Gokyo Valley Trek

A nicely created paradise by natureratingbased on 4 reviews
  • Duration14 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 5360 m.
  • Group Size 1-20
  • Best Season March to May & September to November
Group Discount Prices
  
1 paxUS$1390
2 - 6 paxUS$1190
7 - 10 paxUS$1090
11 - 15 paxUS$1045
16 - 20 paxUS$995
Gokyo Valley Trek Highlights
  • The multi-faceted wilderness of Sagarmatha National Park
  • Ngozumpa Glacier
  • Khumjung monastery
  • The Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar
  • The undisturbed panoramic views from Gokyo Ri toward Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and other peaks
  • The Sherpas of Gokyo Valley, their culture, hospitality, and peaceful Buddhist faith
  • Breathtaking Renjo La Pass (5340 m/17520 ft).
  • Rare opportunities to explore the glorious Fifth Lakes once in a life

Gokyo Valley Trek Overview

The Gokyo Valley Trek is one of the finest routes available through Sagarmatha National Park and one that neatly sidesteps the crowded trails to Everest Base Camp while providing immediacy and views of the iconic peak that are more than enough to sustain a basic interest in the mountain without the need to pay homage at its foothills. The rewards of the Gokyo Valley Trek are many, including the superb scenery and wildlife of Sagarmatha National Park, the natural beauty and sublime setting of Gokyo Valley and its crystalline lakes, and the superb and virtually unparalleled panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and a host of other Himalayan giants from the prospect of Gokyo Ri (5360m).

Following the typical flight to Lukla, the trek sets out on the same path as the route to Everest Base camp through historic Namche Bazaar, then veers away to follow the turbid waters of the Dudh Koshi River upstream to Ngozumpa Glacier and the natural basin amidst snow-capped peaks that are home to the beautiful Gokyo Valley and its serene series of lakes and villages. Here the Sherpas live out a traditional and largely untouched existence in their fortuitous isolation from the outside world, with large herds of hardy yaks to sustain them and profound Buddhist beliefs guiding their lives and their famed hospitality towards strangers. To wander through the mountain bastion of the Sherpas, taking in its stark beauty and the peaceful culture of its people is to sit back and wonder if Gokyo Valley wasn't indeed the model for Shangri-La.

As superb as the Gokyo Trek is the option exists to extend the magic even further by journeying on over the pass of Cho La (5240m) towards Everest Base Camp, or by heading in the other direction over Renjo La (5360m) for the alternative path back to Namche and Lukla.

The Gokyo Valley Trekking represents a wonderful opportunity to visit one of the region's most remote and beautiful valleys, one that allows us to take in the Sherpas living out a tranquil existence that touches something deep within us and calls to simpler and less complex times. Now's the time to see it, so why not let Nepal Trekking Experts arrange your visit to this Himalayan treasure? Our staff are ready and waiting to arrange all the details for you or to listen to your approach to the trek.

Gokyo Valley Trekking Permit and Cost

When trekking with Nepal Trekking Experts, the permit fees are included in your package. Your guide will require your passport to obtain the required permits on your behalf.

  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: The local government of Khumbu charges NPR 2000 per person, which must be paid in person in Lukla; this permit is not available in Kathmandu.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: This permit can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board Office or Monjo at the Park Entrance Gate. It costs NPR 3000 per person.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flights

For your information, Lukla’s flight normally will be operated from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport) in peak seasons like October/November and March/April. If the airlines are too busy, then they might operate from mid-September in the fall and in May in the spring. It depends on air traffic and the rules of aviation. Ramechhap is located 144 kilometers east of Kathmandu, which takes 4-5 hours by car or van. Most people begin to drive at 2.00 am to get the earliest flight. Our package already includes the road transfer along with the flight.

In addition, you can also check out other awesome packages like Everest Three High Passes TrekEverest Base Camp TrekManaslu Circuit Trek, Helambu Trek, and more.

