You will also pass through Namche, which is a scenic town and commercial hub of the Khumbu region. The vibrant and lively atmosphere of the place will enthral you. The breathtaking glistening lakes and the verdant landscapes will overwhelm you.

The mountains include Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taboche and others. The high altitude trek follows challenging off-the-beaten paths and deserted settlements. The trekking trail also passes through a difficult Chola pass, which is one of the highest passes in the world.

Although there are no technical climbing sections involved in the trek, the day-long treks can be physically strenuous and taxing. The walking hours range between 5-6 hours on an average for almost two weeks. So, for this factor, the trek can be quite a challenge for beginners.

The trip to the fascinating Gokyo valley is quite enchanting. You will also get to explore the rich cultures and warm hospitality of the Sherpa people. Gokyo Ri (5360m) is the highest hill in the world. From the top of the Gokyo Ri, you can get the picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains of the entire Everest range.

The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is exciting off the beaten trek in the Everest region. This alternative trek of Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is quite challenging. You will be trekking through the serene Gokyo lakes across the Gokyo Valley. The Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek difficulty can be considered moderately challenging.

Duration of Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

The Everest Gokyo Lake trek duration differs according to the trek package you choose but on an average, the trek lasts around 15 days. On average, the trek requires around 5 to 6-hours of walk and covers a distance of approximately 10 km every day.

The long trekking hours and the overall duration of the trek can cause several challenges on your way, especially if have not trekked in such high altitude conditions in the past. You will have an acclimatization and resting period that help greatly to cope with exhaustion and altitude sickness.

More extended trekking packages mean the trekkers get more rest and can enjoy the trek comfortably. The longer packages will get you appropriately acclimatized for the trek. Shorter packages mean longer walks and that can be quite taxing.

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What Makes Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Difficult?



Gokyo lake trekking trail

Altitude

The Everest Gokyo trek moves along great heights of 4000m and above at all times. The high altitude trek is challenging mostly because it trails up and down on rough terrain. The altitude of the trek also contributes to the altitude sickness which is quite common in the region.

Location

The trek from Everest to Gokyo lake trek moves along the verdant landscapes and off the beaten path. The trails are not mainstream and are quite remote compared to the regular Everest Base Camp trek. The location is a significant factor that adds to the difficulty of the trek.

Weather conditions

The weather conditions of the high mountains are quite unpredictable. The cold temperature, harsh winds, and other weather conditions can affect your trek in the mountains. Thus, the weather conditions is an essential factor that affects the difficulty of the trek.

How Should You Train for Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is not a walk in the park, especially if you are trekking the region for the first time. You need to be physically fit for the trek. You will be walking 5-6 hours on an average, which means your stamina has to be at its peak.

The training routine focussed on cardio exercises can improve your stamina. Besides that, you should also focus on strength training for your legs. The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek route has a steep climb section. You need to make leg training a priority as if your legs are not strong enough; you will find it difficult to cross the steep sections.

The training should start at least a month in advance. Hiking, cycling, and swimming must be an integral part of your training. You can train on your own with luggage if you do not wish to hire a porter. Start with light weights to train and then increase them gradually while you trek. This helps to trek with the backpack in the Himalayas.

Excellent mental stability is always an advantage. Mental preparation is essential, as well. With a positive attitude and a stable mentality, you can come through any challenge in the trek. Hiking in rough terrain with rocks, and slopes are quite helpful.

Altitude Sickness in the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

Altitude sickness is quite common during a high altitude trek. The change in altitude is rapid and is hard to get accustomed to. Our trekking journey starts from Namche (3440m) after a flight from Kathmandu (1400m).

Hence a sudden change in altitude in a couple of days can cause altitude sickness in a lot of trekkers. The rising altitude also means the oxygen levels and air pressure decrease to a bare minimum.

In Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), you can get symptoms like nausea, insomnia, diarrhoea, and appetite loss. The AMS is a serious condition as it can turn fatal if not treated properly.

Many trekkers require airlifting due to severe conditions. You need to return to lower altitudes if the symptoms persist and even quit the trek if necessary. These factors can make your trek a lot difficult. Avoid drinking alcohol and other stuff that trigger altitude sickness.

Some Measures to Cope with Altitude Sickness

Trek gradually with a slow pace

The slow and steady climb is the main mantra while trekking in such high altitude region. You should climb only 600 feet each day with proper acclimatization and rest day for every 3,000 feet. If you follow these steps, you are well accustomed to coping with the problem of altitude sickness.

