13-day Gokyo Lake Trek-Trekking and Hike to Gokyo Ri

Gokyo Lake Trek in Gokyo valley with Gokyo Ri peak is a serene trekking route in Everest.To experience beauty of the Himalayas with the gorgeous turquoise-colored lakes, pristine glaciers and snow-capped mountains, the 13 days Gokyo Lake Trek is a must do trek in Everest.This trek also offers an opportunity to enjoy the majestic views of Mt Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyu. This is the best alternative to Mt.Everest Base Camp Trek.

If you love trekking in the quiet and less crowded trail, then Gokyo lakes trek is perfect for it. Gokyo is the highest freshwater lake in the world with an awe-inspiring Ngozumpa glacier, which is also the longest glacier in the Himalayas.You will trek along ice ridge between Mt. Cho Oyu and Gyachung, staying at local tea houses during trail. 

Everest Gokyo Lake Trek does not require any technical climbing skill. However, trekkers must be in a proper physical condition to complete this trek successfully. Overall, the difficulty level of Gokyo lake trekking is challenging. You will be trekking at high altitude area with dipping oxygen levels and air pressure. You will need to walk for 5 to 6 hours on a rough terrain is not an easy work. The Khumbu region is icy and dry. 

Best Time Trekking Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Peak
Spring from March to May and Autumn season from September to November are the best season trekking around Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri peak in Gokyo Valley.The weather is very clear for the best views of the Himalayas. Temperature is neither cold or hot at this time of the year.Rainy season from June to August is not really a good time for this trek as you will not see a clear view of the Himalayas, the trails are muddy and leeches may disturb you. Trekking to Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lake is also possible in Winter like in December, January and February.The weather and views are so clear but it is cold. You need to walk in the snow on the trail.Please noted that domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla may be delayed or canceled due to weather conditions. This happen during any time of the year

Gokyo Lake Trek Difficulty
Gokyo Valley Trek is a moderately difficult trip. You need to walk walk for six or seven hours each day. The trail ascends and descends as it winds through countless side valleys and high-altitude mountain passes.So, you should be in good health with physical fitness. Walking, running, and cardiovascular exercise is good to prepare for this trek.

Other Alternative Options of Gokyo Lake Trek
We also have other alternative option of Gokyo Lake Trek like Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, Pikey Peak Trek, Namche Bazaar Trek and Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu.

Food on Everest Gokyo Trek
You will find good food along the tea houses of Gokyo Lake Trek.You have choices of breakfast like Tibetan Breads, Chapati, Oatmeal, Toast with jam, honey, Corn Flakes, Potato, Eggs, Pancakes, Porridge, Muesli. Also choices of lunch and dinner such as Thukpa, Dahl and Bhat, Momos, Tibetan / chapatti bread, Marconi, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, soups, potatoes items, sandwiches, pizza, rice with curry, spring rolls, burgers and fried rices, hot and cold drinks. Also, the menu has many non-veg items, the meats are not on our list of recommendations because the meat in the mountain areas is not sanitary and healthy. So, avoid taking meat, Alcoholic drinks, and smoking while on trekking.

Drinking Water
Shops and tea house sells regular bottle of mineral water to buy, also a plenty of water sources along trail, refilling water from taps or water source is potable but it will be fine to drink with using water purification pills. Remember, water is one of the most important factors while trekking. Please drink at least 2 to 4 L of water per day.

Gokyo Lake Trek Accommodation
You will get very basic and simple tea house accommodation on this trek. The rooms with 2 to 3 single beds with nice and warm blankets, pillows, comfortable matrices, attached bathrooms not everywhere.We try to accommodate you on the best available tea houses along the trail.You will have choices of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu like budget, standard, deluxe and luxury hotel.We do book hotel in Kathmandu on your request and choices.

