Everest Gokyo Trek

12 Days

Everest Gokyo Trek would definitely be a life time experience for a trekker. Yearly thousands of adventure aspirant come here to explore the natural land and breath-taking Gokyo valley. From Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak) one can view the scenic view of fascinating mountains from north to south of Everest region including the mighty Everest as well.

Trekking to Gokyo valley deluges you with the great opportunity to witness the Ngozumpa glacier which is the biggest in Nepal’s Himalaya. The most fascinating benefit of Everest Gokyo Trek is extreme view of huge ice ridge located between Cho You and Gyachung in Khumbu region. It is known for the existence of high altitude lakes as well. These mountains, ridges and glaciers are supernatural as are your experiences with the Sherpa individuals, the well-known mountain inhabitants of this Himalayan wonderland. The glow and cordiality stretched out by the neighbourhood tenants of this district, the Sherpas, will add a further dimension to your experience of trekking in Nepal.

Your trek starts after a forty minute flight from Kathmandu and landing at a tiny Lukla’s airport. The trek trail follows Phakding, Namche bazaar, Dole all the way to Machhermo. Along the way you can encounter many farm villages along with striking views of the high snow-capped peaks of the world. The trekking trails eventually leads you to the famous point of Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Ri- a famous trekking peak) from where you can have a awe-inspiring view of hundreds of pleasing scenery.

Gokyo Ri, also known as Gokyo Peak (5,357 m, 17,575 ft above ocean level), is a top in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas. It is situated on the west side of the Ngozumpa glacier, which is the biggest glacier in Nepal and rumoured to be the biggest in the entire Himalayas. At the base of Gokyo Ri, is a small hamlet of few stone houses and one of the highest settlements on the planet. The vintage point of Gokyo Ri will reward you with staggering views of four of the eight highest mountains on earth; Cho Oyu (8153-m), Lhotse (8501-m), Makalu (8463-m) and the Everest (8848-m). The Gokyo trek ends at Gokyo Ri, and trekkers commonly turn around at this point and follow their progressions back to the trail-head.

The Gokyo valley trek is considered as a typical trek that is suitable for everyone. Our schedule gives two evenings in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization, with the goal that you won’t be in a risk from acute mountain sickness. This minimizes your shots of getting AMS and helps you make it securely to the highest point of Gokyo. So, if you are fairly fit and have a sense of adventure, you will definitely enjoy the Gokyo valley trek.

  • Everest Region
  • 5483 M
  • Minimum 1
  • 2

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our office representative who will then transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After this 40 minutes flight, the trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640 m.) which takes approximately three hours. You begin today trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.

This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You can also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu region and holds a busy Saturday market. There is set a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have reached there by crossing the glaciated Nangpa La.

Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization at the high altitude before heading higher elevation. For the acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or Everest View Hotel.

From Namche the route heads up all the way to Kumjung, a picturesque village which also has its own Gompa at the top end of town. Here you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak, said to be the abode of the patron God of the Khumbu region. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek steeply descend passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens.

From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of you are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch.

Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melt-water rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.), your route to Lobuche and Everest and later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Walking by the side of the lake, the scenery is magnificent with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in its emerald green waters.

Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region, some say that the Everest view is even better than from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machhermo.

The trail gently descends to Dole and then starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga (3650m.) passing through rhododendron forests. Then the path immediately ascends steeply to Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends up to Kyanjoma (3500m.) following small ups and down to Namche Bazar.

The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay.

You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend your leisure time either exploring the vibrant markets of Kathmandu or just resting in your hotel room. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

You will be dropped at Tribhuvan International Airport from your hotel for your return flight to your country.

Cost Includes(s)

  • Airport pick up and drop-off by private car / van.
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • 2 Night Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
  • 11 Night guest houses accommodation during the trek (mainly in twin sharing).
  • A local government licensed English speaking trekking guide during the trek.
  • The required number of porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine and transportation for all trekking guide and porter.
  • All necessary trekking permits, National Park permits and entry fees.
  • Down Jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag by Base Camp Adventure.
  • First aid medical kits.
  • Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate.
  • Gokyo Vallley and EBC trek route map.
  • Domestic airfare and airport tax.