Useful Information

Accommodation on Gokyo Trek

Tea house hotels are plentiful within the infamous Everest Region of Nepal, with a range of quality available to you depending on your preference and needs. At lower elevations, you can choose more fully equipped tea houses with electricity, wifi, and en suite bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets. There are also more rustic, basic tea houses available, especially at higher elevations, that have simple rooms (a room will have two beds) and basic services. Bathrooms might be shared and have a squat-style toilet. If you are solo and trekking in peak season, you may need to share a room as per availability in the higher altitude areas. At these tea houses, you can pay a small fee for services such as wifi and hot showers. We provide you with a clean, -20°C sleeping bag to keep you cozy and warm.

Food on Gokyo Trek

Food in the Everest Region of Nepal is delicious and plentiful. Along the well-loved and well-traveled route to Everest Base Camp, there are many tea houses offering a range of options to suit your preferences.

  • Breakfast: You can enjoy local chapati bread or Tibetan bread with curry or go for more familiar eggs, porridge, muesli, or pancakes. This trek is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, but if you have any other dietary restrictions, you can let us know, and your guide will communicate with the kitchen staff.
  • Lunch & Dinner: You can choose from a variety of local dishes, including Dal Bhat (rice, vegetable curry, and lentil soup with unlimited refills!), fried rice or noodles, Mo Mo (local dumplings), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), spring rolls, or western dishes like burgers, pasta, pizza, and potatoes.

Your package with Nepal Trekking Experts includes a welcome dinner in Kathmandu before you leave for your trek and three meals a day (with a cup of tea or coffee) every day of the trek. If you'd like, you can purchase extra snacks, desserts, or fancy coffees when they're available.

Telephone

Most tea houses have phone service and mobile reception; however, due to the nature of being in the mountains, it can be unpredictable. If you would like, you can purchase a data SIM card in Kathmandu before you depart. NCELL is a recommended provider that offers 3G internet services in the Everest region.

Internet

Many tea houses have wifi to purchase for around 5 dollars per day, which is paid in local Nepali rupees. Please be aware that internet services may not be completely reliable due to weather and other issues.

Battery Charging

Despite trekking deep into the Himalayas, most of the tea houses have either electricity or solar power. Depending on the tea house, you might be able to charge your devices in your rooms. Otherwise, you can pay a few dollars (paid in local rupees) to charge your battery in the main dining hall. Carrying a power bank is recommended during your trek in the Everest region.

Transportation

All transportation fees and arrangements are included in your trekking package when you book with Nepal Trekking Experts. To commence your journey, you will catch a stunningly scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (30 minutes). This is likely where you will begin and end your Everest journey. If you are interested in shortening your on-foot trekking time or adding on a new experience, we can arrange for a helicopter to pick you up from Gorakshep/Gokyo and take you back either to Lukla for $500 or all the way to Kathmandu for $1000 per person by sharing.

Porter

Our tailor-made packages do not include a porter, so you can make the decision based on your own needs and preferences. Although not necessary, having a porter can make a massive difference in the enjoyment of your trek. If you are new to trekking at high altitudes, then we would recommend having a porter in the Everest region carry your bag. One porter carries the bags of two people (around 20kg) so that you can carry a small daypack. If you are undecided, we would be happy to discuss porters in more detail when you book your trek.

Travel Insurance

It is one of the most important things you'll need overseas, particularly when trekking in Nepal. A policy that covers loss and theft, medical and hospitalization, evacuation from high altitude, and adventure activity coverage are among the basics you'll need. A wide variety of policies are available, so make sure to shop for the best possible options. You need to have a policy that's specific to the maximum height on your trek, bearing in mind that a number of companies place restrictions on that score—look closely at the fine print so that you're sure to get the right coverage, especially in the event of an emergency such as altitude sickness—helicopter evacuations are horrendously expensive.

Also note that most medical treatment and facilities in Nepal, such as hospitals, require payment upfront or approval from your insurance company, so it’s wise to choose a policy that pays the bills directly rather than lumping the burden on you and leaving it till later for the insurer to reimburse you.

