Gokyo Valley Treks
- Trip Overview
- Trip Highlight
- Itinerary
- Include / Exclude
- Fixed Departure
- Faqs
Trip Overview
Gokyo Valley Trekking is one of the world’s great classic treks in the Everest Region of Nepal. It is also known as Gokyo Lake Trek and Gokyo Ri Trek. It offers an unforgettable trekking experience into the most mountainous region of the world. Well, this trek is the best option for all adventure junkies as well as nature lovers as the trail is peaceful and tranquil as compared to classic Everest Base Camp trek. Gokyo Valley Trek leads to tranquil Gokyo Valley with the stunning view of Gokyo Lakes. Hiking to the Gokyo Ri highest point of the trek and get the awe-inspiring view of Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal.
Gokyo Valley is also known as the Valley of Death is located along the bank of the Gokyo Lake. The main attraction of the trek is an exciting flight to Lukla, explore the mountains and valleys around the lofty snow-capped peaks, visit monasteries, and explore the stunning Gokyo valley. Throughout the trek, you will get an opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the famous Sherpa people. Moreover, you can also combine Gokyo Valley Trek with the famous classic Everest Base Camp Trek.
Once you reach Gokyo Valley, you can cross the Ngozumpa glacier and then make a steep climb up the pass and connect with the Everest Base Camp trail. Likewise, it can also be combined with the Three Passes Trek. After crossing the second of the three passes, Cho La takes you to Gokyo valley. Lastly, as compared to the famous Everest Base Camp trek route; you will see fewer trekkers. So, if you are seeking a more peaceful trail, this would be infinitely more rewarding. Walk-in quiet trails and enjoy adequate time with nature!
Best Time to Gokyo Valley Trek
Gokyo Valley Trek is doable all year round. But spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November) is the best time to visit Gokyo Valley trek. In terms of stable weather and best views, you can choose among these seasons for this trek.
During the spring season, the trekking route, especially in the forest trail, is colorful as rhododendrons are in full bloom. In the autumn season, the weather conditions are stable, and the sky is usually clear and bright. Both these seasons offer you the best mountain views with the clear sky.
Likewise, in the off-season like winter and monsoon, the trek is a bit challenging but not impossible. During monsoon season, the rain and wet trail may spoil the fun of the trekking. So, if you wish to trek in the off-season, then gather the proper information and appropriate packing lists.
Gokyo Valley Trek Difficulty
Gokyo Valley Trek is generally considered as a moderately strenuous trek with this length and altitude. Starting from Lukla at 2,100 meters, the trekking route ascends to Gokyo Ri at around 5,400 meters. So, there is a chance of altitude sickness, but as you will not be spending a night at such high altitude so it might create less problematic situations in terms of weather and AMS.
Moreover, Gokyo Valley Trek requires a good level of fitness and enough acclimatization day to avoid acute mountain sickness. So before embarking your trek, you can improve your fitness level. You can do some physical fitness training like jogging, running, cycling, and swimming starting a month or two before your trek.
Trip Highlight
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- Short and exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Climbing Gokyo Ri at an altitude of 5,483 meters
- Exploring Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Impressive view of Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the longest glacier in the Himalayas
- Gokyo Lakes
- Hidden Gokyo valley
- Spectacular view of snow-capped peaks over 8,000 meters including Mt. Everest
- Learn about the indigenous Sherpa culture and traditions
- Enjoy the remarkable hospitality of mountain people
- Explore Namche Bazaar, a beautiful mountain town
- Walking through challenging trail and enjoy the view of the beautiful landscape
- Traversing through mani walls, chortens, and colorful prayer flags
Trip Itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. You will be greeted by a representative of Mission Nepal Holiday’s at the airport and transferred to your hotel for overnight as per itinerary. In the evening, you can enjoy the cultural dinner at your hotel.
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Day 2:
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
On this day, we have a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. We visit Pashupatinath, a holy temple; Boudhanath stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage spot; Swayambhunath and Basantapur Durbar Square. The tour gives you a taste of our vivid Nepali culture and history. Stay overnight in the hotel at Kathmandu.
