The Gokyo Lakes Trek with Tour of Nepal
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a thrilling adventure in Nepal’s Everest Region, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and challenging trails. Here’s a detailed summary for easier navigation and understanding of this trek:
Key Details
– Duration: 14 days
– Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
– Highest Point: Renjo La Pass at 5,420m
– Starting & Ending Point: Kathmandu
– Group Size: 8-12
– Accommodation: Local Lodges and Hotels
– Transportation: Private basis + Scenic flight to/from Lukla
Highlights
- Natural Beauty:
– Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Amadablam.
– Explore Gokyo Lakes, the world’s highest-altitude freshwater lakes system.
– Hike to Gokyo Ri for panoramic mountain and lake views.
- Cultural Insights:
– Experience the warm hospitality of local Sherpas.
– Visit ancient monasteries and explore Sherpa culture.
- Adventure:
– Cross the challenging Renjo La Pass (5,340m).
– Scenic trails away from the crowded Everest Base Camp route.
Best Time to Visit
– Spring (March-May): Rhododendron blooms and clear skies.
– Autumn (September-November): Excellent visibility and moderate temperatures.
Avoid monsoon (heavy rains) and winter (extreme snowfall).
Permits Needed
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 2,000/person, obtained in Monjo or Namche.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit: NPR 3,000/person, obtainable in Kathmandu or Monjo.
Itinerary Overview
Sure! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 14-day Gokyo Lakes Trek itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
– Arrival in Kathmandu: Touchdown at Tribhuvan International Airport, the gateway to Nepal. You will be met by a representative from the trekking agency who will transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, a popular area for tourists.
– Briefing and Preparation: In the evening, there will be a briefing session about the trek. This includes information on the trekking route, altitude, permits, and what to expect during the trek. Afterward, you will have time to relax or explore Thamel.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
– Kathmandu Sightseeing: Spend the day exploring some of Kathmandu’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll visit sites like Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, offering a deep dive into Nepalese culture, history, and architecture.
– Trek Preparation: After sightseeing, the remainder of the day is reserved for final trek preparations. You can pick up any missing gear or supplies and finalize your packing. You will also meet your guide again to discuss any last-minute details.
– Overnight in Kathmandu: Return to your hotel in Kathmandu for a restful night before the trek.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Monjo (2,835m)
– Flight to Lukla: You’ll take an early morning flight to Lukla (2,860m), which is the gateway to the Everest region. The 30-minute flight offers panoramic views of the mountains.
– Trek to Monjo: From Lukla, you will trek for about 6-8 hours to reach Monjo (2,835m), a small Sherpa village. The trek follows the Dudh Koshi River and passes through forests and charming villages.
– Overnight in Monjo: Stay overnight in Monjo in a local teahouse.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
– Trek to Namche Bazaar: On Day 4, you will trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the largest Sherpa town in the Khumbu region. The trek takes 5-6 hours, climbing steep paths and passing through forests. You’ll enjoy views of Mount Everest (8,848m) and the surrounding peaks as you approach Namche.
– Overnight in Namche Bazaar: Once you reach Namche, you can relax, explore the town, and get used to the altitude. Stay overnight in a local lodge.
Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
– Acclimatization Day: Acclimatization is crucial at this altitude, so this day is dedicated to helping your body adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. You’ll take a short hike to higher ground, possibly to the Everest View Hotel or the Sherpa Museum, for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other peaks.
– Overnight in Namche Bazaar: Spend another night in Namche Bazaar to ensure a smooth altitude adjustment.
Day 06: Trek to Dole (4,200m)
– Trek to Dole: Today, you will trek to Dole (4,200m), a picturesque village. The trail climbs steadily through forests and pastures and offers beautiful views of the Himalayas. The trek takes about 6-8 hours.
– Overnight in Dole: Stay overnight in Dole, a quiet and peaceful location that offers a restful atmosphere.
Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (4,470m)
– Trek to Machhermo: After a restful night, you will continue your journey to Machhermo (4,470m). This part of the trek will take about 5-6 hours, and as you ascend, the landscape becomes more alpine. Machhermo is known for its stunning views of peaks like Thamserku and Cho Oyu.
– Overnight in Machhermo: Rest for the night in Machhermo, adjusting to the altitude.
Day 08: Trek to Gokyo Lake (4,800m)
– Trek to Gokyo Lake: On Day 8, you will reach one of the trek’s highlights, Gokyo Lake (4,800m). The trek takes about 5-6 hours and is relatively steep as you climb higher into the alpine environment. You’ll be treated to stunning views of the turquoise lakes and surrounding peaks.
– Overnight at Gokyo Lake: Spend the night near Gokyo Lake, surrounded by magnificent scenery.
Day 09: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m)
– Hike to Gokyo Ri: On Day 9, you will hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m), which offers one of the best panoramic views in the region. The climb takes about 3-4 hours. From the summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, as well as the Gokyo Lakes below.
– Return to Gokyo: After the hike, return to Gokyo for the night, where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Day 10: Trek to Renjo La Pass (5,360m), Descend to Lungden (4,380m)
– Trek to Renjo La Pass: On Day 10, you will trek over Renjo La Pass (5,360m), a challenging yet rewarding crossing with incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the surrounding peaks. The climb will take 4-5 hours, followed by a descent to Lungden (4,380m).
– Overnight in Lungden: Stay overnight in Lungden to recover from the day’s trek.
Day 11: Trek to Thame (3,820m)
– Trek to Thame: After leaving Lungden, you will trek to Thame (3,820m). This village is known for its traditional Sherpa culture and is an important stop on the Everest trekking route. The trek takes around 5-6 hours, descending through forests and traditional villages.
– Overnight in Thame: Stay overnight in Thame, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
– Trek to Namche Bazaar: Today, you will trek back to Namche Bazaar, retracing your steps along the same trail but in reverse. The trek takes about 5-6 hours and offers views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
– Overnight in Namche Bazaar: Enjoy a comfortable stay in Namche Bazaar as you rest after several days of trekking in higher altitudes.
Day 13: Trek to Lukla (2,860m)
– Trek to Lukla: On Day 13, you will trek back to Lukla (2,860m). The trek takes around 6-7 hours, and you’ll pass through familiar villages and forests. The closer you get to Lukla, the more you’ll feel the relief of completing the trek.
– Overnight in Lukla: Celebrate the completion of the trek with a final night in Lukla before your flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu, Departure
– Return Flight to Kathmandu: In the morning, you’ll take a flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. The flight offers stunning views of the mountains from the sky as you leave the Everest region behind.
– Departure: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can either take a connecting flight back home or enjoy the rest of the day in the city before your departure.
This 14-day itinerary for the Gokyo Lakes Trek is designed to give you a mix of cultural exploration, acclimatization, and high-altitude trekking. It ensures that you enjoy the majestic beauty of the Everest region while maintaining a safe and gradual ascent.