Gokyo Valley Trek - 13 Days

Based on 2 Reviews
  Trip map view   Download the trip
Gokyo Valley Trek
Gokyo Valley Trek
Trip Details
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: Private vehicle & airplane
  • Food: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel, lodge (tea house)
  • Group Size: 01 to 12 pax
  • Max Elevation: 5,357m
  • Starts in: Kathmandu
  • Ends in: Kathmandu
  • Average Walk: 5- 7 hours
  • Best Season: March to May / September to November

Highlights

  • A mind-boggling trek to Gokyo Valley in the Everest or Khumbu Trekking region.
  • Starting with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the world's most adventurous and anticipated airports.
  • A chance to ascend on a moderately difficult trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal.
  • Witness and immerse yourself in the local tradition, culture, and religion of the people living in the Everest trekking region and the Khumbu region.
  • Close, panoramic, and spectacular views of several sky-touching mountains, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
  • You can also get one of the best sunrise views from Gokyo Ri and the Ngozumba glacier.
  • Experience the unique and tradition-influenced lifestyle and hospitality offered by the Sherpa people living in the Khumbu region.

About Gokyo Valley Trek

Gokyo Valley Trek is a 13-day trekking journey in the Everest or Khumbu region of Nepal. This is one of the highly preferred, moderately difficult trekking routes, attracting many national and international trekkers every year. Among a lot of trekking routes in the Everest region, the Gokyo Valley Trekking package is also the best pick for adventure lovers. Many trekkers and adventure lovers also go for this trekking journey as an alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek.

The days of the itinerary of the Gokyo Valley Trek and the classic Everest Base Camp Trek are almost similar. Besides, the same goes for the overall experience and adventure that these two trekking trails offer. One of the best facts about the trek to Gokyo Valley is the glimpse of rare flora and wildlife as well as turquoise lakes, high-altitude monasteries, panoramic mountain vistas, Sherpa communities, and viewpoints we get to witness.

Talking about the Gokyo Valley Trekking map follows the same oath as that of the Everest Base Camp Trek up until Namche Bazaar. That's where we take a diversion and ascend towards Phortse Thenga. From there, we start getting a completely new adventure, views, and experience than the classic EBC Trek. However, the coolness of Mount Everest, the lushness of Sagarmatha National Park, and the adrenaline rush remain almost similar. Moreover, the tradition and culture we see during the Gokyo Valley Trek also do not differ much from the EBC Trekking route.

Throughout the ascend, we pass through several lush forests, serene waterfalls, and amazing settlements along with the views of the Himalayas. The highest point of the Gokyo Valley Trek is Gokyo Ri (5357 meters). We reach this altitude on the eighth day and then start the descending journey. In between, trekkers will get to experience a lot more than just adventure and adrenaline rush with the Adventure Bound team.

Why Choose Adventure Bound?

Adventure Bound is not just any other trekking agency in Nepal. We are more importantly a partner, a guide, and a safety assurance for the trekkers visiting the Himalayas of Nepal. Our team has been offering trekking and tour services to national and international trekkers since 2009. So, we stand strong with the trust that people have us, our team, and our services.

However, if you are looking for the best companion to go for the Gokyo Valley Trek, here are a few reasons to make it easy to choose Adventure Bound:

  • Adventure Bound is a team of trained, seasoned, and professional staff, including in-office staff, guides, and porters.
  • Our motto is to offer adventure and adrenaline rush that also incorporates sustainability and safety.
  • With the Adventure Bound team, trekkers can expect an easy way to book the package.
  • We are ready to help the trekkers with anything 24/7 throughout the trekking journey.
  • Adventure Bound also provides trekking essentials, including a sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffle bags if necessary.
  • Our guides have fluently spoken English, which makes them good translators for the trekkers to interact with the locals.
  • The Adventure Bound team also arranges high-quality and hygienic food and accommodation throughout the trek.
  • You can even customize the itineraries of the Gokyo Valley Trek if the existing package does not match your preferences.
  • We pay special attention to the transportation facilities during the Trek to Gokyo Valley Trek.

Cost for the 13 Day Gokyo Valley Trek

One of the concerning factors for any person to decide whether to go for the trek or not is its cost. With Adventure Bound, you will not have to worry about that at all. That's because the Adventure Bound team offers the most reasonable and affordable cost for the 13 Day Gokyo Valley Trekking package.

