Gokyo Valley Trek

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Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking
Duration: 14 Days Trip Code: CO-110
Trip Grade Moderate to strenuous Max-Altitude: 4,750 m/15,580 ft
Meals: All meals during trek Accommodation: Hotels/Mountain Lodges
Group size: Minimum of 2 Transportation: Flights/Private Vehicles
Trip Start: Kathmandu Trip End: Kathmandu
Primary Activity: Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking Best Season March to May, Mid September to Mid December

Trip Introduction

Gokyo valley trek is suited to those who wish to trek the Khumbu region in a peaceful environment with less number of trekkers. This trek won’t lead you to Everest Base Camp or Kalapatthar but trekking to Gokyo itself is a triumph and contentment. Gokyo is a small village in Solukhumbu district of Nepal at the base of Gokyo RI, probably the only settlement that is located at the highest elevation (4,750 m/15,580 ft) in Nepal. The village consists of several huts to cater the trekkers visiting this area. This could be a perfect opportunity to observe the villages like Kunde, Khumjung, and Namche where culture prevails over nature. Trek to Gokyo lake - world highest freshwater lake and enjoy the magnificent Himalayan Vista from Gokyo RI (4750m).

The trek begins from Lukla and follows the same path of Everest region for the first two days. Gokyo valley trek is as captivating as Everest base camp trek because it offers a breathtaking view of the Peaks including a closer view of Mt. Everest, age-old Sherpa culture as well as the scenic beauty of the region that is to die for. You will come across pleasing lush of temperate vegetation, Sagarmatha National park, nice looking Sherpa villages and a cluster of enchanting glacial lakes on your way to Gokyo.

Spring Season (March to May) and autumn season (October to December) are considered to be the best season to travel this region because in monsoon the trails are slippery and there is a probability of landslides and extreme winter season is not suggested because the visibility might get worse due to cloud and fog.
Classic Outdoors offers you a 14 days standard package for Gokyo Valley Trek that includes full accommodation with hot baths and meal throughout the trek along with bed and breakfast in Kathmandu. You can get special discounts on groups.

Besides, we have a 15 days Everest Base Camp Trek package that offers you a wonderful journey to Everest along with some quality time to explore Kathmandu city, do let us know beforehand so that we can arrange your trip accordingly without any hassles. You can also opt for our Gokyo with Everest Base Camp Trek 18 Days. If the suggested itineraries are not up to the mark, we can even customize your trip as per your need with a special group discount. Please contact us for detail information.

Trip Highlights

  • A scenic flight to Lukla and trekking on the undulated terrain of Himalaya
  • Incredible v Dudhkoshi River
  • The unique culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa community and their villages
  • A 360 degree view of the mountains from Gokyo RI.
  • Lush of temperate vegetation along with the Himalayan animals and birds of Sagarmatha national Park
  • A perfect view of the  fresh water lakes of Gokyo valley.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu-Lukla-Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) (30-35 minute flight)

Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft

Day 04: Namche Bazaar- a day for acclimatization

Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4200m/13779ft)

Day 06: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4470m/14665 ft)

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo (47900m/15715 ft)

Day 08: A day hike to Gokyo RI (4,750 m/15,580 ft)

Day 09: Trek from Gokyo RI to Phortse (3,400m/12500ft)

Day 10: Trek from Phortse to Khumjung (3780m/12402ft0)

Day 11: Trek from Khumjung to Monjo (2835m/9302 ft)

Day 12: Trek from Monjo (2835m/9302 ft) to Lukla (2840m/9317 ft)

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 14: Farewell Day

Trip Includes:

  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private tourist vehicle
  • Welcome dinner (Day 1) and Farewell dinner (Day 13)
  • 3-star standard accommodation in Kathmandu (Hotel Apsara Boutique or similar) for two nights along with breakfast
  • Accommodation during the trek in Teahouse/Lodges
  • All standard meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner), safe drinking water (use of water purifying tablets), seasonal fruits after dinner, tea/coffee(3 times a day)
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flight tickets, domestic transfers, and airport tax
  • Departure transfer and airport tax
  • Well-experienced, licensed, English speaking trekking guide (their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation)
  • Porters (One porter for every 2 members) and his entire expenses(salary, food, accommodation equipment, and insurance)
  • All the necessary permits i.e., (Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee and trekking permit) and all relevant paperwork
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (borrowings offered upon request, without any extra cost)
  • Company’s duffel bag (upon request), and T-shirt (souvenir)
  • Trekking route map
  • First Aid Kit (Carried by your trek guide)
  • Arrangement of rescue helicopter service (your travel insurance should cover this expense)
  • Applicable local and government taxes
  • 1-hour trekkers massage after the trek completion
  • Local SIM Card


