Gokyo Valley Trek

Yes. Most foreign nationals can acquire a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. For an on arrival visa you need to have a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a passport photo and the necessary visa fee.

Make sure to requirements for visa on arrival in your country before arrival. If your country is not eligible for a visa on arrival then you may obtain it in advance from diplomatic missions (consulates and embassies). 

Yes. It can be. If you wish to extend your stay then you may extend it by visiting the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Please renew it before the expiration date. 

Yes. At Base Camp Adventure, we provide airport pick up service for the Gokyo Valley Trek and almost all other trekking packages. Our team will be waiting for you at the international airport and will transfer you to your booked accommodation in the city ensuring a hassle free start of the journey.

The Gokyo Valley Trek is considered moderately challenging. It involves daily walks of 5 to 7 hours. The trek requires you to make steep ascents on rocky trails and high altitude path that reaches over 5,300 m. 

While the route is physically demanding proper acclimatization, a steady pace and reasonable fitness make this achievable for most physically fit trekkers 

Yes. Beginners can complete the Gokyo Valley Trek as long as they are prepared enough and have good level of fitness. Prior trekking experience is always beneficial but is not necessary. 

If you are a well prepared beginner, follow a gradual itinerary and advice of the experienced guides, then you can successfully complete the trek.

Usually, trekking days take from 5 to 7 hours depending on the itinerary, condition of the trail and altitude. Sometimes there are shorter days when you just need to spend a few hours trekking. Some days might be longer ones, which can take about 8 hours of trekking. Taking breaks every hour during the journey can make the navigation more pleasant and manageable. 

The Gokyo Valley Trek demands a good level of physical fitness. You need to be physically fit enough to walk several days through rugged terrain carrying a small light backpack. Cardiovascular exercises, hiking, stair-climbing, and strength training exercises for at least 3 to 4 months prior to the trek are strongly recommended.

The trek to Gokyo Ri is among the most difficult portions of the trek because of its steep elevation and altitude of 5,357 meters. 

The trail is a steep uphill one and trekkers have to traverse steep trails at an altitude where the thinness of the air adds more difficulty in each step. However, it does not require any technical expertise in mountaineering. So, proper caution should be taken while ascending.  

Lukla flights generally take off from Kathmandu. During the peak trekking seasons of spring and autumn, flights can also operate from Ramechhap Airport. This is because of increased air traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport. The departure airport depends on the season, the weather conditions and the schedule of the airline. 

The journey to Lukla is truly an exciting one. The flight from Kathmandu is about 30 to 35 minutes. From Ramechhap it takes about 15 to 20 minutes. During the flight, you can witness Himalayan mountains, valleys, rivers and mountain villages which will keep you captivated throughout the journey.  

Lukla flights are strongly influenced by weather. Delays or cancellations are common when visibility is poor or strong winds develop. If your flight is canceled, a new flight date will be arranged for the next available day. If you are short on time, you may choose a helicopter flight, subject to weather and seat availability, by paying extra.      

For domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla 15 kg total baggage is allowed: 10 kg checked baggage and 5 kg hand luggage. Before packing you must check the luggage limit as excess baggage may cost extra.

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times for the Gokyo Valley Trek. During these months, you will be rewarded with stable weather, enchanting mountain views and ideal trail conditions which will let you experience a smooth and successful adventure according to your intended plan.

Yes. It can snow any time of the year in the upper areas of Gokyo Valley. But it is more common during late autumn, winter, and early spring. 

In the main trekking season, the snow is generally light and is manageable with proper caution. However, heavy snowfall during winter may make trails harder to navigate  requiring the right gear, the support of an experienced guide and good planning. 

Yes. It can. It is due to flights' dependence on good visibility and wind conditions. Though morning flights are more reliable, mountain weather conditions may change rapidly. So, when the weather is not good, the flights can get cancelled. So, you should give an extra day or two to your itinerary.

