Gokyo Valley Trek

Gokyo Valley Trek - description

Start: We can arrange tour on any date as per your requirement.

Mt. Everest: highest mountain on earth with a height of 8.848m, incalculably and incredible fascinating at the same time.
Explore the area next to the hightest point of the earth, feel the atmosphere walking between these huge mountains and large glaciers surrounding us, which let us feel so small compared to this incredible landscape.

Gokyo Ri Trek is beside Everest Base Camp Trek another popular Trek in the Everest Region. It offers excellent views of the Everest Himalayan Range and also of Nepal's biggest glacier and a string of turquoise lakes. The Gokyo Valley is the most attractive in the Khumbu Region.  Another advantage is, that it is less crowded than the Base Camp Trek. The view from Gokyo Ri is exceptionally beautiful and offers more of the legendary mountains than the view from Kalapathar. You have an excellent view of Mt. Everest, though from a slightly greater distance than from Kala Patthar, but in exchance, you can see more of the highest mountains on earth next to Mt. Everest. 
The first and the last part of our trek will be the same as in Everest Base Camp Trek. 

After sightseeing in Kathmandu, we fly to Lukla (2.800m) from where we trek to Phakding the same day. The next and more scenic day will be the hike to Namche Bazaar (3.440m). We will have the first great views of Mt. Thamserku (6.623m).
The subsequent days we will pass through Phortse Village and Machhermo where the mountains are more spectacular.
We reach Gokyo enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Ngozumba Glacier, the largest in the Nepal Himalayas. The small herding settlement of Gokyo (4,750m) 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, Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, expose themselves.

Hike Gokyo Ri and you will be rewarded with superb views of Mt. Everest as well as Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Mt. Makalu and many more within a stone's throw away! 
Many trekkers claim that Gokyo Ri gives the finest views of Everest Himalayan Range.

Gokyo Valley Trek - Overview

Day 01- Arrival and Transfer to Hotel, Welcome Dinner
Day 02- Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambunath
Day 03- Transfer to Domestic Airport, Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2650m)
Day 04- Trek to Namche Bazaar (3480m), 5 hours.
Day 05- Namche Bazaar Acclimatization day.
Day 06- Trek to Dole (4130 m) 5 hours.
Day 07- Trek to Machermo (4470 meters)
Day 08- Trek to Gokyo (4770 meters) 4 hours.
Day 09- Hike up to Gokyo Ri (5360 meters) early in the morning then back to Gokyo 4 hours.
Day 10- Trek back to Dole (4130 meters)
Day 11- Trek to Namche Bazaar (3480 meters)
Day 12- Trek to Lukla (2800 meters) 6 hours
Day 13- Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and Transfer to Bhaktapur
Day 14- Sightseeing in Bhaktapur
Day 15- Departure

Gokyo Valley Trek - Details Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345m)
Upon our arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from our organisation will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. Today you will have a Welcome Dinner and can try authentic Nepali food like Dal Bhaat, what Nepali people eat 2 times a day. You will also get to know your guides and they will provide you a detailed briefing on your upcoming trek so that you are well prepared for the trip and any last-minute question will be answered.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After breakfast you will visit the most popular Sightseeing locations of Kathmandu. You will drive to Swayambunath, the "Monkey Temple" of Kathmandu, a buddhist pilgrimage place for buddhist with a small Stupa. After that you will Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square with its pagodes, which is the home of the living goddess Kumari.
Then you will drive further to Pashupatinath. It is an important pilgrimage place for Hindus and a lot believers from India come there every week. There are lots of temples and at the shore of the holy Bagmati River, the believers burn there dead relatives. Then you will go back to the big stupa of Boudha, which is also known as little Tibet and enjoy your dinner at the rooftop of the hotel with view of the Stupa. 

Day 03: Flight to Lukla (2800m) and trek to Phakding (2610m) 
After breakfast, you will be escorted to Kathmandu domestic airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m), which is itself a great adventure, with views of the ricefields below and the mountains beside you. The flight takes about 40 minutes. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. In Lukla we will meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. Our walking distance is not far today, so if you are interested, you can visit a small monastery near Phakding. 

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) 5 hours.
Today you will follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross several rope bridges, one of them the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. The first few hours the way is not very steep and you can get the first great views of  Mt. Thamserku (6618m) and later enter Sagarmatha National Park. After crossing Hillary Bridge, the trail starts getting very steep and you have to climb about 1 1/2 hours until you reach Namche Bazar, which is the main trading centre of this region. If you forgot anything you need for the trekking you can buy it here.

Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche and Visit of Khumjung (3800m)
Because we have to become accustomed to the height, we stay one night more in Namche. Health experts recommend us to stay active and moving during the day.
After breakfast we will visit the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. You can also get great views of the Himalaya from there. Then we will continue our hike to Khumjung village, with a fantastic view of Ama Dablam (6812m). After that we will come back to Namche and spend the rest of the day there.
Because Namche is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region, you can find there government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday.

