Overview
Duration
12 Days
Country
Nepal
Group Size
Min 1 pax
Activities
Trekking
The Everest Base Camp Trek goes up the valley to the west of Everest to the village of Gokyo and five holy lakes on the moraine next to the Ngozumpa Glacier. The Gokyo Valley Trek is a great alternative. This amazing climb is almost as high as the Everest Base Camp Trek and has just as many jaw-dropping views of Everest. The trails are also less crowded and quieter, and traditional Sherpa villages feed hordes of hungry trekkers with local food. The trail goes along the Dudh Koshi River to where it starts, which is a group of green lakes. The Sherpa village of Gokyo is next to the biggest of these lakes. As we go up from Gokyo to Gokyo Ri (5360 m), we can see Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Cholatse, and Taboche. It takes our breath away.
The start of our journey
The first part of the Gokyo Valley Trek is a beautiful flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small town on top of a hill. A lot of different treks in the Khumbu region begin in Lukla. When you get to Lukla, the start of your trek, go towards Phakding. You can see Mt. Khumbila, which is known as the “God of Khumbu,” along the way. The sacred peak can’t be climbed, so it’s one of the few peaks in the area that hasn’t been done yet. From Phakding, you can travel through a lush wilderness to reach Namche Bazaar, which is the Sherpa capital and the region’s economic hub. After a trip to Namche to get used to the altitude, continue to Phortse Thenga, a village by the river.
After that, you’ll go along the ridge section, which has great views of Cho Oyu, Kangtega, and the valley below. Following the end moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier will lead you to the small village of Machhermo, which is high in the mountains where there are no trees. The next day, you should go to Gokyo. Following river networks with clear glacier water and going through a brown and grey landscape to get to the village of Gokyo.
Going to Gokyo for the day
You will be exploring Gokyo for two days. The next day, go outside and check out the nearby emerald and green lakes. The two lakes are right next to the tea house. It took a short walk to get to the third lake. Next, visit the fourth Gokyo Lake, which is 3 km north of the village of Gokyo. Keep going on your way to the fourth and fifth lakes. Also, go to “Scoundrel’s Viewpoint,” which is on the edge of the fifth lake. From there, you can see the Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu mountains, as well as the huge Ngozumba Glacier in all its glory. Take a walk around the lakes and see other holy lakes during the day.
The next day, you should go to the top of Gokyo Ri, which is 5,360 meters high. The climb isn’t hard, but the high altitude can make things hard, so go slowly. From the Ri, you can see Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Taboche. In front of you, the Ngozumpa Glacier cuts through the landscape like a huge tear.
After exploring the lakes, go back the way you came to Dole, Namche Bazaar, and then Lukla. Last but not least, take a plane from Lukla to Kathmandu. For people who want a less crowded trail with basic lodge facilities, the Gokyo Valley Trek is perfect. Get to know the Everest region’s rough and wild culture and landscapes. Join the Alpine Club of Himalaya on this walk.
Entry Permits and Requirements:
The Gokyo Valley Trek requires two permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and
- 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?
Autumn and spring are the best times to go trekking in the Everest region. These are September, October, November, March, April, and May.
In the autumn, from September to November, the weather is clear, warm and you can see a lot. It’s easy to get around the area because the weather is mild.
The spring months of March, April, and May are also the best times to visit the Everest region. Spring marks the end of winter and changes the landscape, bringing to life endless rows of different coloured rhododendron, moss, and orchid-draped trees, colourful undergrowth that goes on for miles, and snowy mountain peaks against a background of clear blue skies.
During the monsoon season, the weather is bad for trekking, and it’s hard to get around the country because of all the landslides and floods. Trekkers usually stay away from the monsoon season.
As winter approaches, the area gets a lot of snow, which covers most of the trail. Most parts of Everest are also closed off, so it’s not possible 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.
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 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.
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.
Itinerary
After breakfast, go to the domestic airport and take a flight to Lukla. People think of Lukla as the gateway to the Everest area. The exciting flight will take you over the beautiful Himalayas. When you get to Lukla, take a short break, and then start your trek.
By taking the trail that goes down, you’ll reach the village of Cheplung. From there, you can see Mt. Khumbila, which is known as the “God of Khumbu.” The sacred peak can’t be climbed, so it’s one of the few peaks in the area that hasn’t been done yet. From Cheplung, keep hiking along a trail that goes down through a lush forest towards Phakding.
Max. Altitude:
2800 m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will be going to Namche Bazaar today. The economic centre and capital of the Sherpa people, with a wide range of basic and high-end services. Start your trek by going through the Khumbu region’s dense wilderness. Going through the small towns of Zamphute and Tok Tok. Using trails that go up and down hills and crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River’s rapids. Along this section, you can see the beautiful view of Mt. Thamserku (21,675ft), and you will go by the towns of Benkar and Chumoa.
The entrance to Sagarmatha National Park is at Monjo, which is how you will get there from here. You will need to get your permits checked before you can start the steep climb up to Namche Bazaar. You will cross a high bridge with views of the Dudh Koshi River gorge. As you go up, you’ll get better views of Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and other huge mountains. When you get to Namche, go to your lodging and take a break.
Max. Altitude:
3440 m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is the first day of getting used to the altitude. Thin air makes it very important for your body to properly adapt when you are at higher elevations. You will be going on a few short hikes today in and around Namche Bazaar.
