Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter

Don’t get confused between the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek and the EBC Chola Pass Trek. Some refer the Gokyo Lake trek too with this name and some include crossing the Chola Pass in the same name package. Today’s blog is not about clearing the misunderstanding but it is about the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter. We are going to find out about all the details surrounding the possibility of winter trekking in Upper Khumbu region especially around Gokyo Lake, Chola Pass, and Everest Base Camp. It is so thrilling to do the winter trekking in Khumbu surrounded by the lofty Himalayas. Traversing through glaciers and landscapes draped in snow can be the most momentous event. However, this activity may require lots of planning and preparation.

The Everest region of Nepal is one of the epitomes of walking adventures! Therefore, you need to plan it so well that you don’t encounter any kinds of hassles. The higher elevation places of the Everest region have high chances of risks involving the issues of the high – altitude sickness. In addition, the winter season which is naturally cold and full of snowfall can be the arduous thing to tackle while trekking. This blog attempts to provide you necessary information for safe Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter season. Let’s sit back and know about the trekking activities in this time of the year in the gorgeous Gokyo region of Upper Khumbu.

What to expect in Everest region during winter season?

The home of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest (8848.86 m) can never be underestimated. Ideal times to do any kinds of trekking activities in the region are spring season (March – May) and autumn season (September – November). Besides these months, you can also choose to trek during the winter and monsoon season. If you can get the proper flight to Lukla, then you can trek in these trails of the Everest region throughout the year. The biggest hurdle for the successful off season trekking in Nepal’s Everest region is the nature of the Lukla flight. However, people are starting to take the alternative way to reach Lukla. The road condition during the winter season is very nice. Therefore, people choose to travel to Surke via Phaplu or Salleri by road instead of the Lukla flight.

Expect heavy snowfall and extreme cold temperature during winter season. The trail is less crowded and you can get enough time to connect with the cultural and natural side of Khumbu. Tea houses and eateries remain open even during the winter season. Make sure that you have 2 to 3 reserve days if you are doing the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter. It will surely help you to meet the international flight schedule. Travel without any constraints!

The trail beyond Dingboche may get closed if it snows heavily. Prepare yourself for any kinds of cancellations due to unforeseen events like snowstorm.

Is it possible to do the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter?

Yes, it is possible to do the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter season. The main thing that you must consider is the hiring of a trekking guide. Do not attempt to trek alone especially during the winter season because of the safety reasons. The trickiest section of this trail is during the crossing of the Chola Pass (5420 m). In some cases, you may have to abort the plan to cross the Chola Pass. The route to the Everest Base Camp from Gokyo Lake avoiding the Chola Pass Crossing is from the Phortse Village route. Trekkers have to retrace the same trail until they reach Phortse Thanga and continue uphill trek to Phortse Village. Similarly, trekkers meet the regular Everest Base Camp Trek nearby Pangboche Village near Somare. Overall, the journey of the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter is possible if you adopt the proper meticulous plan.

Gokyo Lake: Snow Paradise in winter season

The location of the Gokyo Lake is in such a picturesque place that it resemble fairyland! The blue turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountains and the small hamlet surely lift up the whole trekking trip. In addition, the winter season experiences snowfall and drape all the surrounding places with snow. Even the Gokyo Village is covered by snow and making it so romantic for trekkers to stroll around. The lake can be frozen especially in the shore areas. The best pictures are possible from the top of the Gokyo Ri during the winter season.

Ice Hockey in Nepal’s Gokyo Valley during winter season

The only ice hockey game ever played in Nepal is in the Gokyo Lake shores. The hotel association of the Gokyo Valley has taken initiative to organize the annual ice hockey program. The effect of global warming is evident in Gokyo as well. The locals have shared that the level of snowfall in recent years has decreased significantly. If you are lucky, then you can surely participate in this fun event. The window for this event is very small. Therefore, plan out the trek and also the possibility of enjoying the majestic ice hockey up in the mountainous region situated at an altitude of 4900 m from sea level if you are planning to do the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter.

Can I reach Everest Base Camp in winter season?

Yes, it is possible to reach the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) in winter season. However, you need to be more careful beyond Dingboche village. The places above Dingboche don’t have traces of vegetation which make it hard for trekkers to navigate easily. Plan out the trip in such a way that you have enough reserve days which ensure on track with the international schedule. Regular trekking itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trek has 12 days itinerary but you need to allocate around 13 to 15 days for safety reasons and to ensure success. Tranquility is guaranteed when you are traveling to the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) in winter season.

