Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri Trek Seasons
Spring from March to May and Autumn season from September to November are the best season trekking around Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri peak in Gokyo Valley. The weather is very clear for the best views of the Himalayas. Temperature is neither cold or hot at this time of the year. Rainy season from June to August is not really a good time for this trek as you will not see a clear view of the Himalayas, the trails are muddy and leeches may disturb you.
Trekking to Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lake is also possible in Winter like in December, January and February. The weather and views are so clear but it is cold. You need to walk in the snow on the trail. Please noted that domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla may be delayed or canceled due to weather conditions. This happen during any time of the year
Gokyo Valley Trek Difficulty
Gokyo Valley Trek is a moderately difficult trip. You need to walk walk for six or seven hours each day. The trail ascends and descends as it winds through countless side valleys and high-altitude mountain passes. So, you should be in good health with physical fitness. Walking, running, and cardiovascular exercise is good to prepare for this trek.
Alternatives of Gokyo Ri Trek
We also have other alternative option of Gokyo Lake Trek like Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, Pikey Peak Trek, Namche Bazaar Trek and Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu.
Meals on Gokyo Lake Trek
You will find good food along the tea houses of Gokyo Lake Trek. You have choices of breakfast like Tibetan Breads, Chapati, Oatmeal, Toast with jam, honey, Corn Flakes, Potato, Eggs, Pancakes, Porridge, Muesli. Also choices of lunch and dinner such as Thukpa, Dahl and Bhat, Momos, Tibetan / chapatti bread, Marconi, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, soups, potatoes items, sandwiches, pizza, rice with curry, spring rolls, burgers and fried rices, hot and cold drinks.
Also, the menu has many non-veg items, the meats are not on our list of recommendations because the meat in the mountain areas is not sanitary and healthy. So, avoid taking meat, Alcoholic drinks, and smoking while on trekking.
Drinking Water
Shops and tea house sells regular bottle of mineral water to buy, also a plenty of water sources along trail, refilling water from taps or water source is potable but it will be fine to drink with using water purification pills. Remember, water is one of the most important factors while trekking. Please drink at least 2 to 4 L of water per day.
Accommodation on Gokyo Valley Trek
You will get very basic and simple tea house accommodation on this trek. The rooms with 2 to 3 single beds with nice and warm blankets, pillows, comfortable matrices, attached bathrooms not everywhere. We try to accommodate you on the best available tea houses along the trail. You will have choices of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu like budget, standard, deluxe and luxury hotel. We do book hotel in Kathmandu on your request and choices.
Passport and Visa
Passport
Your passport should be a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. We recommend taking copies of main passport pages and other important documents with you, also advise you to leave passport copies at home with family and friends.
Nepal Visa
All foreign nationals except Indian passport holders require Nepal visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, land borders of India and Tibet, and upon arrival at Kathmandu TIA Airport. Getting a visa at the airport or land borders take times due to long queues. There have been instances when travelers are asked to show proof of exit from Nepal, i.e. flight tickets. You may also need to provide two passport photos and following fees in US dollars subject to change, cash only. Multiple entry visa valid for 15 days costs US$30, 30 days costs US$50 and 90 days costs US$125
Tipping
It is customary to tip your guide and driver for outstanding service provided during your trip. You are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your guide on your trip. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline is from $10 USD-$15 USD per person (in a currency relevant for your destination) per day can be used.
Money Matter
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Its symbol is often displayed as Rs. USD is also widely accepted in Nepal. ATMs can only be found in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur. Make sure you carry sufficient cash to cover your needs when travelling outside of these cities.
Money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu, Namche, Pokhara, Chitwan only outside the park, and Bhaktapur. Credit cards are not widely accepted. The Government of Nepal has banned the import, export, and use of 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes in Nepal. You should ensure you are not carrying these notes on arrival in Nepal as they will be confiscated and you may be fined.
The old, torn, and fade notes is very difficult to exchange when exchanging at banks and money exchange. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes. Before departing on a trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency to purchase meals and drinks, in the smaller denominations where possible, as there are no ATMs
Phone and internet access
The signal of phone and internet is very good during Nepal Tour. Every hotel and restaurants you will get free WiFi services. Trekking in the mountain, the internet and telephone network signal is poor. WiFi is available at some tea houses, paying an extra cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for Nepal tour. We require that a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend all travelers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. It is nice to send us the copy of your travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number.
If you have credit card insurance, we will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Solo Travelers
Solo travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Optional Tour
Enjoy an early morning flight on a small aircraft with a window seat for an hour of spectacular scenery over the tallest mountain peak on earth. You will be able to view some of the most incredible, and famous sights that Nepal has to offer. This is weather permitting so tour might be delayed or an alternative day may be scheduled. It costs USD 260 per person including airport transfer.
Equipment Lists for Gokyo Valley Trek
No need to bring unnecessary trekking equipment with you for trekking in Nepal. The following trekking equipment and gears are recommended for this trek. Most of the trekking equipment what you will need can rent or purchase in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Additional personal items not needed for trekking can store at your hotel or our office without extra cost.
Head
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
Lower Body
Under Garments
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp.
Upper Body
T-shirts
Light weight thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down jacket
Hand Gloves
Accessories
Sleeping bag rated to zero DC
Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
Trekking Bags/Duffel bag
Basic First Aid Kit
Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Trekking Poles
Water bottle (2) or camel bag
Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)
Ear Plug (who know some people on group are snoring)
Toiletries
1 medium sized quick drying towel
Tooth brush/paste
Multipurpose soap
Deodorants
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Feminine hygiene products
Small mirror
Personal Hygiene
Wet wipes (baby wipes)
Tissue /toilet roll
Antibacterial handwash
Extras/Luxuries
Novels
Trail Map/Guide book
Journal and Pen
iPod
Pencils and small notebooks
Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble
Modest swimsuits (for Kathmandu)
Transportation on the trek
We will provide all necessary transportation for your trip including airport pick up and departure transfer on your request. On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our airport representative with the traditional flowers and take you to your Hotel. We also do arrange Kathmandu sightseeing tour, Nagarkot Sunrise view tour, rafting and other adventure sports tour on your request.
Booking and Payment Process
For booking this trip, you’re required to deposit 10 % of the trip cost into our company bank account so that we use that payment to book Hotels, guides, trekking permits and transfer. The remaining balance payment you could pay once you arrive in Kathmandu by USD cash or equivalent Nepalese rupees or by credit card. Paying by credit care there will be 5% additional bank service charge on top of the total payment. Paid in cash would be much appreciated. With trip advance payment, we would also like to request you to send us all your documents such as passport, travel insurance copies and flight arrival details.
Personal Expenses
During the trek, all your foods are included in the package (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), the foods will be served as per the package program and besides that, any personal expense and Bar bills would be extra.
Last-Minute Booking
we do accept the last minute booking a day before the trip departure. Moreover, the 100% trip payment should be made if you are doing last minute booking, and the booking can be made directly through online and by sending us an email, messages on WhatsApp and by calling. But, the last minute booking not acceptable for Bhutan and Tibet trips.
