Gokyo Lakes Trek

January: 

Nepal’s trekking off-season is in full effect in January, with low tourist numbers across the nation. The spectacular views and the fact that you’ll have the trails to yourself make this a surprisingly fantastic time to walk across the Gokyo Lake if you’re prepared for chilly temperatures.

February: 

While much of Nepal remains freezing in early February, the temperature begins to rise later in the month. The mountains are still cold, and there will be snow, but winter is coming to an end. The average February temperature in Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet/3440 meters) is 43°F (6°C), which isn’t too cold but certainly not warm. Since winter is the off-season, finding a bed in the teahouses that are open throughout the Everest region should be simple.

March:

March marks the start of spring, one of Nepal’s two high seasons. While temperatures in the mountains will likely remain chilly, and snow will likely remain in certain areas, pathways will begin to soften. In March, trekkers returned in greater numbers, and there are numerous reasons for this. While March isn’t as crowded as April, the normal Everest Base Camp (EBC) route soon overflows during this season. Crimson rhododendrons can be seen in March month.

April: 

April, as of March, is a popular trekking month in Nepal. The monsoon rains are still some weeks away, and temperatures are normally pleasant or at least not too chilly in the high Himalayas. In April, temperatures in the Himalayas are still cooler: 34°F (1°C) to 53°F (12°C) in Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet/3440 meters), an important destination on the EBC climb. At higher elevations, temperatures will be cooler. As the Everest region is the region of Buddhist culture, you can get to see the pictures of is buddha Jayanti celebration in the monasteries, which falls at the end of April.

May:

May marks the beginning of the Everest climbing season, as weather conditions on the mountain are most ideal at this time of year, although these conditions are very different from what normal trekkers will find at lower altitudes. Although the number of trekkers in Nepal decreases in May as humidity and temperatures rise in preparation for the monsoon season, the trail to EBC is an exception. For the nature lover, May and June is the best time to trek.

June: 

By mid-June, monsoon rains had arrived, and most trekkers had left the paths. The conclusion of the Everest-climbing season normally occurs in the first half of the month. However, even once the rains begin, it hardly ever rains all day every day, so if you’re prepared for rainy weather and understand that humidity and rain clouds may hamper your views, June isn’t a bad month to trek in the Everest Region. Furthermore, the higher you climb in height, the less probable it is that it will rain.

July:
In July, Nepal’s high rainfall keeps most trekkers off the trails. However, individuals who are well-prepared with good rain gear and are willing to accept some potential travel delays can still enjoy their climb to Everest Base Camp. In July, the temperature in Namche Bazaar is pleasant, with an average high of 60°F (16°C). The further you travel into the mountains, the cooler it gets and the less rain you get, however, it will almost surely pour at lower elevations. There’s also a danger of mudslides and landslides disrupting hiking trails. The most important festival of Sherpas, “Dumji festival” falls during the end of June or early July.

August:

The monsoon season in Nepal begins in mid-June and lasts until mid-September. In July and August, the Everest Region, like the rest of the country, receives the most yearly rainfall. It also has the hottest temperatures; while the high Himalaya is never ‘hot,’ normal highs in August in Namche Bazaar are around 60°F (16°C).

The higher you go into the mountains, the cooler it gets and the less rain there is. In August, there’s also a danger that landslides would close hiking routes and make paths muddy.

September:

By mid-to-late September, the monsoon rains will have passed, and the weather will be suitable for trekking in Nepal once more. Even though excessive humidity may hide some mountain views, there’s still a possibility to see amazing views early in the morning. In addition, in September, the popular Everest region trek is less crowded than later in the autumn season.

October:

The month of October is the busiest for trekkers in Nepal. The weather is quite stable, with a clean, rain-free sky providing superb mountain views. However, crowds are at an all-time high, with the Everest region Trek being the most popular in the country. When visiting the Everest region in October, it is critical to plan properly far ahead as possible. In late Oct or early Nov the full moon, people in the Everest region celebrate the famous 19 days long colorful festival “Mani Rimdu” in Tengboche Monastery, but the last 3 days of this festival is only open for the public.

