Why didn't AlpineTrav Include the price in the package?

Price for the trip:

• The trip cost always depends on group size, hotel accommodation category and client’s desire budget
• The included itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern which AlpineTrav you. This trekking itinerary can be modified according to your time and requirements
• The itinerary shall be changed after an understanding between both AlpineTrav and the client. Additional activities could be either added or reduced as per client’s request before the trip confirmation
• Price shall be adjusted in our mutual understanding, if the client intends to add some services we shall charge him/ her for those additional services and if he/she intends to lessen some services, we shall wave the charges accordingly
• The itinerary is published in full board services for the better understanding to the client. Among many options such as hotel facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the client can make his/her own choice
• The cost is also affected by the number of employees‒ guides and porters
• Please contact us for any information about in your selected package.

Nepal Visa Information

Visa on Arrival: Most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Visa Fees: A 15-day multiple-entry visa costs USD 30, a 30-day visa costs USD 50, and a 90-day visa costs USD 125.
Application Process: Visitors should fill out a visa application form, which is available online or at the airport, and provide a passport-sized photo and payment in cash.
Requirements: A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity and a blank page for the visa stamp is required. Ensure you carry sufficient USD cash for the visa fee as not all payment methods are accepted.

Useful Information

For your information, international flights and Nepal’s “entry visa fee” are not included. Rooms are usually shared by two people unless you request a private room. So if you want to upgrade to better hotels in the cities, please contact us for your customized services.

Details about Lukla from Kathmandu and Ramechhap

The journey to the Everest region’s destination primarily begins after reaching Lukla. Flights to Lukla are available from both Kathmandu and Ramechhap. Although it is easy and convenient to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, travelers must take the flight from Ramechhap during the peak season due to the Kathmandu airport’s congestion. Likewise, per the new regulation of the aviation board, all the flights to Lukla will be diverted from Ramechhap during the Peak season (Spring and Autumn).

The flight from Katmandu’s domestic airport to Tenzin Hillary Airport of Lukla takes 30 minutes, whereas it takes only 15 minutes from the Manthali airport of Ramechhap to Lukla. However, it takes 4-5 hours to drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, making it a long journey. Yet, whichever airport you fly from, you’ll get an amazing aerial view of the Himalayas through the bird’s eye. In addition, the flight ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla costs $215 and US$186 from Ramechhap. Please refer to this page:
Best Alternative Options

Details about Gokyo Lake and Gokyo RI

Located at an elevation of 4,700–5,000 m (15,400–16,400 ft), Gokyo Lakes is one of the prominent landmarks of the Everest region. It is one of the highest freshwater lake systems, with six lakes, and it was named after the Gokyo Ri. The lakes lie in the Khumjung Village Development Committee within the Sagarmatha National Park and have also been designated a Ramsar site. The Gokyo Lakes have a surface area of 196.2 ha (485 acres). Each lake of Gokyo is surrounded by towering peaks, adding to the beauty of the lakes. Moreover, Gokyo Cho, also called Dudh Pokhari, is the main lake, which is more famous and has an area of 42.9 ha (106 acres).

Views of Gokyo Lake and Gokyo RI

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a stunning journey that offers trekkers the majesty of the Khumbu region. From the start to the end of the journey, trekkers will be amazed by the exceptional views, with each step showcasing the region’s diverse landscape and beauty. One of the key views of the trek is Gokyo Lake, a set of six turquoise lakes surrounded by towering peaks. Likewise, the view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and other surrounding peaks accompanies the trekkers all along the trek.

Furthermore, it offers a view of the mixed terrain of the Sagarmatha National Park, from glaciers to valleys and forests. Excluding the beauty of nature, the trek presents chances to witness the Sherpa culture, tradition, and religious hub. In addition, Gokyo Ri, offering stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and other nature’s majesty.

Altiude sickness and acclimatization

The Gokyo Lakes Trek involves a significant risk of altitude sickness, especially if proper acclimatization is not followed. As the trek begins from an elevation above 3,000m and reaches above 5,000m, the risk of altitude sickness is high throughout the trek, requiring a proper acclimatization plan. Thus, AlpineTrav Treks & Expedition’s package ensures an appropriate itinerary with an acclimatization plan to keep trekkers safe and away from the risks related to altitude sickness.

The trip package involves acclimatization at key locations, including Namche Bazaar (3,440m), Machermo (4,470m), and Gokyo Village (4,750m). The acclimatization days are not only about resting and sleeping; instead, they follow the rule of “climb high, sleep low,” which means trekkers hike to higher elevations as a day hike and sleep at the lower elevation. This helps trekkers get used to higher altitudes and temperatures while acclimating at high elevations.

Training for the Gokyo Lake trek

As Gokyo Ri is one of the most challemging viewpoint in Nepal’s Himalayas, trekkers should train properly to navigate the section on the journey to Gokyo Lakes. Thus, trekkers planning the trek should prepare themselves with cardiovascular training, flexibility, mobility training, and strength training 2-3 months before the trek.

Cardiovascular Training

• Start practicing hiking on rugged trails with a backpack.
• Involve running and jogging 3-5 times a week to improve stamina.
• Cycling is best for endurance and leg strength.
• To be prepared for steep ascents, practice stair climbing.

Strength Training

• Focus on leg exercises by including squats, lunges, calf raises, and step-ups.
• Focus on core workouts like planks, sit-ups, and Russian twists that help stability.
• Focus on push-ups and shoulder presses for upper body strength.

Flexibility and Mobility Training

• Involve in yoga as it enhances balance and helps control breathing.
• Practice stretching by focusing on the legs, hips, and back.

