Gokyo Lake Trek- Friendship World Treks |
Nepal's
biggest glacier and an arc of snow mountains, the Gokyo valley is the most
attractive in the Khumbu Region. Our Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek is an
alternative to classical treks in Khumbu that has been specially designed for
travelers who are eager to experience the magnificence of the Everest range,
while avoiding too much mental and physical stress. The view from Gokyo is
exceptionally beautiful and offers more of the legendary mountain than the
views from Kalapattar.
The trail of this trek follows
the Everest Base camp route up to Sanasa, and then the follows Dudh Koshi River
to its source, Ngozumpa Glacier. After a brief sightseeing in Kathmandu, we fly
to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), from where we will proceed to Phakding. The next and
more scenic day will be spent trekking up to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft).
The subsequent days we will pass through Phortse Village and Machhermo where
the mountains are more spectacular. Passing through these villages, we also get
a chance to have a look at the lifestyles of high altitude dwellers. We reach
Gokyo enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Ngozumba Glacier, the largest of its
kind in the Nepal Himalayas.
The small herding settlement of Gokyo
(4,750m/15,584ft) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small
turquoise mountain lakes. On ridge above Gokyo the four peaks above 8,000m
(26,246ft), Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, expose themselves. If that is
not enough have a look at the tremendous ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung
(7,922m/25,991ft), considered one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu
region. There are many options for additional exploration and high-altitude
walking, including the crossing of Cho La, a 5,420m (17,782ft)-high pass into
Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo Ri (5357m/19,216ft). The descent is made through
Dole to Lukla to resume a fly back to Kathmandu.
Important Note:
Your safety is of
paramount concern while traveling with Friendship
World Trek. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or
cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety
concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however,
since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we
cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health
condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all
contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the
trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]
Upon our arrival at Tribhuwan
International Airport in Kathmandu, we will be warmly greeted by a
representative from Friendship World
Trek. After completion of our custom formalities (Visa, etc), we pick up
our luggage and look for our representative with Friendship World Trek display board at the arrival gate. We will be
then escorted to Hotel. After check in, where we meet with our trekking guides
or hangs around the city. At the evening upon our reception, Friendship World Trek will organize a
Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we enjoy a
Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Included meal: Dinner (D)
Note:
B refers to Breakfast, L refers to Lunch and D refers to Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]: Sightseeing and
Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast
we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual
attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage
Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of
Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine
(BouddhaNath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. At the noon, there
will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team
members. Friendship World Trek briefs
us regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions
we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Over night at Kathmandu. Included
meal: Breakfast (B)
Day 03: Kathmandu - Lukla [2,800 m/9,184 ft] -
Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): 3 - 4 hrs
After breakfast, we
will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early
morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our
trek begins. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above the breathtaking green
and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one
of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing
on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we
meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start
our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To
assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if
interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby
monastery. Overnight at Phakding. (B,L,D)
Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283 ft]:
5 - 6 hrs
Upon breakfast, we
start our pleasant trek. The walk today will be delightful with few short
uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and
magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. We
cross more bridges and reach entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo,
where our trekking permits are checked in order to keep record of trekkers. A
descend and a gradual walk brings us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche
Bazaar. The walk is enjoyable through the river bed and we reach Hillary
Suspension Bridge. As we climb up towards Namche Bazzar, magnificent sight of
Kwangde Peak, Kusum peak, Kangaru peak, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many
other fabulous mountains greet us. We break at the Chautara to admire the view.
Finally, we reach the colorful village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of
Khumbu region. Overnight in Namche Bazzar. (B,L,D)
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
This is the first of
the two days set aside for "acclimatization". Health experts
recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being
idle. We either spend the day taking a day's hike to Thame or visiting Khunde
or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main
centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs,
Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday
evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it
will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides take us to the Tourist Visitor
Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can
observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa
culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest
region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung and also climb up
to famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View
Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the
highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy
peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the scared peak Khumbila, hosts a well known
monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also pay our visit to Hillary School
which is located at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in
Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazzar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
(B,L,D)
Day 06: Namche Bazzar - Phorse Village-[3810 m/
12,496 ft]: 5 - 6 hrs
After breakfast in
Namche, we start our trek enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse,
Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual
trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great
Himalaya. Along the way, we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a
herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The
path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley
and Everest Base Camp. We trek gradual goes up through Mongla pass (3975 m) from
where we glimpse Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Mt. Khumbila. Sherpas
regard Mt. Khumbila as sacred mountain of the patron god of the Khumbu area.
