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Guide to Gokyo Lake Trek: Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the most beautiful treks of the Khumbu region of Nepal. This Trek is a low-key fling but is now preferred by many trekkers as they discover its beauty. The soaring mountains, steep ice cliffs, and turquoise lakes make the trip exciting. Regarding trekking at a high altitude, considering the weather is most important. 

You can enjoy diverse landscapes and picturesque valleys. The rolling hills are very tempting. However, the changing weather makes the Trek quite challenging. The weather in high elevations is very extreme and quite unpredictable. You must check the weather forecast every day before trekking to avoid any risk. 

Spring, Autumn, Winter, and Summer are the four seasons of Nepal. The nature of the region varies according to the seasons. Spring and Autumn are the best feasible times to trek to a higher altitude. But there is a possibility to complete the Trek in the off-season. Learn about the weather of Gokyo in four seasons with us!

Gokyo Lake Trek is known as the largest glacier in the Himalayas in Nepal. It lies west of Ngozumpa Glacier in the Khumbu Region of Solukhumbu District. This Trek takes you to the viewpoint of an altitude of 5357 m. This place is famous for its abundant glacier lakes with turquoise features.

The Gokyo Lake trek is the most peaceful, less crowded Trek in the Everest Region. This Trek excites you with the scenic flight to Lukla above the magnificent mountains. This trek is a moderate-level trek that takes you through famous Sherpa villages Phakding, Namche, and Dole, and finally to Gokyo.

The sight of glacier lakes surrounded by high mountains will stay with you forever. This Trek purifies your soul with the raw natural beauty between the lap of the Himalayas. The roller coaster journey to the heavenly destination will embrace you with great feelings.

13 Days Gokyo Lakes Trek

Best Time for the Gokyo Lake Trek

Below it is described in each season for the Gokyo Lake trek. 

Spring Season (March-May)

Spring is the best time to trek Gokyo Lakes. The weather and atmosphere of this season are pleasant, making it best suited for trekking. Spring starts in March, and May is the ending. The climate is moderate, neither hot nor cold, and persists throughout the season. 

It is mildly warm during Spring, with sunny days and chilly nights. The early Spring is pretty cold but warm by late Spring. There is no rainfall in Spring, but you can encounter light snowfall in the early season, the first week of March. March could be challenging, but the beautiful views cover the harsh weather. 

After March, the temperature starts rising at the beginning of April. The chance of severe weather with high winds and storms is possible at the end of May. The average temperature is -2.6 degrees to 11.5 degrees. Slowly increasing temperatures and clear skies make the glimpse of mountains and landscapes more vivid. 

Spring is also known as the blooming season. So you can witness lush green forests and colorful flowers blooming along the trail. You can see new species of birds migrating here due to warmth. Animals also leave their habitat to enjoy the warmth of the sun and beautiful nature.

Everything is perfect during this season, attracting many trekkers to enjoy the Trek—the long days of spring favor you to explore more in natural light. There are many trekkers in this season, so the trail gets busy. You get to meet many foreigners from all around the world. 

Autumn Season (September – November)

Autumn is also the best season to trek this region. The weather is fine, neither cold nor hot, with bearable temperatures. Autumn begins in September and ends in May. The climate is temperate, with low humidity throughout the season. 

As Autumn comes after a hot summer, early Autumn tends to be hot, up to 2.9 degrees. The moderate climate is quite similar to Spring but chilly at night. The beginning of this season gives summer vibes. The days are warm and bright, while nights are crisp and chillier. 

The temperature starts getting cooler from mid-October and colder by the end of the season, reaching -12 degrees. But as a whole, the coldness is still bearable. However, a few downpours, occasional wind storms, and snowfall are inevitable. The days are smaller, so trekkers need to hurry a bit. 

It is fall season, so changing tree leaves and colors are highlights of the Trek. In October, the annual festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, are celebrated. You will get to know more about the culture and traditions of Nepal. 

It is also a seasonal trek, so you coincide with many trekkers along the route, making it busy. There is the hustle and bustle all around the trail. The accommodations are also quite hard to find. Make sure you book it beforehand. 

Summer Season (June – August)

Summer begins in June and ends in April. Summer is also called monsoon season, which means lots of downpours, making trails challenging to trek. The highest rainfall, tropical storms, and lighting make it more challenging. So, we don’t recommend it in this season. 

Summer is hot and humid. The average temperature is 1.5 degrees to 2.2 degrees. The days are warm and sunny, while the morning and evening are cold. July and August are the hottest among all seasons, with temperatures rising to 4.4 degrees. 

The foggy weather and cloudy days make the journey very uncomfortable. It obstructs the visibility of nature. The regular rainfalls make the trail muddy and slippery. Walk carefully, and don’t slip. Use waterproof boots to prevent injury. 