You can get great views of the Himalayas if you hike up to the Everest View Hotel. You can get a great view of the beautiful landscape from the hotel. It has evergreen fir trees, shrubs, and endless rhododendron forests, and you can see the amazing Himalayas in every direction.
As you make your way back to Namche, stop at the Khumjung Monastery to take in the view. In the monastery house, there is what is thought to be a Yeti skull. Once you’re done exploring the old monastery, go to the Tourist Visitor Centre near the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters to see a variety of displays about the first people to climb Everest, Sherpa culture, and the area’s wildlife.
Max. Altitude:
3440 m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
To begin, go up a steep slope out of the valley through a lush forest of juniper and rhododendron. The scenery changes as you go higher, with patches of big conifers and shrubs. There are 5.7 kilometres (3.5 miles) that you will cover today. Along the trail, you can see how the Sherpa people really live. As you walk along the trail, you’ll come across Yak Kharka, a high alpine pastureland with summer villages. See Ama Dablam and other snow-covered peaks in all their glory. Next, you’ll see the village of Mong, which is marked by a big white domed building. The Khumbu saint Lama Sangwan Dorje was born in this village.
Once you go down a short way, you can see the village of Phortse Thenga across the river. If you stick to the path, you’ll eventually reach the village, which is a small town by a river.
Max. Altitude:
3680 m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The walk today is long and takes you to a higher elevation, where the air is thin, so go slowly and stop often to rest. You should first leave Phortse Thenga and climb up a ridge that gives you great views of Cho Oyu and the valley below. As you go further, you’ll be walking on high alpine terrain where the tree line disappears. Along the trail, you can see the Himalayas in all their glory.
Next, go down towards the river. Once you cross it, go up a tuff section that keeps getting steeper. As you rise, you will be going over the Ngozumpa glacier’s terminal moraine. You will get to the small village of Machhermo by following the moraine.
Max. Altitude:
4,470m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will get to Gokyo today on your hike. Going up 320 meters in elevation and covering 6.8 kilometres (4.2 miles). Start by following the network of rivers that have water that sparkles like glacier. From the trail, you can see the Ngozumpa glacier, as well as the Khumjung and Khunde peaks. You will be going through dry, high-alpine landscapes and flat, brown and gray-colored ground as you go.
After going through high mountain terrain and crossing glacial streams and river networks, you will reach the settlement of Gokyo after a steep climb. You will be seeing the sights of Gokyo for the next two days.
Max. Altitude:
4790 m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will be seeing the sights of the Gokyo region today. See the Himalayan sunrise before dawn. After breakfast, you should go see the series of Gokyo Lakes. The area is home to the world’s highest freshwater lake system, which is made up of six main lakes and wetlands that cover 7,770 ha (30.0 sq mi) and have been named a Ramsar site. The lakes are also important to Hinduism and Buddhism, and people who are religious go there for festivals.
Take a walk around the emerald and green lakes and feel the energy. After checking out the three lakes that are close to the tea house. Next, visit the fourth Gokyo Lake, which is 3 km north of the Gokyo Village. After that, keep walking until you reach the fifth lake. The view from “Scoundrel’s Viewpoint,” which is on the edge of the fifth lake, is stunning. Everest, Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Makalu, as well as the huge Ngozumba Glacier, can all be seen in all their glory. Take a walk around the lakes and see other holy lakes during the day. Before going back to the settlement, you should go exploring.
Max. Altitude:
4790 m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At the top of Gokyo Ri, you can see the most beautiful views of the Gokyo Valley Trek. To get to the top of Gokyo Ri, you have to go uphill. To get there, cross the stream at the northern end of the village and keep going up for a couple of hours. The top will be marked by a cradle of prayer flags. The climb isn’t hard, but the high altitude could be hard for some, so go slowly and stop often.
Great views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Taboche can be seen from the top. In front of you, the Ngozumpa Glacier cuts through the landscape like a huge tear. Take in the views of several green and emerald lakes. Once you’re done exploring the Ri and taking in the stunning views, go back to the village.
Max. Altitude:
5483m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, enjoy the beautiful views of the landscape as you walk down a trail. Going through the mountainous area, crossing streams and the Ngozumba glacier’s tracks. You can see Cholatse and Cho Oyu peaks along the way. If you go back over your steps, you will eventually reach the settlement of Dole.
Max. Altitude:
4200m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will be going to Namche Bazaar today, and most of the way will be downhill. Starting early is important because you have to walk about 11.5 kilometres. From the high alpine ground, you can get to the lush forests. Enjoy stunning views of the landscapes and the snow-covered mountain range as you go. You will eventually reach the settlement of Khumjung. You should go to Namche Bazaar from Khumjung. When you get to Namche Bazaar, take a short break and then go to some of the area’s pubs and restaurants.
Max. Altitude:
3,880m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The entire walk today is going downhill. Cross several bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and its branches that flow quickly. Enjoy walking on open plains, through rhododendron and pine forests, and getting far-off views of snow-capped peaks along the way. You will pass through several villages on the way. When you get to Lukla, take a break. Later, have a party with your team to celebrate the end of your trek and your last night in the mountains.
Max. Altitude:
2,800m
Hotel
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In order to keep everyone safe, most flights to Kathmandu leave in the morning. Once you get to Kathmandu, find a place to stay and rest. Today you can walk around the city by yourself or go on a tour. In the evening, you should go to a farewell dinner to celebrate finishing your trek.
Note that all of the above trekking times are estimates and should only be used as a general guide.
Max. Altitude:
Hotel
Meal