Cost Exclude(s)

  • Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
  • Your travel insurance (compulsory).
  • International airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, laundry.
  • Personal trekking Equipments.
  • Tips for trekking staffs.
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.

We are advised to consider the following equipment as these are essentials while packing for the Gokyo Valley Trek of Everest region. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to the requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip.  We can find variety of these gears to rent or buy in Kathmandu. Majority of the gears which are in sale in Kathmandu are locally manufactured and some are imported from china and they are much cheaper. And there are some famous branded gear shops in Kathmandu, Thamel.

Equipment List:

– Lightweight and comfortable hiking boots: fit them with hiking socks and wear them wherever possible before you go to trekking.
– Sleeping bag and liner
– Sandals/ Flip flop
– Hiking socks – at least 4 pairs of cotton socks and 2 pair of wool socks
– Lightweight long sleeve hiking shirts
– Windproof/Waterproof pants and jacket
– Plastic rain poncho
– Light weather protection and warmer weather
– Hat for sun and wind
– Windproof gloves
– Warmer clothes
– Long underwear
– Thermals (socks, t-shirts, sweater)
– Wool hat/beanie (for winter)
– Shorts
– Hiking trousers
– Down jacket

Accessories:

– Sunglasses with good UV protection
– Sunscreen
– Lightweight bag to carry your personal needs during the day
– Insect repellent
– Camera with extra battery
– Flashlight
– Backpack
– Aluminum water bottle
– Head lamp
– Trekking Poles

Q: I’ve never trekked before.  Can I do this trek?
Answer:
 As long as you are reasonably fit, mentally prepared and can walk for 6-7-hours a day then no matter who you are and what your background is, a bit of training may be necessary, but even that is not 100% essential for most.

Q: How many miles do you walk each day?
Answer: 
In average you walk around 4-7 miles per day while going up and 8-12 miles while coming down.

Q: Is there battery charging facility?
Answer: The tea houses have charging ability via their solar panels but if it has been cloudy for several days, there may not be enough reserves to charge barberries for your camera, and thus it is better to have an extra battery. Teahouses usually charge for it – maybe a 300-500 rupees per hour. Many people want to charge their batteries so try to plug your stuff in as soon as you arrive.

Q: Can I do laundry on the trek?
Answer: Yes, you can. You can take this service with guest house. This will not be by machine, it will be by hand. Or, you can do your own laundry in a bucket.

Q: Is there bottled water on the Gokyo trek?
Answer: Yes, there’s bottled water from Lukla all the way up to Gokyo Village. But, the price goes up the higher you go. One liter bottle of water cost start around 70 rupees and at base camp cost well over 250 (around $2.5). A budget solution to this is to use water treatment solution or use water purifier tablets. Some purification tabs and drops make the water taste weird. Please be aware of that too. Buying boiled water can be a solution to save money from expensive bottled water but make sure if water was fully boiled or not before you buy.

Q: Is there age limit for Gokyo Valley Trek?
Answer: 
There isn’t any official age limit saying you can and cannot trek to Gokyo .

Q: How difficult is the Gokyo Valley Trek?
Answer: In terms of terrain there are no ropes needed and no ice picks needed. There is no vertical climbing involved. The ground is not paved. It is rough, rocky and gravel strewn. Most of the trek involves long paths that go up and then down. People with weak ankles should take caution. Depending on the time of year you go there can also be snow and ice in the trails. There are some boulders that need climbing, but you can also walk around many.

Q: Can children go the Gokyo Valley trek?
Answer: Yes is the general rule. It’s advisable that your child is reasonable and able to understand and follow instructions immediately. Your child should be mature enough to recognize altitude sickness symptoms.

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Everest Gokyo Trek

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