Everest Circuit Trek terrain & difficulty
Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes Trek is a slightly strenuous trek with a fair share of challenging steep ascends and descends. Mind you, descents are as difficult as ascents, so don't take it lightly and be careful on the track. You will be walking 6 to 7 hours a day at a minimum; therefore, you have to be in good health and fitness.
The trail winds through dense forests and the region gets remote with an increase in elevation. You have to walk in thin air before touching EBC and Gokyo Ri, which can get challenging for some trekkers. Along with that, you always have to look for altitude sickness and make sure you do not get any symptoms. You can learn more about altitude sickness here.
Everest Circuit Trek permit
After decentralization, you no longer need a TIMS card to trek in the Everest region. Now, you will need a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit as an Everest Gokyo Lakes Trek permit.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit cost: NPR 2000 per person
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit cost: NPR 3000 per person
You can get both of these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Monjo.
*Note: If you are trekking from Jiri, then you will need an extra permit called the Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit, which costs $3000 per person.
Everest Gokyo Lakes trek price
We Mystic Adventure Holidays offer you a price of US$1750 for the trek of the Everest Gokyo Lakes. There is a discount for the group too, so choose us for your dream adventure.
The Best time to go on the Everest Circuit Trek
To enjoy the trek to its fullest, you have to trek in spring and autumn. Spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) are the best times of the year to go on Everest Circuit Trekking. These seasons have moderate climates and stable weather.
The trail sees hundreds of flowers bloom in the spring. Autumn adds the warmth of festivity to the environment as the Nepalese celebrate their biggest festivals in this season.
The winter Trek in the Everest Region is possible, but you have to be well prepared to face cold and possible trail blockage. The monsoon is not a good time of year to trek to the Everest region. However, with less expectation of mountain views and slippery trails, you can still trek during this season as well.
Food & Accommodations during the Everest Circuit Trek
Everest Circuit Trekking route is one of the most developed trekking routes in the Himalayas; therefore, you will get both luxury and budget-friendly accommodations. Our Everest Gokyo Lake Trek package includes a lodge stay. The rooms will be small, with limited furniture and a double bed. Likewise, the washroom will be shared or private, depending upon the lodge.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided during the trek. The food will be served as per the menu of the lodge. You can get dishes like rice, curries, momo, noodles, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, soup, toast, eggs, meat, veggies, porridge, bakery items, tea, coffee, Thukpa, etc.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Distance & Trekking Days
The trek covers 137 Km in total during the journey. You will walk 6 to 12 km each day to reach and safely return to your country within 14 days. You can enjoy your trek with a guide, porters, and fellow travelers.
We start our trek by eating a light breakfast and stopping for lunch at midday. We will reach our estimated hotel in the early evening and you can spend the rest of the day exploring nearby places or simply resting in your hotel rooms.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Weather and temperature
The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is a high-altitude area where weather conditions are unpredictable. Below is a brief overview of the average weather and temperatures in the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek.
- Spring season: During the spring season, the daytime temperature ranges from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius and the nighttime temperature ranges from 0 to -2 degrees Celsius.
- Monsoon season: During the monsoon season, the normal temperature at daytime is 22 degrees Celsius and the temperature at nighttime is 4 degrees Celsius.
- Autumn season: The daytime temperature is around 17 degrees Celsius and the nighttime temperature is -8 degrees Celsius.
- Winter season: The winter season is cold, especially in the Himalayan region, like Everest base camp and its areas. The daytime temperature is -5 degrees Celsius and the nighttime temperature is -15 degrees Celsius.
Flight, transportation, and luggage for the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
When going on the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek, you should be serious about flight prebookings, transportation planning, and luggage packing. Below is some useful information regarding flight transportation and luggage for the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek.
- International and internal Flights: If you are traveling from abroad, then you will need a visa and passport to enter Nepal. Visa on arrival is only for some countries. So, check your eligibility for the visa on arrival before booking the flight. You can carry 23 kg, including your hold baggage and hand luggage, on your international flight. If you choose to travel to Lukla via flight, then you can carry up to 15 kg for the internal flights. For the extra weight of the duffel bag or day pack, you have to pay an extra amount of money.
