Gokyo Valley Trek Itinerary Unveiled : Discover the Mystical Beauty

Gokyo Valley Trek is a stunning trek in the Everest region of Nepal that takes you to the high-altitude paradise of Gokyo. The Gokyo Valley is in the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Khumbu region.

This idyllic valley boasts untouched lakes fed by the pristine Ngozumba glacier, accompanied by a charming Sherpa village and grazing yaks. At an altitude of 4800m, the tranquil Gokyo village lies beside the Gokyo Tsho, the fourth lake from the North, surrounded by rugged terrain and majestic, towering mountains.

Ascending to an impressive 5360m, Gokyo Ri provides an unparalleled vantage point, equivalent to Kalapatthar. One can witness the awe-inspiring grandeur of Everest and its neighboring peaks like Makalu, Cho-Oyu, and Lhotse. The view from Gokyo Ri showcases the vastness of the landscape, with the Ngozumba glacier streaming into a succession of mesmerizing blue-green lakes that eventually form the Dudhkoshi River, flowing parallel to the trail leading to Gokyo. The village appears as a charming collection of colorful dots on the ridge.

Gokyo Valley Trek as an Alternative to Everest Base Camp Trek

The Gokyo Valley Trek is an excellent alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek. Unlike the well-trodden Everest base camp trail, the Gokyo Valley trek offers a more secluded, off-the-beaten-path experience. It offers you several advantages and benefits, such as:

Less crowded: The Gokyo Valley Trek is less popular than the Everest Base Camp Trek. You will meet fewer trekkers and enjoy more peace and solitude on the trail. You will also have more chances to interact with the local Sherpa people and learn about their culture and traditions.

More scenic: The Gokyo Valley Trek is more picturesque than the Everest Base Camp Trek. It offers you a variety of landscapes and views. You will walk through pine and rhododendron forests, cross suspension bridges over rivers, climb over moraines and glaciers, and visit six beautiful lakes of different colors and sizes. From different angles and perspectives, you will also see four peaks above 8,000 meters, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

More diverse: The Gokyo Valley Trek is more varied than the Everest Base Camp Trek. It offers you more options and opportunities to explore and enjoy. You can hike up to Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint that provides one of the best views of Everest and other peaks. You can also hike up to the fifth lake to see another fantastic view of Everest. Visit the historic Tengboche Monastery, the Khumjung Monastery, which houses a relic of a yeti skull, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which showcases Nepal’s ancient and medieval architecture.

Highlights of the Gokyo Valley Trek

The main objectives and highlights of the Gokyo Valley Trek are:

Reaching Gokyo Ri: Gokyo Ri peaks at 5,357 meters above sea level. It offers one of the best views of Everest and other peaks. Hike up to Gokyo Ri early in the morning before sunrise. You will witness a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, and valleys. You will also see the sunrise over Everest and feel a sense of awe and accomplishment.

Seeing the Gokyo Lakes: The Gokyo Lakes are a chain of six turquoise lakes at around 5,000 meters. They are the highest freshwater lake system in the world and have a spiritual significance for Buddhists and Hindus. During your trek, you will visit all six lakes and admire their beauty and tranquility. You will also see how they change color depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

Witnessing the panoramic views of Everest and other peaks: The Gokyo Valley Trek offers some of the most spectacular views of Everest and other peaks in the Himalayas. You will see them from different viewpoints, such as Gokyo Ri, Gokyo Lake, Ngozumpa Glacier, Mong La Pass, Namche Bazaar, etc. You will also see them from different distances, angles, and perspectives.

Gokyo Valley Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m / 4593ft)

Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where you will be greeted by a representative from Access Nepal and transferred to your hotel. You will meet with your guide and get briefed about the trek and the next day’s plan. You will also have some time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included: Airport transfer, Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2860m / 9383ft), ~30 min and trek to Phakding (2610m / 8563ft), 3 to 4 hours

Today, you will take a scenic flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. At Lukla, you will meet your porter at Lukla and start your trek along the Dudhkoshi River valley. Pass through pine and rhododendron forests, cross several suspension bridges, and visit charming Sherpa villages. You will also enjoy the views of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru peaks. You will reach Phakding, where you will stay at a cozy lodge for the night.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m / 11286ft), 5 to 6 hours

