Gokyo Valley Trekking also referred to as the Gokyo Lake Trek, is a renowned and captivating mountainous trekking route located in the enchanting Khumbu region of Nepal. This trek offers trekkers a unique and unforgettable opportunity to behold the beauty of the majestic Himalayas, accompanied by numerous snow-capped peaks, with the world's highest summit, Mt. Everest (8,848m), as the focal point. Additionally, trekkers can marvel at exquisite glaciers such as the Ngozumpa Glacier, which happens to be the largest glacier in the entire Himalayan range and the second-largest on Earth. The Gokyo Valley Trek allows adventurers to witness the mesmerizing Himalayan Vista from Gokyo Ri (5357m), which includes breathtaking views of the world's highest peaks, including Mt. Everest (8848.86m), Mt. Makalu (8485m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m), and Mt. Lhose (8516m). Moreover, this trek provides opportunities to explore glacier lakes, experience epic scenery, stay in tea houses with the Sherpa people, and immerse oneself in their unique lifestyle and culture.
Highlights of Gokyo Valley Trek:
- Experience a breathtaking scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
- Discover the vibrant and bustling Namche Bazar, known as the Sherpa capital
- Indulge in the delicious local cuisine at the charming tea houses
- Marvel at the serene and untouched glacial lakes of Gokyo, surrounded by majestic snowy cliffs
- Wander through the lively markets of elegant Namche, a historic trading hub
- Explore the peaceful and remote Sherpa villages in the Khumbu region
- Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of iconic peaks like Mt. Everest (8848.86m), Mt. Makalu (8485m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m), Mt. Lhose (8516m), Ama Dablam, etc.
- Delight in the flavors of Himalayan cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients
- Enjoy the vibrant and colorful Rhododendron forests, a treat for nature lovers.
The Gokyo Valley Trek starts with a picturesque half-hour flight to Lukla, which transports you to the extraordinary Khumbu region. From this point forward, the adventure takes you through the Dudh Koshi Valley, teeming with unique biodiversity, traditional Buddhist monasteries, and well-established Sherpa settlements. Ultimately, we reach the epitome of Sherpa civilization, Namche Bazaar. This captivating town offers an irresistible panorama showcasing the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848m), and other magnificent neighboring peaks such as Ama Dablam (6,812m), Thamserku (6,623m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Nuptse (7,861m) right at your doorstep. Continuing our ascent along the trail, we pass through Phortse Thanga, Machheremo, and finally arrive at Gokyo. Situated at the foot of Gokyo Ri, Gokyo is one of the highest settlements in the world, located on the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari (the third Gokyo Lake). The view of the turquoise lake with the towering peak of Gokyo as a backdrop is so surreal that onlookers often perceive it as the ultimate creation of Mother Nature. After capturing the sublime vistas with both our cameras and hearts, we eventually trek back to Phortse Thanga, Monjo, and finally Namche Bazaar.
We will descend from Namche Bazaar through Manjo and Phakding to reach Lukla, a delightful Sherpa town that is connected to Kathmandu by air. However, during the peak trekking season, there are no direct flights between Kathmandu and Lukla. As an alternative, you can travel from Kathmandu to Ramechhap by car and then take a plane to Lukla. The same route can be taken for the return journey from Lukla to Kathmandu. If you choose to fly from Ramechhap to Lukla, you will need to catch a jeep from Kathmandu very early in the morning, around 1 a.m. In the mountains, flights are only available in the morning. Our Gokyo Valley trek will conclude in Kathmandu, where we will drop you off at the Kathmandu Airport.
Gokyo Trek Itinerary outline:
- Day: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m/4429.134ft) and transfer to Hotel
- Day 02: Early Morning Flight to Lukla (2840m/9317.585ft) and Trek to Phakding (2610m/8562.992ft)/ Kathmandu to Ramechhap in a Car/Jeep 145km then flying to Lukla -15 minutes and 2 Hours trek to Pokhading (8 Km/4.8 miles)
- Day 03: Phakding to Namche Bazar (3340m/11286.09 ft)(6/7 hours) (12km/ 7.3 miles)
- Day 04: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazar (3340m): Explore around
- Day 05: Namche Bazar to Dole (4200m/13779.53 ft): 6/7 Hours,( 12 Km/3.5 miles)
- Day 06: Dole to Machhermo (4470m/14665.35ft): 5/6 hours (6km/3.7 miles)
- Day 07: Machhermo to Gokyo (4800m/15748.03ft): 5/6 hours ( 8km/4.9 miles)
- Day 08: Hike to Gokyo Ri -5357m/ 17575.46ft (3/4 hours): 4 Km/2.4 miles)
- Day 09: Gokyo to Dole (4200 m/13779.53ft): 6/7 hours (15 km/8.6 miles)
- Day 10: Dole to Namche Bazar(3440m/11286.09 ft):5/6 hours (12km/7.4miles)
- Day 11: Namche to Lukla (2840m/9317.585 ft): 6/7 hours (19km/11.8 miles)
- Day 12: Early Morning Flight to Kathmandu (1350m/4429.134ft) / Lukla to Ramechhap flying -15 min, Ramechhap to Kathmandu in a Car/Jeep 145km /90 miles: 5/6hours
- Day 13: Final Departure or Join Pokhara / Chitwan Tour
What is the best season for the Gokyo Valley Trek?
