Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes

Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes Overview

If you’re planning a trek to Everest Base Camp by taking a less-used path to witness its beauty, you must consider the Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp trek. This route takes trekkers to Everest Base Camp through Cho La Pass, a high mountain pass.

The trek to Everest Base Camp and the breathtaking scenery of the Gokyo Lakes are combined in the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek takes you through several shrines and prayer flags, as well as stunning meadows that are used as yak pastures.

The journey to Everest Base Camp will lead you past amazing suspension bridges, and Buddhist monasteries. During the trek, you will witness several notable peaks besides Mount Everest, such as Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam.

Located in the heart of the Himalayas, the main entry point to the Everest region is the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Enjoying the view of the vibrant rhododendron garden surrounded by snow-covered mountains, this flight will provide you with a lifetime experience.

Trekkers will get an exceptional opportunity to visit two of the most beautiful locations in the Himalayas on this challenging trek. The residents of this region are the Shrepas who celebrate their major festival Gyalpo Losar during February. This festival is considered their New Year which they celebrate worshipping and dancing together.

You’ll get to visit Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can find hemlock and pine forests and wildlife such as martens, musk deer, and the Himalayan mouse hare (pika) in the lower region whereas vegetation like fir, juniper, birch, and colorful rhododendron forests in the upper region.

Everest Gokyo Lake trek offers you a less crowded route to see Mount Everest. It is a more favorable option than the 5,550-meter Kalapathar trek. The Gokyo Ri 5,445m is a 650m climb from the Gokyo 4,790m camp.

The Gokyo Ri Trek follows the Dudh Kosi River to Namche Bazaar which is 3,440 meters above sea level. It is the center city of the Sherpa people. Following the Kyangjuma, your trek proceeds into the Gokyo Valley by several left turns of the Dudh Kosi River. The trekking trail from Mount Everest’s Gokyo Ri to Mongla Danda leads to Gokyo and Gokyo lakes.

The Everest Gokyo walk offers a view of the pure and pristine Gokyo Lake. A popular trekking route leads north of Gokyo to see the fourth lake (Thonak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozum tho).

In the early morning, you will trek to Gokyo Ri 5,445m for an exceptionally good sun upward thrust view of Mount Everest, including Base Camp, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Pumori, Amadablam, Thamserku, Kangteka, Kusum kangaroo, Cho La Pass 5,420M, and largest Ngzumpa glacier.

You can walk to the sixth lake and Cho Oyu base camp if you have the time. Thus, the Gokyo walk offers breathtaking trekking with a great view of Gokyo Lake and Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, all rising beyond 8,000 meters in the Everest region of Gokyo Ri.

Best Time of the Trek

You have to select a season that will give you the best chance to see the most stunning landscapes and majestic mountains because trekking experiences are impacted by the weather.

Unfortunately, this region has erratic weather, and unforeseen circumstances can arise at any time of year. The best times of year to visit this place, however, are thought to be spring (March-May) and fall (September–November).

January to February

This time of year is the coldest, especially in early January and early February. During this winter, the mountain receives a lot of snowfall, which can cause temperatures to drop significantly.

If you have a cold allergy during these months, trekking is not advised. However, DWT will also lead safe and secure treks during these seasons if you’re willing to put in the work.
Temperature: 15°C to -15°C

March to April

Since the weather is so good, this is one of the best times of year to trek at the Everest Base Camp. You will be able to see the Himalayan mountain ranges and their beautiful glaciers.
March brings with it the return of winter-dormant plants and animals as the weather warms.

In mid-March, the temperature rises, and the snow-capped mountains look stunning when the sky is clear.
Temperature: 18 °C to -12 °C

May to June

It’s also the best time of year to go trekking, right before the rainy season begins. In Nepal, the rainy season lasts from the end of June until the middle of August. The trek is more comfortable at this time of year because it’s warmer than at other times.
Temperature: 25°C to -5°C

July to August

The rainy season reaches its peak below 3,500 meters during this time of year. Even though heavy rains may cause flights from Luka to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to Luka to be delayed, trekkers still travel to Everest Base Camp during these months.

