Everest VIA Gokyo Lakes
Tour Details
We fly to Lukla, the gateway to Everest region and start our hike through the scenic land of the legendary Sherpas in to the Sagarmatha National park. From Namche Bazaar, the trading capital and main town of the Khumbu region we start our climb to the breathtaking Gokyo valley which is located adjacent of the Khumbu. We enter the land of the green high altitude lakes. From Gokyo Ri you have magnificent views of the highest peaks of the world, Cho Oyo (8,153m), Gyachung Kang (7,922m), Everest (8, 848m), Lhotse (8,501m) and further way Makalu. After crossing Ngozumpa Glacier we prepare to do Cho La Pass 5360 meter and stay one night at Zhongla and continue to Everest base camp and climb Kala Patthar to see the Everest face to face and we return to Namche Bazar and Lukla.
An impression from Sally O. on our Gokyo Lakes Tour:
“The Gokyo route fulfilled its promise in every way imaginable. Many visitors-including those who have also been to Everest base camp-call the 360-degree panorama at the summit of Gokyo Ri (ri is the Tibetan for mountain) the finest mountain vista in Nepal. The view from peak is spectacular. There is the vast Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal. Beginning in ice and snow, it grinds down to an immense moraine of rubbly rocks, dotted with small pools-some as bright green as the lakes just below us, some still iced over and glassily reflecting the clear blue sky and long streaming clouded. Then of course, there’s Everest’ and the fluted ridge of the vast ice wall anchored at either end by the high peaks of Lhotse and Nuptse; the jutting spires of Makalu; and, showiest of all, the crenellated contours of Cho Oyo, the world’s ninth highest peak, as it dominates the landscape with its massive bright white, glacier-accented bulk.”
New York Times
Short Itenary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1 350 m)
Day 02: Flight to Lukla & Trek Phakding (2 600 m)
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazar (3 440 m)
Day 04: Rest Day in Namche Bazar
Day 05: Trek to Dole (4110 meter)
Day 06: Trek to Machhermo village (4 470 m)
Day 07: Trek to Gokyo Lake (4 790 m)
Day 08: Climb Gokyo Ri 5 360 meter & Trek to Thanknak (4800 m)
Day 09: Trek to Dzongla via Cho La Pass 5 360 meter
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4900 m)
Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep (5100 m) & EBC 5341 meter
Day 12: Trek to Pheriche (4300 m) after climbing Kalapatthar 5,550 m
Day 13: Trek to Namche (3450 m)
Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2840 m)
Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 16: Fly back home
Itinerary
Pick-up at Tribhuvan International Airport, meeting with your guide and transfer to the hotel. First impressions of Kathmandu (1 350 m) – walk to medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12th and 18th century. We bring you to our office and Thamel – the vibrant tourist area with hotels, restaurants, bakeries and outdoor shops. We get to know each other over a welcome dinner, check formalities and equipment and discuss your itinerary.
We drive to Tribhuvan Domestic Airport to connect our flight to Everest region. After breakfast in Lukla (2 850 m) we start trekking through beautiful settlements to join soon the main trail in Churi Kharka. We follow the east bank of the Dudh Koshi- the River of Milk- where you witness the typical Nepal terrace culture, slate roofed houses and views on Kusum Kangaru (5 579 m). We reach Phakding (2 640 m) after 3 – 4 h gentle walking.
Today we make a challenging hike to Namche Bazaar (3 440 m), situated at 6-7 hours walking from Phakding. We climb up along the west bank of the Dudh Kosi to the tiny village of Toktok. We get our first glimpse of Thamserku peak (6 608 m) and reach Benkar (2 710 m). The cliffs above the village are decorated with huge paintings of Buddhist deities. We cross the colorful suspension bridge and enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo (2 840 m). After Jorsale we follow the riverbank over gravel, climb through a pine forest and cross the Dudh Kosi by a big suspension bridge. Then we face a continuous zigzag ascent of 2 hours through dense pine forests. In the early evening we reach the vibrant center of Namche Bazar, on of the most attractive settlements of Solu-Khumbu district.
Rest day in Namche. Optional walk to the Sherwi Khangba Sherpa Culture Museum or dayhike to Thame (3 800 m) or Thamo (3 440 m).
A 5 hourse of climb leads steeply out of the valley through a rhododendron forest. The route passes through several kharkas (high altitude summer yak grazing primitive settlements) as well several more substantial settlements until reaching a lodge the few houses of Dole (4 110 m). The views of Khumbila and Tawachee (both 6 000 m peaks) are tremendous throughout the day.
From Dole the trail climbs along the side of the valley high above the river. The rhododendrons give way to scrub juniper. There are kharkas wherever there is a flat spot and hint of water. After crossing a sandy spur, our lodge is reached at the few houses of Maccherma (4 470 m).