November:

In November, there is extremely little possibility of rain in the Everest region—it is the driest month of the year. This means that humidity is at an all-time low, and the chances of seeing Clear Mountain views are greater than at any other time of year. Temperatures are a few degrees lower than they were in October, with a low of 26°F (-3°C) in Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet/3440 meters) with a high of 48°F (9°C) on average. Temperatures will be even cooler at higher elevations. However, given the low chance of rain and clear skies, November is the greatest month of the year to hike to Everest in terms of weather.

December: 

As winter approaches, the trekking trails become empty except for the most courageous adventurers. However, if you’re properly equipped for cold temperatures, December is a great season to walk to Everest Base Camp.  The weather in December isn’t quite as freezing as it is in January, but the difference isn’t significant. This month, the average high in Namche Bazaar is 44°F (7°C), while the average low is 21°F (-6°C). Because Namche is only 11,290 feet (3,440 meters) above sea level, temperatures will be much cooler higher up.

Almost every trip begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, a small single-landing runway airport high in the Himalayas. As it is the easiest way for your trek to Gokyo trek.

•  Lukla Airport is also known as the most dangerous airport in the world. This airport, which is only open when the weather is calm, and visibility is excellent.
• The Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is about 30 min and the flight from Manthali to Lukla is about 20-25 min. Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla through helicopter is about 45 min.
• It’s impossible to say whether your Lukla flight will be canceled or not. If this occurs, your trip may be extended by one or two days. So, plan and add buffer days to your itinerary to ensure you don’t miss your international flight.
• Flights to and from Lukla are currently operated from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap rush hours at Kathmandu Airport during the high season (spring and autumn). Kathmandu is 132 kilometers (4 hours and 30 minutes) away.
• Helicopters have a little more flexibility when it comes to arriving at Lukla and can frequently make the flight in weather or visibility that a small plane would not be able to make. It is sometimes doable to switch your flight to a helicopter, but this can be expensive and there is no guarantee that you will arrive on time.

Altitude sickness is a sneaky monster that may attack even the fittest trekkers. These demands do take everything in your power to prepare for altitude trekking and taking things carefully throughout your Everest region journey. With increasing altitude, the amount of available oxygen decreases, which is the primary cause of high-altitude sickness. Gokyo is located at an elevation of over 5000 meters above sea level, where the atmosphere is depleted of oxygen, the air is thin, making breathing difficult.

The Gokyo Lakes Trip is a high-altitude trek that needs proper acclimatization. Your body requires time to adjust to thin air, so start at a lower altitude and work your way up. Some of the symptoms of Altitude sickness are:

•   Increased breathing.
•   Increased urination.
•   Restless sleep.
•   Periodic breathing at night because of altitude.
•   Dehydration.
•   Shortness of breath.
•   Extreme fatigue.
•   Respiratory failure.
•   Cerebral edema.
•   Coma.

Certain care should be made to ensure that the situation does not worsen. However, if the symptoms worsen, you may need to return to a lower height and seek medical help. There are, however, several other precautions you may take while trekking in the Everest region to lessen your risk of altitude sickness.

• Trekkers can modify their bodies by slowly and gradually climbing, as our bodies require time to adjust to the oxygen level. At least one day of acclimatization rest is required for high altitude trekking, and you should go as high as possible before returning to a lower height for the night.
• You should do various strength training exercises such as running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and going to the gym to acquire strength and stamina for your adventure.
• As the air gets increasingly thin, an increase in elevation reduces oxygen levels, and in the Everest region trek, an increase in altitude also means less vegetation. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco decreases the body’s water content.
• The greatest remedy is to always stay hydrated. On your walk, instead of drinking cooled water, drink warm water.
• Diamox is the most effective altitude sickness medication; thus, you should bring a subscription with you on the trek. However, you should consult with your physician to see whether it is advantageous.

