Gokyo Ri - Gokyo Lakes Trek - 11 Days

The beginning of the journey towards Gokyo Lake

You will arrive in Nepal, Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport as that is the only international airport. An overnight stay in a hotel in Kathmandu is required upon the arrival which is not included in package cause there are a variety of hotels, lodge and homestays (Budget and luxury both) from which you can choose any of them online very easily and even we can do it for you but it's up to you. As you'll be in a new place it's generally hard to navigate place around so if you want us to recommend or manage hotels for you on arrival, we'll be pleased to do that for our all valuable clients, Then the next day, in the early morning we will take a domestic flight to Lukla, approximately 40 minutes.

Don't Worry, We'll Pick You!

When you're new to any place, it's really hard to find places and many tourists have complained about the expensive taxi fare so, Discovery World Trekking provides free airport arrival and departure transfer on any flight for Everest Base Camp Trek package. You will be received from our representative crew from Discovery World Trekking regardless of the flight you take holding a pamphlet of your name and our company name with a warm-hearted welcome with either a khada or a marigold garland and you’ll be escorted to your hotel with all comfort possible.

Accommodation Details During The Trek

The Trek is a 12 days long trek with 11 nights at a mountain Best Possible lodge accommodation and will make you feel homely with the warm hospitality of the local people. The higher you get the lodging facility gets little bit declined as in mountain regions it's hard to provide all facilities like Kathmandu city, most of the lodges have squat toilet system up there and Generally twin Sharing room with mattresses, blanket and pillows will be available (Single room can be provided on request and it will cost some additional charge). Tho DWT will provide attached bathroom in every possible lodge, in some places, there can be a shared bathroom at higher elevation areas. Two nights Hotels in Kathmandu is required as you would want to rest before and after the trek which is not included in the package as There is the excellent range of hotels for all kind of budgets available which you can easily book online or we can manage for you if you want us to do. Discovery World Trekking has good public relation with local service providers in the Himalaya region.

The Meals

Our trek is all over high elevations near the world’s highest peak which means your body needs enough carbohydrate, protein, nutrition as food is fuel for the body to hike on such humongous Himalayan trails. The meal on this trek is very convenient but not as in cities. There will be 12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunch and 11 Dinners will be provided in the trek.. Some of the popular menu items are-

Twelve breakfasts - ( Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, French toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, and Honey Tibetan bread or Chapati Local tsampa porridge, Hashed brown eggs, Varieties of eggs (Omelets) Pancakes Muesli Breads Fruits and Vegetables Hot drinks like varieties of teas and coffees Hot chocolates etc).

Twelve lunch - (Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari (Dalh Bhat power 24 hour) Tibetan Bread Various Soups items Sherpa Stew Steaks Sandwiches Momo (dumplings) Macaroni dishes Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles Thukpa Pasta Vegetable curry Potatoes items Vegetable and salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed) Snakes (Papad, Prawn) Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc).

Eleven dinners -( Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari Tibetan Bread Various Soups items Sherpa Stew Steaks Sandwiches Momo (dumplings) Macaroni dishes Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles Thukpa Pasta Vegetable curry Potatoes items Vegetable and salad Pizza (,Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed) Snacks (Papad, Prawn) Korean Raman Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks Steaks, etc.)are available on the menu during the trek.. The best selected from the menu of the lodge which will be fresh, hygienic, tasty and nutritious. The menu is a combination of traditional local, Asian and western cuisine almost everywhere but as we go up close, the menu list will be shorted. We highly recommend liquids green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea and garlic soup(must) etc. at high altitude and also the fresh vegetable items for health benefit.. Tho plenty of non-veg item will be available we won’t recommend any of them because meat in such places is not hygienic and healthy during the trek. We highly encourage to avoid dairy and cheesy items and strongly suggest not to consume Alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, hot chocolates as experts suggest to avoid such items during such high elevation treks.. Note - All Personal Bills (Alcoholic Drinks, Hot and Cold Drinks) in tea house/ Lodges or in cafe except Standard Meals(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with seasonal fruits) are excluded from Package.

Best Time To Trek

The weather is one of the most important factors to look at when deciding to trek to Gokyo Lake Trek (Gokyo Ri) cause no one is beyond nature. Tho live forecast of Everest Region can be gain here , it’s yet very hard to predict being 100% sure. People trek 12 months of the year up to Everest base camp trek but certainly, there is ups and downs in every season, It is best suited to trek during the spring and the autumn as the sky is crystal clear from dusk till dawn, the rainy weather stops and thick sun-blocking clouds also fades. The Magic of clear azure skies provides the most spectacular vistas. With added those breathtaking views, the temperature is also exquisite with sunlight being warm and the environment after delving of the sun is not as cold as other months. Tho during the winters and monsoon, it becomes a bit challenging to trek due to heavy snowfall, cold temperature but that’s what excites many trekkers.

