How can I book Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek?
Once you confirmed the trip, we need a photocopy of your passport and a 20 percent down payment of the total price for advance flight tickets and hotel booking and permit process.
Can I do the Everest Gokyo lakes trek?
This trek is suitable for any walker looking for something adventure and challenging with stunning views of the Mt. Everest region. It does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. Although, daily jogging or walking exercise is useful and you need to be in the good physical condition and able to walk for 5-6 hours daily.
When is the best season for the Everest Gokyo Lake walking tour?
Choosing the best season for the Everest Gokyo Lake trek or any other trek in Nepal is crucial to making it a memorable trip. Like many Asian countries, Nepal has five seasons in a year; spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. The best seasons to go for trekking in Nepal are spring and autumn. Although it is possible to go for a trek during the other seasons, spring and autumn are undoubtedly the best ones.
The spring season or the pre-monsoon season falls in the months of February, March, April and May. With everything starting to bloom and grow the spring season has long been a favourite for many trekkers. Especially in the Everest region with clear skies every day the views are just breathtaking. Temperatures during the day go from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and during the night can drop from 8 to 12 degrees Celsius. The weather will be dry and stable, making your trekking days enjoyable and memorable. Trekking to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake during the spring season is highly recommended by Alpine Eco Trek.
During the autumn season that falls just after the rainy monsoon season, trekkers can enjoy completely different sceneries. Lasting from September to the end of December during the autumn season trekkers can enjoy a cooler climate with temperatures during the day between 14 to 20 degrees Celsius and during the night from 10 degrees to as low as -5 degrees Celsius. The skies will be clear with some clouds and the villages get ready for harvesting their crops, painting the entire landscape in a beautiful picturesque scene. Trekking to Everest Gokyo Lake during the autumn season is definitely a recommender for any type of trekker.
What kind of food is available during the Everest Gokyo Lake hiking holidays?
While trekking in the Himalayas is a great outdoor adventure it is important to stay in tip-top condition every day in order to make it a successful trek. Meals or food during the trek plays an important role in maintaining that good condition of fitness and Alpine Eco Trek makes sure that you are not lacking. Of course in the main cities such as Kathmandu, almost every type of food is available from pizzas to hamburgers and steaks, but as we head out for trekking the meals are more traditional and prepared by the local communities. During the trek, we make use of the local guesthouses and a wide variety of food items will be on the menu for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alpine Eco Trek would like to list out some of the food items available during your trek in the Everest region.
The most important meal of the day starts with a good and healthy breakfast. The teahouses or guesthouses have the perfect breakfast items available on the menu to ensure you are ready for a day of trekking. The menus consist out of delicious and fresh-made Tibetan bread, Chapati with fresh cheese, oatmeal, French toast with either jam, honey or peanut butter, fried, boiled, or scrambled local eggs, hashed browns, pancakes, porridge with milk, muesli and seasonable vegetables. A lot to choose from and all energizing foods, just perfect to start your exciting day. Hot drinks are also available but don’t expect a luxurious Americano or espresso.
After trekking for a good half-day hunger starts to set in and we make a break for lunch. In some cases, lunch has to be packed in the morning and will be enjoyed as a picnic but mostly we will stop at a teahouse on the way to restock our energy with a delicious lunch during the trek. Lunch can be ordered from the menu and usually consists of the following items; a different variety of noodle soups called Thukpa, the traditional Nepali rice with lentil soup locally known as dhal bhat, the nation’s favourite momo dumplings, Tibetan or Chapatti bread, pasta like spaghetti or macaroni, the famous Sherpa stew, seasonal soups, sandwiches, pizza, curry rice, spring rolls, burger, pizza, yak steak, and some dessert items. With a lot to choose from it is important to refrain from meat items as the quality of the meat can deteriorate fast in these high altitudes and rural villages.
Having completed a whole day of trekking in the Himalayas a good dinner is all you need. Dinner will be served at our overnight guest or teahouse and can be chosen from the menu. Consisting mostly of the same items as during lunch it’s a great time to try something different than what you had for lunch. For any type of gluten-free meal, Alpine Eco Trek asks you to bring gluten-free items with you during the trek as almost no teahouse can provide specialized items. With many fresh locally grown vegetables to choose from, there are also a lot of non-vegetarian options available but as stated above we do recommend refraining from meat items unless we know for sure that they are fresh. The best way to find out is to advise with your trekking guide.
After a good meal comes a good dessert. During the Everest, Gokyo Lake trekking tour deserts and some snacks can be bought as well. From delicious homemade apple pies, rice pudding, or fresh-made pastries there is always room for dessert. At the teahouses snacks like; mars or snickers candy bars, cakes or popcorn can be bought and enjoyed during your trekking breaks.
Hot drinks are also made available and very much appreciated during the colder seasons. Trekkers can choose between varieties of energizing hot drinks such as; black or milk coffee, a wide range of tea with honey, milk, ginger, lemon, green, or mint. Hot and fresh juice can also be found but depends on the season such as; mango juice, pineapple juice, or orange juice made nice and warm.
Food during the trek is one of the important things to keep your stamina up and your condition as fit as possible. For more questions about food during a trek in Nepal with Alpine Eco Trek, you can always contact us during your booking.
What about drinking water during the Everest Gokyo Lake hiking?
