Gokyo Lake Trekking 11 days
Facts of the trip
| Trip Code: | BTE-04 |
| Trip Duration: | 13 days |
| Max. Altitude: | 5483m |
| Grade: | Strenuous |
| Program Type: | Trekking |
| Trek Start Point: | Lukla |
| Trek End Point: | Lukla |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse / Camping |
| Meals: | Breakfast, lunch , Dinner with tea/coffee |
| Mode of Travel: | Flight/Land |
| Transportation: | Car / Bus / Flight |
| Minimum Pax: | 2+ |
| Best season: | March - June / September-November |
Overview: Gokyo Lake 11-days trekking
An Ideal Trek for Adventure Seekers
Gokyo Lake Trekking is perfect for travelers with limited time who still seek a high-flying adventure into Nepal’s massive and mystical mountains. This trek offers an unparalleled experience that cannot be found anywhere else on earth. In addition to breathtaking landscapes, it provides cultural encounters and the thrill of high-altitude trekking, making it an ideal choice for adventure enthusiasts on a tight schedule.
This off-route trek takes you beyond the standard paths, exposing you to stunning views of the world’s highest peaks. It also features vast glaciers, rugged yet beautiful trails, and the chance to interact with the legendary Sherpa people. Their rich and mysterious culture adds an extra dimension to this journey through the heart of the Himalayas.
The Breathtaking Gokyo Valley
The trek explores the stunning Gokyo Valley, which lies adjacent to the Khumbu region. Known for its pristine high-altitude lakes and shimmering icy glaciers, this area is a true gem of the Everest region. The serene turquoise lakes reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a landscape unlike any other.
Gokyo Ri: A Panoramic Viewpoint
A hike to the high vantage point of Gokyo Ri (5,350 m) rewards trekkers with one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Himalayas. From here, you can take in breathtaking views of four of the world’s eight highest mountains—Everest (8,848 m), Cho Oyu (8,153 m), Lhotse (8,501 m), and Makalu (8,463 m). Additionally, the sight of massive glaciers, particularly the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier, adds to the dramatic scenery.
A Thrilling Return via Renjo La Pass
Rather than retracing your steps through the Gokyo Valley, this trek takes an alternative and more adventurous return route. You will cross the breathtaking Renjo La Pass (5,340 m) before descending toward Namche Bazaar. This route adds an exciting challenge to your journey while offering unique and spectacular views of the Everest region.
The Rich Culture of the Sherpa People
Beyond the mountains, the trek offers a deep cultural experience. The Sherpa people, legendary mountain dwellers of the Himalayas, will warmly welcome you. Similar to the Everest Base Camp trek, Gokyo Lake Trekking provides an opportunity to experience Sherpa hospitality, traditions, and resilience. Their deep spiritual connection to the mountains, vibrant monasteries, and age-old customs will leave you with a profound appreciation for life in this awe-inspiring region.
Lifestyle of the People
The Sherpa people, native to the Everest region, lead a life deeply intertwined with the mountains. Their livelihoods revolve around mountaineering, trade, and tourism, as many work as expert guides and porters, sharing their invaluable knowledge with trekkers from around the world. Despite the harsh climate and rugged terrain, they maintain a strong sense of community, practicing Buddhism and celebrating festivals that reflect their rich spiritual and cultural heritage. With their iconic prayer flags, ancient monasteries, and warm smiles, the Sherpas embody the true spirit of the Himalayas.
The Sherpa people, who are well-known for their hospitality and mountaineering abilities, live largely in the region. Their lives revolve around:
Agriculture and trade include growing potatoes, barley, and vegetables in the summer, as well as herding yaks for dairy products.
>Mountaineering and tourism: Many Sherpas serve as guides and porters on trekking and climbing adventures.
>Buddhism and Spirituality: Tibetan Buddhism has a profound impact on daily life, with monasteries playing an important role.
>Sherpa settlements along the trail, such as Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo, vividly demonstrate a modest yet tenacious way of life. These villages, deeply rooted in tradition, have adapted remarkably to the severe, high-altitude environment. As trekkers ascend through the region, they witness how the Sherpa people skillfully balance resilience and hospitality, overcoming harsh conditions while preserving their cultural heritage.
Religious and cultural aspects.
Tibetan Buddhism rules the Gokyo region, with gorgeous monasteries, prayer flags, and Mani walls bordering the trekking trails.
The iconic Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Everest region, serves as a spiritual nexus for both trekkers and locals.
The Gokyo Lakes are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
The Janai Purnima event involves Hindu devotees performing rituals and taking holy dips in lakes.
Vegetation and Natural Beauty.
The Gokyo walk passes across a variety of environments, from lush lowland woods to bleak alpine peaks.
>Lower elevations (2,500m to 3,500m): Rhododendron, pine, and birch The forests are home to Himalayan Monals (Nepal’s national bird) and musk deer.
