Gokyo Lakes

Trek

Explore the famed Khumbu—without the Everest crowds

The Gokyo Lakes Trek traipses paths less traveled while hitting the Khumbu’s most scenic spots.

2-16 NOV 2024

Price: $3,250

Deposit: $1,250
Location: Nepal
Duration: 15 Days
Type: Hiking
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous 😣

Hosted By

Chris Brinlee, Jr.

Chris Brinlee, Jr.

Founder of Transcendent Expeditions, Chris has a decade of experience mountaineering and trekking in the Himalaya. He’s climbed four peaks higher than 6,000 m; two of them via technical routes; one of which was solo. Over the course of eight trips to Nepal, he’s embarked on half-a-dozen different treks, and this itinerary represents his favorite in the Khumbu.

Trip Highlights

70 Miles / 110 km +33,000’ / +10,000m -33,000’ / -10,000m

The Khumbu is perhaps the most famous region of the Himalaya–home to Chomolungma, the Sherpa name for Mount Everest; as well as Lhotse (the 4th highest mountain in the world,) Ama Dablam, and numerous other notable peaks of mountaineering lore.

This trek strays from the most popular paths in favor of quieter routes, while prioritizing pursuit of the most dramatic views in the Khumbu. Along the way, you’ll visit Gokyo Lakes–the world’s highest freshwater lake system; hike over a high-altitude pass; and visit several Sherpa villages.

Experience Transcendence

What to expect

  • Activities

    Moderate (and sometimes strenuous) hiking on mostly good trails, covering 6 to 10 miles (10 - 16 km) and typically +3,000’ (+900 m) on most days; through rugged terrain; at a starting elevation of approximately 9,380’ (2,860 m,) up to a maximum elevation of 17,560' (5,360 m.) The longest day will be 8-9 hours of hiking; 14 miles (22.5 km,) +5,500’ (1,675 m.)

    This trek is enjoyable for fit, adventurous people; and achievable for people who are willing to put in the work to prepare. No previous trekking or backpacking experience is required.

  • Climate

    Autumn temperatures are typically 50-70° F during the day, and 14-45° F at night. The pass may be below 0° F and windy. Rain or snow is possible.

    It will be warm and humid down low; cold and arid up high.

  • Lodging & Cuisine

    Accommodation consists of comfortable Sherpa tea houses throughout scenic villages along the way. Rooms are typically shared by two people; mattresses and pillows are included.

    Cuisine, while often vegetarian, is usually made-to-order and prepared from scratch using locally-grown vegetables.

  • General Itinerary

    2 Days: Kathmandu

    11 Days: Trekking

    1 Day: Kathmandu

    1 Day: Contingency

  • Group Size

    Up to 8 Trekkers + Chris + Expedition Photographer

    2 Trekking Guides + 1 Porter / 2 people

  • Gear + Apparel

    Each participant is required to provide their own hiking equipment, sleeping bags, and clothing. Additionally, each participant can have up to 22 lbs / 10 kg of personal equipment carried by a porter, so that day packs remain light. A detailed gear list will be provided.

L-to-R: Cho Oyu, Everest, Cholatse, Taboche—viewed from Renjo La

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to the hotel in Thamel. Official formalities. Shop for any necessary, last-minute supplies. Gear check. Dinner on-your-own.

Day 2

Half-day city sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Welcome Dinner. Make final preparations for the trek.

Day 3

Early-morning flight to Lukla. Then Trek to Phakding. (3 hrs. 4.5 mi. +1,500’. -2,250’. Sleep at 8,320’.)

Day 4

Trek from Phakding to Namche. (6 hrs. 6.75 mi. +5,500’. -2,800’. Sleep at 11,400’.)

Day 5

Trek from Namche to Khumjung (2 hrs. 2.5 mi. +1,600’. -470’. Sleep at 12,700’.)

Day 6

Trek from Khumjung to Thame (5 hrs. 7 mi. +2,700’. -2,700’. Sleep at 12,700’.)

Day 7

Trek from Thame to Lungdhen (5 hrs. 6 mi. +2,300’. - 600’. Sleep at 14,300’.

Day 8

Pass day! Trek from Lungdhen to Gokyo via Renjo La @ 17,600’. (8 hrs. 7 mi. +3,800’. -2,500’. Sleep at 15,600’.

Day 9

Rest day or light hike to Gokyo Lakes.

Day 10

Gokyo Ri! Hike to the high point (4 hrs. 2.5 mi. +2,000’. -2,000’. Sleep at 15,600’.)

Day 11

Trek from Gokyo to Phortse (6 hrs. 10 mi. +2,850’. - 5,750’. Sleep at 12,700’.)

Day 12

Trek from Phortse to Khumjung via Tengboche, with a monastery visit (3 hrs. 6.5 mi. +3,600’. -3,900’. Sleep at 12,700’.)

Day 13

Trek from Khumjung to Lukla (8 hrs. 13.5 mi. +5,350’. -8,350’. Sleep at 9,375’.)

Day 14

Early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Souvenir shopping. Stay at hotel in Thamel.

Day 15

Contingency day.

What’s Included

Included

  • Transportation to and from the airport in Kathmandu

  • Two nights at a hotel in Kathmandu at beginning of the trek; includes breakfast and is based on double occupancy*

  • One night at a hotel in Kathmandu after returning from trek; includes breakfast and is based on double occupancy*

  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu

  • Air transportation to the start of the trek

  • Air transportation at the end of the trek

  • Park fees and permit fees

  • Trekking guides

  • Trekking porters

  • All lodging while trekking

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and tea** while trekking

  • All group trekking supplies such as tents, stoves, etc.

  • Radio communications

* Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those occupying single accommodations by choice or circumstance. The single supplement is not available in huts, tents, or in all hotels.

**Alcoholic drinks, soda, juice, espresso, and bottled water not included.

We reserve the right to modify what’s included for a trip at any time before departure.

Not Included

  • International round-trip airfare and travel expenses to/from Kathmandu

  • Excess baggage fees

  • International airport departure taxes and Nepal entry visas

  • Meals in Kathmandu except for the welcome dinner

  • Any additional hotel nights in Kathmandu not included above

  • Personal expenses, room charges, and beverages

  • Satellite telephone, air charges, internet use, and Wi-Fi

  • Required insurance policies (medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, etc.)

  • Personal gear

  • Support Staff Tip Pool (we suggest $250 per person)

  • RT-PCR or Antigen test if required for return to United States

  • Any expenses from COVID-19 or COVID-19 testing that causes delays or quarantine requirements such as additional lodging, food, transfers, border issues, delayed test results, etc.

“I never thought that visiting the himalaya was possible for an ordinary girl like me, but after experiencing nepal, i realized how accessible it is.”

—Tiffany aka @FollowTiffsJourney, who joined Chris on a trip to Nepal in 2021

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Thamserku (21,729’ / 6,623 m,) viewed from a teahouse in Thame.