About Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek:
Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek starts in the Gokyo Valley Region at the head of the Dudh Kosi Valley and provides a superb option for the popular Everest Base Camp Trek. Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek is the ideal Explorer trek that opens avenues to spectacular landscapes as you hike the walks through old-time Sherpa villages gompas (monasteries) that represent their culture and the Buddhist doctrines that make up their religion which is extended to the sacred peaks they climb in order to appease the mountain gods.
This is a more serene trek through the heart of Sherpa terrain that affords ample time for acclimatization with great chances to view mountain panoramas that warm up your emotions from the tea-house guesthouses you live in as you hike the trails. The core attraction of the trek is our ascent of Gokyo RI at 5483m. We climb to the higher elevations of Gokyo’s alpine lakes as we explore the upper valley beneath the huge mountain mass of Cho Oyu.
From the summit, at over 5000m we take in lovely views of Everest as well as the 8000m peaks of Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu in Tibet. A lot of veteran hikers will suggest that this is probably one of the finest views in the Himalayas, with the awesome bulk of Everest that supersedes the skyline. Sometime between the early afternoon & late twilight would be an ideal time to make the climb above the shimmering lakes to capture sunset over one of the most overwhelming spectacles the Nepal Himalaya has to offer those who trudge its dangerous paths.
Everest Gokyo Valley Explorer Trek Highlights:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site excursion in Kathmandu Valley
- A scenic and dramatic flight to the world’s most dangerous airport—Lukla Airport
- Trekking through the alpine forest, Sherpa settlements, and majestic valleys in Sagarmatha National Park.
- Exploring Tibetian Buddhism and its correspondence while trekking from Lukla to base camp.
- Experience Sherpa culture, tradition, and practices with your own eyes.
- Get a chance to encounter the exotic flora and fauna in Sagarmatha National Park.
- Experience the view of the base of the world’s highest mountain and its surroundings.
This area is not the only a place to view peaks and lakes, but the whole region has also seeped in spirituality, and we see this in the many colourful and quiet gompas, where we are warmly welcomed by monks who happily provide us butter tea, Tengboche, Pangboche, Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, Thame and Lawudo Gompa are some places where we find some of the most important monasteries in the region.
Trekking in the Gokyo Valley area is a wonderful place to introduce yourself to the wild where the warmth of the people and the beauty of the territory invigorate your feelings & imaginations for the good things in life that may change you forever.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Tour and Trekking Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:
We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Tour and Trekking Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 03: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding Trek:
We take an early morning flight to Lukla which is where all Everest treks begin. We meet the rest of our team in Lukla and start trekking from there. We walk on a trail that gradually descends to Cheplung village from where we get a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila, a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From here, we gradually descend to Phakding. Overnight stay in Phakding. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar Trek:
Our trail passes through a pine forest and we continue our walk on the trail that goes north up the Benkar valley. We cross the Dudh Koshi River and pass Chumoa and Monjo villages before reaching the entrance of the Everest National Park. Then after crossing a suspension bridge, we pass Jorsale village and walk alongside of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. We ascend on a steep trail and reach Namche Bazaar which is probably the biggest town in the Everest region. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Rest and Acclimatization Day:
We can tour Namche Bazaar which is the primary town of the Everest or Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colourful market. We can hike up to Sagarmatha National Park and enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If we are interested in a day hike, we can trek to Khumjung village. Today we also visit the Hillary School and a monastery which houses a yeti scalp. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 06: Phorse Village to Machhermo Trek:
Today we head for the holy lakes at Gokyo following a very scenic path to Pangka (4548m.) then descend slightly, following one of the meltwater rivers which flow down the west side of the Ngozumba Glacier. The walk offers spectacular views of the incredible ice face of Cholatse and is easy until you reach a steep rocky incline into the ablation valley by the side of the glacier and get to the first of the holy lakes. It is the place where the Khumbu people got their first sighting of Yeti in 1974. We visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital here for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, its precautions, and primary treatment. Precaution regarding altitude sickness is vital while trekking in the high altitude region; however, our guides are quite knowledgeable about this. Overnight stay in the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 07: Machhermo to Gokyo Trek:
