Gokyo Valley Trek Tour

Gokyo Trekking is another famous trekking destination in the Everest Region, ideal for mountain lovers and adventure seekers. Trekkers who wish to explore a wide range of mountain scenery and experience close interaction with natural beauty must visit the Gokyo Treks or Gokyo Everest Trek.

This trek starts from Lukla after a 35-minute mountain flight from Kathmandu. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River valley towards Namche Bazaar, where every Saturday the local market becomes busy with people buying goods. Near Khumjung village, the busy trail branches off toward the peaceful village of Phortse Tenga and finally leads to the ultimate destination of Gokyo.

The tiny settlement of Gokyo (4,750m) lies on the banks of the third lake in a series of small turquoise mountain lakes. Upon ascending Gokyo Peak (5,360m), trekkers can witness spectacular mountain views, including Nepal’s largest glacier, “Ngozumpa,” as well as four 8000-meter peaks—Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.

The view of the vast ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang (7,922m) is one of the major highlights of the Gokyo Lake Trek. During the hike to Gokyo Ri, trekkers can also explore the beautiful fifth lake and enjoy an exceptional foot-to-head view of Mt. Everest. Passing through Sherpa villages once again on the return offers another opportunity to explore Namche Bazaar and observe the lifestyle of high-altitude dwellers on the trail back to Lukla, where the return flight to Kathmandu awaits.

The Gokyo Valley is considered one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the Khumbu region. While the Everest Base Camp trail gets close to the world’s highest peaks, many trekkers claim that the panoramic view from Gokyo Peak is the most impressive of the entire trip. The route to Gokyo Everest Trekking has a well-established network of lodges, which have recently improved in both food and accommodation quality.

TRIP FACTS:

Activities: Trekking, Scenic Everest flight
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: Gokyo Ri Peak (5,360m)
Trek/Tour Style: Teahouse
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Teahouse
Meals: Full board on trek & breakfast in Kathmandu hotel
Transportation: Aeroplane & private vehicle
Best Months: Sept–Nov & Mar–May
Trip Length: 13 days

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m) – 30 minutes, trek to Phakding (2,640m) – 3 to 4 hours

Early in the morning, fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (30–40 minutes), then make final preparations for the trek. From Lukla, you pass Chaurikharka village and descend toward Ghat (2,530m). The trail follows the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. To assist with acclimatisation, this first day’s trek is short (3–4 hours). If interested, you may take a side trip to a nearby monastery in Phakding. Overnight at a lodge.

Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,430m) – 5 to 6 hours

Following the Dudh Koshi River, the trail reaches Tok Tok, offering excellent views of Thamserku Peak. The route continues upward to Chomoa and then to Monjo (2,840m), where you enter Sagarmatha National Park. After Jorsale (2,830m), cross the final suspension bridge and begin a long ascent where the first view of Mt. Everest appears behind Nuptse (7,879m). After 5–6 hours of trekking, you reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar overlooking snow-capped peaks and Sherpa culture.

Day 03: Acclimatisation in Namche Bazaar and visit Khumjung Village (3,790m)

After breakfast, walk around Namche Bazaar, then hike to the Everest View Hotel, an ideal place to admire Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, Kwangde, and Khumbi Yul Lha. Continue to Khumjung Valley to visit the Hillary School, an ancient monastery with the Yeti skull, and Khunde Hospital. Return to Namche. If interested, you may also visit the mountaineering museum or the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee office. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,200m) – 5 to 6 hours

Walk along a pleasant trail under Thamserku and enjoy magnificent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Kwangde. After two hours, reach Shanasa, then ascend toward Mong Hill and descend to Phortse Thanga. After lunch, climb through rhododendron forests, with opportunities to spot musk deer and Himalayan thar. Overnight at Dole.

Day 05: Dole to Machhermo (4,410m) – 4 to 5 hours

After breakfast, climb the ridge above Dole and pass through Lhabarma (4,220m) and Luza (4,360m). The trail continues high above the river until reaching Machhermo (4,410m). A famous Yeti sighting was reported here in 1974. Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association and stay overnight at a lodge.

Day 06: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m) – 5 to 6 hours

Climb to the ridge with excellent views of Khangtega and Cho Oyu (8,153m). Descend to the riverbank, then climb to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Continue past the first and second lakes before reaching Gokyo on the edge of the third lake. Overnight at a lodge.

Day 07: Gokyo Ri (5,360m) – 2 to 3 hours

Early morning ascent to Gokyo Ri for a breathtaking sunrise view over Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and many more peaks. Witness Ngozumpa Glacier, one of the largest in the world. Return to Gokyo for breakfast and relax. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 08: Gokyo to Dole (4,200m) – 5 to 6 hours

Descend gently back to Dole. An alternative route to Phortse Village is possible via Na (4,400m). Enjoy continuous mountain scenery along the way. Overnight at Dole.

Day 11: Dole to Namche Bazaar (3,430m) – 4 to 6 hours

Trek down to Phortse Thanga through forests, ascend to Mong Hill, then descend to Shanasa and follow the main trail back to Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay.

Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m) – 6 to 7 hours

Descend to Jorsale, Monjo, and Phakding. Continue through Sherpa villages and mountain scenery until Lukla. The guide will reconfirm your flight. Enjoy a celebration dinner. Overnight in Lukla.

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu – 30 minutes

Morning flight to Kathmandu, weather permitting. The guide will transfer you to your hotel. The tour ends in Kathmandu.

COST INCLUSIONS:

Accommodation:

12 nights in teahouses (normal guesthouses)

Transportation:

Airport pick-up and drop (private vehicle)

Kathmandu–Lukla flight (clients and guide)

Lukla–Kathmandu flight (clients and guide)

All airport taxes

Trekking:

All meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner with tea/coffee)

Teahouse accommodation

Sleeping bag

Down jacket

Sagarmatha National Park entry fees

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)

English-speaking guide

Porter (1 porter for every 2 people) starting from Lukla

All expenses for Nepali staff (meals, accommodation, equipment, salary, insurance)

Meals:

13 breakfasts

12 lunches

12 dinners

COST EXCLUSIONS:

International flight ticket

International airport tax

Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)

Kathmandu accommodation

Personal expenses (laundry, calls, snacks, tips, etc.)

Drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages)

Travel insurance (mandatory)

Personal trekking gear not listed above

Tips for staff and drivers