Beyond Maccherma the trail climbs a ridge for a great view of Cho Oyo. The valley widens as the trail descends to the Dudh Khosi river and climbs onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. After a steep switchbacked climb the first small Gokyo Lake is reached. A second larger lake is past and the trail becomes almost level as the large third Gokyo Lake (4 750 m) is reached with its several houses and lodges. This will be our highest lodge in the Gokyo region. And another option is an awesome hike up the Gokyo valley past two or three more glacial lakes towards Cho Oyu in the afternoon.
Today you can make a spectacular 2 h long hike to Gokyo Ri, a 5 360 m high hill on the north side of the Dudh Pokhari. From the summit you have a 360 degree panaroma over Cho Oyo, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche and the Ngozumpa Glacier. After lunch we head to Thanknak via Ngozumpa glacier walk.
We start very early heading for the upper trail northeast towards Cho La Pass 5360 meter. After walking a steep rocky/icy ridge for about 1,5 hours we gain the top of the Cho La where you have fabulous views on 8000 m high peaks of Makalu. Continuing the pass the trail winds ice walk leads to the northeast valley of Dzongla. We will camp there. It will take 7 hours to reach our camp.
we have outstanding sights at Tawachee (6 495 m) and Cholatse peak (6 440m) in Dzongla. After our breakfast we will be heading directly to Lobuche village. It will be just 3 hours of walk today. After lunch in Lobuche we will walk to viewpoint of Khumbu glaciers about one hour. We sleep in Lobuche.
The ascent to Gorak Shep (5 160 m) becomes steeper and rougher as we cross several moraines. Soon we see the peak of Pumori (7 145m). We also have our first views at Nuptse (7 864 m), Kala Patthar (5 545 m) and Mount Everest. At the right side you look over the Khumbu Glacier, an enormous tongue of ice which marches down the slopes of Everest. We reach Gorak Shep by lunchtime and trek to Base Camp in the afternoon. In total we hike six-seven hours today.
Early morning we climb to Kala Pattar – the Black Rock – located at 5 545 m and marked by a tangle of prayer flags. At this viewpoint – one of the most astonishing views on earth- you have a 360 degree panorama of Himalayan giants from Pumori and Lobuche West to Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. We return back to Gorak Shep via the view points of the ice lakes of Pumori and Everest. After breakfast we return in 4 hours back to Pheriche located at 4 215 m.
Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3 440 m). We descend approximately 5 hours.
We start this 6 hours walk during trek with a strenuous descent from Namche Bazaar to the Dud Kosi (hard work for the knees), after the path climbs up to Monjo and then runs easily to Benkar, Phakding and Lukla.
After breakfast we fly in about 40 minutes from Lukla to Kathmandu. We arrive at Tribhuvan Airport and organize a transfer to your hotel. We walk to medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12th and 18th century. We also go to Pasupatinath on the bank of the Bagmati River, where the most important Hindu temples and burning ghats of Nepal are situated. In Bouddhanath we circumambulate together with Tibetan and Nepali Buddhist pilgrims the whitewashed stupa and do last shopping in the beautiful shops around the pilgrimage site.
Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. We hope you enjoyed your stay!
Trip Format
Nepal is not like home. It is exotic; it is wonderful but also very different. Great elevation changes, differences in customs and language, menu variations, lodge limitations, ant the many other mysteries and wonders of travel in Nepal are all conditions you must be physically and mentally prepared for. The itinerary may change. We may meet unknown hardships as well as unexpected pleasures. Come with an open mind and positive spirit.
The trek is non-technical and suitable for everyone in good shape who likes to hike over mountain trails and stay at rustic lodges. You should be in good physical shape for this trip and feel comfortable hiking 11 to 20 km a day on a trail while carrying a day pack of about 5 kilo. In general this is a moderate trek but with this several strenuous days at high altitude. While the trip has been designed to gradually acclimatize you to altitude, several lodges will be above 3 600 m and our highest lodge will be at 5100 m. On some days altitude gains and losses of up to 1 800 m can be expected. At least 1+half – rest days are planned. Strengthen your knee muscles and prepare for several days of steep descents of anywhere up to 1 800 m.
A program of cardiovascular conditioning such as running, swimming, biking or aerobics is essential, but try to supplement your exercise with hiking on steep hills or running up and down steps. The more you can condition by closely simulating the activities of trekking, the better off you will be. While the trip is rated as moderate overall, several days will be strenuous, and good conditioning is essential to your enjoyment of the trek.
Remember that Nepal has the 2 926 km latitude so it will be warm at the lower elevations (short and T-shirt) while nights will be cool to depending on the elevation and season. For fall trips day trips will be between 20°C and 25°C at the lower elevations. In the higher elevations expect day temperatures to be 10 degrees cooler. Temperatures at night will be cool being mostly between 10°C and 15 °C except at 4 790 m where temperatures at or below freezing are likely at night. The weather in fall is generally sunny, although an occasional storm could occur.
