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Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Ri Trek

  • 12 Days
    Duration
  • 5280m
    Max Altitude
  • Moderate
    Trip Grade
  • 2-14
    Group Size
  • SEP to DEC & FEB to JUNE
    Best Season

Trip Highlight

  • Oppertunities to involve the respected Sherpa lifestyles in Khumbu Valley.
  • Surrounded by charming mountain views from start to End from Namche.
  • Impressive hike along the Dudha Koshi and Imza rivers.
  • Observe the highland Sherpa culture.
  • Glances of the picturesque mountains every day.
  • Lovely mighty Everest view from the Everest View Lodge.
  • Eye-catching  Thamaserku, Ama Dablam, Lhoste, Cho Yu, and Islang peak views.
  • Amazing Mt. Everest towering from Base camp.
  • Breath-taking Kumbu glacier along the Khumbu Valley.
  • Sightseeing in twin villages Khumjung and Khunde.
  • Chance to see impressive Buddhist monasteries.

Trip Overview

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.”

With one of the most amazing vistas to view the majestic Everest and other Himalaya peaks, our Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Ri Trek is a beautiful journey which lets you to intimately experience the Khumbhu region of Nepal. This trek can also be considered as a good alternative for those who want to try something new and different in the Everest region.

Our 14 days Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Ri Trek includes the summit of Gokyo Ri at an elevated height of 5,483m, which can be called as the major highlight of this trek. Once described as the best view point in the Khumbhu region, our climb to the summit of Gokyo Ri shall provide you with spectacular vistas of the Himalayas along with a spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,153m), Makalu (8,475m) and Lhotse (8,501m). The other highlight of our trek is the colossal Ngozumpa Glacier and the Gokyo valley from the summit of Gokyo Ri. This trek is generally referred to trekkers who don’t want to put too much physical stress to their body and also for trekkers who are looking to avoid the heavy traffic of the classic Everest Base Camp Trek route. With ample amount of time to acclimatize to the high altitudes, you can experience up-close and personal insights of the local Sherpa people in this trek.

Overview Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300 m/4264 ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek preparation

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,800 m/9,184 ft), trek to Phakding (2,652 m/8,700 ft): 3 - 4 hours

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): 5 - 6 hours

Day 05: Namche Bazaar: acclimatization

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Phorse (3810 m/ 12,496 ft): 5 - 6 hours

Day 07: Phorse Village to Machhermo-(4,470 m/ 14,663 ft): 5 - 6 hours

Day 08: Machharmo to Gokyo (4800 m/15,744 ft): 5 - 6 hours

Day 09: Gokyo Valley: Climb Gokyo Ri (5357 m/17,570 ft) and hike to fifth lakes: 5 - 6 hours

Day 10: Gokyo to Dole: 3 - 4 hours

Day 11: Dole to Namche Bazaar: 4 - 5 hours

Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6 - 8 hours

Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu

Day 14: Final departure

Day to Day Itinerary

As your flight lands in the airport of Kathmandu (TIA), go through the airport formalities. One of our representatives will meet you at the exit point of the airport and greet you with a warm smile, a fresh garland (the traditional custom of welcoming), and a humble Namaste. For the day, we don’t have any specific plans, but exploring the alley bazaars and Newari food vendors are the best options to do.

 

Kathmandu Sightseeing is best in the early morning hours and the late afternoons. So, we have to leave our hotel early in the morning. In the day, explore 4 of the 7 UNESCO listed Cultural Heritage Sites in Kathmandu- Patan Durbar Square (12th century palace); Pashupatinath Temple complex (originally built in the 5th century with over 400 temples); Boudhanath Stupa (14th century monastery with massive mandala); and Swayambhunath Temple (13th century stupa on top of the hill). Visiting all of the 7 sites in 1 day is impossible, but the above-mentioned places are enough to introduce Kathmandu as the classic gem of the world.

Begin your adventure by catching a short flight (25-45 minutes) to Lukla early in the morning. It takes you over the incredible setting of lush hills, serrated ridges and mountain panorama which are thrilling enough to leave you in shock at least for a few seconds. Once you land in the airport of Lukla, head towards the next station of Phakding. The trail is fenced by the colorful farm fields on both side of the trail and introduces several quaint settlements in front of you. The astounding peak of the Kusum Kanguru is the reminiscing view of the journey. A couple of distance away, you will make an appearance at the Phakding.

