About Gokyo Valley Trek:
Gokyo Valley Trek is an amazing venture in the Everest region that leads to the picturesque Gokyo village and gleaming Gokyo Lakes while letting you observe the vibrant culture of Sherpa and the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.
Gokyo Valley Trek is an adventurous journey to the hidden village in the stunning Gokyo Valley, where only a handful of trekkers reach. The views you will see here are unbelievable. High Himalayan Mountains, huge glaciers, icefall, cold streams, and glistening lakes present surreal scenery.
The Gokyo Lake is the highest freshwater lake system in the world, at a maximum altitude of 5,357 m. Gokyo Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the way to Everest Base Camp and other regions. At 4,790 m (15,720 ft) elevation, Gokyo village is one of the area’s principal centres. Climbing Gokyo Ri is frequently included in trips to the region.
The Gokyo Valley is the most beautiful place in the Khumbu. Ngozumoa Glacier is another highlight of the Gokyo region. It is the longest glacier in the Himalayas, stretching 36 kilometres (22 miles) beneath Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest mountain.
Gokyo Valley 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.
Gokyo Valley Trek offers a chance to witness the land of the Sherpa and visit stately Buddhist monasteries along with occasional sightings of rare wildlife including musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, snow leopard, pheasants, and snow cocks.
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: Namche Bazaar to Dole Trek:
The trail moves towards Dole following the same route to Base camp until Sanasa. From here, you ascend to Mongla (4,000 m) and steeply descend through Phortse Tenga. Further, you ascend steeply through birch and rhododendron forests to Dole. Overnight stay in Dole. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 07: Dole to Machhermo Trek:
Leaving Dole behind, you ascend alongside the valley, where the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. Passing through many summer settlements and descend to Machhermo enjoying superb views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. Overnight stay in Machhermo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo Trek:
Today is going to be a very beautiful day. Following a scenic path to Pangka, the trail descends, and further, continues along a glacial river. You then ascend on a steep rocky path into the valley passing by the first lake. After that, you come across the second lake and the third lake. From here, you walk alongside Gokyo Lake, the fourth lake and reach Gokyo village. Overnight stay in the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 09: Gokyo to Gokyo Ri and trek back to Machhermo:
You will go on a short excursion after having breakfast. The trail above the village on the northern edge of the lake to Gokyo Ri. As you will move towards Gokyo Ri, you get to see excellent views of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Everest, and Mt. Makalu. Later, in the day, you will trek back to Machhermo. Overnight stay in Machhermo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 10: Machhermo to Namche Bazar Trek:
From here onwards, the trail gradually descends to Dole and then to Phortse Tenga. From here, you trek through lush rhododendron forests and ascend on a steep path to Mongla Danda. The trail then drops down to Kyanjoma (3,500 m) and leads to Namche Bazar. Overnight stay in Namche Bazar. 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 Lukla. 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 and 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: Leisure Day in Kathmandu:
This is an extra day in Kathmandu. If there will be no delay at Lukla while returning then you get this day to explore Kathmandu. This extra day is kept aside in case of flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 14: 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 transfers by private a/c Car/van/bus
- All ground transportation till the end
- Accommodation in Kathmandu
- Farewell Dinner.
- Tea-house accommodation
- Licensed English-speaking guide with experience in First Aid
- Necessary Porters
- Meals during the trek basic
- Sagarmatha Conversation Area Project Permits.
- Sleeping bags and other necessary types of equipment
- 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 the 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.
