Best Season for Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek
In order to make the best out of this classical Himalayan exploration, Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake Itinerary, the spring and autumn seasons are the perfect choice. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the peak seasons with the most suitable climatic conditions in the region.
In particular, the autumn season has the most favorable climatic conditions; the days in this season are clear and offer the most stunning unobstructed views of the Himalayan massifs. The day temperatures of this season are also mild and you can enjoy trekking enjoying the fresh morning and evening breezes. The temperature of the Khumbu area during the autumn season hovers between 12°C to 16°C and can drop upto -5°C.
As for the spring, which is also known as the bloom season of the Himalayas, the temperature of the Everest region reached its maximum of about 25°C during the daytime. That means, your exploration at the alpine altitudes will also be accompanied by warm temperatures. Marvelous trekking trails decorated with rhododendrons, lush landscapes, pleasant temperatures, wildlife- birdlife photography, etc, are some of the major highlights of the spring season.
Trek Difficulty
The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake Itinerary explores the world’s most popular Himalayan trekking adventure. This highest base amp adventure in the world is on the bucket list of every genuine trekking enthusiast. So, if you are considering doing this trek and wondering what the overall difficulty level of this epic base camp adventure might be. Don’t worry this mainstream Himalayan trekking adventure has been classified as a moderate trekking adventure.
So, even if you don’t have any previous trekking experience, you will still be able to do this trek. You also do not need any technical skillset to do this trek, but the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek is still a Himalayan adventure that takes you to high altitudes. There are several factors that can be a significant challenge if you are not well-prepared for this classic Himalayan adventure.
Altitude Sickness:
If you are familiar with the nature of the high altitude adventure, then you understand the risk of altitude sickness in Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake Itinerary. You will gain a significant altitude in this adventure; you will start your trekking adventure from Lukla (2,800) and proceed to high altitude points like Namche (3,440 meters), Dole (4,200 meters), Gokyo Lake (4,790 meters), Gokyo Ri (5,357), EBC (5,364 meters), and the highest elevation point, Cho La Pass (5,420 meters). So, you will need to take the acclimatization process seriously and get enough rest- eat a balanced diet to avoid any issues related to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Trekking Route:
The overall trekking distance of Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake Itinerary is roughly around 112 km (70 miles). Thus, during your trekking days, you will trek for 6-7 hours on average. You will need to traverse across rugged- remote trails, steep sections, and even glacial moraines during this adventure. So, you will have to be prepared for the diverse landscapes that you will overcome during this adventure.
Khumbu Cough:
Khumbu cough is a troublesome health condition that trekkers face at high altitudes during the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek due to low humidity and cold temperatures associated with the high altitudes. Trekkers who rush the adventure, don’t acclimatize properly with the rising altitude and aren’t well prepared to deal with the cold alpine climatic conditions usually suffer from this condition.
Is Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake Itinerary Suitable for Me?
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake Itinerary is a remarkable Himalayan exploration that you should experience at least once in your lifetime. If you have a basic level of fitness and good health condition, that is more than enough for this trek. You don’t need any technical skills, training, or even experience to do this trek, although with will be beneficial if you do have some experience in high-altitude treks.
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek has a success rate of 95%, and in its history, even elderly trekkers and children have successfully completed it. If you dedicate some of your time to training before your trekking adventure, you can make the experience comfortable and more enjoyable. The only major huddle in this adventure can be the high Himalayan pass, Cho La Pass (5,420 meters); however, as you acclimatize properly prior to traversing across the pass, it won’t be much of a challenge.
Training and Preparation
Before you start your preparation for the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake Itinerary, you should first assess your physician abilities and fitness level. Although the recommended training period is 4-6 weeks, depending on your physical capabilities, you may have to adjust your training program.
If you work out regularly, you can shorten the training period, and if you don’t exercise that much, design an effective training plan. According to the experts, the most effective way to determine your physical capabilities for this epic Himalayan adventure is to do some practice hikes at nearby steep sections. This way, you will understand what area you need to work on to make the experience comfortable during the actual trek.
Your strength and stamina level come into play while doing the long hours of trekking at rising altitudes carrying your backpack. You should emphasize enhancing these aspects for effective preparation.
