Gokyo Valley Trek
With a string of turquoise lakes, Nepal’s biggest glacier and an arc of snow mountains, the Gokyo valley is the most attractive valley in the Khumbu Region. Our Gokyo valley Trek is an alternative to classical treks in Khumbu that has been specially designed for travelers who are eager to experience the magnificence of the Everest range, while avoiding too much physical stress. The view from Gokyo is magnificent and offers more of the legendary mountain than the views from Kalapattar.
The trail of this trek follows the Everest Base camp route up to Sanasa, climbs up to Mong-la and drop down to Phortse Thenga and then follows Dudh Koshi River to its source, Ngozumpa Glacier. After sightseeing in Kathmandu, we fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), from where our adventure begin and we will proceed to Phakding. The next day which is much more scenic then the last will be spent trekking up to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft). Passing through the villages, we also get a chance to have a look at the lifestyles of high altitude dwellers. We reach Gokyo enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Ngozumba Glacier, the largest glacier in the Nepal Himalayas. The small herding settlement of Gokyo (4,750m/15,584ft) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small turquoise mountain lakes. On ridge above Gokyo the four peaks above 8,000m (26,246ft), Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, expose themselves. If that is not enough have a look at the 360 degree stunning views of Khumbu Himalayan Range, considered one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu region. The descent is made through Machermo, Dole, Namche and to Lukla from where you fly back to Kathmandu.
Experience Required
This trek is suitable for fit walkers or those with previous trekking experience. If you are a regular weekend hill walker, this would be a good next trek for you.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1400 m/4620ft]Upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport, we will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit near places of interest.
Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu
Our city guide will take you for sightseeing around historic Kathmandu and their tradition and culture. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square.
Day 03: Kathmandu - Lukla [2,800 m/9,184 ft] - Phakding (2,600m/8,580 ft): 3 - 4 hrs walk
We depart Kathmandu on an early morning mountain flight to the Hillary built airstrip at Lukla. You will be transported from Kathmandu to a bright and colorful scene in clear mountain air. Today is a pretty easy day and It will feel good to stretch your legs, stiff from days of travel, as we walk downhill to the village of Phakdingma. Trail is full of new Buddhist art, Mani walls and prayer flags. We sleep tonight with sounds of the roaring glacial water of the Dudh Kosi in the background.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283 ft]: 6- 7hrs walk
Today is one of the longest day of the Gokyo Valley trek as we climb famous Namche. we will be walking 11 km and it takes about 7 hour. we enter Sagarmartha National Park, arriving just before lunch. A stunning seven-hour trek along the valley and up the famous Namche Hill, With some luck our first view of Everest will be on the way up the hill to the Sherpa capital at 3,440m. Namche is small, scenic beyond belief, and surprisingly cosmopolitan. We stay at Hotel Sherpaland Lodge the most modern and comfortable lodge in Namche.
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
A rest day in and around Namche. We include a walk to the National Park Headquarters, where we are treated to our first view of Mt Everest and other great mountains of the high Himalaya. we then will visit the Sherpa museum and Monastery. We also will have time to spend in the Namche markets.
Day 06: Trek to Dole (4040 m/ 13,332 ft): 5 - 6 hrs
After a delicious breakfast in Sherpaland Lodge, we start our trek enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great Himalayas. Along the way, we can spot wild life like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The trail then medium rise up to Mongla pass (3975 m) from where we glimpse a stunning views of Khumbu Himal. Descending to Phortse-Thengka we then climb for final push to get to Dole.
Day 07: Trek to Machhermo-[4,470 m/ 14,663 ft]: 5 - 6 hrs
Today we start our hike by climbing steadily up through a scenic ridge above Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma. Offering us good views of surrounding mountains the trail takes us through many summer pasture land and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m). Walking along the hill side above thundering Dudkoshi, passing through some small hamlets and through sandy spurs, we reach Machhermo. Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo.
