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 3rd lake reached after a short hike. Next, explore the fourth Gokyo Lake which is 3km north of the Gokyo Village. Continue trekking towards the 4th and the 5th 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 forGokyo 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.
Common Breakfast During the trek:
During the trek, various tea houses provide a wide range of breakfasts. The most common breakfast includes Tibetan Bread (fried bread), Chapati (unleavened flatbread). The bread is provided with jam, butter or peanut butter, Scrambles, or boiled eggs, and vegetable curry.
Corn Flakes, Pancakes, Oats, and Muesli are also available. In some of the tea houses, American breakfast is available. Hot drinks including black tea and coffee are available for breakfast. Also, you may find various freshly baked items.
Common Lunch during the trek:
Dhal Bhat (Nepalese traditional food) is the most common meal found along trekking houses. But various varieties of meals are also available. Thukpa (Noodles) soups, Momos ( dumplings), Macaroni, Fried rice, Pizza, Spaghetti, a variety of soups, steaks, potatoes items, Sandwiches, rice with curry, spring rolls, burgers. Plenty of dessert items are also available.
Common Dinner during the trek:
Dhal Bhat (Nepalese traditional food) is the most common dinner. But you can choose from a wide variety. Momos (dumplings), Thukpa (noodle) soups, Macaroni, Pizza, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, steaks, potatoes items, fried rice with curry, Raman soups, burgers, and are available along the tea houses.
Most of the tea houses’ menus offer desserts. Rice pudding, Apple pie, fruit snicker, cake, pastries, etc.
Extra personal expenses for trekking
During the period of trekking meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with hot drinks) are provided according to your package. Any other personal expenses are not bearded by the company. So, we recommended carrying extra cash just in case of personal expenses.
Responsible Tourism
As responsible for tourism we believe in respecting local communities, their culture, and rules. So, for that region, we would like you to follow some local rules and regulations during the trek.
Always ask your guides for permission before doing something in the local community.
Keep environment clean .
Help the local community to encourage the positive sides of tourism.
Transportations on Trek
All the necessary transportation for your trip will be managed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya upon your request. Transportation is provided on private as well as sharing basis.
Porter and Guide:
Solo trekkers are provided with a single helper both acting as a Potter and Guide. For trekkers above two or more Potters and Guides are provided according to the size of the groups.
Last-Minute Booking Information:
Last-minute booking is available for interested travelers. Though travelers need to inform a day before the trip gets started. If you are making last-minute bookings, you should pay the total amount for the activity. Booking can be made through an online form, email, WhatsApp, or by direct call.
Last-minute bookings for Bhutan and Tibet trips are not available.
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.
Trip Highlight
Traverse across the isolated trails of the Khumbu region.
Scale Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5360 meters.
Explore the series of Gokyo Lakes and other high-altitude glacier lakes.
Follow ancient trading routes to isolated sections of Everest.
Learn about the way of the mountain people.
Witness panoramic views of the greater Himalayan range.
After breakfast head towards the domestic airport and catch a flight towards Lukla. Lukla is regarded as the gateway to the Everest region. The thrilling flight you will take you flying amidst the grand Himalayas. Upon landing at Lukla and after a brief stop, start your trek.
Following the descending trail, you will reach the village of Cheplung, from the village witness the view of Mt. Khumbila known as the "God of Khumbu". The sacred peak is prohibited to climb, making it one of the unclimbed peaks in the region. From Cheplung, continue the trek along lush woodland on a descending trail towards Phakding.
Today you will be heading towards Namche Bazaar. The Sherpa capital and economic hub of the region, where you can find basic to grandeur amenities. Start your trek traversing across the dense wilderness of the Khumbu region. Crossing through the hamlet of Zamphute and Tok Tok. Following uphill and downhill trails and crossing multiple suspension bridges over the rapids of the Dudh Koshi River. Along with this section witness the magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (21,675ft) and you will pass the settlement of Benkar and Chumoa.
As you progress from here you will reach the Sagarmatha National Park entrance at Monjo. After your permits are checked, head on an uphill climb towards Namche Bazaar following a steep path over a high bridge with views of the Dudh Koshi River gorge. As, you gain elevation witness views of Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and other mountain giants. Upon reaching Namche head towards your accommodation and rest.
This is the first day of acclimatization. At higher altitudes due to the presence of thin air proper acclimatization is very important for your body to adapt. Today you will be heading on various small hikes in and around Namche Bazaar.
Hike up to Everest View Hotel to enjoy admirable views of the Himalayan vista. From the Hotel catch a glorious view of the beautiful landscape filled with evergreen fir trees, shrubs, and endless rhododendron forests and offers a 360-degree view of the awe-inspiring Himalayas.
After soaking in the views, on your way back to Namche, head towards the Khumjung Monastery. The monastery house, what is to be believed as a Yeti scalp. After exploring the ancient monastery, visit the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park and observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture, and learn about the biodiversity of the Everest region.
Start by climbing a steep incline out of the valley along the lush wilderness of rhododendron, and juniper. As you gain altitude the landscape changes to patches of large conifers and shrubs. Today you will be covering a distance of 5.7 kilometers/ 3.5 miles. Along the trail witness the true culture of the Sherpa People. As you progress the trail takes you across Yak Kharka a high alpine pastureland and summer settlements villages. Witness grand views of Ama Dablam and other snowy peaks. Next, you will reach the settlement of Mong, marked by a large white Gompa. This village is the birthplace of the Khumbu saint, Lama Sangwan Dorje.