In the monsoon season, the lower zones of the Gokyo trail get frequent rain. So, the paths can be wet and slippery. In addition, the heavy rain can affect visibility and clouds can cover the surrounding mountains. 

As it also coincides with the summer season, the lower zones can be sunny and warm. But it can get cooler after rainfall. Also, higher sections are mostly cold even in this season. So, proper layering is necessary. 

Likewise, the wet conditions let leeches thrive in the forested area, adding to the discomfort. Though this season offers considerable challenges, it offers tranquil trails, lush, nourished landscapes and unique scenery of misty mountains and clouds floating in the sky. 

Those who wish to undertake Gokyo Valley trek in monsoon must understand  challenges presented by this season and prepare accordingly.

Winter turns the Gokyo region into a serene mountain valley with fresh snow covering the high altitudes. In this season, you can see magnificent snowy mountain vistas and will also get to trek on the quiet path with few trekkers around compared to the peak seasons. 

The high altitude landscapes are covered with snow and the surroundings look like a winter wonderland. However, this season is extremely cold and the snowy terrain requires more effort for navigation. Also, extreme Himalayan cold can be difficult to handle for some. 

However, despite these difficulties, winter provides a wonderful opportunity for anyone in search of quiet trails and beautiful winter scenery. With the right preparation, proper equipment and guide' support winter trek to Gokyo Valley can become truly memorable. 

The autumn season (September to November) offers clearest and most impressive mountain views in Gokyo Valley. This is the post monsoon season. So, after the monsoon ends, the weather becomes clear and the atmosphere is dust free allowing you to see stunning views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu and other Himalayan peaks under bright open skies.

Spring (March to May) is another good time of year for stunning mountain views. During this time, too, the skies are clear mainly in the mornings and the surrounding landscapes are covered with blooming flowers including rhododendrons. 

The snow covered peaks remain stunning and the combination of vibrant nature and impressive Himalayan scenery makes spring a good time for exploration.

Yes. You may rent trekking equipment in Kathmandu prior to joining Gokyo Valley Trek. The most popular place to rent or buy trekking gear is in Thamel. It is a tourist hub of Kathmandu city.

Renting is highly recommended if you do not wish to purchase expensive gear or bring bulky items along from your home.

For the Gokyo Valley Trek right layering system is crucial because temperatures can vary throughout the day. You should bring three layers for this adventure specifically, a moisture wicking base layer, an insulating layer and waterproof outer layer.

Also, additional warm clothes like down jackets, gloves, socks and beanie are recommended because the early morning and evenings at high altitudes are usually cold.

In your day pack, you should include all the things needed during the day trek such as water bottle, high-energy snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain gear, a camera, medicines, hand sanitizer and extra jackets. 

A comfortable 20-30 liter daypack is more than enough for carrying the essentials that is needed during the day's trek. 

Trekking Poles are strongly recommended for Gokyo Valley Trek. The trekking pole will provide you with extra support while hiking up in rocky and uneven terrain. This can ease the pressure on your knees while hiking down the hill.

Trekking Poles are extremely helpful in navigating through snowy areas. So to enhance your balance, comfort, and confidence while trekking we suggest that you carry trekking poles. 

Yes. Sleeping bags are highly recommended for the Gokyo Valley Trek. Although all tea houses provide blankets they might not provide enough warmth especially in high altitude areas. So, you will need a good quality sleeping bag to endure the cold weather at higher elevations.

For this trek, you can carry a personal first aid kit with all the medications that are necessary for you during the trekking journey. These include medications for headaches, stomach issues, allergic reactions, pain relief and blister treatment. 

In addition, you may also pack altitude sickness medications such as Diamox after consultation with your doctor. Also, you need to bring any regular prescription medications that you may need while trekking. 

For the Gokyo Lakes Trek, you may start to train for the trek atleast 3 to 4 months prior to the beginning of the trek.