Trip Excludes:

  • Nepal arrival visa (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days in Cash) and international flights.
  • Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu except for welcome and farewell dinner. 
  • Your equipment and other expenses such as mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, bar bills, showers, internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs, etc. 
  • Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation as well as medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
  • Tips to guide, porters, and drivers as a token of appreciation. 
  • The monument entrance fee during a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
  • Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list. 

If you have any confusion or require any further information, you can contact us or call us at +977-9851223737 for 24/7 support. We speak English, Hindi, and Nepali.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Meals included: Dinner

Our airport representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival. He/she will escort you to the respective hotel in a private vehicle. Your prior trip meeting will be scheduled on the very day at the hotel before dinner. However, our airport representative will give you a brief idea about the second day’s schedule on your way to the hotel. During this meeting, we will introduce you to your leader/guide. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your trek or anything that is related to your trip. To make you feel comfortable, we host a welcome dinner for you in a popular restaurant in the city where you can enjoy authentic Nepali meal along with cultural programs including ethnic dance and songs. Tonight will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 02: Kathmandu-Lukla-Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) (30-35 minute flight)
Total duration: 4 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport by our staff early in the morning to board the flight to Lukla. After a 30-35 minutes flight, you will land to Tenzing- Hillary Airport, Lukla from where your trek begins. You can enjoy the majestic view on your way to Lukla from Kathmandu if the weather is clear. There will be a short briefing session regarding the trekking and you will also be introduced to the other trekkers during your breakfast. You will get some time to go see the village and local people while porters sort out and load the trekking equipment. This walk is considered to be a short hike that will help you to acclimatize. After almost four hours of walk, you will reach Phakding. There are many beautiful monasteries to visit, beautiful Lukla village and a breathtaking terrain to view. There are many resting places and lodges in Phakding and you will be staying in one of these lodges tonight.  

Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today, our trek continues along the trail of Dudhkoshi River after breakfast in Phakding. We begin with an uphill walk crossing the suspension bridge with prayer flags that lead to Monjo, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. There are many teahouses, and shops on the way to Monju from Phakding for light refreshment. After clearing the entrance formalities to enter the National Park, we will walk down the steeped trail to Dudhkoshi River. After crossing another interesting suspension bridge, the uphill trail will lead you to Namche Bazaar-Gateway to Mt. Everest. We can find many good restaurants, hotels, lodges shops, money exchange, bakeries and teahouses as Namche is the biggest village along the whole Everest trail. Major attractions of this day are an amazing view of Mt. Kusum, Lhotse, Nuptse and the first Glimpse of Mt. Everest. We will stay in a guesthouse tonight. 

Day 04: Namche Bazaar- a day for acclimatization
Total duration: 2-3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today is the day for acclimatization and rest. However, the acclimatization day does not mean to chill with the beer at Namche. We hike to a hill above Namche, which is one and half hours hike. The view of Mt. Everest with a great panorama of Khumbu Himalayas is a spectacular sight from Syangboche. Return back to Namche, lunch and remaining day you can simply relax or visit in and around Namche. Overnight stay at a guest house in Namche.

Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Dole (4200m/13779ft)
Total duration:
6-7 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today we will trek uphill and above 4000m to reach the top from where we can view Mt. Everest and Lhotse. After continuous walk following the trail passing through the villages, the traders are seen selling Tibetan handicrafts. The trail above Dudhkoshi river branches, one of which leads to Everest Base Camp. We will follow the other trail that ascends to Mon La Pass and then to Phortse. Phortse is a beautiful village where we can observe the preserved culture of Sherpa in a local monastery, local powerhouse or we can even trek to Luri Peak. From here will follow a steep climb passing through the forest and beautiful settlement of Tonga and Gyele to reach Dole.  Khumbila and Tawache can be seen from this point. We can spend our evening exploring the village.We will stay overnight at Dole.