Day 01: Arriving in Kathmandu(1300m)
Receive at Kathmandu airport and drive to hotel.Kathmandu is the vibrant capital of Nepal, jam packed with temples, taxis and tea-stalls.
Day 02: Fly to Lukla(2840m).
A short but spectacular flight over the mountains takes us to Lukla (2840m). Where we set off to Phakding
Day 03: Phakding to Namche Bazaar(3440m)
Namche Bazaar is a Nepalese trading town and the capital of the Sherpa people. Here you will have a final opportunity to buy any missing items.
Day 04: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Given the altitude gain of the Gokyo trek, it's essential to spend an additional day in Namche Bazaar. We'll take a trek to the villages of Konde and Khumjung, with beautiful views of Mount Everest and Mt Ama Dablam.
Day 05: Namche Bazaar to Phortse Thanga (3680m)
After a brief climb out of Namche Bazaar, we'll traverse the mountain-side with wide views over the valley and Ama Dablam ahead. The path climbs steeply to the tiny village of Mong and descends into Phortse Thanga.
Day 06: Phortse Thanga to Dole (4090m)
Our trail climbs steeply out of a valley to Dole where you can relax with magnificent views of Mt Khumbila and Mt Tawache to keep you company.
Day 07: Dole to Machhermo (4410m)
A steep climb and a traverse along the mountain-side takes us towards Mt Machhermo. The Dudh Koshi river roars below and mountains tower over the trail.
Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4750m)
Along the Ngozumba Glacier we'll reach the magnificent sacred lakes. Passing 3 lakes the trail ends in Gokyo, a small settlement of lodges on the shore of the incredible aqua lake – 'Dudh Pokhari'.
Day 09: Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5357m)
Next to Gokyo lies Gokyo Ri hill, well worth climbing for a jaw-dropping panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Day 10: Gokyo Lake to Phortse (3800m)
A winding path leads over the Ngozuma Glacier past mounds of rubble and creaking pools of ice to the opposite side and onto Portse.
Day 11: Phortse to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
We'll be re-joining our original path and retracing our steps, mostly heading down in altitude.
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
We'll be retracing our steps back down to Lukla, where hot showers and good food await!
Day 13: Lukla to Kathmandu
After flying back to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, you'll be free for the rest of the day to rest and recuperate or explore the city.
Day 14: Kathmandu Airport
Final transfer to Kathmandu airport to get fly back to home.

Cost Included:

• Airport Transfer - Hotel/Airport/ Hotel.
• Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu Flight of guide and cliets
• Twin sharing neat and clean tea houses accommodation during the trek..
• 3 times meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
• Trekking Permit – National Park fee and TIMS card
• English speaking guide and all his flight, insurance, meals, salary and accommodation.
• All government Taxes and Company service charges

Cost Not Included:

• Airport pick and departure transfer
• Hotel Accommodation and Meals- lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
• Expenses of personal natures like internet, telephone, WiFi, Laundry, hot shower, battery charging fee for mobile and camera.
• Any kind of drinks and desert like coke, Mineral water, hot water, tea, coffee, beer, whisky.
• Travel insurance in case of emergency for rescue helicopter and other medication.
• Upgrade accommodation like room with private toilet.
• Porter to carry luggage - on clents request- we organize porter on additional cost. 
• Tips for guide and porter
• All the cost not mention on above cost includes

Note: If scheduled flight gets cancelled due to bad weather from Lukla to Kathmandu on return. In such situation, we need to send chartered helicopter which costs US $ 500 per person. Helicopter cost has to be borne by the clients to get outbound flight on scheduled time.
Any other services not specified in the 'Cost includes'

Passport and Visa
Passport
Your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends.

Nepal Visa
All foreign nationals except Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, land borders including borders with India and Tibet, and on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport.Getting a visa at the airport or land borders can sometimes take time due to long queues. There have been instances when travellers are asked to show proof of exit from the country, ie flight tickets. You may also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars subject to change, cash only. Multiple entry visa valid for 15 days costs US$30, 30 days costs US$50 and 90 days costs US$125

Tipping
It is customary to tip your guide and driver for outstanding service provided during your trip. You are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your guide on your trip. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline is from $10 USD-$15 USD per person (in a currency relevant for your destination) per day can be used.

