Gokyo Lake Valley Trek

Gokyo Lake Valley Trek

Highlights of Gokyo Lake Valley Trek:

  • Trekking to the beautiful lakes in Nepal
  • Incredible views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu & Ngojumpa Glaciers from Gokyo Ri
  • Glimpse of Buddhism and Sherpa Culture
  • Crossing Renjo La an incrdible  experience

During diaper days people often wondered that tranquil hamlet at the shores of blue turquoise lake surrounded by mountains as fairyland. Icing on the cake of this thought would be complete with grassy meadows, green lush forests and dancing waterfalls. Do you know that such place really exists in this world? Annapurna region of Nepal and Everest region of Nepal trekking is blessed by such magnificent places. Get glimpse of world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest along with others from disparate perspectives other than regular Everest Base Camp Trekking journey. Gokyo Lake Valley Trek is the only trekking route of Everest region where trekkers can enjoy terraced farmlands, villages, high altitude pass and more than 5 Himalayan lakes. 

Gokyo Lake Valley Trek follows regular Khumbu Trekking route from Lukla until Kyangjuma near Namche Bazaar. Phakding, Manjo and acclimatization activities are similar. However, trekkers take left trail towards Phortse Danda rather than the Tengboche route. Phortse Danda really is an enticing place to gaze at great Dudhkoshi Valley all the way to Larpchen Bridge below Namche Bazaar and Choyu Mountain on far distant. Sight of Tabuche and green lush forests up to 1st Lake of Gokyo will remarkably make the trip eco-friendly. Listed in Ramsar Site the Gokyo Lake System comprises of six lakes out of which our journey takes to 5 of them. Passing by 1st and 2nd trekkers will reach the 3rd lake which is also known as Gokyo Lake. Journey further extends to fifth lake passing by fourth and again returns back to Gokyo for overnight. It is said that the scenery of Mt. Everest as seen from this trail is no match to other viewpoint. Trekkers can savor the Tibetan face of such iconic mountain. Hike the Gokyo Ri and observe pristine phenomenon of Mother Nature. Sun rising from oriole of mountains never fails to relive you from all the physical perseverance and tiredness endured during trekking. Returning back to Lukla from different route up to Namche Bazaar adds gloss to this enchanting trekking. Climbing the Renjo La Pass can be the most intrepid part of this trekking in Nepal before trekkers reach the Namche Bazaar via Thame. 

Gokyo Lake Valley Trek is the jewel of trekking in Khumbu region of Nepal. It is often said that those who trek on this journey can see heaven in their life. Truly the journey endows effervescent memories. Book the package with us. We will sew together your expectations and mingle it to make you feel comfortable to realize such dream. 

 

Recommended Gear Lists:

  • Good wind/rain jacket
  • Warm fleece jacket or jersey
  • Good boots, either light-weight trekking boots or light full leather boots
  • Good -20 Sleeping bag (which can be rented or buy in Kathmandu)
  • A comfortable day pack, preferably with a waistband.
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear
  • Hiking shorts
  • Lightweight cotton long pants
  • Light and expedition weight thermal bottom
  • Fleece or wool pants
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
  • Thin, lightweight inner socks
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Hiking boots with spare laces
  • Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Other necessary equipment:

  • Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
  • Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
  • Basic First Aid Kit (We also provide comprehensive first aid medical kit and Oxymeter)
  • Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
  • Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
  • Water bottles (2 bottles recommended)
  • Toiletries
  • Small wash towel

Day 01 : Meeting upon arrival at Kathmandu International airport by our representative, transfer to hotel

After you land in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our airport representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport and afterward you will be transferred to the respective hotel. You will in brief know about your tour and check in to the hotel. 

Day 02 : Sightseeing at Kathmandu valley, overnight at hotel

Today you go around Kathmandu valley and see Durbar Squares at Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. Visit to Boudhanath will be unforgettable experience since it is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal. And, Swayambhunath located top on the mount in the city known as the Monkey Temple will also captivate you. Also, you will visit Pashupatinath, at the bank of Bagmati River which is one of the Hindus sacred places. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03 : Fly to Lukla (2800meters) and start trek to Phakding (2640meters), overnight at guest house

From Kathmandu, you will take a picturesque flight to Lukla (2827m.). And this 40 minutes flight will offer a chance to have a close view of huge mountains adjoining to Nepal and China. We, today begin our hike descending to the Dudh Koshi River and walk on the major track to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2713m.). The track is trouble-free and following the way of small village of Ghat (2550m.) we have a little walk to Phakding. 

