Gokyo Lake Trekking

The best time for Gokyo Lake trekking is pre-monsoon (February, March, April and May) and post monsoon (late September, October, November and December). It is possible to make the journey in January and early September. The weather will be at it’s best during these months.

It solely depends upon if you are doing the trek privately or joining up a group-departure. Group departure is relatively cheaper than private trek.

Firstly you will fly out to Lukla from Kathmandu then start the trek to Phakding then to Namche. From Namche, you will hike along Dole, Machermo and to Gokyo Lakes. Returning back from Gokyo is tracing the same route back to Namche and to Lukla.

Yes, you can and first you hike to Gokyo then crossing over Chola-pass will reach Everest Base Camp. Later on trek back to Lukla from base camp

Gokyo lake trek is an accomplishable hike for all. Only you need is physical fitness and mental preparedness to overcome Gokyo lake trek difficulty level. Those with no previous trek experience can also complete this trek with some planning and training for a few weeks. Though, a previous trekking experience can be beneficial.

Gokyo lakes trek solo is actually possible. You can trek without joining a group or you can even trek without any trekking guide too. But please keep in mind that it will be safe only if you have prior experience of high altitude trek and other treks in Nepal. Otherwise, chances are a novice trekker walking alone may go through several unexpected complications.

Hike to the Gokyo lake trek is considered a relatively moderate trek. This also doesn’t mean previous trekking or mountaineering experience are required. The attempt is to reach the Gokyo lake, so any technical experiences aren’t required. What you need is to be in good physical shape and able to walk for four to six hours per day over mountainous terrain with a light backpack.

Absolutely! You are recommended to get travel insurance that covers even at higher altitudes i.e. up to 6000m. The insurance policy usually doesn’t cover over 3,000 meters of altitude. So, make sure these things while purchasing travel insurance for Gokyo lake trek and read their policies.

At higher altitudes, anyone might experience altitude sickness regardless of how you fit you are or age-difference. Those who haven’t lived at high altitudes may also suffer from altitude sickness (also called as AMS or altitude motion sickness). The best thing to do is walk slow and proper hydration altitude sickness on Everest base camp trek can be prevented.

Family-run lodges often called ‘Teahouses’ are in the Everest region. Especially the higher you go accommodation is limited, so the room may differ from a private single/double room to a bed in a dormitory. Gokyo lake trek accommodation is a very basic accommodation and usually be shared shower and toilet facilities. All lodges have a communal dining hall. Though basic, these teahouses are clean and welcoming, friendly and warm resting place after a tiring day’s trek.

Lodges on the trail offer wide choices for foods and drinks. These contain typical Nepali meals to the continental dishes. Nepali dish ‘Dal Bhat’ with season vegetable and pickle. Or, go for pizza, momo, noodles, macaroni, sizzler, sandwich, burger, etc. Different types of coffee, fruit juice, and alcoholic drinks are also available. If you have booked a package tour then the company handles all costs. But if booked on service only then food prices on the Gokyo lake trek cost to US$25-30 per person per day for lunch/dinner, where breakfast will be included. But on high altitude treks, avoiding alcoholic drinks is a good idea.

Bottled water can be bought or you can take along a bottle and fill the bottle with tap water with purifying tablets. These can be bought in Kathmandu before the trek. Most brands of purification tablets take just 30 minutes before you can drink. Drinking a minimum of 3 to 4 liters of water per day is recommended.

Bringing snacks and protein bars is good. Daily meal includes Dal Bhat – Nepali meal which is already high in carbohydrate. If you bring your own food, lodges may charge you an additional cost.

Yes, and trekking permit for Gokyo lake trek includes two permits. One is for ‘Sagarmatha National Park’ which is US$30 per person. The other is ‘Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality’ Entry Permit US$20 per person. Both of the permits are already included while booking the tour so you don’t have to worry about it.

Showers are available at Lodges. Especially the higher up you go there will usually be shared bathrooms in most lodges. Hot water shower needs to be paid per person. As you go higher, the colder it gets and you may have to think for the second time for a shower. Wait just a few days until your descent. Wet wipes can be used to clean your body but in trek it might come expensive. So it is good to buy them in Kathmandu.

