Gokyo Valley Trek - 15 Days

Landmarks and Monuments along the Gokyo Valley Trek

• Sagarmatha National Park
• Khumjung Village Monastery
• Hotel Everest View
• Sherpa Culture Museum
• Gokyo Lakes

Passport & visa requirements

All visitors to Nepal (except Indian nationals) require an entry visa. Please make sure you have a visa to cover the entire length of your trip, including buffer days. A 30-day visa adequately covers the trip duration for most of our packages. Visa can be acquired at your local Nepalese Embassy or consulate or on arrival in Kathmandu. However, some Asian and African nationalities are required to obtain a visa in advance. It is better to obtain the visa before your arrival to avoid delays at the airport. The visa is valid for 6 months.

On-Arrival Visa Fee:

Multiple entries 15 Days – 30 USD

Multiple entries 30 Days – 50 USD

Multiple entries 90 Days – 125 USD

Note: It is advisable to carry some cash (in US$ or other major currencies) to pay for the visa fee. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted.

Click here to stay updated on any changes in rules and regulations.

Click here to download the online visa application.

Please make sure the validity of your passport is 6 months post your arrival in Nepal. We recommend that you keep with you a photocopy of your passport separate from the original to help you in case you lose your passport. It is mandatory to carry your passport on the trek with you as it is required for internal flights.

Permits required for Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri

Access Nepal would obtain the permits for trekking on your behalf. Also, the costs of permits are already included in your package cost. No extra payment is required to obtain them. The following information has been compiled for your understanding.

To embark on a trek to Everest Base Camp via Jiri, you need to secure two permits:

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit costs NPR 2,000 per person for four weeks and is available in Lukla or Monjo at the Sagarmatha National Park Counter. Keep your passport with you when applying for the permit, as it is the only document that proves your identity. It’s important to note that there are no alternative offices in Kathmandu that issue this permit.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit costs NPR 3,000 per person for foreign nationals, NPR 1,500 per person for SAARC nationals, and NPR 100 per person for Nepalis. Children under ten years old can enter for free. You can obtain this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or at the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Gate in Monjo. Documents Required for Permits

To obtain the necessary permits for classic trekking to Everest Base Camp via Jiri, certain documents must be provided as part of the permit application process. The application process involves following specific procedures and cannot be obtained without submitting the required documents. Below is a list of the documents required for Everest Base Camp permits:

• Valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Nepal entry visa

Accommodation

Accommodation during the trek will be mountain lodges run by local entrepreneurs. The rooms on offer generally include two single beds with a mattress, warm blanket, and pillow each, accommodating two persons. The rooms are reasonably decent and clean given the remoteness of the trekking regions. At some of the camps (Phakding, Namche, Lukla, and a few others), an attached bath with a hot shower is offered. The rest of the camps have common bathrooms. Hot bucket showers may be available at some camps above Namche. At higher camps (like Gokyo and Gorakshep), although we would do our best to avail a separate room, you might have to manage in dormitory-styled rooms, in case separate rooms are not available, especially during busy seasons.

Food

The package includes one course each of breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a cup of tea/coffee. Most of the teahouses on the trail (with the exception of more remote ones) offer some variety of Nepali, Oriental, and Western cuisine. Breakfast options include cereals (oat porridge, muesli, cornflakes, roasted barley or wheat flour), bread (toast, sandwiches), pancakes, eggs, and chapatti (Indian-styled wheat bread). As for lunch and dinner: dal-bhat (staple Nepali food comprising a set of steamed rice, vegetable curry, and lentil soup), hashbrowns, mashed potatoes, noodles, dumplings, spaghetti, soup, and pizza among others. Breakfast and dinner would be served at the lodge/teahouse that we overnight in. We would stop for lunch at one of the teahouses in between the day’s trek. After dinner, some fruits will be provided.