Trekking in the high altitudes can be very taxing on your body, as so it is important to keep hydrating by drinking water during the trek. As the oxygen becomes less the higher we go, drinking water can be a good replacement. Alpine Eco Trek always advises intaking at least between 2 to 4 liters of water per day. In the entire Everest region, there are a lot of options to find drinking water. The shops on roads and the teahouses all sell bottled and filtered water, but we do ask our trekkers not to bring them during the trek as empty bottles usually end up in landfills or are burned to destroy the environment. On the trails, we can find enough cold water sources whether natural or via tap, by making use of water purification items such as a LifeStraw or tablets you can be sure to have ample drinking water during the Everest Gokyo Lake tour holidays.
What kind of accommodations during the Everest Gokyo Lake trek?
Having explained a bit about food and drinking water we haven’t gone over accommodations during the trek. These accommodations are in local guesthouses or teahouses and while comfortable and charming can be quite simple. The rooms in these teahouses are on a twin sharing base and are fitted with 2 or 3 single beds equipped with warm blankets, pillows a comfortable mattress, and in some places with an attached bathroom. The rooms are clean and hygienic but we do recommend bringing a sleeping bag for that extra protection of hygiene. These accommodations during the trek have incredible views and in the mornings offer spectacular sunrises with a nice hot cup of beverage. Alpine Eco Trek can offer a single room at no additional charge for solo female travellers.
During your stay in Kathmandu, there is a wide option of hotels to choose from, ranging from simple hostels to luxury 4 to 5-star hotels, Alpine Eco Trek would be more than happy to help you reserve accommodation during your trip to Nepal in Kathmandu, just let us know during your booking.
Do I need travel insurance?
While booking any type of trek or tour with Alpine Eco Trek, travel insurance is required. This does not only give you peace of mind but also allows us to take quick and decisive action in case of an accident or emergency. For trekking in the Himalayas or Everest region, you need to make sure that your travel insurance at least covers the following policies; emergency helicopter rescue, medical evacuation expenses, and trip cancellation. While accidents or illness during a trek are rare it can happen and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. A copy of your travel insurance should be sent during your booking or final confirmation and should be carried with you during the trek. Alpine Eco Trek, a master for more than two decades in the Himalayas cannot send you out on a trek without the proper travel insurance.
What Equipment do I need for the Everest Gokyo Lake trek?
Every trek comes with a set of items necessary to make it more comfortable, and equipment for the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is not different. Alpine Eco Trek has a list made up to make sure you have everything you need during this incredible trek in the Everest region. If you forgot something at home there is no need to worry as Kathmandu has almost everything for sale and some for rent. Most shops can be found at Thamel also known as a backpacker paradise, and our team can always help you out acquiring lacking equipment that you will need for the Everest Gokyo Lake trek. Also be mindful of which season you come, no need to pack winter gloves or wool mittens if you come in the spring or summer seasons.
What to bring:
- A few pairs of thermal underclothes
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- A wind and waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
- 2 pairs of trekking pants
- Mitten or woollen gloves
- Comfortable and warm hiking socks
- Trekking boots with spare laces
- Standard trekking poles
- Water purification item(s)
- Cotton trousers for hiking
- Cap or scarf to protect from the sun
- Toiletries
- A headlight
- Washing towel
- Laundry bag
- A small lock for your backpack
- A rain poncho
- Personal basic first aid kit
What about safety during the Everest Gokyo Lake trek?
Your and our employees’ safety during the Everest Gokyo Lake trek is of paramount importance to Alpine Eco Trek. With trekking trails varying from easy going to slippery or rocky terrain, it is important to always listen to the guidance of your trekking guide. These masters of the Himalayas are experts in trail mapping and will know the best way to handle any obstacle that can occur during the trek. Before departing to Lukla a detailed trek briefing will be held and all the safety regulations will be explained to ensure nothing can go wrong. AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness can occur during the Everest Gokyo Lake trek if you are not careful. It is important to inform your guide if you notice any of the symptoms so that they can take the proper steps to prevent or cure this by heading back to a lower elevation or in worse cases call for a rescue helicopter. Most goods in the Everest region are transported via yak or donkey and these animals don’t care who is in the way, it is important to always be at the safe zones on smaller trails, this way the transportation trains can easily bypass you and no accidents can occur.
What about transportations during the Everest Gokyo Lake hike?
Alpine Eco Trek arranges all transportation as described in the itinerary of the trek. This includes airport transfers from and to the international airport, airport transfers to and from the domestic airport, and a two-way flight to and from Lukla. Upon your arrival at the international airport, our representative will await you for a meet and greet with a traditional flower necklace. For those who would like to extend their stay or use private vehicles for sightseeing Alpine Eco Trek can arrange this but note that additional costs will apply.
Are there any extra expenses during the trek?
With most things included in the package such as accommodation and meals during the trek, you can have extra personal expenses during the trek. As so it’s important to bring some extra cash with you during the trek as there are no ATMs in the rural villages. Personal expenses can be; extra beverages or snacks, souvenirs, tips, or community support.
Can I charge camera batteries along the trek?
Yes, in most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek (per hour USD 2-3 for charging).
Is someone going to meet me at the airport? Are transfers included?
Definitely, one of our team leaders will come to the airport to pick you up. We will be displaying a placard of the company with your name on it. Airport transfer is included.
