• Himalayan Eco-Culture Treks & Research Expeditions

Gokyo Valley Trek – 15 Days

gokyo-valley-trek

Trip Facts

  • Destination: Khumbu Region
  • Duration: 15
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Best Time: Mar-May/Sep-Nov
  • Max Elevation: 5360m
  • Group Size: 2-12

Gokyo Valley Trek – 15 Days

Gokyo Valley Trek offers a captivating journey through Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes. Ascending from the bustling town of Namche Bazaar, the trail winds through picturesque villages. Adorned with vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the crisp mountain breeze.

The trek presents awe-inspiring vistas, with each turn revealing towering peaks, including the majestic Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest mountain. Traversing glacial moraines, the trail leads to the tranquil turquoise lakes of Gokyo, reflecting the towering peaks that surround them.

The path, at times challenging, rewards trekkers with a sense of accomplishment as they reach high-altitude vantage points, granting panoramic views of the Everest region. The serene Gokyo Ri summit, standing tall at 17,575 feet, provides an unobstructed spectacle of Everest and its neighboring peaks.

Accommodations along the route offer glimpses into the local Sherpa culture, providing a unique cultural experience. The region’s hospitality, coupled with warm smiles, adds a personal touch to the journey.

The trek also passes through the remote Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in the Himalayas, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Trekkers navigate through rocky terrain and frozen streams, surrounded by the grandeur of nature’s raw beauty.

Gokyo Valley Trek’s allure lies not only in its challenging terrain and mesmerizing landscapes but also in its profound connection to the local culture. Trekkers can engage with Sherpa communities, gaining insight into their traditions and way of life.

As the trek descends, the memories of the Gokyo Valley’s pristine beauty linger, leaving an indelible mark on those who embark on this remarkable journey. The trek, a harmonious blend of natural splendor and cultural richness, epitomizes the allure of the Himalayas, inviting adventurers to partake in an unforgettable odyssey.

Gokyo Valley Trek TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

– Cultural exploration of the mountain people
– Beautiful 5 lakes situated at high altitudes which are also considered sacred
– The grandiose view of the Himalayas and valleys of the Gokyo Region

Itinerary


Day 01 Kathmandu Arrival (1200m)

Namaste! Welcome to the Land of Himalayas. Once the plane lands at Tribhuvan International Airport, you can get your visa on arrival from the Visa desk. After collecting luggage, a representative of Himalayan Eco-cultures will attend to you with a placard of your name right outside the arrival gate. Then we will proceed towards our hotel, where our travel planner will meet and brief us about the upcoming trekking events. Get Checked-in and get fresh as we will be going out for a delicious Nepali dinner in the evening, where we can also enjoy some cultural shows.

Dinner and accommodation in the 3-star hotel included

Day 02 Fly to Lukla (2860m) and Trek to Phakding (2610m), WALK: 4 hours

Early morning we will take a 30 min flight to Lukla, the gateway to Everest. After landing, we will meet our porters and the crew and begin our trek. Along rhododendron forest, pine trees, and Dudh Koshi river, we will ascend a gradual uphill to reach Phakding.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 03 Trek to Namche (3460m), WALK: 6 hours

After Breakfast, we will ascend slowly toward the beautiful village of Monjo. We will encounter our first checkpoint a little further, and then we will gradually walk the plain trail to Tok Tok and its famous waterfall. Slowly ascending again, we will find the staircase leading towards the Hillary Suspension bridge, after which the rest of the trail for the day is a steep climb. The path is through an alpine forest with many resting points, so we will be pausing now and then before finally arriving at the Sherpa Capital of Everest Region, Namche Bazaar. Small lodges, shops, café, and bakeries with the warm welcome of local makes Namche a fan-favorite for every trekker.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 04 Acclimatization in Namche and Everest Viewpoint Excursion (3880m), WALK: 3 hours

We will let our body adjust to the thinner oxygen level in the atmosphere due to increasing altitude. Then, we will climb to the viewpoint at 3880m and stay there for a couple of hours, enjoying the scenic view of Everest, Nuptse, Thamserku, Taboche, Kusum Kanguru, Ama Dablam, and the holy mountain of Sherpa’s Khumbila. After spending adequate time, we will climb back to Namche to sleep at the lower altitude.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 05 Trek to Dole (4110m), WALK: 7 hours

We will walk beside the viewpoint hill through the relatively plain trail Kangjuma until we reach Sanasa, where the base camp and Gokyo track separately. From Sanasa, we will ascend uphill through a narrow path enjoying the beautiful view of Ama Dablam. After reaching Mong, the trail will gradually descend toward Phortse Thanga, beside the Dudh Koshi river. Then we will climb uphill again, crossing the third checkpoint to reach Dole, our camp for the day.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 06 Trek to Machermo (4470m), WALK: 3 hours

