Everest base camp Trek takes the top spot, when it comes to naming the best bucket list adventure hiking in...
Gokyo Valley Trek
Overview
This incredible trek in the Gokyo valley can be consider as an alternative to the Everest base camp trek. At 5316 m, and located at the corner of the Gokyo valley, Gokyo Ri offers a superb viewpoint of the region’s impressive peaks and the beautiful Gokyo Lake.
Gokyo Valley trek offers a vast array of different trekking terrain. Beginning at Lukla, after a scenic flight from Kathmandu, the route makes a steady ascent through lush and fertile barley and potato growing land. After working it’s way up through the Sherpa villages, with their world famous hospitality and charm, we spend a rest day at the Sherpa settlement of Namche Bazzar to help with acclimatization. We spend some of this day with a gentler walk to a hotel for lunch. From here we have the first view of the mighty Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks of Nuptse, Amadablang, Themserku and Cholatse. We return from here via Kumjung, with it’s famous temple and school, one of the first in the area to be built by Edmund Hillary after his newly found fame, along with Tenzing Sherpa, as conqueror of mount Everest in 1953. Continuing on from Namche the trail then encounters the more dramatic landscapes of the higher Khumbu valley. Passing five separate high altitude lakes, the trek then offers its highlight of the stunning lake at Gokyo 4870m.
Much of the route is falls within the Sagarmatha National Park. The rare wild life in this region is an additional draw for many, including the chance to spot Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep, the endangered Snow Leopard and just maybe, the elusive and fabled ‘Yeti’!
Gokyo valley trek is recommended for people with average to good fitness who are looking for moderate to challenging trekking. It can also serve as a suitable practice trek for anyone thinking of attempting more challenging high altitude treks in the future.
As with all our treks, we can be flexible with the itinerary and can adjust many details according to your time, availability and special interests.
Highlights
• Gokyo lake and stunning Himalayan scenery from Gokyo Ri (5,363m)
• Best optional trip to avoid trekkers crowed along the trail
• Well planned route that provides the best acclimatization
• Highly experienced qualified guide in the team
• Mountain guest house accommodation on the trail
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Tribhuvan International airport Kathmandu. Pick up by Sherpa Brothers treks representative, transfer to hotel check in and welcome drink from receptionist. Rest and briefing about trip, O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast
Day 2 : Trek preparation and shopping for the trip. In the evening welcome dinner offer from Sherpa Brothers treks at typical Nepalese cultural restaurant, O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast
Day 3 : Morning scenic flight to Lukla (2,840m / 9,318ft) and trek start to Phakding (2,652m / 8,701ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 3 hrs
Day 4 : Trek to Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar (3,446m / 11,306ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 5 hours
Day 5 : Rest day, hike to the world highest point hotel, Everest view hotel (3,860m / 12, 666ft) for acclimitazation, O/N in tea house : Approx 5 hours
Day 6 : Trek to Dhole (4,410m / 13,485ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 6 hours
Day 7 : Trek to Machhermo (4,470m / 14,666ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 3 hours.
Day 8 : Rest day at Machhermo hike up to 4,600 m for acclimitazation, O/N in tea house
Day 9 : Trek to Gokyo (4,790m / 15,716ft), O/N in tea house (4,790m / 15,716ft) : Approx 4 hours.
Day 10 : Hike to top of Gokyo Ri (5,363m / 17,598) for stunning sun rise and Mt Panorama of Mt Everest, Choyu and Makalu back to Gokyo and trek to Machhermo, O/N in tea house : Approx 5.5 hours
Day 11 : Trek to Kyangjuma (3,500m / 11,484ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 6 hours
Day 12 : Trek to Manjo(3500m / 9302ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 5 hours
Day 13 : Trek to Lukla (2,800m / 91,87), O/N in tea house : Approx 5.5 hours
Day 14 : After having early morning break fast, flight to Kathmandu. Rest, free time and last minutes shopping in Kathmandu, O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast
Day 15 : Final departure; as per flight time, pick up from hotel and drop 3 hour earlier to international airport for home departure
Services Includes
- Accommodation and food during 11 days Gokyo trekking period
- Professinal and experience License holder trekking guide salary and insurance
- Porter salary, equipments and insurance
- Airfare to Lukla and back to Kathmandu with guide
- Standard 3 star category hotel with delux bb in
- Kathmandu for 4 nights or Extra 2 days for weather contingency
- Sagarmathan National park and TIMS permit
- Private transport for airport receive and departure
- Trip route map
- Duffel bag for packing daily trek gear.
- Warm sleeping bag
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
Services Excludes
- Personal nature expense such as WIFI internet, data pack, telephone calls, bar and beverage bills bottled drinks including (cold drinks and mineral water/boiled water, laundry)
- Bar and beverage bills
- Personal insurance
- Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
- Unforeseen accidental rescue
- Days beyond the itinerary
- Gratitude to staff
Additional Information
Accommodation and food
In Kathmandu: 3 star Deluxe hotel with bed and breakfast on twin sharing.
On trek: 11 days twin sharing accommodations in tea house (mountain trekking guest house) and food on full board (Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and tea coffee). The tea houses along the trekking route provide basic but comfortable accommodations, with twin sharing rooms available. These tea houses also offer a variety of delicious home cooked meals to keep you energized throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you can enjoy hot drinks such as tea or coffee to warm up after a long day of trekking.
