• Duration 14 Days
  • Trip Grade Strenuous

    The strenuous grade is both moderate and difficult. Even in this grade, treks reach around 5000-5500 meters. You walk generally 6-7 hours every day. Strenuous treks require good physical condition and acclimatization. if some problems appear, you have to walk down and take some hot drinks or soup. You may get affected fast if you have high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease or complicated medical conditions.

  • Country Nepal
  • Maximum Altitude 5,360
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Activities Trekking
  • Best Time September to May

The Gokyo Valley is located in the Khumbu region. Trekking here offers spectacular views of Mount Everest and a very adventurous experience. Walking through the lush rhododendron foothills of the Sagarmatha National Park, you will explore Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft) and Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft).

These two are famous and beautiful Sherpa villages. Namche Bazaar onwards, the trail deviates from the mainstream EBC route and continues to the scenic Gokyo Valley. You will be following an offbeat terrain. Compared to the Everest Base Camp trek, only 35% of trekkers travel to Gokyo Valley.

It makes the Gokyo Valley trek route less crowded and pristine. So, ideal for anyone looking for a tranquil journey. The Gokyo Valley trek is popularly known as the Gokyo Lakes trek. There are 19 stunning Gokyo Lakes in the Gokyo Valley, ranging from 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters.

Among them, six are considered the main lakes. You are most likely to hike up to the fifth Gokyo Lake, which is located near Mt. Cho Oyu Base Camp. Similarly, Gokyo Ri (5,400 m/17,814 ft) is another major highlight of the Gokyo Valley trek 14 days and also the highest point of your voyage.

It is a viewpoint that offers a jaw-dropping panorama of Everest and many other mountains. The mountain views and landscapes on the Gokyo Valley trek route are exceptional. Lush hills, rhododendron forests, picturesque villages, rivers, and streams are surrounded by snow-capped tall mountains.

Once you are above the treeline, the landscape gets rustic and barren. Mountains such as Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Island Peak, Cholatse, and many more are seen on this trek. Moreover, you will also get to see Ngozumpa Glacier, the biggest glacier in Nepal. The final stretch of the trek goes via the Ngozumpa glacier moraine before arriving at the Gokyo Village.

Highlights

  • Witness spectacular views of Mount Everest and many other peaks
  • An adventurous and offbeat trekking expedition in the Khumbu region
  • Enjoy tranquil trails of the Gokyo Valley route
  • Trek through the lush rhododendron foothills of the Sagarmatha National Park and pass by glacier moraine
  • Spend nights in beautiful Sherpa villages such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo Village
  • Get to see the daily lifestyle of the locals and their rich cultural heritage
  • Go on an exciting side excursion to the Hotel Everest View and Gokyo Ri
  • Discover the stunning Gokyo Lakes and their mesmerizing beauty

What is the Gokyo Valley trek like?

The Gokyo Valley trekking is a lifetime adventure in Nepal. You will explore the remote eastern Himalayan range of the country. The trail is not as commercialized as the famous EBC trek, so trekkers have to make do with limited services.

Likewise, the Gokyo Valley trail is also steep, rugged, and rocky. You can check our Gokyo Valley trek map below to better understand the route. The journey is powered by delicious food and simple accommodations in the beautiful Sherpa villages.

Sherpas are one of the major ethnic groups of the Khumbu region. You will see a close glimpse of their lifestyle during trekking. One of our experienced and friendly guides and porters will accompany you in the mountains.

Traveling with our crew will make the journey very immersive and fun. Overall, the 14-day Gokyo Valley trek is an exhilarating trip. Get the best service and Gokyo Valley trek cost with us. You can customize the Gokyo Valley trek itinerary as you wish.

We offer both group and private treks. If you have any questions regarding our Gokyo Valley trek price or the trip, feel free to contact us.

How to train for the Gokyo Valley trek in Nepal?