During the monsoon season, the trails are less crowded and the waterfall can be viewed wonderfully. The trek is challenging, but not impossible.
Temperature: 27°C to 5°C

September to October

Many trekkers visit EBC during these months because it is one of the greatest times of year for the EBC Trek. An environment with comfortable temperatures that is perfect for trekking finally emerges when the monsoon comes to a close. We strongly suggest that you trek right now.
Temperature: 20°C to 5°C

November to December

In November, snow starts to fall in the trekking areas as winter draws closer. At night, it becomes colder. December is a particularly cold month, and the paths are covered in snow. Hiking is not advised during this time.
Temperature: 18°C to – 10°C

Trek Difficulty

With a maximum elevation of almost 5,000 meters, the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes trek is a challenging trekking route. The trail goes through numerous side valleys and high-altitude mountain passes, with you walking for six or seven hours per day.

There are limited emergency services and medical facilities, which could be problematic if someone becomes ill or is severely hurt. The trek’s difficulty is determined by your level of ability and fitness. Although it’s not technically challenging, trekkers should be ready for steep ascents and descents due to the high altitude.

Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Permits

This is one of the most rewarding trekking experiences you can have in Nepal. Hundreds of trekkers, eco-adventurers, and environmentalists are drawn to Everest for its landscape and culture every year.

Everest Base Camp is situated inside a protected area in the Sagarmatha. Trekkers need specific authorization to enter the area before beginning their journey.

There are now two types of permits required to travel to Everest Base Camp. Similarly, the Trek Card permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek are included with those from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Sagarmatha National Park. All trekkers in the Everest zone are now free of the need for TIMS Cards.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permission was issued by the local government in the Khumbu region. It is a new permit introduced in the region. The new authorization replaced the old TIMS Card as of October 1st, 2018.

The Kathmandu Tourism Board is the source for this permit. The majority of people get this permit at Lukla. If your trip starts in Phaplu and you didn’t gain permission in Lukla, you can get it in Monjo at the Sagarmatha National Park counter.

An Everest entry permit costs NPR 2000 per person for visits under four weeks and NPR 2500 per person for stays longer than four weeks. The same fee applies to both SAARC nations and non-Nepali citizens for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit. The authorization costs are exempt from VAT.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry permission is the first permission required to begin the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is well known that National Parks are restricted areas that require special authorization to enter.

Permissions to enter Sagarmatha Nepal Park are granted by the National Park Committee, an entity under the governance of the Nepali government. Once you reach Lukla, the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit will come in handy for trips to Phakding and other destinations.

A Sagarmatha National Park Permit costs:

• NPR 3000 per person (foreigners) plus 13% VAT.
• SAARC residents: NPR 1500 per person plus 13% VAT
• Nepalese: NPR 100 per each with 13% VAT

Children under the age of ten enter free of charge. Entry permits for Sagarmatha National Park are available at the Monjo entry gate. Another source is the Nepal Tourism Board in Kamaladi, Kathmandu.

The details from your passport and a copy of a valid visa (valid for at least the duration of the trek), are required for the Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. The trekking program’s schedule is also required.

Food During Everest Base Camp Trek

The most popular meals in the area are listed here, and you have access to a fairly large variety of locally inspired dishes from the tea houses’ menus during the journey.

Common Breakfast alternatives – Tibetan Breads (a fried bread in oil, also named Gurung bread in the Annapurna area), Chapati (dry bread, a wheat bread from the area) with cheese Oatmeal, French toast with jam, honey, and peanut butter, Fried corn flakes with a hash brown color Pancakes, cooked eggs, milk porridge, scrambles, Muesli.

