Gokyo Lake Trekking

This glacial lake exploration in the isolated part of this mainstream trekking destination takes you to the heavenly realm of the highest freshwater lake system in the world. Gokyo Lakes is the second most popular trekking destination in the home region of the highest peak on earth, Mt. Everest (8,848.86 meters); you will get the opportunity to experience a different side of the eastern Himalayas farther from the crowd of the mainstream route.

Maximum Altitude

5,357 m

Trip Highlights
  • Exciting flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport (2,800 meters), one of the highest airports in the world

  • First-hand experience with the culture and traditions of the world-renowned Sherpa communities

  • Exploration of the highest freshwater lake system in the world, Gokyo Lakes (4,700 meters to 5,000 meters)

  • Stunning views of Himalayan peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Cholaste, Taboche, Nuptse, and other surrounding ranges

  • The longest glacier in the Nepali Himalayas, Ngozumpa Glacier which is spread across an area of 36 km (22 miles)

  • Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), the most magnificent viewpoint in the Gokyo Valley

  • A blissful opportunity to explore the tremendous bio-diversity of the Sagarmatha National Park

Destination

Kathmandu, Nepal

Price from RM 5,400 /person

T&C apply

Duration

14 days

(t&c apply)

Cost Details

Includes
  • 24/7 Support Team during expedition

  • Group GPS Tracking and Satellite Communication for emergency

  • Introduction to Mountaineering Course

  • Gear Inspection Services in Malaysia

  • Expedition Guidelines and Recommendations

  • Airport to Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private vehicle.

  • Three-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (twin bed sharing)

  • Sagarmatha National Park trekking permit and TIMS card.

  • Round Trip flight fare Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu for member and Guide.

  • Check in Baggage 10 KG and Hand carry 5 KG, (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu)

  • Your entire standard Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek, A Cup of Tea/ Coffee during the Breakfast.

  • Seasonal Fruits.

  • Tea House hotel accommodation during the trek. Attached bathroom in Namche and Lukla.

  • A highly experienced, helpful and friendly license Guide, his food, accommodations, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine etc.

  • Group Porter to bring maximum 15 kg baggage per client.

  • Medical supplies, first aid kit box, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.

  • Rental of sleeping bag, down jacket, Duffel bag and walking Poles (to be returned after trip completed).

Excludes

X   International air fare to/ from Nepal

X   Travel insurance (COMPULSORY)

X   Nepal entry visa

X   Foods in cities.

X   Extra night at hotel or late check out charges

X   Extra land transport fee

X   Any extra expenses arising out of various/ unforeseen situations

      like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes,

      changes in Government regulations.

X   Any packed food/snacks, canned drinks, energy drinks, mineral

      water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutrition bars

X   Hot shower, laundry or Internet/ Wifi fees

X   All food and beverages other than on the itinerary

X   Personal trekking clothes

X   Any unused item is not refundable or claimable

X   Tips for guide(s) and porter(s).

Details Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal trekkers! Entering the country, the beautiful view of the Himalayas greets you. As you arrive nearer to the capital city, Kathmandu, you will see the areas filled with houses at every end.

The aerial view of Kathmandu valley is quite beautiful and unique. After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you head out to the terminal where our officials will be waiting for you.

Then they collect you up and drop you at your hotel, where you are greeted traditionally with garlands and tika. After that, the officials will help you check in to your rooms and leave for the day.

The remaining day is free, so you can do as you please. If you prefer roaming, then you can hit the markets that are lively throughout the day. However, it is noisy and crowded, so just a head's up for some cultural shock.

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Day 2: Free and Arrangement Day

Feel free to include your background, experiences, and any unique aspects that set your business apart. Highlight your mission, values, and the benefits your customers can expect. If you have things to buy for the journey, then you can visit the local markets.

In the evening, we will have a brief summary of your trek and preparations at the hotel.

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek to Phakding.

Flight duration: 25 to 30 min

Maximum altitude (Lukla): 2,860 m

Trek distance: approx. 6.5 km

Trek distance: approx. 6.5 km

Trek duration: 3 to 4 hours

Maximum altitude (Phakding): 2,610 m

You wake up early, get ready, and wait for your guide in the lobby. They will pick you and take you to the airport where you board the flight. The flying duration between Kathmandu to Lukla is half an hour which is short yet scenic.