Day 04 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 meters), overnight at guest house

Today we set off from Phakding and walk ahead with a minor ascend to Jorsale we get in front of a waterfall. Now, the trails villages are united with superb forest of giant firs, rhododendron and magnolia trees. Then, we walk to Namche crossing few bridges and climb a few hundred meters, a perpendicular drop and one steeper climb all the way through the forest. Overnight at guest house in Namche bazaar

Day 05 : Rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization, overnight at guesthouse.

It is important to walk to higher altitudes while you stay two Day in Namche bazaar. There are options here to trek to Khumjung where you can visit the local school and hospital or to Thame village of Sherpa Everest expediters and of the great Everest Sherpa Tenzing Norgay or to airstrip at Shyanboche (3720m), above the airstrip is the Everest view hotel, which was set up by the Japanese to bring affluent tourists into the region for a prime view of Everest. The scheme was brought down by the fact the hotel was at nearly 4000m and many suffer from altitude sickness.

Day 06 : Trek to Phortse (3800 meters), overnight at guest house.

The day begins with a trail that leads to Sanasa. We ascend to Mong La hill to enjoy offers great views of Amadablam and Thamserku. The trail then leads back to the Dudh Koshi at 3550m before ascending to Phortse at 3800 meters. The views of Kongde and Thamserku and the valley are mind-blowing. Phortse is a charming spot inhabited by Sherpa people and climbers.

Day 07 : Trek to Machhermo (4470 meters), overnight at guesthouse

As we start trip to Machhermo (4470 meters), we trek down to the river again. After crossing this river, we come across a junction and then follow the trail to Dole Dole (4038 meters). During the spring months, this region is full of beautiful blooms. We then climb gradually all along the side of the gorge, where we can see lush rhododendrons making way to scrub juniper as the elevation keeps increasing. Tremendous views of Cho Oyu can also be seen. This is a short day trek and we will reach Machermo in no time.

Day 08 : Trek to Gokyo Lake (4750 meters), overnight at guesthouse

Today, moving ahead from Machermo, we continue for witnessing the lakes at Gokyo which pours down the west part of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We go across the three eye-catching Lakes and across the third lake known as Dudh Pokhari and on the East shore lays the settlement of Gokyo. Walking alongside the lake, you will identify the panorama of glorious summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. 

Day 09 : Trek to Fifth Lake (5000 meters) and back to Gokyo Lake, overnight at guest house

After walking for two hours from Gokyo you get to see fourth lake known as Thonak Tsho (4840m.). We walk along the trek which leads us up to the next lake fifth lake, Ngozumpa Tsho (4980m.). We can see a small hill adorned with prayer flags on the periphery of the moraine to the east of the lake. From here, you will see the stunning views of Mt. Cho Oyu, Ngozumpa glacier, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu etc. 

Day 10 : Trek to Gokyo RI (5320 meters) and back to Gokyo Lake, overnight at guest house

Today we begin trekking early taking about 2 hours to reach Gokyo Ri for a stunning view of sunrise over Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Amadablam and other several huge peaks. And the sights perceptible from here are superior to those from Kala Patthar.

Day 11 : Trek to Lungden by crossing Renjo La Pass (5,388m), overnight at guest house

We go away from the main path and cross Renjo La via Dudh Pokhari. After about 3 hours we get to Renjo La , where an unbelievable panorama lies ahead. The Everest, Lhotse, Cholatse and Taboche can be seen glowing in the sun. Patches of snow along the path while moving down can make our way down a bit dangerous. Along the way, we can see Relama Tsho and Renjo Lakes. We hike more or less for one hour to reach Lungden (4,350meter).

Day 12 : Trek to Thame (3,800m), overnight at guest house

Walking down to Thame today, we take the usual route used for centuries by Tibetan traders. Moving down, we cross the Bhote Kosi and the trail again descends to Taranga. The path then goes all the way through the valley of Langmuche Khola. We trek downward after crossing a bridge until we reach Samde, where you will have wonderful views of natural scenery. Then the path abruptly descends to Thame village.

Day 13 : Trek to Namche Bazaar, overnight at guest house

Today we will walk beside a river and after crossing a bridge we make our way up through birch and rhododendron forests to Namche Bazaar.

