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Gokyo Valley Trekking

Trip code
Package name Gokyo Valley Trekking
Duration 16
Max. elevation 5357 m
Level Moderate
Transportation <span style="font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Ground &amp; Air&nbsp;</span>
Accomodation Tea Houses Lodges during trek
Starts at Kathmandu
Ends at Kathmandu
Trip route Kathmandu-Lukla-Namche-Dole-Machhermo-Gokyo lake- Gokyo Ri-Phortse-Namche-Lukla-Kathmandu
Cost USD 1,750 per person

Highlights

Overview

Gokyo Valley Trek is a moderate adventure with a touch of high altitude making the walks quite adventurous. Gokyo with its picturesque surroundings with close views of the world’s 6th highest Mt. Cho-Oyu and emerald-colored lakes. 
Makes the valley full of charm and beauty with Ngozumpa longest glaciers of Nepal and the whole Himalaya range. 

Over the past few decades, Gokyo Valley Trek has become the second most popular adventure destination, beside Everest base camp
The route to Gokyo Valley is less trekked than the main trail of Namche to Everest base camp.

Gokyo Valley is located in between two main passes of Cho-La and Renjo-La that leads from east to west of Khumbu. The main attraction of Gokyo Valley its beautiful glacial lakes and the high view-points of Gokyo-Ri. 

Where trekkers can enjoy the spectacular panorama of the world’s four highest peaks from Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Cho-Oyu to Mt. Makalu. Includes grand views of an array of snow peaks with scenic Gokyo valley, its lakes, and Ngozumpa glacier. 

The trek begins after a short panoramic flight from Kathmandu to land at Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary Airport. The trail follows a moderate trail following the Dudh Koshi River, crossing exciting bridges several times. Then slowly heading for the long climb to the famous Namche Bazaar, after entering Sagarmatha National Park.

Namche Bazaar, the size of the town where all big houses serve as lodges and hotels, is situated on an amphitheater. Where once a week a colorful and busy market is held, hence the name Namche Bazaar. A perfect elevation and a great place, where all visitors spend a day for acclimatization. As well as to explore local immense cultures and its scenic viewpoints, facing Everest, Lhotse, and close looks of Kwangde peaks.

From Namche Bazaar our route diverts from the main trails heading due north towards our destination at Gokyo Valley. The adventure leads to a steep climb reaching the Dudh Koshi River gorge at Phortse Tenga amidst dense tree lines.

Following the river upstream to Dole, a small settlement, and then on the high trail above Dudh Koshi River. The walk gets better following the ridgeline past nice areas of Luza to Machhermo, then coming across first, and second lakes. Then finally walk leads to the third lake, our highlight of the adventure, where all the nice lodges are located.

Gokyo Valley with five main glacial lakes, as well on route to Mt. Cho-Oyu base camp. At Gokyo enjoy a free day for exploration around its scenic wilderness to Gokyo-Ri, and other beautiful areas. 

On achieving our goal with a marvelous time, return journey on an alternative quiet trail to sleepy Phortse village. From here on, back on the main trail to Namche Bazaar, and then ending the walk at Lukla. Spending last overnight in Lukla, around Khumbu and Everest region, next morning a swift scenic flight brings you to Kathmandu. After a great wonderful adventure and memorable experience on Gokyo Valley Trek.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On reaching departure air terminal on landing at Kathmandu / international airport. Our staff and guide receives you for short transfer to respective hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city. After checking into your rooms, getting refreshed join with other members of the treks for group briefing. Provided by our guide or trek leader, briefing includes all important subjects related to the treks, includes information of Kathmandu and hotels. Evening a group welcome dinner in an authentic Nepalese restaurants, an introduction to Nepali meals and cultures.


Day 2 : Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.

Morning options for half-day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu world heritage sites of great cultural and historical interest. After the tour free for trek preparation. (In case if flight operates from Ramechap, Manthali town airport). Trek Landers Adventure, will inform all members for departures from the hotel to Ramechap airport for flight to Lukla.


Day 3 : Fly to Lukla 2, 846 m and trek to Phakding 2,645 m - 04 hrs.

Flying either from Kathmandu or from Manthali airport at Ramechap, transfer to the domestic airport, having early breakfast. Board on a small aircraft of 25 to 30 minutes to land at Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary Airport. Lukla town the door to various adventure destination around Khumbu and Everest region. 