You will be surrounded by eye-catching views of the Himalayas, green hills, and landscapes on the entire flight. Lukla is a small mountain town that is the starting and ending point for Everest region treks.

After arriving at Lukla, you meet up with the rest of the team and have breakfast. Then you get ready to begin your trek towards Phakding, which is your first stop on this trip.

The trail to Phakding is quite an easy one as it is primarily a mix of dirt, some rocky sections, and stone pathways. This village is on a lower point than Lukla so that it will be more greenery.

After breakfast, you head down the main street and walk past the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural municipality office. Then make your way downhill to reach Cheplung that gives you a glimpse of Mt Khumbila.

Again continuing the walk, you contour along the banks of Dudh Koshi river before climbing to Ghat. You then climb the trails from here onwards to reach Phakding.

You pass several small villages, suspension bridges, and green forests on your way to Phakding. This beautiful village has several standards for high-class lodges and bars.

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Trek distance: approx. 8 km

Trek duration: 4 to 5 hours

Maximum altitude: 3,440 m

You begin this day's trek to Namche Bazaar after a big breakfast. The trails from Phakding till there are pretty tough as you hike through plowed fields, rolling terrains, along the river banks, and more.

Heading out of Phakding, you cross the river through a suspension bridge on the other side of the village. Then following the footsteps of porters, you make your way up the valley.

The forest trail that follows the river valley is lined with beautiful blue pine and looks spectacular during spring. With a slight ascent, you reach Benkar and cross the Dudh Koshi river from here.

You get to see many peaks above 6,000 m from here onwards, viewing them you reach Monjo and have your lunch. Continuing the walk, the trails are a bit tougher from this point.

Walking ahead, you enter the Sagarmatha national park at Jorsale, cross a river, and continue upstream. After reaching a bit further, you cross another suspension bridge and climb uphill until Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Acclimatize Day /Rest and Explore Namche Bazar.

Namche Bazaar is a beautiful Sherpa town and trade hub of the Khumbu region. Many trekkers acclimatize here before continuing their trek in the Everest region. This town is the last place with restaurants, cafes, ATMs, good internet service, and more.

During acclimatization, you do not rest but go on short hikes or roam around to let your body cope up with the new environment. So, you have the option to go on a full-day hike above the Bhote Khola river valley in Thami for sunrise and sunset views.

If you prefer shorter hikes, then you can head up to Everest View hotel for lovely views with drinks and coffee, which is an hour away from Namche. Or walk to Gauche Gonda Visitor Centre and Sherpa Culture Museum to learn about Sherpa culture and history.

Likewise, you can also explore the town and visit the markets, old houses, and drink at the Irish pub. While staying in Namche, enjoy the final modern facilities of the trek.

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse Village

Trek distance: approx. 9.0 km

Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum altitude: 3,810 m

Leaving the mainstream route of Everest Base Camp Trek, you will follow the path toward Gokyo Valley on this day. First, you will move along the descending trail, passing the traditional settlements in the region dominated by the Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Taboche. Then, following the winding trail, you will head toward the Mong La Pass; the views of Thamserku and Ama Dablam are simply magical from here.

Then, during the last part of this day's exploration, you will follow the descending trails across the pleasant pine and fir forest to reach Phortse Village. In this day’s exciting trekking route, you have a high chance of witnessing Himalayan flora and fauna.

Day 7: Trekking from Phortse Village to Machhermo

Trek Distance: approx. 13.9 km

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum altitude: 4,470 m

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Phortse Village, you will trek through the juniper and birch forests. You will also pass cascading waterfalls as you move along the winding trail to reach Dole Village. Then, you will continue trekking along the ridge, passing several trailside shrines and praying flags to reach Lapahrma. This point in your trekking trail will provide you with outstanding views of Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and Kantega.

Moving further in the ascending trail, you will also pass the small villages of Lafarma and Luza. Then, the trail moves along the course of Dudh Koshi River Valley, and you will pass several serene pastures before reaching Machhermo, a small and peaceful village located near a river.