Your guide can advise you on the best diet to maintain sound health and fitness levels. If you have a special dietary requirement (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, etc.), please communicate it to your guide so that necessary arrangements can be made. Additional orders would attract extra costs payable directly to the respective lodge.

It is worth noting that most of the places on the trek are deprived of electricity and they do not have proper refrigeration facilities. Therefore, it is recommended that you maintain a vegetarian diet during your trek as the meat available may not be fresh.

As transport of supplies to the mountain lodges and teahouses involves considerable manual labor and costs, trekkers are expected to be extra careful to keep the wastage of food to a minimum.

Drinking Water

While on trek, please drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration while on a trek can lead to fatigue and other unpleasant experiences that can take the fun out of trekking. It is advisable to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water a day, mostly during the daytime. Please carry a water bottle along and some water purification pills which can be bought at the shops in Thamel. You may refill your bottles at the lodge or at natural water sources. Please, only fill in places that your guide recommends as safe. Also, please make sure you purify it before drinking. If available, you can also buy bottled water at the lodges where you stay. Please note that the cost of bottled water increases as you reach higher. It may cost from USD 1 to around USD 4 per 1-liter bottle.

How often to drink water?

Drink half a liter of water as you wake up on an empty stomach. You can have another half-liter within an hour of waking up. When you start trekking, have regular sips of water in brief intervals before you experience dryness in your mouth. Your water intake while trekking should be 1.5 to 2 liters. When you feel tired, take a break and hydrate. When you reach your campsite, have a liter of water in small breaks.

Nepalese Currency for personal (extra) expenses

It is advisable for you to carry extra cash for your personal expenses. As far as possible, please carry the cash in Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu itself, so that you get a fair exchange rate. The amount of money to carry with you depends on your personal spending habits. However, we suggest you carry cash in Nepalese rupees equivalent to USD 15 to 20 per person, per day.

Health and safety concerns

When it comes to offering a fulfilling trek or a safe one, we tip a little in favor of safety. As you ascend higher, chances are, you may be affected by altitude sickness (also, Acute Mountain Sickness). We strictly follow certain safety guidelines that ensure a gratifying, but more importantly, safe trek for our guests. Although the itinerary itself has been designed to allow your body 2 days of rest and acclimatization in appropriate intervals and the average walking hours have been set at a comfortable 5-7 hours a day, we do take extra precautions to avert any health issues during and after the trek. Our experienced trekking guides are also trained in ‘Mountain sickness and first aid’ and know how to prevent mountain sicknesses and also act in case of emergencies.

Pre-trek check-up

We urge you to get yourself medically examined before taking on the Everest challenge. Please make sure you are cleared by your doctor to make this trip, which involves flying, hiking, and trekking. If you are given a conditional clearance or have a special medical condition (asthma and others) or allergy that may be induced in specific conditions, be sure to let us know in full detail so that we can plan accordingly.

Physical fitness

Although the trek is not technically challenging, a prior experience of altitude hike/trek is preferred. A good level of mental and physical fitness needs to be developed and maintained. It is advisable to train your body at least two months prior to the trek with cardiovascular workouts. Practice hikes with a pack of weight roughly equivalent to your actual pack would be really helpful. While on trek, do not let your determination wither, and maintain a positive attitude at all times.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness can be triggered in high altitudes (generally higher than 2400m/7874ft) where there is less oxygen than in lower altitudes. It happens when you ascend much height in a short time before your body can adjust to the change. Symptoms that take anywhere between 6 hours to a few days to develop include severe, persistent headache, coughing, pressure in the chest, shortness of breath even while at rest, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and others. The illness may cause a medical emergency, especially when the condition worsens to High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

AMS DO’s

• Stay hydrated. Drink frequently in small quantities before the onset of common symptoms of dehydration which include thirst, dry lips, nose or mouth, headache, and fatigue.
• Make sure you eat well, ensuring at least a light meal (soup or others) when you lose your appetite which is a common occurrence in high-altitude regions.
• Follow your guide’s instructions and monitor your body’s responses to the cold and altitude.
• Acclimatize properly and take rest days when necessary.
• Stay clear of smoking and alcohol consumption at all costs.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Take a first aid kit containing medication for altitude sickness and other common illnesses.
• Medication like Diamox may be taken prior to the trek upon consultation with your physician.