Drinking-Water

Especially for trekkers, it is very necessary to hydrate your body at a higher altitude than in lower elevations to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness. Lack of fluid can be the main hindrance during the trek. You should hydrate your body with at least 3-4 liters of water daily (Tea, soup, or normal drinking water). Throughout the trek, you will come across tap and spring water, but it is not safe to drink without purifying it. You can buy the plastic bottle water in the teahouses but get expensive as you climb in the higher altitude, and it causes pollutes the local ecosystem, therefore we recommend you to use a Reusable water bottle or water pouch favorable for both hot and cold water.

During this trek, you may have to pay from 1$ to 5$ (at Gorakshep) for a sealed bottle of water. Here are some ways that you can use to make the water drinkable.

1. Boiled water

Boiling water is the best way to purify the water. As we are climbing to a higher altitude you need to boil the water for about 3-minute and season it with a pinch of salt before drinking. You can get free cold water in the teahouse but for boiled water, it cost around 1-2$ per liter and 3$- 10$ for a large pot.

2. Purification tablets or electrolyte powder.

Purification tablets like chlorine or iodine tablets are commonly used tablets by trekkers to disinfect the water. 1 tablet is enough for a liter of water. It takes around 30 min for the tablets to dissolve and become drinkable. Water,do take purify by tablets may leave a taste in your mouth.

Electrolyte powder is another option. Electrolyte powder is a better way to purify water than tablets because electrolyte powder contains minerals such as salt, Potassium, Magnesium, which are important for your body during the trek.

3. UV Light water purifier/ SteriPEN.

It is a simple, effective, economic, and environment-friendly way to purify water. It kills the bacteria and virus within 10 sec by exposing them to ultraviolet light using Steripen, without changing the flavor of the water. This is a highly recommended method of purifying water.

The bag of a trekker also reveals the trekker’s level of experience. A good trekker should be a smart backpacker. You should be pre-prepared for the things that you need in the trek.

Here are some of the things that you need to take with you for the trek.

Travel documents

• Airline tickets with the itinerary.
• Travel insurance policy documents.
• Valid passport.
• Copies of passport.
• Passport-sized photos.
• Nepalese cash.
• Travel permits.

Clothing

• A pair of waterproof trekking shoes or hiking boots.
• A pair of flip flop slippers or running shoes.
• 2 sets of thermals (leggings and tops)
• 3-4 pairs of hiking long sleeve shirts or tops.
• Pairs of hiking shorts and pants.
• Fleece jumpers or a set of tracksuits.
• Good quality windproof down jacket.
• Lightweight waterproof rain jacket and pants.
• Neck gaiter, leg warmer, and packet of pocket hand warmers.
• 4-5 pairs of quick-dry socks, underwear, and sports bra.
• Pair of inner and outer gloves.
• Knitted Hat, sun cap, beanie, or bandana.
• Glacier Sunglasses and eyeshade.

Trekking equipment

• Waterproof trekking bag of 40-50liter and Rucksack of duffel bag (if your backpack is not enough for all your item and need a potter).
• Reusable water bottle (both hot and cold) of at least 1-2litre.
• A sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner.
• Trekking stick/ poles.
• Crampons (if you are trekking in the Winter season, Jan-Feb)
• LED Headtorch or solar lamp (LuminAID lamp).
• Stuff sacks, plastic bags.
• Plug adapter, Charging appliances, power bank, batteries.
• Pocket knife.
• Travel Wallet.

Toiletries

• Rolls of Toilet paper, wet wipes, and tissue.
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, body lotions.
• Deodorants.
• Portable mirror.
• Shampoo and soap.

