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Gokyo Valley Trek
Also known as: Gokyo Lake Trek / Gokyo Ri Trek
The Gokyo Valley Trek is an enchanting Himalayan adventure that beckons trekkers with its breathtaking beauty and unique allure. Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Everest region, this trek takes you through a picturesque valley adorned with turquoise glacial lakes, pristine glaciers, and dramatic icefalls. What sets the Gokyo Valley Trek apart is its mesmerizing journey to Gokyo Ri, a stunning vantage point that offers awe-inspiring panoramas of four of the world's highest peaks - Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. As you ascend to higher altitudes, you'll be captivated by the serene charm of the Gokyo Lakes, reflecting the splendor of the Himalayan giants. Experience the warmth of Sherpa hospitality in the traditional villages and savor every moment in the lap of nature's grandeur. The Gokyo Valley Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with the pristine Himalayan landscape, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a yearning to return to its mystical embrace.
Table of contents
GuidesPictures
Itinerary
Route
Difficulty
Weather
Gear
Services
Accommodation
Permits
Access
Videos
Variations
FAQs
Links
Similar
Distances
- 12days, 85 km, +2,500 m, 5,360 m high point
- daily: 2 - 7 hours, 2 - 18 km, +50 - 1,252 m gain
Route
- out and back
- Starting and ending in Lukla
Cost
- $1,000 - $1,800 solo
- $1,193 - $2,800 guided
When to go
- March to May
- October and November
Permits
- 2 permits are needed
- costing around $40 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
Accommodation
Teahouses, LodgesGuide links
| Guide | Info | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lekhbesi Holiday | more info | $2,800 |
| Go Adventure | more info | $1,699 |
| Guide Nepal Holidays | more info | $1,770 |
| Boundless Adventure | more info | $1,205 |
| Honeyguide | more info | $1,193 |
Explore the stunning Gokyo Valley and its glacial lakes amidst the Himalayas.
Day 1
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,652 m)
Distance: 9 kmTime trekking / climbing: 3 hoursElevation change: +1,252 m
Take a scenic flight to Lukla, a gateway to the Everest region. Begin trekking towards Phakding, passing through charming villages and lush landscapes.
Day 2
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Distance: 6 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +788 m
Continue the trek to Namche Bazaar, a lively Sherpa town. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Everest and other surrounding peaks.
Day 3
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Distance: 4 kmTime trekking / climbing: 4 hours
Take a rest day to acclimatize to the altitude. Explore the local market and hike to Everest View Hotel for stunning mountain vistas.
Day 4
Namche to Phortse Tenga (Optional) (3,680 m)
Distance: 6 kmTime trekking / climbing: 4 hoursElevation change: +240 m
Participating in a standalone acclimatization day is a choice, and there's also the option for trekkers to directly travel from Namche to Dole in a single day, although this approach carries a higher risk in terms of acclimatization.
Day 5
Phortse Tenga to Dole (4,200 m)
Distance: 3 kmTime trekking / climbing: 3 hoursElevation change: +520 m
The trail is mostly gradual up through the alpine forest.
Day 6
Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m)
Distance: 5 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +360 m
Continue the trek with views of Cho Oyu and other peaks. Reach Machhermo, a village with a rich cultural heritage.
Day 7
Trek to Gokyo Lake (4,790 m)
Distance: 7 kmTime trekking / climbing: 4 hoursElevation change: +320 m
The day's hike takes us up 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. Enjoy the stunning views of the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Day 8
Gokyo Ri Hike then back to Gokyo Lake for overnight (4,790 m)
Distance: 8 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hours
Hike up to Gokyo Ri for a mesmerizing sunrise view over the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Day 9
Gokyo to Phortse (3,810 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 4 hoursElevation change: -980 m
It is an easy walk back (almost all downhill). The only slightly tricky bit of the whole day is the hike down after leaving Dole to Phortse Tenga as this can be a bit dusty.
Day 10
Phortse to Tengboche (3,860 m)
Distance: 2 kmTime trekking / climbing: 2 hoursElevation change: +50 m
The trail traces a skinny goat track, leading down a steep descent into the valley and eventually reaching a point where it crosses a river. From there, ascend all the way back up the other side to Tengboche.
Day 11
Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Distance: 7 kmTime trekking / climbing: 3 hoursElevation change: -420 m
Initially, the path featured a sharp descent, followed by a steep ascent that led to a point where the trail leveled out and skirted around the mountains back to Namche.
Day 12
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860 m)
Distance: 18 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -580 m
Trek back to Lukla, enjoying the last views of the Himalayas and reflecting on the journey.
The trek is 4 / 10, based on the below factors:
Terrain & route condition 5 / 10
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Altitude / Elevation 8 / 10
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
Distance 5 / 10
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Elevation gain 7 / 10
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Technical difficulty 2 / 10
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Access to facilities / Remoteness 3 / 10
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
Climate & weather 4 / 10
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
Gokyo Valley Trek weather
How is the weather on Gokyo Valley Trek, and when is the best time to go.