Nepalese Currency and Payment

The currency of Nepal is the rupee. The ideal currencies for exchange are those of the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, and Singapore, as well as the Euro, any of which can be readily exchanged in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in major tourist-class hotels, restaurants, airlines, and larger stores in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, etc. A surcharge of 3.5% is typically levied on all purchases or payments.

ATMs are also very common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with Thamel being a particular area of focus for their use. Some ATMs only allow a daily maximum of Rs 10, 000 to be withdrawn, while others allow for as much as Rs 35, 000. A charge of USD $4 is usually applied per transaction, on top of which your own bank may also apply a fee of its own.

Can I get an on-arrival visa in Nepal?

On arrival in Nepal, you can obtain the requisite visa at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, or you can choose the alternative of applying for it at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departure. The visa is also available at land-based points of entry such as Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairawa, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar. The Kodari Pass is the access point from Tibet where the visa can be obtained.

While you can use different modes of payment at the visa fee counter, we advise you to bring cash in the following currencies: US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, pound sterling, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, and Japanese yen. Credit card payments are also available nowadays.

As per a recent update, the visa fee costs you the following amounts:

  • Multiple entries for 15 days—USD 30 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 30 days—USD 50 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 90 days—USD 125 or equivalent
  • You should also have a minimum of six months of validity remaining on your passport.
  • Visa extensions are available from the offices of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

For more details, please go through the Nepal Immigration website or contact us.

Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel. An introduction to your trekking program then the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the sights, sounds and culture of Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Free day for final trekking preparation, checking trekking gears, meeting with the guide, team brief, and joining for welcome dinner.

  • Max. Altitude:2610m/8563ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A magical scenic flight takes us to Lukla in the morning, and from there we begin our trek with a hike to the day's first destination, Phakding.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11286ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Our day starts by following the Dudh Koshi River and crossing over the Edmund Hillary suspension bridge, then heading towards Sagarmatha National Park and the checkpoint at Monjo. The path ascends markedly until it eventually leads us into Namche Bazaar, the regional capital of the Sherpa district.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11286ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A rest day to allow the body to acclimate to the high altitude conditions. Namche is perfect for the situation, as there's plenty to do in the scenic town including visiting Khunde Hospital, the local medical facility set up through Edmund Hillary's charitable work in the area, taking in the panoramas from Everest View Hotel, calling in on the Sherpa Cultural Museum, or hiking up to Khumjung Valley and its monastery, complete with the display of its famous Yeti scalp.

  • Max. Altitude:4200m/13780ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trail leads out from Namche Bazaar on a short hike along the main trail to Everest before branching away towards Mung Danda and its impressive hilltop views of the Himalayas. From Mung the trail leads back out through dense woodland and takes us to Dole, our rest stop for the night.

  • Max. Altitude:4400m/14436ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The temperate forests of the lower regions gradually give way to the harsher lines of the alpine slopes as we spend the morning steadily climbing along the trail. The half-day of hiking gives us ample opportunity to relax and explore the area around Machhermo.

  • Max. Altitude:4790m/15715ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The day's hike takes us up by Ngozumpa Glacier and on towards Gokyo and the magical view of Dudh Kunda's turquoise waters set amidst the stunning backdrop of the surrounding peaks — truly one of nature's most spectacular scenes.

  • Max. Altitude:4790m/15715ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

We rise early to make the climb up to Gokyo Ri, with even more astonishing panoramas of the nearby Himalayan giants such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

  • Max. Altitude:4300m/14108ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

We Nepal Trekking Experts would like to offer you an alternative and scenic route and then back to the same way. This is our ultimate destination of the entire trek, crossing over the challenging pass of Renjo La (5340 m) and descending to Lunde. It will offer significant views of the panoramic Himalayan vistas surrounding it. Then steeply descends to Lumde for the night. (Note: If you do not like to cross Renjo La and prefer to go back the same way, which is also no issue).

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/11286ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Today we will hike a part of the ancient salt trading route with Tibet. The trail will continuously descend and encounter some local settlement then finally reaches Namche Bazaar from where we went to Gokyo.

