let us begin this article with a disclaimer: we are not avid trekkers. In fact, we had never completed a serious trip before showing up in Nepal. So to state that we approached our trekking experience in Nepal with some nervousness is a overall understatement. However, in spite of our lack of trekking prowess, we absolutely liked it!
After lots of research study as well as suggestions from other travellers, we ultimately decided to deal with the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek. However, we were not material with the typical 12-day trek. No siree. We had to make it a tad more difficult for ourselves. We added a side trip to Gokyo Lakes – as well as we are so thankful we did. It was the highlight of our trip in Nepal!
Here are a few often asked concerns about the trip to Gokyo Lakes to assist plan your trip.
What are the Gokyo Lakes?
Gokyo Lakes are a series of six spectacular glacial lakes. The lakes are at altitudes of between 4,700m as well as 5,000m, making them a few of the world’s greatest freshwater lakes. The lakes are located in the gorgeous Sagarmatha national Park, which is likewise house to install Everest. Trekkers frequently go to Gokyo Lakes as a side trip on the prominent install Everest Base Camp trek.
Why should I go to Gokyo Lakes?
For starters, the Gokyo Lakes are spectacularly beautiful. The panoramic views over the turquoise lakes with 8,000m-plus peaks in the background is a quite unforgettable experience.
You will likewise get the chance to climb Gokyo Ri, the mountain overlooking the little village Gokyo. This climb offers a few of the most incredible views of Mt Everest as well as Cho Oyu you will find. The views are probably even much better than Kalapathar, which is the most prominent perspective along the traditional EBC trip route. Unfortunately, we didn’t get fantastic views of Mt Everest when we climbed Gokyo Ri because of bad weather, however it was still a fantastic climb.
We likewise liked that there were almost no other trekkers on the Gokyo Lakes route. The Gokyo Lakes side trip is still a relatively peaceful route, which means you can frequently walk a couple of hours without seeing other people. The traditional EBC trip path is quite crowded, which can take away from the ambience at times.
The Gokyo Lakes side trip is likewise a rewarding additional challenge. Climbing Gokyo Ri as well as crossing the Cho La Pass are two of the hardest things we have ever done, however we were so proud of ourselves when we had done it. You will have to push yourself, however you will likewise be rewarded for your efforts.
How Do I get to Gokyo Lakes?
Most people go to Gokyo Lakes as a side trip on the method to EBC. You can likewise go to Gokyo Lakes as a stand-alone trip.
You will begin your trip by flying from Kathmandu to Lukla. Be warned: this flight is not for the faint-hearted. Also, you should prepare for some serious delays at the Kathmandu airport.
Our trip started with a 7-hour delay sitting in the Kathmandu flight terminal while we waited for the weather condition to enhance in Lukla. Katherine is a extremely anxious flyer, so the wait was not a fantastic start. Her fears were compounded by the truth that we were flying with an airline that had 3 weeks earlier crashed into the side of a mountain. We had one false runway begin before we lastly took off.
The scenery during the flight is spectacular, however the landing is rather hair-raising. The Lukla flight terminal is set into the side of a mountain as well as there is quite much no descent. We would explain the ‘runway’ more as a driveway with a slight incline.
If flying isn’t for you, it is likewise possible to catch a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri. From Jiri, it is an additional 7-day’s trip to Lukla.
From Lukla, you will slowly ascend with the Khumbu Valley along the usual EBC trip route. After Namche exchange you will peel off the primary EBC trip path towards Gokyo Lakes. You will cross the Cho La pass after visiting Gokyo Lakes to rejoin the primary EBC trip route. The itinerary we complied with is set out below.
Our EBC via Gokyo Lakes trip Itinerary
There are little villages every couple of hours along the path to Gokyo Lakes. This means you can be somewhat versatile with your itinerary. However, whichever itinerary you choose, make sure you do not ascend as well quickly.
If you ascend as well quickly (especially after Namche Bazaar), you might end up with altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is potentially deadly, as well as the only remedy is to head back down to a lower altitude. listen to your body as well as descend if you begin feeling the impacts of altitude sickness.
We complied with the complying with itinerary on our EBC via Gokyo Lakes trek:
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m), then trip to Phakding (2,610m)
Day 2: Phakding to Namche exchange (3,440m)
Day 3: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
Day 4: Namche exchange to Dole (4,038m)
Day 5: Dole to Machhermo (4,470m)
Day 6: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,750m)
Day 7: Gokyo to Dragnag (4,940m), with morning hike up Gokyo Ri (5,357m)
Day 8: Dragnag to Dzongla (4,830m) via Cho La Pass (5,420m)
Day 9: Dzongla to Lobuche (4,940m)
Day 10: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,380m), staying in Gorak Shep (5,164m)
Day 11: Gorak Shep to Pheriche (4,371m), with optional morning hike up Kalapathar (5,550m)
Day 12: Pheriche to Tengboche (3,860m)
Day 13: Tengboche to Namche exchange (3,440m)
Day 14: Namache exchange to Phakding (2,610m)
Day 15: Phakding to Lukla, with flight house to Kathmandu
However, you should be gotten ready for itinerary modifications along the way. You made requirement to have additional acclimatization days or there may be delays because of poor weather. We almost got stuck at Dragnag for an entire day because of an overnight blizzard!
Should I utilize a tour Company?
For non-trekkers (like ourselves), it is most likely smart to utilize a tour business as the Gokyo Lakes path is not rather as well-trodden as the usual EBC trip route. However, it is possible to hire a guide just for the trickier parts of the path from lodges along the way. For example, in Dragnag you can hire a guide from your lodge just to take you over the Cho La Pass.
We selected a little regional tour business for our trip called Base Camp experience Treks & Expedition. Our 15 day/16 night trip expense US$1240 per person. This included flights to Lukla, a guide, a porter, accommodation, meals as well as park entrance fees. Overall, we were quite happy with their service. We recommend shopping around, reading on the internet evaluations as well as speaking to a few different business to pick the right one for you.
For more experienced trekkers, this path is definitely achievable without a guide or porter. If you requirement more info on selecting a tour company, or whether to trek independently, inspect out our handy guide.
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