Country | Nepal | Max-Altitude | 5,357m/17,571ft | ||
Trip Start | Kathmandu | Trip End | Kathmandu | ||
Group Size | Min 2, Max 12 | ||||
Meals | Breakfast in Kathmandu and full board meals during the trek | ||||
Accommodation | Deluxe 4 Star hotel in Kathmandu and standard teahouse in Mountain |
It’s easy to see why this trek is the second most popular trek in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It’s a personal favorite of Hema’s and an excellent alternative to the ever-crowded trail to Everest Base Camp.
What we enjoy most about this itinerary is the remote trail up to the summit of Gokyo Ri mountain and the unparalleled views that it provides. A photographer’s dream, you can expect to see the sparkling glacial waters of the Gokyo lakes and a 360-degree panoramic view of the many snow-capped Himalayan peaks around it - including iconic Mt. Everest.
Explore traditional Sherpa villages, get acquainted with their unique culture and discover ancient Buddhist monasteries en route to the Gokyo Lake trek. The trail is less challenging than the trek to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar. Also, the non-technical ascent of Gokyo Ri is immensely rewarding and you’ll see first-hand why some of the trekking guidebooks consider Gokyo Ri to be “the best accessible viewpoint in Nepal”.
The Gokyo valley and Gokyo Ri trek in Nepal begins with a scenic mountain flight to Lukla followed by a short hike to Phakding. You will walk through the Sherpa homeland of Namche, ethnic villages of Khumjung, Phortse Thanga and Machhermo. Get ready to see rhododendron forests, suspension bridges draped with Buddhist flags and to pass yak trains along the path. Discover the largest Tengboche monastery amidst Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the day of the summit, we set out from our teahouse in the early morning, guided only by our headlamp. Once we cross the frozen lake inlet to the base of the mountain, the trail starts to zigzag as we ascend to the cold slopes. If weather is clear, the view from the summit offers a once in a lifetime glimpse of the Ngozumpa Glacier making its way through the valley below. Cho Oyu stands nearby and endless lines of mountains stretch away to the horizon. Mount Everest as viewed from here is fairly tall, rising another 3.5km above the point on which you stand. It is a unique view that is so vast, and so much wider than the outlooks near Base Camp, that you certainly will be glad that you opted for this trek over Everest Base Camp. The fifth lake trek follows a rugged trekking trail to the highest freshwater lake system in the world and to the top of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), almost the same altitude as Everest Base Camp.
Although open year round, we recommend going during either Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November). During these times, you have the best chance of favorable weather conditions and should get some amazing views throughout the trip. The temperatures are relatively moderate and you’ll likely avoid the fog and haze of monsoon season as well as the frigid winter conditions.
• Suitable for anyone with moderate fitness level, from a beginner trekkers to experienced adventurers. High altitude is the most challenging factor but we factor in time to acclimatize
• maximum altitude There will be a moderate 13-day trek (including 3 days of acclimatization) reaching a of around 17,500 feet
• You will be walking an average of 4-5 hours each day (ranging from 3-7 hours) with daily average ascends of about 1,400-1,600 feet (min. about 700 ft and max. about 2,500 ft)
• You will cover a total distance of about 103 kilometers/approximatelt 64 miles (excluding acclimatization hiking distance) throughout the trek, with an average of 7-9 km per trekking day
• Past hiking experience would be favorable for the trek, though technical skill is not required
• Daily morning jogging and routine exercise are recommended at least 6 months prior to the start of your trip.
• If you have any serious health conditions related to heart/lungs or have acrophobia/migraine, medical advice will be helpful before planning your trip.
