Gokyo Valley
Itinerary

Gokyo Valley Trekking Itinerary 14 days- Best season,

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Everest region has always been a wonderland to trekkers around the world. The massif Himalayan, magnificent landscape, and the exotic bio-diversity captivate hundreds and thousands of tourists to its land. Here is everything about Gokyo Valley trek.

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About Gokyo Valley Nepal

 The valley of Gokyo lies in the west of the Khumbu region. Just a couple of days hike takes you to this magnificent wonderland. The unexpected views of mountain vista and glacier lakes will keep you amused. Also, you can enjoy the exotic bio-diversity of Sagarmatha National Park. If you are lucky, you might spot animals such as red panda, snow leopard, Tibetan fox, and Tibetan wolf. Yak and Donkey are common in the Himalayan region. The forest of Maple, Oak and Rhododendron will take your heart away.  To sum up, Gokyo valley is awesome.

Best season for Gokyo Valley trekking

March to May(Spring) is the ideal time for the Gokyo valley trek due to the clear weather and Rhododendron bloom. On the other hand, September-October(Autumn) has the best views. The Gokyo valley trek during the months of summer and winter can be quite challenging. But with the right kind of preparation, it is absolutely possible. 

The trek to Gokyo Valley commences with a sightseeing tour to the UNESCO world heritage places in Kathmandu such as Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Then, you will take a thrilling flight to Lukla. From Lukla, the trek actually being as you climb to Namche Bazaar, Machherma, Gokyo Lake and finally to Gokyo Ri. We will take our time to explore Gokyo valley on foot. You can also take a Helicopter Tour to Everest.

Gokyo Valley trek
Gokyo Valley trek weather

Gokyo Valley Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428 ft):

As you land at the international airport in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you. After the greetings, you will be transferred to the hotel in Private Car. During your drive to Thamel, you can enjoy the view of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can have some rest or visit around the place. In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner. We shall also have a short interaction to inform you about the trek. 

Day 2: Kathmandu – Sightseeing and trek preparation

Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital is an ideal touristic destination. It is famous as the City of Temples and homes different UNESCO world heritage site. Sightseeing in this historical city helps to comprehend the cultural and historical values of this tiny country. This city reflects the absolute religious harmony among the Hinduism and Buddhism followers. Patan and Bhaktapur are the equally beautiful neighbor cities. 

The tour beings with a drive to Pashupatinath temple in the morning. Pashupatinath temple is a famous Hindu temple where Lord Shiva is worshiped. It is the most popular destination among the pilgrimage to Nepal. Then, we shall visit Boudhanath Stupa. It is the biggest and indeed most beautiful Stupa of Nepal. Then after, we shall drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square. The square has a temple, home of Kumari (the living goddesses of Nepal) and other monuments. 

Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 3: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding; (2,651m/8,700 ft) 3-4 hour trek

Today, we will take an early morning flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. After breakfast, we will drive you to the airport. The flight to Lukla is scenic and thrilling. Lukla airport is, in fact, one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The flight takes you to the altitude of 2,800m where the mountain vistas are clearly visible.

After some preparation in Lukla, our trek beings. First, we shall pass Chaurikharka village, a small settlement in the region. Then a steep descent takes you to Dudhkosi Ghat (2,530m). Here, we will have some rest and then start to trace our path that leads to Dudhkosi River until we arrive Phakding (2,652m) is reached.

Overnight in Phakding

Day 4: Phakding – Namche Bazaar: (3,438m/11,280 ft) 5-6 hour trek

This is the second day of our trek and is quite easy to accomplish. As we leave Pakding after breakfast, we will stroll along the path that moves up and down. In the first part of the trek, we will cross several suspension bridges. Along the trail, we pass different classic village settlements and monasteries.

When we reach the place called Monjo, we will have some rest. Here, the officers from the Sagarmatha National Park will check the permit. Then we will slowly descend to the place called Jorsale. The further ascent takes us to our destination for the day i.e. Namche Bazaar. In the path, we can enjoy the stunning views of mountain Vista that include Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, Kwangde Peak, Kusum peak, Kangaru peak, and other peaks. For the night, we will crash in one of the beautiful guesthouses in Namche. This place has many beautiful lodge and tea houses.

