The itineraries having more trek days are much easier to trek than the others as in the managed itineraries you'll need to walk fewer hours a day and you also get more acclimatization days.

The most common package you will get for the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is the 15 days trekking package, but if it is your first and major trek or if you are not confident about trekking for such duration, then you can have the Customized itineration. You can both increase or decrease the number of days according to your conditions.

If you plan to choose the shorter days trekking itineraries then keep in mind that Shorter days mean more walking hours days and fewer acclimatization days. These can be a little harsh. So choosing the more extended packages over the short ones can help you to collect the best experience and overcome the Gokyo Lake trek Difficulties the easy way.

Weather and Temperature

The weather in the mountain region changes unpredictably without any warning. Every hour you can notice the change in the weather and climatic conditions. The ever-changing without warning weather can add more difficulty to your trek.

Rain and snowfall can also occur without giving the sign. Sometimes the snow-covered trail can cause navigating issues and can add more difficulty to your trek, especially if you are traveling without your guide.

Not only the weather can make your adventure difficult but he temperature can also add difficulties to the trek, the temperature at the high altitude can rapidly fall in the high elevated area and it is usually caused in the winter, because in these periods of the time the weather becomes freezing.

So choosing the best season for Everest Gokyo Lake trekking helps you to overcome these all problems. The best time to take this beautiful trek is during the spring and autumn time. They fall around April and October months.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is also a major factor that makes the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek difficult. Altitude sickness is also known as mountain sickness and is a condition that affects people when they are hiking to a high altitude with less air pressure and oxygen level. Altitude sickness is a condition that affects everybody including people of a different gender or age group. It is very difficult to justify that anyone is safe from it.

Since we will trek at a very high altitude in this trek which takes you above 500 meters, altitude sickness is bound to create the problem. You may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and many more when trekking.

Some symptoms of altitude sickness are:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Problem in Sleeping
  • Heard ache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Fainting
  • Vomiting

If you find any of these symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), it is best to stop where you are and go to a lower altitude where you feel more comfortable. Continuing to trek after finding these symptoms can create big issues such as respiratory failure, coma, or even death.

So rest for a day or two. If the symptoms worsen then sadly, you have to end your trek. some people also get severe symptoms such as confusion, difficulty breathing, or losing consciousness. So if you get these symptoms they must be immediately transferred to the medical institution and taken to a lower altitude of height.

To prevent altitude sickness, you should take the following precautions.

  • Don't rust hurriedly, climb slowly because your body needs two or three days of time of slowly hiking and moving ahead to adjust the atmospheric pressure of that altitude.
  • Carry the chocolate bar and candy because while hiking the higher altitude, your body requires more calories so carry the healthy snacks with continuing carbohydrates.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol, cigarettes, and medications like sleeping pills while trekking as they can make altitude sickness too worse.
  • Drink plenty of water around 4-5 liters per day because staying hydrated is very important in preventing altitude sickness.
  • If you feel a headache or feel sick or difficulty breathing then stop and rest where you are, take the appropriate medication, and inform your guide immediately so that he can provide you with some immediate treatment.
  • To travel the Long Everest Gokyo Lake trekking with ease at this altitude it is better if you acclimatize to the climate taking a few resting days during the trek. it lowers the chance of being a victim of altitude sickness also carrying some Diamox tablets can help you relieve mountain sickness but only at the lower altitude but it will get here in the higher altitude. So lastly staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol can help to lower the chances of altitude sickness.
  • Beyond these, it is better to consult your physician or doctor about altitude sickness and its prevention before starting the trek.

Physical stamina

The hiking and walking in the Everest Base Camp trek is through the rugged paths and the steep terrain, you need to hike at least 5 hours per day, so you meet the required stamina is needed must. You will be trekking to an elevation above 5000 meters with thin air and tough terrains. So it can be quite challenging for you, this you need good physical and mental strength to complete the trek.

Therefore the training before the trek is very beneficial as well as necessary too. If you are physically perpetrating the Everest Gokyo Lake trekking, the trek becomes much easier and faster than it would generally be.

Hiking, cycling, jogging, bicycles, summing or walking or even sprinting down the stairs can be fruitful for your trek, they help to increase your stamina and get the help you lost in your trek. you can also strengthen your legs by doing some home squats, skipping, and many more.

Another major factor that helps you to increase your stamina and efficiency is flexibility. So practice some basic stretches at home or perform some yoga. These activities will help your muscles to relax and be more flexible, which provides you with great strength during the trek.

