True spirit of adventure since 1990
Nepal Environmental Trek
Nepal Environmental
Treks & Expedition

Gokyo Valley Trek

Duration
13 days
Max. Elevation
5545m
Group size
Min 1+
Level
MODERATE
Transportation
Ktm - Lukla - Ktm by flight
Best Season
Autumn: SEP-OCT-NOV Spring: MAR-APR-MAY
Accomodation
2-3 Star Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu. Lodge Accommodation during Trek
Meals
3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Starts at/ Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip Route
{ Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding - Namche Bazaar - Thame - Khumjung - Dole - Machhermo - Gokyo - Gokyo Ri - Machhermo - Namche Bazaar - Lukla - Kathmandu }

Highlights

    • Namche Bazaar at an altitude of 3440m., a popular acclimatizing point
    • The best view of Mt. Ama Dablam
    • Gokyo Valley & Gokyo Lake, one of the 19 Gokyo freshwater system 
    • Highest point of this trek, Gokyo Ri Peak (5483m.)
    • Majestic views of Lhotse (8516m.), Everest (8848m.), Pumori (7161m), Cho Oyu (8201m.) etc.


Overview

The Gokyo Valley trek is an adventurous trekking in Everest region. It is a challenging trek taking you into higher altitudes of the Himalayas and rewards you with splendid mix of Sherpa culture and Himalayan peaks and biodiversity.
 
A short flight from Kathmandu brings you to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. Your trekking begins from Lukla heading towards the first village of Phakding along Dudh Kosi river. It is only a day’s walk from Phakding to reach Namche Bazaar as your path crisscrosses ridges, valleys and forests of pine and oaks. Namche Bazaar at an altitude of 3440m. is a popular acclimatizing point. Being the capital of Sherpa community, Namche offers all modern amenities including internet, bars, hotels, bakeries etc. Here one can observe Sherpa lifestyles and Buddhist culture, visit Monastery and try Sherpa cuisine.  
 
You will be able to get the best view of Mt. Ama Dablam from Namche.  Your trekking path ahead touches scenic villages of Dhole (4040m.), Maccharmo (4410m) and finally Gokyo Lake (4750m.). A Ramsar site, Gokyo Lake is one of the 19 Gokyo freshwater system that descend from Mt. Cho Oyu. 
 
The high point of this trek is the climb to Gokyo Ri Peak (5483m.) from Gokyo. The climb takes about 2 hours and peak summit affords majestic views of Lhotse (8516m.), Everest (8848m.), Pumori (7161m.), Cho Oyu (8201m.), Cholatse, Tiwachee  among others. 
 
The trail lies in Sagarmath National park which actually preserves the rich Himalayan biodiversity. You can be lucky enough to catch the sightings of rare species like Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard and Black Bear etc while on trek. 
 
Gokyo Valley Trek is best done in Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) when the mountain views are clear and hills come alive in greenery and colorful flowers. 

Important Note

Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels. We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category or price range of hotel that you would like to stay in. 

Trip Itinerary

You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at a Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

2886m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

 This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set up to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche Bazaar and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You will also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

3440m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization at a high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital was set up by the late Sir Edmund Hillary and you can also hike for an hour up to Tyangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for some outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

3440m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

From Namche the route turns west and the trail is almost level as you head up the Bhote Koshi Valley. After descending to the Bhote Koshi the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here, there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde and to the north is the Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

3800m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

You retrace your route down the Bhote Koshi Valley towards Namche and branch off to follow a quiet trail to Khumjung. It is a picturesque village which also has its own Gompa at the top end of town. Here you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

3790m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek steeply descend passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

4040m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

 From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements. Ahead of you presents majestic views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

4150m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melted-water. Rivers flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.), your route to Lobuche and Everest and later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

4750m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can also take a trip to the Fifth Lake via the Fourth Lake. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

4750m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machhermo. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

5483m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

The trail gently descends to Dole and then starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga (3650m.) passing through rhododendron forests. Then, the path immediately ascends steeply to Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends up to Kyanjoma (3500m.) following small up and down trail to your next destination. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

4150m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for a few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. Stay overnight in lodge.

Max. altitude

2886m

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which will take about 35 minutes. You will board an early morning flight back to Kathmandu enjoying the fantastic views of the mountains if the weather is clear.

Max. altitude

1400m

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast
Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
Plan My Trip
Elevation Chart

Includes

    • All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C car or van
    • Entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park
    • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
    • Trekking guide/s
    • Porter/s (One porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
    • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) including fresh fruits, 3 times tea/coffee every day and drinking water
    • Accomodation in Lodge during the trek
    • Flight ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
    • Insurance and equipments for the trekking staffs
    • First aid kit
    • Rescue assistance (Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will    provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. For this, it would be better to have your own travel insurance that can cover helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost incase required.)
    • One farewell dinner with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
    • Souvenir

Doesn't Include

    • Personal nature expenses
    • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
    • Travel insurance
    • Tips
    • Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

Equipment List

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor.  Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.

General Items

Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items

Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff  

Sun-worn Items

Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets

Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries), 

Liquid/Snacks

Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials

First Aid Kit

Optional

Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc

Additional items for camping trek

Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.

Share this tour

Book Now

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Sign up to stay updated with latest offers, recent events and more news.
Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal