The Gokyo valley trek is another option for those heading to Everest Base Camp. Its popularity makes it the second most travelled route in the Everest Region leading to Everest Base Camp. The Gokyo region will not disappoint those looking for unforgettable spectacular views. The trail follows the normal route to Everest Base Camp until reaching Sanasa, near Kangjuma, reached shortly after leaving Namche Bazar. The trail sticks to the left side of the Dudh Koshi River until it meets its source of several lakes and the famous Ngozumpa Glacier. Gokyo village (4750m) is one of the most authentic Sherpa villages with its huge herd of Yaks, compared to Gorak Shep, Gokyo Ri (5360m) is often referred to as Kala Pattar – meaning “black rock” and offers awesome panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu and a spellbinding view and “dip” in one of the three sacred lakes; Dudh Pokhari, Tanjung Tso and Longpongma.
The Gokyo Valley Trek is an alternative to the traditional Everest Base Camp trek while still providing the trekker with plenty of stunning views of Mount Everest as well as overnight stays in the iconic village of Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Everest Region.
The trek to the Gokyo Lakes is less travelled but nevertheless allows you to glimpse the life of its locals, awe-inspiring views of glacial-fed fast-flowing rivers, glacier remnants, snow-capped peaks and the mesmerizing blues of Gokyo Lakes.
The Gokyo Lakes are at an altitude of 4,700 to 5,000m high in the Gokyo Valley within the boundary of the Sagarmatha National Park.
Gokyo Lakes hold the title of being the highest freshwater group of lakes in the world, having historical importance referred to as a Ramsar (important wetlands) and is also deemed a holy site by Hindus and Buddhists. Just to remind you of how this area impressed Lonely Planet writers, who described the Gokyo Valley, “for our money the Gokyo Valley is the most spectacular in the Khumbu”.
Extending our stay for one more day in the Gokyo Valley allows time for us to visit the 5th and 6th lakes located in an alpine depression at the base of the world’s sixth-highest mountain - Cho Oyu. Today we will trek for around 5 hours and as we climb it gets steeper before reaching our destination Gokyo RI (5,357m) and some of the most amazing views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. You will also get to see Ngozumpa, Nepal’s largest glacier and its nearby ice ridges.
To assist you to become acclimatized at these higher altitudes and prior to climbing before setting off to Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Valley, we will spend time at Namche Bazaar. Trekkers can also choose to take a short trek to Khumjung Village and visit a school funded by Sir Edmund Hillary, who with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, were the first climbers to reach the summit of (World's highest peak) Mt Everest.
Numerous expeditions and literally thousands of climbers have made Namche Bazaar a meeting point and place where climbers share their journeys to some of the world’s highest mountains.
Due to its spectacular scenery, the trek to Gokyo Lake is frequently added by trekkers to their itinerary to Everest base camp and Everest Three Passes.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking members will be there to meet you at the airport and will then take you to your hotel. Once at the hotel our A company representative will explain the trekking itinerary.
Once we have completed the our-trip meeting and breakfast we will head off for a day of sightseeing starting at 8.30 a.m. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide and will visit Boudhnath Stupa claiming to be one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we witness Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries adjacent to the stupa. Leaving Boudhnath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, where Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditate, pilgrims bathe and on occasions there funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Another highlight of today’s tour will be a visit to the famous Bhaktapur Durbar Square, hosting a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples strategically placed around a 55 window palace constructed of brick and timber. The main attractions at Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 windows, several art galleries and the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla. What remains of the day is yours to choose, maybe some last-minute shopping or merely exploring the labyrinth of streets around Thamel. Overnight stay at the hotel. Breakfast included.
