Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek – 16 Days

You need to be in good shape and have the ability to walk 4 – 5 hours uphill and downhill per day. It is suitable for passionate trekkers, hence positive attitude, excellent health, and strong determination is required. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Besides, it is advisable to trek with a highly reputed trek operator like us, with experienced guides and their significant mental preparation with a personal touch.

Regarding the difficulty, the only challenging factor is the altitude. Our Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek 16 Days itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization. Neither ropes nor ice picks are needed on this trip and no vertical climbs are involved. Novice travelers with good physical shape, regular exercise, positive attitude and no medical conditions related to lungs or the heart can easily complete the adventurous trip.

There is no official age limit for trekking in the Himalayas as long as our participants are healthy and committed to complete the adventure. We are experienced in operating treks even for families with kids as young as 9 years old and elderly trekkers in their 80s. This is a moderate trek with a well acclimatized and carefully crafted itinerary. Thus our trekkers should mainly have good physical shape, regular exercise, positive attitude and strong determination in addition to excellent health for a successful Himalayan trek.

The best time to trek to the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek is Spring (March to May), and Autumn (September to November). The temperatures are moderate during these seasons and guarantee fantastic views throughout the trip. Beautiful bright blue sky and incredible views of different species of flowers and various Himalayan peaks are best experienced during these seasons.

It is also possible to do the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri trek during monsoon season (June to August) and winter season (from December to February). But during monsoon, it rains in the lower altitudes and the views are not so pleasant due to foggy and hazy weather. While during the winter season, although the sky is clear, it gets colder. However, traveling during these off-seasons has an advantage that there are fewer crowds due to infrequent trekkers.

On our standard 16 day trek, you will be walking for 13 days with an average distance of 12 km a day and a minimum of 6 – 8 km. Other days will be spent for acclimatizing wherein you may make short hikes of about 3 – 4 km. Although 12 km per day is not a long distance, the steep and rocky terrain will slow your pace especially during winters when the trail gets covered in snow and ice. Your average walking pace will be about 4 to 5 km/hour, so 12 km per day does not sound too bad.

There are telephones (landlines) in most of the villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. Mobile phone services are available throughout Nepal but the quality of the reception varies from location to location. Internet facilities can be found in only a few villages. However, these facilities can be expensive. Our guides will carry mobile phones which also can be used by you when/if necessary.

It is not mandatory to arrive early on account of getting used to the altitude. However, it is recommended to keep a few buffer days before and after your trek owing to the unpredictable weather uncertainties, flight cancellations or other unseen calamities. As you trek to gradually higher altitudes, you will need to acclimatize appropriately and walk at a slower pace to get used to the altitude. You should not gain an elevation of more than 400-500m in a day’s walk.

Yes. A representative, preferably the guide along with driver will be there at the airport’s arrival sector to meet you and escort you up to your hotel room. We include all airport pick up and drop offs as a part of your travel program. We will be with you the entire time of your stay in Nepal.

Usually, your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla allows you to carry a maximum of 10 kg checked-in bag and a hand baggage of 5 kg. More than the weight limit will cost you about US$ 1 – 2 for each extra kg. So, we recommend you to minimize your luggage to avoid the additional cost. You can leave behind your unwanted items in your hotel back in Kathmandu or our office.

We provide our professional and technical expertise services in remote areas in the Himalayas. Every effort will be made to stick to the original itinerary. However, since the weather and climatic conditions up in the mountains are sometimes unpredictable, we cannot guarantee that we will follow the original plan. The health condition of a group member or unexpected natural disaster, etc. can also contribute to unplanned situations. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to the plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required. For any unexpected occurring and challenges in the mountains, our Himalayan guides are entirely reliable and superbly jovial people. With their skill and knowledge of the region, they will readily devise a new plan and propose to you.

If you provide us with the prominent details and historical documentation, and day-to-day activity notes of the trek, we will certainly blog your trek as you desire. You may need to sit together with our content writer/editor to conclude the blog and writing formats.

All our guides are proficient in English, government licensed and professionally certified. They are local, Nepali mountain experts with multiple years of expertise in the mountains. They are incredibly knowledgeable about the mountains and their minute details. Our staff gets constant training and understands the way of running quality trips that exceed expectations. Our guides are selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, impeccable judgment, and their friendly demeanor. They are well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. Our guides practice Responsible Tourism in the trek guided by the principles of ecotourism and sustainable tourism. We train them in the following major courses:

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
• Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Government’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Center of Nepal.
• Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal)
• English Language – KEEP
• Conservation and Biodiversity – KEEP
• Rock and Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (optional) by Nepal Mountaineering Association.

For this trek, there will be one leader, assistant guides (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter). The arrangement has been made in such a way that even if anyone within the group falls sick or cannot continue with the trek due to some reason, the trip can still go ahead as planned.