Day 14 : Trek to Lukla, overnight at guest house

Following the route to Lukla, we will scale different Sherpa villages and cross a suspension bridge above Thado Koshi. For about 45 minutes, we continue with our trek until we reach Lukla, where we reconfirm our flight reservation.

Day 15 : Fly back to Kathmandu, overnight at hotel

We wake up early in the morning to take the flight for returning back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu we are transferred back to our hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu at the hotel

Day 16 : Buffer day in Kathmandu, overnight at hotel

Today, you have rest day for relax or you can also go for shopping in Kathmandu or you can do anything you like to by yourself. 

Day 17 :Transfers to airport, departure on your own destination

Our airport representative will shift you to the airport from the hotel for your way back to home country.

What is included?

  • Airport pick up and drop off, upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu (International and domestic both).
  • Pre-trek briefing.
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast as per the programme. 
  • 1 professional and friendly, A class government licensed and well English speaking mountain guide.
  • 1 well experienced English speaking assistant guide if the group size exceeds 5+ persons.
  • Well experienced and equipped trekking porter/s (one porter carry for 2 guest's luggage, 25 kgs - 30kgs).
  • Food during the trek (full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea/coffee and seasonal fresh fruits).
  • Guesthouse accommodation during the trek.
  • All necessary trekking permits: Sagarmatha National Park and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) fee.
  • Internal flight Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu for guest and guide inclusive with all taxes and transfers.
  • In worst case, assist with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.
  • Unique Adventure sleeping bag and down jacket, duffel bag, area trekking map.
  • First aid medical kit, Oxymeter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitude.
  • All applicable taxes as per the government rules and regulations.
  • All organisational requirements.

What is not included?

  • Nepal visa (can obtain at the airport or immigration counters at the borders: USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days and two passport size photographs is required).
  • Your international flight to and from Nepal.
  • Travel insurance (for helicopter evacuation if needed whilst trekking).
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet/e-mail, etc.
  • Bar and beverage bills.
  • Tips for guide, porter, driver.

Why us? Is a conscientious question that requires an honest answer of integrity and devotion of the highest standards.  

We are what we were from the very beginning: Read on to know us the way we are…

At Unique Adventure International, We do not pretend to be what we are not, ours is a simple ethic, hospitality straight from the heart. When doing trips with us, you will soon find out excellence with us is not just a norm, it’s more a habit. 

We have walked the length and breadth of the Himalaya across Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for over two decades…and still counting, we have enjoyed all of it so much; right to the hilt. We love our mountains and enjoy it so much when we tread its trails with our trekking guests, who also love these mountains as much as us or maybe even more. We have much knowledge of the land and meticulously plan things so our guests get the utmost from their sojourns with us; we know how chaotic it can be for our guests when they organise holidays so far from home…keeping this in mind, we sort out for the long haul and ensure our guests do not only have fun on the way but also get value for money with purposeful journeys. We know and understand that this may probably be a once in a lifetime holiday where you will explore a world not too familiar and its binding for us to make doubly sure you are completely safe throughout the whole course of your expedition when you are in Nepal. With each trip we do with you, we are constantly searching for ways to improve our services so that your expectations of us are met beyond what you could have ever expected on all fronts. We want that you go home with a happy heart and unforgettable memories of an odyssey well done. With Unique Adventure, this is central to all our thoughts when we meet you.  

A small business with big ideals…    

We are a small outfit with big ideas and we know how complex human nature can be; its only but human to understand your weaknesses and respect your strengths, both of which will be put to the test on the punishing trails of Nepal, but it’s always our mission to understand you and make your journey as calm as possible. 

This is the whole reason why we get repeat clients who never seem to get drained with the Himalayas and enjoy the way we guide them throughout the trip…

We know how worrisome it can be when you choose to live life on the edge… so we go the mile to make sure your holidays become more purposeful, more significant… 

We do not push you, no matter what the circumstances…

We know you want it slow and easy the moment your plane hits the tarmac in Kathmandu. We understand your instinctive curiosities and ensure you are left alone with enough space to do what we have planned for you – ‘your way’’.  You call the shots – it’s your trip – and we provide you enough freedom to make your own decisions in harmony with your group. We help you to become friends and bridge gaps; it’s a matter of pride for us to mention here that we created some of the best friendships where some morphed into lifetime partnerships and this is how things shape out with us when you assemble in our country. And when we are out with you in the country at high elevations, we ensure that our crew leads you in ways comfortable to your body and physical needs.