An early morning start will see us board our 35-minute flight to Lukla Airport - also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport. It is an amazing mountain flight with views of some of the world’s highest peaks. After landing in Lukla, we will have breakfast and begin ou journey and trek for around 3 hours before reaching Phakding Village where we will spend the night in a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Our trek begins as we take the trail that meanders along the banks of the Dudh Kosi River, ascending through Himalayan Pine and Deodar Cedar forests before reaching the well-known village of Namche Bazaar. This is the largest Sherpa village and is a famous trading village for Nepalese and Tibetan merchants who barter in salt, dried meat and textiles.. We spend the night in a guest house at Namche Bazaar. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
The purpose for staying at Namche Bazaar is to acclimatize. It is vitally important to acclimatize before climbing higher up the mountains and ensures you are physically prepared and less likely to be affected by altitude sickness. Medical advice suggests you move around and avoid being idle. You may wish to visit the villages of Khumjung and Khude which will also be a good place to stop for lunch. Khumjung boasts of having several good bakeries. A 5-hour trek to Everest View Hotel offers you mesmerizing views of several enormous mountains - including Everest. We then return to Namche where we spend the night at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
After waking up to the fresh mountain air at Namche, we continue our trek to Dole (4190m). The trail is relatively easy, crossing several valleys and passing through rhododendron, juniper, and other large coniferous forests. Spring is the ideal time, as the rhododendron forests are in bloom and their lingering perfume permeates the air. You may also witness the Sherpa’s with their herds of Yak grazing the green slopes. Finally, we reach Dole and spend the night at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
The trail from here on becomes increasingly difficult as we pass through dense forest and higher altitudes with fewer villages along the way, The trail continues to climb up along the side of the valley until it reaches Machhermo, a small and beautiful village in the Khumbu region. Sherpas believe that the region of Machhermo is the home for Yeti, a mythical snowman. Overnight stay at a guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Today we ascend 300 meters before reaching Gokyo Valley – our ultimate destination!. Gokyo is a relatively small village located at the base of Gokyo Peak. Nearby we can see Ngozumpa glacier, the Himalayas largest glacier in the Gokyo Valley. From Gokyo there are spectacular views of the enormous 8000 meter high peaks of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Lhotse. Tonight we stay at a guest house in Gokyo. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
A big day lays ahead as we trek to Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak). Gokyo Ri is located in the Khumbu region of Everest with an altitude of 5357 meters. Gokyo Ri is well known by trekkers for the jaw-dropping views of several enormous mountains in the Khumbu region, which of course includes Mount Everest. After sitting in awe and frantically clicking cameras we head back to Machhermo where we stay overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today we head back to the famous Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar. The trail from Machhermo is relatively easy and passes through a number of Sherpa villages and isolated settlements. Tonight we stay in a guesthouse at Namche Bazar. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
It is a long day trekking, but fortunately, most of it is downhill before reaching Lukla – our point of departure on our trek! The remainder of the allows for a well-deserved rest, and if you have the energy you can venture off and explore nearby places of interest. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
An early morning flight to Kathmandu allows us on arriving to further explore or relax and reminisce and look back at our journey. Our guides will be available to help you with some shopping or sightseeing. Tonight there will be a farewell dinner. We will stay the night in Kathmandu. Breakfast included.
This is your final day of our epic journey to some of the world’s highest peaks! A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight. Breakfast included.
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom - until Namche which is a thriving town seeing many more tourists and a greater range of accommodation. It should be noted that at higher elevations the quality of accommodation may not be as good, with more basic rooms with the bare necessities.
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Khumbu region is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpas started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek. Our only flights are from Kathmandu to Lukla and return.
EBC is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus!. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek.The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
The Gokyo Valley Trek is usually done in autumn (Sept. to November) and spring (March to May) when you are much more likely to get to have crystal clear views of the mountains and can also enjoy the lush vegetation in the lower regions of the trail - particularly during spring.
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Yes, you can. No matter who you are, as long as you are reasonably fit, can walk for 5-6 hours a day and trek/hike a few uphills, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Trekking team will support you to the fullest to transform your dream of standing at Gokyo Valley/Gokyo Ri into reality.
The month of March to May in Spring and September to December in autumn seasons are considered the best for the Gokyo valleyTrek as the weather conditions become favorable during this time, providing you with good visibility and a suitable atmosphere for Gokyo Valley trekking.
No, there is no age limit for the trek to Gokyo Valley but, you need to be in good physical shape and have a positive attitude. We also suggest you to prior to the excursion though we suggest you to please see your doctor and obtain necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for traveling in extreme altitude prior to the excursion.
