BEST SEASONS FOR GOKYO VALLEY TREKKING:

The Best Times for Gokyo Valley Trekking are spring and autumn seasons.
Where most days are clear and fine with sunny days, expect snowfall sometimes above 2,500 m high. However, the best time is spring of March to May, when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom.

Especially the rhododendrons of various species and colors, from tall trees to bushes. Springtime has longer sunny days but can get overcast in the late afternoon sometimes. Cold morning, evening, and nighttime with chances of snowfall. The next best time is autumn or fall, when most days are bright with sunshine for views and walks. Can get cloudy afternoon, with chances of snowfall sometimes around the high areas. It gets dark soon due to the autumn season, but enjoyable time for Gokyo Valley Treks.

Trek Profile:

Mode of Trekking: Overnight in mountain lodge and guest-house.
Trekking Grade: Moderate and Adventurous.
Maximum Height: On top Gokyo-Ri 5,357 m/17, 575 feet high.
Trekking Duration: 10 Nights/11 Days with flights both ways.
Trekking Region: Nepal North Mid-East around Khumbu
Total Trip: 14 Nights and 15 Days from main arrival to departures.

Overview

Itinerary

FAQs

Overview

Gokyo Valley Trekking with the Himalayan Snow Treks and its expert guides take you to the picturesque high country at Gokyo. A scenic valley with emerald-colored glacial lakes, is surrounded by giant staggering snow mountains. As well as one can enjoy stunning sunrise views over the panorama of the Himalayan range of peaks. Include the world’s four highest mountains Mt. Everest,
Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Cho Oyu.

Gokyo Valley Trekking is an exclusive adventure around the higher areas of Khumbu and Everest. The walk leads you away from a popular main busy trail, heading towards the sheer mountain wilderness at Gokyo Valley.

The first and last part of the journey starts and is complete in Lukla, the gateway town of various adventures. The walk follows along the Dudh Koshi River that flows from the glacial source of Ngozumpa glaciers.

The origin of the river is located, at Gokyo Valley, with the Nepal Himalayas longest Ngozumpa Glacier. It is enjoyable with a pleasant walk for the first few days, then leads to a long undulating climb up to Namche Bazaar. Impressive, and high-altitude town due to its perfect location with various facilities for the locals and trekkers. Namche Bazaar is an ideal place for rest and acclimatization day.

Enjoy the hikes to its best viewpoints and explore the impressive Sherpa cultures with stunning mountain views. After Namche Bazaar, head towards the high country, leaving the main trails to reach Gokyo Valley of beautiful lakes.

The trail follows from a narrow river gorge, covered in dense trees and then towards an exposed highland. To reach Gokyo Valley amidst picturesque surroundings, with a steep climb up to Gokyo-Ri for breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks. Including the scenic Gokyo Valley with its pristine lakes and the longest Ngozumpa glaciers in Nepal Himalayas.

Enjoying marvelous time in Gokyo valley, return journey on the same exciting route to Namche Bazaar and unto Lukla.

An early morning short sweeping flight brings you to Kathmandu after an overwhelming adventure on Gokyo Valley Trekking.

Highlights:

“Explore the beautiful and picturesque Gokyo Valley of emerald glacial lakes. An exciting and scenic high country amidst stunning towering snow-mountains. On least ventured areas by mass flow of trekkers within serene surroundings. Enjoy the exciting climb to the top of Gokyo-Ri facing worlds 4 highest peaks. On off the beaten tracks away from mainstream to the high valley of Gokyo.”

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu 1,320 m and transfer to hotel.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu / Nepal international airport received by our staff and guide. Get transferred to your hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city, after checking in lovely rooms. Having time to get refreshed then join with other members for briefing, provided by our guide. The briefing includes information of the hotels, Kathmandu city tour and details on trekking. Evening a warm welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepali Restaurants with cultural programs along with dinner.

Day 2 :

In Kathmandu with optional sightseeing tour and trek preparations.

A leisure morning having breakfast our city and cultural guide picks you for an exciting sightseeing tour. The tour of Kathmandu and Nepal’s Heritage Sites of cultural and historical interest. Rest of the afternoon preparation for Gokyo Valley Trekking.

Day 3 :

Fly to Lukla 2,860 m and trek to Phakding 2,610 m-04 hrs.

As time for flight to Lukla transfer to Kathmandu domestic air terminal for panoramic short flight to Lukla. Flying in a small aircraft Dornier, Twin Otter or similar. On flight enjoy panorama of Himalayan peaks with Mt. Everest, and then landing at Lukla Tenzing & Hillary Airport. Our trekking staff and porters, receives you, and then start the trek to Phakding for overnight stop. The walk follows through several wonderful villages with fabulous scenery of hills and valleys, then reach Phakding village for night halt.

Day 4 :

Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m-06 hrs.

