Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Family Holidays Nepal will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district. After checking in, take some time to unwind and recover from your journey. Thamel is a lively area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for exploring and acclimating to the new environment. In the evening, you might enjoy a leisurely stroll or relax at your hotel, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Start your day with a guided tour of Kathmandu’s renowned heritage sites. Visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Nepal. After the tour, Scenic drive to Manthali, a small town in the Ramechhap district, which serves as the starting point for your trek. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours and provides stunning views of the Nepali countryside. Spend the night in Manthali to prepare for an early flight to Lukla the next day.
Early in the morning, board a thrilling flight from Manthali to Lukla, a short but exhilarating journey offering incredible views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Lukla, meet your trekking crew and start your trek to Phakding. The trek takes approximately 4 hours and involves a relatively gentle descent through beautiful forests and alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Phakding is a charming village with local lodges where you’ll spend the night. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and prepare for the trek to Namche Bazaar the following day.
After breakfast, begin your trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, a journey that takes around 6 hours. The trail involves a steady ascent and includes several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. As you climb, you’ll pass through lush forests and traditional Sherpa villages. Namche Bazaar is a bustling hub of the Khumbu region, offering various shops, cafes, and local markets. It is an excellent place for acclimatization and exploring. After checking into your lodge, you’ll have time to rest and explore the village.
Today is dedicated to acclimatization, which is crucial for adjusting to the altitude. Take a leisurely hike around Namche Bazaar to help your body acclimate. A popular option is a visit to the Everest View Hotel, which provides stunning panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Alternatively, you could explore the local market or visit the Sherpa Museum. This acclimatization day helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and prepares you for the higher altitudes ahead. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your lodge in Namche Bazaar.
After breakfast, start your trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole. This trek takes about 6 hours and involves a steady ascent through the forest and past several small villages. As you gain altitude, the scenery transforms into alpine meadows with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Dole is a small, picturesque village located at a higher elevation, where you’ll stay in a comfortable lodge. Enjoy the serene environment and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Continue your trek from Dole to Machermo, which takes approximately 4 hours. The trail ascends gradually through the valley, with occasional glimpses of the stunning Himalayas. Machermo is a small village that serves as a base for trekkers heading towards Gokyo. The higher altitude provides excellent views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. After arriving in Machermo, you’ll have time to relax and acclimate to the altitude. Enjoy a warm meal and rest at your lodge in preparation for the trek to Gokyo.
Today’s trek takes you from Machermo to Gokyo Lake, a journey of about 4 hours. The trail continues to ascend gradually through stunning landscapes, including the impressive Ngozumpa Glacier. Gokyo Lake is renowned for its striking turquoise waters and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. After arriving at Gokyo Lake, you’ll have time to explore the area and enjoy the serene environment. Settle into your lodge, relax, and prepare for the exciting activities planned for the following day.
Start your day with a climb to Gokyo Ri, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the surrounding peaks. The climb takes about 2 hours and provides an unforgettable perspective of the Himalayas. After descending from Gokyo Ri, you’ll have the option to trek to Na, a small village beyond Gokyo, or explore further into the valley. The trek to Na or beyond takes about 2 hours, allowing for additional exploration of this beautiful area. Return to your lodge in Gokyo for the night, reflecting on the incredible views and experiences of the day.
Today’s trek from Gokyo to Phortse Village involves a longer journey of about 7 hours. The trail descends through the valley and crosses the high-altitude terrain, offering excellent views of the surrounding peaks and the Imja Khola River. Phortse Village is a traditional Sherpa village with a peaceful atmosphere, providing a great place to rest after a long day of trekking. Enjoy the local hospitality and spend the night in a cozy lodge, preparing for the trek to Monjo the following day.
Begin your trek from Phortse Village to Monjo, which takes approximately 5 hours, including a stop at Namche Bazaar. The trail descends through the lush forests and passes by several traditional villages. In Namche Bazaar, you’ll have the opportunity to visit local shops and cafes before continuing the descent to Monjo. Monjo is a small village located near the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. Check into your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening, reflecting on your trek and preparing for the final leg of your journey.