Strength Exercises:Squat, deadlift, weightlift, pull up, push up, plank, glute bridge, bicep curl, shoulder press, dips, overhead press, step up, lunge, calf raise, box jump, keg press, etc
Stamina Exercises: Stair climbing, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, jumping rope, cycling, aerobics, cardio, etc
Accommodation, Food, and Beverages
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake Itinerary is a Himalayan teahouse trekking adventure. It means that during your trekking part, you will be staying at the comfortable and warm teahouses run by the natives along the trail. In this Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek, you will spend 12 nights at the teahouses on your trekking route. Some of the trekking packages also include the accommodation at a star hotel in Kathmandu, where you will spend about 2/3 nights.
During your stay at the star hotel in Kathmandu, you will be able to enjoy luxurious services and many forms of amenities as well. However, during your stay at the teahouses, in a standard package, the accommodation facilities are quite basic. You will stay in a private room with two or three adjacent beds; some teahouses have attached bathrooms, while some don’t. As Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp is a mainstream trekking route, you can also upgrade your trek to a luxurious mode for better comfort.
Food
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek is also a low-key food exploration adventure. This iconic Himalayan adventure introduces you to the tongue-lingering delicious regional delicacies of the country as well as other neighboring Asian countries. During this Himalayan exploration, you will able to enjoy the taste of the region-specific dishes that represent different ethnic groups and their unique cultures in the country.
You will notice the diverse range of cuisine from your stay at Kathmandu before the exploration. So, you can take your time exploring the different dishes that this fascinating country with diverse cultures and ethnic groups has to offer. You will be able to enjoy the following menus during your Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek.
Breakfast:Tea, coffee, fresh juice, eggs, bread, toast, butter, jam, honey, Tibetan bread, chapati, paratha, fruits, muesli, oats, corn flakes, pancake, pudding, naan, etc
Lunch and Dinner:Dal bhat tarkari, dhindo, gundruk, thukpa, rildok, momo, chowmein, burger, pizza, sandwich, soup, pasta, etc
Beverages
There is a wide range of beverages available at the teahouses in Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek. From cold drinks to juice cans and alcoholic beverages, you can enjoy a wide range of refreshments during your exploration. However, you are recommended not to consume any alcoholic beverage during the high-altitude adventures. Alcoholic beverages don’t only put your life at risk as you trek to high-elevation points, but they also affect the acclimatization process, putting you at risk of altitude sickness.
As for the drinking water, you are recommended to drink at least 3-4 liters during each day of your trek. Drinking the recommended limit of water will make your trekking journey more comfortable, and it also helps to prevent any altitude-related issues. We do not recommend you buy bottled water at the teahouses due to environmental conservation reasons. Instead, our guide will fill your bottles at the water stations along the trekking trails.
Although the mountain water is generally pure and clean, you should still use water purification solutions or tablets to stay safe. You can also buy boiled and filtered water at the teahouses and store it; the cost per pot is around US$ 2 to US$ 4.
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FAQs About Trek
Can a beginner do this trek?
Yes, even if you are a beginner with an adequate amount of preparation, you will be able to complete this trek easily.
How long is Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lake Itinerary?
The average duration of these two highlight explorations in the Khumbu region is 13 to 18 days. The itinerary plans may differ depending on the schedules of both highlight exploration and side highlights of the region.
Can you see Everest from Gokyo Lakes?
You can enjoy the incredible views of four of the highest 8,000-meter class peaks in the world, Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu, from the vantage point of the Gokyo Lakes.
How much does it cost to do this trek?
The cost of doing the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek is about US$ 1,500 to US$ 2,000 per person. The cost factor of your package depends on the itinerary duration, side detours, quality of services and amenities.
Do you need a guide for this trek?
As of 1st April 2023, you will need to hire a government-licensed trekking guide for any kind of high-altitude trekking adventure in Nepal.
What is the weight limit for the flight to Lukla?
The weight limit for a flight from Kathmandu to Luka is 15 kg (33 pounds); you will have to pay an extra charge of US$ 1 per extra kg of baggage.
What size of daypack should I bring?
You are recommended to bring a daypack with a capacity of 30- 40 liters. Make sure the bag is equipped with hip belts and wide straps to distribute the weight evenly.
Can I take a shower during the trek?
Yes, there are hot showers available enroute to Namche Bazaar from Lukla. Some of the teahouses at high altitudes also do have showers, but mostly, you will have to buy a bucket of hot water for bathing.
Are there any age requirements for this trek?
No, there aren’t any specific age requirements for this trek. However, only trekkers with a minimum age of 10 and up to 70 years old are recommended for this trek.
Can I use credit cards during the trek?
You are recommended to change the required amount to local currency before trek. There are no credit card facilities available along your trekking route. Although there are ATMs at Namche and Lukla, they are sometimes unreliable.
