Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp Trek

Trip Grade:

The Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp trek is rated as Strenuous. It suits trekkers with good physical fitness and prior trekking experience. The trek involves long walking hours, steep ascents and descents, and crossing high-altitude passes.

Trek Difficulties:

Altitude: The trek reaches high altitudes, with the highest point at Kala Patthar (5,555m/18,225ft). Altitude sickness is a significant concern, making proper acclimatization essential.

Trek Duration: The trek involves long days of walking, often 6-8 hours a day, over rugged terrain, including rocky paths and glaciers.

Weather: The weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. It is cold, especially at high altitudes. Snowfall and strong winds can add to the difficulty.

Pass Crossing: Crossing the Cho La Pass (5,420m/17,782ft) is challenging. It requires skillful navigation and endurance.

Fitness Level: Good physical health is required for essential hiking activities, such as carrying a daypack and controlling altitude.

Technical Aspects: While the trek does not require technical climbing skills, certain sections, especially the Cho La Pass, can be tricky and may involve scrambling over rocks and snow.

Isolation: Parts of the trek, especially around Gokyo, are less frequented by trekkers, leading to fewer facilities and more remote conditions.

Teahouses/Lodges

Teahouses are the most common accommodation along the Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp trek. These basic lodges offer trekkers a simple bed and meals in a warm, communal environment. Rooms are typically twin-sharing with minimal furnishings—just a bed, blankets, and pillows. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the rooms become less insulated, making a suitable sleeping bag essential.

Bathrooms are usually shared. Hot showers cost extra. They become less frequent and more expensive as you go higher. The teahouses have communal dining areas. Trekkers can order from a menu of local and international dishes. The lower-altitude villages have more variety.

Most teahouses have electricity, but charging devices usually cost extra. Wi-Fi is offered in some teahouses, especially in busier villages like Namche Bazaar. Still, the connection can be slow and is often charged by the hour.

Hotels/Guesthouses in Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is a larger, more developed village. It has better, more comfortable lodging than other areas along the trek. Trekkers can find guesthouses and hotels with private rooms, some with attached bathrooms. These rooms offer more comfort, with better insulation and sometimes even thicker blankets or duvets.

Namche Bazaar has better dining. It offers a broader variety of food, including more elaborate international dishes. Hot showers and Wi-Fi are generally more reliable and readily available, although they still come at an additional cost. Namche Bazaar’s lodgings are a welcome rest for trekkers, helping them acclimatize to the altitude.

Basic Teahouses in Remote Areas (e.g., Gokyo, Dzongla, Thagnak)

The teahouses become vital as trekkers explore remote areas like Gokyo, Dzongla, and Thagnak. These accommodations are often more straightforward and rustic, with minimal amenities. Rooms might be less comfortable, sometimes with limited insulation and essential bedding.

In some cases, dormitory-style rooms may be the only option. Shared bathrooms are the norm, and hot water is nonexistent. Dining options are also more restricted, focusing on simple local dishes like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) and basic Western meals. In remote areas, electricity and Wi-Fi, if available, are less reliable and more expensive. They are often accessible for only a few hours.

Camping (Rare)

While most trekkers opt for teahouse accommodations, some may choose to camp, mainly if they are part of a more customized or guided trek. Camping requires trekkers to carry their tents and camping gear, which can be more physically demanding.

Meals are typically prepared by a guide or cook, often simple and cooked on portable stoves. The experience is more rugged. Trekkers rely on portable or makeshift toilets and have limited access to teahouse amenities. Camping is more adventurous. It lets trekkers stay in remote, offbeat spots.

Food Facilities during the Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp Trek:

Throughout the trek, teahouses and lodges provide meals, which typically include a mix of local and Western dishes. The staple food in the region is dal bhat, a traditional Nepali meal consisting of lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curries. This dish is highly nutritious and provides the energy needed for trekking.

Other common foods include noodles, soups, momo (dumplings), potatoes, rice dishes, and a variety of bread such as chapati or Tibetan bread. Trekkers can expect breakfast options like porridge, pancakes, eggs, and toast. At higher altitudes, food may become less varied and more expensive. It’s harder to transport supplies to remote areas. We can usually accommodate special diets, like vegetarian or vegan. But it’s best to bring snacks or energy bars for extra sustenance.

Drinking Water Facilities during the Gokyo Lake to Everest Base Camp Trek:

Water is available throughout the trek. In teahouses, you can purchase bottled water, though this can be expensive and contribute to environmental waste. A more sustainable option is to use refill stations. You can fill your bottle with filtered or boiled water. Most teahouses have these for a small fee.

Another popular method is to get water from natural sources, like streams or taps. Use water purification tablets or a portable water filter. A reusable water bottle and purification method are recommended to ensure a safe and steady water supply throughout the trek. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially at high altitudes. There, the risk of dehydration and altitude sickness rises.