To train for the Gokyo Valley trek, you can get involved in weight training in the gym. It will help you build core strength. Likewise, you should also focus on improving your stamina and endurance by actively engaging in cardio activities. Some effective options for cardio options are day hikes, cycling, swimming, running, etc.

Regular walks are also recommended. Similarly, it is also important that you have the right mindset and expectations from the trek. Educate yourself about the Gokyo Valley trek route and what is available along the way. Gradually build a habit of deep breathing and buy your trekking boots early to get used to them before the trek starts.

Who can do the Gokyo Valley trek? Are you ready for the journey?

The Gokyo Valley trek 14 days suits travelers with good fitness and preferably previous trekking experience. It is an entry-level, offbeat trek. With high altitude and limited facilities along the trail, the journey becomes more demanding.

If you are looking for a leisure, easy trekking experience in the Himalayas, then the Gokyo Valley trek is not for you. Travelers wanting to experience something different in the Khumbu region would love this trek. The Gokyo Valley trek 2024 booking is open.

What are the different itinerary options available for the Gokyo Valley trek?

If you are an experienced trekker, then you can combine the Gokyo Valley trek with Everest Base Camp and Cho La pass. Similarly, you can also do the Gokyo Valley trek with the Renjo La pass.

How does the Gokyo Valley trek compare to other treks in the Khumbu region, such as the Everest Base Camp trek?

The Gokyo Valley trek is on the challenging side compared to the Everest Base Camp trek. This trek route is less crowded than EBC, and the experience is much raw.

Gear up for the Himalayan terrain and climate

For the Gokyo Valley trek, you will need the following trekking clothes and equipment:

  • Comfortable, light-weight underwear
  • Trekking t-shirts and pants
  • Base and thermal layers
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket and pant
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Gloves, socks, scarf, beanie, sun hat, etc
  • Trekking boots and a casual pair of shoes/slippers
  • Duffel bag and daypack
  • Trekking pole, map, reusable water bottle
  • Sleeping bag
  • Toiletries, first aid, snacks
  • Camera, adapter, charger, power bank
  • Journal/pen and traveler games (optional)
  • Cash, documents
Itinerary

*Note: If you are trekking in the spring or autumn seasons, the Lukla flights are operated from Ramechhap Airport. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to drive between Kathmandu and Ramechhap Airport. You will leave your hotel in Kathmandu at around 1:00 AM and drive to the airport.

Trip Plan
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This will be your arrival and preparation day in Kathmandu, Nepal, for the Gokyo Valley trek. Our team will pick you up from the international airport timely and escort you to the hotel. Rest for a bit, and later, meet us for a trek briefing. After that, buy any last-minute trekking gear and pack your duffle bags.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, fly to Lukla early in the morning. The flight will be quite scenic. Upon landing at Lukla, you will meet with the porters and begin trekking. From Lukla, you will descend for a couple of hours through lush forests and small settlements to Phakding village. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi river and crosses it several times on the way.

  • Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight & 3 hours trek
  • Distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles

Leaving Phakding village, continue trekking through forests of rhododendron and magnolia. Cross many suspension bridges on the way, including the long Hillary Suspension Bridge. Register the permits in Monjo. From here, the trail is steep to Namche Bazaar.

  • Max Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

Namche Bazaar is the tourist hub of the Khumbu region. You will spend an acclimatization day here. Hike to the Hotel Everest View early in the morning and spend the remaining day in Namche Bazaar resting.

The hike offers stunning mountain views of Everest, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. In Namche Bazaar, you will visit the Everest Photo Gallery and Sherpa Culture Museum.

  • Max Altitude: 3,962 m/13,000 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4 hours

From Namche Bazaar, follow a less traveled route to Dole village. You can see beautiful views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Mt. Thamserku during trekking. The trail goes through rhododendron forests. Pass by small villages, watching the daily life of the locals.

  • Max Altitude: 4,038 m/13,248 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

While trekking from Dole to Machhermo, you will walk on rugged tracks. There are many shrines and prayer flags along the way. You can see wonderful views of Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Thamserku, and Kangtega Peak on the way. The trail goes via Lapahram and Luja settlements before reaching Machhermo.