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Day 3:
Fly to Lukla(2,886m) and Trek to Phakding(2,610m, 4hrs.)
We take you to Kathmandu domestic airport to make you fly to Lukla, just south of the entrance to the Sagarmartha National Park and the Mount Everest region at early morning. The flight is brief and takes only about thirty minutes. We make initial step to Everest Base Camp trek. After taking a breakfast, we head towards to Phakding (4hrs.) Then we begin our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar walking via the Himalaya jungle and crossing the several swing bridges. we’ll reach a small settlement of Phakding where we spend our night.
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Day 4:
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m, hrs.)
We continue trekking along the banks of Dudh Koshi, crossing the majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden. We cross Dudh Koshi River and pass Chumoa and Monjo villages before reaching the entrance of the Everest National Park. Namche Bazaar is probably the biggest town in the Everest region. It is considered as the gateway to Everest. It is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, cafes and bakeries. Stay overnight in guest house of Namche bazaar.
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Day 5:
Acclimatization in and around Namche Bazaar
We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. We visit Hilary and Sherpa museum for learning the traditional customs of Sherpa people. We also visit the Everest View Hotel (world’s high altitude hotel) and Syanboche Airport. Apart from this, we can also enjoy the outstanding views of Mt. Everest, Mt, Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, and Mt. Kusum Kanguru. Rest of the day, we can explore the beautiful Khumbu valley.
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Day 6:
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,200m, 5mhrs.)
Today we leave the Namche Bazaar and start to climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north. There are two trails and guide will choose the better option for us to follow. After the stairs, the trail become easier and passes through Dudhkoshi Valley. We see Khumbu valley which is surrounded by the mountains and Tenboche monastery. The monastery is believed to have introduced Buddhism in the Khumbu region of Nepal. After a few hours of trekking, we reach Sanasa. From here, we take the left trail leading to Gokyo Lake. We take rest at Mongla Danda for a while and enjoying the magnificent views of Amadablam, Mt.Thamserku and Dudhkoshi valley. From Mongla Danda, the trail descends in a series of steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the DudhKoshi and enters at Phortse Thanga. Then we again take a left route. The trail climbs steeply through rhododendron forest. We pass Tongba (3,950m) and Gyele (3,960m) to reach Dole. We spend our night at Dole.
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Day 7:
Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470m, 3hrs.)
After breakfast at Dole, we have to climb uphill in order to reach Machhermo. We climb along the side of the valley. As the altitude increases, we find thick bushes and scrub junipers on the trail. We enjoy the beautiful views of Cho Oyu, Thamserku and Kantega. The trail climbs through a huge rock at Lhabarma (4,330m) and carries in to Luza (4.340m). There is Chorten right before the Luza village. When we pass Luza, we reach our day’s destination Machermo. We stay overnight at Machermo.
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Day 8:
Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m)
We take breakfast in Machhermo and start our trek to Gokyo. We pass through a ridge for a superb view of Kangtega down the valley and view of Cho Oyu above. After the ridge, our trail passes through Phangkha to reach widen valley. Then we descend to the riverbank before climbing the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier on a steep trail. At the end of the hard ascend, we cross a bridge over a stream flowing from the Gokyo. We see Longpongo (4690m) at first. After that we explore Taujung Cho which becomes mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari) is the third lake for visiting in this trek. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho Oyu mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. We spend our night at Gokyo.
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Day 9:
Acclimatization in Gokyo; Visit Gokyo lakes and Climb Gokyo Ri (6hrs)
Today is our acclimatization day. We need to wake up early in the morning to climb up to the Gokyo Ri for panoramic view of the Mahalangur Himalayan Range. It takes approximately 2 hours for climb. Gokyo Ri provide a panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Mt. Everest Mt. Lhotse Mt. Makalu, Cholatse, Gyachung Kang and Tawache as well as view of Ngozunpa. Gorkyo has famous six lakes. Today we visit remaining lakes; ThonakCho, Gyazumpa Cho and Ngozumpa Cho. We stay overnight at Gokyo.
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Day 10:
Trek from Gokyo to Machhermo (4,470m, 7hrs.)