Distance: 25 minutes drive from airport to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel Shanker
Welcome to the land of Himalayas! On arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Extollo will be there to greet and escort you to your designated hotel. After resting for a while, there will be a pre-trip discussion for the last minute preparation at your hotel. Everybody will be informed before while about the meeting time and venue at your hotel. Here you will meet your trek leader and other members of your group. This is the moment when you can seek answers and clear your doubts with your leader. Time permitting, you can take a lazy stroll around the streets near your hotel and observe the contemporary life of the bustling city without getting any cultural shocks. Have a good night’s sleep to revive your freshness in the morning to commence a vivid adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Distance: 25 minutes drive from airport to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel Shanker
Distance: 30 minutes flight; 3 - 4 hours trek (8 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sherpa
In the early morning, take a scenic mountainous flight to
Lukla with beautiful views of some of the world’s highest peaks, lush valleys
and terraced landscapes. Once you arrive in Lukla, the gateway of Everest, you
will meet the rest of the crew before starting the greatest trekking adventure
with a short hike to Phakding. Walk through lovely Chauri Kharka village and
descend towards the glacial Dudh Koshi river. Continue the scenic trail as you
walk along the river bank to arrive at this beautiful Sherpa village of
Phakding located in the Dudh Koshi valley. If you are not tired, roam around
the village and meet the friendly locals around. Overnight in Phakding.
Distance: 30 minutes flight; 3 - 4 hours trek (8 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sherpa
Distance: 7 - 8 hours trek (10.5 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
Trek along the glacial Dudh Koshi and head towards Namche
Bazaar, the ancient trading hub of Everest region. On this exciting trail, you
get to walk along a steel cabled suspension bridge and through beautiful pine
forests to arrive at Monjo. You may see yaks and other wildlife moving on the same
trail. Get your trekking permits check when you arrive at the entrance of
Sagarmatha National Park and then take a steep ascent to Namche. Trekking along
the rugged trails, you can also get the first glimpse of Mount Everest if the
weather is clear. Continue the strenuous uphill walk and finally arrive at the
buzzing Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. You can buy or rent extra trekking gear,
have some souvenir shopping or simply take a rest in your tea house. Overnight
in Namche Bazaar.
Distance: 7 - 8 hours trek (10.5 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
It is the first of your three acclimatization days on Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri trek. It is necessary to get acclimatized for further higher altitude trekking. Namche Bazaar is the Sherpa capital where you can find a lot of things to do. It is the economic hub of Everest region with government offices, Internet cafes, restaurants, shops, ATMs etc. Also, there is a famous ‘Saturday Market’ where traders as far as from Tibet come to trade. You may also visit Tourist Visit Center where you can find souvenirs related to first climbers of Everest, different flora and fauna species of Everest region and the unique Sherpa culture. You may also hike through airstrip at Syangboche to the Everest View Hotel and get marvelous views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam and Lhotse. On your return to Namche, visit the Hillary school and a sacred monastery in Khumjung which supposedly houses a yeti scalp. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek (8 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Snow Valley Lodge
After a day acclimatizing in Namche, our adventurous trekking journey continues to Mong Danda via Syangboche. This is among the best viewpoints en route with magnificent views of Taboche mountain (6,495 m), Mt.Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt.Thamserku (6,623 m), and Kongde Ri (6,187 m). It is a short hike reaching up to the height of 3,957 meters. You will enjoy green forest covered walking trails with steep ascends and descends while walking. Overnight in Mong.
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek (8 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Snow Valley Lodge
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek (6 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Dhole Resort
Walk along the rugged path with a steady climb across a very steep slope and reach Phortse Thanga. With beautiful rhododendron forests, Dudhkoshi river bank and rugged trails descending down to Tenga difficulties will not be noticed while walking. Again after a moderate climb up once again along a steep trekking trail to finally reach Dhole. You may see a musk deer in the forest if lucky. In Dhole, you can explore stone walled fields and broken stupas too. Overnight in Dhole.
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek (6 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Dhole Resort
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek (7 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Machhermo Inn
Today, we will be walking alongside the river Dudh Koshi and make an uphill climb to reach the destination. Walk past beautiful rhododendron forest and waterfall to reach the village of Tongba and continue the steep trek through Labarma and Luza to arrive at Macchermo. After Dhole, the tree line trail ends and starts the barren rocky valley of Gokyo. Also, discover a Chorten before entering Luza village. Overnight in Macchermo.
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek (7 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Machhermo Inn
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek (7 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalayan Eco Resort
We start today’s trek with climbing a ridge for amazing views of Mount Cho Oyu. Walk through Phangkha and then descend to the riverbank. The trail now leads to the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa glacier. After climbing the moraine, we will cross an iron bridge over a stream and head towards the first lake, Longpongo (4,690m). Observe the Lama footprints on a stone and discover the second lake known as Taboche Tsho. With the heartwarming feeling from the view of this cool blue lake sparkling in the sun, we move a little ahead to the third one called Dudh Pokhari. Gokyo villages are located beside this lake. Astonishing views of the Gokyo lakes and Mount Cho Oyu in the background just gives you an awe-inspiring sight. Overnight in Gokyo.