Gokyo Lake Trek Cost

The Gokyo Lakes Trek costs USD 1,750 per person. This covers most of the expenses required for the trek, including accommodation, meals, permits, domestic flight, trekking guide, all ground transportation, and some refundable gear. However, if the Trekker prefers luxurious or add-on services, the trip cost increases.

The cost of the Gokyo Lakes Trek is dynamic and changes due to various factors. Group size is the foremost aspect that changes the trip’s price, as AlpineTrav Treks & Expedition offers exclusive group sizes for trekkers with larger groups. Similarly, the chosen mode of accommodation, customization of the trip, level of preferred luxury, trekking season, whether to hire a porter, and any special requirement impact the overall cost of the trek.

Permits for Gokyo Lakes

The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit are necessary to trek to Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) have implemented the permits, so obtaining them is necessary.

Sagaramtha National Park permit

Trekkers can obtain a Sagaramtha National Park permit from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Monjo. The permit costs NPR 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1500 for SAARC citizens. It is necessary to support the park’s conservation and maintenance and monitor trekkers throughout the area.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit is a newly introduced one to replace the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. It is available at the Monjo checkpost and in Lukla and costs NPR 2000 for everyone for the first four weeks, then NPR 2,500 per person after four weeks. The permit is necessary because it helps manage local tourism and supports infrastructure development in the Khumbu region.

Best time for Gokyo Lake trekking

Spring and Autumn are the two best times for the trek to Gokyo Lakes. From March to May, spring comes after the coldest season and before the monsoon season. Winter and Autumn, from September to November, come after the monsoon season and before winter. The seasons are best for the trek due to the ideal trekking conditions they provide. Likewise, the weather and temperature are pleasant and stable during spring, ranging from –10°C to 15°C, and Autumn, ranging from -12°C to 15°C, making them the best for trekking.

The challenge of the Gokyo Lake trek

The trek to Gokyo Lakes via Namche bazaar is undoubtedly a breathtaking journey in the Everest region. However, the trek isn’t without challenges, adding to the thrill and difficulty of the trip. The major challenge of the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek is the high altitude, which poses the risk of altitude sickness. The trek reaches up to an elevation of 5,360m/ 17,585ft, with a high risk of acute mountain sickness.

The harsh weather of the Himalayas, with cold temperatures dropping below freezing at nighttime, adds to the challenge of the trek. Similarly, the sudden change in weather from strong winds to fog to sudden snowfall makes the trek more difficult. The steep and challenging terrain with loose rocks is another factor that makes the trek challenging. Moreover, crossing Renjo la Pass, Limited accommodation, long trekking destination, and potential ice formations section are other challenges of the Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek.

Tips to Overcome Those Challenges

• Acclimatize properly and ascend slowly throughout the trip.
• Check the weather forecast regularly before starting the day’s trip. Be prepared to stay in a basic teahouse with limited accommodation and food choices.
• Train well for 2-3 months before the actual journey with cardio strength training and hiking practices.
• Stay hydrated and eat a proper, balanced diet throughout the trip.
• Wear appropriate gear, from warm layers to good trekking boots.
• Carry medication (diamox) that helps to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
• Listen to your body and be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.
• Choose the right trekking season to avoid facing harsh weather.
• Book tea houses in advance if you are traveling in peak seasons.
• Carry snacks and energy bars for extra energy during the trek.
• Follow a slow and steady pace instead of rushing on the ascent.
• Carry a first aid box with the necessary items.

Essential checklist for Gokyo Lake Trek

Packing appropriate gear and equipment while trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas, including for the Gokyo Lakes trek, is crucial. The right packing of gears ensures a smooth and successful journey. As the weather of the Himalayas changes frequently, trekkers should pack the gear and equipment that fits every weather. Here is the list of essential gear that trekkers should pack for the Gokyo Lakes Trek:

Head Wear:
Sunhat, Warm ha, Buffs, UV-blocking sunglasses, Headlamp
Handwear:
Softshell gloves, Heavyweight gloves
Upper Body:
Thermal or fleece base layer top, Trekking shirts (Short and full, Sleeve), Soft-shell jacket/fleece jacket, Light down jacket, Hard-shell jacket with a hood, Insulated Down Jacket (provided by us at request)
Lower body:
Thermal or fleece base layer bottom, Trekking trousers/pants, Warm trekking trousers, Hardshell pants (waterproof), Insulated down pants (optional)
Footwear:
Waterproof Hiking Boots, Hiking socks (synthetic and wool), Liner socks, Camp shoes to wear at the teahouse, Yaktrax / Microspikes (optional)
Gears / Personal equipment:
Daypack 30-35 litres with rain cover, Waterproof Duffel bag (provided by us at request), Down Sleeping bag (-15 C rated) (provided by us at request), One-litre capacity water bottle (Nalgene & Thermos), Trekking poles, Camera with charger, Personal snacks and energy bars, Laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes (optional), Padlock (Optional), Ear plugs, Rain Poncho, Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
Toiletries and hygiene:
Quick-drying towel, Small face towel, Toothbrush &Toothpaste, Face mask, Water treatment tools or tablets (Recommended: Aquatabs) Deodorants, Soap, and Shampoo (Smaller bottle), Face and body moisturizer, Sunscreen SPF30+ and Lip Balm SPF 30+, Hand sanitizer/Antiseptic wipes, Hygiene products, Basic first aid kit
Documents:
Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
Credit cards for emergencies, Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport, Travel Insurance, Flight tickets

Additional Information

Other information such as (Insurance, Arrival Instructions, Visa and Passport etc) required for the trip will be provided after your trip confirmation. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you require more information about the trip.

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FAQs

To plan a hike and get off to a good start, it’s always a good idea to learn a little more about the area and even catch a few checkpoints. These FAQs will answer your most important question marks and provide tips to plan your trek with confidence. So, let’s get into them.