AMS DON’Ts

• Do not climb up too high too quickly. Avoid walking at a hurried pace and do not ignore your rhythm of breathing. Slow and steady with calm breathing is the way to go.
• Do not overcommit yourself which might risk altitude sickness or injury.
• Do not wander away without your guide knowing.
• Do not skip your meals.

Environment, Local Culture, and Lifestyle

A major section of the trekking region falls under the protected area of Sagarmatha National Park – home to floral and faunal life including endangered species. Trekkers are expected to be responsible and adhere to the rules and regulations of the national park. Access Nepal promotes and encourages environment-friendly practices. All our actions and practices while traveling is based on respect and care for the environment. Responsible disposition of waste, minimizing the disturbance while traveling, and preserving the trees and shrubs are a must.

Nepal is a country of diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicity. Although small in area, the people have a variety of their own unique set of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. In the Everest region, the Sherpas form the majority of the inhabitants. The Sherpas originated from Tibet and have made Everest their home since the 15th century. They are a spiritual, hardworking people also famous for their warm hospitality, and joyful nature. Buddhism is the major religion here. The vivid monasteries, and skillfully crafted mani walls (rocks or stone walls with Buddhist prayers etched on them) are apparent instances of the rich art of the Sherpas. The local monasteries are the heart of the Sherpa communities. Lhosar is the major festival that marks the beginning of a new year, observed during the month of February. Mani Rimdu is an equally important festival that falls in the ninth month of the Tibetan Calendar year, corresponding to October (or November). It involves ritualistic masked dances, songs, communal gatherings, and the enactment of legendary stories along with merry feasts. Although the Sherpas are known by the world as skilled mountaineers, not every Sherpa is a mountaineer or a trekking guide.

While visiting the communities within the trekking regions, trekkers are expected to be sensitive and respectful towards the local culture. Keep an eye out for instructions with regard to common etiquette. For instance: leaving your shoes outside sacred areas like monasteries, temples, and other shrines, maintaining decent clothing, and taking care of physical gestures with women of the community. While the locals are friendly and may not openly object to such actions, it is our duty to be alert towards it.

Electricity and Charging of your devices on trek
Some of the lodges (in more remote areas) are powered by solar panels and the energy supply is limited. You may be required to pay a minimum price (USD 1 to 3 per full charge) for charging the cell phones and other electronic devices which will be directly collected by the lodge owner.

Internet

Local mobile network operators like Ncell and NTC offer limited coverage along the EBC trek. You can avail of a local sim for as low as NRs. 100 (less than 1 USD) with limited validity and internet data volume. On average NRs. 100 to 500 would take care of your internet usage for the duration of the trip. Internet via the SIM network generally works fairly well at Lukla, Namche, and Gorakshep. If you’re not taking the local SIM, you can buy Everest link cards at Lukla or Namche for internet connection with fair coverage at the teahouses in Lukla, Namche, and a few others. It would cost you around USD 10.

Additional/Special gears

A good quality sleeping bag and down jacket would be required to withstand the drop in temperature in the high altitude on the trek. A minimum rating of -15 C (5 F) would be advisable for the gears. Access Nepal offers the option of free borrowings of a decent quality sleeping bag and down jacket. These are rated up to -20 C (68 F). The gears are checked thoroughly for quality and cleaned after each usage. Please, let us know in advance once you have booked your trip with us to enable us to arrange one for you. Also, please remember to return them once you are back from your trek.