You may start the training by building up endurance through cardio exercise such as: 

•  Walking
•  Running
•  Cycling
•  Swimming
•  Climbing stairs 

You may also choose to do strength exercises to enhance balance and endurance. Some examples of strength exercises include: 

• Squats
• Push Ups
• Lunges
• Step-ups
• Planks
• Calf raises

Cardio, strength workouts and hikes are the best ways to train for the Gokyo Valley trek. To get familiar with the conditions of the actual trek, you can go hiking in the nearby hilly areas. 

The highest point of the Gokyo Valley Trek is Gokyo Ri. It is situated at 5,357 m. This viewpoint offers amazing views of snowy Himalayan peaks. Trekkers generally hike to the top during the early morning to get rewarded with breathtaking mountain views under vivid skies. 

When your body cannot cope with the decreased level of oxygen due at high altitudes then altitude sickness can occur. Some of the symptoms are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Loss of Appetite
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Breathlessness

Almost all Gokyo Valley Trekking packages feature at least one acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. This day helps your body adapt to the higher altitude. Additional acclimatization can be scheduled at Machhermo if required or if you want to spend one more day to adapt to the high altitude. 

To prevent altitude sickness you should ascend gradually and give your body enough time to adjust. In addition, you must be well hydrated, eat nutrient rich meals, avoid alcohol and get rest when needed. Also, make sure to follow the acclimatization schedule that is listed in your itinerary. 

Still, if you happen to experience any of the symptoms and it does not get better, the best possible solution is to head down to the lower elevations. 

Your guide will observe your condition and recommend what should be done after the assessment. It might be solved by rest in case of mild symptoms. However, in case of severe symptoms, descending to a lower elevation is highly recommended. 

Yes, it is available. Evacution on helicopters are mainly done for severe altitude sickness, injuries and medical emergencies. The guides will make rescue arrangements by coordinating with local authorities, us and the rescue team.

You will need two permits for the Gokyo Valley Trek:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
• The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

These permits are required to enter the Khumbu region. Its revenue is mainly used to protect the Himalayan environment and the development and maintenance of the local infrastructure.

Yes. At Base Camp Adventure, permit fees are included in the package price. In fact, we handle the permit-obtaining process and get the right permits that are required to trek in the Everest Region. Our guides will also help you get your permits verified at different check points along the trail. 

The popular accommodation type during the Gokyo Valley trek is traditional tea houses and lodges. At the teahouses/ lodges, you will get a decent room with a twin bed, blankets, and a communal eating space. 

At high altitudes, facilities are limited. However, tea houses offer a cozy place to stay, enjoy meals and meet other trekkers and enjoy the hospitality on the route.

Yes. Hot shower facilties are available at most of the teahouses of the Gokyo Valley trekking trail. However, at many teahouses, you have to pay extra for its use. At many high-altitude villages, you may get hot water in a bucket. If you need it, then you may ask it with the owners and they will arrange it accordingly. 

The hot shower's cost ranges from US$ 3 to US$ 12 depending on the altitude. In higher zones,  prices generally increase as fuel or gas is usually transported to remote areas by porters or mules which makes operating costs much higher.

Yes. Tea houses provide charging facilities for mobiles, cameras, and other electronic gadgets. However, charging will cost you extra since the power supply is limited at high altitudes. It can cost around US$ 2 to US$ 6 per device. 

Please carry a power bank and get it fully charged when you get a chance, as it is a reliable backup for your electronic devices when charging facilities are limited at higher elevations.

Most of the tea houses along the Gokyo Valley Trek route offer Wi-Fi services at an extra cost. Usually, the fee increases as the elevation rises due to the rugged terrain, changing weather conditions, and limited infrastructure. 

For a relatively better internet experience, many hikers choose to buy an Everest Link card, which works well in many parts of the Everest area. You can buy these cards at sales stations at Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar and Gokyo or at the local lodges where you stay. 