Today we climb through a ridge Chorten from where we can see fabulous views of both down the valley and of Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and the northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Pangka (4480 m) after some gentle walk. Pangka is the palace where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumba Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over a stream the trial levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get a chance to observe the Lama footprints on a stone. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop sets an amazing spectacular sight here. After lunch, we explore around the third Lakes, Dudh Pokhari. We spend the night in a teahouse with comfortable bedrooms. Overnight stay in the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 08: Rest day at Gokyo Valley, ascend Gokyo Ri and Explore the fifth Lakes :
Today is a full day of rest or an acclimatization day to give the lungs a chance to respirator well; our shaky knees also need some readjusting for the fluctuating hikes ahead, but we know we should not stay idle & the body’s system just collapses & this could cause joint pains. If the weather is good, we grasp the opportunity to climb Gokyo RI today instead of the next day to enjoy the scene from the best viewpoint of the Everest Region. Or, as we know Gokyo is not only popular for its grand views from Gokyo Peak but is also home to the best six lakes ever imagined. We would not miss the chance to observe the fourth lake (Thaknak Tsho) and the fifth lake (Ngozuma Tsho). About 3 km north of Gokyo is the fourth lake with its high cliffs and peaks rising above it, giving it an aura of mystery. The trail continues to the fifth lake. Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide their best services to the trekkers going through this area. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa Glacier, said to be the biggest glacier in Nepal. Overnight stay in the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 09: Gokyo to Dole Trek:
The way back from Gokyo is an easy downhill walk along the Dudh Koshi River that emerges out of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Passing by the second and then the first Gokyo Lakes, we come to a small gushing stream over an iron bridge. We see the hamlet of Phangka ahead. Cholatse and Taboche peaks rear up on the right of us. The trail descends below Phangka and across a level terrace on the slope to climb a rib on the far side of the hillside. Upon reaching the Chorten at the edge, we see great views of Thamserku, Cho Oyu, and Kangtega. We slowly walk down to the sprawling village of Machhermo. Again, through the charming hamlet of Luza and Lhafarma, we reach Dole, an overnight stop for most of the trekkers going towards Gokyo Valley. Overnight stay in the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 10: Dole to Namche Bazar Trek:
After breakfast we descend down to the Phortse Thagnak through the beautiful Gokyo Valley, now we have to climb for about 1 hour to the Mong-La, where we can see spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and other mountains and an easy walk to Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay in the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 11: Namche Bazaar to Lukla Trek:
We begin our trek to Namche Bazaar today on a rocky terrain. It is mostly a downhill trek on a trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River. We cross several suspension bridges and pass by several monasteries and villages before reaching Lukla. After reaching Lukla we spend the rest of the day taking rest as today will be our last day in the mountains. Overnight stay in the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 12: Lukla to Kathmandu:
We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 13: Farewell friend and departure/Fly back home:
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Tour and Trekking Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal
Service Included
- All airport transfer by private a/c Car/van/bus
- All ground transportation till to End
- Accommodation in Kathmandu
- Farewell Dinner.
- Tea-house accommodation
- Licensed English-speaking guide, Experience knows about First Aid
- Necessary Porters
- Meals during the trek basic
- Sagarmatha Conversation Area Project Permits.
- Sleeping bags and other necessary equipments
- Staff insurance, medication and equipment
- All Govt. and Local Taxes
- First Aid Kit
Service Excluded
- Transportation by Flights (Kathmandu- Lukla- Kathmandu) /International airfares/ airport taxes
- Travel/trekking insurance
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Mountain rescue charges or insurance
- Drinks hot and cold.
- Bottled drinks on trek (cold and alcoholic)
- Lunches and dinners when not trekking
- Additional food or drink on trek in addition to three standard meals
- Personal expenses, Emergency Expenses, road blocked, snakes, desert.etc
- Special region permit and liaison officer fees (where applicable)
- Tips(Tipping are expected)
Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of tour, trekking, volunteering or internship can be changed or extended as per travellers or volunteers' availability of duration.
