Gokyo Trek In October

Gokyo Lake Trek is the second most popular trekking route in the Everest region. The trails of this exhilarating adventure take you across the raw wilderness of the hidden valley of the region to the pristine highest freshwater system in the world. There are a total of 19 freshwater lakes in the system, and out of them, six lakes are considered the main lakes: Thonak Cho (largest), Ngojumba Cho (smallest), Tanjung Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Longpanga Cho and Gokyo Cho (main lake).

If you are planning to explore these sacred and sparkling lakes that reflect the majestic Himalayan figurines on their surface, the most suitable period would be during the high season autumn, which is considered the number one season for the Himalayan trek. Thus, Gokyo Trek in October, the peak point of this high season, offers an extraordinary experience.

Your trek in this month will take you across enchanting landscapes of red, green, brown, and yellow, the foliage of the fall season. The epic views of Himalayan vistas over the stunning-colorful terrain will allow you to admire the beauty of the region from a totally different perspective. Similarly, October, the harvest month in the country, is also the core period for the cultural celebration in Nepal. Besides, enjoying a remarkable journey in the most pleasant climatic conditions, you will also get the chance to immerse in colorful festivals.

Gokyo Trek in October - General Trek Overview

Your general Gokyo Trek in October starts with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla over the incredible landscapes of this Himalayan country. However, if your trekking package takes care of all your itinerary plans during your stay in Nepal, like Eco Holiday Nepal’s 14 Day Gokyo Lakes Trek, you will also enjoy a sightseeing day in Kathmandu Valley before joining the trekking trail in Everest region.

After landing at Lukla (2,800 meters) and resting for a bit, you will begin your trekking journey to Phakding (2,610 meters) along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Continuing with the mainstream trail of the Everest Base Camp Trek, you will reach the Sherpa capital, Namche Bazaar (3,443 meters), which will also be your first acclimatization destination.

Then, navigating the remote and serene trails of Gokyo Valley, you will head toward Dole Village (4,200 meters), trekking past Phortse Tenga (3,840 meters). Your trail further then stretches toward the traditional village of Machhermo (4,470 meters), which will eventually lead you to the sacred and pristine Gokyo Lakes (4,800 meters).

Immersing in the magical ambiance of the Himalayas at these glacial lakes, you will also hike to its vantage point, Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters). From this vantage point in the Gokyo Valley, you will be able to enjoy astonishing panoramic views of Himalayan ranges like Everest, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and other surrounding peaks. Gokyo Ri also offers spectacular views of Gokyo Valley and Nzogumpa Glacier, which is the longest glacier in the Nepali Himalayas, stretching over an area of 36 km (22 miles).

You will then move along with your descending after completing your exploration at Gokyo Lakes. Retracing your steps on the same trails, you will trek down to Dole via Machhermo and rejoin the mainstream EBC Trek route at Namche Bazaar. After descending down to Lukla, you will take a morning flight back to Kathmandu and enjoy a leisurely day before flying back to your home country.

What Makes Gokyo Trek in October an Amazing Experience?

Perfect Climatic Conditions

Both spring and autumn are the high seasons and the most preferred period for trekking adventures in Nepal. Like how April is the peak point of the spring season, October, which is far from the post-monsoon occasional rainfall in early September and light snowfall in late November as winter closes, is the core period of the autumn season.

Thus, you can expect the most stable climatic conditions in this month; the days are generally clear, and the trekking trails are dry. You will also be able to enjoy the pleasant temperatures during the trekking days; the temperatures in the Gokyo Valley are around 6°C to 18°C in this month. However, at high altitudes, the night temperatures can drop upto -8°C, so you should definitely bring warm layers to enjoy a pleasant experience at the alpine altitudes.

Breathtaking Mountain Views

The reason behind the autumn season being dubbed as the number one season for treks and mountain expeditions in Nepal, besides the comfortable weather, is due to the spectacular views it offers. Due to the low precipitation, the days are even more clear during October and you can enjoy spectacular Himalayan vistas to the end of the horizon.

Gokyo Lake Trek is known for offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, like Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khumbila, and other adjacent peaks. So, during your Gokyo Trek in October, you can expect to enjoy the most spectacular views of these pristine sparkling under the clear blue sky.

Moderate trekking Crowd

Although the autumn season is a high period like the spring season, this fall season receives slightly fewer trekkers than spring. As a Gokyo Trek explores the remote part of the Everest region, the crowd to explore the raw wilderness of the Gokyo Valley is even fewer. Thus, your Gokyo Trek in October will ensure a tranquil experience to immerse in the mystical ambiance of the Himalayas.