After breakfast, you will continue your trek towards Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Sherpa people. You will follow the Dudhkoshi River and enter the Sagarmatha National Park, where your permits will be checked. You will have lunch at Jorsale, the last village before Namche. Then, you will cross the famous Hillary Bridge and climb a steep hill to reach Namche. Namche is a bustling town with many shops, cafes, restaurants, and lodges. You will check into your lodge and enjoy the views of Kongde Peak in the west. Dinner & overnight at Namche.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 4: Acclimatization day at Namche with a short hike (3 hours hike)

Today is a rest day for acclimatization purposes. You will have a morning hike to the Everest viewpoint, where you will get your first glimpse of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Kusum Kanguru, Taboche, and Amadablam peaks. You will also learn more about the history and culture of the Sherpa people at the Everest View Hotel and the Sherpa Museum. The day ends with dinner and rest.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 5: Trek to Dole (4200m / 13780ft), 6 to 7 hours

Today, you will leave Namche and head towards Dole, a small village on the way to Gokyo. You will climb up a ridge out of Namche and join a gentle trail with amazing views of Amadablam, Kantega, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, and other peaks. There are many white chortens that mark the track as you trek. You will reach a junction where you will take the left fork that leads to Gokyo. Ascend steeply up some stone steps to Mong La, a beautiful village with a great view of Ama Dablam. From Mong La, you will descend to Phortse Thanga, where you will cross the Dudhkoshi River. Then you will climb up again through pine and rhododendron forests until you reach Dole. Dole is a small settlement with few lodges and teahouses. You will explore Dole and its surroundings before settling in for the night.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 6: Trek to Machhermo (4470m / 14665ft), 1.5 to 2 hours

Today, you will have a short and easy trek to Machhermo, where you will spend the night for acclimatization. You will leave Dole and walk through juniper bushes and grasses as the vegetation becomes scarce. Enjoy the views of Cho Oyu, Taboche, and Chola Tse peaks along the way. You will pass by two small villages – Lhabharma and Luza, before reaching Machhermo. Machhermo is a small settlement with a few lodges and teahouses. You will have lunch and rest at your lodge. You can hike up a ridge above Machhermo in the afternoon for more spectacular views. Overnight at Machhermo.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 7: Trek to Gokyo Valley (4,790 m), 3 to 4 hours

After breakfast, you will start your trek to Gokyo Valley, one of the most beautiful places in the Everest region. You will climb up a ridge to see the Khantega Gorge, Cho Oyu, Taboche, and other peaks surrounding the valley. You will then descend to Phangnga, where you will cross the moraine of the Ngozumba glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. Follow a narrow trail along the edge of a mountain until you reach the first of the six Gokyo lakes – Longpangu Tsho. The second lake Taboche Tsho is not far from there, and finally, you will arrive at the third lake Gokyo Tsho, where the village of Gokyo is located. Gokyo is a charming village with many lodges and teahouses overlooking the lake. You will check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, you can explore Gokyo and its surroundings. Overnight at Gokyo.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 8: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5360m / 17585ft), ~4 hours two-way and day exploration at Gokyo Valley

Today is a highlight of your trek as you will hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m), a viewpoint offering one of the best views of Everest and other Himalayan peaks. You will wake up early and start your hike before sunrise. The walk is steep but rewarding as you reach the top of Gokyo Ri and witness a breathtaking panorama of Everest (8,848m), Mt Cho Oyu (8,153m), Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and many others.

You will also see the Ngozumba glacier, the Gokyo lakes, and the Gokyo village below you. You will spend some time at the top taking pictures and enjoying the view. Then you will hike back to your lodge in Gokyo for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, you can hike up to the fifth lake to see another fantastic view of Everest. After exploring more of Gokyo Valley, you will return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 9: Trek to Phortse Thanga (3810m / 12500ft), 6 to 7 hours

After breakfast, you will retrace your steps to Phortse Thanga along the same trail you trekked in the previous days. Walking down the valley, you will enjoy the views of Cho Oyu, Taboche, and Chola Tse peaks. You will cross the Ngozumba Glacier moraine again and reach Phangnga. From there, you will descend to Phortse Thanga, where you will cross the Dudhkoshi River. Phortse Thanga is a small village with a few lodges and teahouses. You will stay there for the night.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 10: Trek to Khumjung (3780m / 12402ft), 5 to 6 hours

