Gokyo Lakes Trek, 13-day hike to Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lake

Question 1

Can I join a group?

Answer

Yes, you can join a group for the Everest Base Camp trek. Joining a group is a great way to meet other trekkers, share the cost of a guide, and have a more social experience on the trek.

Question 2

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?

Answer

Yes, there are several special requirements that you need to consider before embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek. These include permits, insurance, and vaccinations. Here's what you need to know:

Permits:

To trek to Everest Base Camp, you will need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.

These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or in Lukla before starting the trek.

Your trekking company or guide will typically arrange the permits for you, but it's important to make sure that you have the necessary permits before starting the trek.

Insurance:

Trekking in the Himalayas can be risky, so it's important to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and other potential risks.

Your insurance should also cover high altitude trekking, as some policies have altitude limits.

You should bring a copy of your insurance policy with you on the trek and make sure that your trekking company or guide knows how to contact your insurance provider in case of an emergency.

Vaccinations:

Before traveling to Nepal, it's a good idea to consult with a travel medicine specialist or your doctor to make sure that you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis.

You may also need vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever, depending on your travel plans and medical history.

Additionally, it's important to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness, which can be a serious health risk at high elevations. Your trekking company or guide will typically have a plan in place to help prevent and manage altitude sickness.

Overall, it's important to do your research and make sure that you have all the necessary permits, insurance, and vaccinations before embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek. This will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Question 3

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

Answer

The Everest Base Camp trek is a challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and some prior hiking experience. Here are some things to consider:

Experience:

Prior hiking experience is not required, but it is recommended. It's a good idea to have some experience with multi-day hiking and be comfortable hiking for several hours each day.

Some sections of the trail can be steep and narrow, so it's important to have some experience with this type of terrain.

Fitness:

You should be in good physical shape and able to hike for several hours each day with a daypack.

Regular exercise, such as hiking, running, or cycling, can help prepare you for the trek.

It's also important to be mentally prepared for the challenge of the trek.

Children and older people:

The trek is suitable for children who are physically fit and able to hike for several hours each day. However, it's important to keep in mind that the trek can be challenging and the altitude can be a factor for children. Children under the age of 12 are generally not recommended to do this trek.

Older people can do this trek as long as they are physically fit and have acclimatized properly. It is recommended that people over the age of 60 consult with a doctor before attempting the trek.

Overall, the Everest Base Camp trek is a challenging but rewarding adventure that requires some preparation and training. It's important to assess your own physical and mental abilities and consult with a doctor if you have any concerns about your ability to complete the trek.

Question 4

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Answer

The weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable and can change quickly. In the event of bad weather, your trekking company or guide will have a plan in place to keep you safe and comfortable. Here's what you can expect:

Delay or cancellation of flights: If you are flying to Lukla to start the trek, flights can be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. In this case, your trekking company or guide will make alternative arrangements, such as changing the itinerary or booking alternative transportation.

Rest days: It's common to include rest days in the trekking itinerary to allow for acclimatization and to account for potential bad weather. If bad weather strikes, you may spend an extra day at a tea house or lodge to wait for better conditions.

Alternative routes: If bad weather makes it unsafe to trek on the planned route, your guide may suggest an alternative route that is safer and still allows you to see the sights and reach your destination.

Emergency shelter: In the event of extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall or high winds, your guide may arrange for emergency shelter, such as staying in a tea house or lodge, until conditions improve.

It's important to follow the advice of your guide in the event of bad weather, as they have experience and knowledge of the local conditions and terrain. Safety is the top priority, and your guide will make decisions with your safety in mind.

Question 5

How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?

Answer

Peregrine Treks arrange accommodation and meals during the Everest Base Camp trek. Here's what you can expect:

Accommodation:

Along the trail, you'll stay in tea houses or lodges, which are basic guesthouses that offer rooms with twin beds and shared bathrooms. Some tea houses may also have hot showers available for an additional fee.

The accommodations are simple, but clean and comfortable. You'll need to bring your own sleeping bag and possibly a sleeping pad, depending on your trekking company's policy.

During peak trekking seasons, the tea houses can get crowded, so it's a good idea to book your accommodations in advance.

Meals:

Most tea houses along the trail offer a variety of meals, including traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables) and momos (steamed dumplings), as well as western dishes like pasta and pizza.

The meals are typically hearty and filling, and designed to provide you with the energy you need for the trek.

Your trekking company or guide will typically arrange your meals for you and make sure that you are eating enough to sustain you throughout the trek.

You should also bring some snacks with you, such as energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit, to supplement your meals and provide you with extra energy.

It's important to note that the quality and availability of accommodation and meals can vary depending on the specific tea house and the season. During peak trekking seasons, the tea houses can get crowded and the amenities may be more basic. However, your trekking company or guide will do their best to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Question 6

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

Answer

The best time of year to do the Everest Base Camp trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these seasons, the weather is generally clear and dry, making for good trekking conditions.

Here's what you can expect during these seasons:

Spring (March to May):

This is the peak trekking season in Nepal, and for good reason. The weather is mild and sunny, with daytime temperatures averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F) at lower elevations.

The skies are generally clear, making for excellent views of the mountains.

The rhododendron flowers are in bloom, adding a splash of color to the forests along the trail.

The downside of trekking during the spring season is that the trails can get crowded, and the tea houses can get fully booked, so it's important to plan and book in advance.

Autumn (September to November):

This is another popular trekking season in Nepal, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and generally dry weather.

The temperatures are similar to those in the spring, with daytime temperatures averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F) at lower elevations.

The skies are generally clear, making for excellent views of the mountains.

The tea houses are less crowded than in the spring, but still popular, so it's a good idea to book in advance.

Both the spring and autumn seasons offer great trekking conditions, and the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for trekking in cooler (spring) or warmer (autumn) temperatures, and your availability to travel.

Question 7

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

Answer

Peregrine Treks will provide airport transfer service. We will pick you up from Kathmandu airport and drop off you there.

Question 8

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

Answer

The average distance you will hike each day is about 10 km (6.2 miles). The altitude gain each day will vary, but you can expect to gain an average of 300-500 meters (984-1640 feet) in altitude per day. Some days will be more challenging than others in terms of altitude gain and distance covered. For example, the hike from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche involves a significant altitude gain of around 600 meters (1968 feet) and covers a distance of about 10 km (6.2 miles).