Increase your food and water intake

At higher altitudes, your body burns calories faster, and hence your calorie intake must increase as well. You should eat plenty of healthy meal, including lots of whole grains. Besides that, you should also keep your body hydrated as Staying hydrated is also helps to cope with altitude sickness.

Consult a physician and take medication

Consulting the physician before your trek is a must. Do not try to self-medicate as it may lead to complications. Inform your guide immediately and take anti-nausea tablets like Diamox if prescribed by the doctor.

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When is the Right Time To Trek the Region?

You should always choose the right time to trek to reduce any complexity of your trek. Spring and autumn months are the best time to trek the high Himalayas in the mountains. You should choose these months as it helps to reduce the level of difficulty of the trek.

You should also avoid Winters and monsoons as they can get quite challenging. October-November (autumn) is the peak trekking season in Nepal. It is an ideal time to trek as the temperatures are moderate and there is no rain.

The breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains welcomes you all along the trail. The Spring months from March- April provides us scenic trail with rhododendron forests painting the hill pink and red. The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek gets complicated during the months of December, January, and February.

The monsoon season of June, July, and August gets filled with leeches, and there is a risk of landslides and avalanches. But for a real adventure seeker, any time of the year is perfect with the right preparations and physical and mental fitness levels.

What to Pack for Everest Gokyo Lake Trek?



Trekking gear packing bag

The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek will lead you verdant landscapes and remote settlements. The amount of clothing also depends on the season you are trekking. Rather than carrying huge jackets, you should bring your clothes in layers so that you can adjust to the changing weather.

Packing wisely eases the difficulty level of Everest Gokyo Lake Trek. The list of things to carry are:

Clothing

Trekking pants and jackets

Lightweight as well as bulky sweaters

Thermals

Short-sleeved/long-sleeved trekking shirts

Insulating jackets/fleece lined jacket

Pair of Gloves

Trekking boots

Woollen cap/ beanies

Rainproof pants and jackets

Toiletries

Toilet Paper

Shampoo and Soap

Sunscreen

Q-tips

Moisturizer

Hand sanitizer

First Aid

Band-aids

Sanitary pads/ Tampons

Medicines for altitude, Diarrhea, cold, nausea

Anti-leech spray or ointment

Accessories

Cameras

Chargers

Extra Batteries

Sunglasses

Sun Hat

Sleeping bag

Water Bottle

Important Documents

Passport

Travel Permits

Six Essential Tips for Everest Gokyo Lake Trek

1. Acclimatize and rest properly

Acclimatization is an integral part of trekking in the Himalayas. The longer the trek package, the proper time you get to acclimatize. This process of acclimatization helps to adapt your body to the high altitude conditions in the Himalayas.

However, acclimatization doesn’t mean sitting idle, as you will be gaining some elevation along the way. The ideal trek does not consist of more than 600m in elevation and lets you acclimatize properly.

2. Train Properly

Proper training, including cardiovascular and aerobic exercises with some weight at least two months before the trek. Your fitness must be at a maximum level, complete the trek. Do not proceed with the trek unless you are adequately trained.

3. Avoid Winter and early spring season

Freezing temperatures around the mountains along with harsh winds and snows make the trek difficult between December and Mid-February. The months of March to May and from September to November is ideal for trekking the region.

4. Customize your trek with additional days

Customizing your trek with additional days helps in case of flight delays and unfavourable weather conditions. The flight from Lukla is adventurous and bound to delays and even cancellation. The extra days also allows you to delay your trek day in case you are not properly acclimatized.

5. Hire a Guide and Porter

The level of difficulty of the trek can get reduced by hiring a guide and a porter. You can forget about the heavy luggage and focus on the trek.

You can also seek the help of the guide if you need. The porter, on the other hand, reduce the weight of your back by carrying all your luggage

6. Stay calm and positive

Staying calm and positive during the trek remains an integral part of the successful completion of the trek. If you don’t remain positive during the trek, then the completion of the trek can get complicated. Your attitude plays an essential role in the trek.

The Final Say

The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the most exciting off the beaten treks in Nepal. The serene turquoise lakes and the breathtaking views of the trails is spectacular. The long duration trek requires trekking of 5 to 6-hours of walking each day on an average.

The physical and mental fitness of the trekker plays a huge part in the trek. Overall, the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is a moderately difficult trek and with proper packing and preparation, you can complete the trek with success.

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