Today, you will trek to Khumjung, one of the most famous and largest villages in the Khumbu region. Khumjung is the home of many Sherpa mountaineers who have climbed Everest and other peaks. You will first walk down to Mong village, where you will have a great view of Ama Dablam. Then you will follow the trail to Sanasa, where you will join the main Everest Base Camp trail. You will then turn left and climb some stone-paved steps to reach Khumjung. Khumjung is a beautiful village with green-roofed houses and a backdrop of Everest and Amadablam. You will check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, you can visit the Khumjung monastery, which houses a relic of a yeti skull. You can also visit the Khumjung school, which Sir Edmund Hillary built. Overnight at Khumjung.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 11: Trek to Monjo (2835m / 9301ft), 6 to7 hours

Today, you will end your Gokyo Valley Trek at Monjo, where you will spend your last night in the mountains. You will leave Khumjung and descend to Namche Bazaar, where you can do some last-minute shopping and souvenir hunting. You will then continue your trek down the steep forested trail to Monjo, where you will again enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Monjo is a small village with a few lodges and teahouses. You will enter your lodge and celebrate your successful trek with your guide and porter.

Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2840m / 9318ft), 4 to 5 hours

Today is the last day of your trek as you walk back to Lukla, where you started your journey. You will walk through the beautiful Sherpa villages and peaceful forests for the last time before you reach the Lukla gate. You have completed the Gokyo trek and deserve a good evening of rest and celebration. Overnight at Lukla.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu (1400m / 4593ft), ~30 min

After breakfast, you will check in to the Lukla airport and board a plane to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel to rest and relax. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Included: Mountain lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 14: Sightseeing Tour of Kathmandu Valley

After breakfast, we will take you on a tour of four of the seven UNESCO world heritage sites in the city that showcase the diverse culture and religions of the people living in harmony. We may start with Pashupatinath– a sacred and spectacular temple dedicated to Pashupatinath, the lord of all beings. We then move away from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the magnificent Boudhanath. Boudhanath is a huge stupa with a white dome-shaped base and a golden pyramid top painted with a pair of eyes on four sides. A series of prayer wheels surround the stupa at the base. The site is incomplete without the saffron-clad monks, devotees, souvenir shops, and local café and restaurants.

Then, the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square is where we go next. The exquisite wooden and stone craftsmanship is the specialty of the place. The stone-paved streets, pagoda-style monuments dedicated to Hindu deities are the cultural delights of ancient and medieval Nepal. The square is also home to Kumari, the living goddess. An exciting trip to Swoyambhunath is also part of the tour. Swoyambhunath is a Buddhist stupa that sits atop a hill overlooking the city. You will experience more Tibetan Buddhism and other temples and monuments in the same area.

In the evening, we meet again; feedback and suggestions are most welcome. We then celebrate with a farewell dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Kathmandu.

Included: Breakfast and Accommodation in Kathmandu hotel​​​

Day 15: Depart Kathmandu

You may indulge in shopping for souvenirs for your family and friends or engage in other activities of interest in Kathmandu until your departure. An airport drop-off ends the trip.

Conclusion

The Gokyo Valley Trek is a beautiful adventure in the Everest region of Nepal that takes you to the high-altitude paradise of Gokyo, where you can see the turquoise lakes. This trek is an excellent alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek because it is less crowded, more scenic, and more diverse. You will also experience the culture and hospitality of the Sherpa people, who live in harmony with the mountains.

The Gokyo Valley Trek is a unique and rewarding adventure in the Everest region that you will never forget. You will achieve your goals and enjoy your highlights, such as reaching Gokyo Ri, seeing the Gokyo Lakes, and witnessing the panoramic views of Everest and other peaks. You will also have the option to customize your itinerary to include Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar if you wish.

If you are interested in booking this trek or finding more details, please get in touch with us at Access Nepal Tour and Trekking. We are a professional and reliable trekking agency that can provide you with the best service and quality in competitive prices and flexible packages that suit your needs and preferences. We have experienced and friendly guides and porters who will make your trek safe and enjoyable.