Lyn Taylor Adventure Travel
Home Tours Adventure in nepal Nepal Taylor led Gokyo lake trek - Nepal April 2013

Gokyo lake trek - Nepal April 2013

With eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountain vistas. The Everest area is justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world's highest mountain but also for its friendly Sherpa people, picturesque villages, great variety of cultures and traditions, colorful festivals and monasteries. The Sagarmatha National Park is rich with flora and fauna, but the existence of the yeti remains a mystery. You will trek to the beautiful village of Gokyo 4000mtrs and Gokyo Ri 5360mtrs, you will view some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and of course "The Top of the World Mt Everest." Our first acclimatization days are spent at Namche Bazaar, home of the legendary Sherpa people.  This colorful village was once the main trading route between Tibet and Nepal and offers a unique insight into the traditional Nepali and Tibetan way of life.

On this 16-day trek you will visit the famous Buddhist Monastery at Thyanboche which has been restored after being destroyed by fire in 1989.  Thyangboche is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountainous scenery in the world and majestically towering above is Ama Dablam.  Here your efforts will be truly rewarded as your experienced and knowledgable guide points out the classic routes to the summit of Mount Everest.  You will visit the famous school that was built and funded by Sir Edmund Hillary. As you ascend higher to our destination of Gokyo you pass a series of 3 high altitude blue lakes which will take your breath away with their beauty. On our descent you return to your final destination of Lukla for the traditional end of trek party and a spectacular return flight to Kathmandu This trip is truly an adventure to remember.


Additional Info

EX Kathmandu April 2013
16 days trekking plus - 4 Nights Kathmandu


This itinerary is intended as a working guide only and is subject to variation as a result of weather, local conditions, government restrictions, or any other reason beyond the control of  Lyn Taylor's Adventure Travel. We reserve the right to alter (lengthen or shorten) any trek at any time if this is necessary.

 

 

Day 01  Arrive Kathmandu
You will be met at Kathmandu airport by Lyn and your Nepalese Guide and transferred to Dwarikas Hotel situated only 5 minutes drive from the airport. The remainder of the afternoon is free to rest after your long trip. In the evening we will have a briefing on your trek.(B)

Yak and Yeti Hotel Kahtmandu

 

 

Day 02 Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding
Early this morning around 6am you will depart from your hotel to the airport to catch your flight to Lukla (2827m). Flight time is approx 40 minutes. You will experience one of the most magnificent sights in the world as you fly parallel to the Himalayan Mountains bordering Nepal, Tibet and China. On arrival at Lukla airport we will meet with our staff of porters who will be assisting us on the trek. Our first lodge is situated at Phakding  an approx. 4 hour walk with lunch on the way  Phakding (2600m) an easy afternoons walk.   (BLD)

 

Day 03 : Phakding to Namche Bazaar
The trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale, where the trail officially enters the Sagarmatha National Park. There is an entrance station just beyond the village where trekking permits are checked and National Park fees collected (the fee is included in your total cost). You continue along the trail, cross the Bhote Kosi River and climb steeply to Namche Bazaar 3500 m. Remember to look out for glimpses of Mt. Everest early on the trail. (BLD)

Day 04: Namche Bazaar rest day for acclimatization.
Today you have a rest day in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize. This town, the hub of Sherpa society, is the administrative centre of the Khumbu region and has a police checkpoint (you must all register there), the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park, a bank, several shops selling items of every description and a proliferation of Sherpa inns. Today you can spend the day relaxing or you may wish to take to the ridge above where you will afford specatacular views of Everest and surrounding mountains. (BLD)

 

 

Day 05 Namche  - Thyangboche (3890 mtrs) (6-7 hours)

From  Namche  it is a short steep climb to the ridge and then a flat winding trail to Sanasar a very pretty village, where you will find Tibetan ladies selling their local craft  From Sanasar the trail drops sharply down to the Dudh Kosi and the village of Phunki, where  you cross the river, and it is then a steep 3 hour climb to the village of Thyangboche. (BLD)

Tyangboche Monastery (3850 mtrs)

 Day 07 Thyangboche –  Photse (6-7 hours) (3850 mtrs)
Today is another long day as you leave Thyangboche  and descend to Deboche  past mani walls deep in a rhododendron forest. From Deboche  you descend to the Imja Kola and climb to the village of Photse were you will have lunch. Because of the ban on hunting at Thyangboche there is much wildlife in this area, so you may see some tame blood pheasants, Nepal's national bird the Himalayan monal or ipeyan pheasant, snow pigeons and redbilled choughs (they will pinch any food you leave lying around). A visit to the monastery is a must. The singular beauty of Ama Dablam, standing isolated from all other mountains provides a spectacular backdrop and reminder of the height of Himalayan peaks.  After lunch it is sometimes a difficult, as you leave Phangboche and wind you way up the valley on a very narrow sometimes-steep trail. The views of Ama Dablam standing above 6,000 meters and known as the Mother’s Charm Box will take your breath away. The singular beauty of Ama Dablam, standing isolated from all other mountains provides a spectacular backdrop and reminder of the height of Himalayan peaks  Arrive Phortse  late afternoon (B)  

 Day 08: Phortse - to Dole (4 -5hours)
From Phortse the trail drops to the river to Phortse Thanga  then climbs steeply through forests of rhododendrons and then stands of juniper and large conifers as the altitude increases. We pass through Sherpa kharkas (high pasture summer settlements used by Sherpas to graze their herds of yaks allowing their lower winter pastures to recover) and the villages of Tongba 3950m and Gyele 3960m to Dole. We have great views of Khumbila and Tawachee peaks throughout the day. (BLD)