Acclimatization

January to February
This time is the coldest, especially from early January to early February. This when there is heavy snowfall in the mountain and can result to extreme cold temperature. Though the daytime may be warm and admirable with clear skies, the night time would be extremely cold but it’s perfectly fine to trek in these months as discovery world trekking make sure of every possible safety during the trek but if you are allergic to extreme cold, you shouldn’t be trekking at these month or else people trek 12 months of the year and leave their footprints around the world’s highest peaks.

Temperature: Temperatures  ranges from 15°C to -15°C.

March to April
This is one of the best time of the season to hike in the Everest Base Camp. The weather is very favourable this month. Stunning views of the Himalaya ranges and glaciers will be seen. March being beginning of the Spring season, The weather starts to warm up during these months.  During these months, all flora and fauna dormant throughout the winter back to life feeding and breeding in the sun-kissed temperatures. Temperatures may start increasing from the mid of March and with clear skies, snow mountains will be seen at their best. Many trekkers often succeed their expedition at this time.

Temperature: Around 18 °C. At night, the average minimum temperatures drop down to around -12 °C.  

May to June
This is also the perfect time for trekking right before the rainfall. Nepal starts its rainfall from the end of June till mid of August. The season of spring and summer makes the trek much more enjoyable.

Temperature: Around 25°C. At daylight and it drops down to around -5°C.  

July to August
The rainfall hits at its peak during this time, below 3500 meters. Due to heavy rainfall, Flights to Lukla may get canceled at beginning or end of the trek but trekkers are seen in those month too trekking towards everest base camp, it’s challenging but not impossible, if you choose to trek in these months Discovery world trekking will take care of your safety at its fullest as it does in every month but as the way is not that favorable its not highly recommended to trek in these months but  The rainfall also provides spectacular views of the waterfall and avoid the crowds like other months.

Temperature: Around 27°C at daylights to 5°C

September to October
This is also one of the perfect seasons for the EBC Trek. This season is the peak of tourists due to the favourable weather. As the monsoon slowly ends, a perfect trekking climate sets itself. The temperature goes up to 20 degrees in the day time and falls down to 5 degrees during the night time. This season is when trekkers enjoy trekking the most, with a clear sky, and an amazing view of the mountains. It is highly recommended as it’s the best time for the Everest Base Camp trek, usually from mid-September to end. Tourists in this season are also attracted by the main festival of Nepal; Dashain and Tihar.

Temperature: Temperature goes up to 20 degrees in the day time and falls down to 5 degrees

November to December
As winter slowly begins, snow falls begin in the Himalaya region and it eventually gets tough to trek. Nights get very colder . November is the busy season people all over the world come at these months as its the clearest month with sparkling days and amazing views of humongous mountains. The daytime temperatures are very stable and constant and due to this, the view of the clear blue sky and the mountain is phenomenal. From December, the temperature starts to get cold and begins to snow like diamonds in the sky.

Please Note: The weather in the Himalaya is so unpredictable and the temperature may change quickly from day to night..

Trip Grade: Fitness level, Medical, and Health

The Everest Base Camp trek is a challenging yet rewarding trek. The hiking will be from 5 to 7 hours a day depending the on the destination, taking regular breaks where we admire the mountain views. The trek routes involve long climbs, steep descents and a steep forward trail in the rocky paths and the forests as well. To go on such treks, the fitter, the more comfortable and enjoyable the journey will be. If you have an experience or enjoy trekking, this may be an advantage for you. This trek is not recommended to those who suffer from sensitive medical conditions such as heart or lungs disease.

Trekking group/single

The group is generally about 2 to 12 packs on the trek. A group of 8 will be accompanied by a leader, assistant guide, and porters. We are also happy to organize a single private trek with your own family time frame.

A typical day on the trek

Every day will be rewarded with a unique experience of trekking, climbing enjoying the scenery, taking photos and exploring the local villages. During the expedition, we are accompanied by experienced, friendly and qualified expert Sherpa’s sharing information and historical facts about the places as we trek. We will also be accompanied by the porters who carry our luggage. However, we will be carrying our small regular day bag pack of necessary items. The day starts with an early morning hot cup of tea/coffee. After packing our bags and gorging on a wholesome breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk around 7 AM to 8 AM, depending on the duration and nature of the day’s walk. After trekking for three to four hours, lunch will be served around midday on the route to the next destination and we continue after about an hour of rest. The afternoon walk is generally shorter; about two to three hours. Once we reach our overnight lodge/tea house/tent, we snack on the extra dietary food. We will have free time to explore nearby places. Dinner is served around 6 PM to 7 PM. After dinner and before going to bed, we indulge in friendly conversations and discuss the experience of that day. The expedition leader/guide will brief us about the next day’s plan. After this briefing, we enjoy on board games like monopoly, cards and watch available mountaineering documentaries. Most of the foreigners indulge in light and fun learning of Nepalese language from our crew or read books before heading off to bed for a well-deserved sleep.