The Gokyo Valley Trek offers varying weather conditions throughout the year. The best time to do the trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) months when the weather is relatively stable and clear, providing stunning views of the Himalayas. During the summer monsoon season (June to September), heavy rainfall and cloudy conditions may obstruct mountain views. In winter (December to February), temperatures can drop significantly, and higher altitudes experience freezing temperatures and snowfall, making it more challenging for trekking.
The best time to trek Gokyo Valley Trek is in these months:
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Oct
- Nov
Weather conditions in the Everest region can be unpredictable, so it's crucial to be prepared for sudden changes and possible flight delays in Lukla during the monsoon and winter months.
Gokyo Valley Trek Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
The Gokyo Valley Trek offers a remarkable journey through the Himalayas, with ample services to support trekkers along the way.
Accommodation
Accommodation options include teahouses and lodges, which are typical and provide basic but comfortable lodging for trekkers.Food
Food is available at teahouses and lodges along the route, offering a variety of meals with both local and international cuisines.Guides
Experienced guides are available for hire, assisting trekkers with route navigation, safety, and insights into local culture. Guide costs may vary based on experience and services offered.Porters
Porters can be hired to carry heavy backpacks, allowing trekkers to focus on the journey without the burden of heavy loads.Medical facilities
Limited health services are available at certain villages along the route, including basic medical clinics and pharmacies. However, it's essential to carry a personal first aid kit.Gear rental
Trekkers can rent some essential trekking gear such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, and down jackets. However, it's advisable to bring personal gear for a comfortable and familiar experience.Transport
The trek typically starts with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. After completing the trek, trekkers can fly back to Kathmandu.Internet / Phone
Connectivity varies along the route, with limited internet and phone signal availability in certain areas. Don't rely solely on communication devices; carry a backup plan for emergencies.ATMs
ATMs are available in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, so it's advisable to carry enough cash for remote areas where ATMs may not be present.Shops
There are shops in various villages offering trekking essentials, snacks, and souvenirs, providing opportunities for trekkers to purchase necessary items or memorabilia.Gokyo Valley Trek Accomodation
What is the accommodation like treking Gokyo Valley Trek
Accommodation options along the Gokyo Valley Trek vary from basic teahouses to more comfortable lodges, providing trekkers with essential facilities and warm hospitality.
Gokyo Valley Trek permits
What permits are needed for treking Gokyo Valley Trek
Permits needed for the Gokyo Valley Trek
1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- $20 (~2,000 in the local currency)
- Entry permit to Sagarmatha National Park, which includes conservation and area fees.
- Can be obtained at the Park entrance or through authorized agencies in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar.
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- $20 (~2,000 in the local currency)
- Permit required for trekking in the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality area.
- Available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the trekking entry checkpoint in Lukla.
Gokyo Valley Trek access - getting there
How to get to Gokyo Valley Trek
The trek typically starts from Lukla, which is accessible from Kathmandu:
- By Air: There are direct flights from Kathmandu to Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport. This is the quickest and most common way to reach the start of the trek, although it is dependent on good weather conditions.
- By Road and Trek: For those with more time, you can travel by bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Jiri or Salleri and then trek to Lukla. This is a longer route and requires additional days of trekking, but it provides more time for acclimatization and the opportunity to experience more of the local culture and scenery.
Returning from the End of the Gokyo Valley Trek
The trek typically ends at Lukla, from where you can return to Kathmandu:
- By Air: You can take a direct flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. This is the most common and fastest way to return, but it is dependent on good weather conditions.
- By Trek and Road: If you have trekked to Lukla via Jiri or Salleri, you can choose to return the same way. This is a longer route and requires several days of trekking. After reaching Jiri or Salleri, you can travel to Kathmandu by bus or jeep.
At busy times of the year certain local airlines fly only from Rammchapp instead of Kathmandu, which is a four hour bus ride from Kathmandu.
These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.
Renjo La Pass
add 2 extra days
For the adventurous, add a challenging detour to Renjo La Pass offering awe-inspiring landscapes and a glimpse of Tibetan culture.
Gyazumpa Cho,Ngozumpa Cho and Cho Oyu Base Camp
add 1 - 2 extra day
Visit the top Gokyo lakes; beautiful and more isolated. While there check out Cho Oyu's (the 8,000m mountain dominating the valley) base camp.
Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
add 4 - 6 extra days
Go over another big pass and up towards Everest base camp and Kala Patthar. The pass is a challenging but beautiful route, and the EBC valley speaks for itself. Come back down via beautiful Dingboche, a lovely place to recuperate in comfort in the shadow of Ama Dablam.
Gokyo Valley Trek questions
What to know about trekking Gokyo Valley Trek
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Gokyo Valley Trek Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Gokyo Valley Trek route.
Use facebook groups to find up to date info, plan trips and find trekking buddies.
These treks are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Gokyo Valley Trek trek and provide beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure.