Our ‘True-to-Life’ practical itineraries…

Our itineraries are meticulously planned and based on the way you see it when your trip commences. Our themes are hands-on and we take you to some difficult but extraordinary places where some would likely pass by. We know you thirst for the unknown and interesting; your search for things that will ignite your emotions and imaginations, seeking for the ‘whys’, how’s and when’s’ into the mountain culture, lifestyles and traditions that you witness in territory you have never been familiar with. We put in a lot of effort to create astonishing one-off experiences which would make great notes for memorable stories to pass down to the coming generations. Each trip we design opens up new avenues to a whole new world that you are not familiar with…and when you discover the answers, it could be a life changing experience you would have never expected. 

Trips to match your time frames…

We are flexible in the way we operate our trips based on your exclusive needs. We understand the kind of pressure ridden world you hail from and know you have worked hard for your dream holidays. Our programs are typically designed to give you the most and the best based on your time limitations without any blemishes on the joys that come with your venture. 

You could be planning a budget trek or a luxury tour, maybe even a trekking peak; whatever the choice, we give you an extension combo so you have a scintillating mix of history, the outdoors and even jell in a jungle safari into the potpourri so you have varied experiences within the timeframe you’ve chosen. Our website is programmed to give you a host of options to make you smile…  

Accommodation: They say Home is where the Hearth is…and yes, the Pillow!!

We are extra wary when arranging your accommodation before you enter our country. We know we’ve got to give you something that’s closest to home. After consulting with you and being twice as sure about what you’re expecting when it comes down to that most important part of life: resting your body and mind at night, we make sure we give you the best accommodating facilities available at a hotel that’s not only comfortable but also a place that is spanking clean with fresh linen and staff who understand your needs and go the length in making sure you feel at home, no matter what the length of your stay with us.

This also includes the sanitized conditions of the food you are served. Even when on the trails, we go the mile to make sure you find a cosy teahouse with no dampness and enough ventilation to keep you healthy and warm with food that’s organic and clean. We know how important the hearth is wherever you stay. With us, be sure that all your personal needs are taken care of well. Ours is the kind of hospitality that comes straight from the heart… 

Safety and Security: This is mandatory and imperative…

Our safety and security arrangements for all our inbound guests cross all boundaries; from the moment your jet hits the tarmac at the airport in Kathmandu. This is a process that begins prior to your arrival in Kathmandu, when we design your itinerary based on the program you have chosen. It begins with choosing the right team for you, especially if it’s a trek. We make sure your crew is primed for any contingency when at altitude. We believe in following firm standards with focus on risk assessment knowing mountain climbing is always a risky business despite the excitement it offers. All the planning is done prior to your arrival so you have a carefree, footloose and fancy free journey, without any hassles.  

We always advise our guests to go through medical routines in their home countries before embarking on trips above 3000m. We also encourage our guests to get insured before coming to Nepal. 

Your entire stay in Nepal is monitored from day one, especially when you are on the mountains. We take nothing for granted, nature can be a monster when least expected. When booking your trip throughUnique Adventure, you are not just a client – you are more than all that - you are a parent, a brother/sister, a close colleague – in a word – ‘family’; and all our safety precautions and personalized services are purely based on this relationship.

We Respect and Care for the local folks and Love the Environment we operate in…

We are conscious in the importance of preserving the natural beauty and culture of Nepal, so that future visitors can also enjoy the wonders of this beautiful but fragile environment. We are sensitive and devoted to responsible travel with minimum impact on the environment and local communities. The planet is large enough for everyone to explore and it’s the curiosity of human nature to explore and discover the unknown. We are always careful about the ecosystems that surround us when we are on the mountains, but we don’t let this spoil the spirit for adventure. We seek to enjoy in ways beneficial to others and wish to respect this beauty that God created for us to appreciate; and we want to keep it that way. Equally important, we instruct our crew and travellers to be aware of the values of responsible travel, by: respecting people, cultures and local environments, in creating goodwill; with cross-cultural sharing and experiences; and helping make sustainable development practical, where we put in efforts to give back more than we take.    