From today we start to descend, we pass through Dudh Pokhari, Raboche, Longpongo, Ngozamba Glacier and Phangga before reaching Machhermo. We descend on a hill and enjoy views of the Cho Oyu Mountain, Thamserku, Kangtega and Dudh Koshi valley.
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Day 11:
Trek from Machhermo to Phorse village (5,400m, 7hrs.)
After breakfast at Mochhermo, we continue our hike through small village. We descend from Luza village and walk above the Dudh Koshi River. We walk downhill on a steady trial through a scenic ridge with views of Cho Oyu, Kantega and Thamserku mountains. After reaching the Dole our trial passes through forests, waterfalls and bridges. On the way we can see local wildlife like pheasants, mountain goats and musk deer. After crossing a bridge over a Dudh Koshi river we reach Phorse village. We spend our night at Phorse village.
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Day 12:
Trek from Phorse village to Namche Bazaar (1.5hrs)
We take breakfast at Phorse village and start our hike to Namche Bazaar. Today, the trail is gradual ups and downs. Our trial ascends to Dudh Koshi river after which it is a downhill through rhododendron forests before reaching Namche Bazaar. We get a glimpse of Amadablam, Thamserku, Tawoche and Khumbila mountains from Mong. From the Sansa, we begin ascending to Kyanjuma. On the way we are likely to spot Himalayan pheasants, musk deer and Himalayan Thars. We spend our night at lodge of Namche Bazaar.
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Day 13:
Trek to Phakding (4hrs)
Today we begin our trek from Namche Bazaar. After crossing the Dudhkoshi river form Namche, we reach Monjo. We need to fulfill certain formalities at the Check post of Nationa Park at Manjo. We continue our hike to Phakding which takes 4 hours. The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly. We cross the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries. We are trekking in the same route down but feel completely different views. We spend our night at Phakding.
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Day 14:
Trek from Phakding to Lukla (4hrs)
We take breakfast at Phakding and start our trek to Lukla. After 3 to 4 hours walk, we reach Lukla. It is our last day on mountains as well as our trek. We can enjoy walking on an open rhododendrons and pine forests. We walk across the trekking route intersection at Chaplung. We cross many bridges, monasteries and villages before reaching Lukla. When we reach Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experience of the last couple of weeks. We stay overnight at Lukla.
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Day 16:
Fly back to Kathmandu
Today we fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu early in the morning. Flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning because wind can create a problem to fly the aircraft in the afternoon. We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey and the flight takes only about 30 minutes. When we arrive at Kathmandu, our representatives transfer you to the respective hotel. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.
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Day 16:
Final Departure
This is the last day of your trip. Our company representatives assist you to get to the airport as per your flight departure time. Mission Nepal holiday pray for your safe journey and hope to see you again.
Include
- Hotel in Kathmandu on BB plan
- Arrival and departure transfers
- KTM – LUKLA – KTM Airfare
- All meals during trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- TIMS and Sagarmatha National Park Entrance fees
- English speaking guide and necessary number of porters
- Trekking crew salary, food and insurance
- All accommodation during trekking (best available lodge)
- Sleeping bag and down jacket if required
- Company branded T-shirt
- Nepali SIM Card during your Nepal trip
Exclude
- International airfare
- Travel Insurance – Please follow these links AIG, World Nomads, Cover More, Allianz Travel
- Emergency Evacuation service
- Extra Hotel night in Kathmandu in needful
- International calls
- Bar bills and personal nature expenses
- Tips for guide and porter
Faqs
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What altitudes do we reach while on the Gokyo Valley Trek?
The highest point of the trek is 5357 meters. The Gokyo RI is the highest point on this trek. Some people like to go to Renjo la pass top instead of Gokyo RI. The Renjo la top is 5360 meters.
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How long do we need to hike everyday while trekking in the Gokyo Valley?
On a Normal day, we will walk around 5 to 6 hours but there is some longer day in the itinerary. During the long day, we will walk for 7 to 8 hours also. Some trekkers like to trek straight all the way from Gokyo to Namche which is not a regular plan but possible. It will take a longer time.
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Is it possible to swim in the Gokyo Lake?