Almost all trek packages include three daily meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the tea houses and feature a mix of Nepali and some international cuisines. 

Usually, trekkers have breakfast and dinner in the teahouse where they stay, while lunch is arranged on route at a designated eatery or teahouse.

The Everest region is very popular for exploration and trekking. So, you can find wide variety of dishes on the menu. 

Some food options available at the teahouses include roti/chapati, Tibetan bread, eggs, toast, porridge, pancakes, dhindo, sandwiches, burgers, dal bhat, and thukpa. Fried noodles, sherpa stew, chowmein, momo, pasta, veggie soup, spring rolls, garlic soup, potato dishes, vegetable soup, rice and bread. 

Yes. Vegetarian as well as vegan dishes are easily available. It will not be difficult for you to find vegetarian dishes on the trail. Typical examples include dal bhat, vegetable fried rice, veggie noodles, soups, potatoes, and curry. 

If you are vegan then inform us in advance, and the tea house owners will modify it accordingly. Most of the dishes are already vegan friendly. Still, make sure to inform us about your dietary restrictions before you start the journey so that we can manage accordingly.

You can get safe drinking water on Gokyo Valley Trail. However, you must be careful and choose only boiled and purified water. You should not drink water from natural sources without purification. If you want to drink water from natural sources then make sure to use purification tablets or UV filters.

Even though there are teahouses where you can buy bottled water, it becomes costly with elevation and adds to plastic waste. That's why we highly recommend that you drink boiled or purified water.

Refilling your water bottle will be easy on the entire trail. Tea houses provide hot water for drinking at a small fee. You may carry your own reusable water bottle and fill it at the teahouses on the route. 

This is the safest and option and most environmentally friendly option. It lets you stay hydrated and by following this method, you are also reducing the use of single use plastic bottles.

Yes. You can. Snacks available at the tea houses as well as small shops on the trail. Popular choices include chocolates, biscuits, chips, and energy bars. But everyone’s tastes differ, and you may not always find your favorite brand or snack. 

All supplies are brought to the mountain regions via porters and mules; prices get higher as you trek higher. So, it is wise to carry some of your favorite snacks with you from city area. 

Yes. It is. The exciting Gokyo Valley Trek takes you to different high altitude zones where there are certain risks, such as altitude sickness, trip disruptions and accidents. Having travel insurance is necessary for financial protection against such risks. It gives you peace of mind throughout your trek.

For the Gokyo Lake Trek, you will have to purchase a travel insurance plan that will cover medical emergencies, cancellation or interruption of trip, loss or delay in baggage and emergency evacuation.

You should analyze your insurance plan and its inclusions prior to purchasing it to make sure that you are adequately covered from potential risks you may face during your trek. 

Booking the Gokyo Valley Trek package with us is an easy process. You can directly book from the website. You may open the package page and press the “Book this Trip” option. 

Then, you need to select a suitable departure date for you, pick the number of participants, and fill out the required details in the form. Afterwards, you have to pay the deposit of 30% and your booking will be confirmed. 

Yes. You can make adjustments to your Gokyo Valley Trek according to your travel schedule, walking pace and interests. For instance you could add some extra acclimatization days, cross Renjo La Pass and even combine this trek with Everest Base Camp.

If you want to customize the trek, you can make a request and we will craft it accordingly. 

We accept deposit payments through credit and debit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, UnionPay and JCB), online payments and bank transfers.

Tipping is not mandatory. However, it is a very common custom. Usually, trekkers tip around 10 to 15 % of the total trip cost. However, there is no fixed amount for tipping. You may choose the tipping amount based on the service received and your overall experience on the trail. 

For the Gokyo Lakes trek you can bring around US$250 to US$350 converted to Nepali rupees to cover for your expenses that are included in your trekking package such as snacks, boiled water, hot showers, souvenirs and others.

There are no reliable ATMs after Lukla and Namche Bazaar along the trail so you will have to take some extra cash with you from Kathmandu.