In the middle elevations (3,500 m – 4,500 m), juniper bushes and dwarf rhododendrons have replaced the thick woods.
High Altitude (4,500 m+): Rugged glacial terrain with limited vegetation, where hardy plants such as moss and lichens thrive.
Atmosphere and Climate.
Spring (March-May) is ideal for hiking, with sunny skies, blossoming rhododendrons, and mild temps.
Autumn (September–November) is another wonderful season, with crisp mountain views and dependable weather.
Winter (December-February) is harsh and cold, with heavy snow making the journey difficult.
During the monsoon season (June–August), the trails become slippery and less visible due to frequent rainfall. However, the Gokyo region experiences significantly less rainfall compared to lower elevations, making it a relatively better choice for trekking during this time. Additionally, because of the high altitude, nights remain consistently frigid, while days can be pleasantly warm when the weather is clear and bright.
Side Trips and Extensions
Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters): A must-do for The forests are home to Himalayan Monals (Nepal’s national bird) and musk deer.
In the middle elevations (3,500 m – 4,500 m), juniper bushes and dwarf rhododendrons have replaced the thick woods.
High Altitude (4,500 m+): Rugged glacial terrain with limited vegetation, where hardy plants such as moss and lichens thrive.
Similarly, the trekking routes in the Everest region are as follows:
Island peak climbing
Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.)
Day 02: Phakding to Namche bazaar (3440m)
Day 03: Rest at Namche Bazaar
Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040m.)
Day 05: Dole to MaCharmo (4150m)
Day 06: Macharmo to Gokyo (4750m)
Day 07: Rest day at Gokyo
Day 08: Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5483m) and trek back to Machhermo (4150m.)
Day 10: Machermo to Namche Bazaar
Day 11: Namche bazaar to Lukla
Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 13: Final departure
Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) which takes about 30 minutes. Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640m.) which is takes approximately three hours. transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores found around here. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at a Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Stay overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 02: Phakding to Namche bazaar (3440m): – Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about five hours. This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. Then ascend quite steeply to Namche Bazaar and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You will also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. This is a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached here by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La, a tradition that has continuously occurred for centuries.
Stay overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 03: Rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and do some excursion around the town.Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops, and also has a magnificent natural outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization at a high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set up by the late Sir Edmund Hillary and you can also hike for an hour up to Tyangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for some outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. Stay overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4040m.): – Trek via Khumjung, it takes about six hours. From Namche the route heads up all the way to Khumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own gompa at the top end of town. Here, you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek steeply descending the pass through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. You can enjoy a delicious meal at Phortse Tenga (3650m.). Stay overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 05: Dole to MaCharmo (4150m): – Trek from Dole to Machhermo which takes about five hours. From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch. Stay overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 06: Macharmo to Gokyo (4750m) :-Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo which takes about four and half hours. Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melted-water Rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.), your route to Lobuche and Everest and later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters. Stay overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 07: Rest day at Gokyo and we do some excursion in and around Gokyo valley. Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can make a side trip to the Fifth Lake via the Fourth Lake. Stay overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 08: Trek/climb from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5483m) and trek back to Machhermo (4150m.) via.Gokyo village and this takes about four and half hours. Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region – some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machhermo. Stay overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 09: Machermo to Namche Bazaar:- Trek from Machhermo (4150m.) to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) which takes about five hours. The trail gently descends to Dole and then starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga (3650m.) passing through rhododendron forests. Then, the path immediately ascends steeply to Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends up to Kyanjoma (3500m.) following small up and down trail to your next destination. Stay overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 10: Namche bazaar: to Lukla:- Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) which takes about six hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via. Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for a few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. Stay over night at lodge or camp.
Day 11: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes 30 minutes. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu
Day 13: Final departure on your destination
| Start Date | End Date | Price In US Dollar($) | AVAILABILITY | Booking |
|---|
AVAILABILITY OPTIONS
OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.
Your Program Duration = 13 days Days
All the Prices are in GBP (£) Per Person.
Cost Include
Cost included item
All airport and hotel airport transfers
• National Park permit & TIMS permit (Trekking Information Management System)
• Flight fare from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu
• Accommodation in the tea house, food, and tea/coffee during trek
• Guideincluding salary, insurance, equipment, flight, foodand lodging
• Porterincluding salary, insurance, equipment, foodand lodging
• For guest:-Down jacket, Good sleeping bag (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
• All government and local taxes
Cost Exclude
COST IS NOT INCLUDED Item
• Food in Kathmandu ( Lunch & Dinner)
• Bakery food during the trek
• Nepal Visa fee
• International airfare from your country to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
• Travel and rescue insurance if guest get mountain sickness and need to rescue helicopter.
