Overview
Gokyo Valley Trekking route is a traditional trekking trail in the Everest region that blends natural beauty, adventure, and diversity. Bask in the magnificent view of Everest and scores of other big and small Himalayas. Lay eyes on the largest glacier in the Nepalese Himalayas. Surround yourself with a variety of flora and fauna. Be a part of the unique culture of the region. Take the Gokyo Valley Trekking route to explore a different side of the Himalayas not seen from the Everest Base Camp. Gokyo boasts magnificent turquoise lakes. The surrounding glacier forms the source of mighty and torrential Sapta Koshi River, the biggest river in Nepal. This river holds cultural and historical significance.
Gokyo Valley Trekking route takes you to the less popular, yet more beautiful, part of the Everest region. The journey begins with the exploration of the ancient, cultural and historical heritage of Kathmandu valley. Learn about Newari culture, tradition, and lifestyle that has been in existence for ages. After that, take an exhilarating 35-minute flight to the beautiful Lukla Airport. The trail follows the mighty Dudh Koshi River. You will enjoy the view of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam and other peaks that overlook our trekking trail. We trek through several villages enjoying the ecological diversity of Sagarmatha National Park. Then we hike up to reach the buzzing city of Namche Bazaar.
Afterward, we take on the less traveled path as we wander through the trail to the settlements of Dole and Machhermo. After another day of trekking, the beautiful Gokyo valley welcomes us. After exploring Gokyo village, one of the highest settlements in the world, we ascend Gokyo Peak. Atop the ridge, there is a stunning view of the Ngozumba glacier. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views from Gokyo Peak.
The view from Gokyo Peak has to be seen to be believed. The Ngozumpa glacier provides a picture-perfect backdrop for this stunning panorama. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8511m), Cho Oyu (8153m) and Makalu (8463m) are the five highest mountains to see from here. The view from this peak is more beautiful than the iconic and more popular Kala Patthar in the Everest region. The return journey from Gokyo valley is a leisurely trek to Namche and Lukla, then we return to Kathmandu. Intermittently, we also trek past Buddhist monasteries and prayer wheels, suspension bridges festooned with prayer flags and other cultural symbols.
Gokyo Valley Trekking route provides the perfect setting for trekking. It has everything your heart desires. On this moderate trekking route, Trekking Planner gives proper guidance, acclimatization, carefully planned itineraries, professional guides. You will be well taken care of with Trekking Planner Nepal. September to December and March to May serves as the best season for this trek. We make sure that you get the best out of the trekking experience in the region and provide the utmost comfort and safety.
- On the scenic trail to beautiful Gokyo valley and its emerald lakes
- Enclosed within high giant peaks of Cho-Oyu and adjoining mountains
- Sweeping panorama of world four highest mountains at one glimpse from Gokyo Ri
- Views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho-Oyu with Mt. Makalu towards east horizon
- Overlooking views of scenic Gokyo valley with Nepal longest Ngozumba glacier.
- From green woodland to remorseless fields of ice and glaciers at Gokyo valley
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m/4430ft )
- Day 02: Full day in Kathmandu
- Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2828m/9279ft) 35min and trek to Phakding (2780m/9121ft) 3-4 hrs walk
- Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11287ft) 5-6 hrs walk
- Day 05: Rest day at Namche Bazar
- Day 06: Trek to Phortse Tanga (3690m/12106ft) 3-4 hrs walk
- Day 07: Trek to Dole (4200m/13780ft) 3-4 hrs walk
- Day 08: Trek to Machermo (4470m/14665ft) 4-5 hrs walk
- Day 09: Trek to Gokyo (4790m/15715ft) 4-5 hrs walk
- Day 10: Full day in Gokyo
- Day 11: Trek to Dole (4200m/13780ft) 4-5 hrs walk
- Day 12: Trek to Namche (3440m/11287ft) 4-5 hrs walk
- Day 13: Trek to Lukla (2828m/9279ft)) 5-6 hrs walk
- Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu(1350m/4430ft )
- Day 15: Final departure
- All airport Pick up drop by private vehicle
- Welcome dinner in Authentic Restaurant
- 03 night twin/double shearing accommodation on BB in Kathmandu
- Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with privet vehicle.
- Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu flight with airport departure tax
- National Park entrance fee and Trekkers’ Information Management System( TIMS card)
- A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly , English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance
- 02 guest=01 porter with their Insurance, Salary, Food, accommodation and equipment
- We provide assistant guide his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance walking with group to support where necessary as per the group size
- Accommodation in the mountain during the trekking
- Three meals a day; breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking.
- First add kid box
- Trekking Planner’s sleeping bag, down jackets,Ti-shirt, Cap, duffle bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.
- Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trekkiung(Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible
- All applicable government and local taxes as per the itinerary
- One-hour complimentary spa/massage in Kathmandu after trek
- Your Nepal Visa fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
- All the International air fare from and to Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Meals during the traveling time
- Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation
- In case of extra more nights accommodation, lunch and dinner in city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of itinerary
- Your Personal expenses such as ( laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottle water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc)
- The Tips to the trekking crews and drive
Suggested Equipment list for this trip;
- Duffel/Rucksack bag/Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Trekking Planner duffel bag that is to be returned after the trip)
- Day pack
- Trekking shoes
- Sports shoes or sandals
- Sun Hat/cap
- Warm woolen cap
- Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
- Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
- Pullover or warm sweeter
- Raincoat
- 4/5 pairs of good quality socks
- Hand gloves
- 2/3 pairs of trekking trousers
- 3/4 pairs of trekking shirts
- 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred)
- Sun glasses
- Water bottle
- 4 season sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it. It is to be returned after the trip)
- Flash or Torch light
- Camera and batteries
- Medical mask
Difficulty rating of Gokyo Trekking Route
Someone who is easily able to hike 5-6 hours per day carrying a light weight backpack will be fit enough to do this trek. There are stone steps up and down which are uneven. Due to some long descents, your legs may feel shaky so we recommend the use of walking poles. The maximum altitude of the trek is 5545m, so you need to be careful about your health and altitude related risks. To properly acclimatize one needs to walk slowly and drink lots of water.
Safe drinking water on Gokyo Trek
Generally, you can find bottled water at lower altitude but it gets harder to find it at higher elevations. Furthermore, it gets more expensive. In those higher altitudes, we recommend you drink previously boiled water which can be purchased at tea houses for a small fee. You can also bring chlorine tablets or a backcountry rated water filter to purify your water if you wish. Due to the lack of regulation and difficulty of disposing of plastic bottles it is highly encouraged to use boiled water. This is very helpful to protect our environment.
Recharging Batteries and Electronic Items on Gokyo Trek
Hydro electricity or solar power sources are used to charge your electrical items like cameras, batteries, iPods, phones etc. Tea houses or lodges may charge small fee per hour for charging facilities. We recommend buying adaptors before the trip since plugs are limited. In Nepal 220-240 volt power is used and sockets fit round and flat plugs.
Extra Advice for Gokyo Trek
In your trekking you might come across some cute, sweet children that you may want to distribute balloons, chocolates, money and pens. Many trekkers have felt the same. But it is best not to do so because it encourages them to beg. While trekking, keep your valuables safe. Do not leave valuables behind. Ensure that you lock your door when you leave your room and do not hang anything outside at night.
Garbage Disposal
Use a dustbin and do not throw anything into the fire. Carry garbage until dustbin facilities are available. Do not litter on the trail. Please be conscious of conserving the environment.
Spending Money per Day
This mainly depends on your spending habits. Normally you should allocate US $9-12 per meal in Kathmandu and Pokhara. While trekking, US $10-15 a day is good enough to buy drinks and chocolates.
Travel Insurance for Gokyo Trek
You should be sufficiently protected. It is required to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, lost items, liabilities, injuries and medical treatment. Ensure the insurance covers all the activities in the Himalayas. Trekking Planner can offer appropriate medical response based on your policy and insurance.
Washing and Toilet facilities for Gokyo Trekking Route
All guest houses offer hot showers, which can be a shower stall or a bucket of hot water. Please note that at high altitude there may not be enough hot water for all the trekkers. Limit the use of hot water unless the water is solar heated for ecological reasons. Every lodge has some kind of washing facilities but you must carry a bar of soap. If the water is frozen simply ask your guide to get warm bowl of water.
Toilets are mainly Asian style squat toilets. Toilets are outside of your room. You are in the mountains: Cleanliness will vary. You should not throw toilet paper in the toilet. Instead use rubbish bin that is kept inside the toilet room.
Tea Houses
On this trekking route local people have built tea house lodges. They are quite charming and include food and beverage facilities. A simple room usually has two single beds. While staying in the tea houses you will have the opportunity to interact with the charming local people and experience their hospitality. Don't be shy, say Namaste!
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness can affect anyone. At high altitude, the decrease in atmospheric pressure makes breathing difficult due to less oxygen. Mainly, it happens above 3300m (10,000ft). Signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Headache/Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- tiredness/fatigue
- Sleepy but can’t sleep
- Loss of appetite
Prevention for this is to dress warmly as per weather conditions, drink plenty of water, eat well, and walk slowly. It is a good idea to climb higher than you sleep. Keep hydrated and make sure you avoid alcohol.
How Can I Plan and Confirm My Trip?
Trekking Planner is a government licensed trekking company in Nepal. You can photos of legal documents in about us section. We accept your booking under following terms and conditions:
Our bookings require:
- No down payment
- No deposit
Bookings are arrangements for a specific journey in the future with Trekking Planner. For a booking, we require that you book a trip through Trekking Planner Pvt. Ltd via contacting us. By booking a trip through Trekking Planner Pvt. Ltd., you enter into a direct (legally binding) contractual relationship with us. Remember, your booking is accepted from the date when the company sends a confirmation invoice or email to you. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence.
All the trip prices quoted on this site are in US dollars ($USD).
All payments can be made in foreign currency that is accepted by the Nepal Government. We accept the following:
- Cash
- Credit or debit card provided it works for overseas transactions
- Bank Transfer
For more information see our Terms and Conditions page.