Distance

The Everest Gokyo Lake trek covers a total distance of around 92 Km in total and takes around 15-18 days to complete the trek. but some people can complete it in fewer days, it all depends on your strength and stamina.

The Everest Gokyo Lake trekking starts from the Lukla, from where you will be travelling along the less-travelled path, the trail could be quite challenging too but the terrain paths are not the same around the journey. Somedays you might get the chance to walk in the smooth paths.

However, at the higher altitude, the steep trail and the high landscapes can make your trek challenging even if you are an experienced hiker or trekker.

Weight and Luggage

Carrying heavy luggage can cause trouble on the longer trek like the Everest Gokyo Lake trek. Since you will be traveling many hours every hour every day for a long duration, heavy bags might put you in difficulty, make your stamina down, and drain you. So you will need to pack all the essential equipment and gear only but make sure to choose the necessary and important ones and it would be good if that is all lightweight.

Some of the important and necessary things you should carry are:

Travelling bags

  • Day pack
  •  Duffer bags
  • And Puck bags with waterproof covers

Head

  •  Sunglasses
  •  Woollen hat
  •  Sun Hat
  •  Scarf
  •  Headlight

Upper body

  •  Light T-shirt
  •  Waterproof jackets
  •  Thermal Vest
  •  Lightweight thermal tops
  •  Fleece Jackets
  •  Pullover
  •  Women's sports bra, synthetic

Lower body

  •  Fleece pants
  •  Waterproof shell pants
  •  Lightweight walking pants
  •  Hiking short
  •  Undergarments

Handwear

  •  Lightweight fleece gloves
  •  Heavyweight gloves
  •  Water and windproof gloves

Footwear

  •  Hiking boots
  •  Camp sandals
  •  Pair of walking poles
  •  Thick warm wool hiking socks
  •  The inner socks

Other accessories

  •  Sunscreen
  •  First Kids
  •  Sleeping bags
  •  Pillowcase and other night accessories
  •  Water purifiers
  •  Hand sanitizers
  •  Towel
  •  Wet wipes
  •  toiletries

Best season to trek Everest Gokyo Lake Trekking (difficulty)

Autumn season (September, October, and November) is the best season to trek the Everest Gokyo Lake trekking. During the Autumn, you can trek to Gokyo Lake cause the weather is very favorable and the temperature is also moderate. Also, the surrounding views of the mountains are very beautiful.

Spring season (March, April, and May) is the second-best time of the year to trek the long and adventurous trek in Nepal. During this time, the weather will also remain stable. Along with that, the temperature at the higher altitude will also remain favorable for adventure trekking.

But winter and the summer season are the off-season to enjoy the adventure of trekking in Nepal. These times are less popular because the weather in Everest keeps changing these times. If you plan to do the Everest Gokyo lake trekking then you should be prepared hard. So plan the trek investing your time in research.

Everest Gokyo Lake trekking detailed itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu arrival

A Nepal Hiking Trek representative will pick up you after you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport. After a formal greeting, you will be dropped off at your hotel where you can take a rest. After taking the hot shower and rest for a while. Later in the evening, you can explore the Thamel. Enjoy the Nepalese Cuisine.

  • Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Included meal: Dinner

Day 02: City tour of a free day to explore and shop on your own

On the second day of your adventure trek, you will tour the Four UNESCO World Heritage sites. These include Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath, and the other Buddhist Shrine Boudhnath. These heritage sites hold the ancient culture, religions, architecture, and historical value for the Nepalese people. Or you can also spend your spare day by doing the shopping around the Thamel or in the Kathmandu valley, where you can buy the necessary gear and equipment. Later we will gather and discuss your trekking plans and fellow trekkers.

  • Overnight at Kathmandu
  • Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 03 Fly to Lukla (2800 meters) and trek to Phakding (2652 meters).

After having an early breakfast, we leave for the Lukla on an early morning flight. the flight will be adventurous and scenic with beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains the Tenzing/Hillary airport is a steep airstrip that hangs off the side of the mountains so this flight is quite challenging and adventurous. After reaching Lukla, you will meet the rest of your trekking staff, from here your real adventure hiking starts, and begin trekking to the beautiful village of Phakding.

  • Overnight in Phakding

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Today we will move forward alongside the Dudh Koshi rivers leaving the Phakding village back, during the walk you will cross several suspension bridges and pass several villages, monasteries, and Chortens. You will also get a chance to enjoy the beautiful views of Mt Thamserku from the Benkar village. Our trekking permits will be checked at the Monjo as we enter the Sagarmatha National Park an adventure descent and a gradual walk takes you to Jorsale, the last village you call cross to reach the Namche Bazaar. The walk is very enjoyable through the Hillary Suspension Bridge. As we climb up towards Namche Bazaar, which offers the magnificent sights of Kwangde Peak, Kusum Peak, Kangaru Peak, Mt Everest, Lhotse, and many other fabulous villages greet us.