Money Matter
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Its symbol is often displayed as Rs. USD is also widely accepted in Nepal. ATMs can only be found in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur. Make sure you carry sufficient cash to cover your needs when travelling outside of these cities. Money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu, Namche, Pokhara, Chitwan only outside the park, and Bhaktapur. Credit cards are not widely accepted.The Government of Nepal has banned the import, export, and use of 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes in Nepal.You should ensure you are not carrying these notes on arrival in Nepal as they will be confiscated and you may be fined.The old, torn, and fade notes is very difficult to exchange when exchanging at banks and money exchange. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.Before departing on a trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency to purchase meals and drinks, in the smaller denominations where possible, as there are no ATMs 
Phone and internet access
The signal of phone and internet is very good during Nepal Tour. Every hotel and restaurants you will get free WiFi services.Trekking in the mountain, the internet and telephone network signal is poor. WiFi is available at some tea houses, paying an extra cost.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for Nepal tour. We require that a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend all travelers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. It is nice to send us the copy of your travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number. If you have credit card insurance, we will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
 
Solo Travelers
Solo travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Optional Tour
Enjoy an early morning flight on a small aircraft with a window seat for an hour of spectacular scenery over the tallest mountain peak on earth. You will be able to view some of the most incredible, and famous sights that Nepal has to offer. This is weather permitting so tour might be delayed or an alternative day may be scheduled.It costs USD 260 per person including airport transfer.

Trekking Gear Packing List
No need to bring unnecessary trekking equipment with you for trekking in Nepal. The following trekking equipment and gears are recommended for this trek. Most of the trekking equipment what you will need can rent or purchase in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Additional personal items not needed for trekking can store at your hotel or our office without extra cost.
Head:
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
Lower Body:
Under Garments
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet:
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
Upper Body:
T-shirts
Light weight thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down jacket
Hands:
Gloves
Accessories:
Sleeping bag rated to zero DC 
Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
Trekking Bags/Duffel bag 
Basic First Aid Kit
Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Trekking Poles
Water bottle (2) or camel bag
Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)
Ear Plug (who know some people on group are snoring)
Toiletries:
1 medium sized quick drying towel
Tooth brush/paste 
Multipurpose soap 
Deodorants
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Feminine hygiene products
Small mirror
Personal Hygiene:
Wet wipes (baby wipes)
Tissue /toilet roll
Antibacterial hand wash
Extras/Luxuries:
Novels
Trail Map/Guide book
Journal & Pen
iPod
Pencils and small notebooks
Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble
Modest swimsuits (for Kathmandu)

Transportations on Trek
We will provide all necessary transportation for your trip including airport pick up and departure transfer on your request. On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our airport representative with the traditional flowers and take you to your Hotel. We also do arrange Kathmandu sightseeing tour, Nagarkot Sunrise view tour, rafting and other adventure sports tour on your request.

Booking and payment process
For booking this trip, you're required to deposit 10 % of the trip cost into our company bank account so that we use that payment to book Hotels, guides, trekking permits and transfer. The remaining balance payment you could pay once you arrive in Kathmandu by USD cash or equivalent Nepalese rupees or by credit card. Paying by credit care there will be 5% additional bank service charge on top of the total payment. Paid in cash would be much appreciated. With trip advance payment, we would also like to request you to send us all your documents such as passport, travel insurance copies and flight arrival details.

Personal Expenses on the trekking
During the trek, all your foods are included in the package (Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner), the foods will be served as per the package program and besides that, any personal expense and Bar bills would be extra.

Last-minute booking
we do accept the last minute booking a day before the trip departure. Moreover, the 100%  trip payment should be made if you are doing last minute booking, and the booking can be made directly through online and by sending us an email, messages on WhatsApp and by calling. But,the last minute booking not acceptable for Bhutan and Tibet trips.