Swimming in Gokyo Lake is forbidden but even we can see few people doing the swim at their own risk. The water is very cold and people can get sick too.
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Can children be a part of the Gokyo Valley Trek?
Yes, Due to low sleeping elevations, this is suitable for all walks of life including the children. The people who avoid Everest base camp trek due to high elevation can do this. It is suitable for kids, children as well as old people.
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Is acclimatization necessary for Gokyo Valley Trek?
Yes, you will have to stay one night in Namche Bazar before making it through to the Gokyo Valley. Here you will have to trek as high as 5380 meters and sleep at 4800 meters high. Hence you need to acclimatize during your hike, as it is all about ascents and tiring climbs. To be on safer side, acclimatization provides you with the right balance which is good for your body and mind.
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What is the best season to trek in the Everest Gokyo Valley?
The best season to visit Everest Gokyo Valley is in the months of September, to December and March to May in. During these seasons, the sky is mostly clear, days are mostly sunny and the possibility of snowstorm and rainfall is very low.
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How cold will it be in the Everest Gokyo Valley trek?
The days will be mostly warm while it gets cold between sunset and sunrise. On clear days of autumn, it gets as warm as 20 degree Celsius and the coldest nights in December can go as low as -23 degree Celsius. You will be inside the tea house in the evenings, nights and every morning when the room temperatures will not be less than 5 degree Celsius.
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Can I see Mount Everest from the Gokyo Valley trek?
Yes! The southwest face of Mount Everest is best seen from Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft). The view of Mount Everest is more extended and trekkers here voted to view Everest seen from Gokyo Ri as the best panorama view of the whole Everest Region Trek.
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Is it required to have trekking experience to trek Everest Gokyo Valley trek?
It is preferred to have some trekking experience beforehand. However many first timers have done this trek successfully. All you need is good fitness, self-motivation and a strong passion to succeed the Gokyo Valley trek.
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How do I book the Gokyo Valley Trek in Nepal?
To book the Gokyo Valley Trekking in Nepal, Mission Nepal Holidays offers you a number of booking options including:
Online booking,
Wire transfer OR,
Cash on arrival
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What happens if an emergency evacuation is needed while trekking in the Gokyo Valley?
In case of an emergency evacuation, while trekking you can directly contact us on the number provided instantly. Upon receipt of your detailed information we react as quickly as possible to rescue you out of danger situations safely.
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What about medical treatment on the Gokyo Valley trek?
A simple medical kit can be lifesaving without taking much space in your baggage. You never know what could go wrong. Prevention is better than cure, as always.
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Is it possible to communicate to my family while trekking in the Gokyo Valley?
You can have easy access to communication but in remote areas we use satellite phones. So communication won’t be an issue.
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Is there tipping compulsory for guides and porters?
Tipping is not necessary although tipping for guide and staff is good practice, porter and guide expect tip, your tip helps their family.
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How can we contact you if we need more information?
We are a local trekking company based in Kathmandu. You can contact directly with the following numbers and email addresses:
Landline: +977-01- 4438165 Or +977 9802072870
Cell-phone: +977-98020-72870
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Why book with us?
- More then 20 years of experience
- A professional and responsible travel company based in Nepal
- Specialist group adventure tours and treks in the Himalayas – India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan
- Fully customisable itineraries and dates
- Professional & friendly local guides – supporting the people of Nepal
- Guaranteed Departures
- No negotiations in giving best quality
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Pre-Trip Information
Accomodation
Meals
Staff
Value Of Money
Itinerary
Pre-Trip Information
Accomodation
Meals
Staff
Value Of Money
Itinerary
Trip Details
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Difficulty: Adventures
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Altitude: 5300 M
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Trip Start From: Kathmandu
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Trip End From: Kathmandu
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Min-Max Participants: 16
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Duration: 16 Days
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Transportation: Car / Jeep / Flight
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Accommodation: Hotel l Resort l Tea House
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Meals: Breakfast l Lunch l Dinner
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Best Season: Mar - May, Sep - Nov
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Sales & Suppport- Mobile: +977 9802072870
- Tel: +977 01 4438165
- Email: [email protected]