  • Max. Altitude:2860m/9383ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Our final day on the trail, easing back to Lukla along the Dudhi Koshi and its suspension bridges. Once at Lukla we can finally throw off our backpacks, take a relaxing shower, and sit back to savor the heady accomplishment of making it to the foot of Everest.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast

After breakfast, we take a flight to Kathmandu where you'll have enough time to enjoy the city's treasures one last time before getting together for a farewell dinner with friends before leaving.

    Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.

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    Note

    Above itinerary is just a guideline. If you are not satisfied, please feel free to customize your own and contact us.

    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • Complimentary airport picks up and drops off
    • Complimentary welcome dinner
    • Two-night stay on arrival in Kathmandu with breakfast included (twin share basis)
    • All necessary trekking permits for Sagarmatha National Park, TIMS card, etc.
    • All accommodations during the trek
    • Three meals a day during the trek
    • A cup of tea or coffee with the meal
    • Fresh fruit each day if and when available
    • Complimentary duffel bag, agency T-shirt, trekking map, sleeping bag
    • Government-registered and first-aid-trained professional local guide who speaks English
    • First-aid kit
    • Return flight between Kathmandu and Lukla
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • Rescue arrangements if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government tax/VAT
    • Certificate of achievement
    Cost Excludes
    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu 
    • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
    • Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft, etc.
    • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries entrance fee, etc.)
    • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
    • Tips to staff
    Route MapDownload Map
    Gokyo Valley Trek map
    Dates & Availability
    Start:MondayMar 25, 2024
    End:SundayApr 07, 2024
    PriceUS$1245
    StatusGuaranteed

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the group departure dates? Aside from that, we organize private trips or any special dates you prefer. Let's talk to our local specialist now.

    Photos & Videos
    4Travelers' Reviews
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Gokyo trek

      निर्भयी भव:| (Be fearless) is a very serene blessing we all seek from our elders in the Indian culture. My wife Saritha & I had a chance to experience it last week when the Himalaya blessed us. The ‘Gokyo Trek’ in Himalaya is a 5000m+ climb. The nature's display of green jungle, freshwater gushing, world’s top mountain tips front of us (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu), heavy snow, winds spouting… We could not ask for any better larger than life portrait. One of the best life experiences.
      The full credit of this great experience to Rabin & Rajesh. Rabin was our tour guide and companion. Rajesh organized everything perfect and especially some of the facilities in the rough weather conditions.

      N
      Nilesh AJul 22, 2023India
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Great trek from Salleri to Gokyo and back

      Apr 2023 • Friends

      We (three of us) did an 18-day trek, starting with a jeep from Kathmandu to Salleri and hiking up to Gokyo and back down to Salleri (no flying involved!). We booked with Nepal Trekking Experts at fairly short notice, having been round lots of agencies in Kathmandu, and they were able to fit us in despite it being one of the busier times of the year (late April). We had an amazing time and were very well looked after by our guide, Binod, and porters, Lactan and Raj. Although the weather was a bit crazy at times and we couldn’t cross the Renjo La as planned (LOTS of snow) we still got some fantastic views and Binod went above and beyond to try and give us the best possible experience despite the weather. He was happy to accommodate changes to our planned schedule, for example continuing two more hours to Mong La on one day when the proposed teahouse in Phortse Tanga was really busy and didn’t look great. (Mong La turned out to be amazing - would highly recommend staying there for the incredible views!). One of our group got altitude sickness when going up Gokyo Ri and Binod was great - made sure he came straight down, looked after him and reassured the rest of us. He also looked after our porters well (there are some weird rules in the Everest region and they couldn’t always stay with us), making sure they always had meals and somewhere to stay. Lactan and Raj the porters were fantastic - always cheerful and never seemed to be tired! We really appreciated the fact that Lactan acted as a sort of second guide at times, coming up Gokyo Ri with us and always helping us, picking up stuff we had forgotten etc. Thanks again to all of them.

      T
      Thelastdodo20May 30, 2023United Kingdom
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