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek (7 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalayan Eco Resort
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalayan Eco Resort
Today is the second acclimatization day which will be
utilized by short hikes to higher altitudes to adapt ourselves to the heights.
It is recommended to have a morning hike to Gokyo Ri peak above the Gokyo
village. The views of the entire Khumbu region from the top of the peak are
astonishing. You can also view the four of the six highest peaks of the world,
namely, Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse. Depending upon our physical
conditions, we may also walk further to Ngozumpa Tsho, the fifth lake from
where we can have magnificent views of the longest glacier of the Himalayas. We
then head back to the tea house and spend the rest of the night.
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalayan Eco Resort
Distance: 7 - 8 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalayan Eco Resort
Today is our third acclimatization day as we hike a little further and reach the 5th lake. This will be a climb to a nearby hill which offers us remarkable views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. We can witness a lot more from here - the spot is called Scoundrel's Viewpoint. The six Gokyo lakes are lined along the Ngozumpa glacier in the upper part of the Gokyo Valley. This is the second most visited destination in the Everest region after the Everest Base Camp as it offers superb alpine views and scenic trails in all directions. From the northern part of the 5th lake, we see the Cho Oyu base camp and Ngazumpa Glacier which is the biggest glacier the world. We walk back to Gokyo to spend the night.
Distance: 7 - 8 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalayan Eco Resort
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek (15 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Dhole Resort
After a wonderful trekking journey to Gokyo valley, it is now time to head back to Lukla. The destination for today is Dole. Pass the first Gokyo lakes descending on a trail along the Dudh Koshi river. Enjoy beautiful views of Cholatse and Taboche peaks. Reaching upon a chorten at the edge, we will see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega mountains. Climb many man-made steps to Macchermo and then walk past villages of Luza and Lhafarma to arrive at Dole. Overnight in Dhole.
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek (15 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Dhole Resort
Distance: 3 - 4 hours trek ( 10 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Om Kailash Hotel
Upon leaving Dhole, we start with a decent uphill climb followed by many ups and downs with beautiful views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse in the background. Pangboche is a small Sherpa settlement which is split into lower and upper part of the village. You can enjoy the pleasant environment with a sip of decent coffee and bakery items at the Hermann’s bakery here. Overnight in Pangboche.
Distance: 3 - 4 hours trek ( 10 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Om Kailash Hotel
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek ( 12 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
From Pangboche, we head towards Namche, first walking through a short suspension bridge over Imja Khola, followed by a gradual ascent to Tengboche. Then, we walk down to Phunkitenga passes through wonderful juniper and fir forests. At the end of the descent, walk along a long suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river, perhaps coming across yaks. Finally, arrive at Namche where we will spend the night. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Distance: 4 - 5 hours trek ( 12 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
Distance: 7 - 8 hours trek (18.5 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Lukla Numbur Hotel
Today is the final trekking day of your Gokyo Lakes and Goyo
Ri trek. Walk through the banks of glacial Dudh Koshi river and cross several
suspension bridges. Explore a few monasteries on the trail and trek past some
of the small Sherpa settlements to retrace your steps back to Lukla. Celebrate
your successful trekking journey with the local staff in Lukla in the evening as
they wont be accompanying you to Kathmandu. Overnight in Lukla.
Distance: 7 - 8 hours trek (18.5 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Lukla Numbur Hotel
Distance: 30 minutes flight
Included meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Shanker
Take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Your trek leader will drop you off at your hotel and you can have a well deserved rest in your room. You may also take a short walk around the streets of Thamel and do some souvenir shopping. Join us for the farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate your successful Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Distance: 30 minutes flight
Included meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Shanker
Distance: 25 minutes Drive to airport
Included meals: Breakfast
Today is the final day of your memorable trekking holidays in Nepal. Our representative will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport about 3 hours before your scheduled flight and help you with your departure. We hope that you had a wonderful time trough adventurous trekking journey in the Gokyo valley of Everest region. We are right here to plan your future adventure trips as you wish. Have a safe journey ahead!