Day 08: Machharmo - Gokyo [4750 m/15,675 ft]: 5 - 6 hours
Today, we again climb through a ridge and beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through a Lhasu (small buddhist monument) and reaches Pangka (4480m) after some gentle walking. After an hour easy rise up, we cross a small bridge over an stream, the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake. At the sight of the second lake, we become mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise blue sheet of water sparkling in the sun. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore Ngozumba glacier or around the third Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight stay at very warm comfortable Gokyo Fitzroy Inn.
Day 09: Climb Gokyo Ri [5357 m/17,678 ft] 5-6 hrs
Today we have an option to climb Gokyo Ri for sun rise early in the morning or grasp the opportunity for a beautiful sun set in the evening, depending on weather. Gokyo Ri is literal highest point of our trek. Sitting at 5,375m,it is impossible not to be moved by the beauty of what surrounds us, and the emotion of achieving this significant physical feat. World highest mountains Mt Everest (8,848m), Mt Cho-you (8,201m), Mt Lhotse and Mt Makalu (8,481m) are directly in view and is simply awe-inspiring; it seems like we can touch them. we overnight in Gokyo Fitzroy Inn.
Day 10: Gokyo to Dole: 3 - 4 hrs
We retrace our steps as we head down valley, past Machhermo and Luja, to reach Dole. Trekking on the descent seems so much easier compared to the thin air that we have experienced for the last three days.
Day 11: Dole - Namche: 4 - 5 hrs
Back through the rhododendron forest, a famous apple pie at Kanjuma and on to Namche.
Day 12: Namche Bazaar – Phakdingma
A reasonably long day as we head back to our start point in the Everest Valley.
Day 13: Phakdingma - Lukla
Our penultimate day in the Khumbu Valley sees us back where we started. A time to relax in the extremely comfortable La-Villa Sherpani Resort, and after a hot shower we allow ourselves a cold beer or wine, a steak or chicken sizzler with our whole staff, and the satisfaction that comes from the achievement of a major challenge.
Day 14: fly back to Kathmandu
Early in the morning we catch a flights out of Lukla and have our last close up views of the Himalayas. We land in Kathmandu and go straight to the hotel. Rest and relaxation normally dominates the afternoon.
Day 15: Kathmandu
We take our choice from a shopping day in Thamel, visiting Kathmandu, or a relaxing day with sun bathing. Final reflections on a great trip.
Day 16: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! we will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions and health of team members can all contribute to changes. Our Sherpa guides will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.
What are included
- Airport pickup and drop by private car or van.
- Deluxe hotel in Kahtmandu in BB plan.
- Guided city tour around historic Kathmandu city.
- Best available accommodations during the trek.
- All meals during the trek as per itinerary.
- All necessary permits during sightseeing in Kahtmandu.
- Trekking permits (National park fee, PLM fee).
- Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Kathmandu
- A professional trained, government license holder sherpa guide, assistant guide and porter with their salary, food, drinks, accommodation and insurance.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit carried by Sherpa).
- All applicable taxes/VAT and service charges.
What are excluded
- Nepal entry visa fee(USD $25 for 15 days, 40 for 30 day and 100 for 90 days), you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport.
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Charges incurred as a result of delays or itinerary changes beyond the control of Sherpa Land Adventures. We recommend travel insurance to cover any unforeseen costs.
- Your travel and rescue insurance.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery/cell phone/ipad/ipod recharge, bottle or boiled water, shower etc).
- Tips for Guide & Porter.
Gears
You are advised to consider the following equipment as essential while packing. Please use this list as a guideline. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to your requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip. We can find a variety of these items to hire locally or buy in Kathmandu. It is important to remember that our luggage will be carried by porters and there is a weight limitation of approximately 33 pounds (or 15 kg). Head:- Sun hat or scarf
- Buff
- Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Under Garments
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight cotton long pants
- Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
- Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
- Thin, lightweight inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces
- Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
- T-shirts
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal)
- Sleeping bag rated to -20 DC
- Headlamp
- Trekking Bags/Duffel bag
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside kit bag
- Daypack (approximately 35-60ltr)
- Trekking Poles
- Water bottle (2) or camel bag
- 1 medium sized quick drying towel
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Sun block cream
- Feminine hygiene products