Gokyo Lakes Trek

Preparation

Physical fitness plays a crucial role, and trekkers must be well-prepared. Stamina and physical endurance are equally vital to completing this journey. Along with good physical fitness, mental endurance is equally important to complete this trek.

The accommodation and food options are very basic. Modern amenities, the internet, and communication services will not be available. Prepare yourself mentally and set realistic expectations for the challenges ahead. Thus, to conquer this trek, you must possess resilience, grit, and determination.

We highly recommend you start a training plan at least three months before the trek.

Building stamina, increasing strength, and getting used to walking with a backpack are essential preparation steps. Activities like cycling, swimming, and cardiovascular and strength-building exercises are beneficial for getting ready for the trek.

The journey to Gokyo Valley presents a manageable trail, but ascending Gokyo Ri can be challenging due to its elevation of 5,357 m. So this also increases the chances of getting altitude sickness.

To mitigate the altitude risk, it is crucial to acclimatize gradually along the way. Fortunately, climbing Gokyo Ri doesn’t require any mountaineering or technical climbing skills. So this trek is accessible to those without extensive climbing experience, too.

Overall, the region’s isolation, off-the-beaten trails, high elevation, and challenging ascents and descents heighten the Gokyo Lakes Trek’s difficulty.

Compared to the other trekking routes, it demands more from trekkers. So, this trek is ideal for those seeking a greater challenge in the Everest Himalayas.

In total, the distance of the Gokyo Lakes trek from Lukla is 92 km (52 miles). However, to complete this distance, you need 12 days, including acclimatization days. The starting and ending points of the trekking tour are Lukla and

But if you plan to combine the Gokyo trek with Everest Base Camp and Chola Pass, then the length of the trek increases. Thus, the distance of the trek may vary depending on the specific itinerary, side trips, and variations in the trekking route.

Permits are the same for the entire Everest region. You need two permits for the Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes Trek:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

The Gokyo Trail goes through Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal. So, it is mandatory to get this national park permit. You can get this permit from Kathmandu or Monjo. The cost of the permit is NRS 3,000 per person (subject to change).

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

In 2018, the local government of the Khumbu region started to issue the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. Since then, this permit has also replaced the Tourism Information Management System (TIMS) card.

Meanwhile, you will get this permit only in Monjo or Namche. The cost of this local permit is NRS 2,000 per person.

The teahouses and hotels of the Gokyo Lakes trek offer both Nepalese and Western cuisine. Most of the hotels serve similar food menus. Mostly, you will get the option of the local staple dish, dal bhat, for lunch and dinner. It is simple, yet delicious and fulfilling.

For breakfast, you have bread, omelets, muesli, porridge, boiled eggs, etc. Additionally, you will get tea and coffee options for drinks. Besides, at Namche, there are several bakery-cafés. So you can get fresh-baked cake, cookies, and coffee.

Many hotels also serve vegetarian and vegan meals, as per requirements. But for these special foods, you have to speak to the hotel owners or travel agencies before trekking. So that they can prepare accordingly.

Moreover, due to the rugged terrain, the goods must be carried for several days using porters or yaks. So the cost of food increases. Food is relatively cheaper in the lower valleys.

Accommodation on the Gokyo trekking route

During the Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek, the accommodations can be categorized into two types. Up to Namche, you will find spacious rooms with attached bathrooms.

Also, in most lodges, you will get various amenities such as nice furniture, electric blankets, hot showers, charging facilities, and Wi-Fi. Some lower-elevation towns even have luxury lodges for more comfort.

However, as you progress from Namche towards Gokyo, the accommodations become more basic. The room typically has two single beds and limited furniture. But you will have all the essential amenities, such as a comfortable bed, pillow, and blanket. It’s advisable to carry a warm sleeping bag to cope with the cold nights in the Gokyo Valley.

As you ascend higher, the attached bathroom will be scarce. Most teahouses have common bathrooms in the backyard. Only luxurious hotels offer rooms with an attached bathroom.

On the Gokyo Lakes itinerary, especially beyond Namche, the number of teahouses decreases. This results in very basic facilities at higher altitudes. So, it is essential to prepare for simpler accommodations.

Also, the cost of accommodation tends to increase with altitude. So plan your budget accordingly.

Staying connected during the Gokyo Lakes trek is essential to keeping your loved ones updated about your trekking progress. Fortunately, up to Namche Bazaar, there are several communication options available.