Descending to Dudhkosi Khola (3250 m), we cross a bridge and again trek up
through the rhododendron forest, a host for Himalayan wild deer and musk deer.
Finally, we arrive to the walled fields of Phorse. Phorse is just under the
snow dusted peaks of Tawoche and Cholaste. From here, a short trek leads to
Phorse village where we rest overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 07: Phorse Village - Machhermo-[4,470 m/ 14,663
ft]: 5 - 6 hrs
We return back the last
day's trail up to Phorse. Upon crossing the bridge on the Dudh Koshi rive, we
spot wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the elusive musk deer.
Through forests, some waterfalls and bridges, we reach Dole; a small place with
few teahouses. Further, we climb steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole
and the trail climbs via Lhabarma. Offering us good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega,
and Thamserku the trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming
hamlet of Luza (4360 m). While ascending from Luza, we will be at the Dudh
Koshi valley. Walking along the hill side above thundering Dudkoshi, passing
through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we reach Machhermo.
Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. The beautiful
stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through
the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. It is the place
where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. We visit the Himalayan
Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution,
and primary treatment. Overnight in Machhermo (B,L,D)
Day 08: Machharmo - Gokyo [4800 m/15,744 ft]: 5 - 6
hours
Today, we climb through
a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and
of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m).
Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and
reaches Pangka (4480m) after some gentle walk. Phangka is the palace where an
avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before
beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. It is a
steep climb on the moraine. Upon crossing an iron bridge over an stream, the
trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as
Longpongo at 4690m. At this juncture, we get chance to observe the Lama
footprints on a stone. At the sight of the second lake, Taboche Tsho we become
mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the
sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked
by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu
Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we
explore around the third Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend night in a teahouse with
comfortable bedrooms. Overnight at Gokyo. (B,L,D).
Day 09: Gokyo Valley: Climb Gokyo Ri [5357 m/17,570
ft] and hike to fifth lakes: 5 - 6 hrs
Today is an
acclimatization day but we know we should not stay idle. If the weather is
good, we grasp the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri today instead of next day to
enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of Everest Region. Or, as we know Gokyo
is not only popular for its grand view but also for the six lakes which it
hosts. Definitely we would not miss the chance to observe the fourth lake
(Thonak Tsho) and fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). About 3 km north of Gokyo is the
fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it. The trail continues
to fifth lake. If interested, we climb on a hill at the edge of the Lakes to
get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and
Makulu. We can see a lot more from here - the spot is called Scoundrel's
Viewpoint. Beyond the fifth Lakes is the Cho Oyu Base Camp. Northern part of
the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier
of the world- the Ngazumpa glacier. Moved by the charm, we may even try to go
sixth lake too but depends upon our own interest and time. Back to Gokyo
village. Overnight at Gokyo (B,L,D)
Day 10: Gokyo to Dole: 3 - 4 hrs
The way back from Gokyo
is an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River that emerges out of the
Ngozumpa Glacier. Passing by the second and then the first Gokyo Lakes, we come
to a small gushing stream over an iron bridge. We see the hamlet of Phangka
ahead. Cholatse and Taboche peaks rear up on the right of us. The trail descends
below Phangka, and across a level terrace on the slope to climb a rib on the
far side of the hill side. Upon reaching the Chorten at the edge, we see great
views of Thamserku , Cho Oyu, and Kangtega. We slowly walk down to sprawling
village of Machhermo. Again, through the charming hamlet of Luza and Lhafarma
we reach Dole. Overnight at Dole. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Dole - Namche: 4 - 5 hrs
Taking last inspection
back to Cho Oyu range, we start steep descent to Phortse Tenga. Our hike today
is mostly down hills. The most outstanding feature of the trail is the
abundance of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and
Rhododendrons. We might spot faunas like mountain goats, musk deers, pheasants,
etc. Waterfalls are also today`s attraction. Upon reaching MongLa, we woll be
greeted by a very wonderfully located lovely place perched on the spur of Mt.