  • Max Altitude: 4,470 m/14,450 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 7 km/4.3 miles

Walk uphill from Machhermo to Gokyo Village. In an hour of walking, reach Phanga, a landslide area. The trail then crosses a suspension bridge and gradually ascends to Longpongo Lake (4,690 m). Further, trek through the Ngozumpa Glacier moraine and pass by the first and second Gokyo Lakes. The Gokyo Village is located near the third Gokyo Lake.

  • Max Altitude: 4,750 m/15,584 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Distance: 5.7 km/3.5 miles

Spend one more day in Gokyo village. Hike to Gokyo Ri before the sunrises to witness breathtaking scenery. The mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Island Peak, etc, are jaw-dropping from Gokyo Ri. You can also hike to the isolated fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes.

  • Max Altitude: 5,400 m/17,814 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 2-3 hours

Begin the day with a warm breakfast. After that, start trekking from Gokyo village and follow the same route back to Dole. You will trek past Machhermo on the way and a few other small settlements. From Dole, trek to Phortse village via lush forests.

  • Max Altitude: 3,840 m/12,598 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Distance: 16.5 km/10.2 miles

Leaving Phortse, gradually descend to Sansa. From here, you have two routes that lead to Namche Bazaar. One of them goes via the ancient Khumjung monastery. You can choose the path as you wish. Spend the evening in Namche Bazaar.

  • Max Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 5.7 km/3.5 miles

As you start descending from Namche Bazaar, you can see lush vegetation around you. The trail steeply descends for the first few hours. You will reach Monjo and continue to Phakding. From here, it is an uphill walk along the Dudh Koshi river to Lukla.

  • Max Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Distance: 13.6 km/8.3 miles

Fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning. In the spring and autumn seasons, you will land at Ramechhap Airport and drive to Kathmandu. The guide will drop you at the hotel comfortably. The evening is free to rest and enjoy as you wish.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight

Today is your last day in Kathmandu. The entire day is free. You can visit tourist sites and go window shopping. Spend the day as you desire. We can arrange a guided sightseeing tour at a reasonable cost if you want.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

The trek has ended. You will fly back to your home on this day. Our team will drop you at the international airport.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Cost Details
Included
  • All Transport (Private).
  • Standard Accommodation (Twin share) in Kathmandu with Breakfast.
  • Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
  • Domestic Flight with Airport Tax.
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for two trekkers)
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekking Guide and Porters food and accommodation, wages etc.
  • Gokyo Valley Trekking Region map.
  • Sagarmatha (Everest) National park permits fee.
  • Khumbu pasang lhamu rural municipality entry permit fee.
  • Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS).
  • Farewell dinner with cultural program.
  • All Government taxes Income tax plus VAT.
  • Office services charge.
  • Water purification tablets.
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance.
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days) (US$ 30 for 15 days) you should get visa open your arrival).
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower, Wi-Fi etc during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.
Route Map
Gokyo Valley Trek - 14 Days
Altitude Chart
Gokyo Valley Trek - 14 Days
Essential Information

Gokyo Valley trek permits

For the Gokyo Valley trek, foreign travelers have to obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit & the Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit. Our Gokyo Valley trek cost is inclusive of these permit fees, which are USD 20 and USD 30, respectively, per person.

The Gokyo Valley trek difficulty

The Gokyo Valley trek difficulty is higher than the EBC trek. It is a tough trek because the terrain is steep and rugged. You will walk 5 to 6 hours a day on average. Therefore, decent fitness and good health are required. You will face high altitude and limited facilities, which makes the journey difficult.

Prevent altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is common while trekking in the Himalayas. The Gokyo Valley trek takes you above 5,000 meters. Every day (until you reach Gokyo Ri), the elevation increases. So, you have to acclimatize as you trek.

