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 two-week 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 Dudhkoshi River to its source – a series of emerald green lakes. Gokyo is a Sherpa village that lies beside the largest of these lakes. From Gokyo, we climb to Gokyo Ri (5360m) for a heart-stopping view over Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu, Cholatse, and Taboche. As Everest Base Camp Trek has Kala Patthar at an elevation of 5545m, Gokyo Valley Trek has Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5360m on the north side of Dudh Pokhari which is an epic vantage point, offering the kind of view over Everest that is normally reserved for balloonists or mountaineers. In this Everest High Passes Trek as well, we fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and start our trek onwards to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the trading center of the Khumbu Region. We take a day’s rest for acclimatization in Namche. From Namche Bazaar, 3 days trek will take us to Gokyo, where we take another day of rest for acclimatization and exploring around. The next day we climb Gokyo Ri (5360m) for the superb views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche, with the Ngozumpa Glacier cutting across in front like a massive tear in the landscape. We then walk downhill to Gokyo (4750m). The Gokyo Valley Trek is specially designed for those who prefer a less crowded trail with only basic lodge facilities and in this trail, one will miss out on most of the famous monasteries of the Khumbu region.
Notice on Domestic Flight Kathmandu to Lukla
The Government of Nepal has announced an issue for the flight operation to Lukla. Most flights to Lukla will commence from Ramechhap until further notice to avoid heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport.
The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive).
Alternatively, helicopter arrangements can be made for 5 people sharing basis with the addition of USD 500 for one way flight per person to change your airplane flights to the helicopter. We will try to coordinate and form groups at the airport for this arrangement, but we cannot guarantee it.
The drive to Ramechhap and flight to Lukla is guaranteed unless the flight is canceled due to bad weather conditions.
Travelers are suggested to advise us on the preferred alternatives for the flights to/from Lukla affected due to possible delays or disruptions.
Overview
<strong>Important Note</strong>
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 Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
<strong>Accommodations:</strong>
You will be accommodated in Alpine Hotel and Apartment or similar hotels in Kathmandu, standard tea houses during trekking, and tents when climbing. Most tea house accommodations will only have shared toilet facilities. For tent accommodation, a foam mattress will be made available. In the climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation. All accommodations in Kathmandu and tea houses are on a twin-shared basis whereas a single tent will be provided to each individual for the climbing section. We can cater to a special requests for a single room in Kathmandu by paying a single supplement of USD 310. However, there are several tea houses on the trekking route that doesn’t allow single room accommodation. On paying a single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu however sometimes it is feasible only in the trekking areas of the lower elevations.
<strong>Meals:</strong>
During this trek, you can enjoy Nepali, Tibetan, Indian as well as more common continental cuisines. Breakfast (only) will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be available during the trek and climb. While trekking, breakfast will be taken in the same place we stay the night. Similar arrangements can also be arranged for dinner. Lunch will be taken en route to the next destination. During the climbing session, hygienic and freshly-cooked food will be provided. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Trip Highlight
- Trek in fantastic mountain views
- Meet local people as you travel
- Panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley
- Explore Kathmandu Valley
- Culture, history and local people
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