Khumbila. We take revised look at Taboche, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, and
a distant view of Tengboche. After a bit of long distance walk, we reach an intersection
where the steep path up from Sanasa meets our trail. Now, trail to Namche
clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several
bends. Upon coming to Namche army camp hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the
tip of Everest and Tengboche for one last time. About a kilometer from here is
Namche. We take hot shower and let rest our tired muscles at a comfortable
lodge in Namche. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Namche Bazaar - Lukla: 6 - 8 hrs
The trail descends
steeply downward so we need to walk slowly as our shaky legs continuously
battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast
flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and
natural. By today, we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining
sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming
mountain air. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel
completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and
pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the
Sherpa villages' noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer
stones and prayers flag. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and
recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the
culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and
sound with smile! Overnight in Lukla (B,L,D)
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
Flights to Kathmandu
are usually scheduled for morning because wind can create problem to fly the
aircraft in the afternoon. But sometime the flight time can be delayed due to
bad weather and other reasons that are beyond our control. We fly back to
Kathmandu after long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in
Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day in our hotel. If get
interested to take some gifts home from Nepal, we can visit to some nearby
shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods. It can be assisted
by Friendship World Trek guides or
we can do it ourselves too. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu,
we have to manage time for that too! At the evening, we will be at a fantastic
celebration dinner together for successful completion of our trek! Overnight in
Kathmandu. (B,D)
Day 14: Farewell Friend
The journey within the
mountains of Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but we just
trade emails to travel companions and organize our photos. If we have more time
we can do some shopping or sightseeing. At last approximately 3 hours before
our scheduled flight, a representative from Friendship World Trek escorts us to the airport. On our way to home
we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure trip in the wonderful
country of Nepal. (B)
Group Size
|
Price Per Person
|
Remark
|
02
Pax
|
US$ 1560
|
Ktm
to Lukla to Ktm- $326 Extra for Flight Ticket
|
04
Pax
|
US$ 1120
|
Ktm
to Lukla to Ktm- $326 Extra for Flight Ticket
|
06
Pax
|
US$ 1050
|
Ktm
to Lukla to Ktm- $326 Extra for Flight Ticket
|
08
Pax to 10 Pax
|
US$ 950
|
Ktm
to Lukla to Ktm- $326 Extra for Flight Ticket
|
10
Pax + Above
|
US$
900
|
Complementary
trip for one person
|
In the Above Cost It
Includes:
1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off with Private Transportation.
2. Licensed and trained trekking guides,
1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off with Private Transportation.
2. Licensed and trained trekking guides,
3. Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee)
basis during the trek
4. Potters for carrying goods and supplies,
5. Flight Ticket Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu
5. Flight Ticket Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu
6. All accommodation during the trek.
7. Transportation to and from trail head by Private Transport
8. All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
9. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance,
10. Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
11. Trekking staffs wages etc.
12. Welcome Dinner in a Nepali Cultural Restaurant.
13. Trekking Certificate, T-shirt from Friendship World Treks
7. Transportation to and from trail head by Private Transport
8. All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
9. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance,
10. Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
11. Trekking staffs wages etc.
12. Welcome Dinner in a Nepali Cultural Restaurant.
13. Trekking Certificate, T-shirt from Friendship World Treks
14. 1 Hr. Trekking massage after your trek in Good massage
therapy.
15. 3 Nights Hotel in Kathmandu with Bed and Breakfast, in 3 star
Hotel in Kathmandu. (Sharing Basis)
16. Flight ticket for Guide.
17. Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket in Hiring for trekking should
be return back after trek finish.( Extra cost)
18. 1 Duffle bag for your trekking, between two people.