On your final trekking day, make your way from Monjo to Lukla, a trek that takes about 4 hours. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and involves several ascents and descents through lush forests and traditional villages. As you approach Lukla, you’ll traverse the familiar landscapes of the lower Khumbu region. Upon arrival in Lukla, check into your lodge and celebrate the completion of your trek. Enjoy a final meal with your trekking crew and take time to relax after the adventure.
Fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu in the morning, enjoying one last aerial view of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore Kathmandu, do some shopping, or simply relax. Consider visiting any missed landmarks or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, join a farewell dinner hosted by Family Holidays Nepal to celebrate the successful completion of your trek and share your experiences with fellow trekkers.
On your final day in Kathmandu, you’ll have time to prepare for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Family Holidays Nepal will assist you with your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We hope you’ve had an unforgettable adventure and look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal in the future.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek offers an enchanting journey through turquoise lakes and high-altitude landscapes. The trek’s panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks, combined with the serene beauty of the lakes, make it a standout experience for trekkers seeking both challenge and tranquility.
Miscellaneous:
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a scenic trek in the Everest region of Nepal, renowned for its stunning alpine lakes and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The trek leads to Gokyo Valley, home to a series of beautiful turquoise lakes, including the famous Gokyo Lakes. Highlights of the trek include the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters/17,575 feet) for panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, as well as the opportunity to explore the serene Gokyo Valley and its glacial lakes.
The best times to trek to Gokyo Lakes are during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. Spring (March to May) offers clear skies, mild temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons, while autumn (late September to November) provides stable weather and stunning visibility of the Himalayan peaks. Winter can be extremely cold with heavy snowfall, and the monsoon season (June to August) brings rain, which can lead to slippery trails and increased risk of landslides.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek requires a moderate level of fitness. Trekkers should be in good health and have some prior experience with hiking or trekking. The trek involves walking 5-7 hours per day over varying terrain and ascending to high altitudes. Regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises are recommended in preparation. Acclimatization is also crucial to handle the high-altitude conditions and prevent altitude sickness.
For the Gokyo Lakes Trek, you will need the following permits:
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): This card is essential for the safety and regulation of trekkers and can be obtained in Kathmandu or Lukla.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: This permit is required for entering the Sagarmatha National Park, which covers the Everest region. It can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entrance.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek typically takes around 12 to 14 days to complete. This duration includes time for acclimatization, exploring the Gokyo Valley, and buffer days for potential weather delays or adjustments. The trek involves approximately 8-10 days of trekking, with additional days allocated for acclimatization and travel to and from the trailheads.
Accommodation on the Gokyo Lakes Trek is primarily in teahouses or lodges, which offer basic yet comfortable facilities. These lodges generally provide private rooms with single or double beds and communal dining areas. At higher altitudes, accommodations become more basic, with fewer amenities. Be prepared for simple conditions and limited facilities as you ascend to higher elevations.
Food along the Gokyo Lakes Trek typically includes a variety of traditional Nepalese dishes and some international options. Common meals include dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), noodles, and soups. While the menu may vary between lodges, you can generally expect hearty and nutritious meals to keep your energy levels up. Some lodges may offer additional snacks and beverages.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is generally safe if trekkers are well-prepared and follow recommended safety practices. Proper acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness, and trekkers should listen to their bodies and adjust their pace accordingly. It is highly recommended to trek with a reputable guide or agency for additional safety and support. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and challenging terrain.
Altitude sickness is a concern at high altitudes. To manage it effectively:
Acclimatize Gradually: Ascend slowly and allow your body time to adjust. Incorporate acclimatization days into your itinerary.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol.
Eat Properly: Maintain a balanced diet to keep your energy up.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or nausea, inform your guide and consider descending if necessary.