Gokyo Lakes Trek
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GOKYO LAKES TREK April 11-24 aquaterra.in GOKYO LAKES: INTRODUCTION Ever since the days of early climbing expeditions, the highest point on Earth has had a lure of its own, drawing climbers and trekkers to it like a magnet. Naturally, the trail to the base of Everest has become one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, attracting more than 400 people on the trail per day during season. The 15 day Gokyo Lakes trek gives great views of Mt Everest (8848 m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201 m) without the bustling crowds of Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp. The village of Gokyo, is much more beautiful than GorakShep. Gokyo, the lake is truly stunning with its emerald green lakes and herds of yaks wandering freely. aquaterra.in FACT SHEET DATE OF TREK: Apr 11-24 DURATION OF TREK: 14 Days REPORTING POINT: Kathmandu Airport GRADE OF TREK: Demanding HEIGHT: 4800 M ACCOMMODATION DAY ACCOMMODATION MEAL PLAN DAY 1 KATHMANDU GUEST HOUSE ALL INCLUSIVE DAY 2-12 TEA HOUSES ENROUTE ALL INCLUSIVE DAY 13 KATHMANDU GUEST HOUSE ALL INCLUSIVE DAY 14 KATHMANDU GUEST HOUSE - AIRPORT DROP BREAKFAST aquaterra.in ITINERARY CHART DAY START POINT END POINT DISTANCE TIME ALT. DAY 1 KATHMANDUAIRPORT KATHMANDU DRIVE 12 KM 40 MINS 1400 M FLY 138 KM DAY 2 KATHMANDU PHAKDING TREK 8 KM 4 HRS 2562 M DAY 3 PHAKDING NAMCHE BAZAAR 10 KM 6 HRS 3440 M NAMCHE BAZAAR DAY 4 NAMCHE BAZAAR (ACCLIMATISE) - - 3440 M DAY 5 NAMCHE BAZAAR PHORTSE THANGA 8 KM 5 HRS 3680 M DAY 6 PHORTSE THANGA MACHHERMO 10 KM 6 HRS 4410 M DAY 7 MACHHERMO GOKYO 7 KM 4 HRS 4800 M DAY 8 GOKYO GOKYO (HEIGHT GAIN) 5-6 KM 4-5 HRS 4800 M DAY 9 GOKYO DOLE 13 KM 6 HRS 3500 M DAY 10 DOLE NAMCHE BAZAAR 12 KM 6 HRS 3450 M DAY 11 NAMCHE BAZAAR LUKLA 18 KM 7 HRS 2860 M DAY 12 BUFFER DAY - - - FLY TO KTM FLY 40 MINS DAY 13 LUKLA KATHMANDU DRIVE 12 KM DRIVE 40 MINS 1400 M KATHMANDU TRIP DAY 14 KATHMANDU AIRPORT DRIVE 12 KM 40 MINS ENDS! TOTAL COST: INR 1,08,000 + 5% TAX aquaterra.in GOKYO LAKES: DETAILED ITINERARY DAY ONE: KATHMANDU AIRPORT - HOTEL (1550 M) Arrive Kathmandu. Check in, relax. Last minute shopping at Thamel, sleep and hydrate. DAY TWO: KATHMANDU - LUKLA - PHAKDING (2562 M) Your journey begins with the exciting 40 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. If you can, sit on the left side of the plane, which affords the best views of the Himalaya.Here, you will meet your Nepali guides and porters who are all Sherpas and Buddhists, adding to your insight of their customs and culture. We begin, bizarrely, by walking downhill! This is a short day to Phakding. aquaterra.in DAY THREE: PHAKDING - NAMCHE BAZAAR (3400 M) From Phakding it is a steep walk to the largest village in the area: Namche Bazaar. En route you get your first views of Mount Everest, if the weather is kind. Namche has a unique atmosphere which you will have plenty of time to enjoy as you will have an acclimatization day here. DAY FOUR: NAMCHE BAZAAR (3400 M) We use the acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar to walk to either Khunde or Khumjung (3800m). We return to Namche for the night. aquaterra.in DAY FIVE: NAMCHE BAZAAR - PHORTSE THANGA (3680 M) From Namche the trail heads north towards Sanasa, but just before this there is a viewpoint which provides you with your first view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche Peak, Kangtega and Thamserku. At Sanasa a quiet side path leaves the main trekking route to Everest Base Camp and crosses the slopes of Khumbila. Sherpas worship this mountain as it is the home of the patron god of the Khumbu region and is never climbed out of respect. We continue on this path to Phortse Thanga where we spend the night. DAY SIX: PHORTSE THANGA - MACHHERMO (4410 M) The walk to Machhermo via Dole is a steep one and so it is advisable to slow down the pace and enjoy the breathtaking views of Cho Oyo, Thamserku and Kangtega. aquaterra.in DAY SEVEN: MACHHERMO - GOKYO (4800 M) Trekking towards Gokyo, the excitement mounts as one leaves the foothills and enters the tundra of the high mountains. Gokyo has a magical setting with its beautiful lake and jagged peaks behind. DAY EIGHT: GOKYO EXPLORATION (4800 M) Exploration Day, but with options!As the clouds can roll in by late morning, the first option is an early ascent of Gokyo Ri (4 hour round trip - 5357 M). Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche Peak, to name but a few! The second possibility is “The Sacred Lakes” walk (5 hour round trip) it gains very little altitude but the views are great, easy optional walk to Scoundrel’s Peak. aquaterra.in DAY NINE: GOKYO - DOLE (3500 M) We retrace our route, and descend steeply down to Machermo. The route gets gradual after Machermo until we reach the village of Dole which offers different views. DAY TEN: DOLE – NAMCHE BAZAAR (3450 M) From here it’s an easy stroll to the village of PhortseTenga through Rhododendron forests. You emerge from this forest to climb the last big ascent of the trip to reach Mong. From Mong, the route is a gradual downhill to Namche. aquaterra.in DAY ELEVEN: NAMCHE BAZAR-LUKLA (2860 M) The final day’s walking returns you to Lukla for your early morning flight back to Kathmandu the next day. DAY TWELVE: BUFFER DAY Extra day incase of weather delays. aquaterra.in DAY THIRTEEN: LUKLA-KATHMANDU (1550 M) Fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel in Thamel. DAY FOURTEEN: KATHMANDU-KATHMANDU AIRPORT Transfer to Kathmandu Airport and onwards to your destination! TOTAL COST: INR 1,08,000 + 5% TAX aquaterra.in GOKYO LAKES TREK: COST BREAKDOWN COST INCLUDES ALL TRAVEL FROM KATHMANDU AIRPORT TO KATHMANDU AIRPORT BY ROAD/AIR AS APPLICABLE IN A NON-AC VEHICLE AS PER THE ITINERARY ALL ARRANGEMENTS FOR STAYING WHILE ON TRIP ACCOMMODATION ON TWIN SHARING BASIS IN TEA HOUSES / HOTEL ALL MEALS AT TEA HOUSES & SAFE DRINKING WATER AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY HOT AND COLD DRINKS AT THE TEAHOUSE WHERE THE STAY IS ALL TREKKING ARRANGEMENTS WITH INDIA’S MOST EXPERIENCED GUIDING TEAM, CAMP STAFF AND COOKS PROFESSIONAL GUIDE FEE PORTERAGE UPTO 12KG/PERSON ONE SHOWER/DAY/PERSON WHERE POSSIBLE PEAK FEE/SANCTUARY FEE/ROYALTY/PERMITS WHERE APPLICABLE COST EXCLUDES ANY TRANSFERS OR MEALS OUTSIDE OF ITINERARY SLEEPING BAG/BOTTLED WATER/HOT DRINKING WATER/WIFI (RATES INCREASE THE FURTHER YOU GET FROM KATHMANDU) LUNCH AND DINNER AT KATHMANDU SHOWERS MORE THAN ONCE A DAY PORTERAGE ABOVE 12KG CHARGEABLE AT INR 1500/DAY EXPENSES OF ANY PERSONAL NATURE (LAUNDRY / PHONE CALLS / ALCOHOL / CIGARETTES / INSURANCE / CAMERA FEE / ETC.) ANY EXPENSE INCURRED DUE TO FORCE OF NATURE SUCH AS LANDSLIDES, BAD WEATHER OR REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL TIPS & GRATUITIES (WE RECOMMEND 5-10% OF YOUR TRIP COST- TO BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE TEAM) - PERSONAL CHOICE TRAVEL & CANCELLATION INSURANCE NOTE: ALL BOOKINGS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF SPACE AT CAMP. WE BOOK SPACE ON 100% ADVANCE. aquaterra.in PLEASE NOTE SINGLE/FORCED SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: INR 28,000 + 5% TAX REACHING KTM FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE-MENTIONED COST KTM – LUKLA FIGHT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED COST WE WILL GIVE YOU A LIFESTRAW BOTTLE TO REDUCE PLASTIC ON THE TRAIL PLEASE CARRY TOILET PAPER FOR PERSONAL USE PLAN ON A SPARE DAY INCASE OF BAD WEATHER. HELICOPTER FLIGHT OUT OF LUKLA IS APPROX US$ 500/PERSON/SECTOR aquaterra.in GOKYO LAKES TREK: THE NEXT STEPS Have any questions? Email us Ready to go? Book your place by filling in this form. Make your payment here. Once you fill in your form, we'll get in touch with you with all the necessary details. PLEASE NOTE: Filling in the booking form does not guarantee a spot on any trek. You will receive a separate confirmation email once the booking form is submitted. We look forward to hosting you on your next Adventure! aquaterra.in .