Experience the Gokyo Valley Trek, a 13-day excursion that both starts and ends in Kathmandu, traversing through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Nepal's Eastern Himalayas. Managed by Nepal Environmental Treks and Expedition, this trek is guided by a team of seasoned experts, ensuring a memorable and safe passage through one of Nepal's most stunning trekking routes.
The Gokyo Valley Trek is renowned for its incredible scenery, and a key highlight is the ascent to Gokyo Ri (5,483 meters). This peak offers unrivaled panoramic views of towering mountains including Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu. The view from Gokyo Ri provides a broader and more dramatic perspective of Everest compared to the viewpoint from Kala Patthar, making it a coveted spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
As you traverse the Gokyo Valley Trek, you will encounter the serene Gokyo Lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world. The azure waters of these lakes, set against the harsh mountainous backdrop, present a stark contrast that epitomizes the rugged beauty of the Himalayas. Nearby, the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in the Himalayas, offers spectacular views of a vast icy expanse.
Throughout the Gokyo Valley Trek, trekkers get ample opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture, particularly in Namche Bazaar. This bustling Sherpa town serves as a critical acclimatization stop and offers a chance to interact with the local community, visit monasteries, and delve into the rich Sherpa traditions.
The optimal times to undertake the Gokyo Valley Trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). These seasons feature the most stable weather conditions, with clear skies and mild temperatures, ideal for trekking and capturing clear views of the Himalayas.
The Gokyo Valley Trek is considered moderate to challenging due to its high altitudes and the duration of daily treks. While it is less traversed compared to the routes to Everest Base Camp, it requires good physical fitness and adequate acclimatization to high altitudes. Preparation should include physical training and gathering appropriate gear for high-altitude trekking.
The Gokyo Valley Trek offers an unparalleled trekking experience, showcasing the majestic beauty of Nepal's Himalayas. It combines breathtaking natural vistas with rich cultural encounters and provides a quieter alternative to the more crowded trails. This trek is not just a journey through the mountains but an exploration of the spirit of the Himalayas. Join us on this exceptional trekking adventure for a profound and unforgettable experience in the heart of Nepal's natural wilderness.
You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at a Ghat tea-house. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding. Stay overnight in lodge.
This day you trek and cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo (2800m.) is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set up to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. You then ascend quite steeply to Namche Bazaar and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. You can also enjoy the view of Mt. Kusum Kangaru, Thamserku, Konde-Ri and Tawache peak. You will also visit some of the village monasteries on the way of trekking to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.). Stay overnight in lodge.
For acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital was set up by the late Sir Edmund Hillary and you can also hike for an hour up to Tyangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for some outstanding views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. Stay overnight in lodge.
From Namche the route turns west and the trail is almost level as you head up the Bhote Koshi Valley. After descending to the Bhote Koshi the trail climbs steeply to Thame. From here, there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde and to the north is the Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Stay overnight in lodge.
You retrace your route down the Bhote Koshi Valley towards Namche and branch off to follow a quiet trail to Khumjung. It is a picturesque village which also has its own Gompa at the top end of town. Here you can have excellent views of Thamserku, Kantega and Ama Dablam. Stay overnight in lodge.
Soon after leaving Khumjung the trail climbs to a large chorten on top of a ridge. This ridge descends from Khumbila, a 5734m peak. The trail descends slightly towards the Sanasa and then trail ascends up to Mongla (4000m.). From here, you can see panoramic views of various mountains. You trek steeply descend passing through Phortse Tenga and from there, the trail climbs steeply to Dole, through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens. Stay overnight in lodge.
From Dole you climb steadily along the side of the valley, where small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper as the altitude increases. The trail passes many summer settlements. Ahead of you presents majestic views of Cho Oyu, while back down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku. This is a short day and you will arrive at Machhermo in time for lunch. Stay overnight in lodge.
Today you head for the lakes at Gokyo. You follow a very scenic path to Pangka and then descend slightly, following one of the melted-water. Rivers flow down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. You climb a steep rocky incline into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. You soon arrive at the second of the lakes, crossing the path which heads across the glacier to Cho La (5420m.), your route to Lobuche and Everest and later in the trek. The third lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo. Stay overnight in lodge.
Gokyo is a trade centre where the Sherpa people run lodges to provide the best services to trekkers. Gokyo is situated by the side of Ngozumpa glacier, the biggest glacier of Nepal. This day you can also take a trip to the Fifth Lake via the Fourth Lake. Stay overnight in lodge.
Gokyo village takes about four and half hours. Gokyo Ri looms above the village on the northern edge of the lake and you leave camp just after first light, following a steep path up the hillside. As you climb, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into sight and the view from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is one of the finest to be had in the Everest region - some say it is even better than that from Kala Patthar. After lunch it is a short walk to the village of Machhermo. Stay overnight in lodge.
The trail gently descends to Dole and then starts descending steeply to Photse Tenga (3650m.) passing through rhododendron forests. Then, the path immediately ascends steeply to Mongla Danda (4000m.) and gently descends up to Kyanjoma (3500m.) following small up and down trail to your next destination. Stay overnight in lodge.
The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for a few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. Stay overnight in lodge.
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu takes 35 minutes. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Yen Yen and friends
"Why look for the rest when you have found the best" was a signboard we have seen in Pokhara after our 13 days trekking and is definitely applied to Nepal Environmental Trekking. Yes, the boss given us his fantastic guide who shows us his care and concern during our trail up and down. Yes, it is this company that made our trekking a memorable experience! .
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