- Luggage needed for the trek: You must have a duffel bag of 80L capacity and a 50-65L backpack is enough for carrying essential equipment like gear and other items. Typically, the porter will carry the duffel bag while you are responsible for carrying your backpack. You may need a small, 20–30-liter day backpack to carry your essentials during the day’s hike.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek altitude sickness
High-altitude sickness is common in high-altitude areas like the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek. So, you need to prepare yourself for the coming challenges and possible altitude-related risks. If you face symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, erratic Sleep, or insomnia, you must report it to your trekking leaders and guide.
Acclimatization helps your body adjust to a new altitude and environment. In case of any emergencies, descend to the lower altitudes quickly. You can prevent these symptoms by slowing ascent, taking rest while climbing, sleeping at lower altitudes, staying hydrated, and having nutritious foods.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Trekking grade
The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek is a strenuous level of trek. Some key factors contributing to the difficulty of the Gokyo Lake Trek are higher altitude levels of up to 5,357 meters, paths with steep ascents and descents, rocky trails, glaciers, long walking hours, basic accommodations, and so on. While preparing for the challenges, adequate acclimatization, a good level of physical fitness, and proper gear can help overcome the challenges.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Toilet and shower facilities
The toilet facilities on the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek are basic, like traditional squat-type toilets. In some newly built houses, you can see the western-style flush toilets. Bring your toilet paper, as there may not be toilet paper available in some teahouses. Moreover, hot shower facilities are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, along with lower-altitude areas like Lukla and Namche Bazaar.
When you go to higher altitudes, the same hot shower may be expensive for you. At places near the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek, there may not be available shower facilities. You have to shower by using buckets. And in some teahouses, there may be a cold shower option only.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Telephone, Internet, and Electricity
In most of the teahouses, you can find the electricity generated from the solar panels. Charging facilities may be available; it is better to carry a power bank for your convenience. In terms of internet facilities, you can get internet facilities, just like charging facilities, in the lower altitudes.
However, it may be difficult to find reliable internet facilities. For telephone facilities, buy a local sim card before going for the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek. Just keep in mind that the local SIM card may not work in some places.
Trekking Equipments required for Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
The following equipment is needed during your trek to Everest Gokyo Lake Trek:
- Clothes: The essential clothes include Thermal tops and leggings (3+ sets), trekking trousers (2 pairs), underwear (minimum 3 pairs), Trekking socks (4+ pairs), Light gloves, a Sunhat with ear protection, a Waterproof jacket and trousers, Insulating jacket (down or synthetic) and so on.
- Essentials like water bottles, headlamps with spare batteries, Sunglasses and hard case, Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, Toiletries and towels, Basic first aid kit, Trekking poles, and so on.
- Sturdy trekking boots with ankle support
- A 35-45L day backpack for daily use and a duffel bag of 80L capacity
- Season sleeping bag and sleeping pad for insulation, warmth, and comfort.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek Trek Customize Itineraries and Trip Extensions
The Everest Gokyo Lake Trek itinerary can be customized and trips can be extended further based on your preferences and fitness level. The customization of the trek itinerary means extra days for acclimatization days, side trips to nearby landmarks, and so on.
The trip extensions include visiting the nearby villages, monasteries, or viewpoints, or even extending your trek to include other destinations. As a mystic adventure representative, we will organize, customize, and extend your trekking journey through the Himalayas.
Group Leader and Crew in the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
Our certified trekking guide will assist you during your Everest-Gokyo Lake trek. We also provide sherpa staff for carrying your heavy baggage and one porter will carry the luggage of two guests.
Tips to make the Everest Gokyo Lakes trek smooth
- Doble checks all the gear and clothing before embarking on the trek.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and fill it in the lodges or tea shops along the route. It will save you a lot of money and also keep the environment clean.
- You may not find ATMs beyond Namche Bazar, so withdraw enough cash to use further on the trail.
- Do know that you may have to pay a few extra bucks to use services like WiFi, hot showers, and charging booths at some places.
- Carry a Nepali SIM card to use cellular data on the way (the network may not be stable all the time).
- Carry extra batteries or a solar charger.
- You can tip any amount you like to the crew members. To give you a general idea, this is what we recommend: USD 150 to 200 to the porter & guide, USD 5 to the tour guide, and USD 2 to the driver.
- Always walk on the mountainside, especially when yaks and mules are passing by.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Hydration is the key to avoiding altitude sickness.
- Always say namaste to the locals, touching both palms and bending a little.