However, some factors like the number of travelers, seasons, etc make a difference in the total package cost. Therefore, we recommend trekkers properly check all of that before booking the Gokyo Valley Trekking package.

Itinerary

Expand All Hide All

The Adventure Bound team welcomes the trekker to Nepal. As you land at the Tribhuwan International Airport, our representatives will receive you with respect and take you to the hotel. We recommend the trekkers to check in at the hotel and get freshened up. After that, you can go for a quick stroll around the nearby market area.

Check out the restaurants, hotels, cafes, and spas near the hotel. You can try out different local and international cuisines and get relaxed with some quick massage. By the evening, we recommend the trekkers return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

We request all the trekkers to wake up early in the morning and get ready for the journey to begin. Based on the flight schedule, the representatives from Adventure Bound will drive you from the hotel to the Tribhuwan International Airport in a private vehicle. From there, the trekkers will board a flight and take off for Tenzing and Hillary Airport (Lukla).

A 35-minute picturesque and adventurous flight is all you need to start the Gokyo Valley Trekking journey. As you land in the Lukla Airport, our guides will be waiting for you. We will go for a short break in Lukla, collect the backpacks, and then go for a short trek from Lukla to Phakding. It takes about 3 to 4 hours for us to reach Phakding. This means that the trek will not be very difficult. One of the significant things about the trek from Lukla to Phakding is the stone walls you see throughout.

Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged in a hotel or guesthouse in Phakding.

On the third day, we will ascend to the heaven of Sherpa settlements, the Namche Bazaar. Located at 3450 meters above sea level, Namche Bazaar is one of the most beautiful towns in the Himalayas of Nepal. Our walk begins early in the morning after having a delicious breakfast at the hotel. This section of the Gokyo Valley Trek goes past several other settlements, including Bengkar, Monjo, and Jorsale.

During the ascend, the magnificent scenes of sky-touching Himalayas will be keeping their eyes on you. We will be able to see some of the significant mountains of Nepal, including Kusum Kanguru and Thamserku. After a few hours of walking through different settlements, we will go to the Sagarmatha National Park. Before entering the park, remember to get your Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit checked. A few more hours to walk on this section of the Gokyo Valley Trekking route and we will reach Namche Bazaar.

As you reach Namche Bazaar at an altitude of 3450 meters, you will get to witness a whole different culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Sherpa people. Take your time to stroll around the town before going to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Namche Bazaar has always been one of the best acclimatization hubs for any trekkers ascending the Everest region trek. Whether you go for a classic EBC Trek or this trek to Gokyo Valley, you will spare one day to adapt to the conditions of the higher altitude. Moreover, this town is so lovely that everyone loves to spend at least one day strolling around.

With both of those factors in mind, the Adventure Bound team has separated the fourth day of the Gokyo Valley Trek as the acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. However, we will not sit idle in the hotel because this is a rest or acclimatization day. Instead, the trekkers can do activities like strolling around, hiking, etc to keep them charged up for higher ascend. We recommend you go for a quick hike to Khunde and Khumjung. Otherwise, you can also go for a hike to the Everest View Hotel, a hotel located at the highest altitude (13000 feet). Both of these hikes will prepare you for the temperature and climate of the higher altitude. However, the trekkers need to return to Namche Bazaar for the overnight stay because in the mountains there is a rule, "climb high, sleep low."

Witness the longest Mani wall in Khumbu, Khumjung Gompa, and Khunde Hillary Hospital if you go for the hike to Khunde and Khumjung. Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Today is the day for us to leave the classic EBC trekking route and take a different path towards Gokyo Valley. As you wake up in Namche Bazaar and have your breakfast, the guides will take you on a walk to Phortse Thenga. This village is located at an altitude of 3680 meters above sea level and it takes us 4 to 5 hours to reach Phortse Thenga from Namche Bazaar.