Day 8: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo Lake

Trek Distance: approx. 7.0 km

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum altitude: 4,800 m

It's finally time to head toward the main goal of this incredible exploration in the Himalayas. After breakfast at Machhermo, you will continue trekking along the ridge, enjoying the breathtaking mountain views to reach Phanga Village. This village has a memorial ground for the people who lost their lives in landslides. Passing across several small Sherpa settlements, chortens, and stupas, you will reach the stone staircase that leads you toward the moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier.

You will continue trekking on the messy moraines of the glacier that eventually lead to Longpongo Lake (4,690 meters), the first lake of the series. Then, moving further ahead in your trail, you will reach the second lake, Taujung Tso. From here, the rock-strewn trail along the moraine of the glacier will take you to the third main lake, Gokyo Lakes, in about half an hour. You will take your time to admire the vibrant color of this glacial lake and rest tonight at Gokyo Village, relishing the magical atmosphere.

Day 9: Trek from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri climb and hike to the Fifth Lake.
Back to Gokyo

Trek distance: approx. 14 km

Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum altitude: 5,537 m

This will be the second acclimatization day in the Gokyo Lake Trek. Like the first acclimatization day of this trek, you will take part in short explorations around the region. Gokyo Ri, is the most popular viewpoint in this glacial lake trek, and from its vantage point, you can enjoy the stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Cholaste, Taboche, Nuptse, and others, including the fantastic views of valleys and Ngozumpa Glacier.

If you have enough time on hand, you will also hike to Fifth Lake, which is at an elevation of 5,357 meters (17,575 feet) and is at a distance of just a 3-hour hike from Gokyo Village. After completing the exploration, you will return to Gokyo Village for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Trek down from Gokyo to Dole

Trek distance: approx. 12.2 km

Trek duration: 3 to 4 hours

Dole altitude: 4,038 m

After completing your exciting Himalayan exploration, it is time for you to move along with your return trip. Making your descend from Gokyo Village, you will retrace your steps on the same trekking route and make you descend toward Phanga Village, leaving the spiritual realm of the scared glacial lakes and the glacial moraines. Then, trekking past the Phanga Village, Machhermo Village, and several other small settlements, you will trek all the way down to Dole Village.

Day 11: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar

Hike distance: approx. 11 km

Hike duration: 4 to 5 hours

Namche Bazaar altitude: 3,440 m

Moving further ahead in your descending trail, you will enter the lush forested trail and beautiful village, enjoying the phenomenal mountain views on the backdrop. Joining the mainstream EBC Trek route, you will then re-enter the vibrant atmosphere of the Sherpa capital, Namche. After exploring the rugged and remote sections of the mountain, this will be like the first day back in modern society. Check out the cafes and restaurants and relax, enjoying the amenities this beautiful Himalayan town has to offer.

Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Trek distance: approx. 18.2 km

Trek duration: 7 to 8 hours

Lukla altitude: 2,860 m

It's finally time to wrap up your exciting Himalayan journey and head toward the starting point of this epic exploration. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at Namche Bazaar, you will make your descent on the Namche Ukalko, bidding farewell to the epic Everest panorama Trekking along the charming trails of the Dudh Koshi River, you will pass Jorsalle and Monjo VIllage before pushing toward the Lukla. This is the last on the mountain of this Gokyo Lakes Trek itinerary; you will spend your night here enjoying the magical Himalayan ambiance before parting ways tomorrow.

Day 13: Early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Flight duration: 45 minutes

Kathmandu altitude: 1,350 m

On this day, you will take a morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. After landing, our staff will drop you at your hotel, and you will have enough time to do so sightseeing around the city after getting some rest.

Day 14: Final departure

The final day in Nepal is the last opportunity to enjoy shopping and touring Kathmandu Valley's cultural metropolis before departing for Tribhuvan International Airport on time.

Please note that this is the only guideline and outline program from day-by-day itinerary. There can be a lot of changes in those dates as per the weather and mountain conditions as well as personal health condition.