According to IPPG (International Porter Protection Group), the maximum weight a porter is liable to carry is 30 kg. Since we use two trekkers: 1 porter ratio during trekking trips, the porter will take a maximum of 15 kilograms for each trekker. However, you will carry your own day packs. It should not be difficult to keep your primary packages below 15 kg each even with the more sturdy sleeping bag.

You do not need to change money before you arrive in Kathmandu. We can help you get better exchange rates from our responsible government approved money exchangers after you meet us. And when you are in short of cash, there are lots of ATMs to dispense your desired amount of money.

For all your personal expenses, it is recommended that you carry Nepalese rupees of smaller values for little purchases on the trail and bigger notes for bigger purchases. Extra personal expenses that may incur on the trip include hot shower, recharging batteries and other electronic gadgets, bottled/boiled water, phone and internet usages, soda, alcoholic beverages, tipping, other services not listed, and recreational expenses. Please check Important Notes for details.

Tipping is an accepted way of saying ‘Thank you’ to your staff for their services. However, it is not mandatory. It is good to carry small denominations of US$ for small tips to driver, hotel staff etc. The tips for guides and porters are generally based on the number of trekking days and can be pooled together with other trekkers or made directly to the individuals. A common way to calculate tipping is as follows – 8 to 10% of your trip cost per person. This amount can be adjusted based on your overall satisfaction and staff performance. Your tip is offered at the end of the trip. The guide has the most responsibility so generally is offered a higher tip than assistant guides or porters. For example the ratio can be something like (guide: assistant guide: porter/porters = 50:30:20). You can distribute the tips directly to the guide, assistant guide and porter. If there is more than one porter then you can give them a certain amount and they will share among themselves. Also, don’t ask them how much they would like to be given. You can tip in USD or Nepalese rupees. This is just a guideline for tipping and is not obligatory.

To help you pack for your adventure, we have listed equipment and a pack list below. Please note that the listed items may vary according to the different seasons. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

• Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
• Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
• Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.

HEAD

• Bandana or headscarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

UPPER BODY

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket *
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

HANDS

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

LOWER BODY

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of Hiking shorts
• 1 pair of Hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
• Down vest and/or jacket *
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

FEET

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks (optional)
• Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version

SLEEPING

• 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

RUCKSACK AND TRAVEL BAGS

• 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
• 1 large duffel bag *
• A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

MEDICAL

• Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

PRACTICAL ITEMS

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 compass or GPS(optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• large Ziplocs
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 1 small folding knife
• Binoculars (optional)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

TOILETRIES

• 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror

PERSONAL HYGIENE

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash

EXTRAS/LUXURIES

• Reading book
• Trail map/guidebook
• Journal and pen
• iPod
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
• 1 modest swimsuit
• Binoculars (optional)
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
• Lightweight pillowcase (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

We use a 4 season sleeping bag during the trek which is good to -10˚C, -15˚C or -20˚C depending on the season. We do provide you the sleeping bags but it is better if you can bring your own, as far as possible. If you bring your own, we suggest you Lamina Z Torch, MHW Lamina O or Shona’s sleeping bag. Make sure that your bag is of good fit to the shape of your body and should have an insulated hood for added warmth.

A decent pair of hiking boots that are the right size for you, having excellent ankle support, good grip at the soles and which protect you from the snow is the type of boots you need during your trek. Once you buy your shoes, don’t forget to break them, to avoid blisters. If you want a specific recommendation, go ahead and try the Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX. It has Gore-Tex liners, meaning that your feet will be protected from harsh conditions while the rubber out soles provide enough traction and stability during long treks. Other recommendations are – New Balance Hiking Shoes and Scarpa Kailash Hiking Boots.

Our well-trained and dedicated guides will determine the intensity of your sickness and decide what needs to be done. He will provide on-site emergency assistance with first aid medical kit in the first place. If it is needed, he will bring you about 500m below so that you feel better. In case of extreme difficulties, he will help to evacuate you using a helicopter under your covered health/travel insurance. If you want to stay there and recover, our Sherpa assistance will be there with you. If your condition is not too critical, or you feel you cannot afford helicopter rescue, then you may think of a pony rescue, or you may even walk slowly downwards.

Consult your doctor and check for which food items you are allergic before you come to Nepal. Before your trekking commences, do not forget to inform your guide about your allergies. He will accordingly make necessary arrangements for you throughout the journey.

As the altitude goes up, the oxygen density gets lower affecting your cardiac and pulmonary systems. Our bodies must adjust to avoid mountain sicknesses, thus we arrange our treks and day-to-day itinerary to incorporate with required acclimatization days. At different points of our trip, you may either choose to take rest or have short hikes.

As the altitude rises, more UV rays get reflected due to increase in sun’s intensity. Thus, we advise you to protect your skin with clothing and sunblock. A special sunblock for the mountains is recommended. Also, you may use UV protected sunglasses and prescription sunglasses if required.

You may want to consider the following points for extra safety measures:

• Use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling to keep your passport, air tickets, travelers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items safe.
• Leave your valuable jewelry at home – you won’t need it while traveling. Many hotels that we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
• A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
• When traveling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your tour leader will accompany you on all included activities.