From Phakding village towards Namche Bazaar via Sagarmatha National Park.
Morning walk leads on pleasant trail with few short down and ups crossing bridges to reach Monjo. The walk continues to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. As walk leads to cross another bridge to Jorsalle for lunch stop before the climb to Namche Bazaar. Afternoon walks along the river bank amidst forest of tall rhododendrons and pines trees. A short climb to the last bridge, and then uphill all the way to Namche Bazaar. At Namche check into nice lodge with views of Kongde peaks. Namche Bazaar for two over nights, a prosperous trading town and a large town-village, the hub of Khumbu. Where once a week on Saturday a busy colorful market head, hence the name Namche Bazaar.

Day 5 :

Rest day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and short hike.

At Namche Bazaar spend extra day for acclimatization, morning take a short hike up to the park museum. An interesting place to gather information on mountaineering, flora, fauna and Sherpa cultures. From this scenic spot enjoy grand vista of Mt. Everest, Ama-Dablam with series of adjoining snow peaks.

On rest day another options for hike to Everest View Hotel for beautiful views of snow mountains and Everest. A climb of few hours to an old Syangboche airstrip and then gradual up to Everest View Hotel. Listed as world’s highest hotel at above 3,900 m high.

Day 6 :

Trek to Dole 4,110 m- 06 hrs.

After an enjoyable rest in Namche Bazaar for two overnights, after breakfast a
short above Namche Bazaar. Then on scenic road to Gokyo Valley, facing grand
vista of towering peaks with Everest and Ama Dablam. Soon our route diverts
from the main trail, with climb to high Mong ridge. Overlooking spectacular views
of the snow peaks, then short descent to Phortse Tenga, a small place with few
lodges. Located on Dudh Koshi River gorge amidst cool shade of dense tree lines,
a pleasant spot for lunch stop. Afternoon walk uphill into a narrow gorge through
dense woods of rhododendrons and pines to reach Dole for overnight halt.
Located on a small valley with several good lodges, enjoy the afternoon being
away from main busy trail.

Day 7 :

Trek to Machermo 4, 470 m-04 hrs.

Morning from Dole, after breakfast, a short steep climb and then enjoy the
pleasant walk. After reaching an open exposed ridge, the trail follows along a
ridge line past a nice place of Luza. As walk slowly nears closer to our overnight
destination at Machermo. Before heading down enjoy the superb views of
Mt. Cho Oyu, straddles the border between Nepal and Tibet. It is the 6th world’s
Highest peak. After enjoying the grand views, descend down to a river gorge
covered in the shade of Poplous and Willow trees. A short climb brings you to
Machermo for lunch and overnight stop, enjoying the short pleasant day.
Afternoon relax or takes a short hike around for better acclimatization with
views of Machhermo Peak towards west.

Day 8 :

Trek to Gokyo Valley 4,800 m - 04 hrs.

An exciting today to reach the main destination to Gokyo Valley, as well as a
short morning walks. From the lodge of Machermo, climb up for short while to
reach on top of a wide ridge. At above Dudh Koshi River, the walk follows along
gradual path. Facing tremendous views of the surrounding towering rocky cliffs
and snow peaks. After a short hour reaching a small settlement at Panga, then
down towards an ablation valley. The trail then follows up reaching the Gokyo
Valley, coming across the first lake, and then second lake. Slowly the walk ends
reaching the third main lakes of Gokyo, where all good lodge located.
Above the lake which is called as Dudh Pokhari, where the name Dudh Koshi
River comes from. Which means, a milky lake or river as it remains frozen with
chalky white color most of the year. The lakes and rivers is from the source of a
nearby Ngozumpa, the longest glacier around the Himalayas.
At Gokyo transfer for lunch and overnight, facing views of Mt. Cho Oyo and
Gyachung Kang peak. Afternoon enjoy leisure, relaxing day with glorious
surrounding scenery of giant snow-capped peaks.

Day 9 :

Morning climb Gokyo-Ri, afternoon free at leisure.

Enjoy another relaxing day in Gokyo and the scenic valley, as well as waking up
early before break of dawn. For exciting steep climb of few hours to the top of
Gokyo-Ri, the highest point of the adventure. From the ridge top enjoy the
magnificent views of sunrise, as it reflects on the world’s highest peaks.
Namely Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu and Mt. Makalu the world’s four highest at
a glance. The panoramic views of Gokyo Valley and the lakes with the Himalayas
longest Ngozumpa Glacier. After a refreshing morning hike with tremendous
scenery walk down to Gokyo for breakfast and lunch. Rest of the day enjoy the
marvelous surrounding scenery, on last day around scenic Gokyo Valley.

Day 10 :

Trek to Dole past Machermo-06 hrs.