Also, the weather is hot and dry, leading to dehydration and sunburn. Hydrate yourself often. Pack sunglasses, sunblock, and moisturizer to care for your eyes and skin. Due to the weather conditions, trekkers avoid this season. So the route is less crowded. If you love adventures, you can prefer this season, but at your own risk.  

Winter Season (December – February)

Winter is cold, damp, wet, and frigid. It begins in December and ends in February. The temperature drops up to -18 degrees. The morning and night are chilly, while the days are warm and sunny. The heavy snow and ice keep the trekkers away during winter. 

Many accommodations can be out of service during winter, so book it beforehand. But you can get a chance of discounts. The deadly snow and slippery trails make it difficult to trek. 

However, the weather is better by the season’s end, increasing the temperature to 0 degrees. You must be more careful of long, cold nights with frequent snowfall and blizzards. Be prepared with your stuff, including warmer clothes and proper equipment like crampons. 

You can enjoy the best winter views with snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and stunning scenery. Fresh snow on the rooftop of the cottage house gives authentic vibes. 

This season is also off-season with less trekkers. Winter is suitable if you enjoy a cold climate without any crowds. Wear more and keep yourself extra warm during the journey. 

Gokyo Lakes Trek Difficulty

Gokyo Lakes Trek has a minimum duration of two weeks. During this Trek, we will gain a maximum altitude of 5357 m (Gokyo Ri) in a span of a few days. Low oxygen levels and air pressure in these high-altitude conditions make breathing difficult. Trekking at a high altitude means there is a high chance of altitude sickness. Headache, Nausea and Vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, Shortness of Breath and a desire to eat are common symptoms of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a serious matter which can turn fatal if not treated in time. 

Another major problem is during peak time getting proper accommodation. You might have to share rooms with fellow trekkers due to the overcrowding. When you’re up in the high altitude, there aren’t as many bathrooms, so you might have to wait in line to use one. This can be pretty frustrating.

You will walk an average of 5-6 hours daily during this Gokyo Lake Trek. Imagine carrying Heavy luggage on this long-distance Trek uphill and downhill is extremely difficult. Trekkers need to be physically fit, and proper packing with proper planning is required to make this Trek successful.

Food and Accommodation

There is well-equipped accommodation in the city from the 3-star hotel to the 5-star hotel. Depending upon the budget you can choose the hotel and lodge. But after you reach the high altitude area, the accommodation is called a tea house. You will spend the night at the tea where you will get the basic facility of room and food. 

Even though the room and the food at the high altitude area are basic, it will give you comfort. You will have the chance to taste the typical Nepali popular dish like Dal Bhat and ghee tea. You can also try  Indian and Tibetan cuisine. You will be amazed by the great hospitality from the Sherpa People. 

How much does the Gokyo Lake Trek cost?

The Gokyo Ri trek cost ranges from USD 1000 to USD 1800 per person. The cost varies on several factors like the number of days you stay, food, accommodation, insurance, flight ticket,  Guide, porter, and the route you can choose. Also, the cost may be higher during the peak season.

Therefore, we recommend you choose the right package that is suitable for you. Our company has been in this sector for a long period of time therefore we can make the right itinerary for you depending upon your budget.

Related package: 18 Days Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Trek

Packing a Trekker’s Kit 

To make this Trek successful and comfortable, it is extremely necessary to plan early and pack the right things. Even though you can get the facility of the porter we request you to carry necessary things which will not add burdens to the porter. Packing for your trip depends on the seasons you’ll be traveling in. It’s important to select the right items that suit the weather and conditions during your travel months. Below are the basic things that you will need while trekking in the Gokyo Lake Trek.

  • A comfortable, light backpack.
  • Down Jacket or lightweight fleece jackets
  • Lightweight trekking pants, shorts, long-sleeve shirt, winter gloves, wool thermals 
  • Waterproof items (rain jacket, poncho, etc.)
  • Hiking shoes, Sturdy climbing shoes, Synthetic or wool socks
  • Tripod and camera straps
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • First aid kit
  • Warm clothing
  • First aid and medication
  • Water bottles and water purification
  • Personal toiletries and hand sanitizer
  • Journals and pens

Related article: Nepal Trekking Packing List

Permit required for the Gokyo Lake Trek

To accomplish this Trek, permits are mandatory. Permits are the legal licenses authorized by the Government of Nepal. Without permits, you won’t be allowed to enter the protected regions. Gokyo lies in the Khumbu region. So, the first permit is a local permit. To reach Gokyo, you must enter through the national park, which requires another permit.

So, in total, you will need two permits to complete this Trek legally. But if you want to trek through a different route, then an additional permit is required. We will discuss all the permits in detail below.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

The Gokyo trek lies in the Khumbu region. So, you need a permit to enter this local area. This permit is called the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. Before 2018, there used to be a TIMS card to enter this region. However, after a huge debate among authorities, the local government of Khumbu Municipality decided to go for a local permit.

