Allow us to start this text with a disclaimer: we aren’t avid trekkers. The truth is, we had by no means accomplished a critical trek earlier than arriving in Nepal. So to say that we approached our trekking journey in Nepal with some trepidation is a complete understatement. Nevertheless, regardless of our lack of trekking prowess, we completely beloved it!
After loads of analysis and proposals from different travellers, we ultimately determined to tackle the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek.
Nevertheless, we weren’t content material with the traditional 12-day trek. No siree. We needed to make it a tad tougher for ourselves. We added a facet journey to Gokyo Lakes – and we’re so glad we did. It was the spotlight of our trek in Nepal!
Listed here are a number of often requested questions in regards to the trek to Gokyo Lakes to assist plan your journey.
What are the Gokyo Lakes?
Gokyo Lakes are a sequence of six spectacular glacial lakes. The lakes are at altitudes of between 4,700m and 5,000m, making them among the world’s highest freshwater lakes.
The lakes are located within the stunning Sagarmatha Nationwide Park, which can also be residence to Mount Everest. Trekkers typically go to Gokyo Lakes as a facet journey on the favored Mount Everest Base Camp trek.
Why Ought to I Go to Gokyo Lakes?
For starters, the Gokyo Lakes are spectacularly stunning. The panoramic views over the turquoise lakes with 8,000m-plus peaks within the background is a reasonably unforgettable expertise.
Additionally, you will get the chance to climb Gokyo Ri, the mountain overlooking the small village Gokyo. This climb presents among the most unbelievable views of Mt Everest and Cho Oyu you can see.
The views are arguably even higher than Kalapathar, which is the preferred viewpoint alongside the normal EBC trek route. Sadly, we didn’t get nice views of Mt Everest after we climbed Gokyo Ri because of poor climate, however it was nonetheless an ideal climb.
We additionally beloved that there have been virtually no different trekkers on the Gokyo Lakes route.
The Gokyo Lakes facet journey remains to be a reasonably quiet route, which implies you possibly can typically stroll a few hours with out seeing different folks. The standard EBC trek route is fairly crowded, which might take away from the ambiance at occasions.
The Gokyo Lakes facet journey can also be a rewarding additional problem. Climbing Gokyo Ri and crossing the Cho La Cross are two of the toughest issues now we have ever executed, however we have been so happy with ourselves as soon as we had executed it. You’ll have to push your self, however additionally, you will be rewarded on your efforts.
How Do I Get to Gokyo Lakes?
Most individuals go to Gokyo Lakes as a facet journey on the best way to EBC. You can even go to Gokyo Lakes as a stand-alone journey.
You’ll start your journey by flying from Kathmandu to Lukla. Be warned: this flight will not be for the faint-hearted. Additionally, it’s best to put together for some critical delays at Kathmandu airport.
Our trek began with a 7-hour delay sitting within the Kathmandu airport whereas we waited for the climate to enhance in Lukla.
Katherine is a very nervous flyer, so the wait was not an ideal begin. Her fears have been compounded by the truth that we have been flying with an airline that had 3 weeks earlier crashed into the facet of a mountain. We had one false runway begin earlier than we lastly took off.
The surroundings throughout the flight is spectacular, however the touchdown is relatively hair-raising. The Lukla airport is about into the facet of a mountain and there’s just about no descent. We might describe the ‘runway’ extra as a driveway with a slight incline.
If flying isn’t for you, it’s also potential to catch a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri. From Jiri, it’s an additional 7-day’s trek to Lukla.
From Lukla, you’ll progressively ascend via the Khumbu Valley alongside the same old EBC trek route. After Namche Bazaar you’ll peel off the primary EBC trek route in the direction of Gokyo Lakes.
You’ll cross the Cho La go after visiting Gokyo Lakes to rejoin the primary EBC trek route. The itinerary we adopted is about out under.
EBC through Gokyo Lakes Trek Itinerary
There are small villages each couple of hours alongside the path to Gokyo Lakes. This implies you may be considerably versatile along with your itinerary. Nevertheless, whichever itinerary you select, ensure you don’t ascend too rapidly.
In case you ascend too rapidly (particularly after Namche Bazaar), you would find yourself with altitude illness.
Altitude sickness is doubtlessly lethal, and the one treatment is to move again right down to a decrease altitude. Take heed to your physique and descend in the event you begin feeling the results of altitude illness.
We adopted the next itinerary on our EBC through Gokyo Lakes trek:
- Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m), then trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Day 3: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
- Day 4: Namche Bazaar 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) through Cho La Cross (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 optionally available morning hike up Kalapathar (5,550m)
- Day 12: Pheriche to Tengboche (3,860m)
- Day 13: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Day 14: Namache Bazaar to Phakding (2,610m)
- Day 15: Phakding to Lukla, with flight residence to Kathmandu
Nevertheless, you ought to be ready for itinerary modifications alongside the best way. You made have to have additional acclimatization days or there could also be delays because of unhealthy climate. We virtually acquired caught at Dragnag for a complete day because of an in a single day blizzard!
Ought to I Use a Tour Firm?
For non-trekkers (like ourselves), it’s most likely smart to make use of a tour firm because the Gokyo Lakes path will not be fairly as well-trodden as the same old EBC trek route.
Nevertheless, it’s potential to rent a information only for the trickier components of the route from lodges alongside the best way. For instance, in Dragnag you possibly can rent a information out of your lodge simply to take you over the Cho La Cross.
We selected a small native tour firm for our trek referred to as Base Camp Journey Treks & Expedition. Our 15 day/16 night time trek price US$1240 per particular person.
This included flights to Lukla, a information, a porter, lodging, meals and park entrance charges. Total, we have been fairly proud of their service. We advocate purchasing round, studying on-line opinions and talking to some completely different firms to choose the suitable one for you.
For extra skilled trekkers, this route is unquestionably achievable and not using a information or porter.
It’s essential be in fine condition to deal with the Gokyo trek. It’s labeled as moderatly tough, however as a result of remoteness, ruggedness and altitude, it may be a problem for anybody. Anticipate to hike 6 hours per day.
There are a few methods to get to Gokyo Lake. Both take a aircraft from Kathmandu to Lukla, or a bus to Jiri from Kathmandu after which hike to Gokyo Lake.
The lakes are between 4,700 meters to five,000 meters (15,400 toes – 16,400 toes) above sea stage.
There are various hikes in Nepal. Among the finest embrace the hike to Gokyo Lakes, Annapurna Circuit, trek to Everest Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp.
In Conclusion
Mountaineering within the towering mountains of Nepal is an exhilarating expertise, one that you simply’ll always remember. Whereas the sweetness may be mesmerizing, it’s necessary to be correctly ready for the mountains. Hiring a information is a good way to help the native financial system, and guarantee you will have a protected and wholesome trek. Get pleasure from!
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