Today’s walk is going to be a challenge because the altitude begins to show its effect. Therefore, going slow and easy is the best option, you have, to remain immune to the altitude-related complications. From Phakding, cross a suspension bridge across the Dudh Koshi to be on the west side of the river. About an hour away, a beautiful waterfall welcomes you to the village of Toctoc. It feels very gratifying. Within a short while, you will come across a similar waterfall at Bengkar, another surprise. Then, the trail heads up directly to the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO listed natural heritage site), a home of extensively diverse wild birds and animals. Once across the forest, a beautiful Kani Gate introduces the grant bustle of Namche.

 

 

After climbing so high (over 3000 m), acclimatization becomes necessary, and Namche is a perfect fit for that. Namche receives most of the sunlight during the day than other parts of the Everest Region, creating a warm and welcoming setting. Plus, many side-trips dissociate from Namche contributing this place to be an ideal acclimatization spot.

Namche itself is an ancient trading hub, so there are several historical places to visit and learn about the classic mountain culture of Himalayan people. Beyond Namche, the inviting hamlets of Khumjung and Khunde are amazing places to visit. Particularly, the monastery of Khumjung and historical Hillary hospital at Khunde is a must-visit place. Later, we will descend back to the Namche for the overnight stay.

 

Early in the morning, we will leave Namche towards the Khumjung along the same route that we have been earlier (but we will not stop by at any places). From Khumjung, the trail to Phortse Thanga goes to the left via a traditional settlement of Mong La. The pathways are graced by the beautiful Chortens and Mani walls. There are several wonderful monasteries and little Buddhist shrines around to dive in the spiritual ambiance. While on the way, the tantalizing peaks of the Ama Dablam and several icy glaciers show up. Phortse Thanga can be reached within a short while from Mong La.

 

For about 30-40 minutes, the trail descends continuously, and then, it turns left towards the village of Dole, a classic Sherpa settlement. The cultural authenticity of Dole has remained unblemished, despite receiving millions of foreign visits. After Dole, there are several steep bluffs to challenge your soul. But be careful about the altitude. If you hasten to climb then, the altitude demon might get angry at you. So, walk slow and easy throughout the trek. As you move, you will encounter some of the fascinating mountains and serene valleys down to the exposed trail. It is a very gratifying outlook.

 

Machhermo to Gokyo is probably the most rewarding days of the overall trekking to the Gokyo valley. The trail leads off to Pangar and Na and continues through several moraines and rocky boulders. Then, it runs over the Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier of Nepal, just to introduce itself into the valley of Gokyo. Within a radar of a few Kilometers, you can explore the overall Gokyo Lakes system, the highest freshwater lake system in the world. At a glance, these lakes appear to be a bowl of soup in a Chinese bowl because the middle lakes are surrounded by splendid snowy cliffs all around.  But, at the deepest level, these lakes are very much inspiring. After exploring the lakeside, return to Gokyo valley for the overnight stay.

 

Gokyo Ri is the Kalapatthar of the Gokyo region. Early in the morning, head up towards the Gokyo Ri along the narrow track above the ridges. Once you reach there, the views are simply stupendous. The glistening southern face of the Everest, incredible Cho La pass, Mt. Ama Dablam, and many other similar peaks rise above the horizon to create an unparalleled scene of nature. Meanwhile, the glaciers and icy buttresses add variety in the icy architectures. For sure, comparing Gokyo Ri to heaven wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Finally, descend back to the Gokyo valley and explore the remaining lakes in the Gokyo valley Lake system.

 

From Gokyo, retrace your steps back to the Dole via the same trail that you have been earlier. It is still a pleasant journey via the wonderful Machhermo. along the Gokyo river, you can ejoy the sound of the natural river running sounds.

 

The trail descriptions are already mentioned above. The walk through the lush forest to down to Tanga and way up to Mung La danda provide you best oppertunities of the way views of Gokyo valley as we as Cholaste and Tabuche and Ama Dablam.

 

From Namche Bazaar, descend back to the Lukla via the same trail that we have been earlier. The trail descriptions are already mentioned above.

 

 

From Lukla, catch the earliest possible flight to Kathmandu and shop for souvenirs and handicraft items around

 

Finally, the day has come to return home. But, if you felt like staying more then, we can guide you through the visa extension formalities and plan for your future trips.