After Breakfast, we will slowly climb uphill on a narrow trail beside Lhabarma hill on the right and the Dudh Koshi river deep down on the left. Then we will walk through Luza village to finally reach our destination for the day in Macchermo. Though our trek is relatively short, we don’t want to over-exert ourselves as we are above 4000 m already, and there is no acclimatization day.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 07 Trek to Gokyo Valley (4790m), WALK: 4 hours

Leaving behind the small Sherpa settlement, we will continue to ascend. We can hear the Dudh Koshi river’s flow more clearly as we begin to reach closer to our destination. A short 30 min steep climb to the end will lead us to a small bridge from where the rest of the trail is quite plain. We will also get our first glimpse of 1st Gokyo lake after crossing the iron bridge. Then we will pass through the beautiful 2nd Gokyo lake filled with mane rocks to finally reach the 3rd Gokyo lake, wherein one shore lies the Gokyo Ri, the tallest viewpoint of the area, and Gokyo Valley – a bustling Sherpa village filled on another. During the winter, Solid Ice covers most parts of the lake.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 08 Gokyo Ri Excursion (5360m), WALK: 3 hours

Early morning before sunrise, we will climb the Gokyo Ri, which takes approx. 2 hours from where we can watch a beautiful light in front of a magnificent panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and other mountains. After spending some time at the peak of Gokyo-Ri, we will climb down and explore the Gokyo Valley for the day, hear the stories of local people and enjoy the day.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 09 Trek back to Phortse Thanga (3680m), WALK: 7 hours

After Breakfast, we will climb down through the same trail we came bidding our farewell to Gokyo valley and its people. After that, we will climb to Machhermo and Dole to finally reach the Phortse Thanga through the alpine forest.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10 Trek to Khumjung (3780m), WALK: 6 hours

Today we will be ascending to Mong, from where the narrow trail begins to descend to Sanasa. Then we will follow the escalating stone paved steps toward the village of Khumjung, known for the locals’ humbleness and extraordinary mountaineering skill. The town is on the foot of Mount Khumbila, a holy mountain for the Sherpas.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11 Trek Monjo (2835m), WALK: 7 hours

A slow climb to Namche Bazaar will start the day. Then we will climb down through the alpine forest, cross the Hillary bridge and then pass through Tok Tok to reach Monjo for the day.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 12 Trek back to Lukla (2860m), WALK: 6 hours

A short trek of 5 hours will take us back to Lukla. Your crew will be parting soon, so you can thank them and give your warm wishes to bid farewell in the hope of seeing them again some time.

Included: Accommodation in Tea house with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 13 Fly Back to Kathmandu (1200m)

30 min flight back to Kathmandu, and our representative will escort you to your hotel. Your body might yearn for hot baths and a good body massage. You can buy souvenirs and roam around Kathmandu for the day. Later in the evening, your Travel planner will meet you for a farewell dinner, and you can share your feedback and experience with them.

Included: Accommodation in a 3-Star hotel and Dinner

Day 14 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

“The city of thousand Temples,” Kathmandu, is a cultural hub of Nepal. Today, we will be exploring some UNESCO heritage sites:

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
    Built in the 15th century, the ancient palace of Nepal’s monarch is an exemplary illustration of Nepalese art and culture. 
  • Pashupatinath Temple
    It is dedicated to Shiva, the god of destruction in Hindu mythology. Not only is the temple exemplary with its fine artwork, but the temple depicts the relationship between birth and death in Hinduism.
  • Swaymbhunath Stupa
    According to myth, the stupa was self-emerged, and according to Buddhism, its eye represents the wisdom and compassion of Buddha. In contrast, the third eye represents the message of heavenly bodies.

Included: Accommodation in a 3-Star hotel and Dinner

Day 15 Final Departure

Our representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before departure. We hope you had a wonderful experience with us, and we will soon meet again on your next adventure.

Breakfast included

Trip Includes

  • All the arrival and departure transfers in a private AC vehicle.
  • Three nights stay in Kathmandu in a 3-star hotel with breakfast.
  • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight tickets.
  • Service of an English-speaking licensed adventure guide (Trained in first-aid and emergency rescues).
  • Eleven nights of twin-sharing stay in local tea houses (private bathroom wherever possible) with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • One porter for every 2 clients.
  • All the required permits for the trek.
  • Sleeping bags and down jackets for borrowing during the trek upon request.
  • Duffel bags and maps on a complimentary basis.
  • First-aid box (carried by the guide).
  • Private AC vehicle during the sightseeing.
  • Accompany of licensed English Speaking Tour guide during the sightseeing.
  • Monuments and entrance fees during the tour.
  • All the applicable government charges

Trip Excludes

  • International flight tickets.
  • Nepal Visa.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Meals in Kathmandu.
  • Personal expenses such as beverage bills, laundry, charging of electric devices, WI-Fi, etc.
  • Anything not mentioned in the above itinerary and inclusions.

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