Overnight at Namche

Namche Bazzar in Gokyo Valley trek
Namche Bazzar in Gokyo Valley trek

Day 5: Rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar:

Namche Bazaar is the heaviest settlement in the Everest region. The place has a small market and restaurants. So, this is an ideal place to rest for a day and let our bodies acclimatize to the higher altitude. Since we are already at 3,438m above sea level, a rest day in Namche Bazaar is vital for our body.

Early morning, we can enjoy the beautiful sunrise with the background of Himalayas. After breakfast, we can climb any nearby peaks for the views of the Himalayan vista including Mount Everest. It is recommended that we remain active throughout the day. In the evening, we can spend some time visiting the renowned Namche Bazaar. This used to be the center of business that links Nepal and Tibet. You can also buy some trekking gear and clothes if needed. Or we can try some fine bakery items and other local food. This will be our last resting place other than Gokyo valley.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar

Day 6: Namche Bazaar – Dole: (4,200m/13776 ft) 5-6 hours trek

Initially, the trail climbs up from Namche Bazaar towards Gokyo valley. Then, it contours around the hillside. Here, you can have awesome views of mountain peaks including Everest and Khumjung. Then our path ascends to the lower slopes of Khumbila. Then we climb to the small village of Mong La that is built around the ancient Chorten. Afterwards we drop to the place called Phortse Thenga before we climb through the forest of pine and Rhododendron up to Dole. Here, we will pass some bridges and waterfalls in the way. From Dole, we can enjoy the stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks. In the trail, we might encounter the Himalayan Thars, spotted deer, and birds like colorful Danphe pheasant 

Overnight in Dole 

Day 7: Dole – Gokyo: (4,800m/15,744 ft) 5-6 hours trek

Today is an important day as you need to reach the beautiful valley of Gokyo. The trail climbs upwards through the thorny alpine vegetation and to the scenic ridges above the river. Here, we can witness the views of Cho-Oyo, Kangtega, and Thamserku. Below, there is a charming view of summer-grazing hamlets. 

Ahead in the valley is the beginning of Ngozumpa Glacier. A strenuous walk then leads us to the summer village of Gokyo. The village is set aside the moraine by overlooking the prodigious blue-green Dudh Pokhari. The village has few basic tea houses which serve excellent local food. We will spend our night in one of those local tea houses. 

Overnight in Dole

Day 8: Gokyo Fifth Lake & Gokyo Ri: (5,357m/17,570 ft) 5-6 hours trek

Today is the day when we explore the beautiful Gokyo valley and also enjoy some rests. The rest is important to let our body acclimatize in the high altitude. If the sky is clear, we start by climbing Gokyo Ri peak. After the steep climb to the top of Gokyo Ri, we can enjoy the views of the Himalayan vista. Also, the views of tranquil Gokyo Lakes are stunning from the top. This glimpse includes views of Makalu (8485 meters), Cho Oyo (8201 meters), Mt.Everest (8848meters), and Lhotse (8516 meters).

Then after, we start our hike to the fourth and the fifth Gokyo Lakes. The 4th one is about 3km from Gokyo in the north. We continue to hike to reach the 5th lake which offers a glimpse of Cho Oyu base camp. Ngazumpa Glacier, the world’s biggest glacier lake is also visible here.

If you want to have a clearer view, you can climb to the nearby hill named Scoundrels viewpoint. For the night, we will return back to Gokyo valley. But if you feel tired for the trek, you can just spend the day strolling around the hotel. But you are suggested to keep your body active so that you can adjust at such temperature. You can interact with the local people and learn about the lifestyle of the people in the region. 

Overnight in Gokyo valley

Day 9: Gokyo Lake – Machhermo: (4,483m/14,708 ft) 5-6 hours trek

After we have explored the amazing Gokyo valley, we shall now climb to the lower altitudes. After breakfast, we start to descend on the path that passes along Dudh Koshi River. On the trail, we will pass first Gokyo Lake – the best in Gokyo valley. The views of the Taboche and Cholatse are magnificent during the entire walk. After we reach the Chorten, we can witness the great views of other mountain peaks. If you are lucky, you can spot several exotic Himalayan flora and fauna in the trail. Lastly, we walk all the way to reach Machhermo.

