Regarding trekking at a high altitude, considering the weather is most important. Weather in high elevations is very extreme and quite unpredictable. You must check the weather forecast every day before trekking to avoid any risk.
Spring, Autumn, Winter, and Summer are the four seasons of Nepal. The nature of the region varies according to the seasons. Spring and Autumn are the best feasible time to trek to a higher altitude. But there is a possibility to complete the trek in the off-season. Let’s check it out in detail.
Gokyo Lake Trek is one of the most beautiful treks of the Khumbu region of Nepal. This trek is a low-key fling but is now preferred by many trekkers as they discover its beauty. The soaring mountains, steep ice cliffs, and turquoise lakes make the trip exciting.
You can enjoy diverse landscapes and picturesque valleys. The rolling hills are very tempting. However, the changing weather makes the trek quite challenging.
The four seasons in Gokyo consist of cool Autumn, warm Spring, hot Summer, and snowy Winter weather. Learn about the weather of Gokyo in four seasons with us!
Table of Contents
Spring is the best time to trek Gokyo Lakes. Spring begins in March and ends in May. The weather and atmosphere of this season are very pleasant, making it best suited for trekking.
The moderate climate, neither too hot nor too cold, persists throughout the season. It is mildly warm during Spring, with sunny days and chilly nights.
The early Spring is pretty cold but warms up by late Spring. There is no rainfall probability, but you can encounter light snowfall in the early season, the first week of March. March could be challenging, but the beautiful views cover the harsh weather.
After March, the temperature starts rising at the beginning of April. The chance of severe weather with high winds and storms is possible at the end of May.
The average temperature is -2.6 degrees to 11.5 degrees. Slowly increasing temperatures and clear skies make the glimpse of mountains and landscapes more vivid. Spring is also known as the blooming season so you can witness lush green forests and colorful flowers blooming along the trail.
You can see new species of birds migrating here due to warmth. Animals also leave their habitat to enjoy the warmth of the sun and beautiful nature.Everything is perfect during this season, attracting many trekkers to enjoy the trek—the long days of spring favor you to explore more in natural light. There are many trekkers in this season, so the trail gets busy. You get to meet many foreigners from all around the world. Even though the weather favors you, you must pack things carefully to avoid any risk.
Autumn is also the most feasible season to trek this region. Autumn begins in September and ends in May. The weather is fine, neither cold nor hot, with bearable temperatures.
The climate is temperate, with low humidity throughout the season. As Autumn comes after a hot summer, early Autumn tends to be hot, up to 2.9 degrees. The moderate climate is quite similar to Spring but chilly at night. Also, the beginning of this season gives summer vibes.
The days are warm and bright, while nights are crisp and chilly. The temperature starts getting cooler from mid-October and colder by the end of the season, reaching -12 degrees. But as a whole, the coldness is still bearable. However, a few downpours, occasional wind storms, and snowfall are inevitable.
The days are smaller, so trekkers need to hurry a bit. It is fall season, so changing tree leaves and colors are highlights of the trek. In October, the main annual festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, are celebrated. You will get to know more about the culture and traditions of Nepal. It is also a seasonal trek, so you coincide with many trekkers along the route, making it busy. There is the hustle and bustle all around the trail. The accommodations are also quite hard to find. Make sure you book it beforehand.
Summer is hot and humid. Summer begins in June and ends in April. Summer is also called monsoon season, which means lots of downpours, making trails difficult to trek. The highest rainfall, tropical storms, and lighting make the trek more challenging. So, it is not recommended to trek during this season.
The average temperature is 1.5 degrees to 2.2 degrees. The days are warm and sunny, while the morning and evening are cold. July and August are the hottest among all seasons, with temperatures rising to 4.4 degrees.
The foggy weather and cloudy days make the journey very uncomfortable. It obstructs the visibility of nature. The regular rainfalls make the trail muddy and slippery. Walk carefully, and don’t slip. Use waterproof boots to prevent injury.
Also, the weather is hot and dry, leading to dehydration and sunburn. Hydrate yourself often. Pack sunglasses, sunblock, and moisturizer to care for your eyes and skin.
Due to the weather conditions, trekkers avoid this season. So the route is less crowded. If you are an adventure lover, you can prefer this season, but at your own risk.
Winter is extremely cold. This season starts in December and ends in February. The weather is cold, damp, wet, and frigid. The temperature drops up to -18 degrees. The morning and night are cold, while the days are warm and sunny. The heavy snow and ice keep the trekkers away during winter.
However, the weather gets better by the season’s end, increasing the temperature to 0 degrees. You must be more careful of long, cold nights with frequent snowfall and blizzards. Be prepared with your stuff, including warmer clothes and proper equipment like crampons.
Many accommodations can be out of service during winter, so book it beforehand. But you can get a chance of discounts. The deadly snow and slippery trails make it difficult to trek.
You can enjoy the best winter views with snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and stunning scenery. Fresh snow on the rooftop of the cottage house gives authentic vibes.
This season is also off-season with less trekkers. Winter is suitable if you enjoy a cold climate without any crowds. Wear more and keep yourself extra warm during the journey.
In conclusion, Autumn and Spring are the most feasible times to trek to Gokyo among the four seasons. Winter and summer are off-season with fewer crowds. You have to be extra careful during these seasons. You can go for it if you want to enjoy the trek regardless of the weather. However, plan and prepare well before the trek.