Gokyo Valley Trek
- Duration
- 13 days
- Max altitude
- 5,360 m
- Difficulty
-
Strenuous
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $1,385.00
Overview
The quieter side of the Khumbu. Instead of the Base Camp trail, this one turns north-west up the Dudh Koshi to the six turquoise lakes at Gokyo, with the Ngozumpa glacier, the largest in Nepal, grinding along beside them.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- Six glacial lakes at 4,700 m
- Gokyo Ri at dawn, four eight-thousanders in one view
- The Ngozumpa glacier
- Far fewer trekkers than the Base Camp trail
Day by day
The itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) and transfer to the hotel 1,400 m Hotel
One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting at the office with our trekking guide in the afternoon.
-
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m/9,317 ft) from Kathmandu – 35 minutes or drive to Manthali/Ramechhap (474 m/1,555 ft) by shared tourist vehicle – 5 to 6 hours and a 20-minute flight to Lukla, then trek to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft) – 3 to 4 hours 2,840 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, September, October and November)
During peak seasons, such as March, April, May, September, October and November, the flight to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion. The Manthali/Ramechhap airport is about a 5 to 6 hours drive away from Kathmandu. On this day, we wake up between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM, take an escorted
shuttle to Manthali Airport in a shared tourist vehicle, and board a 20-minute flight to Lukla.Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August and December)
The flight to Lukla is typically operated from Kathmandu during nonpeak seasons, which include January, February, June, July, August and December. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. On this day, we wake up
between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in Kathmandu, where you will board a 35-minute flight to Lukla. -
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) from Phakding – 5 to 6 hours 3,440 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing the majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags.
After entering the Sagarmatha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar (considered the Gateway to Everest) is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes and bakeries. Namche is the biggest town along the Everest trail.
-
Day 4: Namche Bazaar acclimatization day. Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m/12,730 ft) and back 3,880 m Teahouse
We spend a day in Namche Bazaar in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning air. We will trek a short distance to a museum that is celebrated for its exhibits of the traditional customs of the Sherpa people.
We also hike up the Syangboche Airport near the Everest View Hotel. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks.
-
Day 5: Trek to Phortse Thanga (3,680 m/12,073 ft) from Namche Bazaar – 5 to 6 hours 3,680 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
The trail climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forest, juniper and large conifers start to appear as the elevation increases making the trekking very pristine in springtime.
The trail passes through Yak Kharkas and summer settlements. The views of Khumbi La and Tawache are magnificent throughout the day.
-
Day 6: Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m/14,665 ft) from Phortse Thanga – 5 to 6 hours 4,470 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
We climb a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kengtega and up towards Cho Oyu and descend to a river and again climbs steep to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpz glacier. We will reach Machherma by early noon.
-
Day 7: Trek to Gokyo (4,790 m/15,715 ft) from Machhermo – 5 to 6 hours 4,790 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
The trek today takes us at one of our main destinations, Gokyo (4,800m/15,748 ft). We will make this camp our base for 2 nights as we will have couple of sightseeing and hiking trips around Gokyo.
-
Day 8: Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,360 m/17,585 ft) and back to Gokyo – 5 to 6 hours 5,360 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
Early in the morning, we have a steep climb up to the top of Gokyo Ri at an elevation of 5,483m, it is one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region .
There are ample rewards for those who attempt this trip – you get stunning views of the super Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, including the giants Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang.
-
Day 9: Trek to Dole (4,200 m/13,780 ft) from Gokyo – 6 to 7 hours 4,200 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
Today, we begin our descent from Gokyo, retracing our steps along the trail to the charming village of Dole. As we descend, we’ll pass through lush forests and scenic landscapes, with stunning views of the Himalayas fading behind us.
Arriving in Dole, we’ll settle into a guesthouse for the night, enjoying the serene atmosphere and preparing for the next leg of our journey.
-
Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) from Dole via Khumjung Village (3,780 m/12,402 ft) – 5 to 6 hours 3,780 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
We continue walking through a typical Sherpa village of Khumjung, leaving the mountains behind us as we descend back to Namche Bazaar.
-
Day 11: Trek to Lukla (2,840 m/9,317 ft) from Namche Bazaar – 6 to 7 hours 2,840 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
Finally, we return to Lukla where we started our trek, which might seem like a lifetime ago. We’ll spend some time enjoying and reflecting on the trek as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part. We also have some spare time to explore the town some more.
-
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu – 35 minutes or Manthali/Ramechhap – 20 minutes from Lukla and same-day drive to Kathmandu by shared tourist vehicle – 5 to 6 hours 5-6 hrs Hotel
Lukla to Manthali Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)
The flight from Lukla to Manthali is a 20-minute flight. After that, it is about a 5 to 6 hour drive to Kathmandu. Please note that the driving hours may vary according to the highway traffic condition. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle.Lukla to Kathmandu Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)
The flight from Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month.In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant.
-
Day 13: Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure
The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $1,660.00 | Comfortfrom $1,958.80 | Luxuryfrom $2,407.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: Standard twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 2 nights in Kathmandu including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
- Included: Twin-sharing guest house accommodation during the trek for 10 nights in the Everest Region with attached toilets in Lukla, Phakding & Namche
- Included: All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including a tea or coffee with each meal.
- Included: Fresh seasonal fruits each day after dinner during the trek.
- Included: A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
- Included: Purified drinking water during the trek using water filter or water purification tablets.
- Included: All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- Included: Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla
- Included: Kathmandu – Manthali – Kathmandu transportation by shared tourist vehicle
- Included: Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Permit
- Included: Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
- Included: TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
- Included: Experienced, wilderness first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, locally recruited trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people).
- Included: Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
- Included: Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- Included: duffel/kit bag, trekking map, sun hat, Buff (Neck Gaiter)
- Included: A comprehensive first aid kit, including an Oximeter to check pulse and oxygen levels daily in the mountains
- Included: Trip completion certificate
- Included: All government taxes, permits, and service charges
Not included
- Not included: Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Not included: International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Not included: Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
- Not included: Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Not included: Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Not included: Tips to trekking staff and driver
- Not included: Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Not included: Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trekker | $1,660.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $1,385.00 | $275.00 |
| 4 to 6 trekkers | $1,300.00 | $360.00 |
| 7 or more | $1,220.00 | $440.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
Traveller reviews
What trekkers say
Why book with us