Your safety is our paramount concern, so we are always there to help travelers in an emergency. We are available 24/7 either at any of our following contact numbers:

Headquarter-USA: +1-855-986-5623

Regional Office-Asia: +977-985-105-5684

We provide standard deluxe three starred hotel with breakfast while you are in Kathmandu before and after the trek. During the trek, all accommodations will be on twin-sharing basis in clean, comfortable and standard teahouses. The rooms consist of two small cots having mattress, pillows and bed sheets. There is no heating arrangement in the rooms except at dining areas. At lower elevations like Lukla, Namche, Phakding and few other teahouses , the rooms have attached bathrooms with running shower but hot water shower is available only up to Namche. On request, luxury lodges can be provided at places like Lukla, Phakding, and Namche at an additional cost.

At Kathmandu, farewell dinner before your final departure. While during the trek, all type of menus including major food items is available, though the quality and quantity may vary from what is available in Kathmandu. Nepalese, Tibetan, the more common continental, and Indian cuisines are common choices on the menu. However, as you trek further up, your choices will be limited.

Hot drinks: Coffee / Tea / Hot chocolate

Breakfast: The typical meals served for breakfast during trekking are eggs, pancakes, porridge, fresh baked bread and cheese.

Lunch & Dinner: For lunch and dinner noodle soup (Thukpa) and soups, fried rice, macaroni, Momos (dumplings), potatoes, sandwiches, pizzas, spring roll, spaghetti, noodles and typical Nepal Dal-Bhat with vegetables (rice & lentil soup) are the common items.

Snacks: We encourage you to take snacks like energy bars, candy bars, salty snacks, crackers, peanut butter etc. for a change in your diet on the trek.

Salad: Vegetable / Fruit / Potato

Desserts: Pie / Pudding / Custard / Cake

Bottled water is available from Lukla all the way up to the base camp. The lodges serve bottled, boiled and filtered water, which is safe and have to be paid. One liter can cost anywhere from US$ 1 to 4. However, it is encouraged to use SteriPen UV purifiers or bring chlorine, iodine or other purifying agents to treat water before drinking for environmental reasons. Drinking at least 3 – 4 liters of fluids per day is recommended to stay hydrated especially at higher altitudes.

Electricity: Electricity is available at teahouses throughout the trek. Most of the teahouses will charge you a price money for charging your batteries and other electronic gadgets. The charge will comparatively increase as you ascend higher up. The fee may vary from US$ 1 to 3 per hour. Internet: In places like Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Dhole, you can get access to unlimited WiFi coverage on paying around US$ 2 to 10 depending on the location. Phone: We recommend you to purchase the local cellular network SIM, NCell in Kathmandu before your trip. Nepal may or may not support roaming facilities, so using your own SIM is not guaranteed. Moreover, it is cheaper to use a local carrier.

Once you have booked with us, your trek is 100% guaranteed, no matter how many people book for the said date. We value and respect your preferences; hence you will not be mixed with another group or shifted to another date or another trip.

Our trekking guide will make necessary efforts to acquire the required transportation and reservations to get you home as quickly as possible if, for any reason, you need to depart early. In the meantime, one of our staff will remain with you at all times. However, you will not be entitled to any refunds for unused days on the trek or for the services such as hotel, transport, and flight, included in the package that you would not use later. Please understand that our costs are the same as we have to pay the guides and porters for the time they have committed. However, you can make claims with your insurance company for your loss. We will cooperate with you on the documentation process to reimburse your claimed amount.

Please visit the following link for the details:

https://extolloadventures.com/our-policy/

There are reservations that have to be adhered to when entering Nepal. The customs department at the airport conducts a meticulous scrutiny of the items in your luggage. There are some items that cannot be brought into the country, for example carrying drugs in any form is considered a crime and the accused will be immediately prosecuted. Firearms, explosives and sharp or blunt weapons if identified can land you in serious trouble.

It may come as a shock to many that eating beef is strictly forbidden in Nepal. Hinduism being the dominant religion in Nepal forbids killing and eating cows and oxen. Carrying any edible items in your luggage that contains beef is considered a crime.

If you are carrying gold it should be less than 5 ounces, for more than the stipulated amount a declaration and authorization is required. Same goes for other precious metals, gems, and valuable items. There are no regulations on the jewelry on your body.

Nepal has zero tolerance for drug smuggling. Visitors are forbidden to import drugs in any form into Nepal Possession of drugs not only puts you at risk of being apprehended and imprisoned but the entire group you are traveling with might get arrested as well.

Nepal is a country of tradition and sacred religious beliefs. Any obscenity, whether physical or verbal, is looked upon with revulsion as the culture here differs from Western countries. Wearing inappropriate attire while visiting religious sites will not be tolerated, and clothes that are too revealing or leather clothing inside the religious structures are not allowed. While holding hands is completely normal, please refrain from displaying too much physical affection in public view, if you plan to travel to Nepal as a couple.