Lunch options include a variety of noodle soups (Thukpa), local Nepalese dishes (Dahl and Bhat), dumplings (Momos), bread from Tibet or chapatti, pasta, Sherpa stew, soups, steaks, and potatoes, as well as sandwiches, pizza, rice with curry, burgers, and desserts like pizza and yak steak.

Dinner options include momos (dumplings), various varieties of thukpa (noodle soup), Dahl and Bhat (a local meal from Nepal), Tibetan / chapati bread, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, a variety of soups, steaks, potato items, sandwiches, pizza, rice with curry, spring rolls, Raman soups, burgers and pizza, yak steak, desserts, and hot and cold drinks.

The menu items at the tea house are fresh and healthy, prepared by hygienic specialists by the mountainside for mountain trekkers.

Many non-vegetarian products are offered on the tea rooms’ menus, but officially, none of the meats are on our list of suggestions because the meat in mountainous areas like these is unhygienic and unhealthy. But we would like to convince you not to smoke, consume alcohol, or consume meat.

Rice pudding, apple pie, fruit snicker/mars bar, popcorn, cake, and pastries are some examples of dessert and snack options.

Options for hot drinks: a variety of hot beverages, such as hot chocolates, black/milk coffees, hot mango, orange, and pineapple juices, and black/mint/ginger/green/lemon honey teas.

Accommodation During Trekking Days

In Nepal, trekking is more popular than ever. The quality of lodging on the majority of the trek routes has consequently significantly improved. In the place of the former basic peasant huts, a spacious hotel with running water, electricity, and indoor restrooms (some en suite) has been constructed.

You will have to pay to use the hot water, charging stations, and internet connection, but they are provided.

If you intend to use the internet and take daily showers, then you should budget about $10 each day. Still, there is a lot of development going on, and the lodges get progressively more rudimentary as you go up the slopes. Since most rooms only have a bench bed and a thin mattress, the furnishings are often somewhat sparse.

Namche is the exception to that rule. There are some excellent lodges in Namche, such as the Hil-Ten (copyright infringement is not a big deal in this area), and Illy and Lavazza coffee are available if you need a refreshment.

We have a list of preferred lodges and each one is routinely examined to guarantee the highest caliber of rooms. They are neat and well-maintained even in the worst case. Since accommodations cannot be reserved in advance, you can send a porter ahead to rent them for the night when the route is busy.

Accommodation in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and holds historic and cultural significance. You may find various kinds of lodging, ranging from 3-star hotels to 5-star establishments. You can reserve your hotel rooms in advance of your arrival at the Kathmandu airport.

Wifi Access on Everest Base Camp Trek

WIFI is available for purchase on the Everest Gokyo Lake. There are numerous places along the trail where you can access WiFi. Everest Gokyo Lake is the ideal destination for today’s passionate trekkers. Seeing the majesty of Everest is a dream for each explorer, and the experience is made even more seductive when it is shared with those you care about.

Altitude Sickness

Trekkers visiting Gokyo Lake will ascend to elevations over 5,000 meters. Trekkers visiting Gokyo Lake will ascend to elevations over 5,000 meters. Overcoming altitude sickness, sometimes referred to as mountain sickness, is another challenge on this expedition.

Along this trail, trekkers will continue to be prone to altitude sickness. You will ascend through high heights in a short time. You won’t have enough time to adjust to new circumstances.

Trekkers must therefore include separate days for acclimatization in this route. This altitude level has lower oxygen and air pressure, which makes the trek extremely hard. The symptoms include insomnia, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, etc.

If you get altitude sickness, you should get down quickly and, if needed, stop the trek. Avoid alcohol when trekking to help prevent dehydration. It is the main cause of acute mountain sickness and it is one of the main challenges of the Gokyo Lake Trek.

Drinking Water

Higher elevations make it imperative to stay hydrated, therefore you should drink a lot of water. Trekkers should rely on the teahouses’ boiling water for drinking. However, bottled water is sold in the majority of the shops and tea rooms along the road.

