Gokyo Valley Trek - 12 Days

Trip Facts
  • Duration:12 Days
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Max. Altitude: 5360 Meters
  • Start at: Kathmandu
  • End at: Kathmandu
  • Group Size: 1 - 14
  • Best Season: Spring - Autumn

Highlights

  • Flight to the world’s Highest Airport with a breathtaking view of mountains and landscape.
  • Great hospitality of Sherpa People and knowing the culture of the mountain people.
  • Scenic view of mountains, astonishing lakes, and landscape.
  • Spectacular views of Mountains include Mt. Makalu and Everest

Gokyo Valley Trek Overview

The Mount Everest region stands as a premier adventure haven within Nepal, presenting a multitude of captivating trekking routes. Among these, the Gokyo Valley trek stands out as a unique off-the-beaten-path journey. The route to Gokyo Lake delves into the heart of the world's loftiest terrains, showcasing awe-inspiring vistas, while also encompassing the majestic Makalu (8540m) and Choyou (8230m) mountain ranges.

Embarking on the Gokyo Lake Trek also offers you the opportunity to witness Nepal's grandest glacier and the stunning Gokyo lakes, nestled at remarkable elevations. These crystalline lakes are not only a focal point of the renowned Sagarmatha National Park but also an integral part of Nepal's captivating allure.

Why Go for the Gokyo Valley Trek?

Trekking to the Gokyo Valley not only assures an extraordinary adventure but also presents an excess of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. This trek in the Everest region holds a desirable allure for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience, highlighted by Nepal's largest glacier as its crowning jewel.

The journey to Gokyo Lake begins amidst the vibrant bustle of Namche Bazaar, a popular urban hub that serves as the gateway to this remarkable expedition. Along the way, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the unique lifestyles and cultural richness of the Khumjung settlements, home to one of the largest Sherpa communities. This community proudly upholds its distinct heritage and way of life.

As you hike through the enormous river valley embraced by towering mountain peaks, you'll find yourself fascinated by the pure majesty of the landscape. The trek also takes you through enchanting Rhododendron Forests, adding a touch of vibrant color to your journey.

During the 12 days trek to Gokyo Lake, you might catch a glimpse of the Himalayan Thar or the elusive musk deer, adding a thrilling touch to your passage through small yak-grazing settlements. These rare encounters with wildlife further enrich the unique tapestry of experiences.

Exploring Gokyo Valley Trek: Enchanting Lakes and Majestic Mountain View

The Gokyo Valley Trek, nestled within the Everest region, presents a captivating expedition defined by two remarkable features: a series of six pristine freshwater lakes and the awe-inspiring vistas of renowned Himalayan peaks, including Makalu, Cho-you, and the iconic Mount Everest. This journey is a condensed gateway to discovering Nepal's breathtaking wonders at some of the loftiest altitudes.

For those with limited time yet a limitless desire to experience Nepal's natural greatness, this trek is an ideal choice. It captures the essence of the Everest region, providing a unique opportunity to admire some of the world's greatest Himalayan. Getting on the Gokyo Valley Trek is a choice that promises both the serene allure of freshwater lakes and the majestic panorama of towering mountains.

Gokyo Valley Trek Suitability: Is This Trek Right for You?

Considering the nature of the Gokyo Valley trek, it's important to evaluate whether this adventure is suitable for you. The trek is rated as moderate in terms of difficulty, signifying that it presents a certain level of challenge. While not overly demanding, it's important to note that this Himalayan expedition isn't a leisurely walk.

Persons with prior hiking experience and the ability to carry a load of around 5-6 kilograms can undertake this journey, provided they are in reasonable physical condition. If you're in good health and free from any significant illnesses, you can indeed prepare yourself for this Himalayan journey to Gokyo Lake.

How to Prepare for the Gokyo Lake Trek

When planning for a Himalayan adventure in Nepal, thorough preparation becomes paramount for a safe and enjoyable journey. The Gokyo Valley trek navigates challenging terrains and reaches high altitudes, demanding careful readiness. Improving cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility through consistent exercise is crucial. Prior to embarking on the Gokyo Lake trek, engage in preparatory activities such as weighted hikes, cycling, and yoga. These endeavors effectively condition your body for the upcoming trekking challenges.

