Gokyo Valley, home to the highest freshwater lake system in the world, is in Khumbu region (Everest region of Nepal.), which itself is host to several eight-thousanders like Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), and Cho Oyu (8188m). Nestled beside the sixth highest mountain in the world, Cho Oyu (8188m), Gokyo Valley is a must see place for anyone looking for adventure, for its rugged yet quiet terrain is filled with natural allure. If you happen to be a trekking enthusiast then Gokyo Valley Trek is something you would not like to miss.
Gokyo Valley Trek is labeled moderate in difficulty, so anyone with fairly good health can attempt it. Gokyo Valley is a living museum dotted with small villages and settlements still not touched by modernity and intact with an unspoiled environment. The friendly Sherpa local add the charm to the place with their simple rural lifestyles. Gokyo Valley is also the base of the highest freshwater lake system (4700-5000 m) in the world, comprising of 19 lakes, both big and small. Among them, six hold significant importance because of their size and depth. Another attraction in this area is the Gokyo village (4700 m), a quaint village situated by the bank of third Gokyo Lake. This place has several stone houses, mainly small hotels catering to tourists and trekkers. Apart from the beauty of Gokyo Valley itself, the trek features traversing through several Sherpa settlements and Buddhist monasteries while enjoying the continuous vista of the Khumbu Himalayas. The trek, following the trails of Dudh Koshi River throughout, takes the trekkers from the green forested paths of Khumbu to the stony terrains to the moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, making the trek action-packed and not loathsome.
The most fascinating benefit of trekking in this trail 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 neighborhood tenants of this district, the Sherpas, will add a further dimension to your experience of Gokyo Valley Trek. This trekking trails eventually leads you to the famous point of Gokyo Ri (Gokyo Peak) from where you can have a awe-inspiring view of hundreds of pleasing scenery.
Gokyo Valley Trek Altitude Chart
Itinerary
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.
You take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The landscape changes from green hills to snow-capped mountains as you enjoy the aerial view of your 40-minute flight. Upon landing in Lukla, the trek starts as you head towards Phakding. You will only walk a short distance today for acclimatization purpose. Passing through many Sherpa villages and enjoying the fresh air of the Himalayas, you arrive in Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
Today you will reach the commercial hub of Khumbu, Namche Bazaar, which is also known as the gateway to Everest. The trail walks mostly alongside Dudh Koshi River and goes through rhododendron and magnolia forest leading to the checkpoint of Sagarmatha National Park at Mojo. Then, crossing Dudh Koshi River several times on suspension bridges, you arrive in the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the panorama of Everest (8848m) and other mountains. Overnight in Namche.
Today is a rest day in Namche for acclimatization purpose. However, you can hike up to Hotel Everest View (3962m), the highest operating hotel, for a stunning panorama of Mt. Everest (8848m) along with other peaks of Khumbu. Later, you can explore the market of Namche and visit the Sherpa Museum to get to understand the culture and life of the Sherpa in the Himalayas. Overnight in Namche.
Leaving Namche, you follow the trails of Dudh Koshi River upstream and ascent on a trail filed with Mani walls and prayer flags. The peaks of Everest (8848m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Lhotse (8414m), Taboche (6367m), and so on can be seen glimmering on the skyline. You reach Dhole after passing through several Sherpa villages and small monasteries. Overnight in Dhole.
The trail from Dhole to Machhermo features a continuous view of the snowy peaks like Taboche (6367m), Cholatse (6335m), Cho Oyu (8188m), Everest (8848m), and so on. You make gradual ascend alongside Dudh Koshi River and pass the settlements of Kele and Luza before arriving in Machhermo. Overnight in Machhermo.
Today is the day you reach your ultimate destination, Gokyo Valley. As you ascend on the banks of Dudh Koshi River with the views of the Khumbu Himalayas, you pass a few monasteries and chortens before arriving at the first Gokyo Lake. Then, walking on the moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier, you arrive at the second lake, and finally at the third lake, behind which the ancient Sherpa village of Gokyo resides. Overnight in Gokyo.
You will spend the whole day exploring the Gokyo vicinity. You can either just stroll around the village or hike up to Gokyo Ri (5357m) for a mind-blowing vista of Cho Oyu (8188m), Everest (8848m), and the Mahalangur Himalayan Range. You will also be able to see the whole Gokyo Valley and the Gokyo lakes along with Ngozumpa Glacier from the top of Gokyo Ri (5360m). Hike back to Gokyo village and listen to the stories of the locals. Overnight in Gokyo.
It is time to say goodbye to the pristine valley of Gokyo. You leave the third, second, and first Gokyo Lakes respectively and walk past the settlements of Phanga, Machhermo, Luza, and Kele to arrive in Dhole. Throughout the trek, you will be accompanied by the views of Cholatse (6335m) and Taboche (6367m). Overnight in Dhole.
Leaving Dhole behind, you head back to the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar. You trek downhill to Sanasa via Phortse Thanga and Mong to join the bustling Everest Base Camp trail. You then descend through the alpine forest and past small monasteries to reach Namche Bazaar. Feel free to explore the pubs and eateries in Namche. Overnight in Namche.
You will retrace your way from Namche Bazaar to Lukla following the trails of Dudh Koshi River. As you trek through the rhododendron forest, you will pass many Sherpa villages, age-old monasteries, painted Mani walls, and prayer wheels before you arrive in Lukla. Later, you can explore the small town of Lukla and also interact with the locals. Overnight in Lukla.
You will fly over the mountains one more time as you board your early morning flight from Lukla 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 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
You will be dropped at Tribhuvan International Airport from your hotel for your return flight to your country.
Trip Facts
- Everest Region
- 5483 M
- 2
- Minimum 1
