Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return is Getting Popular in Nepal

 Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the most scenic valley treks in Nepal. Gokyo Lake trek lies towards the west of the infamous Khumbu region. The peaceful valley is located in the Khumjung Village Development Committee of Solukhumbu District. It is one of the famous treks in the Everest Region well known for pristine turquoise lakes. There are altogether 19 lakes in the Gokyo Lake System, ranging in height from 4,700 m–to 5,000 m covering the area of 485 acres of Ramsar Site. Out of the 19 lakes, six of them are open for tourists in the Gokyo Lake Trek. The wilderness of nature boasts extensive pastures for yaks to graze during summer, simply breathtaking. The best part about Gokyo Valley Trek is it can be a sub-trek of the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is possible to extend the package by adding another five days to the itinerary.

The trail takes us through many villages, including Khumjung, Kunde, Namche, and Gokyo, giving us a glimpse of life in the mountains. The lifestyle in these century-old settlements is influenced by the Tibetan Buddhist culture. Thus, we will come across many Gumbas, Chorten, Mani walls, and prayer flags along the way. The foods are also adapted to the crops available and the energy required for thriving living in those cold areas. You should not miss trying the Tibetan Butter Tea- made up of yak butter, salt, milk, and tea leaves.

The trek starts on the third day, as soon as you land at Lukla airport, one of the most dangerous airports in the world. A three (3) hour trek to Phakding is a perfect start of the trek after an energizing breakfast in Lukla. Lukla is a small market that has a couple of restaurants, tea houses, souvenir shops, cloth shops, and hotels. It is the Gateway to the Everest Region. A thirty (30) minute flight from Kathmandu takes you to a completely different world in Nepal. After hiking for almost three hours through the rhododendron and oak forest, we reach Phakding. Most of the tea houses are closed in December and January. Lukla to Phakding is a downhill trek with a few uphill trails, which is a perfect way to start your journey. Phakding is 2600 m above sea level while Lukla is at 2900 m. Phakding is perfect for acclimatizing, as it is the lowest point from Lukla to Namche.

The next day, we trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar, which is almost a seven (7) hour trail. On the way, there is a place named Jorsal where we lunch as it is the last village before Namche Bazar. You need to up your energy levels for the rest of the trail, which is almost four (4) hours. The trail goes side by side with the Dudh Koshi River. The Hillary Bridge, a suspension bridge, marks the start of the difficult part of the trek to Namche. A huge uphill trail to Namche Bazar is one of the most strenuous sections of the trek. 

Namche Bazar at the height of 3440 m is a perfect place for acclimatization as you begin to feel the oxygen depletion in the air. The oxygen level depletes to 64% at Namche. Spending two nights at Namche Bazar provides you an opportunity to explore the Namche area. There are a few pool/snooker houses, bars, and a museum where you can spend your day as a component of acclimatization.

After a good breakfast in the morning, the Namche to Dole trek starts. The trek offers you incredible views of the world's tallest mountains. There comes a place named Saras, where the trek trail to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley separate. The vast landscapes of the wilderness are just overwhelming, and something never witnessed before. The trek route in the section is sculpted on the slopes of the rocky mountains. Some parts a secured on the side by metal railings. A big forty (40) minute downhill trek to Forgetanga and a strenuous uphill climb will take you to Dole. 

The next day we will trek to Machhermo at a height of 4470 m. It is comparatively an easy trek to a day before, but you can feel the depletion in oxygen level. The weather gets chillier as you go higher, so high-quality winter gear and sleeping gear are a must in this region for staying warm and a good night's sleep. The weather is so cold that ice is turned into drinking water in this region. Macchermo is the next acclimatization spot where you will hike 200 m uphill from the tea house. The view from the higher location at Machhermo is spectacular. Mount Cho Oyu (8210 m) seems just next to your eyes. 

Day eight(8) is the final day towards Gokyo Lake, where you will spend 3 to 4 days in Gokyo Village depending upon the package you have selected. Gokyo Village is a small but beautiful place on Earth. The village resides on the lap of Gokyo Ri, Dudh Pokhari, and Mount Cho Oyu. The view of Renjo La Pass is incredibly astonishing. Gokyo Lake 1- Gyazumpa (72 acres) and Gokyo Lake 2- Taujan Pkhari (41.9 acres) come first on the way to Gokyo Lake 3 (106 acres), where you stay in a tea house. Gokyo Lake 3, also known as Dudh Pokhari, is the main attraction among the Lakes. Gokyo Lake 4- Tonak Pokhari (160.8 acres) is the largest of all. Gokyo Lake 5- Ngojunpa Cho (35.6 acres) is situated at the base of Mount Cho Oyu. The Lakes are frozen during the winter, so the best time for Gokyo Valley Trek is during Autumn ( mid-September to end-November ) and Spring (March-May ). 

You can choose to climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) if it is a part of your package. Gokyo Ri is just a 2-3 hour climb from the place of your stay beside the Gokyo Lake 3. The top of Gokyo Ri is the only spot that offers you the sight of four of the highest mountains in the world. Cho Oyu (8,210 m), Mt. Everest (8,848), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), and Makalu (8,485 m) are the mountains, you can witness from atop of Gokyo Ri. Visiting the Gokyo 5 and 6 will take an extra day at Gokyo Village. Ngozumpa Glacier is covered in rocks and sand, one of the biggest glaciers in the world. This glacier offers a spectacular view of the mountainous landscape. 

So, if you are craving for lakes, mountains, forests, altitude, and rural settings all at once, this trek is the one for you. Adventure White Mountain will take care of all your arrangements so that you can fully enjoy what you came for.

Best Time of the Year for Gokyo Valley Trek

The best time of the year for the Gokyo Lake trek is Autumn( September to December ). Also, the Spring Season( March to May ) is favorable for the trek. You can get the best landscape of hills, mountain ranges, and forest areas during this time. January and February are not the perfect times for the trek because of the unpredictable weather conditions. The route shines bright, and the lodges wait for the guests all the time. Overall, get ready for the trek, it’s going to make your dream come true. 

Food in Gokyo Lake trek

Breakfast and a meal will be provided by Adventure White Mountain. Other items like daily breakfast and snacks will be provided during the trek. The lodges we stay in will be standard with all sorts of necessary things well-managed. During the trekking time, we recommend the Local food items of Nepal (Daal, Bhat, Pickles, and Curry).

FAQs

How long do we need to hike every day on average?

The hiking time depends upon the travelers. We have found that some are fit and fine and can walk continuously. Hence, they complete a daily hike for an average of 5 hours. For others, it may take 5-7 hours daily. 

Are the guides well-known about the location?

Of course, the guides are experienced with detailed knowledge of routes, tea houses, mountains, and hills. You can ask and check their English because your guide must understand you clearly.  Every guide that we hire is perfect in English Speaking.

Is it possible for kids to go on the Gokyo Lake trek?

Yes, it’s possible to take kids to the trek. We can arrange a family trek to Gokyo Valley trek. 

Trip Highlights

• Observe freshwater lake system
• Get a view of four mountains over 8000m— Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Cho Oyu
• Observe 19 lakes 
• Witness village called Gokyo located at the highest altitude in the world
• See the largest glacier of the Himalayas— Ngozumpa Glacier