Small rivers and streams running off of glaciers usually cross the paths. These sources could appear pure, yet they might be contaminated by microorganisms. While surface water sources are often less dangerous than springs, treated water should always be ingested before drinking.

Trekkers can also use portable filters or pills for water purification to make clean water from streams or taps. Some bottles have filters built right into them; all you have to do is fill it up, screw on the cap, and drink.

The most effective approach to purify water is to boil it. As was previously said, you can get boiled water from teahouses. One liter of boiling water is less expensive than a disposable bottle.

Communication

For the Everest Base Camp journey to be both safe and comfortable, effective communication is crucial. It’s crucial to keep in mind to buy and utilize local SIM cards, charge your devices appropriately, and be prepared for emergencies.

There are locations along the Everest Base Camp ascent where cell phone coverage is provided by local Nepalese network carriers. At higher elevations or in remote regions, the signal may be weak or nonexistent. Compared to higher altitudes, lower towns like Lukla and Namche Bazaar often have more network coverage.

Several teahouses and lodges along the walking trail charge for Wi-Fi. Some teahouses and trekking guides have satellite phones available for emergency communication.

These satellite phones use satellite networks to establish communication linkages in locations where conventional mobile networks are not available. Modern satellite phones are user-friendly since they function and are designed similarly to traditional mobile phones.

In situations where internet or mobile phone access is unstable, offline communication methods come in handy. This requires carrying a physical map, hiking schedule, or guidebook.

Baggage Limits on Flights to Lukla

The internal flights run an absolutely rigorous maximum limit of 10kg for your primary equipment bag and a maximum of 5kg for your day sack. Before you depart the hotel for the trek, your bag will be weighed; if it is overweight, you will need to remove some goods and leave the rest at the hotel. The airport employees will weigh your luggage as well, so you must stay within these bounds.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required for trekkers to participate in all mountain trip and trekking programs for safety reasons. Purchasing travel insurance is like having protection you can rely on to enjoy your vacation worry-free, especially while visiting mountainous regions.

Purchasing quality compressive travel insurance is highly advised. This type of insurance should cover emergency helicopter rescue, medical evacuation costs, supported protection tours for personal injury, and repatriation charges, as well as any type of illness.

In addition to giving you total coverage for any mishap during your trip with us, having quality travel insurance will ensure you have peace of mind.

Tipping

Western culture introduced tipping to Nepal, but the people there have absorbed it into their own cultural customs, where it is highly esteemed to take gifts in a modest manner. Tipping is customarily done at $20 per day for guides, $15 for assistant guides, and $10 for porters.

Porters and guides help you in a variety of ways; they may ask about your well-being, lend a supportive ear, or help carry your daypack through challenging circumstances at higher elevations. Perhaps as a token of appreciation and respect for their commitment and assistance, you could consider leaving them a tip.

Currency Exchange

You won’t be able to purchase this before you travel because the Nepali Rupee is a closed currency. Since US dollars are frequently recognized, it is best to bring them with you when you travel.

US banknotes must be crisp, undamaged, and brand-new (less than ten years old). We can transport you to a bank or ATM if you need some local money. As an alternative, every hotel in Kathmandu will exchange your money.

Since the teahouses prefer local money over dollars, we advise you to bring local currency with you on the actual trek. In Kathmandu, you will also receive a more favorable exchange rate.

If your emergency money comes from a credit or debit card, be careful to notify your card issuer that you will be using it overseas. If not, you might find that your card becomes inoperative when you most need it.

A mid-range restaurant supper for two will set you back about $20 in Kathmandu. Typically, a taxi will charge $0.45 for the first mile and an additional $0.4 for each further mile. Alternatively, you might use the bus, which costs about $0.15 for a 5-kilometer trip. In general, souvenirs in Kathmandu are also less expensive.

We advise you to set aside $30 to $35 each day for food and beverages while on the trek.

If bad weather delays your trip to or from Lukla, you may also want to budget extra for the expense of a helicopter that can fly in inclement weather (about US$300–500 per person).