Distance: 25 minutes Drive to airport
Included meals: Breakfast
While you travel, we will follow two types of accommodations. You will spend 2 nights in Kathmandu at the deluxe 4-star hotel and 13 nights in standard, clean and comfortable tea-houses during the trek. All accommodations for Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek will be on a twin-sharing basis. Single supplement will be provided on request, at an additional cost (490 USD). However, a single supplement may not be feasible all the time especially at higher elevations above Namche Bazaar.
During our Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek, you can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as the common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner are served from the tea-houses or from a lodge menu where you spend the night, whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking whereas only breakfast will be available while in Kathmandu. There will also be a Farewell Dinner hosted by Extollo Adventures upon your return from the successful excursion.
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:
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.
HEAD
UPPER BODY
HANDS
LOWER BODY
FEET
SLEEPING
RUCKSACK AND TRAVEL BAGS
MEDICAL
PRACTICAL ITEMS
TOILETRIES
PERSONAL HYGIENE
EXTRAS/LUXURIES
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:
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:
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.
Flights between Lukla and Kathmandu are generally reliable, though bad weather conditions may cause flight delay or even cancellation. In such scenario, Extollo Adventures will attempt to get you on a chartered helicopter to avoid flight delays. All additional cost would be your responsibility which could be $400 USD or more depending on the number of people on the flight.
We already schedule one extra day into your trip as a buffer day in Kathmandu in case of such flight delays or cancellations. However, we also suggest you add a couple of additional days at the end of your trip in case of any delays.
It is mandatory for joining any of the Extollo Adventures trips is that all clients must be insured, it is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. There could be comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we do not arrange or sell insurance.
Extra personal expenses on the trip may include showering, recharging batteries, bottled/boiled water, soda, alcoholic beverages, tipping, visa fees, recreational expenses and other services not listed. Typically trekkers spend around $10 to $20 USD on a daily basis. Following are the items with extra costs during the trek:
For the visa fees, please check Visa and Passport Information.
Generally, we do not charge solo travelers any extra charge. You will be paired up with another traveler of same gender and hotel room will be provided on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu. On request, you will be provided a single room in Kathmandu with an extra charge. Similarly, you will need to share a room with same gender group member in tea houses during the trek. Upon request and if available we can arrange private rooms during trekking with a small single supplement charge.
All foreign nationals are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese Visa can be obtained either prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport. It can be also secured at entry points at Nepalese borders.
Following are the fees either in US dollars cash or the equivalent Nepalese currency:
You can use this full address while filling up your visa application:
Street: Amrit Marg
Ward No: 19
VDC/Municipality: Kathmandu
District: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
For further information please visit: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
Have you read our ‘Trip FAQs'? We have answered your each and every possible question; kindly have a glance through them. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip, please feel free to contact us by email or directly call us at +1-855-986-5623.
Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes - Very fun and worth-while trip. All of the people, guides, accommodations, and food were amazing. Everything made the trip more fun for my family! Read More
Traveled to Nepal in group of 12 from Mar 30 - Apr-14 2019I am an adventure-seeker and have been on ABC trek once already. This time I wanted to trek in the Everest region with tour of Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri climb. It was indeed a exhilarating walking trip, but equally rewarding as we got to visit those beautiful Gokyo lakes..it was soul touching experience.. I wish to live in the mountains, viewing those snow capped peaks so close..the fresh natural environment to walk around.. I totally loved my Gokyo trek Read More
Traveled to Nepal Solo from Mar 27 - Apr-11 2018I had a wonderful trek last September with Extollo. My friends and myself had been through a lot of travel companies' websites and contacted them for the inquiry of Gokyo lakes trek. Fortunately, we came to speak with Extollo too. Nabin was quite helpful to answer our questions and once we were convinced we joined Extollo for this 16-day Gokyo trek. The journey was fantastic, visiting those mountain villages meeting the locals and the highlight- Gokyo lakes visit and Gokyo Read More
Traveled to Nepal Solo from Apr 05 - Apr-20 2018With a management office in California and operational center in Kathmandu, Extollo Adventures simplifies your trip preparations to various destinations.
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