The first section of this Gokyo Valley Trekking trail takes us to the Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa and then to Kyangjuma before leading to Sansa. from Sansa, we will take left which is where we leave the classic EBC Trekking trail and walk towards Mong La Pass. This pass consists of a sacred Khumbila. In this section of the trek to Gokyo Valley, the trekkers might also get lucky enough to witness several unique animals like musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and pheasant. A little more to ascend

After breakfast at Namche, begin to climb up via Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa. Then we reach Kyangjuma and Sansa. Leaving the main trail to EBC, we take the left and ascend to Mong, and ultimately with a steady climb up, we reach Dole. Overnight at lodge. 

On the sixth day, we ascend to an altitude of 4480 meters above sea level. As the altitude is very high, we recommend the trekkers take care of altitude sickness. Keep a slower pace and follow the instructions provided by the guides. Besides the risks of altitude sickness, the entire route offers a lot of adventure and outstanding views of the Himalayas and settlements. It takes about 5 to 6 hours for us to reach Machhermo from Phortse Thenga.

As we just start walking in this section of the trek to Gokyo Valley, we will be climbing a ridge. After that, the route goes through some amazing settlements, including Lhabarma and Luza. The spectacular views of different Himalayas like Kantega, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and the Ngozumpa glacier keep us mentally strong and encouraged. As you reach the Machhermo settlement, you will also see Machhermo Hamlet, the starting point of the lovely stream that flows from Kyajo Ri and Phari Lapche.

Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged in a good hotel or guesthouse in Machhermo. 

From Machhermo, the Gokyo Valley Trekking route ascends towards Gokyo Lakes. Gokyo Lake is a collection of 6 glacial lakes located at an altitude of 4750 meters above sea level. This section of the Gokyo Valley Trek is one of the most adventurous and difficult out of the entire route. Therefore, we recommend that trekkers to strongly follow the instructions strictly.

After walking for about 5 to 6 hours from Machhermo, we will reach the first lake, Longpongo, just after crossing an iron bridge. A little more to walk and we will see the second lake named Taboche Tsho. Here, the trekkers will also see Lama's footprint on a stone. The max that we ascend to is the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Believe us that these three lakes are enough to give you goosebumps. If you love peace and calmness, these lakes are the perfect place to spend some time.

We will spend the night in a camp alongside the third lake. However, our guides will carry your food and provide you with dinner and lunch. 

On the eighth day, the trekkers will take their time to explore and stroll around the Gokyo Valley. Along with that, the guides will also take you for a quick hike to Gokyo Ri. If the weather is clear, we will go for this hike early in the morning and watch the sunrise from the altitude of 5357 meters above sea level. Remember that, this will be the highest altitude of the entire Gokyo Valley Trekking map.

If the weather is not so good, we will go for this hike after breakfast. If the conditions are perfect in Gokyo Ri, the trekkers will be offered spectacular views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu, along with Mount Everest and the entire Khumbu region. Moreover, we also recommend the trekkers visit the fourth lake of Gokyo Lakes, Thonak Tsho. This lake is on the northern side of the third lake. If you have strong physical fitness, you can also ascend to the fifth lake, Ngozumpa Tsho.

Make sure to return to Gokyo Valley (third lake) a little before sunset so that you can take your time to rest and prepare for another overnight stay.

The ninth day of the Gokyo Valley Trekking package signifies the day of return. It is the day when we start our journey downwards. After having breakfast early in the morning and getting ready, the guides will take you from Gokyo Valley to Dole. The route is straight downhill and comparatively easy. As it will be a deserving journey and you have already experienced harsh uphill, this section of the Gokyo Valley Trek might be easier for you.

Within a few hours of descent, we will pass two lakes and Machhermo before reaching a traditional settlement named Luza. Furthermore, the route leads us to another village named Kele and finally to Dole. Done is also a beautiful settlement in the Gokyo Valley Trekking route, which offers warm hospitality and a chance to indulge in the traditional lifestyle.

We will spend the night in a hotel or guesthouse after having a delicious local dinner. 

On the tenth day, we again make our way towards the classic EBC trekking route. Leaving Dole early in the morning, we walk for a while to enter the Sagarmatha National Park route. This will be the same route that we took while ascending towards Gokyo Valley. Therefore, many parts of this trail might not be a new thing for the trekkers to experience or witness. It takes about 6 to 7 hours for any average trekker to reach from Dole to Namche Bazaar.