• Personal expenses example (phone calls, laundry service , bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
• Tips for guide and porters
our testimonials
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Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then…
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Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years…
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Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I…
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I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769…
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My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon…
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Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then as a support person in Nepal before, during and after. He completed the following tasks with the utmost professionalism and patience.
Arranged transfer of a large number of funds from Australian bank account to Nepalese bank account.
Communications with the village before we arrived to ensure the walls were built.
Organized our itinerary and necessary bookings for the trekking part of our journey for 8 adults.
Once we arrived in Nepal he then assisted us in purchasing all the gear we needed for the finishing of the hothouse. e.g. Polycarbonate roof sheeting and the many other bits of hardware necessary.
Transport of the roofing etc to Phortse village via helicopter, plane, yak, and porter.
As well as being a part of the project Dammaru also was our trekking guide for the duration of our trip of 5 weeks. He organized everything for us from the hotel, in Kathmandu and everything in between our trek to base camp.
He is honest, reliable and always puts the customer first. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dammaru to anyone who is considering a trip to Nepal.
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Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader
I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years.
My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern.
The second trek I did with Dammaru two years later. This trip was the culmination of a long term project to build hothouses in a village deep into the Solu Khumbu region.
www.himalyanhothouse.org To complete this project Dammaru had a pivotal role in developing contacts, sourcing materials helping to manage the project finances. During the preparations for the Hothouse project, we found Dammaru to be honest, prompt and very hardworking. He also showed a great understanding of our requests and needs for the project to be successful. During the trek, itself Dammaru co-ordinated seven of our group and six porters as well as an extra climbing guide. He also acted as a very effective interpreter and liaison with the people of the village of Phortse.
On a personal level, Dammaru is the most genuine man with a big heart. He shared the passion for our project and its humanitarian ideals. Once again our safety during the whole trek was his main concern. A phrase often used by Dammaru sums up his professional work ethic. Service is most important.
I would not hesitate to recommend the services of Dammaru Niraula if you plan to undertake a trek or similar activity in Nepal.
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Dear Dammaru
I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I would recommend you as one choice. His personality and professional guide skill makes me fun of Trekking and Nepal. so I am planning to go to Nepal again this August. He may meet all demand of you request on your trekking trip even though you join in the big group. Because he has more over 10 years experience of trekking guide for Many English and Japanese speaker. Actually, I have never met such a good Japanese speaker guide and I had no chance to speak in English with him.
I can recommend him to all people who need great experience guide with English or Japanese.
so you can get satisfaction for a great guide.
Very Thanks,
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I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).
Our group was led by Dammaru Niraula and we were most impressed by his leadership qualities. He introduced us gently to the lower altitudes and gradually encouraged us on longer and more arduous days of trekking. At Manang, he encouraged us to take a day trek up the lower slopes of Gangapurna and Annapurna III (see my photo below) and afterward to attend an altitude safety lecture in Manang. We are all convinced that, without his careful attention to altitude safety, we would not all have completed the trek over Thorong La and some of us at least would have joined the many trekkers who are forced to descend suffering from altitude sickness. We will always be eternally grateful to Dammaru and his team of Sherpas.
Like many Nepalese, Dammaru has a very quiet and gentle nature with a keen sense of humor and fun. At first, he appears to be shy and reserved but is constantly attending to the needs of his guests, assessing their temperaments and abilities and adjusting the itinerary accordingly. After a few days in his care, you come to realize that you are in the hands of an experienced, competent and understanding mountain guide.
I can recommend him too highly and know that he will continue to offer excellent trekking facilities in the Himalayas.
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My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. We live in a plain and therefore training for the trek was a challenge in itself. We spent our weekends climbing up and down a 700metre high hill that was regarded as sufficiently steep for our training needs. However, we were unsure of what to expect in Nepal and were concerned about our levels of fitness for the trek that we had in mind. We were introduced to our guide, Dammaru at the hotel we were staying in Kathmandu and our anxieties were quickly alleviated. This diminutive gentleman exuded confidence and assured us that he was able to accommodate our individual fitness levels and ensure that our time in his country was hassle free. And indeed he did! Without it being particularly noticeable, Dammaru controlled the tempo of our daily treks in order that the enjoyment factor always exceeded any physical discomfort. His relationship with the locals was both real & genuine which meant we never felt like intruders or uncomfortable in their presence. Dammaru's keen negotiation skills with the local tea house proprietors' meant the delay between arriving & unwinding from the challenges of our daily treks was minimal with the accommodation always being appropriate to our needs. His professionalism was faultless. He provided us with a wealth of information on all aspects of the history, culture, flora, and fauna of this remarkable country. Not only was he a fantastic guide, but his cheeky grin and sense of humor ensured Dammaru to be a fantastic traveling companion. Our dealings with Dammaru exceeded all expectations and we hope to make a return visit to this stunningly beautiful country.
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