After 5-6 hours from speaking, you will reach Namche Bazaar. Enjoy your leisure time exploring the villages.

  • Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
  • Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Days 05: Namche Bazaar, Rest and Acclimatization

Acclimatization is the most important for every trekker to adjust the presence of atmospheric pressure at that altitude or to a gradual change in the environment. It will also help to prevent the catching of Altitude or Acute mountain sickness (AMS). Today you will hike to the Khumjung village, enjoy the snow-capped mountains from the Syangboche, or enjoy a short tour around the Namche Bazaar. On this rest day, you can also visit the Tourist Visitors Centre where you can see a variety of things. This visit also helps you to enjoy and know the various plants and the animal life of the Everest region. In the Khumjung village, you can also visit the beautiful monasteries that kept the yeti scalp. After enjoying the Khumjung village you will also climb to the Syanboche, which offers incredible views of the Kongde, Thamserku, and Khumbila mountains. Then after spending some time here enjoying the views of the snow-capped mountain, you will back to Namche Bazaar.

  • Overnight at Namche Bazaar
  • Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Dole

  • After having the early breakfast you will leave the Namche Bazaar starting with the graf=dual walk through the up and down. On the way to the Dole, you will like to see and shoot the Himalayan pleasants, mush deer, and the Himalayan Thar. Then we will begin to descend to the beautiful Kyanjuma and from Sansa, you will follow the beautiful Gokyo trails from the Mong which offer a beautiful glimpse of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Khumbu mountains. Then after enjoying the views, our trail will descend to the Dudhkoshi after which you will climb uphill through the rhododendrons forest before reaching Dorse. From here you can see the good views of the Tawacche mountains.
  • Overnight in Dole.
  • Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 07: Dole to Machhermo

After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, you are likely to see wildlife like Himalayan pheasant, mountain goats, and musk deer. Our trail passes through the forest the beautiful waterfalls, and the ridge. You will also climb a steady trail through a scenic ridge with views of the Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku mountains. Today you will enjoy the up-and-down walking, you will ascend down to the Luza village and walk through the Dudh Koshi River. You will continue walking through the small village and sandy trails before reaching Machhermo, today you will also visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital to learn more about altitude sickness, its symptoms, and its precautions.

  • Overnight in Machhermo
  • Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo lake

Today you will ascend a hill and enjoy the beautiful views of the Dudh Koshi valley and enjoy the beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains including Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and many other snow-capped mountains. Beyond the ridge, you will also pass through the Chorten and reach Phangnga. We descend to the river the bank before climbing to the Ngozamba Glacier on a steep trail. We also pass through Longpongo, Raboche Tso, and Dudh Pokhari before reaching Gokyo. On the trail, you will also see the footprints of a lama.

We explore the Dudh Pokhari if you have spare time.

  • Overnight in Gokyo.
  • Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 09: Hike to Gokyo Ri, return to Gokyo Lake

On the ninth day of your trek, you will spend another day in the Gokyo to acclimatize to the high altitude. If the weather is good, then you can climb to the Gokyo Ri to enjoy the gorgeous mountain views. After climbing the Gokyo Ri from the top here you can see the beautiful Himalayan vista and the wonderful Gokyo Ri. you can also hike to the fourth and the fifth of the Gokyo lakes. The distance between the 4th lakes is only around 3 km north of the Gokyo and offers you amazing views of the rising peaks, continuing walking from it you will reach the 5th lakes which give you remarkable views of the Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. You can see a lot more from here. From the north of the 5th Gokyo Lake, you can see the incredible views of the Cho Oyu and the Ngazumpa Glacier which is the biggest glacier in the world then after enjoying the mind-blowing view you will walk back to the Gokyo.

  • Overnight at Gokyo
  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Gokyo to Dole

After enjoying the beautiful views of the lakes today we will start descending to our initial places along the Dudh Koshi rivers and pass the wonderful first Gokyo Lake. On the way we will enjoy the beautiful views of the Cholatse and the Taboche peaks we will descend the hill, and after reaching the Chorten at the ridge, you can enjoy the final views of the Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains and many other surrounding views of the snow-capped mountains. Then you will walk through the Machhermo, Luza, and Lhafarma villages before reaching Dole. Here you can finally explore the village and enjoy its hospitality, culture, and tradition.