The budget of this permit is used for the development and preservation of the Khumbu region. You cannot obtain this permit from Kathmandu. It is available either in Lukla or at the entrance gate of Monjo.

The cost of this permit is US$ 18 per person.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

You have to enter through Sagarmatha National Park on this Trek. National Parks are the protected treasures for the welfare and protection of wildlife. So, you need a permit for the legal rights to surpass this national park. This permit is called the Sagarmatha National Park Permit.

You can obtain this permit either from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or directly at the entrance of Monjo.

The cost of a Sagarmatha National Park Permit depends upon your nationality. If you are from a SAARC country, it costs US$ 15 per person. Besides, you will have to pay US$ 27 per person.

Additional Permit

You will need an additional permit if you choose the classic route of Jiri. You must enter the Gaurishankar Conservation Area if you trek through this route. So, a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit is required.

It can also be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.

The cost of a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit is US$ 27 per person.

Note: All the permit costs are payable only in Nepalese Currency (NRP). So, change your currency to NRP before getting your permits.

Documents Required for Permit

  • Passport details
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • Filling forms with proper details
  • Nepal entry Visa
  • Travel insurance is also mandatory. It is because you may encounter some risk in this journey. It is compulsory for trekkers and guides as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best seasons to trek to Gokyo Lake?

Autumn and Spring are the best seasons for trekking Gokyo Lake Trek. Even though the Gokyo Lake Trek is still possible during the winter seasons with adequate preparation, you should be well prepared if traveling during the winter with proper clothing, proper gear, and, more importantly, to bear the extreme cold temperature.

What is the maximum elevation of the Gokyo Lakes Trek?

The maximum elevation of the Gokyo Lakes Trek is 5357 m.

Are permits mandatory for the Gokyo Lakes Trek?

Yes, two Permits, the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Rural Municipality Permits, are mandatory for Gokyo Lake Trek.

Where are the Gokyo Lakes situated?

The Gokyo Lakes are in the Everest Region of Solukhumbu District in the Northeastern part of Nepal.

How do you rate the difficulty of Gokyo Lake Trek?

The difficulty of the Gokyo Lake Trek is high. It is 8.5/10 in number. With the right preparation and plan this Trek is not as difficult as you think. Even though it’s tough, many people have made it to the top of this Trek. It’s totally worth taking the chance because the beauty of it will truly amaze you.

Is Gokyo Lake Trek possible in the winter?

Well, trekking during the winter season is risky, but it is still possible with proper planning. Trekkers need to pack their clothes and gear stuff well to bear the extremely cold temperatures during these months. There is a high chance of heavy snowfall, avalanches, and altitude sickness. So, to tackle these challenges, it’s important to trek with a guide who knows what they’re doing. Follow safety measures and precautions to ensure a successful trek.

Do you need a guide and porter for the Gokyo Lakes Trek?

There are several reasons for you to hire the Guide and the porter for this Trek. During this Trek, you will trek in the high altitude area; therefore, safety is the main reason. Also, trekking at a high altitude area with a heavy bag is not possible, so it will be better if you hire a porter. The Guide and the porter play a vital role in making the Trek easier, comfortable and, also, in case of any emergencies, it will help you a lot.

How much does it cost to do the Gokyo Lake Trek?

The average cost for the Gokyo Lake Trek is between 1000$ and 1800$. The cost depends upon several factors like itinerary days, food, drinks, accommodation you choose and transportation. The more days you spend, the more cost you require; therefore, choose the right package depending on your budget.

Can you see Everest from Gokyo?

When you trek in the Everest region, you get to see the biggest mountain, Mt. Everest, and four other really tall mountains named Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. The views of these huge mountains and several other mountain peaks in the Himalayas are amazing.

Do I need to carry the oxygen during this Trek?

Our trekking agency will plan this trek itinerary in such a way that there will be enough days for acclimatization. Therefore you don’t have to carry oxygen, and in case you need oxygen, our Guide will provide you from the tea house. Your safety is our top priority. Our trekking agency is dedicated to ensuring your well-being and making your Trek both safe and successful in every possible way.

Final say

Gokyo Lake Trek takes you to the glaciers surrounded by the Himalayas. This Trek gives you an unforgettable memory with its memorable journey and panoramic destinations. The villages you pass through make you realize the meaning of life. The warm, welcoming people of this region will melt your heart for sure.

So, get ready to enjoy this amazing trip. Get your permits from an authorized local travel agency in Nepal and plan your Trek with them. All you need to do is submit the required documents, and the agency will be responsible for getting your permits ready before your Trek.

Also, having a professional guide makes this Trek a lot easier. Have fun trekking to Gokyo Lake. Talk with our local travel specialist, who can help organize the Gokyo Lake Trek. You can inquire about this package directly on our WhatsApp.

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