Less crowd on the trekking trail also means you won’t have to rush yourself to the resting destination or while checking out the highlights of the region. You can take as much time as you want to immerse in the experience; you will also have more time to interact with locals and enjoy your breaks at the teahouses, forging bonds with other adventurers.

Festive Vibrance

October isn’t just the core period of the autumn season that offers unforgettable trekking experiences but is also the key period that beholds some of the most significant festivals in the country. If you do Gokyo Trek in October, you will also be able to adjust these incredible celebrations in your itinerary plan, which will make your Himalayan journey an enriching experience.

Major festivals of Nepal like Dashain, Tihar, Pachali Bhairab, Mani Rimdu, etc, are celebrated during this core period of the autumn season. Dashain, celebrated for 15 days and Tihar, also known as ‘Deepawali’ is celebrated for 5 days, are the two major festivals in the country. You will have the opportunity to see the fascinating celebrations of these Hindu festivals if you choose October for the Gokyo Lake Trek.

Incredible Landscapes of Fall Season

The hues of grey and crimson are the prime highlights of the fall session that cover the entire landscape. October, which is in the middle of all these transitions, offers insights into nature’s cycle and adds a unique experience to the Himalayan adventure. As it is farther from the monsoon and gradually closing in winter, the fall landscapes of the Nepali Himalayas are at their pinnacle point.

You will be able to witness the stunning visuals of vibrant shades of red, orange, brown, and yellow as the trees start shedding leaves on your trekking trail. The views of pristine peaks over the colorful fall landscapes are a different and extraordinary experience, which shows a different side of the mystical Himalayas.

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Difficulty and Consideration for Gokyo Trek in October

Gokyo Lake Trek has been labeled as a moderate trekking experience in the Everest region. Trekkers don’t have to overcome the technical segments in this trek nor the difficulty factors of this Himalayan exploration is physically strenuous. If you are planning to do the Gokyo Trek in October, the trekking trails are at optimum condition, and the weather factors are stable, so you will have fewer difficulty factors to worry about this month.

Still, you should be on the lookout for two of the most significant hurdles in this Himalayan journey like altitude gain and trekking distance. Your Gokyo Lake Trek starts after you land at Lukla, which is at an altitude of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) from sea level. You will follow the high-altitude points of the Gokyo Valley, like Dole Village (4,200 meters) and Machhermo (4,470 meters), as you move further in your trekking route before reaching Gokyo Lakes (4,800 meters).

The highest point of this Himalayan trek is Gokyo Ri, which is situated at an elevation point of 5,357 meters (17,575 feet). Thus, the overall altitude gain on this journey is about 2,557 meters (8,389 feet). As the altitude gain is significant, you need to acclimatize properly during your exploration and adhere to appropriate altitude sickness precautionary methods.

Similarly, the total walking distance in this trek is approximately 92 km (57 miles). You will need to cover a walking distance of approximately 5 to 6 hours on average per day. Thus, even though this is an exciting endeavor for the eastern Himalayas, your comfort level during the journey will depend on how much effort you will put in before the trek.

Effective Preparation for Gokyo Lake Trek

Even though this exciting Himalayan journey is on the milder scale when it comes to difficulty level, you should still train adequately to make the experience enjoyable. In Gokyo Trek, you will traverse the remote landscapes of the Gokyo Valley and gradually climb altitude, reaching the maximum point over 5,000 meters. So, your first priority for the preparation of this trek is to develop your strength and stamina prospects to match the demand of the trail.

Walking for long hours carrying your luggage, that too, on the route that gradually elevates to higher points, is not an easy task. That’s why you should begin your training at least 3 to 6 weeks prior to the actual trek. This will get your body accustomed to the physical activity, and you won’t find pulling off the long hours of trek that much difficult.

Strength training exercises like Squat, Plank, Deadlift, Push Up, Plank, Overhead Press, Lunge, Extension, Step Up, etc, enhance your endurance capabilities, making the trek a comfortable experience. Similarly, cardiovascular exercises like Jogging, Cycling, Rope Jumping, Swimming, Aerobics, Dancing, etc, improve your body’s oxygen-delivering capabilities and extend your stamina reserve. So you will be able to acclimatize more effectively and can easily trek for long hours.

Who is Gokyo Lake Trek Suitable for?

Gokyo Lake Trek is certainly an exciting trekking endeavor in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal. This popular highlight of the Everest region is on the to-do-list of pretty much every trekking enthusiast across the globe. If you are considering this trip, you don’t need to over-emphasize the difficulty factors of this journey.

Trekking packages in Nepal are designed for an immersive and slow-paced journey. This means you will have enough day hours to walk on the route even if you have to trek for 5 to 6 hours on average. Also, you will get enough acclimatization period to let your body adapt to the new altitudes before pushing further.