Travel insurance
Sherpa Brothers Treks Expedition Pvt. Ltd. take every care to make our treks safe and enjoyable. All our routes are scouted to ensure the trails are safe and the facilities along route are of an acceptable standard. In addition, we have vast experience of trekking at altitude and are trained to deal with Acute Altitude Sickness. However, due to terrain, weather and altitude, risk is not always predictable in the Himalaya. To ensure you have a worry free time with us, personal travel insurance is essential to cover the cost of unforeseen accident, illness or rescue. The costs involved can be large and personally overwhelming in the unlikely event of accident or injury.
All Nepalese staff, guides and porters employed by Sherpa Brothers Pvt. Ltd. are covered locally but we regret that we cannot offer insurance for our clients.
Required gears check list
Having the right gear ensures that you are prepared for adventure and all challenges or emergencies that may arise during your mountain adventures. From proper clothing and footwear to essential tools and safety equipment, your gear provides the necessary support and protection needed to navigate through rugged terrains and unpredictable weather conditions.
Below we present you a basic complete packing list suitable for this trek;
Hiking gears
Day bag 1 – A porter will carry your primary gear in duffel bag (up to 12kg per trekker). You’ll need to bring your own daypack. 30–35L is adequate.
Dry Bag 1 – This protects your bag and clothing from potential moisture, wet object and rain.
Walking pole 1 – ( if necessary) Trekking poles can decrease the impact on your joints. They are excellent for knees while going down. We recommend adjustable Black Diamond trekking poles.
Water bottle or camel bag 1 – Capacity to carry 3 litre of water. Options: 2 x 1.5 litre wide mouth nalgene bottles or 2 litre platypus + 1 litre water bottle.
Head light 1 – You will need a headlamp with a good light output for any late-night restroom trips, as well as importantly for Gokyo Ri hike day. Petzl make renowned and affordable headlamps.
Knife / Multi tools – 1
Cloth and body wear
Down jacket 1 – You’ll need this for the Gokyo Ri as well as in the evenings at lodge camp when you’re tired, you feel the cold a lot more.
Sleeping bag 1 – rated 0°F, -20°F.
Light or medium wight warm hiking trouser 2 – an option of convertible trousers.
For the colder parts of the trek you’ll need good winter hiking pants – just make sure they are breathable.
Warm liner 1 – For extra warmth in sleeping bag.
Towel – 2
Warm and sun hats 1 – lot of heat is lost through your head, so be sure to get a warm thermal hat as well as one that protects your neck from the harsh rays of the sun.
Fleece / jacket and pants 1 – Modern technical fleeces (such as Polartec) make excellent insulation layers.
Windproof jacket and Pants 1 – pants with full-length zips make getting them on and off quick and easy.
Long and half sleeve hiking shirt 3 – As per you body size lightweight, moisture wicking long and short sleeved shirts.
Buff for (neck and head) – 1
Walking boot 1 – We recommend light- to mid-weight waterproof boots with good ankle support. You don’t need to go full-mountaineering boot.
Gloves / mittens 2 – For the cold nights through the trek and for the Gokyo Ri hike day, we recommend heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant gloves.
Warm hiking socks (wool / synthetic) 3-4, pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing 1 x thick thermal socks for Gokyo Ri hike day.
Gaiter 1 – Help keep your trousers clean in dusty, wet and muddy trail conditions
Flip flap/ Sandal 1 – To wear around after a day’s trek we recommend bringing a pair of sandals
Sun protection, health hygiene and water
Sun cream 1 – SPF 40+ Sunscreen is very important as the sun’s rays are much stronger at altitude.
Sun glass 2 – (incase of one broke) choose high UV protection glasses of any brand as sun intensity after 3500 is very high.
Sun hat 1 – if possible go for a hat that is wide-brimmed for protection, and has a neck cover if you aren’t going to be wearing a neck gaiter
Lip guard 1 – To keep your lip moisturized in dry air and the stronger sun ray
Tooth brush – 1
Face wash soap – 1
Sanitizer wipes – 2/2
Electrolyte/Sports drink powdered formula for adding to your water Water can get pretty boring, so it’s a good idea to bring along an electrolyte formula that’s flavored to your liking.
Snacks: Energy bars of your preference – plan for 2-4 per day Snacks such as energy bars, trail mix, and candy can help give you a quick energy boost while on the trail. Just avoid anything with caffeine in it.
Ear plugs – For light sleepers. Snoring travels in quiet high altitude lodges
Prescription medicine
Water purifier tablet / lightweight pen filter
Toilet paper – Bring two rolls of toilet paper, one to keep in your daypack for use on the trail, and one in your duffel for use at tea house camp. Taking the cardboard center out makes it easier to transport.
Menstrual product for her
Diamox (if using)
Blister plasters – different shapes and sizes
Antibiotic cream or ointment
Hairbrush/comb
Foot powder
Nail cutter
Personal belonging items
Passport
Cash Visa / credit card
Cell phone
Power bank backup and charger – The standard voltage of electricity in Nepal is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric or electronic appliances in Nepal without a voltage converter.
Camera / Gopro
Reservation cancellations policy
There will be no fees associated with cancellations made more than 45 days prior to departure.
A penalty of 30% of the total trip cost will apply for cancellations made between 30 and 44 days prior to departure.
60% of the total trip cost will be lost for cancellations made between 15 and 29 days prior to departure.
If a cancellation is made 14 days prior to departure, there will be no reimbursement.
Additional specifications
When making your reservation, please let us know about any special needs you may have so that we can make responsible efforts to accommodate your requests and special requirements, as long as the locations and resources allow.
Tour Cost & Schedule
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