Most hotels have Wi-Fi services, and the local phone network is also reliable. You can even purchase data packages from mobile network operators like NTC or NCELL for internet access while in the villages.

However, as you continue the trek and ascend in altitude, communication becomes more challenging. In villages like Dole and Machhermo, internet connectivity is limited, and the network may not be reliable, especially on the trails.

The Everest Link, a dedicated Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the Everest region, offers internet access through satellite networks. But it is only available at certain hotels via their hotspots.

Along the Gokyo Lakes Trek route, electricity is available. You don’t have to worry about charging your electronic devices.

However, you need to pay a small fee to charge devices like phones, cameras, iPods, etc. Above Namche, electricity is solar-powered, depending on sunny weather. So consider bringing a portable solar charger.

Likewise, staying hydrated is vital to avoid altitude sickness. Safe drinking water options include purifying stream water with tablets or filters, buying mineral water (USD 1 to 3), or getting boiled water from teahouses for a small charge.

As you go higher, the cost might increase.

The Gokyo Lakes route is more remote than the EBC trail. So you might worry about the toilet and shower facilities in Gokyo Valley. But for your comfort, there are clean and comfortable toilets on the trail.

Up until Namche Bazaar, most tea houses had Western-style sitting toilets. However, beyond Namche, places like Dole and Machhermo feature squat toilets. So, for some travelers, it might be a different experience. While many tea houses offer indoor toilets, not all of them have attached bathrooms.

On the trip to Gokyo Valley, you will find hot shower facilities available at every hotel or lodge. We offer complimentary hot showers until the Namche Bazaar to ensure a comfortable start to your trek.

However, beyond Namche, hot water for showers will be provided using a bucket system. And there will be an additional charge for the service. Please be prepared to pay extra if you wish to enjoy a hot bath beyond Namche Bazaar.

The Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes Trek is a high-altitude trek. So, it poses a significant risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is due to the rapid ascent to altitudes above 5,000m.

The thin air at such a high elevation can be challenging to adapt to. So, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, it’s important to take the following precautions:

Acclimatise: Allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. Plan rest days during the trek to give your body a chance to acclimatize gradually.

Ascend slowly; Avoid rapid ascent. Gradually increases your elevation. Allow your body to cope with the changes in air pressure and oxygen levels.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of altitude sickness.

Recognize symptoms: Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. It may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. If you experience any of these, inform your trekking guide immediately.

Descend if necessary: If symptoms of altitude sickness worsen, it’s crucial to descend to a lower altitude promptly. Do not ignore any warning signs, as they can lead to severe health issues.

The maximum weight allowed for your main pack is 20–25 kg (lbs) when using a porter service.

For the Lukla flight, the weight limit is 10 kg of luggage and 5 kg of hand luggage. If your luggage exceeds these limits, an additional charge of two to three dollars per kilogram will apply.

For a trek to Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri, having appropriate travel insurance is essential, especially one that covers altitudes above 5,000m. Regular travel insurance may not cover such high altitudes. So, it’s crucial to ensure your insurance policy specifically covers this aspect.

Prior to embarking on the trek, carefully review your travel insurance. Make sure it includes all necessary provisions such as flight cancellations, loss of travel luggage, accidents, altitude sickness, and, notably, helicopter rescue coverage.

This comprehensive insurance will provide you with peace of mind and the necessary support in case of any unforeseen events during your memorable journey to Gokyo Ri and the stunning Gokyo Valley.

On the Gokyo Lakes trail, most tea houses exclusively accept Nepalese Rupee (NPR) cash. While some luxurious lodges may accept Mastercard and Visa. But they might impose higher rates for emergency transactions.

Likewise, ATMs are scarce in the Everest region. You can find a few ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, but they are not reliable. To ensure you have enough funds, you can withdraw enough cash in Kathmandu before embarking on your Gokyo Ri trek.

Additionally, it’s essential to exchange your currency beforehand. Kathmandu offers various options, such as banks, certified forex exchange counters, hotels, and Kathmandu International Airport, where you can exchange your currency easily before setting off on your memorable Gokyo adventure.

Most tea houses in Gokyo Valley will charge for Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charging electronic devices. You have to pay for extra food and drinks such as tea, coffee, snacks, etc. that are not included in the package.

Moreover, it is customary in Nepal to show appreciation to the hardworking guides and porters who accompany you on your journey.

These dedicated individuals spend more than a week away from their families to help you navigate the challenging mountain terrain. Thus, offering a tip is a common practice. The amount is entirely at your discretion.