In case you are curious about the appropriate age to do this trek, don’t worry, there aren’t any age restrictions on this exhilarating Himalayan trail. If you are reasonably fit and healthy, you can do this trek without any worry. Just recently, a two-year-old kid from Scotland became the youngest trekker to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. Thus, Gokyo Lake, which is considered much easier than EBC Trek, isn’t that hard if you put your heart and mind into it.

The success rate of the Gokyo Lake Trek is high and si approximately around 98%. This means that hardly any trekker who has well prepared for the journey fails to conquer this iconic trail in the Everest region.

What Permits Will You Need for October Trek?

For doing the Gokyo Trek in October, you will need to collect three mandatory permits. As you trek through the conserved national parks and special restricted areas during this Himalayan journey, these permits are absolutely necessary.

Permits for Gokyo Lake Trek

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
• Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card

You will have to enter the Sagarmatha National Park from Monjo in your trekking route, so you will need the permit to access this Himalayan national park which will cost about US$ 30. Similarly, you will also have to traverse across the special restricted area in the Khumbu region, and for entry, you will need to get Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit which costs around US$ 20.

TIMS Card, on the other hand, is a basic permit requirement for high-altitude trekking adventures in Nepal. You can get the permit at US$ 17 per person; this permit will record all your entry points along the trekking trail, enhancing the safety features.

Note: Eco Holidays Nepal will take care of all the permit requirements for you to enjoy a seamless journey.

What Kind of Food and Accommodation Can You Expect?

Gokyo Lake is the second most popular highlight of the mainstream Everest region. As your trekking trail will take you across the most popular Himalayan base camp trekking adventure in the world, you can expect the standard to the luxurious level of facilities during your trek.

Food

The food menus available in this mainstream route fit the palate of every trekking enthusiast perfectly; there is something for everyone. You can enjoy a variety of dishes during your trekking adventure, from traditional tongue-lingering delicacies to other Asian and Western dishes.

Your general trekking days on this exciting route start with light and heart breakfast menus like Sherpa Bread, Chapati, Paratha, Muesli, Oats, Cornflakes, Pancake, Sherpa Pudding, Salad, Fruit, Butter Tea, Coffee, Toast, Jam, Butter, Honey, etc.

Lunch and dinner, on the other hand, comprise of filling and nourishing dishes like Sherpa Stew, Thukpa, Shyaphale, Rilduk, Pizza, Pasta, Steak, Momo, Chowmein, Traditional Dal Bhat, Dhindo Gundruk, etc. As October is the harvest season, you can expect a wide range of seasonal delights during your trip.

Note: Both vegan and vegetarian options are available in this mainstream trekking route. You can also put up a special request to exclude the ingredients you don’t prefer from your meal.

Accommodation

In a standard 14 Day Gokyo Lakes Trek, you will spend 10 nights at the teahouses/lodges in the Everest region and 3 nights at the hotel in Kathmandu. We arrange accommodation facilities at star hotels with all the modern amenities during your stay in Kathmandu.

Similarly, during the trekking journey on the mountain, we accommodate you at the best and most notable teahouses/lodges on the route.

During each day of your trek, you will rest at warm-cozy teahouses with heated communal areas. For rest, you will get private rooms with two to three adjacent beds; all basic amenities like pillow, blanket, and comfortable mattress will be provided.

The bathroom, like the room, will be on a shared basis; the teahouses in lower regions have modern-style bathroom facilities; meanwhile the teahouses at high altitudes facilitate traditional-style bathroom facilities. You can take hot showers, use the internet, and charge your devices at the teahouses, paying about US$ 2 to US$ 5 for each service.

Cost of Gokyo Trek in October

The general cost margin for the Gokyo Lakes Trek is around US$ 1,100 to US$ 1,800. The cost of your package varies depending on several factors, like the length of the trip, highlight explorations, route, and the quality of amenities. We here at Eco Holidays Nepal offer this exciting 14 Day Gokyo Lakes Trek at just US$ 1,115 per person.

Our trekking package guarantees the best value experience, and it is a fully guided adventure where we will take care of all your itinerary plans during your stay in Nepal. For any kind of queries and booking, please get in touch with us via our Contact Page.

Helpful Tips for Your Trek in October

• Don’t rush; take it slow and relish the experience
• Pack the right layers; October does have pleasant temperatures, but it is generally cold at alpine altitudes
• Stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet
• Strictly follow the instructions of the guide
• Pay attention to your body language, and don’t push yourself
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes during the trek
• Bring your favorite snacks and energy bars
• Don’t forget that add comfort to the trek
• Respect local culture and traditions; learn a few greeting phrases