Day 09 : Dole to Machhermo (4 -5hours)
Today we have a short and fairly leisurely trek to allow us to acclimatize to the altitude. In the morning we have a steep but beautiful climb through conifer and rhododendron forests and stands of juniper to Lhabarma 4220m and Luza 4360m. There are kharkas wherever there is a flat spot and the slightest hint of water. We continue to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river to the camp at Machhermo 4410 m. it was here in 1974 that a yeti supposedly killed three yaks and attacked a Sherpa woman. So watch out for Yeti in this area.(BLD

Day 10 : Machhermo to Gokyo (6hours)
This is your first real day at high altitude and the trekking today may be described as moderate to difficult. However, the going is slow (in fact, it is recommended that you walk slowly to avoid exhausting yourself). You will climb a ridge from where the valley opens wide as the trail passes through Pangkha. Mt. Cho Oyu 8153 m dominates the skyline to the north as we climb the moraine on the left flank of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The climb is steep to the first of the four lakes that lie in the Gokyo area but the trail levels off towards the second lake, Longponga at 4690m. You  finally ascend a path past the largest of the lakes Dudh Pokhari to Gokyo at 4750m. Gokyo is a typical kharka stone houses and stone walled pastures. (BLD)

Everest View from Gokyo Ri

 Day 11 : Gokyo  - Gokyo Ri – Gokyo
It is recommended if the weather is good then it is up early and a rigorous (2 hr) hike to Gokyo Ri 5360m, the small peak above camp provides spectacular views of the 8463m looming to the east, Cho Oyu 8153m to the north and the smaller but closer peaks of Cholatse and Tawachee to the south. There is a wonderful view of Gokyo and Dudh Pokhari spread out below us.  Afternoon rest and recover from the mornings hike. (BLD)

 

Day 12 Today if weather permitting we will hike to the 5th lake where you will again afford fabulous views of Everest.(BLD)

 

 

 

 

Day 13 Gokyo -  Dole Return by the same trail to Dole. 4 hours walk   (BLD)


Day 14. Dole -  Phortse Tanga. – Mong (6 hours) Today  you  will depart early and descend to the Dudh Kosi river and Photse Tanga then it is a steep winding  climb to the high ridges of 4000m past a large a chorten at the village of Mong, said to be the birthplace of the saint Lama Sange Dorje, the reincarnate lama of Rongbuk Monastory in Tibet who introduced Buddhism to Khumbu.(BLD.

 Day 15  Mong – Khumjung   (3-4 hours) Today is a relatively easy walk to the village of Khumjung  and your lodge for the night. Depending on how you feel there are many options to fill in your afternoon, either take an hours walk to Khunde where you can visit the Kunde Hospital built by the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust.  Khunde is a ½ hrs walk to the famous Khumjung school which was  first established school in the area and was also funded by Sir Edmond Hillary  (BLD)

Day 16.  Khumjung -  Phakding – (5 hours) Departing early today as it is a relatively long day taking a different trail to Namche Bazaar, before retracing your steps and  descending again to the Sagamatha National Park gate to the  village of Monjo   (BLD)

 Day 17  Phakding - Lukla  (4 hours) Once again retracing your path to Lukla to catch your return flight to Kathmandu.  (BLD)

Day 18 : Fly to Kathmandu. Weather permitting you will be on your plane and out of Lukla before 9am and your hotel situated in Bhaktapur which is a 45 minute drive from the airport. (BLD)

Day  19 : Bhaktapur
After breakfast you will be taken on a ½ day tour to BHAKTAPUR: Bhaktapur meaning the City of Devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14km/9 miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 5,600ft above sea level. In Bhadgaon you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 Windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla, The Nyatapola Temple. This temple also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of the Pagoda style and stands on five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures, two famous strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses. After the tour we will transfer to our hotel in Thamel which is the hub of the tourist district of Kathmandu. The afternoon is yours free to do that last minute shopping. (BLD)

Thamel tourist hub of Kathmandu and the Yak and Yeti Hotel

Day 20: Kathmandu End of tour   (B)

US$2350 taxes
Challenging
  • 16-Day Fully escorted lodge trek
  •  All meals whilst on trek
  • Internal flights Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu US$260
  • 3 nights in one of Kathmandu's incl. b'fast
  • 1 night Bhaktapur incl b'fast
  • Transfers to Bhaktapur
  •  Expereinced English Speaking Nepalese Guide
  • Australian Group Leader
  • Porterage to carry your gear
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • 1/2 Day sightseeing tour including in Bhaktapur including entry
  • Comprehensive medical kit
  • Altitude Champer (Gammo Bag)
  • Comprehensive Trip Notes.
  • Trekking permit and National Park Fees

Not Included

  • Visas US$30 (apply on arrival at Ktm airport 2 passport photos req.)
  • Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges)
  • Other meals not stated (Lunch/Dinner Kathmandu)
  • Items of personal nature ie. Soft/hard drinks, tips etc.
  • Travel Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking)
  • Medical evacuation in case of emergency
  • Spending money in Kathmandu allow approx. $100 per person Recommend you take approx. $100 per person on the trek (emergency money)
  • Tips for Porter, Guide Sherpa's and hotel staff allow $120
  • If required the Hire of Sleeping bag or down jacket US$2 per day