From Lukla a short day walk of 3 hours or more to reach Phakding village for overnight stop. The walk leads downhill and on gradual pleasant trail through several lovely Sherpa villages adorned with Buddhist monument. Following the Dudh Koshi River to a nice village at Phakding, and checking into a best available lodge.  


Day 4 : Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m / 11, 350 feet - 06 hrs.

Enjoy the day from Phakding onwards, morning walk heads higher past smaller villages to cross a long bridge. The climb leads to a nice Monjo village and then at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. (The name Sagarmatha for Everest in Nepal, the native Sherpa calls Chomolungma of Tibetan origin language).

From the park to the last village of Jorsalle before Namche Bazaar, possible lunch stop. Afternoon walk following the river bed and climb up to a high suspension bridge, and then on undulating uphill. Taking another few hours to famous 

Namche Bazaar the capital of Khumbu Sherpa’s, and major hub for trekkers.

All house are in an amphitheater U shaped basin, the size of a town provides great facilities for visitors. As well as for the local also, where once a week a busy colorful Saturday market takes place. Hence the name as Namche Bazaar, arriving on this large settlement check into a nice lodge for two overnight stops.


Day 5 : At Namche for acclimatization and a short scenic hike.

An ideal place with perfect altitude for rest day to support acclimatization before heading higher destination. At Namche enjoy a leisure morning and take a hike around its scenic viewpoints. 

Suggested short hike and excursion around Namche Bazaar and beyond:

The short and scenic is short steep climb to Park museum above Namche Bazaar offers grand vista of Mt. Everest. Includes views of Lhotse and majestic Ama Dablam with arrays of snow clad peaks. Visit the park museum provides good interesting information of the Khumbu and its people, cultures and custom.

As well of exotic flora and fauna with history of mountaineering expeditions around Khumbu high mountains. 

The next great hike is to Everest View Hotel at 3,880 m, located on a high ridge amidst forest surrounding. One of the world’s highest deluxe hotels offers superb views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and magnificent Ama Dablam. A walk of 2-3 hours with an hour or more climb and down, overlooking birds-eye views of whole Namche Bazaar.

Rest of the afternoon rest or explore the fancy streets of Namche Bazaar, lined with shops, stores and restaurants. Includes café, fresh bakeries, pubs and bars with backdrop of stunning views of Kwangde Peaks.


Day 6 : Trek to Dole 4,038 m / 13, 248 feet. -06 hrs.

Morning enjoy the grand views of Kwangde peaks, having breakfast, walk starts on the trail to Gokyo Valley. A short steep up from Namche Bazaar, and then on scenic winding trail with views of Everest. After an hour walk our route diverts from the main trail, heading for a steep climb to Mong high hilltop.

After an hour up reaching on top of Mong hill, a small place with few tea shops.

From here enjoy panorama of snow-capped peaks of Tharmasarku, Kongde with beautiful Ama Dablam. A short descent to Phortse Tenga, situated on a rivet bank of Dudh Koshi, amidst lovely forest of pines and rhododendron. 

Possible lunch stop, afternoon a gradual up into a gorge covered in tree lines to reach Dole for overnight halt. A small settlement within a deep gorge enclosed by high rocky cliff walls and tree lines.


Day 7 : Trek to Machhermo 4,470 m /14, 665 feet -04 hrs.

Morning a short walk of few hours to Machhermo, starts with small climb to a ridge. As walk follows high above the Dudh Koshi River reaching a lovely valley of Luza, the trail leads near Machhermo. Before heading down enjoy glorious views of Mt. Cho-Oyu, the mountain straddles the border of Nepal and Tibet / China.

Enjoying the grand scenery, a slow descend to a small gorge covered in populus and willow trees. The short climb leads to Machhermo for lunch and overnight stop, a nice little settlement with lovely fine lodges. Afternoon relax and take a short hike to the view point facing close Machhermo Peak towards North West.


Day 8 : Trek to Gokyo 4,750 m /15,584 feet -04 hrs.

From Machhermo towards our main highlight to Gokyo valley, a short morning walks of 3-4 hours. Starts with a climb of less than half hour, then reaching above a ridge. The walk follows high above Dudh Koshi River towards a small place at Panga, adventure continues with climb. Coming across first and second lakes of Gokyo valley, then finally the morning walk ends reaching Gokyo 3rd lakes.