During trekking, you will be served meals in the teahouses. Typical meals are noodles, rice, pasta or potato dishes along with vegetables and egg/chicken/meat dishes. Other items mostly served as breakfasts include Tibetan, egg, pancake, bread, porridge, muesli, and toasts with peanut butter and hone
A teahouse trekking accommodation will be made for you for the Gokyo Valley trekking whereby you will be able to stay at tea house(Local lodge) and have wholesome food and net and clean comfortable bed throughout your trekking journey. This form of arrangement also allows you to carry less baggage; you can trek at your own pace and enjoy the Everest panorama on your own schedule. It is also an eco-friendly way of trekking whereby trekkers can have more contact with the local's sherpa peoples.
Most of the teahouses on the Gokyo Valley trail have squat toilet facilities but recently built lodges have western-style toilets as well. Nowadays, flush toilets are also being introduced with a number of increasing foreign mountaineers each year. It is highly recommended to carry your own toilet paper and other required toiletries. Hot shower facilities are available till Gorakshep. The most common type is a bucket shower, usual buckets with tap filled with hot water and placed in a shower room. Hot shower costs from US$ 4 to 15 peruse and the price increases along with the elevation. Attached bathrooms and toilets are not available unless you book for a luxury lodge during the Gokyo Valley trek.
What you want to wear depends on you but we suggest you wear warm clothes during the Gokyo Valley trekking. A down jacket, thermal longs and top, comfortable trekking trousers, t-shirts, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves might be useful. There are numerous trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu where you can get all of these items in both local and branded stores alike. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking may also accompany and assist you if required.
During the Gokyo Valley trekking, you will be on a long journey for which you will need two bags to keep your belongings. A rucksack/duffle bag and a day bag for personal items. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will provide you with a duffle bag (which is need to refund after the trek) that you can use throughout your entire journey and even afterward. These bags are durable and hence perfect for any kind of trekking journey. While the duffle bag will be carried by the potters, you will have to carry a day bag on your own. A day bag is a small backpack that has enough room for everything you will need on a day hike such as lunch, water, extra clothing and perhaps a few personnel items like camera, battery chargers, etc.
If possible, we suggest you bring your own equipment. However, sleeping bags and down jackets will be provided to you by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking. With regards to trekking poles, if you are used to walking with it then take them with you, as you will probably find them useful especially on the way down. They are not essential though and the walk is manageable without them. It is mostly a personal preference. If you prefer to take the trekking poles with you on the trekking then you can either bring your own pole or buy it from numerous options available in Kathmandu itself.
Yes, if you have a bag of extra clothing for when you return from the trekking, you will be able to store it safely in Kathmandu Sherpa Expedition and Trekking office. The storage facility is provided by most hotels and lodges in Kathmandu or you can also store it in our office for the duration of the trekking.
Our itinerary has been specially tailored to prevent any kind of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) while moving up to higher altitudes. Normally, altitude sickness starts from 3,600 meters and above. You will be trekking at a relatively slow and gradual pace as part of the acclimatization process. Cut off caffeinated, alcoholic and smoking items. Drink at least 4 liters of water a day. Trek slow. Don't skip the acclimatization days. Better to continue with Diamox (if any symptoms show up). Drink Garlic Soup. In the higher elevation, there is less oxygen in the air and this is more so while crossing high passes. Our expert guides will advise you on how to avoid AMS and treat it when/ if required.
Make sure to have both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for Gokyo Valley trekking. You should be careful in choosing a policy while traveling to a Himalayan country like Nepal as some insurance companies may make special exceptions for adventure travel. If you are confused about the insurance, please inform us and we will help you. It is usually better to arrange your insurance in your country before travel.
The trekking will be 5-7 hours a day depending upon the landscape and destination.
It takes 4 to 8 days to reach Gokyo Lake depending upon the mode of transportation and packages of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking offers.
We at Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Team always have the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of our valued customers as our foremost priority at all times, and we assure you a wonderful and unforgettable time with us in our beautiful country. Sherpa team members of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will be carrying all the necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits and they have extensive first aid training. If a trekker falls sick on high altitude, the leader will decide whether to continue the trek. In case of emergency, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking have a rescue helicopter to bring you back from the higher elevation. Moreover, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking also provides oximeter to monitor the oxygen level at high altitude and offers regular health check-up facilities.