Services and Cost Does not Included in Price:
1. International Airfares,
2. Travel/Trekking Insurance,
3. Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in
domestic flights.
4. Visa fees.
5. Airport Departure Taxes.
6. Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
7. Tips for The staffs.
8. Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
9. Meals during stay in the Kathmandu and Meals in the Trekking.
10. Extra Hotel in Kathmandu.
11.
Extra other activities done after the trek.
Please
note that often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight gets delayed by a
few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable
weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence,
in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits either at Kathmandu or Lukla
airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even
both! We will do our best to avoid such delays, and arrange the next flight for
you. We also organize Helicopter rescue in such conditions, if it is available
and upon request by our clients. The helicopter charges around USD 5500 and it
can lift 4-5 persons per flight. Still, we suggest you to be prepared for
possible delays/cancellations, and if possible to come with some extra buffer
days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. If
everything runs smoothly and you still have a few days of your buffer days left
then you may even engage yourself in optional activities which can be arranged
by Friendship World Trek upon
request. The optional activities may include visiting places/landmarks of your
choice, adventure sports, shopping, etc.
In case the flight
delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it
disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative
trip such as a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other region. If you are
not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for your original
preferred trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it
takes to get a flight to Lukla. However, please note that there will be no
refund, if you lose time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative
tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitation. If the
cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and
lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancellation
after finishing of the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses.
Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services
(such as hotel, transport, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would
not use later.
Health
and Experience Requirements
Friendship
World Trek’s Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek is a moderate trek
suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 4-7 hours
a day with a light rucksack. In some days we might even need to walk 8 to 9
hours. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in
the lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average
physical fitness, have a positive attitude, self confidence and strong
determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging
regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is good idea to enhance our strength
and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill
is required for this trip. It is vital that we consult with our doctor before
we decide and set up for the Everest Base camp trek. Participants with
pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should
inform Friendship World Trek before
booking the trek.
A
Day on your Trek...
At dawn, Sherpa wakes
us up and offers a cup of warm tea with a smile. After freshening and finishing
up our tea, we will have hearty breakfast before setting off. At the right
moment, we pack our bags and assemble in the dining hall before setting off on
the day's trek. After approximately 2-3 hours of trekking we take a break for
lunch somewhere in the trail. After a relaxing lunch, we typically spend around
2-3 hours or even more sometimes on the trail before reaching our stopping
point. Throughout the day, we will take frequent rest beaks and take time to
admire the fascinating mountains views. We further take plenty of pictures of
ourselves with incredibly panoramic mountains, rivers, landscapes, prayer
flags, temples, shrines, cairns, and monasteries. Once we arrive at our tea
house, we take a brief rest, shower, and have a light snack with tea or coffee.
If we are so inclined, we may take a short walk through the village and
surrounding neighborhoods. After checking into our room we have time to read or
chat with fellow trekkers or with Friendship
World Trek's crew members. Following a warm dinner in a cozy dining hall
our trek leader briefs us on the next day's itinerary. We giver breakfast order
which allows our guide to have everything ready for us for the next morning.
Extra time can be spent on reading, enjoying some drinks or playing cards. Our Friendship World Trek crew members love
to teach various Nepali card games as well as learning new Western games.
Finally, it is off to bed for a well earned night's rest before starting all
over again the next day.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition upon
joining any of Friendship World Trek
trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur
due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter
rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don't arrange or sell
insurance.
Acclimatization
Friendship
World Trek 'Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek' itinerary is
planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going
up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to
result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air.
For example, at an altitude above of 5000m, there is 50% less oxygen than at
sea level. Therefore, our body needs many days to adapt to an environment with
less oxygen. Our itineraries generally allow sufficient time to acclimatize.
So, for a safe trek, it is absolutely essential to allow sufficient time for
acclimatization. Sensible planning is therefore required to minimize the risk
of AMS. Friendship World Trek advises
guest(s) with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor
before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders
are symptoms of AMS. Check out "Altitude illness" by Dr Jim Duff. Friendship World Trek itineraries are
designed to try to prevent AMS as much as possible. But it is important to
remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others.