Day 06: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4470m/14665 ft)
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today after breakfast,  our hike will begin with a gradual uphill climb alongside the valley. We might find it difficult to breathing because of the increased altitude. A lush of an alpine forest is seen replacing the temperate forest. We will pass through numerous pastures throughout the trail. Peaks like Choyu, Kantega, and Thamserku are clearly visible from this point. We will arrive at Machhermo during the daytime. After having lunch we can explore the valley and places nearby. This night will be spent at Machhermo.

Day 07: Trek to Gokyo (47900m/15715 ft)
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Right after breakfast, we will climb over the ridge to see the majestic view of Khatanga Gorge along with the closest view of Mt. Cho you right in front of us. From here our hike continuous along the edge until we reach Pangram and now the trail will descend to the riverbank. We will reach the Ngozumpa glacier after a gradual uphill climb. It is a vertical scale on the moraine, afterward the path heights out as it follows the valley pass through the second lake. After few hours of walk, we will reach Gokyo valley where we will stay overnight.

Day 08: A day hike to Gokyo RI (4,750 m/15,580 ft)
Total duration: 6-7hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today we will climb to Gokyo RI (5,463m) right after breakfast. This is the point from where the alluring view of Mt. Everest, Choyu, Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu can be seen. Today is the main day of Gokyo valley trek. Some trekkers prefer to swim in the icy lake. While exploring the area we can hike to the fifth lake and then return to Gokyo valley to stay overnight.

Day 09: Trek from Gokyo Ri to Phortse (3,400m/12500ft)
Total duration: 7-8 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today, after breakfast we will trek back from Gokyo Valley walking through the trails that pass through beautiful Himalaya scenery, majestic forest and breath-taking landscape with lifelong memories of Gokyo valley. After almost 3 hours of descending and crossing the river, we will climb uphill to reach Phortse, a beautiful village surrounded by pine and rhododendrons forest and is among the famous villages’ ok Khumbu region. We will stay overnight at Phortse.

Day 10: Trek from Phortse to Khumjung (3780m/12402ft0)
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today after breakfast, we will walk down the hill along the riverside towards Phortse Thanga. After crossing the river there will be a gradual uphill walk to reach Kyangjuma through Tashinga Village. From here it is about 40 to 50 minutes of walk to reach Khumjung. This village has got a typical type of trails through the houses. Beautiful chortens, Mane, prayer flags can be seen here. There is a Sherpa School for secondary education (Only one of Khumbu), and we could also visit Khumbu Hospital in Kunde where western Doctors are available (With collaboration with Himalayan Rescue Association) for basic treatment of AMS. This night will be spent at Khumjung.

Day 11: Trek from Khumjung to Monjo (2835m/9302 ft)
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Our trek today will begin at Khumjung towards Monjo. Though a longer one but today’s trek is easier compared to the other days. We will come across few Sherpa settlements during the walk. We have to walk for almost 7 hours to reach Monjo. Monjo is a beautiful Sherpa village. People of this village depend on agriculture for their livelihood. These people are warm and friendly. Today’s night will be spent at Monjo after dinner.

Day 12: Trek from Monjo (2835m/9302 ft) to Lukla (2840m/9317 ft)
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We will have to ascend as well as descend today. We will cross the suspension bridge over the Dudhkoshi River and descend for a while followed by a long ascend to reach Lukla from where our trek began. This evening can be spent with the team members roaming around the market or can have some quality time with ourselves enjoying achievement that we made during past few days. We will spend this night at Lukla. 

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner

Flight to and from Lukla are normally during the early hours as the weather might go unpredictably adverse during the later hours. After your breakfast, you will be taken to the airport by our guide and your luggage will be taken care of by the porters and local Sherpas. You will reach to Kathmandu after a 30 min of flying. You will be escorted to the respective hotel by our staff from the airport. You will have time to rest. Since today is your last day in Kathmandu, we host a farewell dinner where you can give your feedback regarding the services that we provided during the entire trip. You will stay at a hotel in Kathmandu today.

Day 14: Farewell Day
Meals included: Breakfast

This is the last day of your trip with us. You can extend your trip for one or two days to visit other interesting places in and out of Kathmandu which is completely optional. If not then one of our staff will escort you to the airport as per your scheduled departure. You can roam around the city and buy souvenirs’ and do shopping to take along with you if your flight is scheduled during late hours.


Source:www.theclassicoutdoors.com