As this is the same route as we ascended, we will first reach Phortse Thanga where we explore the monastery (birthplace of Lama Sange). Furthermore, we will also walk past some other villages, including Khumjung, Khunde, and Syangboche. Reaching the Namche Bazaar offers a different level of satisfaction. This is because Namche Bazaar is a town with almost all the facilities, including internet cafes, hotels, WiFi, ATMs, and bakeries.

Take your time to stroll around Namche Bazaar and enjoy this day of the Gokyo Valley Trekking package. Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged by the Adventure Bound team in a hotel or guesthouse in the Namche Bazaar.

Finally, it's the day when we will reach the starting point of any Khumbu region trekking packages. Yes, after having breakfast in Namche Bazaar, the guides will lead you on a well-developed trail towards Lukla. Lukla is the home of one of the most adventurous airports in the world. It takes us about 6 to 7 hours for us to reach Lukla. This section of the Gokyo Valley Trek also waves goodbye to Sagarmatha National Park.

Then we trek down to Manju and to Phakding crossing numerous bridges. From Phakding to Lukla, the walk is rather gentle and through several painted stones and Mani Walls. Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged by Adventure Bound in a lodge at Lukla. 

As per the flight time, our team will take you to the airport. If the flight is scheduled early in the morning, you will reach Kathmandu early. However, if the flight is scheduled for later in the day, you can take your time to stroll around the village. It takes about 30 minutes for us to reach Kathmandu from Lukla. Our representatives will pick you up from the airport and drive you to the hotel.

Take your time to rest and stroll around the city after such a long time in the Himalayas. You can go around the city and visit some exotic clubs and pubs. Overnight stay and dinner will be arranged in the hotel itself.

Finally, it's the last day of the Gokyo Valley Trekking journey as our representative waves you goodbye. However, we strongly believe that you will choose Adventure Bound for any other trekking or travel journey in Nepal in the future.

Cost Details

Included

  • All Airport transportations
  • 2-night standard twin-sharing hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Round-trip airfare to/from Lukla, including transfers. The Lukla flight will be operated from Ramechhap Airport during the peak season.
  • Twin-sharing tea house accommodation during the trek
  • 3 Meals a day during the trek: (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) a cup of Tea/ coffee during the breakfast time.
  • Gov-licensed, experienced, helpful, and friendly guides and porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accident insurance
  • All required trekking Permits
  • Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket, and Duffel bag, (if you don’t have your own, you need to return after the trip is completed.)
  • First aid medicine kid including a pulse oximeter
  • Government taxes & office service charge

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Your travel and medical insurance (recommended)
  • Porter fee for single trekker (optional)
  • Personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, costs of alcohol, recharging batteries, additional porters, bottled or boiled water, all desserts, tea coffee hot showers, and wifi, among others
  • Tips for trekking staff (tipping is expected)

Useful Information

Transportation During the Gokyo Valley Trek

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu has a higher chance of getting delayed or even canceled throughout the year. This is due to the unpredictable seasons and climatic changes. In such cases, there might be changes or extensions of the total itinerary days of the Gokyo Valley Trek. Therefore, we recommend that trekkers be aware of such situations and prepare accordingly.

In most cases, the delays and cancellations of flights happen during October and November. These months have unfavorable weather conditions. However, if you choose Adventure Bound for this trek, we will make sure to make proper arrangements during such unfortunate situations. As an alternative to the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you can go for a drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and then fly to Lukla. However, if you have no interest in such a time-consuming alternative, we recommend you go for the Helicopter charter. Helicopter charter is a perfect way to transport to the Himalayas region because climate and weather have a very low impact on heli flight. It costs about $3000 per lift that accommodates 5 people per flight.

In conclusion, there are three different modes of transportation during the Gokyo Lake Trek which can be chosen as per your preferences and climatic conditions.

Best Season for the Trek to Gokyo Valley

The best season for the Gokyo Valley trek depends upon the type of experience you want. If you want to go for a comparatively easy and comfortable trek with as few obstacles as possible, the spring season (March to May) and Autumn season (mid-September to November) are the best seasons. However, if you want to go for a little more adventurous trek when the temperature and climate are also extreme, we recommend you go for the winter season (late November to February).

