Gokyo Trek is an iconic trekking adventure in the most popular mainstream Himalayan trekking region, Everest. This trekking alternative in the Khumbu region takes you to the Gokyo Valley, which houses the highest freshwater lake system on the planet. This glacial lake also has religious significance and is a sacred site to both Hindus and Buddhists.
So, if you are fond of adventures in the Khumbu Valley, this is the second most popular highlight in the region, right after the Everest Base Camp. If you are planning the Gokyo Trek in September, this initial month of the autumn season will add a unique experience to your Himalayan journey. This charming month, right after the monsoon season is covered with lush landscapes that are nourished by the rain. Similarly, the washed-up terrains feel fresh and have a sweet aroma to them, which will make your everyday trek a refreshing and exhilarating experience.
After the end of the reign of the monsoon cloud, the month of September marks the beginning of the clear sky, enchanting landscapes, and moderate temperatures. September creates a perfect balance between the post-monsoon lush greenery and the crisp early autumn atmosphere, making it an ideal period to take part in this exciting Himalayan adventure.
Gokyo Trek in September- General Trek Overview
Gokyo Trek is an exhilarating exploration prospect in the Everest region. Your journey to explore these high-altitude pristine glacial lakes will start after your arrival in Kathmandu. Your Gokyo Trek in September with Eco Holidays Nepal will be a fully guided trekking adventure, and we will take care of all your itinerary plans from your arrival to departure.
Our 14 Days Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the most exciting ways to explore this popular highlight of the Everest region. After enjoying a sightseeing day in Kathmandu to explore its rich culture and history, you will begin your trekking journey with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu (1,400 meters) to Lukla (2,800 meters).
During the first part of the trail, you will traverse across the enchanting banks of the Dudh Koshi River and head toward Phakding (2,610 meters). Then, moving along the mainstream route of the Everest Base Camp Trek, you will follow the ascending trail to Namche Bazaar (3,443 meters).
From Namche, you will follow the trails toward these pristine glacial lakes and trek across charming high-altitude settlements like Dole (4,200 meters) and Machhermo (4,470 meters) to finally reach Gokyo Lake (4,800 meters). But your Himalayan journey will only be complete after an early morning hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) to enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan massifs and valleys down below.
Then, after the hike, you will follow the same trekking route and make your descent to Lukla across Machhermo, Dole, and Namche Bazaar. Your flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla will mark the end of your exciting Himalayan excursion, and after enjoying a leisurely day, you will fly back to your home country the next day.
This is a standard trekking package to the Gokyo Lakes; you can also book a luxurious trekking package for a more personalized experience. We also offer a custom tailor option to design packages befitting your adventure needs. For booking and queries, you can get in touch with us from out Contact Page.
Why Should You Consider Doing Gokyo Trek in September?
Comfortable Temperatures
After the full swing of the summer season during the monsoon, the weather of the Himalayas starts to get stable, and the temperatures start to simmer down. Thus, during the first wave of the autumn season, you will be able to enjoy comfortable and pleasant temperatures during your Himalayan exploration.
The temperatures in the Gokyo Lake region during September usually stay around 5°C to 8°C during the day period. However, at night, the temperatures can drop as low as 2°C. The temperatures at lower trekking trails are generally warm; as you get to higher altitudes, it starts to get chilly. For a comprehensive understanding of Gokyo Lake during different throughout the year, you can check out Best Time for Gokyo Lake Trek.
Lush Landscapes
September, which comes right after the end of the monsoon season in August, has incredibly alluring charms about its landscapes. The monsoon rain nourished the entire landscape of the country, and you will be surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers during your Gokyo Trek in September.
Walking amidst the landscapes freshly washed by the monsoon rain adds a unique experience to your Himalayan adventure. Similarly, the waterfalls, rivers, and streams that gain momentum after the monsoon flow are in full swing during this month. You will be able to hear the soothing beat of the cascading rivers/waterfalls as you traverse across the lush trails in this month.
Fewer Trekkers
As the month of September is right after the end of the monsoon season, sometimes, due to the extended monsoon cycle, there are chances of light rainfall during the early part of the month. So, to avoid the inconvenience, most trekkers prefer the middle portion of the autumn season for their Himalayan trekking adventures.
This means during your Gokyo Trek in September, you won’t have to be bothered by the mainstream trekking crowd. You will be able to enjoy a more comfortable and serene experience in your exploration, which will give you the opportunity to forge a more intimate connection with the Himalayas. You will also be able to take your time with the exploration of cultural highlights and have more meaningful interactions with the natives of the region.
Stunning Mountain Views
The autumn and spring seasons are known for the best and clear views of the pristine peaks during the Himalayan trekking adventures. Similarly, this initial month of the autumn season also rewards your journey with breathtaking views of the Himalayan vistas and lush valleys enroute.
The Gokyo Lake Trek route is generally popular for providing spectacular views of the mountains in the Khumbu and surrounding regions like Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Pumori and Ama Dablam including the magical views of the world’s largest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier. Thus, your Himalayan excursion to the Everest region in this month will ensure clear and enchanting views of Himalayan massifs, world-renowned glaciers, pristine glacial lakes, and, of course, monsoon-nourished lush valleys.
Fascinating Festivals
If you have traveled to Nepal before, then you know that the autumn season houses some of the biggest and major festivals in the country. September, the starting month of the autumn season, doesn’t disappoint trekkers on the festive exploration end either. In fact, one of the biggest festivals in the Nepali Hindu community, Dashain, is celebrated in this month.