 

Includes:


  • International and domestic airport transfers on private jeep or bus.
  • 3 night Accommodation in 3 stars hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu.
  • Flight tickets from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu/Manthali.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and dinner ( 3 time meals) with hot drinks during the trek.
  • English speaking, experienced trekking guide- Trained by Nepal government.
  • Required trekking permits (Sagarmatha national park fee and TIMS card)
  • Porters (2 clients get 1 porter) to carry clients backpack during the trek.
  • Farwell dinner in Kathmandu before your departure.
  • Duffle bag (only for trek) and free T-short for clients.

Excludes:


  • Your international flight tickets fare.
  • Nepal visa (you can apply Nepal visa at Tribhuvan international airport easily)
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Beverages such as cold drinks, alcohol drinks.
  • Traver insurance to cover the risk and emergency evacuation.
  • Your Personal trekking gear and equipment.
  • Personal expenses which are not included in package.
  • Tips for guide and porters.

FAQ's

Well experienced local guides and proper mountain porters and well management are main rules to make our customers satisfied. Experiences of the two decades in tourism sector managing their trekking plan and others activities properly to make their ’s dream to bring into the reality according to our customer’s interest, time and trekking areas. We focus on suitable, comfortable and safety plans for our valuable guests to experiences doing mainly trekking, climbing and any tours without ant obstacles. Our team always focus on to provides services to meet our guests ‘s targets, destination and aims in the remote areas of the Himalaya with open heart.

We are easy going local company to manage every single plan for our guests according to their interest. What we say is” GUEST IS GOD”.  We value the guests first in our business. What we have is experienced staffs to manage every single thing easily in proper way. Well experienced field staff such as Guides and helpers/porters are the main back bone to stand among you to provides best services. “COME AS A GUEST GO AS A FRIEND”.

We spent more than two decades supporting to the local people in remote area of Nepal. We always provide proper local guides for the proper trekking area/routes. All guides are trained by Nepal government with some training of the First aids. All field staffs are selected sincerely to make sure you are in right in high mountains. Friendly Nepal team is coordinating to peoples who are scattering on the all over the world. I hope our two-decade working experiences in mountains and management in tourism sector may help you to explore the Nepal with confident with right people!!!

We can rent or hire, most of the trekking gear in Kathmandu/Nepal such as a four-season sleeping bag, Puffy down jackets, Micro pikes, trekking shoes, and others. we help you to hire or rent all required trekking gear before your trekking.

 Hired trekking gears are must to keep safely if rented gears found damaged then you need to pay the same coast of the gear. You should keep certain amount of money to rent trekking gears. Normally, Trekking gears shop keep deposit $ 100 USD for a sleeping bag and a Puffy down jacket. Renting charge per day is approx. USD 1.50.

One of the re-presentative from Friendly Nepal treks come with private bus or car to pick you up from Tribhuvan airport and drop you in your guest house. With your details of the international flight and your full name, they will be standing in front of the arrival gate in Nepal airport.

Easily you can recognize the staff from Friendly Nepal treks with their T-Short and your name in holding bord. we always make you sure you are in right destination.

Tourists easily can apply their Nepali Visa upon the arrival in Tribhuvan Airport.  It may take a few 30 minutes because same time a lot of tourists in the same process to obtain the Nepali Visa in Nepal Airport.

What you can do is please fill the all details to apply the Nepali Visa before landing the Tribhuvan Airport.  It help you to obtain visa quicker than usual. You should bring passport photo copy and passport size Photo to apply the Nepali visa in the Nepal Airport.

Trekking in Himalayas are mostly remote. In modern days there are many choices of food menu in every guest house in mountains and serve you proper ordered food. You can enjoy with continental breakfast with fresh fruit as well as lunch and dinner with verities of continental American, Nepali, and Indian foods with hot soups. Most of the food in high mountain supply by helicopter or local porter. Mostly in mountain you get Potatoes items, rice Items, Pasta, Pizza items, breads items and proper vegetables.

Dhal Bhat is the well- known food in Nepal that you get everywhere, Food in mountain cook properly by proper experienced cook.  Local food is mostly organic and grown in same region. So, you can enjoy your trek with proper food in high Himalaya. We suggest you to have local food which are grown locally by local peoples.