The pace will be unregimented. You are encouraged to walk by yourself or in small groups. Take time to visit local houses and temples, share a cup of tea or rakshi with our porters and the locals in the many chiyaa houses. Pursue interest in photography bird watching and botany and sample the culture of the area you are travelling in.
Personal gear will be carried by porters. Porters can carry two members’ duffel bags. Since their load is 25 kg, this means that your duffel cannot exceed twelve kilos. We stay in locally owned lodges and will receive an insight into family living. All the guest houses have toilets and cold showers. Some of the guesthouses have hot showers available and every lodge is equipped with solar power systems for lightning. The main common room has a heater, nice in the cold nights.
This is not a tour where everything can be planned in advance to run like clockwork. You probably won’t experience exactly what is written in the daily itinerary. Often adjustment must be made in the field. We want you to participate in the trip with the clear understanding that things can go wrong. Adventure travel does involve certain risks both emotional and physical. One has to be flexible when traveling in Nepal and have a cheerful attitude.
Price Included
In Kathmandu
- Two nights in Hotel Potala Superior room (without breakfast)
- Welcome dinner at Nepali Chulo (Authentic Newari food and cultural dance party)
- Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley (Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, Monkey Temple (Swoyambhunath temple!) & all airport transfers.
In Everest
- Return ticket for Everest ($363 per person)
- Accommodation and 3 times meals every day during trek (daily we discuss a few items for meals and give the tour leader of your company the decision for the meal of the group = one meal per person, bar bill not included).
- During the meals we provide coffee and tea.
- Traveltimes Treks will provide water for purification after breakfast, lunch and dinner at the participants needs.
- Iodine is sold everywhere at cheap price in Thamel and Everest Region
- Assistance trekking guide, one porter for two members as well as their expenses including insurance
- Entry fee for the Sagarmatha National Park ($50 per person and), TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System, $20 per person), domestic airport tax, all ground transportations and Khumbu local governmental taxes ($20 per person).
In case of delay of flights due to weather conditions
In case of delay because of weather conditions Traveltimes Treks is prepared to cover unusually for the members the costs for one night lodging in Lukla and one night in Hotel Potala. All further costs will be on personal charge of the travelers.
- World Heritage entry fees in Kathmandu while sightseeing (we provide cultural guide & private car)
- personal expenses like laundry * communication *shopping * meals in Kathmandu except welcome dinner * tips for guides and porters or staffs
- international Flights & Travel Insurance (required!)
Map
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There are not too many places on Earth where you can experience a raw, untamed nature in its glory, while trekking alongside the highest mountains in the world. The stunning beauty of Nepal is something that has to be seen at least once in a lifetime. Our experience of Nepal was greatly enhanced by Dawa’s knowledge of geography, Himalayan history and his love of trekking. Dawa was a wonderful, knowledgeable, well organized and very enthusiastic leader and a guide on our 21 days Gokyo Lakes/ Everest Base Camp trek in April 2013. Thanks to Dawa and his team, the trip was a dream come true.
Of course every trip has its challenges and our group was no exception. Not only was Dawa able to deal with the everyday challenges of mother nature, he was also at ease dealing with all individual challenges of the group, anything from last minute changes in overnight arrangements to people in need of immediate medical attention. In every situation Dawa and his staff kept calm and collected, an imperative skill when traveling in the remote areas of Nepal. Dawa and his staff always found a solution to every problem presented to them and most of all they kept a smile on their faces throughout tough times. In addition, Dawa and his team were a great encouragement for some of us who became very tired and discouraged at higher altitude.
Dawa was the glue that kept our group intact as much as possible. I’d recommend Dawa and his staff to anyone who wants to have indigenous and memorable experience while traveling in Nepal. You will not find more enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and people friendly guide anywhere else.
Sincerely
Dana from California, USA
Traveltimes Treks is Awesome!
I had the most wonderful time in Nepal trekking with Dawa Lama Tamang, owner of Traveltimes Treks! He is the most knowledgeable, gracious, accommodating host! His enthusiasm and energy are endless! Choose Traveltimes Treks for an experience you will never forget!
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Thank you RD and Dawa for an adventure of a lifetime! RD was an amazing guide on the beautiful, challenging trek through the Gokyo Lakes over the Chola Pass to EBC. He took care of us like family and ran back and forth between our group that was moving all at a different pace. I feel privileged to have completed this journey with him. We experienced this trek with amazing weather and majestic views. My heart feels full and a tear comes to my eyes every time I think of this life changing trek through the beautiful Himalayas! Namaste RD and Dawa! 🙏🏼