Nepal Adventure – The Gokyo Lakes Trek

A curated hiking holiday by Zanna

14 Days / 13 Nights

11th – 24th November 2024

£1850 (excluding flights)

SOLD OUT

Successful applicants have now been contacted.

A bespoke trek created by Zanna for 17 like-minded adventurers who want to experience the Gokyo Lakes trek in the Everest region of Nepal.

Please note: to secure your place on this trip, you will need to complete an application form. This is a physically demanding, multi-day, high-altitude trek. Please download, fill in and send this form when you email to register interest for the trip. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, places will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is to ensure the safety of all guests on the trip.

Tour Highlights

• Off-the-beaten track trek to Gokyo Lakes. All the beauty and wow-factor of trekking in the Everest region of the Himalayas without the crowds.
• Hike up to 5357m above sea level to reach the incredible Gokyo Peak.
• See panoramic views of four 8,000 metre-plus peaks from Gokyo Peak – Everest, Cho-Oyo, Lhotse and Makalu.
• Experience the culture and hospitality of the Nepalese people in the vibrant mountain town of Namche.
• Trek through the Himalayas, crossing glaciers and broad planes, through blue pine forests, across rivers, all while in the middle of some of the world’s highest mountains.
• Explore the colourful capital city of Kathmandu and the surrounding valley.
• Stay at remote local teahouses surrounded by stunning views as you hike the Himalayas.

If you’re an avid hiker like me, it doesn’t get much bigger and better than the Everest region of the Himalayas. I’ve hosted a lot of hiking trips, some beginner-friendly and some more advanced. But this is my most adventurous trip yet! We’ll be trekking at altitude, alongside Everest, starting on the iconic base camp trail, before heading off onto a slightly lesser-known, but equally, if not more, beautiful route to Gokyo Lakes. This will allow us to enjoy the scenery of the Himalayas without the crowds. Nepal is a bucket-list destination for me, and I am so excited to be able to host this trek for you guys. It’s going to be a challenge for all of us, me included, which is why we all need to be physically fit and mentally prepared to trek long distances at altitude, while surrounded by some of the most incredible mountain views in the world.

We’ll kick things off in Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal, known for its beautifully ornate shrines and temples. When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll be able to settle in and meet everyone at a welcome dinner. Get some rest, there’s a long journey ahead of our exciting adventure together!

After an early morning breakfast we’ll drive to Ramechhap for the short flight to Lukla where we’ll start our trek. If the weather is good, the views from the plane are amazing! Once in Lukla, we’ll meet our guide, get briefed on the adventure, gear up and start by following the milk-white Dudh Kosi River to Phakding.

While we’re on the trek, we’ll be staying in local teahouses. They’re basic but cosy remote houses run by the mountain Nepalese, to cater for trekkers like us. They’re the perfect place to rest and fuel up.

For the next five days, we’ll be deep into trekking mode. We’ll cross glaciers and broad plains, traverse valleys and climb high passes to reach our final destination, Gokyo Lakes! First things first, we’ll trek to Namche Bazaar through blue pine forests, following the river valley where we’ll see the snowy-capped peaks of Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku. We’ll enter the national park, cross the river through the village of Jorsale, followed by an incredible suspension bridge, before descending into Namche Bazaar.

Once in Namche, we’ll spend a couple of days here acclimatizing to the high altitude. It’s also where we’ll get our first look at Everest itself, as well as the peaks of Lhotse, Nuptse and Taweche. 

Over the next few days, we’ll start the climb up, first trekking to Dole, where we’ll get clear views of snowy peaks, and then onto Machhermo. At 4465m above sea level, this will be a shorter climb compared to the other days – and we will be doing acclimatization hikes to ensure we all adapt to the altitude as we go.

On day seven, we’ll reach the beautiful turquoise blue Gokyo Lakes. Keep your eye open for Tibetan snowcocks on the journey as they’re often found in this area. We’ll pass through Pangka, and onto the glacier debris of Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal. We’ll spend the night in a local teahouse sat close to one of the lakes, ready to start the climb to Gokyo Peak the next day.

Here it is! On day eight we’ll start our climb to our final destination, Gokyo Peak, which has one of the best panoramas in the Khumbu region and is only a few metres shy of the height of Everest Base Camp – so a serious achievement! From here we’ll be able to view four 8,000 metre-plus peaks – Everest, Cho-Oyo, Lhotse and Makalu. There’s also a bird’s eye view of the Gokyo lakes and the huge creaking Ngozumpa Glacier. We’ll descend back to Gokyo for a late breakfast and then continue on to Machhermo. 

From here, we’ll retrace our steps back to the mountain town of Namche before arriving back at Lukla and eventually back to Kathmandu. After the trek to end all treks, day 12 is a free day which we’ve included to allow for any flight cancellations from Lukla. Providing that doesn’t happen, you’re welcome to relax at the hotel, explore the town or, if your feet will carry you, there is the option to experience the Champadevi hike, a gentler day-hike which takes you around the Kathmandu valley with beautiful views of the capital.

On day 13, before the trip comes to a close, we’ll enjoy one final hike in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park in the Kathmandu Valley. Then it’s time to say goodbye and rest our weary feet, having experienced what I know will be the trip of a lifetime together.

The full 14-day itinerary for the Gokyo Lakes, Nepal adventure is available to download below. It includes essential day by day trip information as well as packing lists, medical notes and other helpful guidance.

Booking

This trip is sold out. Applications are now closed and successful applicants have been contacted.

About Intrepid Travel

I have researched long and hard to partner with a travel company who is recognised as a force for good. Intrepid Travel is part of the B-Corp movement, going through a rigorous process for certification and recognition for their positive impact on the planet and the local communities that they work within. It’s an independently owned travel company that focus on sustainable, experience-rich travel, whilst operating a business with a purpose beyond profit. Read more about their Foundation here.