Personal First Aid Kit

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers, Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, Nicole
• Sanitary pads
• Bandage.
• Anti-inflammatory spray.
• Anti-Nausea tablets.
• Anti-diarrhea pills or power.
• Altitude sickness tablets.
• Water purifying tablets or electrolyte powder.
• Mosquito and Insect Repellent
• Salt or anti-leech oil (If traveling in rainy season, July- Aug)
• Earplugs

You can buy or hire trekking clothes and equipment in Kathmandu. If you are buying it, you have to allow an extra day for shopping; however, if you are hiring it, you must inform us in advance so that we can arrange it before you arrive in Kathmandu. This way you can reduce the weight of your luggage and save time and money.

Branded trekking clothes and equipment are available around the Thamel area at a reasonable price.

Note- Kathmandu- Lukla flight has a luggage allowance of 15 – 20 kg per person. For extra baggage, they charge 2$ – 3$ per kg. So, you can wear your trekking boots and jacket to reduce the weight. Have a hand carry bag for your passport, money, medicine, and a pair of clothing. You can leave some unnecessary items in a hotel in Kathmandu also.

Accommodation

We will accommodate in star hotel during our stay in Kathmandu. In Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar we will stay in lodges. For the rest of the stop, we stay at teahouses.

Meal

During the trek, we will provide you three-time meals. You can choose from the given menu.

Breakfast– French toast, Cornflakes, Cereal, Pancakes, Bread butter, Eggs, Oatmeal, Porridge, Tea, etc.

Lunch– Dal Bhat (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad) Vegetable noodle soup, Chicken noodles soup, Garlic soup, Fried noodles, Fried rice, Thukpa, Fried potato, Mo: Mo, etc.

Dinner– Dal Bhat (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad) Vegetable noodle soup, Chicken noodles soup, Garlic soup, Fried noodles, Fried rice, Thukpa, Fried potato, Mo: Mo, etc.

Besides these, there are a variety of other options of food. You can buy it from your pocket.

Transportation

By Bus- from Kathmandu airport to hotel at Kathmandu and vice-versa.

By Air- Flight to Nepal.

Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back.

Every day will begin with the ringing of your alarm clock at 6 a.m. and a knock on your door from your guide with the invitation of breakfast. Get up, have breakfast, pack your backpack and get ready to start your day’s walk by 7 a.m. We need to start our trek early to avoid the scorching sun as in midafternoon the wind gets stronger compared to morning in higher altitudes.

You’ll wander along the trail enjoying the scenery, clicking photos, creating memories, passing by other travelers, interacting with your guide, hearing each other’s stories. Lunch will be served at a local teahouse in the late afternoon (1-2 am). Having lunch and an hour of rest, we will proceed to the day’s final destination as per the itinerary.

On arrival at the destination, check into your accommodation. Get freshen up and some rest. As every teahouse where we stay has a large common dining area with a wood-burning stove in the center, there you will get to meet other travelers. You can sit there, laugh at each other stories, play cards, sing songs, play music, and have a good time. This will help you forget all the tiredness of the day. Later in the evening, you will have your dinner together. After dinner, your guide will give a short briefing about the next day’s trek regarding when you must get up when we have to start our trek the next day, where we will stay the next day, how many hours we have to walk, and so on.

During the acclimatization day, hike around the small peak or viewpoints. At night enjoy the view of sparkling stars floating in the clear sky above the cold wind. The pristine blue and green water of Gokyo lakes, colorful magical sunset, and mountains view from Gokyo Ri, the reflection of Ama Dablam in Cholachen lake, View of 5^th and 4^th lake from Scoundrel’s viewpoint will be your lifetime memory. Every stop might not be iconic but these 14 days trek of Gokyo lakes trek via. Gokyo valley will give you unforgettable emotions. Your hard walk will be paid off on reaching the destination with lifelong memories.

Visa procedure.

To travel to Nepal, you’ll need a tourist visa that is valid for the period of your stay in Nepal. Better, if you have a tourist visa valid for at least 2 months because anything can happen during the trip, and staying in Nepal after your visa expires would result in you paying a penalty.  Apply for a visa at your nearest Embassy of Nepal or obtain an On-Arrival visa at immigration in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. But it’s better to contact your nearest Nepalese Embassy.