Spring (March to May):

Spring is one of the most popular times for trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Gokyo Lake. During this season, the weather is mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at lower altitudes and colder at higher elevations. The trails are lined with Rhododendrons and other flowers, and the park is especially in the spring season.

The morning is usually straightforward, with good visibility. It’s an excellent time to see the views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. However, the popularity of this season means that the trails and teahouses can be crowded, especially around EBC and Namche Bazaar.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August):

The summer season coincides with the monsoon and is the least popular time to trek to EBC and Gokyo Lake. This period is characterized by a lot of rainfall, particularly on the low ground, which makes the trails sloppy and slippery. The clouds often obscure the mountain views, and there is a higher chance of flight delays to and from Lukla due to poor weather conditions.

However, those who trek during this time can experience the lush greenery of the valleys and fewer crowds. Trekking in the rain shadow area beyond Namche Bazaar can be drier. However, this season has more challenges due to the weather and trail conditions.

Autumn (September to November):

Autumn is the best time to trek to EBC and Gokyo Lake. After the monsoon, the skies clear up, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Temperatures are moderate, with daytime highs around 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) at lower altitudes, making trekking comfortable.

The weather is perfect, as the air is clear and the visibility is good, making it ideal for photography. This season has good weather, so flights are less likely to be delayed, making the trip easier. Like spring, autumn is busy, so booking accommodations and flights in advance is essential.

Winter (December to February):

Winter trekking to EBC and Gokyo Lake is possible but challenging. The temperatures drop significantly, especially at higher altitudes, where they can fall below -20°C (-4°F) at night. Due to the cold climate, travelers should ensure they have the proper clothing and gadgets, including a warm sleeping bag.

The trails are not busy in winter, offering a more serene and solitary experience. Some teahouses in that region might close then. Also, snow may block trails, especially at passes like Cho La. Winter trekking lets you enjoy the beautiful, snowy countryside. It’s a chance to find peace in the quiet, low season.

Visa Requirements:

For most travelers, a visa is required to enter Nepal. Tourists can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at some land border crossings. Visas are available for 15, 30, or 90 days, depending on the length of stay. Ensuring your passport validates at least six months from your entry date is essential. Additionally, visa extensions can be arranged if you extend your stay in Nepal.

Permit Requirements:

Two main permits are required for trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Gokyo Lake:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit: This permit is required to enter the Sagarmatha National Park, which encompasses the EBC and Gokyo Lake regions. It can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park’s entrance in Monjo.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit: This permit replaces the earlier TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card for the Everest region. It can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the checkpoint in Lukla.

These permits are mandatory for all trekkers and are checked at various points along the trek.

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is highly recommended and, in many cases, required for trekking to EBC and Gokyo Lake. The insurance should cover trekking up to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) and, if needed, emergency helicopter evacuation.

The remote location and risks make travel insurance crucial. These include altitude sickness, injuries, and sudden weather. The policy should also cover trip cancellations, loss of baggage, and medical expenses. Make sure your insurance provider knows about your trek. They should cover all possible risks.

For Communication during the Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Gokyo Lake trek, here are the most suitable SIM cards:

Ncell SIM Card

Ncell is a popular choice for both locals and travelers in Nepal. It provides extensive coverage in the Everest region, including most trekking routes. Ncell offers various prepaid SIM cards with data packages suitable for staying connected during your trek.

You can purchase Ncell SIM cards and data packs in Namche Bazaar and other major villages. Coverage and data speeds are generally good in these areas, but connectivity can be limited in more remote locations.

Nepal Telecom (NTC) SIM Card

Nepal Telecom, also known as NTC, is another reliable option. Its broad network covers many trekking regions, including the Everest area. NTC SIM cards are widely available in Kathmandu and other major towns.

They offer various data plans and packages, making it easy to stay connected. While NTC has good coverage in lower and mid-altitude areas, its signal strength may decrease in more remote locations.

Buying SIM Cards

You can purchase SIM cards from authorized shops or mobile service providers in Kathmandu, including at the airport. You’ll need to provide a copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo for registration. SIM cards are also available in major trekking hubs like Namche Bazaar. Still, getting one before you start your trek is advisable to ensure you have access to Communication from the beginning.

Considerations

• Coverage: Ncell and NTC provide good coverage in populated areas along the trek. However, signal strength can be weak or intermittent at higher altitudes, particularly beyond Gorak Shep.
• Data Plans: Choose a data plan that suits your needs. Internet access is valuable for checking weather updates, communicating with family, and updating social media.
• Backup: For critical Communication, consider carrying a satellite phone or renting a portable Wi-Fi device as a backup in case of connectivity issues.

Choosing between Ncell and NTC depends on your preferences and the service availability at your starting point. Both provide adequate communication options for most trekking needs.