Gokyo Valley Trek - 11 Days

Gokyo Valley Trek - 11 Days

The settlement of Gokyo (4750m) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small turquoise mountain lakes and on the ridge above Gokyo, a hike to the high vantage point of Gokyo Ri (Trek to Gokyo Peak) (5350m) will reward you with views of the four above 8000m peaks of Cho You, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu expose themselves. There are many options for additional exploration and high-altitude walking, including the crossing of Cho La, a 5420m-high pass into Khumbu and a hike to Gokyo Ri. Your return trek will depart from the standard Gokyo trek and if you wish to take yourself through another route back to Namche by crossing the Renjo La pass (5340m) instead of back trekking the Gokyo valley trails. This makes the trek a much more exciting and challenging one or heading to Everest Base Camp trek just crossing Cho La pass also would be another achievement.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) and trek to Phakding (2610m).3-4 Hours.

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
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.


Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Guesthouse.


Day 2: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) 6-7 Hours.

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
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.


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 3: Rest at Namche Bazar for acclimatization.

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
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.



Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 4: Namche Bazar - Dhole (4040m) 5-6 Hours.

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
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.



Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 5: Dhole - Machhermo (4150m) 5-6 Hours.

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
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.



Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 6: Machhermo - Gokyo (4750m) 4-5 Hours.

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
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.



Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 7: Excursion Day in Gokyo, day hike to Gokyo Peak (5483m).

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
You will spend the whole day exploring the Gokyo vicinity. You can either just stroll around the village or hike up to Gokyo Ri (5360m) 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.



Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 8: Trek back from Gokyo -Dhole (4040m) 6-7 Hours.

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
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.



Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Guesthouse.


Day 9: Dhole - Namche Bazaar (3440m.) 5-6 Hours.

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
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.



Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 10: Namche Bazaar - Lukla (2886 m.) 7-8 Hours.

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
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.



Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 11: Fly from Lukla- Kathmandu which takes 40 minutes.

Pass By: Gokyo Lakes, Sagarmatha National Park 44600 Nepal
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.



Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.