Our Gokyo Valley trek itinerary has two rest days, which reduces the chances of altitude sickness. Further, you should drink plenty of water and maintain your pace to avoid altitude sickness. Inform your guide if you feel any discomfort or see symptoms like headache, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, insomnia, dizziness, etc.

Different Gokyo Valley trekking seasons

Spring and autumn are the top seasons for the Gokyo Valley trekking. It includes months from March to May and September to November. These seasons offer stable weather, mild climate, lush vegetation, and a clear sky for stunning mountain views. The trails are in good condition, and long daylight hours allow you to fully enjoy the trek.

Ensure your safety with travel insurance: helicopter evacuation coverage is mandatory

Travel insurance is important if you want to do the Gokyo Valley trekking in Nepal. This trek happens in a remote area with no transportation service. In the event of any emergency that requires you to immediately return to Kathmandu, helicopter evacuation is the only option.

Without travel insurance, helicopter rescue will cost you a lot of money. So, please get travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation for the Gokyo Valley trek. You can also include medical bills and other coverages in your travel insurance.

Lodge accommodation and fantastic food options along the Gokyo Valley trail

While trekking to the Gokyo Valley, you will spend nights in mountain lodges and have meals as per their menu. This package includes basic lodges with twin-shared rooms. Single rooms are available at an additional cost. The rooms are small and clean. Washrooms can be shared, too.

A sleeping bag is recommended for this trek. Western-style toilets are available in many places, but you may have to use squat toilets as well. Pack all the toiletries for the journey, including toilet paper. You get breakfast in Kathmandu and breakfast, lunch & dinner during trekking.

Dal bhat, thukpa, momo, stew, porridge, and pancakes are common items on the menu. Curry, pasta, pizza, burgers, noodles, chapati, etc, are also found in many places. Additionally, you can buy extra snacks, beverages, and boiled drinking water on your own.

*Note: We highly recommend budging USD 15 to USD 25 each day for additional expenses during trekking.

Travel visa to enter Nepal for the trek

Foreigners can obtain a travel visa upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport or arriving at any land border. It is called an on-arrival visa. You can fill out the form online and bring the needed documents and visa fee. It is a quick process.

However, travelers from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, and refugees with travel documents have to obtain a travel visa from the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office in their country.

FAQs

Yes, there are a few challenging sections on the way to Gokyo Valley. They are the routes from Phakding to Namche Bazaar and Machhermo to Gokyo Village. The route is steep in these sections of the trail, and you will also come across a landslide area.

Our Gokyo Valley trek 14 days has two acclimatization days, so you do not need additional rest days. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine flights from Phortse village or Namche Bazaar to Kathmandu. It will save you 2-3 days of walking.

The mobile phone reception along the Gokyo Valley trek route is not that great. Up to Dole, you will get decent network connections. Once above Dole, the network comes and goes because of rocky terrain and weather.

Hot showers are available along the Gokyo Valley trail but cost extra money. You can expect to pay USD 3 to 5 per shower. This expense is not covered in our package cost.

Squat toilets and Western-style toilets are found in the lodges. Western-style toilets are mostly available in newly built lodges.

Yes, electricity is available to charge your devices. Charging corners are separately made in the lodges and cost USD 1 to USD 3 per device.

There are risks of altitude sickness, indigestion, and injuries during high-altitude trekking. If you are not careful, you may hurt your ankle. Likewise, you also have to be careful of what you are eating and drinking. Similarly, if not well acclimatized, you may suffer from altitude sickness.

No, you will not see wildlife on the Gokyo Valley trek route. However, you may come across yaks and mules on the way. Locals used them to transport supplies.

It depends on your buying habits. Tips for drivers, guides, and porters are kind of custom and expected. You can budget 15% to 20% of the package cost for tips. Likewise, for shopping, USD 200 to USD 500 is a decent number.

You do not necessarily have to know Nepali phrases to trek in Nepal because locals understand and speak English in the tourist areas. However, for an immersive experience, you can learn a few simple phrases like Namaste (hello), Dhanyabad (thank you), khana khayo? (have you eaten food?), etc.

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