Communication on trek

On the Gokyo Lakes Trek, the use of internet service will be available at the lodges with some extra service charge. You can contact your family and friends via the lodges, but once we reach high altitudes communication will be through the phone for safety proposes. We'll communicate all our valuable clients through our leader to at least once in a day to make sure you're fine, safe, feel right and have everything up there. You'll always be connected to Kathmandu's DWT office for any kind of help during the trek. Also, depending on the kind of network you use, there will be the signal but not very strong before the high altitude. On your request, we can provide you with a separate local sim card (Most of the places have wifi service available with an extra cost) for good access to connecting.

Extra personal expenses on trekking

Discovery World Trekking tries to provide all extra expenses excluded from the package. Meals and accommodations in Kathmandu is up to our clients themselves as all kind of hotels/lodges (both luxury & budget) can be booked easily online or even we can do it for on request. All our valuable clients will have to bring personal spending money with them to cover costs of accommodations in Kathmandu, visa process, travel insurance policy purchase, beverages, snacks for the trek, hot and cold drinks, tips to the trekking crew members, souvenirs etc. We recommend bringing cash (dollars) which can be changed to rupees here cause during the trek only Nepalese currency is accepted.

Electricity and battery recharge, water on trekking

Throughout the lodges at Everest base camp, electricity for the camera and mobile battery recharge is available with an extra cost in all lodges. Most of the lodges have hydroelectricity and some of them have used the solar panels. Water during the trek, you can buy either packed mineral water from local lodges and en route shop or filling boiled water at an extra cost. A water purification pill is will be provided to make water drinkable.

Travel insurance

This trip grade is ranked the challenging difficult as it entails the risk of high altitude trekking, potential altitude sickness and other unforeseen events including sudden climate changes. Travel insurance is a significant part of our booking condition for The Everest base camp trek. All the members of trekking must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate to Discovery World Trekking. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation inclusive of helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitude (up to 6000m) for trekking members. We can recommend insurance companies to help you but we don’t directly get involved in the sale of the insurance policy. Members can be refused to be included in the trekking based on insufficient, improper or absence of travel insurance policy. Trekking members are kindly requested to send their detailed insurance information once they book for the trekking. In case of emergency situations, we will be using the insurance policy and informational documents you sent us. This will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help etc. Please ensure that the insurance company includes the cost incurred for mountain rescue service at the highest elevation of the trekking.

Passport and visa

All foreigners except Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. Visa is available on arrival in the Tribhuvan international airport. Visa can be extended at the central immigration office www.immigratiion.gov.np The visa application will require at least a passport of 6 months’ validity, and a passport size photo. The current cost of visa fee is the US $40 for 30 days which have to be paid in cash on arrival on Tribhuvan International Airport. Citizens of China and the SAARC countries will receive a free visa. There are certain countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan)that may not receive the visa on arrival and so you will have to contact your local Nepalese embassy.

Money exchange

Nepali Rupees (NPR/Rs) is the local currency.

(1 USD = ~ Rs.100 NPR).

We can exchange most of the foreign currencies through local banks and legitimate money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel. Small amounts of cash can also be exchanged at the hotel.

The ongoing rate of exchange is visibly displayed. The government of Nepal has banned the import, export and use of 500 and 1000 Indian Rupee note in Nepal. You should ensure that you are not carrying these notes on arrival in Nepal as they will be confiscated and you may also be fined.

Despite having security advantage of traveller's cheque, we prefer cash exchange to avoid hassles like a lengthy process and high rate of commission at the banks. You can withdraw cash (in Rupees only) from one of the many ATMs in Kathmandu and Thamel itself. There are quite several ATMs that are open around the clock. The maximum withdrawal amount is 35,000 Rupees for a 500 Rupees processing fee if you are using your foreign card.

If you use the money exchange facility at banks and financial institutions the service fee charge imposed is about four percent or more depending upon the bank.

During the trek, there are no banks and money exchange services so you should exchange your money in Kathmandu only, depending on how much personal expense you require as in Himalayan region people only accept Nepalese Currency

How Much Luggage can I take during Gokyo Lake Trek?

The weight limit for your luggage is 9 kg per trekker, Porters will be assigned to carry your luggage, Two people will be assigned with one porter, combined luggage should not exceed more than 18 kgs. We never overload our porters. but a should carry your own knapsack or backpack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. Only carry what is essentials, You can leave any excess baggage either at your hotel or at the Discovery World Trekking store for free and it'll be completely safe.

Gokyo Lake Trek Safety

Discovery World Trekking guarantees our valuable clients safety, security, and satisfaction. Safety is the utmost important concern for us. For the trek, we will be carrying all the necessary gears, equipment, and first aid kits. Our leaders and guides have vast knowledge and have extensive first aid training. If a trekker falls sick due to the altitude, it is entirely up to the trekker to decide if he/she will further continue as health is very important. In case of emergency, the rescue helicopter will always be ready to bring you back from the higher elevation. During the trek, every group will be together so that everyone is safe and won't wander off alone.