You can bring trekking gear from your home country. They can also be bought in Kathmandu at many trekking shops around there. But, most of the trekking gears you get here are not up to standard though are comparatively cheaper. So, it’s up to you to decide. The last option to buy them is at Namche Bazaar if you forget any trekking gears.

All the electronics can be charged in lodges with an extra cost of US$2-6 per hour. Further up you go, the price for charging increases.

Sickness depends upon its nature. For mild sickness usually descending to a lower altitude with the help and support of the guide or porter is done. For serious illness, emergency helicopter evacuation service is arranged. Our guide will be in constant contact with us and takes immediate action as per the situation. This is where travel insurance comes covering for a medical evacuation service and other medical expenses. Our guides carry first aid kit with basic medication like simple painkillers, altitude sickness tablets, bandages, balm for muscle aches and medication to treat diarrhea and vomiting. They are experienced trek guides and will take care of you if anything happens to you. Besides, there are health posts in Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Pheriche where you can get medical services.

The trail to the Gokyo lake is among the safe trekking routes in Nepal with the least news of casualties and unforeseen happenings. There is least to no news of trekkers being theft or any unpleasant behaviors by the locals. Besides, the trails are well-marked so the least chance of getting lost.

Booking the trek with us, we shall provide our experienced trek guide and necessary porters. Hiring a trekking staff or booking with organized trek is not mandatory but doing it individually without experienced staff completely depends upon you.

If you are fit and can carry your own baggage which comes to 15 kg maximum and walking the high mountain terrains then hiring a porter isn’t necessary. Otherwise, hiring a porter is a good idea where you only have to carry your day-pack. The maximum load is 15 kgs each porter.

Lukla airport is located at the mountainous terrain where frequent weather changes occur every hour. Even a hint of bad weather arise flight delays in Lukla. When the weather goes worst especially during winter and monsoon, Lukla flight cancellations occurs even for days. Mental preparedness is required to face such unforeseen situations and keeping some buffer days after the trek is highly recommended.

Tipping is not mandatory but let’s not forget that it has become a custom to show gratitude towards your guide and porters who made it all possible for you to finish the trek and be at the base of the world’s highest peak. You can give them a certain amount as tips for trekking Gokyo lake trek as per your desire at the end of the trek.

Wifi on Everest region is available at most of the lodges on the trail.

Gokyo lake trek route is difficult due to the altitude and the uneven terrains but there’s no technically difficult parts are involved special climbing gears like ice axe, harness, and crampons are required. So, all of these aren’t required. But whilst trekking during the month of winter packing along with micro spikes for shoes and gaiters are recommended.

You do not have to carry much cash if you have booked a full tour package from your travel company since your trek guide shall take care of your accommodation and daily meals. Besides that only a few extra costs incur like for bottled water, charging mobile phones/cameras, shower, extra tea/coffee and of course alcoholic drinks also tipping your guide and porters. So, carrying Nepalese Rupees equivalent to a few hundred USD is recommended.

ATM facilities are available only at Namche and Lukla, but depending upon them is also not suggested since sometimes they don’t work. Exchanging into Nepali rupees before the trek in Kathmandu is the best option.

Only cash is accepted during the trek and converting your currency to Nepali rupees before the trek is the best idea.

Your hotel where you stay in Kathmandu will store your luggage that you don’t want to take to trek without any charge. Later on, you can pick up your luggage after the trek.

It’s the squat toilet facilities at the most lodges on the Gokyo lake trek trial but nowadays lodges have also built western styled toilets with a number foreign trekkers increasing day by day. It’s suggested that you should take along your own toilet papers.

Packing along warm clothes is suggested for gear list for Gokyo lake trek. These includes down jacket, thermal longs and top, comfortable trekking trousers, t-shirts, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves. At most cases, your company already provide down jacket and sleeping bag. Besides, clothing can be purchased in Kathmandu at Thamel area as well where numerous trekking shops exists with both local and foreign brands.