During the autumn and spring season, the weather remains clear. Moreover, due to green and lush forests and rhododendron blooms, the whole route becomes fresh and full of greenery. Due to pleasant temperatures and climatic conditions, almost all of the tea houses, guesthouses, and hotels also remain open. As a result, the trekkers will be in for an easy, comfortable, and proper ascend to the Gokyo Valley. In contrast, the winter season causes almost all the hotels to close. Moreover, trees will also be shedding their leaves and animals will be in hibernation.

As per the analysis of the Adventure Bound team, the spring and autumn seasons are perfect for trekkers who love nature. On the other hand, for trekkers who love some extra challenges, and difficulties, and love to play with snow, Gokyo Valley Trek in the winter season is highly recommended.

Gokyo Valley Trek Difficulty Level

As we have mentioned earlier in the package details, Gokyo Valley Trek is known as the perfect alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp. This does not only apply to the location and altitude; besides, it also applies to the difficulty level. Yes, Gokyo Valley Trek is a challenging trekking route in the Khumbu region. In many sections of the trek, the trekkers will have to go up on a steep climb, long walks, and even such remoteness. If you choose the winter season, you will even have to compromise on good quality accommodation hubs and food menus.

However, if we think of these as the basic things in the Himalayas, the way you prepare also has a strong impact on the difficulty level of the Gokyo Valley Trekking journey. We recommend that trekkers prepare as properly as possible and maintain both physical and mental fitness. Moreover, be a smart backpacker and understand the challenges and obstacles that can arise during the ascend to Gokyo Valley.

Preparation for the Gokyo Valley Trek

If you want to ascend a difficult trail like the Gokyo Valley Trekking route, you should pay special attention to prepare accordingly. But before you get panicked, let is tell you that the preparation for the Gokyo Lake Trek is not as intense or strenuous as any other trekking route in the Khumbu region. We recommend that trekkers prioritize both physical and mental fitness. Go for proper exercise, hit the gym, and do some yoga and meditation. If you do all of these, ascending the Gokyo Valley trail becomes comparatively easy and more adventurous.

We recommend the trekkers go for some shorter hikes, morning walks, jogging, hit the gym, and eat as healthy food as possible before the trek. Moreover, one of the most important things to consider while going for such high-altitude journeys is keeping yourself hydrated. We recommend the trekkers follow all of these instructions while preparing for the Gokyo Valley Trek for a better experience and fewer difficulties.

Booking the Gokyo Valley Trek with Adventure Bound

If you have read the entire package details, we are pretty sure that you would want to experience walking on this trail. In such cases, Adventure Bound is the perfect companion for any trek to go for the ascend. We have a user-friendly website that offers an easy interface for you to book the package. All you need to do is go to the top of the package and fill in the details on the right-hand side. After you fill in the details, click on the BOOK NOW button.

Besides, you can also book the package by contacting us via WhatsApp or Viber or directly calling us at +977 9851046019 (LAXMAN ARYAL). To confirm the booking, you will have to make a 20% advance payment and the rest of the payment can be done before going for the trek. Remember that, booking the Gokyo Valley Trek with Adventure Bound means ensuring an adventurous, safe, and successful trek to the Gokyo Valley in the Khumbu region.

Client Reviews

Gokyo Ri trek

Mikaela L, British lndian Ocean Territory

I met Rabin in Namche during the trek to EBC and he seemed to be very experienced as a guide and very friendly. He told me about the Gokyo route and that made me relize that I wanted to change my route with my guide. I also met more friendly guides from Adventure bound along the way and after this we were trekking together as a group which was really nice. Rabin is a very friendly person who always do his best to make you feel safe and secure and he has a very profesional service and is very kind and clear in his communication which I think is very important during this kind of experience. Thank you Rabin for being such a good guide for me, even if you were not my guide. Next time I want to do trekking I will choose you as my guide!

Gokyo Valley Trek with Ramon

mikeminero, Netherlands

We had wonderful days in the Himalaya. Everything was perfectly organized. Communication with Mr. Laxman was very easy. He organised all the permits, flights etc. We had pickup at the airport and stayed one night in a good mid class hotel in Kathmandu. The next 10 days we spent in the mountains. Ramon, our guide, has a very good knowledge about the mountains, the people and was always very helpful. Communication was very easy, he speaks english very well. I would definitely recommend Adventure Bound and i am looking forward for our next trip :)

Trip Advisor write a review