Here are the documents that you need, to apply for the tourist visa.

• The Tourist Visa Application Form for Nepal (Fully completed online and printed)
• Original Passport with at least 2 blank pages and validity of at least 6 months.
• Photocopies of your passport’s information page.
• At least 2 recent passport-sized photos of yourself with white background.
• Proof of accommodation in Nepal.
• Valid travel and return flight tickets.
• A bank statement from the last 3 months with a minimum closing balance of NPR 2, 00,000.
• Receipt of the visa fee for Nepal.

Note: 15 days visa cost USD 30 but our trip is of 14 days. So, apply for 30 days tourist visa that costs USD 50 so that you can spend some more time in Nepal. For 90 days visa costs USD125.

Entry permits and Requirements

As Gokyo lakes and Gokyo valley come under the management of Sagarmatha National Park, which is conserved by the government, so you need an entry permit to trek through this area. The entry permits that you need for this Gokyo lakes trekking of the Everest region are

Note A Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance permit must be obtained from the Rural Municipality desk at the Lukla checkpoint.

Permits for the Sagarmatha National Park can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate at Monjo. To save time, we recommend that you obtain a Sagarmatha National Park Permit in Kathmandu.

For more information about Trekking Permit here is the link.

(If you are traveling from a travel/trekking agency your agency will arrange all the Permits.)

Documents required to get the Trekking permits.

• Complete the form with your passport details.
• 2 Passport size photo.
• 2 Photocopy of passport valid for at least 6 months.

For more information contact us.

Travel Insurance

Trekking in Nepal is an adventurous and occasionally dangerous activity, especially at high altitudes. Trekkers must have travel insurance before visiting Nepal for trekking.  During this 14 days trek to Gokyo Lake trek you might come across some physical injury, illness, a sudden accident during the trek and you will be responsible for all medical expenses and losses.

So, you need to have travel insurance that will cover all our risk up to the altitude of 5,360 m (Gokyo Ri).

You need to choose an insurance policy that covers all of your possible risks from the start of your journey to your final destination. The following threats should be covered by your travel insurance:

• Cancellation of Domestic and International flights.
• Lost and stolen baggage and passport.
• Hospital and Medical expenses (physical injury, Acute Mountain sickness, Altitude sickness, sudden accident)
• Emergency rescue such as Helicopter.
• All high-altitude trek dangers up to 5,600m.
• You need to choose your travel insurance wisely so that, in the case of such an incident, your travel insurance will cover the costs.

You need to buy your travel insurance wisely so that if in case you come across any such incident, your travel insurance will bear it.

You can have your travel insurance in your home country or Nepal also.

Trekking in Nepal is an adventurous and occasionally dangerous activity, especially at high altitudes. Trekkers must have travel insurance before visiting Nepal for trekking.  During these 14 days trek to Gokyo Lake trek you might come across some physical injury, illness, sudden accident during the trek and you will be responsible for all medical expenses and losses.

So, you need to have a travel insurance that will cover all our risk up to the altitude of 5,360 m (Gokyo Ri).

You need to choose an insurance policy that cover all of your possible risks from the start of your journey to your final destination. The following threats should be covered by your travel insurance:

• Cancellation of Domestic and International flights.
• Lost and stolen of baggage and passport.
• Hospital and Medical expenses (physical injury, Acute Mountain sickness, Altitude sickness, sudden accident)
• Emergency rescue such as Helicopter.
• All high-altitude trek dangers up to 5,600m.
• You need to choose your travel insurance wisely so that, in the case of such incident, your travel insurance will cover the costs.

You need to buy your travel insurance wisely so that if in case you come across any such incident, your travel insurance will bear it.

You can have your travel insurance in your home country or in Nepal also.