Leader(s)
and Staff Arrangements
The most significant
thing that makes our Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek successful, enjoyable and
memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek leader and
the crew members with ability of operating our days in the mountain smoothly.
Our trek will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of Friendship World Trek trekking leaders
are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership
skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local
communities, Friendship World Trek only
employs local staff who have adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem,
flora, fauna, geography, and history of their local region/s. The trek and
expedition leaders have undergone the following trainings:
Porter Care
Friendship
World Trek is firmly committed to porter rights. We make sure
that all our porters are well treated and well paid. Further, Friendship World Trek provides the
level of shelter, clothing and footwear that these harsh environments demand.
Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as other
team members. We have previously used helicopters at company's expense to
rescue porters from dangerous situations. And for the porter's sake, all trekkers
keep their luggage bag weight under 15kgs/33 pounds. We support the work of the
International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), making our resources available to
them to help improve the working conditions of the porters.
Environmental
Concerns
The Everest region is
stunningly beautiful, but equally fragile. Future generations have just as much
of a right to appreciate it as we do. Hence, the tourism industry has an
obligation to protect and preserve it. Friendship
World Trek employs a 'zero impact' policy on the natural environment and
the traditional communities that live at the travelled places. We enforce a
number of do's and don'ts. We also work alongside KEEP in order to maintain our
environmental concerns. Please click here to find out more about the clean-up
campaigns and environmental awareness events that Friendship World Trek supports.
Best
Season
Autumn (mid Sept to mid
Dec) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Gokyo Lakes Explore
Trek. The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. But the nights are
cold and can fall to freezing level in higher elevations. Winter (Dec, Jan,
Feb) is also good for Everest Base Camp Trek, only issue is cold (obviously).
Trekking in Summer or Monsoon(June, July) will be affected by rain but Summer
trek could be a boon for a keen botanist. The trekking routes are crowded
during Spring and Autumn. But during Monsoon and Winter the routes are not
packed and visitors could enjoy rather best of nature.
The Trekking Group
For the Everest Base
Camp Luxury Lodge trek,there will be one leader, assistant leader (4 trekkers:1
assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers:1 porter).
This arrangement ensures that any body in the group is sick, the trip can still
go ahead as planned. Friendship World
Trek can run the Everest Base Camp trek for group of any size. But
generally it will be better to have a maximum of twelve people, as we have
found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if we would
like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, Friendship World Trek can arrange this
too.
Accommodations
All accommodations for
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri trek are on twin sharing basis included in the trip
cost and are chosen based on standard of hygiene, standard of service and food,
location, etc. We spend three nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu and during
trekking we stay 10 nights in standard teahouse or at lodge or hotel in which
there are unheated rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. Friendship World Trek provides attached
rooms as much as possible, however tea houses or lodges of some places only
have shared washing and toilet facilities. If we are a solo traveler, we will
share a room with someone else of same sex of our group. If we prefer a single
room, then we may indicate our preference and get single rooms on request by
paying single supplement USD 250. There are several places that do not allow
single accommodations in the Everest Region. On paying single supplement, we
will get single room in Kathmandu but it is possible only up to Namche Bazar
during the trek. Above Namche Bazar single accommodation is not always
feasible. However, Friendship World Trek
tries its best to provide single rooms in all places if possible.
Meals
During our Gokyo Lakes
and Gokyo Ri Trek, we can enjoy typical Nepali food, different ethnic cuisines
as well as all types of international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian,
and Indian.) from pizza and Chips to apple pie. We can even enjoy hot
chocolates, variety of breads, variety of drinks, and snacks. Breakfast of a
day will be seerved from the tea house or lodge menu where we spent the night.
Lunch will be served on the way to destination and dinner and breakfast will be
served at the tea house where you spend the night. A welcome dinner, a farewell
dinner and breakfasts will be served during our stay in Kathmandu.
Route Map
Route maps are just
representation of the trekking routes. This does not represent the exact
geographical conditions.
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