Similarly, other fascinating festivals like Pachali Bhairab Jatra, Teej, Gai Jatra, and Indra Jatra are often part of the celebration in this month (Nepal follows the lunar calendar system Bikram Sambat and festivals often shuffle across months). So, besides the exhilarating trekking adventures across the mainstream route, you will also have the opportunity to relish the colorful celebrations in the country if you do Gokyo Trek in September.
What About Difficulty Level of Gokyo Trek in September?
Doing trekking adventures in this post-monsoon month means that you may have to deal with some minor challenges. Gokyo Lake Trek, in general, is considered a moderate-level Himalayan trekking adventure. Trekkers are not required to have any prior trekking experience, nor do they need any technical skillset to participate in this glacial lakes adventure.
But, as this is a high-altitude Himalayan journey where you will navigate the challenging and rugged terrains of the Himalayas, you need to be prepared adequately. The first major factor you have to be on the lookout for is altitude sickness; starting your journey at Lukla (2,800 meters), you will reach the highest elevation point of the entire trek at Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters).
The total altitude gain from the starting point of this trek will be around 2,557 meters (8,389 feet). Thus, you will need to pay attention to your body language and stay alert for any symptoms that are related to altitude sickness. Similarly, the trekking distance is another challenging hurdle of this adventure; you will have to travel a distance of approximately 92 km (57 miles) in this journey.
If you are not physically prepared for the long hours of trek (6 to 7 hours per day on average), it can take a huge toll on your body. Also, navigating the rugged landscapes of the Himalayas, mostly rocky, loose soil and glacial moraines, is not an easy task, and the rising altitudes add further challenges to unprepared trekkers.
The trekking trails during the earlier part of September can be slightly slippery if the monsoon climate lingers for a long period. So, you will have to consider those factors and bring a sturdy trekking boot to safely and comfortably navigate the terrains.
Can a Beginner Do Gokyo Lake Trek?
To be more precise, anyone willing to put a little bit of effort into the training aspects will be able to easily complete this iconic Himalayan trek. If you prepare right, you will be easily able to overcome the mild difficulty factors of this adventure. Eco Holidays Nepal’s success rate of our 14 Days Gokyo Lakes Trek is 98% and above.
So, you can take this journey as one of the easier forms of the Himalayan adventures with mild difficulties. There are also no significant elevation points in the trekking route, and you don’t have to cross any demanding Himalayan passes during your trip besides the hike to Gokyo Ri which is optional.
You will also get enough acclimatization period to adjust to a new altitude before pushing for further altitudes, this will make your journey both comfortable and safer. Furthermore, there are also no age restrictions for this trip; if you are reasonably fit and healthy, you can take part in it. Eco Holidays Nepal will guarantee a remarkable and immersive experience in this iconic trekking route of the Everest region.
What Should You Pack for Trek in Septemeber?
As September is the post-monsoon month, you should be careful and considerate while packing appropriate layers and gear for this month. The temperatures are pleasant during the Gokyo Trek in September, and you won’t have to carry heavy layers.
Just don’t forget to pack sturdy footwear and appropriate rain gear to make the journey comfortable, even if you may have to deal with occasional rainfall. You should focus on packing light without missing out on the most essentials. If your luggage is too much for you to carry, you can also hire a porter for the trek, which will cost you about US$ 220.
Here are some of our recommended pack lists for your trek in September; you can use this as a cross-reference for your packing.
Packing for Headwear and Upper Body
- Sun hat or brim hat
- Warm beanie or woolen hat
- Warm neck scarf or gaiter
- Insulated gloves, waterproof/windproof gloves
- Thermal or insulated vest
- Sweatshirt or warm sweater
- Breathable or fleece jacket
- Windproof/waterproof outer layer
- Down jacket for alpine altitudes
Lower Body and Feet
- Lightweight trousers
- Waterproof/windproof trousers
- Light pants and hiking shorts
- Several pairs of undergarments
- Comfortable and sturdy trekking boots
- Flexible sports or trainer shoes
- Ankle support
- Sandals or slippers for camp
- Socks (lightweight to insulated)
- Waterproof gaiter
Personal Care/Hygiene
- Bio-degradable soap
- Sunscreen cream, body lotion, and lip care
- Shampoo
- Travel towel
- Toilet paper, tissue paper, and wet wipes
- Bug repellent
- Hand sanitizer or handwash
- Foot powder
- Body deodorant/ perfume
- Nail clipper and comb
- Small mirror
- Shaving cream and razor
- Personal medications
- Water purifying solution/tablet
- Small first aid kit with basic medication
Gear and Equipment
- Sleeping bag/pad
- Backpack
- Duffle bag
- Trekking pole
- Reusable water bottle
- Thermos flask
- Headlamp
- Solar charger
- Powerbank
- Rain cover
- Camer
- Binoculars
- Map, guidebook, and GPS device
- Magazines and books
- Journal and pen
- Card or board games
**Note: Don’t forget to change sufficient cash to Nepali currency at the city areas that you may need for snack and shopping. The exchange charge may be higher at the mountain**
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Some Helpful Tips for Gokyo Trek in September
- Take it slow and bring sturdy footwear for a firm grip in case of light rainfall during the trek
- Protect your luggage and yourself with rain cover
- Acclimatize properly, and don’t rush your pace
- Adhere to safety precautions while doing the high-altitude trek and moving along the steep sections
- Always follow the instructions and suggestions of the guides and porters
- Stay updated with the weather forecast and trail conditions
- Meet the daily hydration quote and eat a balanced diet
- Stay on the lookout for the leeches and bugs in the lower regions
- Be flexible with your itinerary plans and enjoy the remarkable experience