Our Trekking crews are Principal to the Company…we’re Family… 

One paramount issue for trekking companies in Nepal are employees directly connected to guests when trekking in the Himalayas and this is key to any trip conducted anywhere on the Himalayas. Our staffs in general receive fixed monthly salaries and our trekking crews get special rates as defined by the Ministry of Labour in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism - Government of Nepal. 

This also includes the provision of Social Security for mountain workers as per government directives. In addition to this, we also provide climbing training to new comers listed on our payroll. All our seasoned guides are well trained in the use and application of First Aid in the event of any unexpected injuries that may occur in the course of the journey when at altitude. 

Field Employees are constantly upgraded for personal development, delivered via courses in English, about nature, history, and ongoing training as mountain guides with techniques based on safety precautions...along with this, our mountain crews are insured and covered against any eventualities. The insurance package covers the cost of health care if injured or sick and provides a lifetime gratuity if any employee is physically disabled. We treat our employees as valuable assets. We know their security and happiness is vital to ensure yours throughout your stay in Nepal… 

Innovation: We are constantly juggling new Products…   

Ours is a constant search for new trails in the great wilderness. We’re always innovating new areas for travel within and around the city limits and out on the mountains. Nepal has so much to offer in her ancient heritage cities and within the vast expanse of her Himalayas. We ceaselessly research new products in order to give our old clients new thrills; this has always been part of our company’s policies for giving more value for money. We know that many of our guests rarely get time to travel and when they do, they’d sure like to make the best of it; besides Nepal, we even cut across borders giving our guests unbelievable historical and cultural highlights of Tibet, Bhutan and India. We even design divine spiritual tours for the holy who’d sure like to hike down footsteps of ancient ancestors along the Mount Kailash Mountains so that they could come face-to-face with the gods. You even get opportunities to stroll down the cobbled stone Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur and slip into the Forbidden Temple of Pashupatinath. Beyond the spiritual of Kailash in Tibet, our programs take you to the highest region on earth, at an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,000 ft). Very much noted as the ‘roof of the world’, Tibet is symbolic of a mesmerizing culture seeped in spirituality and nature. From superb temples and tranquil monasteries to the Yangtze River and adorable Pandas, our products are molded in a way that  ensures you experience a whole new world of amazing discoveries that tells you about God’s gift of a wonderful planet we all live in.

‘Please visit our highly informative website for some of the most extensive information on some of the most stimulating holidays ever conceived’. Get friendly with us on: www.uniquetreks.com

We give you Mountain Yoga 

The Mountain Yoga we offer on the trail is an earthy, friendly and unassuming space, dedicated to healing and transformation as your mind battles the vagaries of nature while on your journey in the wild. When you decide to holiday on the mountains; it’s like a calling into the high and wild to experience Mother Nature at a higher level and to explore her true beauty. But there’s another calling that wants you to find release from your inner demons. It might be seen as the feeling that there has to be more to life than our day-to-day routines in the machine of modern day society. As you go higher above the tree-lines, our certified yoga guides give you the kind of alignment helpful to your body’s needs when adjusting to the thin air at altitude. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and guide you with postures and breathing exercises that promote physical fitness at higher elevations, keeping the mind calmer, making your self-awareness more acute, and help you get more balanced, while preventing you from having any problems with altitude mountain sickness. Yoga is an ancient practice known for thousands of years to clean out even the deepest mental grooves and rigid mindsets which may hamper your trip and spoil the fun on your trek.

We are the only adventure company in Nepal offering our guests mountain yoga which enhances hassle free trips and keeps our guests safe from common altitude problems. 

Our Success Ratio…

We’ve been through it all – the ups and downs have been full and plenty. The series of earthquakes of 2015 affected us bitterly; however, we kept the faith. We knew this was nature at its best and worst. We do not take anything for granted when it’s a tryst with Mother Nature, especially in the wilderness above the tree-lines. We knew we would still need these mountains more than they need us...These mountains teach us so much about life. It was Almighty God that created these mountains with all its stark beauty, but then a natural calamity can be lurking somewhere around the bend, and we must always be aware of the environment - and this comes with respect, consciousness and faith. 

Despite the hurdles and hiccups, our Success Ratio has been over 98%, why? Because experience has taught us the hard way to Love God, respect the mountains, to learn from our mistakes, and to always, at all times, be Honest with our Guests…and let God do the rest.     

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