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The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is a unique and remarkable journey that not only unveils breathtaking mountain vistas but also takes you to the enchanting shores of six turquoise glacial lakes collectively known as Gokyo Lakes. These lakes are situated at altitudes ranging from 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters. Starting from Tengboche village, the trail diverges to the Gokyo Lakes path, offering a distinct trekking experience compared to the traditional Everest Base Camp Trek. Our 14-day itinerary for the Gokyo Lake Trek provides an escape from the crowds of the Khumbu region, guiding you through tranquil paths to the Gokyo Valley.
Referred to as the Everest Gokyo Ri Trek, this journey reaches its pinnacle at Gokyo Ri, the highest point of the trek located at an altitude of 5,357 meters. The 14-day itinerary for the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is designed as a moderate trek, encompassing gradual ascents and descents. This trek is suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers exploring the Everest region.
The route of the Gokyo Lake Trek leads you through charming Sherpa villages, verdant rhododendron forests, and pastures where yaks graze. Along the way, you'll encounter icy rivers, thrilling suspension bridges, vibrant prayer flags, and remnants of glaciers, adding to the allure of the trek. The impressive trekking route promises to leave you awe-inspired and captivated by its beauty.
Routes of Gokyo Lakes Trek
The Gokyo Lakes Trek begins at Lukla, a charming town in the Khumbu region often referred to as the gateway to the Himalayas. The trek's initial stages involve a gradual acclimatization process. After starting the journey, you'll trek to Phakding, which serves as an ideal acclimatization point. The acclimatization process continues as you reach Namche Bazar, a bustling Sherpa hub known for its beautifully roofed houses and vibrant local culture. All Nepal Hiking Treks recognizes the importance of acclimatization due to the steep and challenging terrain of the region. As part of your preparation for the Gokyo Lakes trek, you'll visit the Everest View Hotel, situated at the highest altitude of any hotel in the world. This hike provides an opportunity to soak in stunning views of snow-capped mountains and the surrounding landscape, leaving you in awe of the natural beauty that awaits you on the Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek.
After acclimatizing in Namche, the trek continues towards Gokyo Ri, passing through places like Dole and Machhermo. As you ascend to an elevation of about 4,790 meters, the sight of the five pristine glacial lakes unfolds before you, reminiscent of a scene from a fairy tale. These lakes are situated beside the towering Mount Everest (8,848 meters), creating a breathtaking backdrop. The clarity and purity of the lake waters contribute to the enchanting atmosphere, evoking feelings of romance and creativity even in those who may not typically consider themselves to be romantic or artistic.
All the challenges and efforts encountered on the journey to the Gokyo Lakes become cherished memories as you reach these stunning bodies of water. The experience of standing in the foothills of Mount Everest and enjoying a moment of tranquility by the lakeside is priceless, etching an indelible memory in your heart and soul. Therefore, seize the adventure and excitement of the Gokyo Valley Trek, guided by the experienced team at Peregrine Treks. Allow the beauty of this pristine land to leave an everlasting impression on your spirit, creating a memory that will endure throughout your lifetime.
How Hard Is Everest Gokyo Ri Trek - 13 Days?
The Everest Gokyo Ri Trek - 13 Days presents a challenging and rugged route. The trail encompasses a series of ascents and descents through dense forests and along cliffside paths. Trekkers must be capable of walking 6 to 7 hours daily and relinquishing modern comforts during the trek. Reaching an altitude of 5,357 meters at Gokyo Ri, altitude sickness becomes a potential concern. Any symptoms should be treated with caution, and a descent to a lower altitude is advisable without delay.
Given its length and remoteness, this trek can prove difficult for individuals unaccustomed to extended and isolated journeys. Daily walking durations average around 5 to 6 hours, necessitating muscle preparation through training and exercises prior to embarking. Higher altitudes expedite dehydration, potentially leading to altitude sickness. To mitigate this, maintaining hydration by frequently sipping water during the trek is crucial. Scheduled water breaks are recommended to counteract this effect. Uncomfortable hiking shoes could result in blisters. Hence, obtaining well-fitting hiking boots is imperative. Prior to the actual trek, practicing short hikes in these boots is advisable.
While Gokyo Lake Trekking doesn't mandate an exceptionally high level of fitness, participants must possess stamina and the ability to walk steadily. Moreover, the trek requires adaptability to the limited services available along the route. Engaging in the Gokyo Lake Trek serves as a test of endurance and an opportunity for self-challenge. You can now partake in our Gokyo Lake Trek in 2023 and 2024 at your convenience.
Best Time for Everest Gokyo Ri Trek
The monsoon season introduces hazards such as avalanches and landslides, rendering the trail slippery. Nepal experiences heavy rainfall during the summer, while winter brings extreme cold that even seasoned trekkers may find challenging. It's advisable to avoid these periods for safety considerations.
The best time for the Gokyo Ri Trek is during the Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) seasons. These periods offer favorable weather conditions and ideal trekking circumstances. Spring welcomes vibrant wildflowers, particularly the red hues of Rhododendron that adorn the hills. The skies remain clear, granting unobstructed vistas of snow-clad peaks that awe-inspire. The weather is pleasantly mild, rendering daytime temperatures perfect for trekking.
Useful Info
Additional Nights in Kathmandu Should you arrive in Nepal ahead of the scheduled date or choose to extend your stay, any expenses related to the extra nights will be your responsibility. The company will not cover these costs. You can estimate a cost of USD 55.00 per night for accommodation in a decent tourist-standard hotel, including breakfast.
Preventing Altitude Sickness To prevent altitude sickness during the Gokyo Lake Trekking, it's crucial to stay well-hydrated and avoid ascending more than 500 meters in a single day. Your itinerary should include rest days and brief hikes to higher altitudes while spending nights at lower points.
No need to fret; altitude sickness is a common ailment resulting from the abrupt changes in air pressure at higher elevations. While trekking with us, we ensure your body acclimatizes properly to the changing altitude.
Gokyo Lake Trek Solo/Group Options If you wish to embark on the Gokyo Lake Trek solo, kindly inform us, and we will provide you with the relevant pricing. Alternatively, solo travelers can join our Gokyo Lake Trek on fixed departure dates, trekking alongside fellow adventurers from various parts of the world.
Gokyo Lake Trek Permits For the Gokyo Lake Trek, you are required to obtain both the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Local Area entry permit. The fees for these permits are included in the overall cost of our Gokyo Lake Trek package.
Sagarmatha National Park permit fee: USD 30 per person Local Area Entry permit fee: USD 20 per person
Travel Insurance: Gokyo Valley Trek is a remote trek with underlying risks of altitude sickness. Not only that, even in any medical emergency, we might end up rescuing you to the nearest hospital in Kathmandu. So, we need travel insurance that covers medical bills and emergency evacuation to offer medical assistance promptly.
Tipping: Trekkers tip guides and drivers at the end of the trek as their gratitude. Tip whatever you feel like, and no need to feel bad if you can't tip.