From here after a short descent, you will see the village of Phortse Thenga, across the river. Following the trail, you will eventually reach the village, a riverside settlement.
Today’s trek is long and takes you to higher altitude, which means thin air so take it slow and have frequent rest. First head out of Phortse Thenga ascending on a ridge section with excellent views down the valley to Kangtega and up towards Cho Oyu. As you progress you will be traversing on high alpine grounds where the tree line disappears. Witness grand views of the Himalayas along the trail. Next, descend towards the river and upon crossing the river head on a tuff uphill section, as you gain altitude you will be traversing the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. Following the moraine, you will reach the tiny hamlet of Machhermo.
Today's trek will take you to Gokyo. Covering a distance of 6.8 kilometers/ 4.2 miles and gaining 320 meters in altitude. Start by following the river network sparkling with glacier waters. Along the trail witness splendid views of the Ngozumpa glacier as well as Khumjung and Khunde peaks. As you progress you will be traversing high alpine grounds with arid landscapes and flat terrain of brown and grey shades.
After traversing across high mountain country crossing glacieric streams and river networks a steep ascend will lead you to the settlement of Gokyo. For the next 2 days, you will be exploring the wonders of Gokyo.
Today you will be exploring the wonders of the Gokyo region. Before dawn witness the Himalayan sunrise. After breakfast head out to explore the series of Gokyo Lakes. The region nestles the world's highest freshwater lake system comprising six main lakes and associated wetlands of 7,770 ha (30.0 sq mi) which has been designated a Ramsar site. The lakes also have cultural significance and are visited by Hindu and Buddhist devotees at various festivals.
Explore the emerald, green lakes and soak in the energy. After exploring the 3 lakes located in small proximity of the tea house. Next head out to explore the fourth Gokyo Lake which is 3km north of the Gokyo Village. Next, continue trekking towards the 5th lake. The view from ‘Scoundrel’s Viewpoint’, located at the edge of the 5th lake, is astonishing. Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu mountains, and the huge Ngozumba Glacier appear in its majestic form. Spend the day strolling around the lakes and visiting other sacred lakes. After exploring return back to the settlement.
Gokyo Ri is the highlight of the Gokyo valley Trek and is an epic vantage point for the mountain views. Following an uphill section will lead you to the summit of Gokyo Ri, start by traversing across the stream on the northern end of the village and ascending for a couple of hours and you will reach the summit marked by a cradle of prayer flags. The climb is non-technical, but the altitude may be a problem for some, so take it slow and have frequent rest. From the summit, witness splendid panoramic 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. Catch the views of a series of emerald, green lakes. After exploring the Ri and soaking in the majestic views retrace your steps back towards the village.
Today enjoy the majestic views of the landscape while heading on a descending trail. Traversing across the alpine territory, crossing streams and the tracks of Ngozumba glacier. Along the way witness views of Cholatse and Cho Oyu peaks. Retracing your steps back you will eventually reach the settlement of Dole.
Today you will be heading towards Namche Bazaar and most of the section is downhill. Start early as you will have to cover a lot of ground about 11.5 kilometers. From the high alpine ground, you will reach lush woodlands. Along the way witness grand views of the landscapes and the snowy mountain range. As you progress you will reach the settlement of Khumjung. From Khumjung head towards Namche Bazaar. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar after a brief rest, head out to visit various pubs and restaurants in the region.
Today’s trek is entirely on a downward section. Cross several bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries. Along the trek, enjoy walking on open plains, through rhododendron and pine forests, and distant views of the snow-covered peaks. Along the trail cross several villages. Upon reaching Lukla, rest for a while. Later celebrate the success of your trek and the last night in the mountains with your team members.
The flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for the morning for safety purposes. After reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation and rest. Today you can take a guided tour of the city or stroll by on your own. In the evening, attend a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your trek.
NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.
Maximum Altitude
1440m
Duration
30 minutes flight
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation
Hotel
Cost Include
All airport/hotel pick up and drop in private car/van
1 Nights Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast, Twin sharing 3*
11 Nights stay in Tea House during the trek. It means, sharing the Bathroom.
An experienced English speaking Trekking Guide and a Porter during the trek.
Salary, food, insurance, and lodging cost for guide and porter ( 2 Trekkers-1 Porter )
During the Trek, we will have Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee each time only.
Farewell Meals and Breakfasts while in Kathmandu.
National Park Permit and TIMS for Everest.
Airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla and return flight to Kathmandu and domestic flight departure taxes.
Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag that needs to be returned to the office after trek completion.
ACH Kitbag and T- shirt for you
Ncell Sim Card (Nepalese Sim Card including 20 GB data pack) - Only 1 for a group.
Cost Exclude
Nepal entry visa fees.
International airfare and departure tax.
Bar bills, laundry, and other expenses of personal nature.
Travel insurance including evacuation.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except farewell.
Tips for local staff, guides, and porters.
Desserts, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Wi-Fi, Mineral Water.
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