Overnight at Machhermo

Day 10: Machhermo – Khumjung: (3,810m/12,496 ft) 2 hours trek

After the morning breakfast, we will start walking towards Khumjung. Since we only have a short distance to cover, we can stroll as we savior the tastes of nature. First, we descend towards the Dudh Koshi River. Since we are already on the lower altitude, your lungs can feel a great pleasure breathing more oxygen. After some hours, we will reach Khumjung. Khumjung is the largest village in the region that is very famous. In Khumjung, we can spend our time visiting the Khumjung School. This school was established in 1960 by Hillary School. We can spend the evening interacting with the locals and learning about their lifestyle. 

Overnight at Khumjung

Day 11: Khumjung – Phakding: (2,610m/ 8,562 ft) 5 hours trek

Today, we will descend all the way from Khumjung to Phakding. The path is easy as we descend along the forest of Pine, Oak, and Rhododendron. On the path, the views of mountain Vistas appear clear and amusing. After some hours of walk, we shall stop for lunch. A further walk along the beautiful landscape takes to the multiple small settlements. In the trail, we shall cross the Dudh Koshi River through the multiple suspension bridges. The small Sherpa settlement is worth capturing. Then, we can walk to Phakding. For the night, we can stop in one of the local tea houses in the area and enjoy a local dinner.

Overnight in Phakding 

Day 12: Phakding – Lukla: (2,860m/ 9,383 ft) 2 hours trek

This is the last and easy trek of the day. All we need to do is retracing our path back to Lukla. We shall only walk for a couple of hours along the trail that moves up and down. On the path, we will cross a Ghat and other multiple several Mani walls. The engravings of Buddhist prayers give you the knowledge of the place. Once we reach Lukla, we shall spend our time relaxing. It’s high time to stretch our sole legs and celebrate with a drink. Together, we will talk about the accomplishment of our time on the mountain. We can enjoy an amazing dinner as you stare the massif Himalayas near you.

Overnight in Lukla

View from Gokyo Valley
View from Gokyo Valley

Day 13: Lukla – Kathmandu

If the weather is right, we will fly to Kathmandu in the early morning. After breakfast, we will pack our bags and wait for our turn at the airport. As we do so, we can capture some beautiful pictures of ourselves with the Himalayas in the background. The half an hour flight to Kathmandu is going to be thrilling and adventurous.

Once we land in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel in a private car. After some rest and lunch, we can visit the nearby areas on your own. You can spend the evening shopping for some gifts for yourself and your loved one. Thamel sells different classic handicraft that can remind you of this Himalayan nation. After that, we will celebrate the end of our journey with a farewell dinner.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 14: Fly back home

Our Gokyo valley trek ends here. As per your flight schedule, we will check out from the hotel and move towards the airport. We shall drop you at the airport three hours before your schedule. Here, we will wave you a final goodbye as you fly to your new destination.

Service Includes

  • Pick and drop from a private vehicle from international & Domestic airport 
  • Two-way domestic flight tickets and all airport taxes for both ways 
  • Guided Kathmandu tour in a Private car 
  • 3-star standard accommodation on the hotel in Kathmandu 
  • Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • An experienced guide for the trek
  • Salary, food, and accommodation of guide
  • Accommodation in best available teahouse during the trek
  • 3 meals a day i.e. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the entire trek 
  • Porters along with their food, salary, accommodation (1 porter for two trekkers) 
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit fees, and TIMS card 
  • Basic Medical kits
  • Sleeping bag and down jacket that should be returned after the trek
  • Register your identity in the embassy 
  • All Government tax 

Service Excludes

  • All bar bills including soft drinks, hot drinks, mineral water, and alcoholic drinks)
  • Cultural heritages entrance fees during Kathmandu sightseeing 
  • Any extra accommodation other than the ones mentioned in the itinerary
  • All Lunch & Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except welcome and farewell dinner) 
  • Travel insurance for emergency rescue. 
  • Personal expenses such as telephone bills, Wi-Fi, Heater Charge, hot shower, Battery Charge, 
  • Cost of any trekking equipment used during the trek other than the ones mentioned above
  • Any additional expenses due to the change in Itinerary
  • Tips for field staff (Driver, Guide, Porter)

Conlcusion;

Book your trek to Gokyo valley and any regions of Nepal here We make the best arrangements for your stay.

About Shobita Neupane

Shobita is a co-founder of Travel Diary Nepal. She is a passionate traveler and a content writer. Her favorite quote is Fly so high until your problem looks smaller and the dream seems closer.

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