Moreover, trekking at high altitudes presents both physical and mental trials. Cultivate a positive mindset, establish convincing goals, and equip yourself for diverse weather conditions.

Itinerary
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This is our stander package plan if you want to customize the trek itinerary, tell us your holiday plan our travel experts help you to make it suit your interest. 

Landing in Kathmandu – a valley surrounded by mountains and the silver-shining Himalayas in the north sets the immediate tone of nature, adventure, and thrill. On the way to your hotel, you will witness the lively and thriving way of life of our capital. It’s diverse and mesmerizing for anyone – right from its traffic to the antiques and temples.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will take a morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft), which is the trek starting point for Gokyo valley. At Lukla, we can meet our additional crew members. On this 25-minute flight, you can see Nepal's high mountain peaks and the countryside. We must walk for 3 hours today to reach our destination. We pass through a small town and cross a few suspension bridges while walking to Phakding. Passing through prayer flags, wheels, and mani stones, and taking in the view of high mountain peaks is an amazing experience. Overnight in a teahouse in Phakding.

  • Max. Altitude:2655m/8708ft
  • Accommodation:Guest House
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we start our trek to Namche Bazaar. Today’s trek will take us through pine forests, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river, and into Sagarmatha National Park. Today's hike is longer and more difficult than yesterday's. During the final 2-hour climb to Namche Bazar, you will be exhausted, but you will be rewarded with your first glimpse of Everest! Namche Bazar is the gateway to Mt Everest and the main trading center of this region. Overnight in a hotel.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11284ft
  • Accommodation:Stander Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

To allow our bodies to adjust to high altitude, we will take today as an acclimatization day. It is wise to keep active. We can acclimatize better if we hike higher and sleep lower. We will hike to the Everest viewpoint and visit Sagarmatha national park headquarters visitor center where you can get more information about the Khumbu region and the Sherpa people. It's also a beautiful place for a panoramic view of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama-Dablam, one of the most impressive mountains in the area. Taking a stroll around Namche bazaar and shopping will be an enjoyable experience. Overnight in a lodge.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11284ft
  • Accommodation:Stander Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we start our journey through the main trail, which is shared by both EBC and Gokyo trek, until Kyangjuma. We leave the main trail and climb steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests, which give way to fragrant stands of juniper and large conifers as the elevation increases. We will continue the trek to reach MongLa and below us, we see the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola Rivers. Spring is the best time for the flower’s lover; it’s the time to bloom rhododendrons. The trail passes many Kharkas, summer settlements used when Sherpas bring herds of yaks to graze in these high pastures. The route passes further north through the settlement of Tongba (3950m) and Gyele (3960m) to Dole where there are few hotels. The views of Khumbila and Tawache (6542m) are incredible throughout the day today. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude:4110m/13585ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The morning hike to Luza (4360m), will be quite tough, and feel short of breath. After resting to catch a breath and see a panoramic view, we continue our journey along the side of the valley. On the way to Machhermo at (4410m), we can enjoy the view of Mt. Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku and many summer settlements. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude:4470m/14661ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin the ascent to Gokyo Valley. Along the way, we can enjoy excellent views of Cholatse Mt.Choyu and the small Sherpa settlement. We are now in a high alpine area and as we approach the Ngozumba Glacier, we trek onto the moraine and rock that extend down from it. We enjoy excellent views of Kantenga to the south and Cho Oyu to the north. Once we have ascended the muzzle of the glacier, the path flattens. We pass the first of the Gokyo lakes, Longpongo, before reaching the second, Taboche Tsho at 4740 m, a larger one where green Brainy duck is often seen swimming in the freezing waters. As we walk up the valley our path parallels the Ngozumpa Glacier and separating us from the glacier is the massive lateral moraine. Little ahead of the second lake is the third lake, the two linked by a stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight at this juncture. After lunch, we can take time to explore the third Gokyo Lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in teahouse