As the Everest region is not only the gateway to Mount Everest but is also the homeland of Sherpa. Besides being called the mountainous region, the Everest region is also known for the Sherpa’s traditions, cultures, Tibetan culture, and eco-friendly environment.

Gokyo valley is also one of the most popular destinations of the Everest Region because of the world’s highest freshwater lake system i.e., Gokyo lakes, located in Gokyo valley. Gokyo lakes have both natural, religious, and spiritual importance. All travelers should travel responsibly in these regions. Majority of People in the Everest region practice Buddhism and Tibetan culture. You have to respect the local people, their culture, and religion and try to limit any negative activities that will impact their local culture and environment. You can learn some Nepali greetings words to greet them respectfully.

We expect you to properly dispose of the plastic garbage (food wrappers, plastic water bottles). You might encounter many rare species on the way to Gokyo valley, you rather not disturbed them. While visiting the monasteries follow the monastery’s norms. Ask for permission before entering and to click photos in any monasteries. The people of the Khumbu region are always at threat of the outburst of Ngozumpa Glaciers. Your one small negative impact can make a big impact on them and their daily life.

Your responsible travel will help Nepal achieve long-term sustainable tourism 

Throughout the trek, all your activities will be handled by our well-qualified and professional staff. We will do all the escorting. We are providing you with a highly experienced and licensed local Sherpa guide with fluent English speaking and has excellent communication skills. We will accompany you from Kathmandu and guide you to Gokyo Lake. Each group of 4-5 trekkers will be assigned an assistant guide, as well as a porter for two trekkers (2*15kg =30kg). If your luggage weighs more than 15kg you will be provided a porter individually but you will be charged for 2 people.

All our lead guides, assistant guides, and potters are well professional and experienced. So, we hope for your respect and cooperation with us throughout the trek.

Electricity facility.

Despite the challenging geography and weather conditions, the Everest region has been providing electricity and access to the Internet.

The lower part of the Everest region (Lukla, Phakding, Namche) is hydroelectrically powered, thus you can enjoy free electricity and internet service but as you climb up to the higher part (Phortse Tenga, Dole, Machhermo, Gokyo Valley) of the Everest Region, they rely on solar power electricity so there will be no charging socket in your room. There is a commonplace for charging, and you will be charged extra from the use of electricity on different bases and voltage of your device.

Charging a mobile phone cost 1.5$- 5$ per hour (from Phortse Tenga onward)

Internet Facility and Service

Internet and network facility is needed to contact your family, friends, and employee, to post updates and upload photos during the trek.

Everest link has been providing a wireless Wi-Fi/ Internet service throughout the Everest region. So, you can enjoy the internet facility throughout this Gokyo trek. You can buy an Everest Link WI-FI card at lodges, stores, and teahouses in Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Gokyo and use the Everest Link hotspots to connect to the internet anywhere on the path within Everest Region.

Cost of Everest Link WI-FI card:

-10GB= NRP 2000/ 17$

-20GB= NRP 3000/ 25$

(Valid for 30 days)

NCell and NTC cellular service has been providing the network and internet facilities in Everest Region. You can buy the NCell or NTC sim card from the stores either in Kathmandu for 1$ or in Lukla and Namche Bazaar for 3$-4$. By taking data packages you can use the internet from NCell and NTC up to Tengboche. NTC network service is also available in Gorak shep.

NTC cellular service is most preferred over NCell. NTC provides good service and signal connectivity, in comparison to NCell.

Document needed to buy a sim card.

For foreigner = 1 passport size photo, Passport photocopy, or valid identity card.

For Nepali = 1 Passport size Photo, Photocopy of Citizenship.

Some useful tips to reduce the use of electricity.

• Extra batteries for the camera.
• Power bank with 5000-10000mAh.
• The solar charger and solar lamp (LuminAID Lamp).
• As possible less usage of a device with low brightness, GPS, and WI-FI off.