  • Overnight in Dole
  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11: Dole to Jorsale

Continuing descending on a steep trail crossing the blooms rhododendrons, wildflowers, and waterfalls. You will also come across mountain goats, musk deer, pheasant, etc during the walk you will admire a beautiful view of Khumbila Peak. On your way to Jorsale, you will also enjoy the gorgeous views of Taboche, ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kang Tega mountains. Walk and continue descending through the dense forest of oak and bamboo you will reach Jorsale. Enjoy your leisure time enjoy the beauty of this village.

  • Overnight in Jorsale
  • Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 12: Jorsale to Lukla

From the Jorsale you will descend on a rocky trail and cross several bridges before walking on a beautiful trail. The air is thick and warmer as you walk on the same trail to reach Lukla. Our adventure walk in the mountains ends after you reach Lukla. You will spend some time exploring the place.

  • Overnight in Lukla
  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu

Today we will fly back to the Kathmandu Valley in the early morning. After reaching you can have the rest of the day to rest. Enjoy exploring the city and Thamel. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner hosted by the Nepal Hiking Trek to enjoy with your trek leader and with the Nepal Hiking Trek staff for the beautiful success of your trek.

  • Overnight at Kathmandu.
  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 14: Departure

A Nepal Hiking Trek representative will pick you up from your hotel and drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your flight with the final goodbye. Have a safe journey!!

  • Included meals: breakfast

Top reasons to trek the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lake Trekking (Difficulty)

Budget-friendly trip

One of the best reasons to enjoy the adventure trek in Nepal is that Nepal is one of the most economical; a destination where you can enjoy all the places at certain, cheap, and reasonable prices and also could be the most exciting one. Gokyo Lake trekking is quite economical and friendly with the incredible views of the snow-capped mountains and also be fun to do. There you can see many places to explore in the Gokyo.

A quite stable climate

The climate in Nepal is quite stable and no extreme trekking in any season. There are mainly four main seasons in Nepal, they are winter (from December to February), pre-monsoon season or spring season (March to June) monsoon or rainy, summer (from mid-June to Mid-September) post-monsoon or Autumn (Mid-September to November). The peak season to trek the Everest Gokyo is from March to May during the pre-monsoon season and from September to November that is during the Post monsoon or Autumn to enjoy the clear crystal views of the Milky Mountain without any disturbance by the weather and others.

Ngozumpa Glacier

Ngozumpa Glacier is one of the highest glaciers of the Himalayas, just trekking along it offers gorgeous views of the snow-capped mountains and also views of other glaciers of that region.

Khumjung

Khumjung is a beautiful village and also a famous rest sport along the trail of the Everest Gokyo lake trekking. This village is also known as the home of the real Yeti Skull. This village gives you the beautiful opportunity to explore the architecture and beauty of this village, explore the remote lifestyle, enjoy arts, and explore their cultural tradition with the backdrop views of the beautiful snow-capped mountains.

Gokyo Ri

Gokyo Ri is one of the beautiful mountain ranges of the Himalayan standing at an altitude of 5375 meters which is quite the same altitude as the altitude of the Everest Base Camp. trekking and climbing to the Gokyo Ri offer you stunning views of the surrounding mountains including Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Nuptse, Mt Cho Oyu, and other surrounding peak peaks.

Renjo La Pass

Renjo La Pass is one of the stunning mountain passes in Nepal which is situated at the altitude of 5340 meters. This pass comes after the Gokyo Ri pass so after climbing and collecting some adventure experience you will trek and climb to Renjo La Pass to enjoy the majestic views of the Milky Mountains including Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and other surrounding peaks with a height of more than 8000 meters.

Conclusion

If you haven’t trekked to Everest Gokyo Lake and haven’t seen the Gokyo valley and Gokyo lakes then you haven\t seen heaven, it doesn't matter whether you are from any part of the world so you should trek Gokyo once in your lifetimes. To trek the long altitude trek then you should have previous trekking experience the altitude is good for you and if you are the first trekker there's no worry about it. Good planning and preparation will always lead to beautiful success. But you have to be confident in yourself and choose to do the Everest Gokyo Lake trek.

Gokyo Lake Trekking is a legendary and classic trek that offers you plenty of natural and cultural beauty of the places without any disturbance of the crowd and weather. Overall views you will collect from the trek give you a unique experience and memory for your lifetime with the unforgettable Sherpa culture and tradition. In very short periods, you can reach the base of the world's iconic mountains. Enjoy the beautiful trek with Nepal Hiking Trek to enjoy every step of your journey.

If you need any traditional information about adventure trekking in Nepal then please contact us: at [email protected]

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