Crossing Chola Pass in winter: Challenges and Possibility

The hardest part of the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter is the crossing of the Chola Pass (5420 m). The crossing is challenging even during the regular peak season (spring and autumn). Similarly, the Gokyo Lake route to cross the Chola Pass is challenging than the Dzongla route. Therefore, you need to be well prepared for the activity. Make sure that you are well informed about the weather conditions and trail conditions before attempting to cross the pass in winter season. If not, you can always choose to do the round trek via Phortse to reach the Everest Base Camp.

Things to consider for winter trekking in Everest

Winter trekking in Everest or any higher elevation places of Nepal is always tricky and require lots of attention. Up in the mountains, you never know the situation may arise from the places that you least expect. Therefore, precaution and planning plays the vital role for the successful trips. There are few things that you must consider for the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter season. Always travel with the clear mindset and be open to all the suggestions. Lots of accidents that happen in the Himalayan regions of Nepal are due to negligence and complacency. You should always respect the terrain and the altitude of the Everest region to avoid any kinds of fatal incidents.

Know when to stop

Don’t force yourself and the group members to continue to the higher elevation places if the weather conditions are not favorable. It is always wise to know when to stop. We tend to forget the consequences when we are near the final destination. Safety has to be the biggest concern while traveling in such places. Similarly, during the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in Nepal, you should be patient enough to make a decision to stop ascending when the situation is in adverse conditions.

Heed instructions of trekking guide

Listen to your trekking guide and heed his or her instructions. The guide knows the terrain and weather pattern. Therefore, it is always nice to hear from the guide to ensure safety. Do not wander around too far from your trekking guide. Similarly, there are many gorges and crevasses in the trail made by snow which can be fatal if not dealt properly. Therefore, stick with the original plan and listen to all the instructions given by the trekking guide. Hire a porter to carry your luggage especially during the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter. This time of the year can be so challenging for you to walk and if you are carrying your luggage then it increases the difficulty level.

Allocate Reserve Days

Put at least 2 to 3 days extra in your trekking itinerary. The experienced trekking companies like the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. always advise trekkers to put these reserve days. If you are wondering the reason behind the reserve days, then you must know that winter in Everest can be very confusing. Heavy snowfall can block the trail further which requires you to wait for the proper window to trek. In addition, reserve days are highly useful to meet your international schedule.

Proper Gear and Equipment

Pack the essentials required to cope up with the demands of the winter season. Warm clothes, rain proof outers, and sturdy shoes are high necessity. Similarly, you need to have strong trekking poles and crampons to smoothly walk in the snowy trail. Remember that the trail after Namche Bazaar is covered by snow while on the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter season. You can either buy or rent these gear and equipment. Prepare properly for the winter trek to avoid any kinds of incidents.

Trekking Style, Meals, & Lodging

Lots of trekking guides and experts claim that you must do the steady trekking during winter season. As mentioned above, you need to know when to stop and you must adopt the trekking style that suits your physical conditions. Do not worry about the availability of tea houses and eateries even during the winter season. Unlike other remote places, the Everest region of Nepal is the commercial trekking destination. Therefore, you can find plenty of options for accommodation. Less crowded trekking trail means that you get to choose the lodging style with more freedom than the peak trekking season.

Physical Preparation

Walking in winter requires more stamina than walking in the regular trekking season like spring and autumn. Therefore, prepare physically at least a month prior to the trek. Perform exercises like running, hiking, cycling, walking, and swimming to build up the fitness level.

Do I get best views of mountains during winter season?

Yes, you can get the best views of mountains during winter season. The weather is surprisingly clear during this time of the year. The hills are covered in snow and the fields too are covered with snow making it the snow fairyland especially the places above Namche Bazaar. The view of the mountains seen during the winter season is equivalent or better than the view that you get during the spring and autumn season.

Which company to contact for winter Everest trekking?

Trekking in winter is risky and challenging especially in an abode of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. Therefore, you must buy the trekking package from reliable and experienced trekking company. In addition, you must travel with those people whom you can trust fully and who know about the terrain very well. The best travel company to contact for the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek in winter is the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. The company has the policy of assigning locals to the trip which means that you get to experience local culture. Safety is properly guaranteed while traveling in Nepal’s Khumbu region.