Gokyo Valley Trek – 12 Days

Gokyo Valley Trek is a fine alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek which climbs the valley to the west of Everest to the village of Gokyo and five sacred lakes on the moraine beside the Ngozumpa Glacier. This spectacular climb almost as high as the Everest Base Camp Trek offers similarly jaw-dropping Everest views, but the trails are less crowded and quieter with traditional Sherpa villages serving local meals to legions of hungry trekkers. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River to its source – a series of emerald-green lakes. Gokyo is a Sherpa village that lies besides the largest of these lakes. From Gokyo we climb to Gokyo Ri (5360 m) for a heart stopping view over Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche.

Our journey Begins

The Gokyo Valley Trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu toward the tiny hilltop settlement of Lukla. Lukla is the starting point of various treks of the Khumbu region. Upon landing at Lukla your trek starts, head towards Phakding. Along the way witness views of Mt. Khumbila known as the “God of Khumbu”. The sacred peak is prohibited to climb, which makes it one of the unclimbed peaks in the region. From, Phakding traversing across lush wilderness proceed to Sherpa capital and economic hub of the region Namche Bazaar. After an acclimatization excursion at Namche, next head towards Phortse Thenga, a riverside settlement.

After that, traversing along the ridge section with excellent views down the valley to Kangtega and up towards Cho Oyu. Trekking on high alpine grounds where the tree line disappears, following the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier, you will reach the tiny hamlet of Machhermo. The following day head towards Gokyo. Chasing river networks of sparkling glacier waters and traversing across the brown and grey landscape to the settlement of Gokyo.

Spending Our Days at Gokyo

At Gokyo, you will be spending 2 days exploring. The next day head out to explore the series of emerald, green lakes around. The two lakes are located just beside the tea house. The 3^rd  lake reached after a short hike. Next, explore the fourth Gokyo Lake which is 3km north of the Gokyo Village. Continue trekking towards the 4^th and the 5^th  lake. Also head towards ‘Scoundrel’s Viewpoint’, located at the edge of the 5th lake. Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu mountains, and the huge Ngozumba Glacier appear in its majestic form at the vantage point. Spend the day strolling around the lakes and visiting other sacred lakes.

The following day head towards the summit of Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5360 meters. The climb is non-technical, but the altitude can be a problem so take it slow. From the Ri witness Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Taboche, with the Ngozumpa Glacier cutting across in front like a massive tear in the landscape.

After exploring the lakes retrace your steps back towards Dole, Namche Bazaar, and finally to Lukla. Eventually, from Lukla catch a flight towards Kathmandu. The Gokyo Valley Trek is specially designed for those who prefer a less crowded trail with basic lodge facilities. Experience the raw and wild culture and landscapes of the Everest region. Be a part of this trek with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Entry Permits and Requirements:

The Gokyo Valley Trek requires two permits:

1) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and

2) Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.

The Nepal Tourism Boards office in Kathmandu or the park’s entrance gate in Monjo can provide you with Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit for NRS 3000.

The fee for citizens of SAARC nations is NRS 1500.

You must complete the permit application and present your passport or a copy of your passport. You must be in Lukla to obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. The permission costs NRS 2000 and may be acquired at the rural municipality counter on the outskirts of the settlement.

You will not have to worry about waiting for permits since the Alpine Club of Himalaya or our guides will take care of everything.

Preparation for Gokyo Valley Trek:

In brief, the trail to Gokyo Valley is harsh and brutal with high cliffs and dry mountain terrains which is why trekkers need to be more prepared. Besides, from weather to accommodation and physical fitness, they must take care of everything in advance.

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking to the Everest region is during autumn and spring, the months of September, October, November, March, April, and May.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November the weather is clear with warm temperatures and the visibility is great. As the weather is mild it is very easy to get around the region.

The spring season of March, April, and May are also the best time to visit the Everest region, marking the end of the winter, the spring season brings a change in the topography of the region and the destination comes to life with endless rows of different colored rhododendron, moss and orchid draped trees, colorful undergrowth stretching for miles and the snowy white mountains peaks on the backdrop of clear blue skies.

Monsoon season is not favorable for trekking as the weather gets harsh and it is hard to get around the country with frequent landslides and floods. So usually, monsoon season is avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season, the area receives a high amount of snowfall, covering most of the trail, and access is denied to most of the regions of Everest, making it impossible to trek.

Why this tour is Unique?

The Gokyo Valley Trek takes you across the secluded trails of the Khumbu region. Always been a paradise for travelers the trek takes you across woodlands, high mountain grounds, glacier lakes, and mountain laps. Along the trek learn about the culture and traditions of the mountain people and soak in the wonders of the nature.

Travel Insurance:

All clients engaging in any activity must have smart travel insurance or emergency evacuation insurance. Alpine Club of Himalaya highly suggest you to obtain a comprehensive insurance plan from a reliable insurance firm that covers emergency evacuation insurance in high altitudes, personal injury, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other misfortune.

Passport and Visa:

Each client must be issued a valid visa with a six-month validity from the date of return by the Nepalese embassy in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Meals and drinking water:

Everest Region Trek is one of the most facilitated trekking destinations in the country, providing basic to luxury services.

In this trial, you will be provided with a variety of cuisine to choose from. Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, western as well as continental meals. As the region has small tea houses to luxury hotels the facilities, provided are basic to grandeur according to your budget.

Similarly, drinking water is accessible with natural water supplies which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses. However, if you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops, or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Accommodations are available in trekking lodges, teahouses as well as several hotels all along the trail, providing basic well-maintained, and reasonably luxury 5-star ones with additional needs according to your budget. Tea houses on the trail vary in quality and price, depending on the amenities they feature.

The tea houses room has twin sharing beds and some basic furniture like a table or a chair. Normally, beds contain pillows and sheets and almost all tea houses provide extra blankets as it will be freezing at night. Usually, hot showers are available throughout the trek.

For trekkers who want to Camp, various campsites are available along the trail.

Important Note:

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.