The Best seasons / Time in the Gokyo Trek are Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). It is recommended to avoid winter (December to February) and the rainy season (June to August) due to potential flight delays between Kathmandu and Lukla caused by unfavorable weather conditions. Winter brings heavy snowfall, poor visibility, and extremely cold temperatures, which may result in trail closures. Similarly, the rainy season makes the trail slippery and wet due to heavy rainfall, impacting visibility because of the cloudy weather, and making the trek an unpleasant experience during the Gokyo Valley Trek. The fall season is widely considered the best season for the Gokyo Valley trek, offering pleasant weather, excellent visibility, and stable temperatures. The spring season is the second most popular, providing stable temperatures, pleasant weather, and the opportunity to see blooming flowers and hear the melodious chirping of birds.
How long is the Gokyo Valley Trek?
We at Himalayan Trekking Path strive to provide comprehensive information about the Gokyo Valley voyage This package is designed to address all your queries regarding the suitability, duration, cost, available services, difficulty level, duration, best season, preparation, and more. The Gokyo Valley Trail typically lasts for 10 days, covering 120km of walking. Including arrival and departure, the total duration of the trek is 13 days. Our 13-day Gokyo Valley trek itinerary is ideal for those seeking an unforgettable experience in the Everest region. It serves as an excellent alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek. For those with extra time, combining the Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp treks after crossing the Chola Pass (5420m) is a great option. If you wish to embark on this adventure, consider joining our Gokyo Valley Everest Base Camp trek, which promises to be the ultimate trekking experience in the Everest Region.
How difficult is the Gokyo Valley Trek?
The Gokyo Valley trekking offers a moderate level of difficulty in the Everest Region. Each day, you will embark on a rugged 12-kilometer journey, starting from Lukla (2840m) and ascending to the highest point of the trek, Gokyo Ri (5357m). This trek is suitable for first-time trekkers, but it is important to note that physical fitness and good health are necessary. If you are planning to undertake this trek for the first time, it is advisable to prepare by incorporating activities such as jogging, morning walks, and cardio exercises into your routine. The Gokyo Valley Trek is a stunning alternative trail to the Everest Base Camp Trek, offering breathtaking views of the Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Cho Oyo, and other peaks. Gokyo Ri, standing at 5357m, provides one of the best and clearest viewpoints of Mt. Everest (8848.86m)
The Cost of the Gokyo Valley Trekking Permits:
The Goko Valley Trekking Package encompasses all the necessary permits and government taxes. The Gokyo Valley necessitates specific permits such as the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Pasang Lhamu Sherpa rural municipality fees. To acquire these permits, a copy of your passport is required. Here is a breakdown of the fees for the Gokyo Valley Trekking permits:
- Sagarmathan National Park fees: USD30 per person
- Pasang Lhambu rural municipality fees: USD20 per person.
The Cost of Gokyo Valley Trekking for 2024-2025
The Gokyo Valley Trekking presents a remarkable topography that awaits visitors, offering unparalleled views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Nupse, and other peaks from Gokyo Ri. In comparison, this trek provides a better vantage point to admire Everest and other towering peaks than Everest Base Camp and Kalapather. Moreover, the Gokyo Valley Trek is less crowded than the Everest Base Camp route. The cost of the Gokyo Valley trek depends on the company's policy and service level. However, the Himalayan trekking path offers the best package for this adventure. Our Gokyo Valley trekking package includes comprehensive services such as flights, guides, porters, accommodation, meals in the mountains, and more. The cost of the Gokyo Valley trek varies depending on the group size. Please review the cost details and feel free to reach out if you have any further inquiries.
- Solo trekkers can enjoy the Gokyo Valley Trek for USD 1300.
- For groups of 2 to 6 people, the cost for the Gokyo Valley Trek is USD 1200 per person.
- Groups consisting of 7 to 10 people can also experience the Gokyo Valley Trek for USD 1100 per person.