Stay with the group

Always walk in a group. The guide will try to stick around with everyone. However, there is a possibility that some people walk faster than others. If that is the case, he shall be walking in turns with the participants. The rest of the group will be accompanied by the porter/s or an assistant guide in a bigger group.

Insurance

To ensure a safe and secure trekking experience to the Everest Base Camp via Jiri, it is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance. As you embark on your journey, you may face various challenges like altitude sickness, harsh weather, accidents, and flight cancellations. By purchasing travel insurance, you will have coverage in case of any unforeseen events and enjoy a worry-free trekking adventure. Specialist travel insurance would be required to guarantee you are adequately insured. In addition to covering medical expenses and trip cancellation, please ensure that all activities and destinations in the itinerary are included in your policy, specifically mountaineering or alpinism. Coverage in the event of emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and hospitalization in case of injury, or death is mandatory.

At Access Nepal, we recommend that you do your own research to select the insurance company. A valid proof of your insurance certificate should be brought along during the trek. While we don’t have any affiliations with insurance providers, we’re happy to offer advice and assistance if you need help understanding your insurance policies or to select an insurer. Please note that the insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company and we cannot be held responsible for any dispute between you and your insurance company. Failure to provide proof of insurance may prevent you from joining your program and you wouldn’t be eligible for a refund.

Rescue/Evacuation situation

In an event of a rescue/evacuation situation, your guide will be handling your rescue situation in coordination with the base office. In case an evacuation situation arises, the helicopter companies are contacted immediately. However, due to recent changes in regulations, rescue helicopters can only respond to a rescue call once the Guarantee of Payment (GOP) is received from the client’s insurance company. It is therefore mandatory to carry with you a summary of your insurance policy containing the policy number and details along with the Specialty Assistance (24X7) helpline number. Please, make sure you share the insurance policy information with us before you depart for the trek.

Disclaimer (Disruption due to Weather or other unforeseen conditions, Possible change in the itinerary)

We do our best to ensure the above itinerary is adhered to, but cannot fully assure you of the same. The conditions in the remote Himalayan regions can be volatile, and susceptible to unforeseen weather changes and natural disasters, rendering the existing trails unsafe and may also affect the health of the trekkers. In case of any emergencies due to the afore-mentioned reasons or any other, you are requested to respect any decision that your team leader (guide) makes which is in the best interest of your safety. We humbly request for your full co-operation should such a situation arise.

Transportation

Access Nepal arranges for your transportation to the trek start and end points as part of the package services. A private car with a professional driver is arranged for the transfers.

Flight Delays

Kindly note that the weather condition of both Kathmandu and Lukla is taken into consideration before all Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flights are given the green signal. Delays of a few hours and even cancellations due to unsafe weather conditions and visibility are not uncommon. We request your patience in such circumstances. However, if possible, we can arrange for helicopter services, if you are willing to pay for the extra cost. We recommend that you arrange for at least a few extra days before your return flight. In the event of the flight being canceled prior to your trip, we make arrangements for extra nights of accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu for as many days as needed, the additional costs to be borne by the client. If the unfavorable condition prolongs to the extent of affecting your trekking, you are welcome to select an alternative package to other areas of Nepal.

Please Read the current arrangements for your Lukla flights and Ramechhap Airport blogs.

Luggage Capacity for domestic flight

The baggage capacity for the domestic flight will be 15 kg in total i.e.

Luggage: 10 Kg

Hand carry: 5 kg

Climate and Best Time to Visit

While it is feasible to do the Everest Base Camp trek via Jiri at any time, the most favorable times to undertake it are from March to May and the end of September to November, when the weather is expected to be at its best. The weather during these months is generally clear with bright sunny days making for an ideal trekking condition. The temperatures during the day range from 15°C to 20°C, while at night, they can drop to as low as -15°C. However, the climate at higher elevations is highly unpredictable, and it can get quite cold and windy. It is best to avoid the monsoon season from June to August, as the trails can be slippery and hazardous, and the views are often obscured by clouds and mist.