You can either trek on foot or by a helicopter. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking offer exciting and reasonable Helicopter trek to Everest Base Camp for 5 days and 10 days. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking can also customize your tour as per your necessity.
The flights are usually regular between September and May. But due to high altitude, bad weather and unforeseen technical issues, you may experience a delay or cancellation of the flight. On the occurrence of such events, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking charter a helicopter to make sure you are on the safe schedule either for a trek or for your flight back home which would cost extra charge as an unexpected event. However, if the visibility is less than 1,500 meters, it is unable to operate helicopter facilities and Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will reschedule the flight.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry 20 kgs of luggage (maximum 10 kg for each trekker). Please be sure your porters are not overloaded because they do not carry only your equipment but also lift your spirit to reach new heights, and your love, affection, and generosity can be the reason for them to work hard to take you to your destination. However, the weight limit on flights to the Everest region, basically to Lukla is a total of 10 kgs and you need to pay an extra amount per kg for the excess baggage. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking pays up to 5 kgs of extra baggage making your total to 15 kgs with your hand bag.
Garlic soup is a must while trekking. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking recommend trekkers to drink green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon ginger tea and drink at least 2-4 liters of water a day. However, it is better to avoid alcohol and alcoholic beverages, caffeinated items, and hot-chocolates at high altitude
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Trekking won’t recommend non-veg items because the meat in such places may not hygienic and healthy. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking also encourage to avoid dairy and cheesy items and strongly suggest not to consume them during the trek. So, our packages are suitable for both vegan and vegetarians.
Your guide and porters are a big reason why you got a chance to feel something very few can have. Apart from guiding and carrying your necessities and being mindful of your safety, they want to see you happily succeeded more than anyone like family and help you successfully complete the trek safely. So, your tips reflect gratitude towards them. So, tipping is a recommended culture for porters and guide in Nepal as a gesture of thankfulness.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will introduce dozens of shops selling knock-off gear in Kathmandu. You can also barter those gears at the knock-off places but be sure you keep the receipt safely. Moreover, you can rent the needed gears if you do not want to buy them.
Yes, most guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, for a small charge. it cost USD$5 per day.
ATM services are available only in Namche Bazaar and Lukla. However, the services might not work or run out of cash. Therefore, we suggest you carry a small amount of money to buy snacks, etc during the trekking.
Most of the tea houses/ lodges have electricity whereby you will be able to charge your iPod or camera batteries. Please note that lodges/tea houses will charge you some extra money for the services. The fee may vary from 1 USD to 3 USD per hour.
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Based On 33 Reviews
The Gokyo Valley Trek with Sherpa Expedition Teams was an experience I’ll never forget! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, with the turquoise lakes and towering peaks creating an unforgettable backdrop. Our guide was knowledgeable and ensured we had a comfortable trek, providing insights into the local culture and environment. The itinerary was well-planned, allowing for proper acclimatization. I loved every moment, especially reaching Gokyo Ri for the stunning sunrise views. I highly recommend Sherpa Expedition for anyone looking for an adventure in the Himalayas!
Trekking through Gokyo Valley with Sherpa Expedition Teams was an amazing adventure! The stunning views of the lakes and the majestic mountains were beyond my expectations. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly supportive, making sure we were comfortable and safe throughout the trek. The itinerary allowed for plenty of time to soak in the scenery and take photos. The accommodations were cozy, and the food was delicious. I can’t thank Sherpa Expedition enough for this remarkable experience, and I highly recommend them to all trekkers!
Our Gokyo Valley Trek with Sherpa Expedition and Trekking was absolutely breathtaking. Our guide, Nawang, was outstanding—his expertise and friendly demeanor made the trek both enjoyable and informative. Nawang’s deep knowledge of the area and his constant support through the rugged terrain were invaluable. The views of the Gokyo Lakes and surrounding peaks were stunning and truly memorable. For a trekking experience that combines excellent guidance with spectacular scenery, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is highly recommended.
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Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is one of the pioneers of Trekking, tour and expedition in Nepal which was established on January 07, 1977, with a motto: ‘Enhancing Tourism possibilities across the Globe’. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is proud to be recognized as the fifth Trekking and Adventure company authorized by the Tourism Board of Nepal.
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