The Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most amazing treks in Nepal. It will be a blend of the classic Everest Base Camp experience and the gorgeous Gokyo Lakes country, bringing trekkers panoramic views of the Himalayas, blue glacial lakes, and Sherpa culture. There are several important pieces of information that must be remembered beforehand before traveling out, such as permits and the difficulty of the trek, the best time to travel, physical preparation, and so on, to make an adventure a safe and pleasant one.

Permits

There are a number of obligatory permits that are required when trekking in the Everest region. The Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Permit is a document permitting one to enter the park and is available at Kathmandu or at the entrance of the park at a cost of about USD 30-35.

Moreover, every individual trekker is required to possess a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card, which costs around USD 20-25 and works to keep a track of their safety.

Certain sections, especially around the Gokyo Lakes, might also demand little local entrance charges usually marked up by trekking agencies or local lodges. Previously obtaining these permits is a sure way of beginning the trek on a positive note.

Difficulty

The Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp trek is classified as moderately difficult to difficult, mainly because of the high altitude, the number of long days of walking and the steep walks up the mountain. The climb to reach 5,550 meters at Kala Patthar is challenging, requiring stamina, endurance and adequate acclimatization. The trekker must also possess a moderate level of fitness, as the route would be rocky with suspension bridges and crossing glaciers in a few places. The key to safety and comfort is proper pacing, hydration, and rest days.

Travel Insurance

It is advisable to have travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers:

• Hospitalization and medical emergency
• High altitude helicopter evacuation
• Flight cancellation and/or delays
• Delayed or lost luggage

Insurance can range between USD 90 and 140, depending on how long you need it. A 2-week trek is common, and that requires a cover.

Best Time to Trek

Autumn and spring are the best seasons to go trekking. The weather is stable and clear with a spectacular view of the mountains, making autumn the best season to capture photography. Rhododendrons are in bloom, the temperatures are pleasant, and the Himalayan peaks are still visible in early Spring. Both seasons do not have to endure winter snow and monsoon rains, which means that there are safer trails and the trekking is much more enjoyable.

Physical Fitness

The Gokyo Lake and Everest Base Camp trek is fairly difficult, a trek that a beginner in decent shape can handle. Note:

• The daily progression through the field takes 5 to 6 hours, along rough tracks including some steep ascents
• Fitness level: Ability to jog 5 km in 30 to 35 minutes or cycle 15 km in 45 minutes to feel at ease on the trail
• Training: It is recommended that you do cardio and leg/core strength training 2-3 weeks in advance to make the trek more enjoyable and easier

Accommodation

The fact that there are plenty of tea houses on the way to the Everest Base Camp makes this trek easy since you do not have to carry the tents and cooking material with you. Lower altitude and more utilized trails feature pleasant tea houses that have electricity, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and packing bathrooms, whereas higher up the slope, the simpler lodges have main rooms with fundamental squat toilets. Some minor charges for Wi-Fi or hot water usually exist. To help you stay warm at night when it is cold, you will have a clean sleeping bag which has a warmth rating of -20 degrees Celsius.

Meals During the trek

You will find food on the trail delicious and plentiful. Traditional Nepali food such as Dal Bhat with unlimited refills, fried rice, noodles, Mo Mo dumplings, and Thukpa noodle soup can be enjoyed, as well as western meals like pasta, pizza, burgers and potatoes. Breakfast choices include Tibetan bread and chapatti with curry to eggs, porridge, muesli and pancakes. The trek would be vegetarian, vegan and special dietary needs can be communicated with your guide.

Included in your package are dinner in Kathmandu before starting the trek and three meals per day on the trail, including tea or coffee, with additional snacks, desserts, or other special drinks available to purchase.

Transportation

All your transport will be included in your trekking package. Pokhara can be reached by bus, microvan, tourist bus, private vehicle or flight (USD 105 per person) from Kathmandu. Base points of the trek are Nayapul, Birethanti, Hile, Tikhedhunga and Banethanti. Local buses are more immersive, though they can be very slow and crowded, whereas renting your own vehicle will be more comfortable and flexible.

Charging, Connectivity and Internet

The majority of tea houses also offer electricity or solar power to charge devices, but it is better to bring a power bank. Cell phone coverage is largely serviced by NCELL or Nepal Telecom, with cell phone SIM cards fairly readily available in Kathmandu. Most tea houses have Wi-Fi available (2-3 dollars/night), but the connection may be unreliable depending on the weather and location.

Porters

It is not necessary, but highly recommended to hire a porter as you travel with a light day pack. A porter can only carry 20 kg of weight shared between the two of you, and this gives you time to concentrate on the trek rather than burdening yourself with a heavy load. Your guide can also facilitate the hiring of a porter in the event that he/she is required.

Nepali Currency Payments

Nepal is on the rupee, but currencies such as USD, AUD, GBP, CAD, SGD, and Euros could be easily converted in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The larger hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit and debit cards at a 3.5% surcharge. There are numerous ATMs, mainly in Thamel, with a limit of withdrawal on a daily basis between Rs 10,000 and Rs 35,000 and standard fees.

Trekking Gear

Clothing

• Rain coat, poncho or combination jacket/trousers
• Down jacket / Gore-Tex jacket
• Down jacket (unless you have a down vest)
• Rainproof, or windproof trousers
• Hiking pants (2 pairs recommended)
• Shorts (2 pcs)
• T-shirts (4-5 as per days of trek)
• MIT/fleece jacket
• Base layers (thermal down-jacket)/thermal coats (1-2 sets)
• Gloves: light fleece and waterproof/windproof (2 pairs)
• Underwear

Footwear

• Water-resistant, ankle support trekking boots
• Bare feet or moisturizing sandals and sneakers (for off-time around camp)

Accessories & Equipment

• Sunglasses
• Lip balm and sunscreen
• Sun hat, woolen/beanie/fleece hat
• Neck gaiter
• First aid kit
• Swiss army knife (optional)
• Luggage cover
• Headlamp
• Trekking poles
• Gaiter (optional)
• Micro crampons (not mandatory)
• Chlorine detox tablets or Steripen
• Spare batteries and travel adapter
• Power bank
• Bottles of water/camel bag/thermos
• Multipurpose soap/shampoo
• Tiny towel, antiseptic wash
• Hygiene products and wet wipes
• Mosquito spray (optional)
• Whistle & earplugs
• Reading books, cards/chess

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag (-15 to -20 degrees rating)
• Sleeping bag liner (cotton, silk, or fleece)

Bags & Packs

• Join backpack (60 liters)
• Daypack (25-30 liters)