You can leave your non-trekking gears in Kathmandu hotel safely. Every Hotel, they have proper safe store room to keep the non-trekking gears for the Hotel guests.

Hotel provides you TAG/receive to make sure that your non trekking gears or others backpack are stored in certain hotel. You get your stored belonging when you want. You no need to pay any money to store your luggage.

Flexibilities are the main prior for our guests.  Just you send us your international flight tickets and passport copy with PP size photo to make all required trekking permit for your booked trek.

If you booked trek for the Everest, Upper Mustang, kanchenjanga, Dolpo region and other remote areas then you should deposit 15 percent ahead of time to manage flight, trekking permits.

1 porter carry 20-25 kg in high Himalaya in trekking. We have weight limit for Porters because they need to carry their backpack too, So, 20 kg per porter is quite limit weight excluding porter bag pack.

Every 2 guests get 1 porter. Porter are main backbone of the trekking. And good supporters.

Mid-winter treks are getting popular in Nepal. And numbers of tourists are increasing in mid-winter. The data of the report of every trekking areas shows that mid-winter trekkers are increasing in good way.

All are related with global warming, and high glaciers are melting unusually. So, number of tourists are trekking in Nepal in mid- winter. However, you need well preparation with right trekking gears to deal with minus temperature.

We value the safety of yours in mountain or anywhere in Nepal.  So, highly suggested to bring travel insurance to cover mighty accident or if anything went wrong to anybody in unexpected ways in remote trekking route. Travel insurance help you to cover your expenditure if you need emergency rescue from mountain to nearest hospital or treatment in Nepal.

Equally travel insurance give you mentally secure and you will find life is safe with travel insurance.

You get warm and nice hot shower every day if you want. Every guest house they have hot shower service, mostly you get hot shower which runs by electricity or cooking gas.

 Per shower, per person cost approx $5 USD. In some trekking region such as Dolpo, Manaslu, Kanchejanga and other remote area them don not have proper hot shower but provide hot buckets water for shower.

Safe drinking water is most important to make sure you are in good shape in mountain. We suggest you to get normal drinking water from water tap or gest house and use water purify tablets and wait 30 minute to drink.

Filtering the water from the river or water tap is the also best way to get safe drinking water in trekking but you should come with proper filtering water bottle.

Bottled- water also available to drink but we discourage to use bottled-water to keep environment clean.

We value your goal and always give first priority of what you want. So easily you can customize any trekking area according to you interest, time, we are quite flexible to customize your trekking as your request as can as possible.

Written plan in webpage may not work out for you sometime because of your interest and time or you want to extra days somewhere you like. This is most asked question for us and please feel free and we always customize or make any itinerary according to you interest, time.

Best months for the trekking are the September to Mid-January, which is known as Autumn season and mainly most of the trekkers love to trek during the Autumn because of the beautiful weather and clear days and less chance to get heavy snow in high mountain, Autumn coordinate best weather than others season.

During the Autumn season in high mountain weather would be   sunny with plus temperature and some snow refreshment over 3000m. charming mountains are shine with stunning glacier with lush forest lower down.

Second best months are the February to mid-June, which is known as spring season. During the Spring season trekkers have opportunities to glance the colourful Rhododendron flowers in the elevation of the below 3000m and others alpine flowers blooms in late spring season. Weather would be little windy with some hailstones in hilly region and some snow refreshment in high mountain.

Number of solo women- trekkers are trekking in mountain and Nepal is the still safe country for the solo trekkers in mountain. Solo women always safe with Friendly Nepal.

Some exercises are important before the hitting the mountain, everyday running for 1 hour for few weeks, jugging, and Gym and stay active and proper food with high carb as well as jumping.

Hiking up and down every day makes your muscle strong and keep fit your body. Move around your body, push up and down, play food ball, volley ball and other game which gives you physical exercises.

Well mental preparation plays main roles to trek in Himalayas. Be positive with mountains, get enough information regarding the coming trek. And Planning well to get ready to climb up and down.

Depend on where you are going to trek, some wherein big town they may have ATM machine to draw the money but most of the trekking places in mountain there are not any ATM, So Credit cards is not worth using in mountain.

Make sure getting enough cash with some contingency budget for the trekking.