From Gokyo to Dole, a long hour walks, on downhill with few short climb to reach
Dole for overnight stop. Enjoy the comfort of a nice homely environment lodge
for last day around Gokyo area.

Day 11 :

Trek to Monjo 2,880 via Namche Bazaar-06 hrs.

Morning short downhill walk back to Phortse Tenga, with climb to Mong high ridge. After enjoying fabulous views of snow peaks, down to join the main trail to Namche Bazaar for lunch. After a nice refreshing stop in Namche Bazaar, afternoon walk downhill to Dudh Kisi River Valley. The walk leads along the river bank to Jorsalle to cross the bridge and with short climb to Sagarmatha National Park. From the park post, short walk to Monjo village for overnight before Lukla. Enjoy the fabulous views of Tharmasarku peak at close distance.

Day 12 :

Trek to Lukla and transfer to lodge-04 hrs.

From Monjo to Lukla for last day hike of short hours, enjoy the pleasant walk after crossing suspension bridge. The trail follows to short down and ups to Phakding for brief refreshing stop. The walk continues on winding path past Ghat Village with short climb to Choplung. From here enjoy the last final climb of less than an hour to reach Lukla for lunch and overnight stop. Rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the Lukla Town market of great cultural interest.

Day 13 :

Fly to Kathmandu-30 mins scenic flight and transfer to hotel.

As time for the flight to Kathmandu, a short walk to Lukla Tenzing and Hillary Airport. After checking in, then board in a small aircraft for sweeping short scenic flight to Kathmandu. As the plane land at Katmandu transfer back to your hotels, rest of the day at leisure for individual activities.

Day 14 :

In Kathmandu free day with optional tour at places of interest.

In Kathmandu a spare/ extra day, in case of flight delay in Lukla due to bad weather conditions. On this free day, can book for another sightseeing tour around Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. Worth a visit to enjoy tour around the World Heritage Sites. Rest of the day for leisure activities and shopping souvenir of Nepal.

Day 15 :

International departure for homeward bound.

Last day in Kathmandu and in Nepal, after a great and wonderful experience on Gokyo Valley Trekking. As time for your international flight transfer to Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport. Then bidding farewell to guide, staff and the Nepal Himalayas. As you step into air terminal for homeward bound or to respective countries.

FAQs

Expand all

How tough is Gokyo Valley Trekking?

Actually it not tough or difficult, only some section with steep climb the gain in altitude makes the walk tougher. But the walking trail are straightforward to enjoy the trek along with scenic views. But must be careful being breathless on steep uphill, taking slow, having rest from being breathless. Makes the trek enjoyable all the way to Gokyo Valley of Lakes.

Is Gokyo Valley mostly visited and trekked?

Gokyo Valley is gaining popularity, not only to visit the beautiful valley of Gokyo.
Where trekkers have much options to enjoy the adventure like trekking to Everest base via Cho-La Pass. As well trek to Thame Village crossing high Renjo-La Pass.
It is also on the mid-ways of great adventure Three Passes of Everest.

What happens if someone gets sick on trek?

The only problem one can get is altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Normally, trekkers are physical fit and the itinerary chosen has enough rest days to cope with acclimatization. For instance, in case some get very sick and cannot continue the walk to base camp, head back to lower altitude to reach Lukla. Then take a flight to Kathmandu, the other means of fastest transport the patient needs to be evacuated using helicopter services. On emergency situations the sick person has to borne all the expenses, to be claimed from your medical insurance.

Is there facilities to charge electronic gadgets?

Yes, every villages and overnight lodge do have facilities with electricity run by hydro or solar power. Can charge cell-phone, camera batteries and laptop.
On paying extra for charging the gadgets, on hour basis, every lodges have different rate. Higher above from Namche Bazaar onward the cost comes slightly higher than lower areas.

What to expect on this trek?

Exciting scenery of rolling green hills and high white snow-capped peaks with views of Mt. Everest, almost throughout the walk. Besides marvelous views of landscapes and mountains, local impressive culture of Buddhism and walking into cool serene rhododendron, pines and fir forest. Spending overnights in lovely homely lodge with traditional hospitality of the Sherpa natives. As well as having marvelous enjoyable moment around picturesque Gokyo Valley and its serene lakes.

From Gokyo can you reach Everest Base Camp also?

Yes, one can extend the adventure with Gokyo and Everest base camp trek crossing high Cho-La of above 5,420 m pass. To extend the journey with Gokyo and Everest base camp. Requires more 3-4 days, can request and contact to
Himalayan Snow Treks for more information and details. Before booking the trip to Gokyo Valley, so that we can arrange the extension trip to Everest base camp.

Himalayan Snow Treks also have program and itineraries on our website for Gokyo and Everest Base Camp via Cho-La Pass.

Overview

Itinerary

FAQs

Overview

Highlights:

Itinerary

FAQs

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