Day 06: Trek to Dole (4130m) 5 hours.
After breakfast we will start our trek to Dole. You can get clear views of snowy peaks, mountains and different vegetation. You will also get to know the  living style and culture of the people, who llive so high in the mountains. They plant the crops for their needs and earn their income. Farming and lodging is the main occupation of the people in Dole.

Day 07: Trek to Mochermo (4470m)
Today we climb steadily up the trail to Machermo, accompanied by good views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. The trail takes us through many summer settlements and a charming hamlet of Luza (4360 m). While ascending from Luza, we will be at the Dudh Koshi valley. 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. The beautiful stream flowing down from the Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche mountains runs through the middle of village before draining into the Dudh Koshi. It is the place where Khumbu people got first sighting of Yeti in 1974. We visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding the altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment.

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4770m) 4 hours.
In the morning you will start the trekking towards Gokyo. Gokyo village is our main destination to be reached. We climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous view of both down the valley and of the Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Later we will climb up the terminal moraine of the Ngozamba Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. Upon crossing an iron bridge over a stream, the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m.
Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore the surroundings of the third Lake, Dudh Pokhari. We spend night in a teahouse with comfortable bedrooms.

Day 09: Climb Gokyo Ri (5357m) and back to Gokyo
Today we have an acclimatization day in Gokyo, but we will not stay idle. You should get up early in the morning to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint in the Everest Region, Gokyo Ri. Get amazing views of Gokyo village and the Himalayan Range from there. 
If you are not tired, you can visit other Gokyo Lakes in the afternoon.
Beyond the fifth Lakes is the Cho Oyu Base Camp. Northern part of the fifth lake provides fabulous views of Cho-Oyu Base Camp and biggest glacier of the world - the Ngazumpa glacier. Moved by the charm, we may even try to go sixth lake too but depends upon our own interest and time. 

Day 10: Trek back to Dole (4130m)
After our 2 nights stay in Gokyo, we trek back to Dole. The trail passes accross the Ngozumpa Glacier through Dudh Koshi River. On the way to Dole you can get beautiful and close views of Cho Oyu, Tharmserku, Kangtega and many other peaks. We trek down to Machhermo where the trail becomes easy to walk. 
 

Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
After 6 hours trekking, we reach to the beautiful Sherpa village Namche Bazaar. Sherpa is one of the major castes of Nepal. You are warmly welcomed in the fine Guest house in Namche Bazaar for your night stay.

Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2800m), 6 hours
The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. By today, we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air and it will feel very easy to walk in this lower elevation. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views - there is so much air to breathe in now. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile! 
 

Day 13: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
We will fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning and drive to our hotel in Bhaktapur. You will have time to relax and recover from the long trek. If you want you can explore Bhaktapur yourself. 

Day 14: Sightseeing in Bhaktapur
After having breakfast you will go for Sightseeing in Bhaktapur which is located in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley. It is an ancient Newar city abought 8 miles far from the capital city Kathmandu. Bhaktapur was the largest of the three Newa kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, and was the capital of Nepal during the great "Malla" Kingdom until the second half of the 15th century. It is famous for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. Because of this it is also listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
In the evening you will have a farewell dinner with the guide of your tour because it will be the last evening all together.

Today is the acclimatization day in Kathmandu. You can go for the shopping and nearby visiting. Get an easy time to visit around the local markets. Depends on your interest, you can go for the sightseeing. Stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 15: Departure
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives. Then you will be transferred to the airport and fly back home.

Here a map of the region:
 

TREKKING MAP

Inclusive

- All transfers as described in the program by private transportation
- Flight Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu
- 3-star hotel in Bhaktapur: 2 nights; Sweet Home Bhaktapur 
- 3-star hotel in Kathmandu: 2 nights
- entrance fee for trekking and sightseeing as described in the program
- Simple, clean lodge accommodation during the trek: 12 nights
- english speaking trekking guide (german speaking guide on request)
- one porter for 2 persons (he carries 12,5kg per person)
- welcome and farewell dinner
- Insurance of staff
- government taxes and office expenses

Exclusive

- Visa for Nepal (EUR 35,- or USD 40,-)
- International flights
- Sightseeing which is not described in the program
- meals
- Personal expenditure: e.g. drinks, souvenirs, laundry, snacks, etc.
- Vaccination and travel insurance
- Extra payment in case of illness, rescue, changes of the program because of acts of nature beyond 
control, and additional expenses for overnight accommodations, etc. resulting from this 

What To Bring?

Please book your trip at least 2 weeks before your preferred start date!

Gokyo Valley Trek Cost: Minimum 02 pax: USD 1290 per person