It cost you depend how much you spend. Approx $ 20-25 USD is quite enough for additional expenditures. You can buy water, chocolates, coffee and Biscuits and others fancy things.

Minus 10 sleeping bags require from September to November and minus 20 sleeping bags require from early December to mid- January). In case of the weather change in high mountain then you get extra banket in additional cost.

You can charge easily your batteries, cell phone, camera in trekking/mountains. When you entre the mountain region the mostly , every guest house have  sollar systems to charge you electric equipment, make sure charging your batteries before the sun go down. At least  you get chance to charge your batteries, and other electric equipment.

Note: if weather get change in bad way then no any charging in high mountains because of the no sun.

Definitely you get enough boiled  or hot water in trekking in the additional cost.

In Annapurna, Langtang and Manaslu and mustang, hot water is little cheaper than in Everest , Makalu, Kanchenjang.

It cost you $2 -5 USD per litter for the boil water in trekking.

You should bring passport size photos -4 pieces.

Passport photo copy – 1 Piece.

Your Travel insurance’s Photo copy -1 piece.

Sure you can extend the trekking days during the trek but you should coordinate with your guide about it. And you can add extra days if you are interest to spend the more time in mountain or sightseen in KTM or Pokhara.

Depend where you are trekking, there are internet services in mountain, If you are trekking in Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu and Upper mustang then easily you get internate services in every guesthouses in additional cost.

If you are trekking in far remote areas such as Kanchejanga, Upper Dolpo and Narphu Valleys then internet services are limits.

Risk and Liabilities

  • Lukla flight may delay in case of the weather change, So,2 days extra would help you.
  • Avoid the Altutude sickess hiking slow, wearing warm cloths, drinking eaough water.
  • Make sure having Personal medication for in case of any issue of health.
  • Easily any hiker may get altitude sickness from wrong eating, poor gears.
  • Hikers may get easily dehydred  so drink enough treated water, 3-4 LTRs per
  • Always let the guide know in case of feeling sick or any thing wrong in mountains.
  • If you loss  your belonging by negligences, that might be your responsbilities.
  • Always come with travel insurance which is must important in remore/mountain.
  • Pay attention whilst you are trekking in the gedge of the river, glaciers, high passes.
  • Use trekking pole in the edge of the hill and rivers sides.
  • Make sure having proper trekking gear before the trek.
  • Always keep your valuable dacument with you.
  • High mountain are always risk of altitude, go slow with adequate water.
  • Do not throw rubbishs anywhere. put in proper zone please.
Peter and Koy
United States

Beautiful Valley! Nice guide!!

Peter 1 contribution Great guide, great company Oct 2018 In September and October of 2012 I went to Nepal to do some serious hiking. Through some forums I got the contact details of Santa. Right from the start he was really friendly and helpful. Together we came up with a rough plan of what was possible during my stay in Nepal. I wanted to do the 3 high passes trek, the Manaslu trek and a bit of the Annapurna trek. We managed to do all three of them without any problems. There were some issues with the permits but those were easily resolved with his help. He is a knowledgeable guide, really friendly and helpful and also great company. Would definitely recommend!

Lonna R
United States

The most memorable trekking in our life.

lonatravel San Francisco, CA327 contributions Excellent guide ever! Nov 2018 Santa was my guide to EBC/3 high passes in 2015. Everything was arranged smoothly from beginning to end. My international flight was cancelled due to the fuel crisis in Nepal in year 2015. I had to change my flight and itinerary the last minute. I texted Santa while he was in the mountain guiding another client but he managed everything without a glitch. He knew the trek of EBC/3 high passes so well including lots of beautiful side trips. With Santa's help, I finished my trek before scheduled even though I had a little issue with the altitude.

Andrea L
United Kingdom

Unforgetable time in Nepal with Santa!!!

EBC 3 Pass Oct 2023 We met Santa through recommendation from one of the friends and decided to go to EBC 3 Pass with him in 2023 . We had 21 days of trekking very nice with him. He is nice, share the culture of his country and people. He speaks more than 5 mother languages as well as Tibetan. Lucky to have Santa as a guide in 3 high passes -Everest region. He has a strong experience of Nepal trekking and real person and has good skills to deal any kind of mountain situation. Don't hesitate to use his services. Be lucky giving him chance to provides you trekking services. We found Nepal is really beautiful and awesome people!!!

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