The main third lake also called Dudh Pokhari, where all best lodges located high above the lake. Facing stunning views of Mt. Cho-Oyu towards North West of Gokyo valley, transfer to nice lodge for lunch and overnights.

Afternoon free at leisure for stroll around the lakes marveling scenic surrounding views of peaks and rolling high hills.


Day 9 : At Gokyo free day morning hike to Gokyo-Ri 5,357 m / 17,575 feet.

After continues walks of 4-5 days, with rest at Namche Bazaar, enjoy another free day in beautiful location of Gokyo. One of the highlight is an early morning hike before sunrise is climb up to Gokyo-Ri, the highest point. For every hard efforts rewards you with stunning panorama of world’s four tallest peaks. 
Overlooking Mt. Everest and Lhotse in the East, with Cho-Oyu towards North West, includes Mt. Makalu behind Everest. As well grand views of Gokyo Valley and the lakes with Ngozumpa glacier, surrounded by high snow-capped peaks.
After a glorious cool refreshing morning, along with spectacular views back to the lodge at Gokyo. Rest of the day at leisure for solo activities and short hikes around Gokyo scenic valley.

Day 10 : Trek to Na 4,500 m and beyond en-route Phortse-05 hrs.

Today’s walk on an alternative route, as well on least frequented trail by main flow of trekkers. Morning begins on leaving the last lakes of Gokyo reaching an isolated settlement of Na. Which is on the direction of Cho-La pass, and towards our destination to Phortse village. Walk follows on pleasant winding path past few summer shades of Yak herders, reaching our overnight stop. A remote small settlements with few houses serves as tea-house and lodges. 


Day 11 : Trek to Phortse 3,800 m / 12, 467 feet -04 hrs.

From this isolated location, high above Dudh Koshi River walk leads for some hours on winding downhill to Phortse. A moderate size quaint farm village, located above the river of Dudh Koshi amidst lovely forest. Opposite sides of Phortse Tenga, of previous lunch stop before Dole. Enjoy the comfort of a small accommodation in a simple lodge with homely environment. 
Rest of the day after lunch explore the sleepy village and overlooking views of some high snow-capped peaks.

Day 12 : Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m - 06 hrs.

Morning starts with easy descent to a bridge reaching Phortse Tenga, and then climb up to Mong Hill. Enjoy the picturesque views of snow peaks, and then downhill to join on the main trail to Namche Bazaar. From the junction of Gokyo, Khumjung and Everest base camp route. Then few hour walks leads to Namche Bazaar for overnight halt after an enjoyable day walks.


Day 13 : Trek to Lukla 2, 846 m - 06 hours.

Last day walk of the adventure, enjoy the pleasant walk downhill to Dudh Koshi River valley. A nice walk to Jorsalle crossing a bridge with short steep climb to the entrance and exit gate of Sagarmatha National Park. Walk continues past Monjo village heading towards Phakding for lunch stop. Afternoon few hours of good walks with last hour climb to reach Lukla. Arriving by late afternoon with ample time hang around and to enjoy the last dinner celebration with fellow members and trekking staff.


Day 14 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure.

Early morning transfer to Lukla’s Tenzing and Hillary airport as the plane arrives either from Kathmandu or Ramechap. Board in a small aircraft of respective airlines for sweeping panoramic flight back to Kathmandu. Then get transferred to your hotel, with afternoon free at leisure.

If the flight lands at Manthali airport in Ramechap, our staff transfers you to a vehicles. A drive of 4-5 hours brings you back at the hotel in Kathmandu, after a great adventure on Gokyo Valley Trek.  


Day 15 : Free day as contingency and for individual activities.

Enjoy an extra day in Kathmandu, we have reserved as contingency day in case of flight delay and cancellation. Due to unfavorable bad weather condition, if all goes well according to our itinerary days, have a great enjoyable day.

For individual activities or get into shopping spree, interested people can join for another interesting tour of other cities of Kathmandu valley. Sightseeing around Patan / Lalitpur or the famous Bhaktapur city Durbar Square, worth a visit.


Day 16 : International departure for homeward bound.

After an enjoyable and most mesmerizing adventure in Nepal and around the Himalayas with Gokyo Valley Trek. As time for departure, our staff transfer you to international airport for flight homeward bound or to next port of call.


Inclusions

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