  • Max. Altitude:4700m/15416ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we hike up to the Gokyo-Ri early in the morning, which is an excellent viewpoint in the Everest region. The continuous and grueling ascent of Gokyo Ri will take two or more hours, from where we can see an Aesthetic view of the Himalayan including Mt. Everest (8848m), Cho Oyu (8153 m), Guangcheng Kang (7922m), Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8475 m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), Lobuche (6145m) and Mt. Everest (8848m). Hundreds of other unnamed peaks and the beautiful Gokyo Lakes are below. After a breathtaking hike to Gokyo-Ri, we will descend to Dole. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude:5357m/17570ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek is mostly downhills. After 6 hours of trekking, we will reach the beautiful trade town Namche bazaar. The trail descends to Phunki Thanga and ascents to ridge Mongla dada. After an hour's descent from Mongla, we reach a junction where the steep path up from Sanasa meets our track. Winding through several bends we are almost near Namche. Upon coming to Namche army camp hill, we look back to see Lhotse, the tip of Everest, and Tengboche for the last time. After half an hour’s walk from here, we reach Namche. Overnight in Lodge.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11284ft
  • Accommodation:Stander Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today our last day of the trek at a lower altitude is easier and more enjoyable. Most of the track today is flat although we will have some descend and brief ascents too. Today, we enjoy the lush green scenery of rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distant background Kwangde peak. As we walk through the Sherpa villages, we notice an impressive display of faith in Buddhism and the cultural practices associated with it as prayer stones dot the landscape and prayer flags flap in the wind. We have to cross the 3-suspension bridge over Dhud Koshi River through the prayer flags strewn suspension bridges and also cross one of its tributaries, Thado Koshi once. The final ascent of about 45 minutes from Chheplung takes us to Lukla, where we stretch our fatigued legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity to spend some relaxing moments with the whole crew as the porters will not accompany us to Kathmandu. Overnight at Lukla.

  • Max. Altitude:2800m/9184ft
  • Accommodation:Guest House
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a long memorial journey in Mountains, today we fly back to Kathmandu. We can rest and relax at the hotel. In the afternoon you can spend your time at last minute shopping or exploring sights you’ve missed. We end our Adventure with a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Today the journey along the Nepalese Himalayan comes to an end. We will arrange airport transport for that who are leaving Nepal. There is nothing special to do but we can share our experiences and organize our photos. Please keep in contact with us to learn about others' exciting travel ideas. We will always be glad to help you with our service.

    Cost Details
    Includes
    • All Airport and hotel transfers as per itinerary in private vehicle
    • Accommodations in a deluxe hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing Basic.
    • Welcome and farewell dinner
    • Round trip flight (Kathmandu – Lukla– Kathmandu).
    • Full board meals: B, L, D, and accommodation during the trek.
    • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader, and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging.
    • Down jacket, sleeping bag, GSA bag, t-shirt, trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion).
    • All necessary paperwork and National Park permit and TIMS.
    • All government and local taxes.
    Excludes
    • Nepalese visa fee.
    • International airfare.
    • Excess baggage charges.
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
    • All bar bills along the trek.
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
    • Travel and rescue insurance.
    • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc
    • Tips for guides and porters.
    Departure Dates
    PLAN TRIP
    FAQs
    • Yes, you need to get permits for the Gokyo valley trek - 1) Sagarmatha National Park entry permits which cost NRS 3000. And for SAARC Countries NRS 1500. 2) Khumbu Rural Municipality Permits which cost NRS 2000 (To get this permit you need to be in Lukla). 

    • There are tea houses and lodges in this trekking area that are clean and cozy. In some places like Lukla and Namche, we may also have a room with an attached bathroom.

    • On average, we must walk 5 to 6 hours a day during our trek to Gokyo Valley. 

    • Continentals’ menus are generally available during the trek. As well you can get traditional Nepali Dal-Bhat, Momo, Tibetan Bread, and Tsumpa Porridge. 

    • If you booked a trip package from us, the cost of lodging and three meals are already included in the cost of your trip. But you need some cash to pay for personal expenses like extra snacks, beverages, and drinks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi, etc. A daily budget of USD 20 to 25 (NRS 2000-3000) is sufficient.

    • Where Do I Store My Extra Luggage While I’m on the Mountain?

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